World Cup -- USA v Czech Republic PbP Thread {R}

We're going to need a lot of faith for that.

ESPP - it's the ball's fault!

 

The three issues so far in this game were predicted by many of us for months now.

1. Beasley is in poor form and should never be played on the right.

2. Lewis is not a left back and exposes us on defense.

3. Pope is old.

 

The questionable choices in my mind:

1. We knew Landon Donovan needed to be deeper in the midfield to be more involved.
2. We knew DMB is no good at right midfield, and that playing him there doesn't provide the width and balance we need in the attack.
3. We knew that McBride needed a partner up top to be effective.

I'm disgusted by the US team's effort. Disgusted. I'm pissed at Bruce Arena for trying to force square pegs into round holes.

What a waste.

 

Without having read 23 pages. DaMarcus Beasley has the touch of a gargoyle.

 

Have to admit that my fears have come to fruition.

Beasley just hasn't look good at all for months, and I was hoping that being back with the USA team would have revitalized him, but apparently it hasnt'. He looks a far cry from what he was a year ago and right now he's not helping the team at all and I would be suprised to see him in the 2nd half or another starting lineup while the World Cup continues for the USA.

Keller needs to step it up. While he's never been terrible for the USA, he hasn't looked extremely sharp in the past few months and we need top goalkeeping with this grouping.

For the other players, Reyna is doing fine when I get to see, McBride isn't getting any help to get the ball. This lineup I think falls apart with poor wing play, and that's where Beasley is hurting. Without quality play on the right, the Czechs' can focus more on the others and force the issue to the right.

I think the USA will improve, but I don't know how we'll get 2 goals from what I've seen so far.

 

Yes. He does not help our chances on the offensive end.

Beaser and Mastro out, EJ and JOB in.

 

There's where you're wrong. The difference is talent.

 

My thoughts as well.

 

i know exactly how you guys feel, at least you still have 45 minutes to salvage something.

The post would've really killed me though, if i was a diehard American fan

 

Landon hasn't turned the ball over once. Reyna too. No, they aren't out there beating the world, but compared to the abysmal play of Convey, Beasley, Lewis, and Mastro it's been goddamn glorious.

 

I agree. DMB should never have been on the right. Bruce needs to go by his former policy of putting out the best team rather than the best 11. He has to choose between Convey and Beas on the left, Beas just doesn't seem to be capable on the right.

 

Perhaps it isn't the pitch but rather the cleats. Good God, we can't even choose the right cleats...

 

Czech are an old side and will wilt in the second half, i think you can get a goal or 2 back, all the best anyway and keep the faith.
Up the Albion.

 

Where's Friedel when we need him?

 

Beasley is a killer to our attack

Convey is AWOL

Keller had to make the save on the second goal



Pope got owned by Koller on the first



Our midfield is OK -- where is the wing play? Bring in Dempsey please. And get O'Brien in -- the only way we'll break down the Czech defense (who will bunker for sure)

 

They are so damn slow.

 

Agreed. How can a team be at the WC and dog it?? I think that it goes back to BA's " just have fun " pregame remarks before the Morocco friendly.

I'm having a hard time believing that Beasley's a pro. He's sluggish, loses every contact, and doesn't hustle back on D. Where was he when the ball bounced off the post???

 

MIDFIELD MIDFIELD MIDFIELD!

There is absolutely no transition from our defense to the forwards! No chances going forward. The ball has been in their third for maybe, 5% of the entire game. You can't score with attacking movement like that!

MOVE THE ****ING BALL FORWARD!!!

 

no criticism allowed. Nslander wants you to go.

WE'RE TEAM USA DAMMNIT. just turn your tv upside down and it looks like we're up 7-0.

 

FYP.

 

The yellow on Gooch that early has really tied his hands.

The Czechs are playing very deep and forcing us to slow the game down. Breaking down a set defense is not our strong suit.

Defensive mistakes have cost us dearly. Lewis being caught forward, Mastro not covering for him, Gooch being forced to stay away from Koller, Pope going to far inside. the 2nd goal poor clearing by Gooch, no Reyna or Mastro marking up quickly.

 

There is speed speed and there is soccer speed. Our guys have none of the second today. Beasley has completely a wall in his development; not sure what is going on with him right now. Reyna seems to be the only guy out there who actually wants to be there. The post and then the Rosicky goal is simply a devastating blow. Goes from possibly 1-1 to 2-0 just like that. Crappy luck really. Gooch should have done better with the clearance, but it landed absolutely perfectly for Rosicky. Reyna strikes his best ball for the national team in years and it bangs off the post. A draw would be great, but I just want to pull one back to improve goal diferential and try to catch Italy in complacence the next game. Bruce will either prove his skill at coaching or show that he is truly overrated in his response to this, both in this game and the changes he makes for the next. Another thing: the injury to Gibbs seems really devastating at this point. I would rather him be in central defense in place of someone.

 

If they don't sub Beasley out, I'm gonna hurt myself

 

Subs at halftime: JOB, Dempsey, EJ...

 

Actually, it's on Gooch for a crap clearance with the head. Left it right in the middle for Rosicky.

No one played well that half. Absolutely no one. Arena better light a fire, because right now the only thing saving us from a 4-0 result is that Koller's out. Bring on Wolff and Dempsey and sit Mastroeni and Beasley the hell down. Could do to get Cherundolo off as well and get another M on there, or at least slide Lewis up into a M role.

Did this team really land in Germany 10 days ago? They sure as hell look jet-lagged, disoriented, and at times disinterested.