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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 (770 Views)
shelsoccer
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I'm going to be watching for three things in this game.

First, I do think it's important we score early or at least keep the game scoreless well into the second half. We need to be the team counter-attacking, not Portugal.

Secondly, I'm not overly concerned about who replaces Altidore as I am about the adjustments we'll need to make. Without a true target forward, we won't be able to play long balls, count on the target to hold the ball and then run off him. We'll have to combine, play to feet and possess the ball much better than we did against Ghana. Of course, a goal from a set piece -- always an American strength -- can overcome any shortcomings we might have in making those adjustments.

Finally, I'm pretty convinced that Ronaldo isn't close to 100%. Therefore, I believe we can handle him during the run of play. What we can't do, however, is foul at the top of the box. Ronaldo can beat us with a free kick even if he's playing on one good knee.
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shelsoccer
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Halftime and, despite being a goal down, we're fine. We're playing better than we did vs. Ghana -- better possession and combination.
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robdog
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wtf was that? :huh: we had that won <_< Thank God we have good relations w/ Germany ;)
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alabastergremlin
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Michael Bradley's turnover and lolly-gagging return to defense killed us on that last play. Bradley needs to get out of this funk. He had several weak pass attempts that either got cut off or left a teammate to dry. Then his turnover at the end...killed us.

So close...
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shelsoccer
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Disappointing yet positive. A much better display from the US, fully deserving of the tie if not a win. The round of 16 is still within reach.

A series of mistakes on the tieing goal. Bradley's give-away, and someone (Johnson, Cameron or Gonzalez?) ball-watching.

I was convinced that the Yedlin substitution was a mistake, but he proved me wrong. Wondo also came on and contributed. With one day less to recover than Germany and after the swelter in Manaus, the US has it's work cut out for it, but there's no doubt this is a very fit team.

Cameron recovered well from his early miscue. Besler hardly put a foot wrong. Johnson and Beasley got up and back on the flanks effectively. Howard went down too soon on the Nani goal, had no clue on the shot off the post (but recovered well on the rebound) and had several fine saves.

In midfield, Jones' had some give-aways and his first card in a while, but his goal was a thing of beauty. Bradley was better than vs. Ghana but still needs to elevate. Bedoya did little offensively, but did his work defensively. Beckerman was fine. Zusi was very good, especially his assist on Dempsey's goal.

Dempsey did his job. The US adjusted well to Altidore's absence and moving Dempsey up top. Unlike the the Ghana game, the US did a better job in possession and played to Dempsey's strengths.

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vince stravino
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Bradley was really uneven and has made some mental mistakes. Really not characteristic of him. He has to get back on track.

Anyone really buying into this conspiracy theory American-German gentleman's wink wink nod nod draw planned for Thursday?

We always draw the second match. We should have known this coming in. The way it ended is tough to swallow, but we played really well in the swelter. It keeps the public at-large engaged and this is how World Cup's go. It is never easy. Never.

Cool to see MLS-made Yedlin show well. Jones was tremendous again. Dempsey was clutch.
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alabastergremlin
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Overall it was a pretty well played game. A good showing.

Besler has really shown well lately and I think Jones has elevated his game for the US over the last several appearances.


From so much joy and excitement in the last seconds...


...so that's what this feels like?
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libero
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That game had it all emotionally. I can't be too upset about the draw nor can I really blame the defense, it was a world class cross from Ronaldo and a great finish by Varela. Oh so close but I do buy the theory that Germany and the US, coached by good friends Low and Klinsmann will figure a way to send both to the next round.

A draw was probably a fair result today though although both teams had chances to win it. Great games again by Jones and Beckerman with Dempsey, Johnson, Besler, Beasley and Howard all making excellent contributions too.

4 points after 2 games in this difficult group is pretty good but 1 more point is still needed. It can be obtained on Thursday whether by fair means or foul.
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shelsoccer
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After viewing multiple replays, I'm pretty sure that it was Cameron who lost track of Varela on the late goal.
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tnorth88
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Yeah I thought it was Cameron too. He had been playing 90+ Where was Gonzalez? He was just on. As a Galaxy fan my one beef about about Omar is he has a tendency to not get back quick enough.
A shame to lose 3 in the last seconds.
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robdog
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alabastergremlin,Jun 22 2014
05:46 PM
From so much joy and excitement in the last seconds.....so that's what this feels like?


really? explain cause I feel like this dude
Posted Image
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raconteur
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Yeah that was a real punch to the gut or eye as robdog posted (BTW, I see it is your birthday, happy b-day robdog, wish the US could have given you a 2nd round qualification as a present but that can still come on Thursday) This was a draw which feels more like a loss with that last minute goal. I am in agreement with libero as I find it hard to blame the defense for not cutting out the cross on the game tying goal. It was just a great delivery by Ronaldo and a fine finish by Varela. Now Bradley losing the ball to set up the play is another question...

Another display of grit and determination from the US. Fabian Johnson and Jermaine Jones have really stepped up in this World Cup. they have been wonderful. But so have been Howard, Beckerman and Dempsey. I thought Zusi played pretty well today too but I could not help think watching this game how nice it would have been to have had Landon Donovan available for this match!

I don't see Germany and the US looking to play out a draw unless with 10-15 minutes left that result is a possibility. It just is not in either nation's footballing DNA.
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alabastergremlin
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That is what I mean Robdog...we are far more accustomed to being the team that scores near the very end than being the one that drops points like that.

...THIS is what it feels like? Not fun.


I agree with the criticism going more to Bradley for his weak attempt to maintain possession. He was better than he was against Ghana but still one of the weaker players on the field.

And outside of Cameron's goof early on he played fairly well.

Besler, Jones, Johnson were all pretty solid IMO. I honestly though Besler would be out of the game near the end. He sacrificed himself to stop that and I just though he tore something the way he grabbed the backside of his knee.

I actually feel better about this team now than I have in a while.
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robdog
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well this finish had me in dream land
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Thanks for the B-day wishes btw - I will take Jones finish as a happy present
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Merengue
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That was a wonderful goal from Jones. I guess he has shown why Klinsmann had so much confidence in him. For me he has been the US' best player in these 2 games. Fabian Johnson and Clint Dempsey have not been far behind.

But what has happened to Michael Bradley? He has been the biggest disappointment among US players essentially because the expectations for him were so high.

raconteur wrote,

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I don't see Germany and the US looking to play out a draw unless with 10-15 minutes left that result is a possibility. It just is not in either nation's footballing DNA.


It is not part of the US' footballing culture, just ask Mexico from this last qualifying series. but for Germany I refer you to the 1982 game between West Germany and Austria at Spain 1982, where the Germans scored to lead 1-0 then they and the Austrians stopped playing, a result which sent the two of them to the next round at the expense of Algeria who has played earlier in the day. It was that game which forced FIFA to ensure the final match day in group play would have simultaneously played games.

I hope Germany and the US actually play and do not "arrange" a tie on Thursday but let me say I would not be surprised if the game does end that way.

Happy birthday robdog, nice gift from Jermaine Jones for you, too bad Ronaldo and Varela became party spoilers for you! ;)
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