Donovon admits the czechs and italy are better!

[rizzuto123]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368228&cc=5901

donovon admits all the pressure is on italy and the czechs, which in other words means he know there better teams. In a sad twisted way donovon is admiting that u.s. 5th place ranking is not deserving. Now we shall see what the "the pressureless u.s. can do against teams he feels are much better, czechs and italy. Not exactly the kind of talk that should be coming out of u.s. players.

But then again eddie johnson said somewhere in the terms that "Italy are not what they use to be" shortly after the group was drawn.

So i feel the u.s. is in a state of confusion questioning weather they have a very good team or an average. This state of confusion in the u.s. camp can not be good and can only spell disaster at the world cup.

[OCKlinsmann]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368228&cc=5901

donovon admits all the pressure is on italy and the czechs, which in other words means he know there better teams. In a sad twisted way donovon is admiting that u.s. 5th place ranking is not deserving. Now we shall see what the "the pressureless u.s. can do against teams he feels are much better, czechs and italy. Not exactly the kind of talk that should be coming out of u.s. players.

But then again eddie johnson said somewhere in the terms that "Italy are not what they use to be" shortly after the group was drawn.

So i feel the u.s. is in a state of confusion questioning weather they have a very good team or an average. This state of confusion in the u.s. camp can not be good and can only spell disaster at the world cup.

Man for Man....Donovan is probably correct...but it's a team sport where individual match ups are less important than team organization, team strategy and team tactics.

[onefineesq]

What are you babbling about? He never said that they were better. He essentially said that they have more pressure on them. And from my view, the lack of pressure probably stems from the fact that the US still does not face the media crush on national attention that would cause their expectations to go thru the roof. These players aren't facing mobs of fans who watch their every move. They are not mercilessly ripped in the media for every misstep. Seriously, most of the world does not respect US soccer, despite what is said in their media circles. Thus, less pressure on the US. Thanks for totally misrepresenting what Donovan said. Bravo.

[Nerazzuri]

The pressure is on them because they are expected to beat us. The pressure is on them because the media, and the general population in their countries care more than most of America. The pressure is on them because they are "traditional" powers, not the upstart Americans. The pressure is on them because the Americans have the ability to beat them, and they know it. The pressure is on them because, in the case of Italy, they also have a scandal brewing at home, and failure in Germany will only make it worse; they have the weight of a country on their shoulders. Nowhere did it say "Well, they're simply better teams than us."

Furthermore, Kasey Keller (who, frankly, carries a lot more weight when he speaks) even said yesterday that while he doesn't truly believe the US is the 4th best team (prior to today's rankings coming out), he also doesn't feel that the Czechs are the 2nd best team.

Finally, even if you were correct in your analysis, the fact remains that in a given tournament, you don't have to be the better team; you have to be better on the day. See: Senegal 2002, South Korea 2002, Turkey 2002, Greece 2004. On the other end, see: Holland (clearly one of the world's best teams) staying home in 2002, or France and England staying home in 1994.

[MikeLastort2]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368228&cc=5901

donovon admits all the pressure is on italy and the czechs, which in other words means he know there better teams. In a sad twisted way donovon is admiting that u.s. 5th place ranking is not deserving. Now we shall see what the "the pressureless u.s. can do against teams he feels are much better, czechs and italy. Not exactly the kind of talk that should be coming out of u.s. players.

But then again eddie johnson said somewhere in the terms that "Italy are not what they use to be" shortly after the group was drawn.

So i feel the u.s. is in a state of confusion questioning weather they have a very good team or an average. This state of confusion in the u.s. camp can not be good and can only spell disaster at the world cup.

Here are the first several paragraphs from that article, which is the only part of the article that quotes him directly.

CARY, North Carolina, May 16 (Reuters) - The United States were one of the success stories of the 2002 World Cup finals, but Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan feels no pressure to live up to that quarter-final showing this time round.

"I have a much better perspective now," Donovan said on Tuesday following a U.S. training session as the squad prepares for its Group E campaign against the Czech Republic, Italy and Ghana.

"I'm more excited just to take advantage of the whole World Cup," he said. "I just don't think about any pressure, this is fun.

"We're playing in the World Cup. Just think how many people never get to enjoy it. You don't want to get done and say 'that wasn't any fun'."

Donovan drew praise as one of the top young players at the 2002 finals where he scored twice. Heading into his second World Cup, he appreciates the measured approach his coach Bruce Arena has adopted.

"Bruce has a real understanding of getting us prepared," said Donovan. "We have stages that we're going through. First, we had to get here (to camp), we're getting fitness now -- then, he can worry about figuring the first 11."

