OT: Boneyard "Other Football" World Cup Thread

[UConnTrumbull]

Wait until Qatar, I bet the US team will be camped at Al-Udeid Air Base with US Central Command. Still have no idea how a desert country with a population the size of Rhode Island is hosting the Cup in the middle of the summer over the US or Australia. Oh wait, the gas price at my local station went up 15 cents right after that announcement, never mind.

There's reports of a possible re-vote for 2022 after all these leaked emails came about recently. So I guess that's reason enough to be optimistic but knowing FIFA they'll just say they "investigated thoroughly" and found nothing wrong with their bid.

 

[meyers7]

Agreed. Looking at this team over the last couple of games, there's no reason at all that Donovan is not the starting left midfielder. Perplexing and frustrating to say the least.

As for Chandler, I was saying that he was slow in my last post. I hope I didn't word it to give the impression that I think he has speed. I've seen sap come out of a tree faster...

Actually Chandler is known for his speed. Probably one of the reasons Klinsmann brought him along.

Really not sure who I prefer at LB, Beasley or Chandler. Beasley has more experience, though that isn't saying that much, I don't believe either play LB for club. But Beasley has more experience in general. Johnson can play either LB or RB. It think I would prefer having Chandler on the right and Johnson on the left. Not sure why Klinsmann switched them around.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

There's reports of a possible re-vote for 2022 after all these leaked emails came about recently. So I guess that's reason enough to be optimistic but knowing FIFA they'll just say they "investigated thoroughly" and found nothing wrong with their bid.

I have said it before. Only way that the 2022 Cup is moved (versus re-scheduled to the winter) completely out of Qatar is if the big Corporate Sponsors decide the issues with Qatar (bribes, heat, human rights, etc.) will tarnish their own image and pull more money from FIFA that the ‘extra’ money that FIFA has received from the Oil Sheiks. Money talks. After all, good old Sepp was quoted earlier this year that FIFA did not realize that the technical Report when analyzing the bids indicated that hosting a World Cup in August in a desert would be a bad thing. Bet the pool of money he was swimming in was chilled just right courtesy of Oil, inc.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/s...lls-world-cup-qatar-mistake-article-1.1795094

 

[Carl Spackler]

I watched the game on recording late last night after a great weekend out. The more I watch of soccer the more fascinating it becomes for me. It's really not that much different than my kind of football, except for starts and stops in action and the aspects of physically stopping your opponent with the ball when defending the ball, and the aspects of physically moving your opponent when advancing the ball to the goal. I think there is a ton about tactics and plays that can be translated from soccer to football. The aspects of 3-d passing of the ball, either in the air or on the ground is amazing to me. Bradley's play to set up the first score was essentially the same thing as a 3 step QB drop and slant with a WR shielding the DB, and good spacing - that pass play - if the rush is blocked, and the QB is accurate, and the WR big enough to shield the DB and get leverage is indefensible - it's simply up to the QB to put the ball where the WR can catch it, and the WR catching it. Fabian Johnson got the ball at his foot, and nailed it. Great play.

The thing that struck me most last night, is that I had no idea how much officiating can change/effect a soccer game. The announcers talked about how this guy officiating had problems before in the African Nations Cup (which was actually my first experience to high level soccer - but that's neither here nor there) and it showed last night. There was a lot of talk about how lucky the U.S. was to have not given up at least one, if not multiple goals - especially early - but I can't figure out why Altidore's goal of a corner wasn't allowed, or why it seemed that two breakaway chances by Altidore and Dempsey - on the same play - really weren't called for anything either.

IT's entirely possible that if Turkey had been more accurate on their shots early, and that the officiating had been different, the score would have been 4-2 or any other combination than what actually happens, so that makes me think again, that much like my football - the game is essentially organized chaos and is essentially a mental game expressed with physical skill - with the goal of imposing your will on the other team by physical dominance. Whatever happens, you simply need to keep moving and keep going. The big difference is that it's constant motion. Yes, our defense seemed to be exposed and weak, but I'm not so sure that it was because the defense was playing bad - it seems that we were playing a very wide open attacking game, and when you do that - you are going to be exposed and have areas that can be exploited on defense - again - much like my football. There are ways to set up a defense that keep the field equally covered and spread and there are ways to challenge, and leave wide open areas and play risks/benefits. Looks to me, like we are playing an attacking soccer that has risks/benefits.

