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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 (771 Views)
Johnbuildr
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robdog,Jun 18 2014
04:20 PM
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.

Well, it didn't do him any good.
Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum



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shelsoccer
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Well, John, Portugal's Iberian neighbors also suffered a four-goal loss in their opener and they only showed sporadic "heart" today while going out of the tournament. It doesn't mean the same will happen to Portugal Sunday, but we're both guilty of judging a team's psychological state from the outside.

I do think both teams' injuries and Pepe's suspension are likely to play a much more important role in this game.
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robdog
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Johnbuildr,Jun 18 2014
02:28 PM
robdog,Jun 18 2014
04:20 PM
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.

Well, it didn't do him any good.

well it worked on Altidore & Dempsey, though he was 29 seconds too late :P Also I don't think The Witch Doctor knew about John Brooks ;)
Supporter for FCK, San Lorenzo, Chelsea, Pachuca, Corinthians & Real Betis
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James
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Reports that Ronaldo is out... Conflicting reports from the Portugal camp that he is 100% (not!) and that statements by the doctor are false rumors (believable). I doubt anything can be determined by whether or not he ices down early today. However, if he doesn't train reasonably close to full speed on Thursday/Friday, then he really has no business on the pitch come Sunday. I thought before the match with Germany that playing Ronaldo would turn out to be a serious tactical error given the makeup of the group. By the time it was clear the game was out of reach, it was not possible to take him off for much needed rest.

For now, I don't think Portugal's true problem will be with whether Ronaldo is able to run out on Sunday. They suffered at every turn against Germany and team cohesion cannot be in good shape between that loss and several misplaced egos. They must establish an identity and some confidence among the balance of the squad to keep from disintegrating mentally. Loosing Coentrao and Pepe is arguably the biggest concern.

The US will want to raise doubts by establishing a reasonable amount of possession and create some simple moments of danger in the back line for Portugal through the first 20 minutes. It doesn't need to be dramatic, just maintain system integrity and generate some pressure. They will also need to deny space in midfield to frustrate the movement of Portugal.

I would be looking for the US to bring five in the midfield - just who is a little bit up in the air. Beckerman may not be the best choice in that setup - depends a lot on the status of Bedoya and whether it's sensible to bring Jones back to the middle. It's probably not in JK's thought process, but I'd be considering using Wondo alone at the top with Dempsey dropping back into midfield.
... Ain't no pity in the Rose City ...
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robdog
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To make Cristiano Ronaldo's problems worse, he has been stalked by this Brazilian Model/Dancer/reporter. Andressa Urach has been trying to capture the attention of Ronaldo for the past week. I am not sure if anyone seen her in body painted w/ the Portuguese kit :o I will say this, she does have a body that doesn't quit. Hell if she was in my presence I think I would root for Portugal too Posted Image
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americafutbol10
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I BELIEVE THAT WE (USA) WILL WIN...just saying ;)
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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A lot may depend upon how close to 100% Dempsey can play. We need his scoring threat, without it and without Altidore (and LD) our scoring threats need to come from miraculous places like Brooks. But that is of course long odds.

I too think we can win, would not be surrpised at all, but there is as much or more overall going against us than there is against Portugal. Just sayin! ;)
Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum



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Rufus T. Firefly
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robdog,Jun 18 2014
08:26 PM
To make Cristiano Ronaldo's problems worse, he has been stalked by this Brazilian Model/Dancer/reporter. Andressa Urach has been trying to capture the attention of Ronaldo for the past week. I am not sure if anyone seen her in body painted w/ the Portuguese kit :o I will say this, she does have a body that doesn't quit. Hell if she was in my presence I think I would root for Portugal too Posted Image

Apparently the runner up in the Miss Bumbum contest in Brazil! And I can see why! :D

Still Cristiano is doing better with Irina Shayk.

A lot of conflicting reports out there about Ronaldo's knee. Hard to sift the wheat from the chaff there but one thing is certain, Cristiano Ronaldo is not 100%.
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robdog
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Yogi,Jun 17 2014
06:40 PM
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.

