The [Horribly Unpopular] Soccer Thread

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Is it a step up though? it's not like they're going to be playing in Europe. I guess it would be cool for him to go there and try to learn some things from Lukas Podolski, but I can't imagine it being (at least next year) a massive boom in talent. I'm a little shocked he isn't getting some interest from Germany given his industrial capabilities.

 

[fourfarthing]

Turkey is where a good deal of talent used to go as they left the Premier League. I would much rather see Zardes play in the Netherlands where there is a competitive dynamic amongst youth focusing on development than Turkey.

 

[Talgrath]

I wouldn't say it's a huge step up, but I do think it would get more European eyeballs on Zardes. It would have been better if it was last year when they were in the Champions League, but if they can make it back to the top this season then in one and a half years he could be playing in the top club tournament in the world, which certainly gets European scouts to look at you (if nothing else so they can counter you). I'd personally like to see him somewhere in Europe proper, but Turkey is a lot shorter plane trip than LA is and at least he might start for Galatasaray.

 

[Talgrath]

A disappointing loss for the USMNT, 0-2 to Colombia...but it's not all bad. I felt the USMNT deserved a draw in the game, and were it not for a fluky penalty the game would have ended 0-1, not bad against the team ranked #3 by FIFA.

That Penalty Call Sucks
The Fox "rules expert" can say whatever he likes and so can resident blowhard Alexi Lalas, but that was a bad penalty call. The deflection barely influenced the play and even if it had, there's little else Yedlin could have done. 9/10 of the time in any league in the world, that isn't called.

The USMNT Maybe Found Their Offense
Klinsman has been preaching offensive soccer for years and the USMNT may have finally found it, with Bradley in a traditional CDM role with Jones and Bedoya as two way midfielders in a 4-3-3 the USMNT looked downright dangerous at times and kept the majority of possession in the first half. This should be the plan against both Costa Rica and Paraguay, who will likely look to defend and counter even more than Colombia did.

Despite the Initial Corner Kick Goal, This Should Be the Back Line
Yes, Cameron lost his man on that corner kick, but that shouldn't discourage the USMNT from this back line! Cameron and Brooks looked absolutely great together and Yedlin should be the #1 man at right back for the foreseeable future. The only weak link was Fabian Johnson, who normally plays as a LAM for his club, but even he only struggled because Colombia has such a great and fast right winger.

Overall, there's a lot of positives to take from this, and it's not over by a long shot. If Colombia and Paraguay tie, all team USA has to do is beat both of them to get to the next round.

 

[robdogj]

That Penalty Call Sucks
The Fox "rules expert" can say whatever he likes and so can resident blowhard Alexi Lalas, but that was a bad penalty call. The deflection barely influenced the play and even if it had, there's little else Yedlin could have done. 9/10 of the time in any league in the world, that isn't called.

sorry but that was a legit call - it was a handball - also there was a pretty good pk shout by the US in the first half when Wood was taken down in the box

Overall, there's a lot of positives to take from this, and it's not over by a long shot. If Colombia and Paraguay tie, all team USA has to do is beat both of them to get to the next round.

What I am grateful for is that Colombia won only 2-0 & not by more - IMHO The Yanks looked clueless & lost - also way too much passing backwards - The US players can't make precise enough passes & it's easy for a give-away to happen - hoping for a better result in the next match, but right now we are looking at 3 & out

 

[Qhrumphf]

Unlucky and harsh, but legit is what I'd call the penalty. He did get with his arm, and it wasn't the most natural of positions. Definitely the make up call type though, and I agree, in any normal league type scenario, no penalty. Missed the second half as I needed to be asleep to be at the airport at dumb 30 o'clock this morning. But I'd seen all I needed.

 

[jspain3]

I'm more upset at Yedlin for putting himself in a position to concede a handball. Just keep your arms down, feet grounded, and face the ball.