ANd that leads me to my last observation for now - and that's the goal that we gave up late. I don't have a frame of reference because I've never really watched U.S.A. soccer much in the past, but so far, in the past two games, the U.S.A. to me has had better team and individual speed through the games than our two opponents. It seems that we are going to rely on speed to make up for the risks we are taking with attacking, and it showed big time.

Unlike transition from offense to defense in my football, transition in soccer is instantaneous - freaking fast. If the players on this team, are not ready to change direction, flip hips, whatever it is in soccer they need to do to transition physically from offense to defending and run like hell - we will have trouble. Chandler essentially stopped running late on that offense/defense transition and it gave the Turkey player a clear shot on goal that has hand balled.

(which I learned something new last night, should be a red card - game ejection - I always wondered about that - why players just wouldn't grab the ball and stop it if the goalie didn't get it. Seems to me a penalty kick is better than just letting the ball go in - but can't do that apparently - and poor officiating again - but whatever...sequence - defender sleep walks, offensive player gets a goal)

If I were Klinsmann, I would be tearing Chandler a new for that play. It seemed it was the only breakdown in going full speed when defending in the entire game, and it cost a goal.

I think that will be a theme for this team in Brazil. We go full speed the entire game, and I think we have a good chance to advance. We have some really fast athletes on this team.

 

[Carl Spackler]

Ding ding ding. Exactly.

Yes, basically the Ghana game is a one off to advance. Not meaning we will if we win, but it's the only "chance" we have of advancing.

A tie with Portugal gives us 4 points. If GER already has 6, then Ghana is out, and POR has 1 point going into the last game. POR has to win (and will) against an already finished Ghana. GER is through, and through in 1st with just a draw with USA. 5 pts and we're through, or 4 points and a GD and we're through.

Granted, not likely, but that's our best chance.

I know there is a lot of focus on that first game, for good reason, because there are actual favorites to win the entire tournament lined up behind them, but it seems to me that just like my football, you got to line up and play one play at a time, except you don't get to start and stop in soccer. Seems to me that the best chance to advance is to score as many goals as possible.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

My thoughts on the game against Turkey beside I wish I went; but, the wife would not approve me spending $200 for a ticket on StubHub.

Overall – Played well on offence with a beautiful first goal and a second opportunistic goal. Should have put a few more it the back of the next and the US may need those goals if the Defense does not get its act together. The group of death will not be as forgiving of mistakes. God help the US if this is the quality of referees that the US is going to have to face.

Formation - I played the bottom of the diamond in a diamond midfield in high school. It worked for us and may work for the US. Bradley is great at the top of the diamond. Jones will need to be careful with cards due to his physical play. My biggest concern is the space that Turkey ran through on numerous times in the middle of the box mostly due to lack of communications between the 2 central backs and the bottom of the diamond. They need to know instinctively what each other is doing or Germany and Portugal will the US alive. They will not miss the opportunities that Turkey did. Honestly, I would prefer a 1-5-4 (usually called a 1-2-3-4) with Jozy on top as a holding striker supported by two attacking midfielders (Dempsey & Johannsson with Wondo coming off the bench as needed when a goals is needed).

Keepers – No concerns here. After the embarrassment in 2010 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIFdI9iypqk), I wonder if the Brits would sell Big Ben to the US for our second string keeper?

Defense – This is where I am very concerned that Klimsman’s apparent preference for youth and speed over experience may really hurt the US. Chandler has talent; but may too many mistakes that the US would deeply regret if the quality of the opponent was better. I would have preferred Parkhust on the team instead of him. He and Beasley could rotate the position from game to game to keep each other fresh as I trust their experience and craftiness over Chandler’s talent. On the opposite side, Johnson’s run and shot for the first goal was sublime; but, he needs to do a better job covering back. In the middle, Besler and Cameron need to work on their communications as Turkey had too many effective deep runs as noted above. Not sure of Goodson would have been any better and I do not think Gonzalez played. I cannot fault Cameron on the PK as Chandler’s give-away set-up the shot and it was an accidental touch (see video for a deliberate handball - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7Sa2_LXDrI). Brooks played better than expected and he maybe a beast in 2018. Yedlin did not leave any impression on me, good or bad. Thus, overall, I wish the US would dump Chandler and bring back Parkhust, especially as the US looks thin on edges. Brooks or Gonzalez can fill in for one of the center backs when one of them misses a game due to injury or Cards.

