I stand by what I said earlier since the NK/US game that US was simply not playing their game. Today they showed what they can do agaist one of the best teams in the world behind Germany. Unless of course NK is some new godly team.
There were times they tried to convince us it was a good match. Other than that, I really didn't listen to them...
Yeah USA is just too good for Sweden. They're too physically strong and too effective and have a great mentality.
Actually, they weren't the most annoying. JP's better than average (imo) and Foudy's observations are generally good. She isn't a homer and criticizes the WNT when they don't play well. I'll take those two over most of the crew that announce the men's game. Wynalda does (generally) entertain me, though.
Between the weather, the way NK attacked and the injury to Abby, I agree - that was a unique result. Glad to see the US shake it off.
Somehow, Rob Stone's awkwardness and Heather Mitts' unevenly parted hair bother me when they're in studio.
What exactly did you expect from this match? Two top teams playing basically for the top of the group in what is clearly the Group of Death. Not exactly the foundation for an open attractive, aesthetically pleasing game. Anyone who expected Sweden to just lay down or for the US to play like they did v. Canada earlier this year against a team as strong as Sweden isn't paying attention. Forgive me for having a "No comment" on the announcers, though.
The Swedish coach is on TV saying how proud he is of the players because they fought well or something. What a load of crap. You lose 2-0 because you were outplayed and barely had an attack during most of the game, the keeper sucked and the forwards can't score, what are you proud of.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that finds Rob Stone incredibly awkward. Looking at the replay of the 2nd goal, wow that was great. Lilly's ball was perfect, as was Abby's trap and volley. And Abby said she didn't even look at the goal. Wow. The US puts themselves in a good position to get out of the group, but they'll need a strong win against Nigeria if they want to avoid the pleasure of facing Germany in the quarterfinals.
I didn't see the desire and fight I had expected, especially when down a goal. I can't imagine that being a loss you're proud of.
I'm not sure he can top himself with the whole "I have estrogen on this side and on this side umm...," but, yeah...his presence has been a bit awkward.
vs NK - the US was off their game and showed grit to hang in there. vs SWE - aside from the first 20 minutes, the US team we're accustomed to seeing started to emerge. Get rid of some of the longballs off the backline and connect more with the midfield and things should start firing on all cylinders. Fingers crossed that Solo's arm tweak isn't all that serious. I feel for Nigeria if the US team shows up full force against them. Tide for the team as a whole is starting to turn positive. Thou I still look forward to a fun game to watch. I know this is the game Markgraf is looking forward to most as she loves going all WWE Smackdown vs Nigeria. LOL
Seems pretty obvious that Swe threw everything they had into the opening sequence. Score there and it is a completely different game. I'm not saying Sweden should be just happy to be there. But of course he is going to try to put a positive spin on it. I doubt it would do any good to focus on the negative in the press.
I ask anyone interested in giving an opinion on my post Id appreciate it! https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=599294
seemed a typical us-sweden game to me. that is, generally even w/ the us able to put away their chances and hang tough on defense. certainly more composure all around would be nice. would also like to see more outside shots and some creative spark- lilly and chalupny are worldbeaters, but unfortunately haven't shown it. i think they will, and i'm guessing it'll start v. nigeria.
I've got to agree with ya on all points. Especially the Lilly and Chalupny point. I think we've seen more from Chalupny than Lilly because teams are marking her like crazy. Good to see that Ryan is letting Chalupny up in the midfield and letting her roam where the play dictates.
I think Chalupa's breakout game should be against Nigeria. You'd have to expect the Nigerians to have 2 markers on Abby, and a marker each on lilly and Orielly/Tarpley, leaving the midfield wide open
If I'm not mistaken, goal difference decides who will progress if two teams are tied on points, rather than head to head results (as used in the last men's world cup)... therefore, for Sweden to progress, they need to win by three goals or more as Korea currently havea 4-2 GD while Sweden are at 1-3. Even a Sweden win by two goals will put North Korea through on goals scored.