US v Portugal

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

I hope Dempsey's mask is red, white and blue with a huge star over one eye ala Paul Stanley.

 

A lot of chatter about CR7's status, but the internet's great for rumors, so, here goes....

[tweet]479299941895254016[/tweet]

 

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

 

:character-beavisbutthead:



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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

Hay-ull YEAH! #makethemkeeptheirshirtson

 

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.