Midfield – Bradley is clearly the best and most import player on the pitch for the US, even more than Howard because Guzan is a very capable sub in net. There is no replacement for Bradley on the roster. I like him in charge of the offense and his confidence showed. Only question is if Jones is the right partner for him and if, yes, can Jones stay out of Card trouble for the entire Cup, which I doubt. I would prefer Mix and Zusi on the wings over Davis, who I view as a specialist for set pieces. Zusi did well both passing and covering back. Mix left no impression other than wearing #10. Beckerman is as always serviceable, especially as a defensive sub, which is hopefully will be needed. Green was OK and may have earned a PK; but, I believe he is better suited for the wing and may have the energy to add something as a sub. That combined with the need to season him before 2018 and I can see the value of his roster spot. I cannot say the same for Bedoya, who did not play, and if Klimsman will not play him much, adds nothing. In my opinion, drop Bedoya for LD. Let LD play the first 60 minutes on the wing with his experience, set piece skills, and nose for the net. Green or Zusi/Mix can then sub for him on the wing for the last 30.

Forward – Jozy just needs to find the back of the net and it’s obvious that it’s in his head. Shot the ball young man! Other than that, he played a good, stand-up striker using his physically to cause Turkey fits, which will be needed against big European center backs, and his distribution was decent. Dempsey craftiness and ability to turn any and all opportunities to get the ball on net is exactly what the US needs. Refs did not help him much. Does disappear from time to time. Johnannsson and Wondo did not play and hope to see them in the final warm-up. I still like Johannsson on the field in an attacking midfield role as noted above in a 1-5-4; but, he can fill in up front should (when) Dempsey and/or Jozy miss a match due to injury or Cards. Wondo as noted before has a nose for the net and works hard, a good ‘US needs a goal now’ substitute.

 

[Carl Spackler]

In the interview after the half, Klinsmann talked about making adjustments - imagine that - a coach actually observing what's happening, and changing things. I don't understand soccer strategy and tactics all that much, just basics but Klinsmann made it pretty clear that Turkey was sending two forwards against one defender, and that's a mismatch. They changed something, so that they couldn't do that anymore. I would think that there was probably something somewhere else that the U.S.A. could have exploited, if Turkey was overloading one player on the field, but we clearly weren't able to do it, if we had to adjust to what Turkey was doing. That's how games go though, you got to impose your will on the other team. We adjusted to what Turkey was doing, and to my eye it would have been another shutout win, had Chandler simply gone full speed and cut off that offensive player to the goal at the very end of the game.

From my sports perspective that partial effort, especially that late in the game, was incredibly poor performance and discipline, and we can't have that.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

In the interview after the half, Klinsmann talked about making adjustments - imagine that - a coach actually observing what's happening, and changing things. I don't understand soccer strategy and tactics all that much, just basics but Klinsmann made it pretty clear that Turkey was sending two forwards against one defender, and that's a mismatch. They changed something, so that they couldn't do that anymore. I would think that there was probably something somewhere else that the U.S.A. could have exploited, if Turkey was overloading one player on the field, but we clearly weren't able to do it, if we had to adjust to what Turkey was doing. That's how games go though, you got to impose your will on the other team. We adjusted to what Turkey was doing, and to my eye it would have been another shutout win, had Chandler simply gone full speed and cut off that offensive player to the goal at the very end of the game.

From my sports perspective that partial effort, especially that late in the game, was incredibly poor performance and discipline, and we can't have that.

Agree on Chandler and I am also glad, that the US has Klimsman as a coach, even if I do not agree with some of his roster moves, instead of Coach PP who would/would not make any adjustment ever.

 

[Husky25]

The Defense overall was far from impressive yesterday. Chandler was only one piece of it. The US would have found themselves down 2 vs. a World Cup opponent. They got lucky when the 3rd (by my count) excellent scoring chance went off the right post. I think the offense capitalized on Turkey's style of play. Turkey was routinely putting 8-9 players in the attacking 1/3. This led to a couple solid clears that turned lead passes for Jozy and Dempsy. I missed part of the second half, but that giveaway (and subsequent handball) in the 88th minute is inexcusable.