 

[Talgrath]

By the letter of the law, that handball was not a penalty. According to FIFA's own rules it has to "deliberate", I know we and the refs like to use little clues to call it deliberate, but "making yourself bigger" is not against the rules of the game; I don't think there's anything deliberate in Yedlin's actions there.

I don't know how people can see this result as being a bad loss. We were facing a top 5, both by FIFA rankings and by ELO rankings, team in Colombia and yet we had a lot of positive possession and 4 (by my count) really good chances to score that were either blocked, saved by the keeper or just a touch off (that Dempsey shot off his left foot was so very very close). Not only that, Colombia was the more physical team and they should have seen more yellow cards. The only other legit chance Colombia had on our goal was that ball off the crossbar. If we can play that way against Costa Rica and Paraguay we'll do just fine in the group stage of the tournament.

 

[Qhrumphf]

By the letter of the law, that handball was not a penalty. According to FIFA's own rules it has to "deliberate", I know we and the refs like to use little clues to call it deliberate, but "making yourself bigger" is not against the rules of the game; I don't think there's anything deliberate in Yedlin's actions there.

I don't know how people can see this result as being a bad loss. We were facing a top 5, both by FIFA rankings and by ELO rankings, team in Colombia and yet we had a lot of positive possession and 4 (by my count) really good chances to score that were either blocked, saved by the keeper or just a touch off (that Dempsey shot off his left foot was so very very close). Not only that, Colombia was the more physical team and they should have seen more yellow cards. The only other legit chance Colombia had on our goal was that ball off the crossbar. If we can play that way against Costa Rica and Paraguay we'll do just fine in the group stage of the tournament.

Making yourself bigger in such a way that the ball strikes your arm when it otherwise wouldn't have IS deliberate. That's why the question of "was that a natural position of the arm" is so important in these calls.

 

[robdogj]

I don't know how people can see this result as being a bad loss. We were facing a top 5, both by FIFA rankings and by ELO rankings, team in Colombia and yet we had a lot of positive possession and 4 (by my count) really good chances to score that were either blocked, saved by the keeper or just a touch off (that Dempsey shot off his left foot was so very very close). Not only that, Colombia was the more physical team and they should have seen more yellow cards. The only other legit chance Colombia had on our goal was that ball off the crossbar. If we can play that way against Costa Rica and Paraguay we'll do just fine in the group stage of the tournament.

that picture says it all for me what I felt about the USNMT's performance

Even when we had loads of possession in the first half, it never felt like we were in control. Also I don't think Colombia got out of 2nd gear. As many times their defense came forward, The Yanks did not make them pay for that. IMHO Colombia showed no respects to the US & it showed to me. It was frustrating cause the US is the Host nation & we played like amateurs. I am hoping for the best, but I won't get my hopes up.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

A disappointing loss for the USMNT, 0-2 to Colombia...but it's not all bad. I felt the USMNT deserved a draw in the game, and were it not for a fluky penalty the game would have ended 0-1, not bad against the team ranked #3 by FIFA.

That Penalty Call Sucks
The Fox "rules expert" can say whatever he likes and so can resident blowhard Alexi Lalas, but that was a bad penalty call. The deflection barely influenced the play and even if it had, there's little else Yedlin could have done. 9/10 of the time in any league in the world, that isn't called.

The USMNT Maybe Found Their Offense
Klinsman has been preaching offensive soccer for years and the USMNT may have finally found it, with Bradley in a traditional CDM role with Jones and Bedoya as two way midfielders in a 4-3-3 the USMNT looked downright dangerous at times and kept the majority of possession in the first half. This should be the plan against both Costa Rica and Paraguay, who will likely look to defend and counter even more than Colombia did.

Despite the Initial Corner Kick Goal, This Should Be the Back Line
Yes, Cameron lost his man on that corner kick, but that shouldn't discourage the USMNT from this back line! Cameron and Brooks looked absolutely great together and Yedlin should be the #1 man at right back for the foreseeable future. The only weak link was Fabian Johnson, who normally plays as a LAM for his club, but even he only struggled because Colombia has such a great and fast right winger.

