I just hope the US doesn't go out and try to play for a tie. They proved in both games that they're not terribly good when trying to protect a lead. Brad Friedel isn't going to stop all those shots every time. And could they keep possession of the damn ball! Too many attempted threw balls that got intercepted.
I think we've got a respectable chance of beating Poland, if we can just keep it together and go on the offensive. Just advancing I think would be a great statement by the US team (if beating Portugal weren't enough).
The weakness is what we saw all over that game with S.Korea - you don't even have to know anything about the game, just look at what side of the field they were ALWAYS ON. The US played great defense (Friedel gave the US that draw) but just could not mount an offense after the one goal. Friedel held the lead for what, like 55 minutes? And the one goal he couldn't save was only because of a shit call in the first place.
[quote]Then I found real sports, football ...<hr></blockquote>
I think the U.S. will be able to keep the ball on the other side of the field better against Poland just because Claudio Reyna should be better. He just didn't look right against South Korea. Hopefully, his quad will have recovered a little more. And can we do something about Agoos? His positioning has been good, but he's just too slow. He just got straight up beat for the header off that free-kick in the 78th minute. And he plays for my local club team too... I also wish they had put Cobi Jones in instead of Eddie Lewis. He did an excellent job against Portugal defending the lead and killing the clock.
You're totally right on all three counts. Reyna just didn't do what he was out there to do -- get possession. Agoos flat out missed it, and, surprise, Friegel couldnt save all of them. Giving up one badly-blocked point to the same team that pummeled Poland isn't bad. btw...I never paid attention to Beasley before, but I love that guy. He's just fun to watch, and he gets the job done.
I have to say that I am being highly entertained by this World Cup. I haven't been so interested since it was hosted here in 94.
I'm currently watching Brazil spank Costa Rica (3-0 first half still).
Errr, I guess Costa Rica isn't going down without a fight, its 3-1 now.
Anyway, its a real shame that the World Cup gets **** coverage in the U.S. In California, the games are on at 11:30pm and 4:30am! If you don't have cable or directv then its on the local spanish channel.
Don't complain. Try catching the "early" games at 1:25 a.m! It's a real drag but worth it if you choose your contests wisely. Argentia - Sweden was a disappointment even though the score was close. Boring game. Nigeria - England the same.
Hopefully the next round will provide some fireworks.
[quote]Argentia - Sweden was a disappointment even though the score was close. Boring game. Nigeria - England the same<hr></blockquote>
I don't know, towards the end argentina/sweden was really getting my interest. then again argentina would have been totally scoreless if it hadn't been for a free kick on a dumb foul (talk about giving it up easy).
as for england/nigeria, good lord, what a SNOOZEFEST
One other thing to say about the game: Donovan's goal in the 4th minute was completely legit. Disallowing it was a terrible call by the ref, and directly led to the second goal. We got lucky that Korea scored, but it balanced out with the shitty call.
I'm starting to have some doubts about the US team now after the loss to Poland. Does anyone think they can still take Mexico? Well with this World Cup of Upsets, who knows?
[quote]One other thing to say about the game: Donovan's goal in the 4th minute was completely legit. Disallowing it was a terrible call by the ref, and directly led to the second goal. <hr></blockquote>
Amen, brother. All I was thinking through the first five minutes of the game is...i'm still dreaming, it is too early in the morning for this kind of stress.
but yeah like eugene said...thanks Korea! you know for the fans that's gotta be a cockslap that we are riding in on their shirttails. <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
<strong>I'm starting to have some doubts about the US team now after the loss to Poland. Does anyone think they can still take Mexico? Well with this World Cup of Upsets, who knows?</strong><hr></blockquote>
Well, in there 2 qualifying matches against each other, the US and Mexico split both meetings. However, the US victory was in Columbus Ohio in like 25° weather, and the Mexico victory was at Azteca stadium in Mexico City. So it'll be interesting to see how it pans out on neutral turf
Agreed, the ref was smoking crack. It was an intentional miscall...he later buoyed himself by excessively fouling the Polish team, trying to make himself look more fair.
And the Polish team was pretty lame as well, with the game delay tactics. It doesn't even work! They added 5 minutes of stoppage time anyway.
<strong>Does anyone think they can still take Mexico?</strong><hr></blockquote>
The enthusiasm of the American team in the match against Portugal was impressive. But Mexico also showed much dedication. It should be an interesting game, but ... I must say I place my bet on Mexico. But of course their path will end in the quarter finals anyway.
<strong>I have to say that I am being highly entertained by this World Cup. I haven't been so interested since it was hosted here in 94.
I'm currently watching Brazil spank Costa Rica (3-0 first half still).
Errr, I guess Costa Rica isn't going down without a fight, its 3-1 now.
Anyway, its a real shame that the World Cup gets **** coverage in the U.S. In California, the games are on at 11:30pm and 4:30am! If you don't have cable or directv then its on the local spanish channel.</strong><hr></blockquote>
We lost that game 5-2 and we are OUT!
****. I HATE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. NO MORE PARTIES, NO MORE PEOPLE GOING CRAZY ON THE STREET... NO MORE RIOTS.
