US Men's National Team (11 Viewers)

[B Maverick]

Looks like our friends from down south are at it again :(

====================

Cesar Hernandez
@cesarhfutbol

FIFA have "opened proceedings against the Mexican Football Association due to chants by Mexican supporters during the Mexico v. Poland FIFA World Cup match played on 22 November"

I am more surprised FIFA is doing something than I am that the Mexico fans continued their chants.

 

[encaitar]

Looks like our friends from down south are at it again :(

====================

Cesar Hernandez
@cesarhfutbol

FIFA have "opened proceedings against the Mexican Football Association due to chants by Mexican supporters during the Mexico v. Poland FIFA World Cup match played on 22 November"

I am more surprised FIFA is doing something than I am that the Mexico fans continued their chants.

Yep. Looks like more closed door games for the Mexican Women's team.

 

[El Floppo]

Pulisic and Weston are both riding bikes on recovery day. This is a good sign that both are active.

I have this wierd feeling Gio is goingbto start on Friday but I have nothing to back that up.

I would totally start Reyna vs. England. They’ve seen relatively little of him (heck we all have, sadly) so we might get a little bit of a ”surprise” factor and get an early goal or force a tactics change.

Jude says what.

 

[El Floppo]

I tend to hawk on two things regardless of formation- shape and moving the ball quickly. When the US played the ball quickly vs Wales...the whole field opened up, and it all looked so easy for them. But then the didn't. And it didn't.

I just don't understand them sitting on the ball so much or refusing to turn (CP aside) and then hitting the ball positively instead of square or back.

If they can keep their shape (evident in winning second balls and not having gaps between the lines) and move the ball quicker- even side to side- I like their chances vs England.

And that goes for MMA especially. When those guys combine and do it quickly, there's almost always something available from the overlapping FB or winger.

But dead horse...doing it and then driving down the wing to launch a poor cross to the 1 guy in the box vs 3 defenders still won't work. No matter how many times they do it.

 

[zoobird]

Jude says what.

Sadly, not even he has seen much of Reyna over the past couple of seasons.

 

[BassNBrew]

I tend to hawk on two things regardless of formation- shape and moving the ball quickly. When the US played the ball quickly vs Wales...the whole field opened up, and it all looked so easy for them. But then the didn't. And it didn't.

I just don't understand them sitting on the ball so much or refusing to turn (CP aside) and then hitting the ball positively instead of square or back.

If they can keep their shape (evident in winning second balls and not having gaps between the lines) and move the ball quicker- even side to side- I like their chances vs England.

And that goes for MMA especially. When those guys combine and do it quickly, there's almost always something available from the overlapping FB or winger.

But dead horse...doing it and then driving down the wing to launch a poor cross to the 1 guy in the box vs 3 defenders still won't work. No matter how many times they do it.

Trust me, nail will beat hammer next time.

 

[bagger]

As weird as Gregg can be with his decisions after watching the second half a couple of times now I’m firmly in the camp that the players weren’t good enough. Don’t tell BassnBrew but if we’re not gonna try a non-traditional player at the 9 I’d be interested to see Gio and Weah flanking the striker with Puli as the super sub.

That’s probably true but he also does not make subs quick enough when I thought it was obvious the team needed a spark. This has been a pattern of his where he will wait until the 70th+ minute for a sub which leaves precious little time for it to actually have an impact. But yes the players showed remarkably worse energy all second half which is on the players.

 

[bagger]

Acosta Yedlin and Morris a combined minus 2….whodathunkit?

Acosta has had some really good games for the US. Morris I don't get at all -- Galaxy Brain IMO.

Morris was my biggest disappointment in selection. I even understood Roldan more than Morris.

I appreciate the "profile" argument but I would always prefer the better player be chosen. Nips contributed the entire cycle and got tossed aside at the very end just because Morris is considered a "bigger" player.

I guess I could almost understand this if Morris was a physical aberration, like that monster Wales subbed in, but in reality, he is just another guy physically.