Overall, there's a lot of positives to take from this, and it's not over by a long shot. If Colombia and Paraguay tie, all team USA has to do is beat both of them to get to the next round.

1. I understand the penalty call, I also disagree with it. This isn't akin to throwing your arms out and stopping the ball. It to me was part of his natural running and jumping motion. I wouldn't give it, but it's grey area stuff like that, that makes sports frustrating.

2. I don't really disagree, but Jones can't play against a team like Columbia again. He looked terrible because he's not a one touch player. That's where Nagbe would be a better start. Of course it depends on the team and the level of midfield pressure they bring. ALso Bradley cannot play that bad, we're way too reliant on him to have him play that bad.

3. I totally agree on the backline. Cameron ****ed up, and he should feel bad, but he also made several fantastic clearances and headers and many other great plays. Yedlin and Johnson deserve credit for holding Cardona and Cuadrado at bay the whole game. Really strong overall performance from the back line aside from the corner and questionable handball. Which given that COlumbia is a much better team than us. I can live with.

TO add my own. It's fitting that Rodriguez got hurt on a dive. And I was so proud of John BRooks for bitching out Cuadrado. Dude was diving and flopping all day and when Brooks stood over him you could see the "Oh ****" reaction in full effect.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

What do you see the USMNT going with? Assuming Dempsey will have to start, here's what I switch to.

Same back 4
CDM -Bradley
CAM - Bedoya
CAM - Nagbe
LW - Dempsey
ST - Wood
RW - Zardes.

Dempsey would basically be a supporting striker as well and Bedoya would help a bit on covering for him.

 

[Talgrath]

I'd love to see Nagbe in for Jones, but I feel like Klinsmann might not yet trust him enough. Then again, Jones was supposedly pissed off at Klinsmann for being subbed out, so maybe Jurgen has him chill out a bit.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Klinsmann basically said that there would be some lineup changes. I think Pulisic, Zusi and Nagbe will get starting consideration. As coudl Castillo, given Fabian was just pretty recently hurt.

 

[robdogj]

USA 4-0 Costa Rica​

Now that is what I am talking about. None of that passing backwards crap. Moving forward & putting the ball into the back of the net. BTW, the US had the same starting line-up as they did vs Colombia. Even Klinsmann was more animated off the bench & the scoreline showed.

 

[Talgrath]

So...I said it in my initial post last time: This is a good starting lineup, who doubts me now? That was a really good win, if the USMNT can do this against Paraguay, we'll cruise into the next round.

Dempsey Was The Key
Dempsey, despite his age, is still the single best offensive player in the USMNT lineup. He doesn't always fit into a single, defined role, but Dempsey is the man; he can shoot, he can provide a good pass, he can do it all.

This Lineup Looked Better with Practice
Part of the improved result was due to more practice, this is the first time that Jurgen Klinsmann has played the same two lineups in two games since the World Cup, and this team looked vastly improved because of it. Their understanding, particularly offensively, was much better.

A Flexible Formation
After going 2-0 up, the USMNT switched almost effortlessly to a 4-4-2, giving them a better defensive shape, which eventually led to Bobby Wood's goal. The fact that this lineup is so flexible is another huge positive, when necessary they can go to a more defensive shape to protect a lead.

This Won't Work Against Better Teams
As much as I love this formation, it quite frankly won't work against a better team like Colombia. This is, I think, the sort of attack minded play that the USMNT should move to if we want to get to a higher level and actually threaten to win a World Cup, but against a top 10 team like Colombia they will outplay our players on talent alone. This is a recipe for exciting soccer, but not necessarily a recipe to pull out unlikely wins against dominant world powers.

Anyone else pumped for Paraguay? I am!

 

[robdogj]

Ok, I am ready to jump on the Team USA Hype Train - Who's w/ me? All Aboard!!!

