The Official 2014 World Cup Thread

[Ronin]

Down goes Korea.

 

[Stout]

Okay, suffice to say I don't want to see Beckerman in the lineup, but he will be. I will not hark on it on this thread for today's game, to spare everyone here

We cannot come out and bunker like the last game. Just can't. I don't want us throwing everything but the kitchen sink forward, but we have to attack. A win sees us through, and a draw probably does the same, though it will make for a lot of nerves.

Who gets the start in place of Altidore? Has to be Wondolowski (sp?), I'd say. Johanson (sp?) is young and I don't think pairs well with Dempsey right now. Wondolowski is gritty and will fight like a wildcat in there for the ball, and to hold the ball. Optimal choice? Of course not, but with what we have on the bench? Yes. Our forwards are Dempsey, Wondo and Johanson right now, with no midfielders I feel can step up to play forward in place of a striker.

Maybe we go 4-5-1, but I don't think we should. Dempsey isn't that kind of striker who can lead the line in that formation. I think we go Wondo and Dempsey up front. Bradley needs to provide offensive push. I'd also use Zusi instead of Bedoya for this purpose, nothing against Bedoya.

What will happen, and how will we line up? No idea, but it sure is fun to speculate about. Man, I'm getting NERVOUS lol

 

[Stout]

JK went with Zusi AND Bedoya, leaving Dempsey as the lone frontman. Not sure I'm a fan, but I'll definitely give JK the benefit of the doubt for now.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/06/united-states-portugal-graham-zusi-cristiano-ronaldo

 

[cardfaninfl]

Glad Jurgen threw out the Diamond formation. Dempsey and Bradley will need to come up huge in the counter-attacks. Not a very aggressive XI; set-pieces will probably be counted on as the difference.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

Is that referee the soccer version of Ed Hochuli? LOL.

 

[Ronin]

dang it

 

[Stout]

Say goodbye, boys. Our World Cup just unofficially ended. No desire, a howler, still can't keep possession, and we clearly came out to park the bus. Well, now, parking the bus won't effing WORK when you're LOSING, will it, JK? Jesus, Mary and Joseph, what a horrendous start to the game. We're not making it out of the group of death. Not a chance, now.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

It's only one goal. The US has/have been playing better. I think 23 is going to score.

 

[Ronin]

they're getting shots.

 

[Ronin]

Great save by Howard

 

[Stout]

Well, I posted heat of the moment, and right after the goal we looked like crap too. Also, we were in a clear pack-it-in defensive posture, and I know how difficult it is to change style so drastically on the fly.

That said, we've come back into the match and really played well. Kiss the post, forgive Timmy the mistake, and praise him for the huge saves. Bradley has shown up, and we've looked dangerous. To me, it has a lot to do with Portugal playing stupidly after those moments following the goal. They seem to be doing a lot of what we did against Ghana after scoring early--just fall back and absorb pressure. They counterattacked more than we did, sure, but not a lot. It's a stupid approach. They've invited us back into the game, and we could be level again by now.

We need to attack in the 2nd half. If we lose here, they reported we can't progress without at least a draw against Germany. We can't count on that, not at all. Germany historically play down a bit in the 2nd game, but when progression is on the line, they go bonkers in game 3s. We must get a result from this game--MUST. If it gets late, throw the kitchen sink forward to get that goal.

 

[SO91]

Effing Bradley.

 

[Ronin]

Boo yah!

 

[SO91]

Gorgeous strike!

 

[Ronin]

YESSSS!

 

[Ronin]

Nooooooo!

 

[Dback Jon]

That ending sucked

 

[Russ Smith]

Looked like Cameron slowed up on that cross and it cost them huge.

 

[SO91]

Bradley, crapping the bed yet again. The replays will show Ronaldo with a sick cross, and the defenders getting beat, but you can't lose the ball there, at that time of the game. Unbelievably stupid play from one of the guys that's supposed to be carrying the team.

 

[Stout]

You know what? If we don't advance, we have nobody--NOBODY--to blame but ourselves. That is absolutely unacceptable. Unacceptable. I don't care how perfect the play was, the guy should have been blanketed in defendersWhy, at that point in the game, you have ANYBODY forward is beyond me. We had, what, three defenders in the box? We should have had twice that number in the box. Less than a minute to go, and we have three defenders in the box. UNACCEPTABLE.

What a waste. Jermaine Jones has been the player of the tourney for the U.S. for me so far. Incredible. He used to be a worthless hothead that put his head down and ran and gave the ball away. Now, he's a freaking demon, everywhere on the pitch, bailing out his teammates, and scoring what should have been the winner. What a player he has become.

Oooh, I am so very ANGRY!!! OMFG, if we get eliminated...OOOH!!! AAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!

 

[Stout]

Bradley, crapping the bed yet again.

And that **** Twellman actually spewing that crap about "Bradley actually did a GOOD job there..." No, you fricking moron, he had a tap in, and he hit it right to the defender. No excuses, and certainly no "he did a good job there". I hate you, Twatter Twellman. You are stupid, and I will take out my 5th-minute stoppage time rage out on your stupidity.

 

[crisper57]

Ugh. Well root for Portugal now. They have a point differential issue to overcome.

 

[Stout]

Ugh. Well root for Portugal now. They have a point differential issue to overcome.

0-0 draw will do me just fine.

 

[SO91]

And that **** Twellman actually spewing that crap about "Bradley actually did a GOOD job there..." No, you fricking moron, he had a tap in, and he hit it right to the defender. No excuses, and certainly no "he did a good job there". I hate you, Twatter Twellman. You are stupid, and I will take out my 5th-minute stoppage time rage out on your stupidity.

LOL **** Twellman. That's pretty funny Stout

 

[crisper57]

I am counting on a loss to Germany, so as long as Ghana and Portugal play it close, I think I am good.