Pretty disappointed in this list. Nigeria -- very good. Turkey -- so-so. Azerbajian -- . It's not like there is a shortage of other World-Cup-qualified teams looking for reasonable matches on the way to Brazil. I'd expect at least 2 qualified teams and none outside the top 40. I guess the silver linings are the matches progress in difficulty and Nigeria is the hardest just before Ghana. There never was a tune-up that would prepare the USA for Ronaldo or Germany, but this is less than I had hoped.
I think it's a good group of games. Steadily building in difficulty and in weather conditions toward what we will be facing at the WC. Nigeria is a perfect final opponent, and Florida in the summer is a perfect imitation of Brazil. Clearly Azerbaijan was scheduled due to Juergen's chumminess with their manager, Berti Vogts.
Now confirmed at USSoccer.com. TV coverage included. May 27, 2014 U.S. Men vs. Azerbaijan Men 7 p.m. PT Candlestick Park San Francisco, Calif. ESPN2, WatchESPN, UniMas June 1, 2014 U.S. Men vs. Turkey 2 p.m. ET Red Bull Arena Harrison, N.J. ESPN2, WatchESPN, UniMas June 7, 2014 U.S. Men vs. Nigeria 6 p.m. ET EverBank Field Jacksonville, Fla. ESPN, WatchESPN, UniMas
That's a Tuesday (5/27) - Sunday (6/1) - Saturday (6/7) schedule on your calendar. Then 9 days until their WC opener on June 16 (Monday). Someone (not me) should volunteer to update the schedule/grid that used to be what this thread was all about.
@bungadiri Not sure if this has been requested before, but would it be possible to move @AutoPenalti 's first post, #5, the one with the updated chart, to the very top of page 1? If you can't just drag it to the top, could you delete posts 1-4 (including mine) and maybe repost them further down (or 'oh, the horror' leave them out)? Just thinking out loud, but as we move toward's June we'll have an influx of new posters looking for that chart but not necessarily finding it, at least not easily. Please give a position adjustment some thought.
I'll see what I can figure out. It sure would be nice if we could set posts to hang at the top of every page, the way we can stick threads to the top of a forum but apparently that's not do-able.
@TimB4Last @AutoPenalti @RobtheAggie Okay, here's what I could figure out: I had to cannibalize one of Autopenalti's old posts because: 1. He needs the ability to edit it. 2. It had to have a date stamp on it that preceded RobtheAggie's OP. AutoPenalti: Would you please try to edit the new #1 post in this thread? Also, the post I moved from an old thread was not about anything in particular. I tried to make sure I used one you wouldn't miss. RobtheAggie: Sorry to demote your OP. If this works, I'll try to find a way to give you "credit" for actually starting the thread.
In honor of your perspective, Demspey's second goal against Guatemala in the do-or-die final match of the semifinal round. Starting about 0:15, approximate conversation: Dempsey: "Sorry I poached your goal." Bradley: "I don't give a [FINE word, but not appropriate for BigSoccer]."
Any chance you think the USMNT might schedule a fourth pre-World Cup friendly once they get to Brazil? If they get to Brazil on Sunday could play something during the week.
Going to Prague in September? Tweets 10:45 AM - 17 Mar 2014 · Details " data-mentions="SoccerInsider" data-component-context="in_reply_to" data-you-follow="false" data-you-block="false"> Stewart Mackinlay @ScotlandStewart 1h @SoccerInsider Czech Rep will play a home game v USA on September 2014 Not seen this reported in US media. Reply Retweet Favorite Collapse 10:45 AM - 17 Mar 2014 · Details 11:32 AM - 17 Mar 2014 · Details " data-mentions="ScotlandStewart" data-you-follow="false" data-you-block="false"> Steven Goff @SoccerInsider 37m Czech FA says USA away friendly v Czech Rep in Sept (via @ScotlandStewart ) #usmnt Hide conversation
Now let's hope the Czechs put in Pavelej in net, he let in some soft goals by Van Riemsdyk, Backes.... Wait? This is that other sport where we have to put things in a net? We've got to face Cech then
Confirmed for Sept 3 (Wednesday) in Prague. http://www.mlssoccer.com/worldcup/2...face-czech-republic-prague-september-friendly
Question...Is there going to be a pre WC warm up match IN Brazil before the games begin? I remember we played Australia in 2010 before the tournament started.
No formal or public (or televised) match is scheduled. I assume the US could set up a closed-door scrimmage with an opponent (of some sort) or just do intra-squad preparations. They are likely fine with their set of 3 home friendlies in May/June and do not want a "real game" between June 7 and 16.
They did that in 2010, but I can't recall how far in advance it was announced, or how far before the tournament it was. I believe they played Australia? I do recall it looked like they were playing in a cow pasture in the middle of nowhere. EDIT: lol, clearly I didn't read the entire thread before posting. apologies for being redundant.