USA Soccer

[Eielson]

Question for soccer guys:

Where we playing really conservatively? I don't know much of the tactical stuff, but it seemed like we were playing not to lose the whole time, and only got aggressive when we absolutely had to. I may be way off, though. I just felt like we were playing for a 0-0 tie against Germany and Belgium (and win during shoot-out).

[birddog]

I'll fill ya in Manana

[Curly Bill]

Curly, host Brazil lost 7-1 v Germany. We lost 1-0 to Germany a week ago. Brazil has won more cups than any other country. In the other semi Argentina will play the Netherlands for the right to meet Germany for the cup. A German v Holland final would be the best matchup we could as for. Tomorrow at 3 I think we'll see the Dutch pour it on pretty good. 7-1 is crazy. Worst loss for Brazil since 1920?

The Brazil - Germany game was an aberration. To try and take anything away from the US only losing to Germany by one goal is a big stretch, other than the fact the USA muddled the game up to try to get into PKs.

I watched the US soccer games and everyone we played largely dominated play against us with the exception of Portugal, who is way overrated and a one-man team if ever there was one, and damned if they didn't get a tie against the US. Even Ghana who is the only team the US beat largely dominated play in the game.

Anyway, I know the soccer nerds are gonna take from this World Cup whatever they want to. Admitting I'm no soccer expert I see light years difference between USA soccer and the real world powers, and boys...that ain't changing until some of our best athletes start playing soccer almost exclusively, and from a very young age, and I don't see that happening soon.

[Curly Bill]

Question for soccer guys:

Where we playing really conservatively? I don't know much of the tactical stuff, but it seemed like we were playing not to lose the whole time, and only got aggressive when we absolutely had to. I may be way off, though. I just felt like we were playing for a 0-0 tie against Germany and Belgium (and win during shoot-out).

That's what all the not very good teams do. Play very conservatively and hope to get into penalty kicks where it's as much about luck as anything.

That's why a team like Germany only beats the USA by one goal - because Germany was the only team really trying to win, and quite frankly they didn't try too hard against the US.

[Eielson]

Germany just won the World Cup, and the only team who played them closer than us was Ghana...who we beat. Portugal was top 5 coming in, and we tied them (even outplayed them). In the end, our worst game of the tournament was losing in extra time to Belgium. I'll take it.