I DON'T WANT TO WAIT ANOTHER FOUR YEARS!!
Well, now I am supporting Spain, they are going to win the World Cup. I hope.
The U.S. is losing against Mejico, they've been playing great and the U.S. just lost against Poland.
Southern California is all caught up in Soccer fever right now with just 90 minutes to the start of USA vs Mexico. Sadly all the fever is from Mexican immigrants rallying for their team!
A little known fact for football(soccer) fans who aren't familiar with the North American scence, when the US plays Mexico in exhibition games or qualifier games, the venue is almost always in the Northern part of the United States, so as we won't have our own team be the visiting team on their own soil. A true testament to the sad state of football in the US.
Comments
The weakness is what we saw all over that game with S.Korea - you don't even have to know anything about the game, just look at what side of the field they were ALWAYS ON. The US played great defense (Friedel gave the US that draw) but just could not mount an offense after the one goal. Friedel held the lead for what, like 55 minutes? And the one goal he couldn't save was only because of a shit call in the first place.
[quote]Then I found real sports, football ...<hr></blockquote>
Best laugh I've had all day. Thanks for it!
(edit: oh, and by the way... <a href="http://worldcup.espnsoccernet.com/report?match=48840&lang=us"; target="_blank">Denmark's shutout adds to French woes</a> ... holy shit!)
[ 06-11-2002: Message edited by: poor taylor ]</p>
I'm currently watching Brazil spank Costa Rica (3-0 first half still).
Errr, I guess Costa Rica isn't going down without a fight, its 3-1 now.
Anyway, its a real shame that the World Cup gets **** coverage in the U.S. In California, the games are on at 11:30pm and 4:30am! If you don't have cable or directv then its on the local spanish channel.
Hopefully the next round will provide some fireworks.
I don't know, towards the end argentina/sweden was really getting my interest. then again argentina would have been totally scoreless if it hadn't been for a free kick on a dumb foul (talk about giving it up easy).
as for england/nigeria, good lord, what a SNOOZEFEST
Thank you Friedel...for that awesome penalty kick save in the USA vs KOR game.
USA --> Round 2
Bring on Mexico.
<strong>Bring on Mexico.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Now that's getting interesting. I'm surprised by Portugal ...
If USA wins against Mexiko ... guess who will be waiting in the quarter final.
<strong>If USA wins against Mexiko ... guess who will be waiting in the quarter final.
Paraguay?
(tho it would be entertaining to see Chilavert score a goal like he says he wants to do)
<strong>
Paraguay?
(tho it would be entertaining to see Chilavert score a goal like he says he wants to do)</strong><hr></blockquote>
I knew someone would say that. <img src="graemlins/smokin.gif" border="0" alt="[Chilling]" />
Chilavert vs Kahn will be great. In 12 hours we will know.
A great world cup so far. And now the real fun begins with extra time and penalty shoot-out.
Amen, brother. All I was thinking through the first five minutes of the game is...i'm still dreaming, it is too early in the morning for this kind of stress.
but yeah like eugene said...thanks Korea! you know for the fans that's gotta be a cockslap that we are riding in on their shirttails. <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
<strong>I'm starting to have some doubts about the US team now after the loss to Poland. Does anyone think they can still take Mexico? Well with this World Cup of Upsets, who knows?</strong><hr></blockquote>
Well, in there 2 qualifying matches against each other, the US and Mexico split both meetings. However, the US victory was in Columbus Ohio in like 25° weather, and the Mexico victory was at Azteca stadium in Mexico City. So it'll be interesting to see how it pans out on neutral turf
And the Polish team was pretty lame as well, with the game delay tactics. It doesn't even work! They added 5 minutes of stoppage time anyway.
<strong>Does anyone think they can still take Mexico?</strong><hr></blockquote>
The enthusiasm of the American team in the match against Portugal was impressive. But Mexico also showed much dedication. It should be an interesting game, but ... I must say I place my bet on Mexico. But of course their path will end in the quarter finals anyway.
<strong>I have to say that I am being highly entertained by this World Cup. I haven't been so interested since it was hosted here in 94.
I'm currently watching Brazil spank Costa Rica (3-0 first half still).
Errr, I guess Costa Rica isn't going down without a fight, its 3-1 now.
Anyway, its a real shame that the World Cup gets **** coverage in the U.S. In California, the games are on at 11:30pm and 4:30am! If you don't have cable or directv then its on the local spanish channel.</strong><hr></blockquote>
We lost that game 5-2 and we are OUT!
****. I HATE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. NO MORE PARTIES, NO MORE PEOPLE GOING CRAZY ON THE STREET... NO MORE RIOTS.
I DON'T WANT TO WAIT ANOTHER FOUR YEARS!!
Well, now I am supporting Spain, they are going to win the World Cup. I hope.
The U.S. is losing against Mejico, they've been playing great and the U.S. just lost against Poland.
A little known fact for football(soccer) fans who aren't familiar with the North American scence, when the US plays Mexico in exhibition games or qualifier games, the venue is almost always in the Northern part of the United States, so as we won't have our own team be the visiting team on their own soil. A true testament to the sad state of football in the US.