The Americans' opening match on June 12 against the Czech Republic is just weeks away, but Donovan remains relaxed.

"We're just building the team circle, getting on the same page," he said. "It was all new for us the last time and new for him (Arena), so it was trial by error, but now he knows where we're going and what we're doing, he understands that very well."

Please point out where he "admits the czechs (sic) and italy (sic) are better."

[bofahey]

In a sad twisted way donovon is admiting that u.s. 5th place ranking is not deserving.
You don't think every U.S. player and fan is aware that we aren't really the 5th best team in the world?

[peteo]

What are you babbling about? He never said that they were better. He essentially said that they have more pressure on them. And from my view, the lack of pressure probably stems from the fact that the US still does not face the media crush on national attention that would cause their expectations to go thru the roof. These players aren't facing mobs of fans who watch their every move. They are not mercilessly ripped in the media for every misstep. Seriously, most of the world does not respect US soccer, despite what is said in their media circles. Thus, less pressure on the US. Thanks for totally misrepresenting what Donovan said. Bravo.My thoughts exactly. :rolleyes: Except for the blabbering part... ;)

[Dr. Wankler]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368228&cc=5901

donovon admits all the pressure is on italy and the czechs, which in other words means he know there better teams. In a sad twisted way donovon is admiting that u.s. 5th place ranking is not deserving. Now we shall see what the "the pressureless u.s. can do against teams he feels are much better, czechs and italy. Not exactly the kind of talk that should be coming out of u.s. players.

Ummm, Donovan just says he feels no pressure. Arena is the one who says that the pressure is on the Czechs and the Italian coaches:

Arena is convinced he has a better squad than that which took eventual runners-up Germany to the brink in the quarter-finals four years ago.

"We're a more experienced team and we have better players," said Arena, happily admitting he too felt no pressure heading into the finals.

"The guys with all the pressure are (Czech coach Karel) Bruckner and (Italy coach Marcello) Lippi," he quipped. "There's no pressure on Mr. Arena."

All of which makes your conclusion even... let's say more baseless:

So i feel the u.s. is in a state of confusion questioning weather they have a very good team or an average. This state of confusion in the u.s. camp can not be good and can only spell disaster at the world cup.

Where is there anything in that article that gives you a sense of "this state of confusion in the U.S. Camp"?

[Magpie Maniac]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368228&cc=5901

donovon admits all the pressure is on italy and the czechs, which in other words means he know there better teams. In a sad twisted way donovon is admiting that u.s. 5th place ranking is not deserving. Now we shall see what the "the pressureless u.s. can do against teams he feels are much better, czechs and italy. Not exactly the kind of talk that should be coming out of u.s. players.

But then again eddie johnson said somewhere in the terms that "Italy are not what they use to be" shortly after the group was drawn.

So i feel the u.s. is in a state of confusion questioning weather they have a very good team or an average. This state of confusion in the u.s. camp can not be good and can only spell disaster at the world cup.

I'm not sure where you get that LD said that the Czechs and Italians are better. Even if he did, it's a smart thing to say this close to the cup. By creating low expectations, people like you won't know what hit 'em in June.

I bet that you're one of those Europosers who pull for Italy, right? It's strange what one dinner at Macaroni Grill with your parents can do.

[BED-STYPUNDIT]

Normally, i never call any thread stupid, but for calling another one's thread stupid, and the inaccuracy of this thread, I deem this thread stupid by you Davids123.

[ToonUSA]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368228&cc=5901

donovon admits all the pressure is on italy and the czechs, which in other words means he know there better teams. In a sad twisted way donovon is admiting that u.s. 5th place ranking is not deserving. Now we shall see what the "the pressureless u.s. can do against teams he feels are much better, czechs and italy. Not exactly the kind of talk that should be coming out of u.s. players.

But then again eddie johnson said somewhere in the terms that "Italy are not what they use to be" shortly after the group was drawn.

So i feel the u.s. is in a state of confusion questioning weather they have a very good team or an average. This state of confusion in the u.s. camp can not be good and can only spell disaster at the world cup.

Is reading comprehension frowned upon in Italy?

[Alex_1]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368228&cc=5901

donovon admits all the pressure is on italy and the czechs, which in other words means he know there better teams. In a sad twisted way donovon is admiting that u.s. 5th place ranking is not deserving. Now we shall see what the "the pressureless u.s. can do against teams he feels are much better, czechs and italy. Not exactly the kind of talk that should be coming out of u.s. players.