Totally agree. I liked what Nips would bring. Always hustled and was more impactful than Morris will ever be.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Southgate confirmed Kane made it through training with no issues and is set to start against the US tomorrow.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I love the algorithm for the similar thread recommendation at the bottom of the page

Official 2022 World Cup Thread
World Cup 2022 Qualifying
Grandma Wood's Fried Chicken Recipe

 

[RCon]

I love the algorithm for the similar thread recommendation at the bottom of the page

Official 2022 World Cup Thread
World Cup 2022 Qualifying
Grandma Wood's Fried Chicken Recipe

Meatloaf approves this message.

 

[The Z Machine]

I get the chicken recipe related thread too. Never been in there. Maybe it's all about Eredivisie Voetbal.

 

[SpurrierisisGod]

Thread's been moving a bit so I haven't been keeping up... what are we looking for out of the iran/Wales match up? I know there's a ton of scenarios (ie England laying off if they beat USA tomorrow) but what gives the US best odds at advancing?

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Thread's been moving a bit so I haven't been keeping up... what are we looking for out of the iran/Wales match up? I know there's a ton of scenarios (ie England laying off if they beat USA tomorrow) but what gives the US best odds at advancing?

I would say any non-win from Wales is good for the US.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Thread's been moving a bit so I haven't been keeping up... what are we looking for out of the iran/Wales match up? I know there's a ton of scenarios (ie England laying off if they beat USA tomorrow) but what gives the US best odds at advancing?

I would say any non-win from Wales is good for the US.

Exactly this. I would even be ok with low scoring 1 goal win by Wales.

imo, 3 or more goal win by Wales and we are done unless we get a small miracle point against England

 

[NewlyRetired]

(ie England laying off if they beat USA tomorrow)

Since England beating the US is a very high probability, lets dig deeper on the Wales England match:

Quality on the field for England: They will 100% be sitting likely anyone with a yellow card as well as anyone who either needs a rest or is carrying a knock. But IMO, that will have very little effect on the field. Nearly every single England sub is as good or better than the guy starting in front of them. This is all coach specific. A different coach could have started 6-7 different players and no one would have batted an eyelash. Every English sub would also be an instant starter on the Wales team. Every sub is going to want his WC moment and wants to prove he will be useful to the coach for the knock out stages.

Collusion: The built in rivalry/hatred between England and Wales in every sport I believe prevents any full 90 minute type collusion. However, if the game is tied 1-1 in the 80th minute and a draw sees England win group and Wales finish second, I am sure the game will slow to a crawl. This is not collusion IMO, it just makes sense. We are going to want England to get a lead in this game, hopefully early.

Lack of pressure: If Wales and Iran draw, and England beats the US, England wins the group with out having to play game 3. There will be no pressure in the last game at all. But this could work both ways. Lack of pressure may mean the natural human instinct to take it easy, or it could play positively in that they won't be scared to "try ****".

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

England 64%-15% USA (21% draw)

 

[The Z Machine]

England 64%-15% USA (21% draw)

What's the line on the Wales - Iran game (taking out vig)?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Wales 45%-24% Iran (31% draw)
USA 54%-21% Iran (26% draw)
England 62%-14% Wales (24% draw)

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

To advance:

• England 95%
• USA 49%
• Wales 41%
• Iran 14%

 

[fred_1_15301]

I’ll take those odds!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Jedi clocked at the fastest top speed across all game 1's

======================



R.D. Football Scout

@RdScouting

Top speed leaders so far at WC (km/h):

Antonee Robinson - 35.4
Achraf Hakimi - 35.3
Alphonso Davies - 35.1
Ismail Jakobs & Daniel James - 35.0
Nayef Aguerd - 34.9
Kylian Mbappe - 34.7
Jesus Gallardo - 34.6
Ferran Torres & Andreas Christensen - 34.5

 

[Moe.]

I don't think that second goal for Iran really means anything outside of Wales' GD, we can't end up tied with Iran.

