The [Horribly Unpopular] Soccer Thread

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

WTF refs. ticky tack bull****.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

US defense hasn't looked good. I'm thinking they need someone better than Jones holding. He seems to be getting pulled too far forward and letting in deep runs.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

**** yeah fabian!

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

First half thoughts. US was the better side overall. Being up a goal is deserved whether they're up 1-0, 2-1, or 3-2 defense looked sharper when they got the lead letting up most of their chances early on. The defensive chemistry is off, but the individual efforts have been great. I don't know who I'd pick between Chandler and Beasley. I don't think Beasley makes all the plays Chandler did today. I also don't think Beasley lets as many people get past him that Chandler did. But I think that it's chemistry thing for the line. Unforunately there's just no real obvious defensive leader. Cherundolo's knee issues really hurt the US JMO.

 

[BrewKnurd]

First half thoughts. US was the better side overall. Being up a goal is deserved whether they're up 1-0, 2-1, or 3-2 defense looked sharper when they got the lead letting up most of their chances early on. The defensive chemistry is off, but the individual efforts have been great. I don't know who I'd pick between Chandler and Beasley. I don't think Beasley makes all the plays Chandler did today. I also don't think Beasley lets as many people get past him that Chandler did. But I think that it's chemistry thing for the line. Unforunately there's just no real obvious defensive leader. Cherundolo's knee issues really hurt the US JMO.

I think they're lucky to be up one, honestly. Too many lapses in the back that turkey could have capitalized on but didn't.

Offense has been ok, although Bradley had me worried prior to the goal because he appeared to be just as off as he was last game. The assist buys him some wiggle room.

Jozy's hold up play has been solid, and his first touch has been better than against AZE, but that's not saying a lot.


Sent from my iPod touch using Home Brew

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

US also had some A+ chances that were blocked like Turkey and a ticky-tack disallowed goal.

 

[BrewKnurd]

US also had some A+ chances that were blocked like Turkey and a ticky-tack disallowed goal.

Ticky tack if you like, but if you shove the goalie you're giving the ref an excuse to make the call.

Do not agree about A+ chances. A+ chances don't regularly get blocked, that's part of what makes them A+ chances. Semantics aside, IMO, turkey had more and better chances that didn't go in vs US, but ain't no reason we need to agree on that.


Sent from my iPod touch using Home Brew

 

[BrewKnurd]

Oh, but I'll grant that the Bradley shot that got blocked was at least a B+ chance.


Sent from my iPod touch using Home Brew

 

[BrewKnurd]

This is one of the worst refs ever.


Sent from my iPod touch using Home Brew

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

That has a bad way to end a good game from Chandler. Cannot do that.

 

[BrewKnurd]

That has a bad way to end a good game from Chandler. Cannot do that.

Yeah, really no excuse. Just a lack of composure and awareness.


Sent from my iPod touch using Home Brew

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Quality win for the Yanks.

John Brooks had the best game I've seen him play on the senior squad. CHandler looked like he could have been a lock but that last move was rough.

I almost wonder if the US is better with Beckerman or Cameron at the CDM role.

 

[bford]

Quality win for the Yanks.

John Brooks had the best game I've seen him play on the senior squad. CHandler looked like he could have been a lock but that last move was rough.

I almost wonder if the US is better with Beckerman or Cameron at the CDM role.

Jones would be GREAT... if he could accept staying back and supporting the defense first.... and only attacking if it was clear for him to go forward and Bradley stay back..

Beckerman isn't as talented, but he understands the role.... I like Cameron even better there... faster and more skilled on the ball.. but he was fine today at center back...

I think Besler might have lost his job... he hasn't been good either game.

On a side note... my team.. the Houston Dynamo are a hot mess without Brad Davis and Boniek Garcia... don't have the depth to cover for them being out along with a concussion injury to Ricardo Clark which has kept him out of 4 straight games.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

I thought Besler was strong today. I mean he made some mistakes but he also made some heady plays to stop the midfielders from moving forward when they were. I really don't know what's gonna happen at CB. Gonzalez is seemingly not 100%

Jones was better today than against Azerbaijan. He stayed home most of the time and played a gutsy game. A few times he was caught lagging and letting some guys in in space. But overall he was strong in his positioning, his distribution though. He's trying too hard to make a killer pass from the back instead of just moving it to Bradley, Zusi or Davis who're all pass masters. I'm sure Klinsmann will address that.

John Brooks looked good and Yedlin looked good. That was nice to see that the young guys provided some spark. Someone needs to teach Yedlin to stay back though.

And it really looks like Mix is the first choice off the bench. No one has done more off the bench aside from maybe Davis the last game. Mix is gonna be starting along side Bradley in 4 years in a 4-4-2 or maybe he replaces Zusi I'm not sure but the kid is gonna be part of the US's future.