But then again eddie johnson said somewhere in the terms that "Italy are not what they use to be" shortly after the group was drawn.

So i feel the u.s. is in a state of confusion questioning weather they have a very good team or an average. This state of confusion in the u.s. camp can not be good and can only spell disaster at the world cup.

You're wrong on so many levels. :( I'm sorry but... you really need to read this again, and then again, and then maybe again... and maybe afterwards, realize who said what, and in what context.

Talk about grasping for straws...

[bwach]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368228&cc=5901

donovon admits all the pressure is on italy and the czechs, which in other words means he know there better teams. In a sad twisted way donovon is admiting that u.s. 5th place ranking is not deserving. Now we shall see what the "the pressureless u.s. can do against teams he feels are much better, czechs and italy. Not exactly the kind of talk that should be coming out of u.s. players.

But then again eddie johnson said somewhere in the terms that "Italy are not what they use to be" shortly after the group was drawn.

So i feel the u.s. is in a state of confusion questioning weather they have a very good team or an average. This state of confusion in the u.s. camp can not be good and can only spell disaster at the world cup.


Ughhh. Italy is better. Agreed. Let it go.


PS: No need to make this up this way. All us Americans agree with you. More than likely Donovan too - although no self respecting athlete would ever say the words you put in his mouth. See you June 17th.

[SankaCofie]

Blah Blah Blah Blather Blather I'm A Stupid Troll Who Posts Stupidities on the Internets Because Daddy Never Hugged Me.

^^^

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[divinocodino1018]

I don't know if the US can say that they have no pressure. They want to be regarded as a top team, thus, they must show the world on the world's biggest stage that they are for real. It may not be the same pressure the Czechs or Italians have, but a certain level of pressure for the Americans is present.

[BED-STYPUNDIT]

I don't know if the US can say that they have no pressure. They want to be regarded as a top team, thus, they must show the world on the world's biggest stage that they are for real. It may not be the same pressure the Czechs or Italians have, but a certain level of pressure for the Americans is present.

There's a difference between nevres and pressure my friend, some athletes just don't have as much pressure or any like others.

[rizzuto123]

I'm not sure where you get that LD said that the Czechs and Italians are better. Even if he did, it's a smart thing to say this close to the cup. By creating low expectations, people like you won't know what hit 'em in June.

I bet that you're one of those Europosers who pull for Italy, right? It's strange what one dinner at Macaroni Grill with your parents can do.

so camaornesi, italian-argentian, who was born in argentina, is a europoser too? so then adu who is ghanan is a american poser then playing for the u.s.?, i guess rossi,trezuguet,deco,haregraves,vieria, are europosers too?

rossi-italian background
deco-portugese background
haregraves-english background
adu-..............well its not an american background

so how does it feel having a americanposer playing for the u.s?
are you an americanposer, guess ill never know:rolleyes:

[Awesom-O]

Rofl. This guy actually thought we agreed with the 5th place ranking? We dont rank our own team that high, DAMN. Any board I go to, every USA fan agrees that we should be somewhere in the 20s by FIFA's Rankings. Rank means nothing in the World Cup, and I SAY the Czechs and Italy ARE better teams, most agree. But that means SHIT to me because I support the USA, and if we dont believe we can win, who will?

[divinocodino1018]

There's a difference between nevres and pressure my friend, some athletes just don't have as much pressure or any like others.

Nerves? It's the World Cup man. Every player has nerves. We're talking about pressure here. Does the US want to show it was not a Cinderella story? Absolutely. There is pressure on the US due to their recent results; it is not a team that can fly under the radar anymore. Because of that fact, there will certainly be pressure to show the other countries that the US were not flukes.

[Awesom-O]

so camaornesi, italian-argentian, who was born in argentina, is a europoser too? so then adu who is ghanan is a american poser then playing for the u.s.?, i guess rossi,trezuguet,deco,haregraves,vieria, are europosers too?

rossi-italian background
deco-portugese background
haregraves-english background
adu-..............well its not an american background

so how does it feel having a americanposer playing for the u.s?
are you an americanposer, guess ill never know:rolleyes:

Our idiot "fans" are caught in this cycle that they believe since their Great Great GReat Grandpa was from backwoods Europe that they are from there as well. And since ANY soccer team in the WORLD seems to be better than the USA (note my sarcasm, hahaha), they will root for their "homeland". It was pretty funny today during the Champions League match that they had Without a Trace's (TV show) Anthony Lapaglia speak. He clearly didnt know shit about soccer, guess he decided at THIS point in his life he wanted to root for his homeland Italy and start talking about shit he has no clue about.