 

[Moe.]

0-0 would have been better but that'll work. Beat Iran and we are probably through. Takes some pressure off today's match - I just want to see us hang around and keep it interesting.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Beat Iran and we go through. Simple and clean.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

If the odds above are right our chances of advancing jumped from 49% to 54%. So not the dream result of 0-0 we had in the 98th minute, but not bad.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Also, a draw with England or a curb stomping loss to England are probably irrelevant now. Only a win vs England helps us. A total free roll.

 

[Moe.]

Donovan says there's no way you'd change anything based on the Wales-Iran result - I think he underestimates Berhalter's ability to overthink.

 

[The Z Machine]

Donovan says there's no way you'd change anything based on the Wales-Iran result - I think he underestimates Berhalter's ability to overthink.

I mean I kinda like the mentality, but the risk of losing Weston Dest or Ream for a must win game?

 

[Moe.]

Yeah after a few minutes to think about it you have to be smart. Feels anticlimactic for today though, I'm not gonna lie I am kinda bummed

 

[NewlyRetired]

Yeah after a few minutes to think about it you have to be smart. Feels anticlimactic for today though, I'm not gonna lie I am kinda bummed

Think of how big Tuesday will be though.....We were extrodinarily unlikely to get even a point today so a free roll is fine.

 

[The Z Machine]

Yeah after a few minutes to think about it you have to be smart. Feels anticlimactic for today though, I'm not gonna lie I am kinda bummed

Think of how big Tuesday will be though.....We were extrodinarily unlikely to get even a point today so a free roll is fine.

So what's our best free roll lineup here? We are going to have to score goals but won't see much of the ball.

 

[AAABatteries]

Yeah after a few minutes to think about it you have to be smart. Feels anticlimactic for today though, I'm not gonna lie I am kinda bummed

Yep, I said this in the WC thread - this puts a damper on today. I’ll take advancing over that but I planned to have folks over today. Still will be if we roll out the B team and get killed these non-soccer fans won’t understand.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I think Scally on for Jedi in second half will be very likely as well today.

 

[AAABatteries]

Yeah after a few minutes to think about it you have to be smart. Feels anticlimactic for today though, I'm not gonna lie I am kinda bummed

Think of how big Tuesday will be though.....We were extrodinarily unlikely to get even a point today so a free roll is fine.

So what's our best free roll lineup here? We are going to have to score goals but won't see much of the ball.

I’d play anybody that isn’t on a yellow. Play Gio. Sub anyone who gets a yellow or needs a rest. Iran is all that matters.

 

[BassNBrew]

Yeah after a few minutes to think about it you have to be smart. Feels anticlimactic for today though, I'm not gonna lie I am kinda bummed

Think of how big Tuesday will be though.....We were extrodinarily unlikely to get even a point today so a free roll is fine.

So what's our best free roll lineup here? We are going to have to score goals but won't see much of the ball.

I’d play anybody that isn’t on a yellow. Play Gio. Sub anyone who gets a yellow or needs a rest. Iran is all that matters.

Please explain?

If we lose today, England clinches the group and has nothing to play for. Wales can still get to 4 points, same as us. Also a win today puts us in the driver's seat to win the group.

 

[SwampDawg]

Yeah after a few minutes to think about it you have to be smart. Feels anticlimactic for today though, I'm not gonna lie I am kinda bummed

Just wait until you see Long, Morris, Moore and Roldan in the starting lineup and see how bummed you are.

 

[TLEF316]

I know that the ultimate goal is to make it through the group. And in all likelihood (Even if they have the group clinched, England has enough bench talent to beat wales)us beating Iran gets there.

But I HATE the idea of this group being asked to basically mail in the England game (which is what we're doing if we dont play with our best possible lineup). They need every big game experience possible.

 

[AAABatteries]

Yeah after a few minutes to think about it you have to be smart. Feels anticlimactic for today though, I'm not gonna lie I am kinda bummed

Think of how big Tuesday will be though.....We were extrodinarily unlikely to get even a point today so a free roll is fine.