Even EJ agrees w/ me. IMHO it's a no-brainer, but Klinsmann is sorta like The Zen Master. He has his own way of thinking & as it turns out most of the time he is right. I don't know if we covered this or not, but his final two subs in the Ghana match were match winners.
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Johnbuildr
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robdog,Jun 19 2014
10:23 PM
Yogi,Jun 17 2014
06:40 PM
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.

Even EJ agrees w/ me. IMHO it's a no-brainer, but Klinsmann is sorta like The Zen Master. He has his own way of thinking & as it turns out most of the time he is right. I don't know if we covered this or not, but his final two subs in the Ghana match were match winners.

Klinnsman gets us out of this group, then I will agree he is a whiz kid. ;)

If he doesn't, I will always insist that he failed miserably in giving us the best chance to advance in this WC by leaving EJ and LD at home. :angry:
Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum



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americafutbol10
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Johnbuildr,Jun 19 2014
04:42 AM
A lot may depend upon how close to 100% Dempsey can play. We need his scoring threat, without it and without Altidore (and LD) our scoring threats need to come from miraculous places like Brooks. But that is of course long odds.

I too think we can win, would not be surrpised at all, but there is as much or more overall going against us than there is against Portugal. Just sayin! ;)

I do agree, Johnbuildr...the worst case was how Germany manhandled Portugal. You know Portugal will want to redeem themselves...not only for the German game but for 2002 in Korea!

I actually think that Bradley needs to put his mark on this game, more than any other USMNT player. Yes, Dempsey is important but Bradley is the engine & he can't afford to play v Portugal, like he did v Ghana.

I think whoever scores first, will win...just a feeling.
US Soccer...Don't Thread On Me!

Michigan Football...Harbaugh Effect (GO BLUE!)

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

Colombia...VIVA, Cafeteros!
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James
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Wow...Bruno Alves skipped training to receive treatment for a hamstring issue. It is evidently likely that he will not be available for Sunday which would make 3 of the 4 starting defenders vs. Germany who are missing. In addition, first choice goalkeeper Rui Patricio had to skip training for some unstated injury and may be sidelined on Sunday. So, huge question-marks for the defensive readiness of Portugal.

I continue to think that the US would be best served by trying to take the game to Portugal and see if they can be rattled. Rather than Germany's manhandling of Portugal being a negative in terms of increasing their motivation, it showed the approach to take. A solid midfield effort up to their potential should bring success for the US this game. For Portugal, there's a lot of weight on Moutinho and Meireles at this point because if they allow space for the US or defer too much to Ronaldo it will be another disaster.

I fully expect Bradley to rebound.
... Ain't no pity in the Rose City ...
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vince stravino
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The 2-2 draw between Ghana and Germany only makes this group tighter. A win would be delicious, but the first 20 minutes will be big.
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raconteur
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The ball is in the US' court now after that draw between Germany and Ghana (what a great game that was) I agree completely with James that the US should go at Portugal right away, they may still be in a little shock after what happened in their opener vs Germany and could be fragile psychologically. Go at them early and see if they crack. it also is what worked for the US in 2002 against Portugal

I do not see Klinsmann changing the lineup except of course at forward, Wondolowski or Johannsson? I think I'd go with the former first and use Johannsson as a change of pace sub.

This should be fun. The chance is there for the US to assure 2nd round passage in the Group of Death after only 2 games. Hopefully the team seize this opportunity.
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vince stravino
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I got the Washington Post today (the NY Times was sold out...urgh!) and they had this interesting chart about how far each team ran in the first round. The US topped the 32 teams at 72.5 miles (average 66 miles). Ivory Coast was last at 60 miles for their match. Bradley, himself, went eight miles to lead the Yanks.

I take away two things from this. One, we are fit, but that is not a surprise. The other is more ominous. We just busted for a full ninety in the tropics a few days ago and now we have to turn around and do it again. I believe "manaus" in Portuguese means "sauna."

As someone who has played frequently in tropical conditions, let me tell you it can take a toll even on the fittest folks. Just something to watch.
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