 

[Talgrath]

A gritty result today from team USA, but there are some problems on the horizon...

That First Yellow on Yedling Was BS
I agree that the second yellow was legitimate...but the first? Come on now! Either way, Yedlin needs to learn that if you foul someone you cool off...even if it hurts you defensively in the short term, and wait at least 5 minutes before fouling again. The red card means that Michael Orozco, the fairly terrible understudy, is the man vs our next opponent, which will probably be Brazil; not good.

We Advance!
Regardless of anything else, team USA advances! That said, unless Colombia somehow fumble it against Costa Rica or Brazil somehow lose to Peru, the USMNT will face off against Brazil; who we'll probably lose to. Brazil brought their A-/B+ team, but even then they're still formidable, chances are good the USMNT Copa America dreams end next week.

Still, Enjoy It!
Who knows, things may bounce the way of the USA and the home field advantage may work out. Go, go USA!

 

[robdogj]

We Advance!

Nope.....
WE WON OUR ****in' Group!!!! WE WON OUR ****in' Group!!!!!

 

[Anyhowe]

I will be there on the midfield strike. But first a little warm up with Argentina. Woo hoo.

 

[Talgrath]

Well I'll be damned. Thanks Costa Rica!

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Well I'll be damned. Thanks Costa Rica!

With our Luck Brazil will Draw Peru and Ecuador will beat Haiti 10-0. Just need Brazil to TCOB. Hopefully they beat Peru and Haiti draws Ecuador. Or Peru/Brazil draw like 1-1 and Ecuador only wins 1-0. Though it's more likely Brazil comfortably beats Peru and Ecuador comfortably beats Haiti. But lets hope for Peru!

 

[robdogj]

With our Luck Brazil will Draw Peru and Ecuador will beat Haiti 10-0. Just need Brazil to TCOB.

This is what JK says about playing Brazil:

"If it's Brazil they are the big-time favorites, five-time World Champions, blah blah blah. We love them. Why not going at them? Why not being courageous? Why not putting pressure on them and give them a game. This is what we're going to prepare."

I have to agree w/ JK there & I will chant 'Go USA FTW'

 

[Anyhowe]

With our Luck Brazil will Draw Peru and Ecuador will beat Haiti 10-0. Just need Brazil to TCOB. Hopefully they beat Peru and Haiti draws Ecuador. Or Peru/Brazil draw like 1-1 and Ecuador only wins 1-0. Though it's more likely Brazil comfortably beats Peru and Ecuador comfortably beats Haiti. But lets hope for Peru!

The US NAtional team is 5-0-0 in Seattle in competitive matches. Bring on Brazil!!!! This of course has nothing to do with the fact I will be there...well maybe a little.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

I don't even know how happy I'd be if we made the Semi-Finals. Looking at the path, we likely get Argentina in the Semis if we get through. Of course that means Argentina winning their group, and beating the loser of Mexico/Venezuela. But I can't see Argentina losing out. I think they win the WHole thing.

 

[robdogj]

I don't even know how happy I'd be if we made the Semi-Finals. Looking at the path, we likely get Argentina in the Semis if we get through. Of course that means Argentina winning their group, and beating the loser of Mexico/Venezuela. But I can't see Argentina losing out. I think they win the WHole thing.

This should help you change your vibe:
[ame=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh_VbaAyn-4]I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN[/ame]

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

So with a for sure result, Go Peru. Upet Brazil!!!

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

ALso putting out odds, assuming he keeps being a freaking wall. What are the odds Brooks moves up? Assuming he stays in Bunderliga and with Hummels is on the move to Bayern, do you think Dortmund take a hard look at him?

I can't imagine this is doing anything but a ton of good for his value.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Lol Brazil. What a collapse

 

[Qhrumphf]

The Costa Rica/Colombia match last night was surprising enough. I didn't expect Brazil to crash and burn. Wow.