US v Portugal

Discussion in 'Prem talk, Those Other Leagues, and International' started by dcheather, Jun 18, 2014.

  1. dcheather

    dcheather Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2005
    http://www.cbssports.com/world-cup/eye- ... rom-injury
    Sounds like Besler will most likely get the start.
     
    #1
  2. nevzter

    nevzter Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2007
    Location:
    A City by a Bay
    Agreed about Besler, he should start, but nothing like 'seizing your chance,' Mr. Brooks. Are the US going to bunker and play for a draw? Or do they try to dictate possession? Simply put, we all know the US doesn't have the personnel (especially sans Jozy) to attempt a gunfight with Portugal. I'm thinking the US goes again to two banks of four and will defend and counter and hope Howard stands on his head, once more - I remember a fantastic US manager that used to do the same thing a few years back...what was his name again?

    Here's a love piece on Dempsey: http://www.espnfc.us/team/united-states ... nts-legacy

    Still, Clint is an amazing talent {EDIT FULHAM COMMENTS}

    I'm thinking (and hoping) this one has 1-1 written all over it. A point may be enough b/c Germany ain't losing in this group.
     
    #2
  3. tim

    tim Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2007
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    I know playing for the draw is the sensible thing to do, but a win gets us through. A draw would mean it would likely come down to goal differential, and either a thrashing at the hands of the Germans (which is entirely plausible) or Portugal pouring it on against a dispirited (and eliminated at that point) Ghana side would send us home.

    So I say, let's go after this one.
     
    #3
  4. nevzter

    nevzter Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2007
    Location:
    A City by a Bay
    Well, I'd love to see the US attack in this one but it doesn't seem prudent in my mind. I agree a win secures passage, but, just Ronaldo himself, could destroy the US in an open match.

    However, I now anticipate a change in the backline with DMB sitting this one out and Johnson moving to LB, Cameron to RB and Brooks partnering with Besler at CB. I'd rather see Beasley back there b/c of his experience (and b/c I like him), but Brooks' athleticism and size allows two of our best defenders/players to be bookends on the back line. The US has everything to play for, and they're in the driver's seat, so don't f#$&@(*@ it up!!!!!!!

    COUSMNT
     
    #4
  5. astroevan

    astroevan Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2013
    Location:
    Virginia Beach
    I hope Dempsey's mask is red, white and blue with a huge star over one eye ala Paul Stanley.
     
    #5
  6. jumpkutz

    jumpkutz Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2011
    Location:
    Louisville, KY
    A lot of chatter about CR7's status, but the internet's great for rumors, so, here goes....

    [tweet]479299941895254016[/tweet]
     
    #6
  7. HatterDon

    HatterDon Moderator

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2006
    Location:
    Peoples Republic of South Texas
    Playing for the draw is a good recipe for dropping it all in the last 3 minutes.

    They have injuries and suspensions in defense. Don't be passive. Go for it!
     
    #7
  8. tslyon

    tslyon Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2009
    Location:
    vandenberg AFB
    Couldn't agree more. When we park the bus, we don't look so good...But, when we are going forward, we look like we could beat any team on our day.

    Cheers,

    Steve
     
    #8
  9. SoCalJoe

    SoCalJoe Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2006
    Location:
    Walnut, CA
    :character-beavisbutthead:



    Would expect Zusi to start and hopefully the injury bug doesn't hit, so Mix can get some minutes.
     
    #9
  10. HatterDon

    HatterDon Moderator

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2006
    Location:
    Peoples Republic of South Texas
    I know I'm in danger of being accused of having a man crush on Bedoya, but I think he's a more complete player than Zusi. I'd prefer Alejandro to start and Zusi to come in after he's worn his ass off defending like he did against Ghana.

    Three points against Portugal, and I'd like to see Mixx get some time along with Wondo.
     
    #10
  11. dcheather

    dcheather Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2005
    :text-+1: I never really rated Bedoya until this year, he's been really solid for the US team this year. I was thinking of starting Mix behind a Dempsey and Wondo/AJ partnership. But I don't think we will drop Jones or Beckerman against Portugal. Based on recent performances I am almost flirting with the idea of dropping Bradley. But when Bradley is on, he is one of the best players on the field. Anxious to see who gets the start and what the game plan is.
     
    #11
  12. dcheather

    dcheather Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2005
    http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014 ... criticism/


    :doh:
     
    #12
  13. BarryWhite

    BarryWhite Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2011
    Location:
    Newburgh, IN
    I wonder how this will compare to playing in Mexico City in terms of adverse playing conditions.

    My sons team played a state match on a turf field with an onfield temperature of 106. The conditions were absolutely crushing to both teams even with water breaks. I know the WC players are highly tuned athletes compared to club soccer but I can't help thinking playing under these conditions is going to take a serious toll on the players bodies.
     
    #13
  14. SoCalJoe

    SoCalJoe Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2006
    Location:
    Walnut, CA
    HD, I like Bedoya also, without a doubt playing in Ligue 1 has helped him elevate his game. I hope Zusi chooses to go to France or elsewhere to maximize his game. I thought of Zusi starting more because he has fresher legs, then going back to Bedoya for Germany
     
    #14
  15. dcheather

    dcheather Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2005
    They will not be able to put the same amount effort in as they are accustomed to under less strenuous conditions. It's the same with professional marathoners. They love the conditions to be rather cool, not too dry or too humid to put in a great performance or time. It gets too hot and humid, well a lot of planning to stay hydrated will be taking place and the performance will suffer no matter what.
     
    #15
  16. SoCalJoe

    SoCalJoe Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2006
    Location:
    Walnut, CA
    Interesting point made by Ruud (shocker :shock: ) w/Bob Ley and Scolari after a little video about the US practice. The piece included footage of Jozy walking (no limp) and news that he would be on the 4 hour flight to Manaus. Ruud said that Altidore would be far better off staying back, resting, and getting treatment as opposed to taking an 8 hour roundtrip flight. Ruud and Scolari speculated that the reason for this is that he won't be ready for at least 3 weeks.
     
    #16
  17. HatterDon

    HatterDon Moderator

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2006
    Location:
    Peoples Republic of South Texas
    Anyone for the chatroom for this one? I'm actually able to watch this live!
     
    #17
  18. BarryWhite

    BarryWhite Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2011
    Location:
    Newburgh, IN
    I have church this evening so I'll be watching on the DVR. I hope there is a big celebration in the chat room tonight.
     
    #18
  19. jumpkutz

    jumpkutz Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2011
    Location:
    Louisville, KY
    Hay-ull YEAH! #makethemkeeptheirshirtson
     
    #19
  20. jumpkutz

    jumpkutz Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2011
    Location:
    Louisville, KY
    What's the over/under for Deuce a) wearing a mask and b) how long it takes before he chucks it to Klinsi if he does try to wear one. I say he tries it out as a frisbee during warmups.
     
    #20
Similar Threads: Portugal
Forum Title Date
Prem talk, Those Other Leagues, and International The Portugal forward injury!!! Nov 7, 2019
Prem talk, Those Other Leagues, and International USMNT v. Portugal Nov 5, 2017
Prem talk, Those Other Leagues, and International England V. Portugal [R] Jun 28, 2006
Prem talk, Those Other Leagues, and International Portugal v. Holland Jun 25, 2006
Prem talk, Those Other Leagues, and International Congrats Boa - Portugal Squad May 15, 2006

Share This Page