Pre-match: US vs. Belgium, Tuesday 1 July

Luckily we have a few days off to regroup. I am definitely for playing Wondo...he showed some things against Portugal..We played pretty terrible today but i think that was do in large part to the circumstances 1) short turnaround 2) the rain 3) Not needing a win 4) Jurgen vs his own country

I think we can beat Belgium!

 

I agree. More talent than us, but they haven't been convincing. More preferable than some of the other teams.

 

2-1 to the USA (regardless of the opponent).

Argentina or Switzerland should also be concerned about facing the USA in the QF.

(And beyond that, imagine playing a CONCACAF nation in a WC semifinal. Who doesn't enjoy getting ahead of themselves?)

 

So glad we play a day later. Crucial.

 

We've lost no one to cards yet- that is quite remarkable for us.

 

I would definitely like to see Mix in this match, and go back to the starting lineup vs Portugal. Omar played wonderfully today, but Davis stunk and Cam should not lose his spot even with that dodgy performance vs Portugal. I like our chances against Belgium honestly.

 

The OP said we aren't allowed to talk about the Germany game, so I won't! I'll just say Brad Davis has proven that he is not very useful as a starter in the WC, so I hope that that experiment is done.

I think we HAVE to go with a second striker. Even if Jozy isn't ready. Clint needs someone up there to help him. I'm inclined to try Wondo, but I'd also be OK with Aron getting another shot.

Yedlin did well again today, and he is establishing himself as our speed option off the bench. I wonder if JK gives him a slightly larger opportunity (maybe 25 minutes?) next match.

I never expected Michael Bradley to have 3 bad games in a row, but that's where we are. He is running hard and applying decent pressure, but his touch and passing have been poor. If he continues this way, I think we have to sub him off. I think Mix is the only sub option for him, but obviously we'd be giving up some tackling ability there. Still, something has to be done to snap Mike out of his funk.

 

Omar stays, Cameron to the right, Fabian to midfield.

 

Minutes played by field players through 3 games (mid-half subs get stoppage time added for the half in which they were added, otherwise stoppage time ignored, which is the best way I could think to do it. I noted stoppage time in parens):

Beckerman- 270
Bradley- 270
Jones- 270
Johnson- 270
Beasley- 270
Dempsey- 267
Besler- 225
Zusi- 192 (5)
Bedoya- 184 (4)
Cameron- 180
Gonzo- 94 (4)
Johannsson- 72 (5)
Davis- 59
Brooks- 45
Yedlin- 33 (9)
Altidore- 23
Wondo-8 (5)
Mix- 0
Chandler- 0
Green- 0

 

When do yellow cards re-set?

 

Given our possession issues in 2 out of 3 games, I'm surprised Mix hasn't played.

 

After the end of the quarters (i.e., the round of 8).

 

After QF. Hope we get to that point. If we do win vs. (likely Belgium), I don't imagine all our yellows will come through unscathed, but the fact that we have none suspended yet is great.

 

Salvador looks to be slightly more forgiving in terms of the weather and travel for the US. You could see how sapped they were today. Although we defended resolutely, It clearly affected our attack.

 

I know everyone keeps repeating the FIFA rankings, but ELO has USA and our opponent in a dead heat heading into the World Cup. They are talented, but so are we. This one is going to be fun.

http://www.eloratings.net/

 

IF Belgium is vs,.

We must very very careful against to Counter Attacks. This is the only part I afraid about it.

I watched many Belgium games, their maybe the best team of the Europe in terms of Counter attacks tactics etc.

The midfield must must help support the Defens line. And watch out their side wings sleepy/ghostly out screen ball waiting for counter attacks.


I believe and hope US will score more than one goal,but I hope We don't let any early counter attacks that cause and result as a goal.

Could be a control game type tactic that that I assume We are gonna play in the One Game Show.

The game could be goes to the extra time or PK's.
But, If we continue what We performed at group games, I think We are OK to go further round. It just my believe,that part of my six sense from the begin. hopefully things goes and continue as our way till the end of the Finals.


Bring it on.


Regards,

 

I like our chances against whomever we play in the R16.

I'm not going to look ahead, but let's just say that if Argentina was 1H that I'd feel good about that matchup as well.

 

Thanks... and this is before the past few games. Surely US is above Belgium now. They have been a dark horse pick, but have looked emiently beatable. Not easy by ANY means, but beatable.

 

If Algeria somehow wins Group H, it would set up only the third-ever World Cup rematch between two non-UEFA, non-CONMEBOL teams.

The first two? USA-Ghana in 2010 and USA-Ghana in 2014.

 

Guys, no players will be "rested" as there's plenty of time until Tuesday to rest up. Will Jozy be available?

 

Klinsmann post-match said that he benched Cameron to give him some rest, didn't say anything about performance being the reason (not that he would). I suspect we'll see Cameron back starting vs. a very quick Belgian side.

 

Optimistically rooting for South Korea. Looking good so far. I'm not worried about Belgium too much, just would rather see someone else from that group than them.

 

They smoked us 4-2 in the USA last time we played, so I think that's feeding a real perception that they are markedly better. I think there is a gulf, but not that wide. For what it's worth, Nate Silver gives us a 42% chance. That's not too bad, really.

 

Watching Belgium, I feel pretty good right now.