So what's our best free roll lineup here? We are going to have to score goals but won't see much of the ball.

I’d play anybody that isn’t on a yellow. Play Gio. Sub anyone who gets a yellow or needs a rest. Iran is all that matters.

Please explain?

If we lose today, England clinches the group and has nothing to play for. Wales can still get to 4 points, same as us. Also a win today puts us in the driver's seat to win the group.

The discussion I think started with the assumption we wouldn’t win. Obviously you are correct but the idea was how does GGG balance advancing vs. risking losing today and not beating Iran.

 

[SwampDawg]

Yeah after a few minutes to think about it you have to be smart. Feels anticlimactic for today though, I'm not gonna lie I am kinda bummed

Think of how big Tuesday will be though.....We were extrodinarily unlikely to get even a point today so a free roll is fine.

So what's our best free roll lineup here? We are going to have to score goals but won't see much of the ball.

I’d play anybody that isn’t on a yellow. Play Gio. Sub anyone who gets a yellow or needs a rest. Iran is all that matters.

Please explain?

If we lose today, England clinches the group and has nothing to play for. Wales can still get to 4 points, same as us. Also a win today puts us in the driver's seat to win the group.

Will be a lot clearer after the game today, I think even if Wales beat England no one expects to be by more then a goal so they would still be -1 on GD. As long as we keep it close today and then beat Iran we should be at a 0 or +1 GD. So yes we could miss out even beating Iran but the odds would be in our favor greatly.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Yeah after a few minutes to think about it you have to be smart. Feels anticlimactic for today though, I'm not gonna lie I am kinda bummed

Think of how big Tuesday will be though.....We were extrodinarily unlikely to get even a point today so a free roll is fine.

So what's our best free roll lineup here? We are going to have to score goals but won't see much of the ball.

I’d play anybody that isn’t on a yellow. Play Gio. Sub anyone who gets a yellow or needs a rest. Iran is all that matters.

Please explain?

If we lose today, England clinches the group and has nothing to play for. Wales can still get to 4 points, same as us. Also a win today puts us in the driver's seat to win the group.

Will be a lot clearer after the game today, I think even if Wales beat England no one expects to be by more then a goal so they would still be -1 on GD. As long as we keep it close today and then beat Iran we should be at a 0 or +1 GD. So yes we could miss out even beating Iran but the odds would be in our favor greatly.

I would be shocked if Wales has higher than say a 5% chance of advancing after their loss today. They are cooked physically, they just lost their keeper for the England game and they have to play a team that is taught from birth to hate them and beat them at all cost. I would not be surprised if the extraordinarily talented English subs don't hang a crooked number on them.

Of course anything can happen which is what Wales won't be at 0% to advance. I am a LOT more worried about beating Iran and than Wales beating England.

 

[AAABatteries]

GGG has to know that a good bit of his legacy with the USMNT basically comes down to that match against Iran. It will be kind of fascinating to see what he decides to do today. He’s always seemed like the guy to go for it. And the longer I sit here the more I think he will and will start what he thinks is his best XI.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I know that the ultimate goal is to make it through the group. And in all likelihood (Even if they have the group clinched, England has enough bench talent to beat wales)us beating Iran gets there.

But I HATE the idea of this group being asked to basically mail in the England game (which is what we're doing if we dont play with our best possible lineup). They need every big game experience possible.

I look at it the opposite way.

I am going to be EXTREMELY disappointed if our best players leave everything on the field today, pick up yellows along the way and come away with a valiant but meaningless point leaving us vulnerable and tired against Iran.

 

[AAABatteries]

Yeah after a few minutes to think about it you have to be smart. Feels anticlimactic for today though, I'm not gonna lie I am kinda bummed

Think of how big Tuesday will be though.....We were extrodinarily unlikely to get even a point today so a free roll is fine.

