Ot - usmnt

[bikerboy337]

There was a moment today where both Germany and Spain were out... i couldn't believe it... then Germany came back and put Spain back in the next round...

really sad to see Belgium out as they are my #2 team (lived there for a few years as a child and have always been a fan)... plus the whole amazing beer, frites, waffles and cycling... what's not to love!

So lets to USA, going to be a huge game Sunday that is actually winnable for us... just need to figure out how to score... 1 goal isn't going to cut it moving forward... need a few...

[Spaghetti Legs]

Originally Posted by bikerboy337

So lets to USA, going to be a huge game Sunday that is actually winnable for us... just need to figure out how to score... 1 goal isn't going to cut it moving forward... need a few...

The game is Saturday. Don’t miss it!

[holliscx]

Originally Posted by echappist

Busquets playing 90 minutes at this level while shunting Rodri to central defense? Having old-and-slow Azpi and young-and-callow Balde playing in lieu of Alba and Carvajal? Madness... I thought the Japanese manager was too smart by half by playing a weird line-up against CR, but Luis Enrique took it to the next level.

Re: playing Rodri at CB I wonder if LE is guarding yellow cards for the knockout stages? Is that possible? Two yellows and you miss a game up until the final I believe. No sanction before the final can carry into the final if I understand correctly. But I was wondering if this is a strategy he's using.

Japan had 17.7% possession but Spain is obsessed with having the ball yet its Achilles heel is scoring when it matters.

I tell you a Spanish striker who looked great though he plays for Ghana, Iñaki Williams. He's the kind of forward that Spain lack. It'll be good for the young bucks to lose a big game. Pedri and Gavi will taste defeat this tournament.

[Ozz]

Uruguay.....keeping it classy, as usual. "Uruguay players went after referees following World Cup loss"

SMH

[Waldo62]

Suarez wasn't available to bite the refs?

Originally Posted by Ozz

Uruguay.....keeping it classy, as usual. "Uruguay players went after referees following World Cup loss"

SMH

[BobC]

Originally Posted by Waldo62

Suarez wasn't available to bite the refs?

He was on the bench. In tears.

[Waldo62]

Originally Posted by BobC

He was on the bench. In tears.

What can I say, karma bites.

[unterhausen]

You only get a yellow for pushing a ref in the back? I assume that will be reviewed.

[echappist]

Interesting article from the Guardian on Berhalter.

Who knew he takes inspiration from the Dutch possession game (I'm not being sarcastic here)?

[holliscx]

Chapeau to the Dutch. See you in a long four USMNT.

[BobC]

Yes. The Dutch played well. Tactically solved USMNT's MMA midfield & were more clinical.
Ironic that midfielders not tracking back were responsible for the first 2 goals.

[echappist]

Originally Posted by BobC

Yes. The Dutch played well. Tactically solved USMNT's MMA midfield & were more clinical.
Ironic that midfielders not tracking back were responsible for the first 2 goals.

Too knackered from the running perhaps?

Regardless, if there could be someone like Dempsey to step in and lead the line, that would be great.

As things stand, this striker by committee approach doesn't work. The U.S. accumulated XG of ~1.9, which is comparable to that of the Dutch. Where this breaks down is the Dutch taking its chances well.

Also, it's really fool-hardy to play possession based approach when one isn't fully adept at it, especially when one's opponent can play counterattack football. Oh well, lots for this young group to learn.

[wc1934]

Originally Posted by BobC

Yes. The Dutch played well. Tactically solved USMNT's MMA midfield & were more clinical.
Ironic that midfielders not tracking back were responsible for the first 2 goals.

yup - responsible for their success in the group play - but unfortunately came up short today.
Man, how entertaining would this match would have been if Pulisic had scored.
I was very skeptical and critical of the USMNT thru out WC the qualifying matches, but they have grown and improved and should only get better.
Still looking for a pure striker, as are many teams.

[holliscx]

Speaking truth about Spain:

Since when has passing the ball 926 times but with only two shots on target counted as playing well?

All possession and no punch.

[Jaybee]

I guess this is the general WC thread now so...


...holy ****, that was wild.