The Bradley pass that led to the first goal was a thing of beauty and Altidore did not obstruct the keeper on the early corner kick. The officials were certainly not on their game yesterday.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

If Chandler plays, the US doesn't score because Bradley and Beckerman / Jones will spend all of their time covering for Chandler. And it's not like we are guaranteed to score against the top teams anyways!

Would it make you feel better if I tell you that we'll lose 5-1 with Chandler?!? I swear, sometimes you just type for the fun of typing. Cheezus...

If Chandler does play against Portugal, the US will score; but, Portugal will score a lot more and then I will have to pay for the TV that I throw out the window (even if it is not my TV) when Ronaldo rips off his shirt and celebrates for 15 minutes after netting Portugal’s final goal in injury time as Portugal cruises to a 6 to 2 rout.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

The Defense overall was far from impressive yesterday. Chandler was only one piece of it. The US would have found themselves down 2 vs. a World Cup opponent. They got lucky when the 3rd (by my count) excellent scoring chance went off the right post. I think the offense capitalized on Turkey's style of play. Turkey was routinely putting 8-9 players in the attacking 1/3. This led to a couple solid clears that turned lead passes for Jozy and Dempsy. I missed part of the second half, but that giveaway (and subsequent handball) in the 88th minute is inexcusable.

The Bradley pass that led to the first goal was a thing of beauty and Altidore did not obstruct the keeper on the early corner kick. The officials were certainly not on their game yesterday.

My concern, and I believe it is shared by many, is that the match’s refers are up to the usual World Cup standards already. The head referee for the game, Slim Jedidi, was suspended by the African confederation for losing control of their Cup’s semi-final match. His reward for such – gets to ref at the World Cup. Frack you FIFA.

 

[meyers7]

I watched the game on recording late last night after a great weekend out. The more I watch of soccer the more fascinating it becomes for me. It's really not that much different than my kind of football, except for starts and stops in action and the aspects of physically stopping your opponent with the ball when defending the ball, and the aspects of physically moving your opponent when advancing the ball to the goal. I think there is a ton about tactics and plays that can be translated from soccer to football. The aspects of 3-d passing of the ball, either in the air or on the ground is amazing to me. Bradley's play to set up the first score was essentially the same thing as a 3 step QB drop and slant with a WR shielding the DB, and good spacing - that pass play - if the rush is blocked, and the QB is accurate, and the WR big enough to shield the DB and get leverage is indefensible - it's simply up to the QB to put the ball where the WR can catch it, and the WR catching it. Fabian Johnson got the ball at his foot, and nailed it. Great play.

Well Gridiron Football, Football (Soccer), Australian Rules Football, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Gaelic Football all came from the same game. Just developed/diverged into different codes (rules). So yea, they should be somewhat similar.

Personally I find soccer and basketball to be very similar. With dribbling, passing, movement, finding space, give and go’s, overlaps (running the lanes on breaks), shooting, etc.

The thing that struck me most last night, is that I had no idea how much officiating can change/effect a soccer game. The announcers talked about how this guy officiating had problems before in the African Nations Cup (which was actually my first experience to high level soccer - but that's neither here nor there) and it showed last night

Oh yes, officiating can greatly affect a game, unfortunately. But I think it was probably to the USA’s advantage to have that ref yesterday. Places the USA in situations they might encounter in the WC. Ultimately it doesn’t matter whether you win these friendlies or not. What matters is how it prepares you for the WC matches.

IT's entirely possible that if Turkey had been more accurate on their shots early, and that the officiating had been different, the score would have been 4-2 or any other combination than what actually happens, so that makes me think again, that much like my football - the game is essentially organized chaos and is essentially a mental game expressed with physical skill - with the goal of imposing your will on the other team by physical dominance. Whatever happens, you simply need to keep moving and keep going. The big difference is that it's constant motion. Yes, our defense seemed to be exposed and weak, but I'm not so sure that it was because the defense was playing bad - it seems that we were playing a very wide open attacking game, and when you do that - you are going to be exposed and have areas that can be exploited on defense - again - much like my football. There are ways to set up a defense that keep the field equally covered and spread and there are ways to challenge, and leave wide open areas and play risks/benefits. Looks to me, like we are playing an attacking soccer that has risks/benefits.

