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USA vs Portugal (WC Group Stage); Sun 22 Jun 14; Manaus, Brazil 1800 ET
Topic Started: Jun 8 2014, 09:37 AM (767 Views)
vince stravino
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Also on ESPN
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shelsoccer
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Just like Ghana yesterday, Portugal delivered a message today in a 5-1 demolition of Ireland. Ronaldo played about 65 minutes. He was largely in second gear but looked fine.

I'd like to say I saw some vulnerabilities in Portugal's defense, but it was hard to judge. Given the ease with which they carved up Ireland, the game opened up as Portugal wasn't really forced to worry about Ireland that much. Ireland was entirely too predictable -- get the ball wide and send in a cross.
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Manzanares
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They may have "only" been pre WC friendlies but these past two days have I think showed why the US' group is considered the Group of Death. I was a bit surprised to see Ronaldo playing but I guess he needed to dust off the cobwebs after not playing since the Champions League Final.
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tnorth88
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Ronaldo was rampaging down P's right. Our opponents will likely choose to attack our left. It will be fun? to watch Beasley cope with CR! Our center backs had better be well positioned.
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shelsoccer
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Injury and suspension absences are obviously going to be the focus building up to this game, but I think Portugal's state of mind may be just as big of a question after its demolition by Germany.

Thinking back to 2002, Portugal was shocked in its opener by the US. However, even in that game, they battled back, then beat Poland before being knocked out in a controversial game vs. S. Korea (while the US was losing to Poland). So, there's a track record there of some fortitude.

I don't remember Portugal's injury/suspension situation through that '02 first round. And, of course, they didn't suffer a four-goal loss right off the bat. Nor is this close to Portugal's "Golden Generation" of '02.

Ronaldo is as golden as Portugal has ever had, but I'm not convinced he's 100%, and the rest of this Portugese team isn't as talented as the '02 team.

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vince stravino
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I don't think the US is carrying any cards going into Portugal match.

Looks to me like Altidore, Besler and Bedoya are not going to play against Portugal. Those all looked like real injuries of the bad kind. In football, if you can't run, you can't be effective at this level.

Against Germany, Portugal lost the game and a good bit of their composure. They never looked like they thought they had a chance and Ronaldo was playing as if he was only half-interested in the contest. Hope nobody wakes him up. The Iberians will either be a team adrift or really on a mission.

A draw works for me. A win would be delectable.
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americafutbol10
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Totally agree, vince...though, didn't see the Portugal game but was told how they got steamrolled by the German juggernaut!

I just hope we don't play in a bunker..."not to lose"...because that would be the perfect recipe for disaster IMO.
US Soccer...Don't Thread On Me!

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americafutbol10
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Taking into account the injury issues, here's MY starting XI:

------------------Howard---------------
Johnson---Cameron---Besler----DMB
----------------Beckerman------------
--Zusi--------------------------Jones--
-----------------Bradley---------------
-------Dempsey--------Johannsson--

Subs: Diskerud, Green & Wondo...if behind! Brooks, Davis & Omar...if ahead or tied. I know people are worried about Omar but I'd to see if he's capable of handling the pressure & we won't know unless he plays.
US Soccer...Don't Thread On Me!

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James
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I'm guessing the US system will now change somewhat. I'd really want to know more about the injury situation before trying to guess how. For instance - is Dempsey able to breath? Is Bedoya able to go?

And whither Ronaldo? How is that threat to be evaluated? He did not look anywhere near 100% against Germany and was also a bit of a headcase. I say use Julian Green for something and have him shadow CR7. Step on his heel and insult his sister until he headbutts somebody. :P

I wonder if something altogether different is likely. Perhaps leaving off Beckerman... As much as Jones impressed on the left, I would not be at all surprised to see him come back inside and reprise the partnership with Bradley. Maybe you can use Wondo at the top with Dempsey and apply more pressure on the balls coming out of the back.

Right now, I'm wishing EJ were available.


... Ain't no pity in the Rose City ...
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vince stravino
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Apparently, Besler is a go for Portugal as ESPN is reporting (via Klinsmann)
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robdog
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IMHO Wondo would be the perfect man for this match, especially since The Yanks need a better job with possession. He drop back in the midfield or he can play up top.
Supporter for FCK, San Lorenzo, Chelsea, Pachuca, Corinthians & Real Betis
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Yogi
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robdog,Jun 17 2014
05:07 PM
IMHO Wondo would be the perfect man for this match, especially since The Yanks need a better job with possession. He drop back in the midfield or he can play up top.

Haha, so says the San Jose fan here! ;)

Actually it is not a bad idea as Johannsson with his speed and dribbling ability could make for a good 2nd half change for Wondolowski. Plus as you say Wondo probably is better at holding the ball and setting up others, even if that is not his strength of his, than is Johannsson.

Like James I do find myself now wishing Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan were each a part of this US roster.

Good news, if true re Besler.

A wounded animal is always dangerous and right now Portugal are wounded. This will be an extremely difficult game for the US.

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americafutbol10
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Agree with James...wish EJ had been called up now! Hell, even Boyd would be a valuable option, at this point.

Thought Twellman had a great analysis of what formation the USMNT might be best suited to play v Portugal, without Jozy, and have to agree with him! This is what he suggested:

-------------------Howard---------------
Johnson---Cameron---Besler-----DMB
---------Beckerman----Jones----------
--Zusi-----------Bradley-----Bedoya--
--------------Dempsey------------------

He mentioned how Sweden gave Portugal plenty of midfield space in their UEFA playoff series & paid for it. He said that JK will try to avoid that by going with 5 in the MF!

Then, IMO we can bring in Johannsson as a "change of pace" sub...though, I hope he will have more of an impact than the Ghana game...or we can go with Wondo & see how he does.
US Soccer...Don't Thread On Me!

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LA Galaxy...5-time MLS Cup Champions!

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Johnbuildr
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As i posted in the Ghana thread, we simply did not need Germany to humiliate Portugal. They will be playing for pride and country more than anything now, not to mention still being very much alive in group play if they beat us, so I don't share Shel's view that their state of mind will work against them. More likely it works against us.

Unless there are complete team of wussies (for lack of a better term) they will come out on fire against the US. Add in our injury situation and I don't care for our chances. (Altho I did predict a win against Ghana.) :(
Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum



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robdog
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Looks like that Ghanian Witch Doctor Juju magic is working on Cristiano Ronaldo. Supposedly he is attempting to play through the pain, but against his doctor's orders.
Supporter for FCK, San Lorenzo, Chelsea, Pachuca, Corinthians & Real Betis
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