The Martinez era of Belgium finally comes to an end. Frankly I never saw why he was appointed in the first place and then his each time he under performed with such a stacked team at a major tournament he managed to keep his job. Glad he’s gone, sad that much like England’s Golden Generation we never really got to see them fulfill their promise because of inept management.
...and you watch: the Berhalter haters will clamor for Martinez to be hired as the US coach. Or Tata Martino. Or Hansi Flick. Or Robert Page Or any other coach of a team that was eliminated from the tournament.
With no disrespect to Wondo, I've never seen his miss. I didn't watch any of the Brazil world cup, based on the decision to drop Donovan. I didn't resume watching any US games until Arena returned. I've heard that Tim Howard played well against Belgium. But I'm not surprised the US was unable to get the goal they needed when the country's best-ever player was left at home.
Certainly did not expect Japan to win their group. From their first appearance in 1998 where they lost all three matches to winning their group in '22. Once these folks put their mind to something they make it happen. It will be interesting to see what they can do with Croatia.
I thought Ghana would put up more of a fight in their revenge game against Uruguay; maybe it’s fatigue, but Ghana looks an entire notch or two below Uruguay. Uruguay looks great! They have so many tidy, tricky players and they play with such grit. Luis Suarez with two assists, some nutmegs, and soooo much shithousery. I love this rivalry!
Korea is following in the steps of Japan. Both teams from that East Asian Football Federation are going through the group stage. Korea by Beating Portugal no less. Very impressive. That kid Son Heung-Min is amazing. More so because he is playing with a mending fractured eye socket. I wonder why China is not in this mix with so many people at their disposal. Both Ghana and Uruguay are going home. Uruguay is up in arms over the PK calls that didn't go their way but they employ so much bullshit in their play that it may have cost them at least one PK which if scored on would have kept them in the WC. The one with Cavani looked like a BS dive IMO.
This aged poorly. Those 10 mins after Korea scored against Portugal and Uruguay had to fight for their life while Ghana returned the shithousery was some of the best tv of 2022. Take that Andor!
Don't look now but coach van Gaal says his team is swimming through a wave of influenza. He is not naming names for the obvious reasons but he expects about 15 players to be sidelined. He is worried enough of his starters will be available. I guess I would throw in there key subs also.
Damn. Tactical masterclass from Van Gaal so far. US with all the possession but can’t do anything with it. They killed us on the counter. Same play two goals! Ferriera as false 9 was a terrible idea. Pulisic doesn’t look 100% and we look afraid to make a mistake. Dest and Weah have been good. That Pulisic miss has haunted us.
Ok it looks like it was fun but back to reality. The team looks like the normal uninspired and bewildered lot that struggle to score. Possession is nice but won't win you the game. Why Greg went with ferriera up front I'll never know. But leaving all this aside Qatar 2022 so far has been the best tournament since 1994! Even better with alot of nations surprising me with competitive and quality football. Asian sides have earned their respect in this competition. I'm glad that outside BS (not bigsoccer) was put were it belongs in the tiolet, football triumphs always as it should.
Pulisic was crap in this game. His corners were inaccurate and not even close to being dangerous and at least twice took weak ass shots that were on the ground and slow straight to the Dutch keeper. What a frickin' waste.