I don't want to join the pro/anti Freddy circle-jerk. I just want to express how much of a cracking, phenomenal, amazing, wicked strike Freddy's first goal was. Absolutely sick.
Good going, Freddy, I'm very happy for him & for the US. The title of this thread is looking pretty prescient, wouldn't you say?
Remember (as their coach pointed out), Poland had to play vs. Brazil with only 10 men for 75 minutes. Then only two full days rest before their next game. They were somewhat tired. That doesn't take away the fact that the US really raised their game. As the title of the thread says, I think Freddy saw this as a 'do or die' game, and as a result, he pulled out the 'old Freddy' that has been hiding for quite some time (over 1 1/2 years). Just the quality of the finishing and fine points of the passing (assist, etc.)- clearly this is not the Freddy we've seen in MLS shoot straight at goalies, etc. Maybe it took the whipping from Korea + pressure to really wake him up. And the same for Szetela, who looks like he came into this tourney from day one with something to prove, and determined to shine (no matter what it takes). This was their talent talking today (for a change). Moving onto Brazil: Look, the US is not as good as 6-1 vs. Poland. But they aren't as bad as the Korea game either (field of play). So, stir that in a pot- and it will likely be a slugfest against Brazil- something like 2-2. The US boys definently have their confidence now, but today was likely a one-off in some ways (clinical finishing). Brazil will be tougher than Poland today, and we will come back to earth a little. It will be (again) incumbent on our stars to do something special, but I think we have more of them now. I wouldn't be surprised (mark this down!) to see Adu score again (I'll say free kick this time) with his new-found confidence, and I think Jozy get a brilliant goal. He is due, and maybe be the most spectacular player out to come of this bunch over the long run. So 2 goals coming for the US. How many for Brazil? I'd guess 2, but no clue. Danny S: You've got your overseas contract now, and god knows 3 goals is more than you score in 1/2 a decade- so no more goals for you!
according to FIFA.com, Adu is the first player ever to score a hat trick in both the U-17 and U-20 world cups.
congrats freddy!! unbelievable goals today!! hopefully you will get out of that sh!thole that is real salt lake!
My favorite shot by Freddy was actually saved. That 30 yard rocket that they keeper got his hands on. I have never seen that from Freddy before. His goal was amazing, but his earlier attempt was him deciding that this game there would be no excuses.
I am so happy for Freddy. He's such a nice young kid. What a great first goal, but please avoid England like the plague.
Brasil has major lapses in marking. They let Korea back into a game that should have been closed out.
Yeah. D'ya notice all the white eagle feathers still settling in the Montreal Olympic stadium...............
Finally saw the tivo - fantastic stuff, and not just the goals but the touch and the vision and the orchestration of the offense. I've been in the tempering expectations crowd-- mostly because I think the comparisons and extrapolations about his future are a disservice to Adu at his age-- but this probably was the biggest game of his career. And he grabbed it by the neck from virtually the opening whistle. (zizzo was no small potatoes either!) Congrats to our boys.
That's an excellent post. And that's why we have to play to win vs. Brazil, and not hold back and try to be too shell-like or clever in the chess-game, one-upsmanship. Because if nothing else is learned from Poland game, its that our team needs to play with a sense of urgency, emotion, and with some risk-taking. Of course, we don't have the most stabil or deep defense, but we simply can't sit back, and try to cleverly eek out a 0-0 or 1-0 vs. Brazil. The worst thing we could do is try become too too defensive, and risk falling back into the S. Korea funk in which we are chasing, chasing, chasing and getting no touches on the ball, and no flow. OK- so if Brazil comes out guns ablazing, and beats us 4-2 in a free flowing game- I can live with that. Our defense *could* be overmatched vs. their offense. But we can not risk allowing our offense to go into a funk again (thru lack of aggressiveness..thus fostering a lack of confidence). Because if we are going to advance in this tourney and make an impression, our offense has to do its thing. Remember last U-20 tourney? We played it too conservative going into the 3rd game, and the lethargy lasted thru the Italy elimination. We had literally had no confidence in front of the goal against Italy. Let these kids ride the wave, and see where it takes them.
Having watched virtually all Adu's MLS games until this year, I was prepared to enjoy the match against Poland. Adu, to my mind, is a fan's dream, always interesting to watch, whether he plays well or not. And it does not hurt that he seems to be a pleasant and friendly person who is working hard to succeed in life. For my money, Adu's passes in the Poland match were enough to satisfy even the tough critics and they certainly were great to watch. It is not often that one sees such skill in one so young. My view is that Adu's vision and passing are what will get him a chance with a bigger club. The three goals against Poland were simply gravy. Nevertheless, I want to thank all the Freddy critics for adding immeasurably to my enjoyment of this match. Watching Adu disprove all the nonsense that appeared on this thread and on many others was simply brilliant. Thank you so much.
As a DCU fan, I am very happy for Freddy. He is such a great kid! He litteraly exploded on the big stage yesterday. I always knew he has the talent and the skills. I was not sure he had the mental strenght to focus on the game and improve, specially with all the distractions aroud him! Just hope he use this game as his coming out party and continue to impress!Sky will be the limit for him!
You need a new drum, this one's getting worn out. Zizzo had a great game. Freddy had a better one. Happy 4th of July!
Adu's performance against Poland was indeed outstanding. However, if he tries to do those step-overs in the middle of the field against Brasil, they are going to hack him down. You can do that on the wings, but if you try to pull that stuff and show off in the middle of the park, it doesn't go over very well...
No, the US team looked fast ... and that's going to be the US strength on pretty much every level from now on. At some point, on a senior level, one may be abe to field something like: ---------------Johnson------------- Beasley----------------------Smith-- ---------------Donovan------------- which would probably be the fastest attack ever fielded. They scored off a great direct kick by Krychowyak and then bunkered during the remaining 65 or so minutes. Needing to attack vs. the US, their lack of speed was their major shortcoming. The other was just very sloppy marking when in transition. They got a play-off spot sewn up. They can actually rest Freddy, Danny, Mike and Jozy for Brazil's game. If they can win, good. If not, no biggie. The big test will be in the knock-out stage.
How many millions. The only bigger thing would be to do something great against Brazil and/or in the pressure of the second round.