Tab Ramos’ squad got a key 2-0 win over Nigeria behind a brace from Sebastian Soto. Nice bounce back after losing 2-1 in the opener to the Ukraine. A win over Qatar Thur. likely sees them thru to the knockout stage.
Watched both matches and came away with a different vibe each time. I admire our discipline and short passing skills, and some of our one-on-one defense is excellent. Against Ukraine we watched them time-and-again long ball and chase against us successfully, but never realized we could do the same. Against Nigeria, we varied our attack, put Weah where he should have been in the first match, and let Soto have fun. This is a fun group and I hope Tab encourages them to maintain their discipline and augment it with some individuality. I'm happy to see so many of our U-20s, playing in Europe, but the player I enjoyed watching the most is in the MLS. I just couldn't keep my eyes of Keita. He's going to be a very good player.
Anyone else catch this on FS1? The first half was a very nice display of attacking soccer by the USA. I very much enjoyed the playmaking midfield duo of Pomykal and Mendez but I do have a weakness for players who can pull the strings in the middle of the pitch. De la Fuente was a terror on the right wing and Weah became influential as the half moved along. Lots of good things to say about the first half. After the early second half goal I thought Nigeria were the better team for most of the second half.
Had to grind it out, but the US are thru. Weah with the nice finish. Qatar GK and crossbar kept it to within that nervous score of 1-nil. Really happy with the way Tab has the kids playing.
I dunno, Joe. I spent most of the match regusted. The only two players who did everything they set out to do were the two keepers. First half: I don't believe any US player managed to receive an uncontested header and pass it along to a teammate. We look okay on the deck, but -- honestly guys -- 0 for 20 on headers? Second half started off great and we might have put the match out of reach with 30 minutes left on the clock had our "set piece specialist" managed to get one set piece on goal. Instead he couldn't hit the barn side of a broad. Qatar had the oplposite problem. They had lots of SOGs, but all of them were straight change ups that Ochoa ate like so many Oreos. Yes, I know they're young, but these aren't the college sophomores and high-school graduates of yesteryear. These guys are on the books of professional clubs and should be able to perform. Bright spots? Only Ochoa and McKenzie for me. Having said all that, I look forward to the next round.
HD, I only saw the second half, sounds like I chose wisely. Mendez is out for next game, so I wonder who’ll take over the set pieces. One thing I did see that was a head scratcher was Durkin getting a moronic yellow and he’ll be out of a tough round of 16 match (likely to be France).
1-1 w/France at the half. Perfect counter w/Ledezma (PSV) providing great ball to Soto for clinical finish. Tab better make an adjustment because the French #10 is a one man wrecking crew. EDIT: 3-2 VICTORY @jumpkutz: Cue it Sir...
Looks like I missed an exciting match. I can't wait to retire and build my personal schedule around soccer matches. Until then, I guess I'll have to watch the highlights later.
sacre fucking bleu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What an amazing match. What was different? The USA was ALL aggression for 90 minutes. When's the last time the USA knocked out the presumptive champion in ANY tournement at any time?
HD, I can think of only once (not exactly a major tournament either) EDIT: FIFA wouldn’t let the first vid I tried to paste be viewed outside of YouTube
I have no words. What a disgrace today was. Well, actually I do. Here's the thing, if a team that plays together every weekend has a move out of defense that completes 8-10 consecutive passes, that's considered an evidence of good coaching. If, however, a side under attack takes 8-10 lateral passes and is still in their defensive half, that's a problem. THAT was the USA's first half today. Ecuador pressed us high and we kept knocking the ball around sideways until -- eventually -- we lost possession. The thing is, that we were still in our half when it happened. We also sent a side out there with crappy boots, since player after player trying to cut slipped, fell, and lost possession. Ecuador didn't do that. Second half? Our two key ball control guys -- Durkin and Pomykal -- could not maintan possession, the latter especially sending pass after pass into touch instead of to a teammate. With 10 minutes to go, I turned to HatterMom and said, "I hope we don't equalize. I couldn't take any more of this." I thought Tab did a great job against France, but I have no idea what he had in mind against Ecuador. Where was the long incisive pass that cuts open a defense? Our constant sideways short passing allowed Ecuador to maintain a formation that ensured them a fast break any time we lost the ball at midfield or thereabouts. And, if that's the ONLY KIND OF PASSING YOU'RE DOING, it's guaranteed to happen. Looking forward to the Women's world cup and the CONCACAF gold cup. I just hope the USMNT strikers won't be hobnailed by coaching that concentrates on possession deep in our half. I KNOW the women won't play that way. Good news? Every GK we put out on the pitch looked solid and confident. Weah, Soto, Gloster, Dest, and Richards are ready for prime time. Wow, that's a lot of words for someone who has no words.
