So we are about 5 days out of our first match against Wales, any predictions? I think we score two early goals and hang on to win 2-1. Cannot lie, I am super exited to watch this World Cup. My prediction for winner for the WH is going to be Germany. I know it’s a homer call but so be it.
It’s hard to know how they are going to do. Their friendly’s didn’t go well, so I guess I’m not expecting much success.
The US Men's National Team has won five World Cup games in my lifetime. Any win would be precious to me.
Did anyone else get the chance to watch USA/Wales? It was a disappointing result. To my great surprise we were the better side. All it took was one REALLY dumb decision by Walker Zimmerman to steal a draw from the jaws of victory. It reminded me of Herrera’s dumb decisions this past season and Silva’s in past seasons. England beat Iran like a drum. That said, we had plenty of counters in the second half and were unable to get a single shot on goal from them. This was my big fear coming in to the WC. The Pulisic to Weah combo in the first half temporarily put those tears to rest… but they have returned.
Some other observations: 1. Morris and Yedlin are worthless. Eight freaking years of establishing young players in Europe and you go to Morris and Yedlin. 2. Not playing Gio is inexcusable. “Load Management” in possibly the biggest game of your coaching career. Right. 3. Pulisic was the only one today who could take decent corners. Why use anyone else?
I don't think Morris was useless, but Yedlin definitely ended up being the wrong choice. He was subbed in before Wales leveled, right? So Berhalter went for the bunker, as Yedlin did well defensively. Complete black hole in the attack though. Kind of like a floated Tony Beltran cross to no one/nowhere. The biggest problem is as you said above:
I still think Morris is useless. Speed? Yes. Strength? Yes. International skill? Uh-uh. My big concern following our limp attack in the pre-WC friendlies showed up in the second half. Is it Bethalter? Is it the players? Maybe a combination of both?
Both. But I think Berhalter has coached these guys in a way that leads them to not take chances. Pulisic’s beauty of a pass was one of the few times a penetrating pass was attempted as opposed to a cross. Several opportunities to play Weah were passed up. Everyone seems gunshy.
Saudi Arabia over Argentina 2-1! Argentina let lots of first half chances slip by, but that’s soccer. Saudi’s Arabia played well.
The second half was a bit worrisome for a lot of reasons but for the most part the US is and was the better team, but scoreboard. Also, lots of questions about Berhalters ability or lack there of to make changes when called for in the game. By not capitalizing on opportunities to put this game away the US just put a million more levels of pressure on themselves for the game against England on Friday. All WC games are stressful and pressure packed but heading into the 2nd game with 1 point instead of 3 makes getting a result all the more important. If they had beat Wales the pressure would be off, somewhat, and the US could have gone into the game against England a bit more footloose and fancy free making a result more possible where as only getting a point really ratchets up the stakes. It will be very interesting to see how it plays out but if the US comes in too tight England could end up doubling their goal differential. Obviously the US isn't out with a loss, especially if Iran can get a result off Wales, but they really missed a chance to make their road a bit easier.
Imagine a scenario where England can allow a Wales draw against them in order to allow Wales to advance. A similar scenario played out years ago involving Germany and Austria. Not sure we put ourselves in a good place with this last draw.
After that Germany/Austria match FIFA moved to a system where on the last group match day the 2 matches are played at the same time, didn’t they?
Yes they did but should England go into the third match sitting on six points and Wales loses or ties Iran, it would allow England to make things easier for Wales.
Canada was bent over by the referee and VAR official. Definitely deserved a PK early. They are representing CONCACAF pretty well. They were better than Belgium in the first half, but gave up a late goal against the run of play.