So what's our best free roll lineup here? We are going to have to score goals but won't see much of the ball.

I’d play anybody that isn’t on a yellow. Play Gio. Sub anyone who gets a yellow or needs a rest. Iran is all that matters.

Please explain?

If we lose today, England clinches the group and has nothing to play for. Wales can still get to 4 points, same as us. Also a win today puts us in the driver's seat to win the group.

Will be a lot clearer after the game today, I think even if Wales beat England no one expects to be by more then a goal so they would still be -1 on GD. As long as we keep it close today and then beat Iran we should be at a 0 or +1 GD. So yes we could miss out even beating Iran but the odds would be in our favor greatly.

I would be shocked if Wales has higher than say a 5% chance of advancing after their loss today. They are cooked physically, they just lost their keeper for the England game and they have to play a team that is taught from birth to hate them and beat them at all cost. I would not be surprised if the extraordinarily talented English subs don't hang a crooked number on them.

Of course anything can happen which is what Wales won't be at 0% to advance. I am a LOT more worried about beating Iran and than Wales beating England.

Yep - Iran looked like the team we thought they could be today and they seem like a team that could shut down our attack.

 

[AAABatteries]

I know that the ultimate goal is to make it through the group. And in all likelihood (Even if they have the group clinched, England has enough bench talent to beat wales)us beating Iran gets there.

But I HATE the idea of this group being asked to basically mail in the England game (which is what we're doing if we dont play with our best possible lineup). They need every big game experience possible.

I look at it the opposite way.

I am going to be EXTREMELY disappointed if our best players leave everything on the field today, pick up yellows along the way and come away with a valiant but meaningless point leaving us vulnerable and tired against Iran.

I’m perfectly fine if we hedge our bets. See how the first half goes and then make the call. I don’t expect the match today to be played at a frantic pace unless we go balls out at them.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

But I HATE the idea of this group being asked to basically mail in the England game (which is what we're doing if we dont play with our best possible lineup). They need every big game experience possible.

I look at it the opposite way.

I am going to be EXTREMELY disappointed if our best players leave everything on the field today, pick up yellows along the way and come away with a valiant but meaningless point leaving us vulnerable and tired against Iran.

There’s probably a middle ground where GGG puts out a smart lineup with a view towards all hands on deck against Iran. If this is allegedly the deepest squad we’ve ever had then we should prove it.

But tactically, there’s no reason to park the bus and bunker tonight. Especially if you don’t believe Wales can realistically beat them in Game 3. Losing doesn’t really matter a ton. So just pin your ears back and take it to them, chips fall where they may.

 

[The Z Machine]

the longer I sit here the more I think he will and will start what he thinks is his best XI.

Plus Roldan and Long.

 

[AAABatteries]

the longer I sit here the more I think he will and will start what he thinks is his best XI.

Plus Roldan and Long.

You shut your whore mouth!

 

[The Z Machine]

But I HATE the idea of this group being asked to basically mail in the England game (which is what we're doing if we dont play with our best possible lineup). They need every big game experience possible.

I look at it the opposite way.

I am going to be EXTREMELY disappointed if our best players leave everything on the field today, pick up yellows along the way and come away with a valiant but meaningless point leaving us vulnerable and tired against Iran.

There’s probably a middle ground where GGG puts out a smart lineup with a view towards all hands on deck against Iran. If this is allegedly the deepest squad we’ve ever had then we should prove it.

But tactically, there’s no reason to park the bus and bunker tonight. Especially if you don’t believe Wales can realistically beat them in Game 3. Losing doesn’t really matter a ton. So just pin your ears back and take it to them, chips fall where they may.

I have to think that Aaronson starts then in place of Weah or maybe Snacks. Gio comes on for CP at the half if we're down 2 or more.

 

[The Z Machine]

the longer I sit here the more I think he will and will start what he thinks is his best XI.

Plus Roldan and Long.

You shut your whore mouth!

Nah, i think he'll stick with Turner over where bath.