One more additional note. Brad Guzan is certainly one of the best backup goalies in the world. if something tragic happens to Timmy we won't be totally screwed like some other teams.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

I thought Besler was strong today. I mean he made some mistakes but he also made some heady plays to stop the midfielders from moving forward when they were. I really don't know what's gonna happen at CB. Gonzalez is seemingly not 100%

Jones was better today than against Azerbaijan. He stayed home most of the time and played a gutsy game. A few times he was caught lagging and letting some guys in in space. But overall he was strong in his positioning, his distribution though. He's trying too hard to make a killer pass from the back instead of just moving it to Bradley, Zusi or Davis who're all pass masters. I'm sure Klinsmann will address that.

John Brooks looked good and Yedlin looked good. That was nice to see that the young guys provided some spark. Someone needs to teach Yedlin to stay back though.

And it really looks like Mix is the first choice off the bench. No one has done more off the bench aside from maybe Davis the last game. Mix is gonna be starting along side Bradley in 4 years in a 4-4-2 or maybe he replaces Zusi I'm not sure but the kid is gonna be part of the US's future.

One more additional note. Brad Guzan is certainly one of the best backup goalies in the world. if something tragic happens to Timmy we won't be totally screwed like some other teams.

This. All of it.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Daaaaaaaang. NYCFC sign David Villa as their first player.

Again, I say: daaaaaaaaang.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xrYii5n5C14" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

ALso they kept talking about the movement of the striker and how the US would be facing better ones. I don't think that's true. Germany will be running a false 9 and while Gotze is really good. I don't think his movement will be much to worry about. I'm much more concerned with tucking in against the germans. Jones will absolutely need to be on his game that day as well as our fullbacks. And Postiga I assume is Portugal's starting man. Not sure where Ronaldo will play, if he's up top with Postiga then there will be potential issues with movement, if he's out wide, I'll feel better. Either way, Jones needs to play like he did after the first 15 minutes or so of yesterdays game. And Beckerman will be an almost certain sub if we have the lead/are tied.

 

[bford]

That was a pretty good interview with David Villa....

man... I love my Dynamo... hate that we are owned by two different groups.. neither really want to spend money.. ugh.

Really need AEG to sell their portion... would like to see one unified owner with a vision.. it has always been clear.. even when AEG was the sole owner.. that Houston is second in their thoughts behind LA.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

That was a pretty good interview with David Villa....

man... I love my Dynamo... hate that we are owned by two different groups.. neither really want to spend money.. ugh.

Really need AEG to sell their portion... would like to see one unified owner with a vision.. it has always been clear.. even when AEG was the sole owner.. that Houston is second in their thoughts behind LA.

It really is a shame. I agree that they should find a dedicated, local owner with deep pockets.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

It seems the Hulkster thinks we're ready for Group G.

IT'S WORLD CUP TIME, BROTHER!

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

We may have a Ghanaian witch DOctor to thank if we make it through the group stage

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/04/cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-ghana-witch-doctor

 

[aygov]

We may have a Ghanaian witch DOctor to thank if we make it through the group stage

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/04/cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-ghana-witch-doctor

Haha... I just came here to post that link! If I were players on Germany or the USA I'd be worried.... Who knows who the Ghanaian witch doctor might target next!

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

We need to convince him that Jermaine Jones is our best player. Not that it would be good to lose him, just we could survive his blow the most.

 

[BrewKnurd]

We need to convince him that Jermaine Jones is our best player. Not that it would be good to lose him, just we could survive his blow the most.

Maybe he's already been targeting Julian Green and that's why he falls over so easily. We think he's just getting pushed around, really he's got a witch doctor taking out his knees.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Ugh I'm watching all these pump-up commercials made by ESPN. I CAN'T FREAKING WAIT! HNNNG

Also, I hope more people pipe up in here starting next week. It would be nice to see a busy thread.

 

[Grannyknot]

This commercial must have cost a small fortune...

<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/v_i3Lcjli84?hl=en_US&amp;version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/v_i3Lcjli84?hl=en_US&amp;version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

 

[Johnsondog65]

^^Great commercial until LeBron showed up.....

 

[Johnsondog65]

Can't believe I just found this thread. Long time lurker and never really had anything to add as I am just starting to learn to brew. I have been playing soccer for 40 years, coached for 20 and enjoy watching all three of my kids play club and high school soccer.

This is my daughter posing with Rogelio and Ramiro Funes this week. They played soccer with my son in high school a few years back. Rogelio has played some with the Argentina national team and now plays for Benfica. I watched them first hand in high school and needless to say they played at a different level!

 

[Grannyknot]

Cool photo!

I've got a picture of myself with Terry Venables in 1995. I need to scan it in.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

THe more I'm thinking about it. THe more I wonder if the US doesn't have an advantage at this world cup int heir group. Klinsmann ran this tema into the ground in training, you have to wonder how many more fit teams there are out there? When we're playing Portugal in the amazon don't you think being out of shape will have an adverse affect on Ronaldo and Nani? We're in an interesting position where I think most games we'll be the favored team after the half. I think the key will be controlling possession and getting the Portuguese and Ghanaians to run around the pitch and tire themselves out. Come the second half our players should still be running strong and they'll be leaning on subs.

ALl this is wishful thinking of course, I'm just trying to be the optimist while we're facing a bad group stage