Agreed, Klinsmann for one like to play attacking football. And secondly, I don’t think (and Klinsmann probably doesn’t believe) the USA is good enough to just sit back and absorb pressure all game. It’s gonna be a mad scramble defensively for the USA. And hopefully, Howard can make some saves, and maybe we can get lucky. And if that happens, we might have a chance against some better teams.

Unlike transition from offense to defense in my football, transition in soccer is instantaneous - freaking fast. If the players on this team, are not ready to change direction, flip hips, whatever it is in soccer they need to do to transition physically from offense to defending and run like hell - we will have trouble. Chandler essentially stopped running late on that offense/defense transition and it gave the Turkey player a clear shot on goal that has hand balled.

Lot’s of training time is spent on transition offense and defense. Getting numbers forward and getting numbers back. Another reason, besides the insane travel/heat game schedule that Klinsmann is focusing so heavily on fitness. (and one reason why Donovan, who stated he can’t go 100% everyday, is not in the 23).

(which I learned something new last night, should be a red card - game ejection - I always wondered about that - why players just wouldn't grab the ball and stop it if the goalie didn't get it. Seems to me a penalty kick is better than just letting the ball go in - but can't do that apparently - and poor officiating again - but whatever...sequence - defender sleep walks, offensive player gets a goal)

Yes, it’s supposed to be a redcard. Denies Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity (Handling). There is also a Redcard for Denies Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity (Foul), such as could have been called on the foul on Altidore on the breakaway. AND when a player is given a redcard they are excluded (banned) from at least the next game also.

As an aside, in the 2010 WC quarterfinal match, Luis Suarez from Uruguay handled the ball on the goal line to stop Ghana (who had just beaten the USA in the round of 16) from scoring very late in the game (in added extra time, like 120th minute). He was sent off, and Ghana missed the PK. That sent the game into Kicks From The Mark (PKs) where Uruguay won. Very controversial. Suarez missed the next game and Uruguay lost to Netherland.

 

[Carl Spackler]

The Defense overall was far from impressive yesterday. Chandler was only one piece of it. The US would have found themselves down 2 vs. a World Cup opponent. They got lucky when the 3rd (by my count) excellent scoring chance went off the right post. I think the offense capitalized on Turkey's style of play. Turkey was routinely putting 8-9 players in the attacking 1/3. This led to a couple solid clears that turned lead passes for Jozy and Dempsy. I missed part of the second half, but that giveaway (and subsequent handball) in the 88th minute is inexcusable.

The Bradley pass that led to the first goal was a thing of beauty and Altidore did not obstruct the keeper on the early corner kick. The officials were certainly not on their game yesterday.

I really don't know if the defense was that bad, but I'll take your word for it. I don't think I've ever seen more than 5 goals scored by a single team in soccer, so I'm not so sure it's that easy to put a ball in the back in the net. Turkey had chances, and they missed. It's a big "what if" game. You got to generate scoring chances, and then finish them. You got to impose your will on how the game will be played to generate scoring chances. They didn't score those goals, and that's that for me. In football, you need to have no memory of the play before, when playing, and focus only on the moment at hand. You got to focus, put the past behind you, and move forward. It's the same in soccer. Had those shots gone in, the game still needed to be played and finished. we had scoring chances that failed too.

The only real breakdown I know for 100% certain I saw in defendind, was the Chandler partial effort that led to a scoring chance - was the one late in the game - that actually did lead to a goal. Nothing makes my competitive blood boil more than watching athletes on the field, whatever sport - give partial effort. And you can tell when they do.

I do know that something wasn't working well in defense in the first half, because Klinsmann had to make the half-time adjustment to change it. I don't know if that was because of someone's (or a more than one players) poor play, or if it was a strategy/tactics thing. My guess is that it was strategy/tactics - rather than poor play. I could very well be wrong, it could be entirely bad play on the players, I don't know enough to tell. I go with my conclusion, because even though Turkey had scoring chances early (which they missed) it did not appear to my eye, that Turkey was really controlling the flow of the game in the first half.

Great players will make great plays regardless of sport, and the Turkey players made some plays, but failed to score. Our players made plays too, and they did score.

On that note - Altidore - needs to put the ball in the back of the goal, when it's 1-1 with the goalie.

