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USA vs Belgium (WC knockout); 1 July 14; Salvador, Brazil 1600 ESPN
Topic Started: Jun 27 2014, 04:44 AM (535 Views)
vince stravino
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Well, we made it this far. Interesting the the proposed closed door scrimmage did not happen pre-tournament now.

ESPN says Belgium has 60/40 percent chance of advancing. I would say that is about right.
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Johnbuildr
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vince stravino,Jun 27 2014
07:44 AM
Well, we made it this far. Interesting the the proposed closed door scrimmage did not happen pre-tournament now.

ESPN says Belgium has 60/40 percent chance of advancing. I would say that is about right.

PERFECT ODDS for the USA to advance! I like it! ;) :D :lol:
Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum



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tnorth88
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I like our chances. And good to be the underdog again. Bel. is strong but hasn't been scoring so this directly plays into our D strength. Now if we can only find a goal or two.
And we are playing in another hot house. Bel had 3 cool venues (by Brazil stds) so will be experiencing the heat and humidity for the 1st time.
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Winslow
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Remember in 2002, in the round of 16, the US played its best game up to that point?

(music) Weeee did it before, aaaand we can do it again...
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robdog
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What I like about this match-up is that Belgium is young & IMHO untested. Their group wasn't nearly demanding as our. Also the fact they have some weakness in the defense, mainly on the flanks. I see their DB always moving up the flanks & that will provide excellent opportunities to hit them on the counter. The only thing that I am worried about his the fatigue of the USNMT. Belgium didn't play their top 11 in their last match & they still got a win. They haven't played to the top abilities yet, so maybe the US can catch them over-looking the Yanks for Argentina/Switzerland.
Supporter for FCK, San Lorenzo, Chelsea, Pachuca, Corinthians & Real Betis
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americafutbol10
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I did have this matchup in one of my very early picksheets & I still like our chances to advance to the QFs. Certainly, not saying it will be easy but Belgium has not been overwhelming in the group stage, despite going 3-0-0.

Their offense hasn't produced, as expected, but their defense has been very strong & that does concern me...mostly, because of Bradley's ineffectiveness & Altidore's uncertain status.

This might be the type of game where Dempsey needs to take the team on his back...unless, Bradley finds his game. Hoping that, somehow, Altidore is available, if only as a late-game sub if we need a goal.

I hope we see the kind of swash-buckling, attacking bunch we saw v Turkey & Nigeria in the send-off series! Of course, the weather might affect that gameplan :rolleyes:
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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vince stravino
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Making a negative a positive: Bradley can't possibly keep have bad games. He is just too good.

According to FIFA, Bradley has covered 23.6 miles in the first three matches. He leads all other players in the tournament by about a mile. Not sure that is a good thing.
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tnorth88
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Bradley's mileage is high possibly indicating too frenetic activity or too much responsibility put on him by JK. RE the latter Jones pushed forward more against Ger maybe as recognition of Bradley's work rate.
As we all agree it would be nice to see him as an O engine Tues.
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shelsoccer
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All true, tnorth, plus add in the fact that we've been chasing the games for large periods thanks to score and lack of possession. When you can't hold the ball, everyone is going to do more running.
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robdog
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shelsoccer,Jun 28 2014
12:34 PM
All true, tnorth, plus add in the fact that we've been chasing the games for large periods thanks to score and lack of possession. When you can't hold the ball, everyone is going to do more running.

Again shel hits the nail on the head. I get so frustrated seeing the Yanks make silly passes & constantly give the ball away. I was so angry on Thurs, but after reviewing the match in my mind I have come away with the fact that this US team is trying to beat Destiny & at times the enormity of the moment is often too heavy on them. So we see the silly mistakes, but if we keep this up our WC will end. Hopefully Jurgen can get these guys anchored & they can achieve more Greatness. I Believe it can be done. The 1950 USNMT has shown the way & we can do it again in Brazil!!!
Supporter for FCK, San Lorenzo, Chelsea, Pachuca, Corinthians & Real Betis
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americafutbol10
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IT'S OFFICIAL...Jozy Altidore is ready to go & will be available ;) :D

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

Subs: Cameron, Diskerud & Altidore.

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!! B)
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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raconteur
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vince stravino,Jun 27 2014
04:14 PM
Making a negative a positive: Bradley can't possibly keep have bad games. He is just too good.

According to FIFA, Bradley has covered 23.6 miles in the first three matches. He leads all other players in the tournament by about a mile. Not sure that is a good thing.

Vince seeing the glass half full (I like that attitude Dr. S!)

shelsoccer with a good point about chasing the games leading to Bradley's distance covered. Belgium worked the US over pretty well last year, OK that was "just" a friendly but I recall we all came away impressed with their performance against the US in that game. I am really concerned about Hazard and Mertens on the wings and the pressure they will put on Johnson and Beasley, Hazard in particular will keep Johnson busy defensively where we may not see much of him in attack. I am thinking the S will need a good game from Howard and all the backline plus some opportunism in attack, hopefully Dempsey can have a big game and Zusi, who ahs been somewhat quiet in Brazil can step up and play well. I already know Jones and Beckerman will do their job in midfield.

That then leaves Bradley, if Vince is right and he plays well, the US can achieve something good in this game.
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shelsoccer
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I'm feeling pretty good about this game. Hazard and a number of other Belgians have not played up to their normal standards. Belgium has injury concerns on defense.

Furthermore, this kind of reminds me of the '94 game vs. Colombia. The US had played Colombia in a number of friendlies in the run-up to '94 and, I believe, lost them all (I know I was at one in Miami). The Colombians came into that game over-confident, Bora made some tactical adjustments and we pull off the 2-1 win.

Finally, think about if this comes down to PKs. Who do you like more -- Howard or Courtois?
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Gunners
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Hi all. It's been forever since I posted on this board, but I had to make it back for this special occasion.

I think the key to beating Belgium is by attacking down the flanks. Alderweireld and Vertonghen are both excellent defenders, but neither is a true fullback. Both could have trouble with quicker, skillful players. It also helps that Belgium's flank midfielders aren't particularly fond of defending. Fabian Johnson and Demarcus Beasley could be huge keys in this match if they can put pressure on Belgium without being exposed defensively themselves. Obviously, it would help if Altidore is available to provide possession and distribution to the flanks, while also freeing up Dempsey and Bradley to wander and turn up in dangerous positions. However, even if Jozy is limited, I think we can cause some problems for the Belgians by attacking this relative weakness.

In any case, it's nice to read some posts from people with whom I started sharing soccer thoughts 15 years ago....

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!
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Yogi
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Good to have you back Gunners, hope to see you stick around post World Cup.

So I see on FIFA.com the US lineup today, no Beckerman! Not sure why but Cameron it appears takes his place in defensive midfield with Gonzalez, Besler behind him.

We'll find out soon why Beckerman not included (sick?injured?)

Oh and Kompany is playing but Lukaku is not for Belgium.

Belgium: Courtois, Alderweireld, Kompany, Vertonghen, Van Buyten, Witsel, De Bruyne, Fellaini, Hazard, Mertens, Origi

United States: Howard; Johnson, González, Besler, Beasley; Cameron, Jones; Bedoya, Bradley, Zusi; Dempsey


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