1-0 FT Good job USA John Brooks was amazing the whole match. We got a few too many yellow cards but it is what it is on to face Brazil
We are basically the Uruguay of our confederation. As I mentioned elsewhere, this game was more about exchanging yellows and bodyblows for 96' - and then we'll see who wears down first. Paraguay had 65% possession due to 11 v 10, but it means nothing when you created ONE (1) true scoring chance post-red.
Paraguay deserves this for not bringing a true striker. Only one goal and from outside the box. I'm not impressed with whatever tactics they're trying. Seems like a lot of pretty play in midfield with no idea on how to finish the play.
In the first half, Paraguay did well in shutting down the passes from the US defense to midfield. This caused the US quite a bit of problems in keeping possession. However, when they did get the ball the US was able to penetrate all the way to the box. They then kept the ball, passed around the box and were patient in trying to get a good look at goal. Paraguay with more possession didn't do as well. They seem to have problems getting the ball to the final third. Their forwards don't drop back to combine. The midfield doesn't move the ball forward enough. They try to create chances by diagonal passes close to the last third. With a defensive unit of quality like the US that didn't work. In the second half, with a man down the US were too nervous and stayed too far back. This allowed Paraguay to get closer and yet they still were not able to really create problems. By the last minutes the US had started to play a little farther up and Paraguay had even less chances. Simply put, Paraguay needs more possession up top.
The reason why Bradley and Dempsey are in the US now is not because they are bad but because MLS pays them 6 million dollars each. They are still European level players although maybe they are not quite as sharp as before. Meanwhile the whole defensive unit is playing in Europe. That was key in this game. Very sharp except for Yedlin who has messed up twice this tournament.
Not happy with my wrong prediction. I'm very disappointed in Paraguay. This isn't the same team we saw in the qualifiers, I refuse to believe that. Maybe they only play well in Asuncion and just had the game of their lives in Quito? Regardless, it wasn't a good performance. No attacking creativity, and Yedlins sending off proved to be the match decider as it forced the USA to push back against a clueless Paraguay side. Who knows what could have happened otherwise. I didn't see any fight or spirit in Paraguay compared to the USA and that's saying something. Its unlike Paraguay. One thing I will say is Brazil will be having a huge breath of air especially if they beat us tomorrow. Paraguay would have had to face Brazil and let me tell you there is no team that Brazil hates facing more than Paraguay. Brazil haven't beaten Paraguay since 2009. In fact, Paraguay have beaten Brazil more times in the 21st century than Brazil have to Paraguay.
I wonder if as he's dribbling 1v1 against a defender or a gk if he's thinking "I'm going to show all the haters who has a bad touch" and then overthinks his next move and donks the ball away.
Solid win by the USA. Showed the hearts of lions to hang on to this. Especially with 10 men. As I said prior to the game Paraguay just does not know how to play when they need to push and win the game. It is not in their blood. They usually sit back and let the game come to them. Anyway, due to some fortunate events the USA will play in Seattle... ... so the good Home field will continue for at least one more round. Fans in the pacific northwest should be ecstatic. U-S-A!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah Seattle should be a plus. IF the kind of turn out that the Sounders get, comes out for the USA on Thurs. BUT I have one question: what are the ticket prices for a Sounders match compared to this Copa quarterfinal? And how much disposable income does the average person have in that region?
I am not basing my assessment on Seattle Sounders games. I am basing it on the last time they played there. It was a World Cup Qualifier against Panama and the atmosphere was one of the best if not the best ever in US Soccer history. I am expecting much more than the 40K that was there in 2013.
I wonder how much the tickets cost to that 2013 WCQ match, in comparison to this Thursday's match. I would LOVE to see a USA game with a mostly full stadium for a change... at such an important tournament... that we are HOSTING! I think you're right that this Seattle venue might just do the trick. Philly looked to be about 2/3 full by my eye check. And Seattle has a FANTASTIC soccer culture these days. So come on guys fill that place up!!! And then make that kind of non-stop NOISE we know you're capable of. And I suppose we'll know between now and Thursday if personal economics play a factor... I sincerely hope not.
How much tickets were is something to ask in the USA travel thread, I assume these tickets are more pricey obviously but it is a knockout stage against a South American team and not a team like Panama, Also something that helps within the economics is that I assume many people in the area were a bit deflated to find out Haiti and Peru were the first match in that stadium and did not spend the money to go. Finding out the USA made it will inspire many of those people to go now and cheer us on to the Semis!
No I was just wondering, because you post about Colombia a lot in the Copa Libertadores but are cheering on the USA, so I was confused and curious. I also live in North America but I'm probably gonna be moving back to Peru soon.
Well, I simply do what a lot of Americans do. Alexi Lalas cheers for the USA but also cheers for Greece. Tony Meola cheers for the USA but also cheers for Italy. I think the great thing about the USA is that it is El equipo de todos as they say on Univision. And yes I root for Colombian teams cause my father taught me the beautiful game. But I was born here and lived here all my life so I will always be grateful for that and cheer for the US National team.