I'm beginning to really like watching soccer. I think the way we advance in the world cup, as I wrote before, is to go full out, balls to the wall speed for the entire 90+ minutes and score as many goals as possible. I'm beginning to think, that like in football, on defense, overwhelming team speed, when defending, is much more important than strategy and tactics.

 

[ScottBonz]

Late to the game here on this discussion. At a conference in Vegas so I still haven't watched the game. If anyone is interested in a real technical breakdown of the game go to www.theshinguardian.com. Great coverage of the USMNT with in depth tactical analysis and also a good follow on twitter. Tons of links to other blogs as well. Big Data is starting to ramp up in the soccer world and its pretty interesting to read about.

I think the big decision will be whether or not they stick with the 4-4-2 diamond midfield. Jermaine Jones does a great job as berzecking enforcer but he needs to learn to fall back and sometimes wait for help. Shade defenders to slow up play and not always go in for tackles. Jones looks menacing but sometimes leaves way to much space between the midfield and the defenders. Kyle Beckerman may be the better play in the 4-4-2. Maybe they end up shading back to the 4-3-1-2 or 4-2-3-1 depending on dempseys movement where jones and bradley play off each other.

http://theshinguardian.com/2014/06/01/positioning-catastrophe-averted-44-usa-2-turkey-1/

 

[ScottBonz]

I do know that something wasn't working well in defense in the first half, because Klinsmann had to make the half-time adjustment to change it. I don't know if that was because of someone's (or a more than one players) poor play, or if it was a strategy/tactics thing. My guess is that it was strategy/tactics - rather than poor play. I could very well be wrong, it could be entirely bad play on the players, I don't know enough to tell. I go with my conclusion, because even though Turkey had scoring chances early (which they missed) it did not appear to my eye, that Turkey was really controlling the flow of the game in the first half.

I'm beginning to really like watching soccer. I think the way we advance in the world cup, as I wrote before, is to go full out, balls to the wall speed for the entire 90+ minutes and score as many goals as possible. I'm beginning to think, that like in football, on defense, overwhelming team speed, when defending, is much more important than strategy and tactics.

Carl,

Look at my post for an explanation of why the defensive was put on an island in the first half. Turkey didn't have their full A squad out there but Nuri Sahin is no joke and he exposed those gaps.

Glad you are starting to enjoy watching it. Getting just a solid background in tactics make it so much more interesting to watch. Until I started reading about it I had no idea how much went into it.

 

[ZooCougar]

That handball at the end reminded me so much of the German handball in 2002 in Korea. We should have been awarded a PK.

The World Cup has a way of exposing all weaknesses and we have a weakness at Left Back. Chandler looked like WR getting burned on that play. That could be our Achilles Heel!

Altidore looks big an imposing and world class, that is until he actually has to finish. He just can't break through. It was really frustrating and I hope he snaps out of it.

I REALLY like Yedlin. He is a future superstar for us. He is everywhere and he plays physical.

Diskerud.. I really like him too. He just seems so composed and creative. He also has a ton of upside for us.

At this point the only justification for putting Green on the roster is to lock him up for the future. That's solid reasoning, but right now he looks too green to be on the field in Brazil. That being said, I will now concede that leaving Donovan off the roster was a mistake. I know JK sees him as a forward, but there has to be someone else on the roster that could have been left out in Donovan's favor. I would just feel more secure knowing that LD's creativity coming off the bench might give us the edge that we otherwise wouldn't have.

I still love JK, but I think I agree with the people that were critical of that decision at this point.

 

[Carl Spackler]

Well Gridiron Football, Football (Soccer), Australian Rules Football, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Gaelic Football all came from the same game. Just developed/diverged into different codes (rules). So yea, they should be somewhat similar.
As an aside, in the 2010 WC quarterfinal match, Luis Suarez from Uruguay handled the ball on the goal line to stop Ghana (who had just beaten the USA in the round of 16) from scoring very late in the game (in added extra time, like 120th minute). He was sent off, and Ghana missed the PK. That sent the game into Kicks From The Mark (PKs) where Uruguay won. Very controversial. Suarez missed the next game and Uruguay lost to Netherland.

Too much to respond to at once. On the "handling at the goal". I would think that it's better for a player to get the red card and ejection in World Cup competition by stopping the ball at the goal line, rather than letting it in, for the exact situation you described. If you don't pick up the ball, or stop it with your hand, it's a goal. If you do, you got consequences, but at least you have a chance to stop it on the penalty kick. Got to have a lot of situational smarts though. Wouldn't make sense to get a red card and miss a game, if you are playing a friendly.

On that note, it's probably something that our U.S. player shouldn't have done? Would he have to miss the next game even though it's a friendly? Teaching moment - and on that note - the announcers said that the hand ball by our player that slapped the ball back in bounds would have also been a red card in the World Cup? That's a mental discipline problem. I actually loved the play, that he got away with it - but didn't realize that it could be penalized like that. Mental discipline. Full effort from start to finish. These things are important to winning football (mine or soccer).

As for the strategy, speed, stuff. Makes a whole lot of sense. I guess it's just how I'm wired though, even if it is a skill/talent issue for the U.S.A. that would seem to favor an attacking style - as you say, not having the skill/talent to defend otherwise? I think I would still prefer an attacking style over defending, even if the skill/talent level were not an issue.

The objective, is to score more goals than your opponent.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

hmm, sounds like my son's U14 team.

At U8, it more like herding cats.

I had one girl (co-ed until U10) playing keeper let in a goal because she did not want to make the other team’s player cry by stopping the ball. I tried to say something, and then gave-up as a lost cause.
On the flip side, I kicked one team’s player off the field.

The kids scored 4 goals; but, was pushing and running over everyone to get to the ball – even his own teammates. I just about lost it when my team’s keeper, who, yes, was my own son, covered-up a shot and then the kid ran up to him and started to kick him until the ball came lose and then kicked the ball in the net and celebrated. The teen ref thought it was fine and the kid’s Dad was literally cheering him on and screaming ‘kill ‘em!’ Luckily, the other team’s coach (who I play soccer with) also had enough has the same kid took out two of his own players earlier, pulled him from the game. The kid’s Dad got in my face later after the game and I said nothing then because I was trying to keep my wife from doing something stupid, like killing the guy. At a meeting the next day, my son (sporting a black eye, cut lip, and a big arse bruise along his side), the other team’s coach, and the kid met with the rec coordinator. The poor kid was confused because he thought that is how is he supposed to play. He had to write a letter of apology to my son and the league and was told any further incidents would not be allowed to play anymore, which I thought for that age was fair. His Dad was barred from attending any of the town’s rec sports for a year.

 

[Carl Spackler]

That handball at the end reminded me so much of the German handball in 2002 in Korea. We should have been awarded a PK.

The World Cup has a way of exposing all weaknesses and we have a weakness at Left Back. Chandler looked like WR getting burned on that play. That could be our Achilles Heel!

Altidore looks big an imposing and world class, that is until he actually has to finish. He just can't break through. It was really frustrating and I hope he snaps out of it.

I REALLY like Yedlin. He is a future superstar for us. He is everywhere and he plays physical.

Diskerud.. I really like him too. He just seems so composed and creative. He also has a ton of upside for us.

At this point the only justification for putting Green on the roster is to lock him up for the future. That's solid reasoning, but right now he looks too green to be on the field in Brazil. That being said, I will now concede that leaving Donovan off the roster was a mistake. I know JK sees him as a forward, but there has to be someone else on the roster that could have been left out in Donovan's favor. I would just feel more secure knowing that LD's creativity coming off the bench might give us the edge that we otherwise wouldn't have.

I still love JK, but I think I agree with the people that were critical of that decision at this point.

Donovan isn't there because Klinsmann wanted the 23 fastest and best physical conditioned players and Donovan didn't make the cut. It's got to be that simple. Green made a mistake I've seen 12 year olds make, he took possession of the ball near the sideline, and kicked it up field, and straight out of bounds to no one. He is also fast as hell, and was involved in some scoring chances.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Too much to respond to at once. On the "handling at the goal". I would think that it's better for a player to get the red card and ejection in World Cup competition by stopping the ball at the goal line, rather than letting it in, for the exact situation you described. If you don't pick up the ball, or stop it with your hand, it's a goal. If you do, you got consequences, but at least you have a chance to stop it on the penalty kick. Got to have a lot of situational smarts though. Wouldn't make sense to get a red card and miss a game, if you are playing a friendly.

On that note, it's probably something that our U.S. player shouldn't have done? Would he have to miss the next game even though it's a friendly? Teaching moment - and on that note - the announcers said that the hand ball by our player that slapped the ball back in bounds would have also been a red card in the World Cup? That's a mental discipline problem. I actually loved the play, that he got away with it - but didn't realize that it could be penalized like that. Mental discipline. Full effort from start to finish. These things are important to winning football (mine or soccer).

As for the strategy, speed, stuff. Makes a whole lot of sense. I guess it's just how I'm wired though, even if it is a skill/talent issue for the U.S.A. that would seem to favor an attacking style - as you say, not having the skill/talent to defend otherwise? I think I would still prefer an attacking style over defending, even if the skill/talent level were not an issue.

The objective, is to score more goals than your opponent.

For those who may not know, the most infamous hand ball in the history of World Cup soccer, the Hand of God

 

[Carl Spackler]

Carl,

Look at my post for an explanation of why the defensive was put on an island in the first half. Turkey didn't have their full A squad out there but Nuri Sahin is no joke and he exposed those gaps.

Glad you are starting to enjoy watching it. Getting just a solid background in tactics make it so much more interesting to watch. Until I started reading about it I had no idea how much went into it.

Thanks - I'll look at it. I'm beginning to think that studying soccer, and the spacing and attacking/defending in constant motion, can be very helpful for getting really advanced with developing tactics and strategy for football.

 

[Husky25]

Too much to respond to at once. On the "handling at the goal". I would think that it's better for a player to get the red card and ejection in World Cup competition by stopping the ball at the goal line, rather than letting it in, for the exact situation you described. If you don't pick up the ball, or stop it with your hand, it's a goal. If you do, you got consequences, but at least you have a chance to stop it on the penalty kick. Got to have a lot of situational smarts though. Wouldn't make sense to get a red card and miss a game, if you are playing a friendly.

On that note, it's probably something that our U.S. player shouldn't have done? Would he have to miss the next game even though it's a friendly? Teaching moment - and on that note - the announcers said that the hand ball by our player that slapped the ball back in bounds would have also been a red card in the World Cup? That's a mental discipline problem. I actually loved the play, that he got away with it - but didn't realize that it could be penalized like that. Mental discipline. Full effort from start to finish. These things are important to winning football (mine or soccer).

As for the strategy, speed, stuff. Makes a whole lot of sense. I guess it's just how I'm wired though, even if it is a skill/talent issue for the U.S.A. that would seem to favor an attacking style - as you say, not having the skill/talent to defend otherwise? I think I would still prefer an attacking style over defending, even if the skill/talent level were not an issue.

The objective, is to score more goals than your opponent.

While the handball at the end of the game prevented a goal, I didn't think it was as blatant as the one going down the left sideline.

 

[Carl Spackler]

While the handball at the end of the game prevented a goal, I didn't think it was as blatant as the one going down the left sideline.

I LOVED that play, until the announcers said that it could have gotten him ejected or something in the World Cup. The fact that we had two such things happen in the same game, to me is much more of a problem than anything physically or tactically with defending. You can't be making mental mistakes that can get you thrown out of a World Cup game.

That's just me though.

 

[Husky25]

I LOVED that play, until the announcers said that it could have gotten him ejected or something in the World Cup. The fact that we had two such things happen in the same game, to me is much more of a problem than anything physically or tactically with defending. You can't be making mental mistakes that can get you thrown out of a World Cup game.

That's just me though.

No it's not. I'm sure 99.64% of the people posting on this thread...nay, board...have a similar opinion.

 

[meyers7]

The Defense overall was far from impressive yesterday.

The Bradley pass that led to the first goal was a thing of beauty and Altidore did not obstruct the keeper on the early corner kick. The officials were certainly not on their game yesterday.

The defense is going to be far from impressive throughout the WC. That's just the way it's gonna be. We don't have great defenders available now. The one's with experience aren't all that talented. The ones with talent aren't very experienced. But that's what we are stuck with. We should look better in the Gold Cup and in the 2018 qualification.

Bradley's pass was great. And surprising, since he's been a little loose with his passes lately. Altidore didn't obstruct, but did push the keeper. I have no problem with that call. There is always pushing and holding in the box on set pieces, but if you push/hold a player actively involved in the play (especially a keeper) you're usually gonna get called. (Especially if the foul is on the attacking team.)

Probably just as well the officials were not great, gets USA ready for the weird calls we always seem to get in the WC.