On the other hand, with all the talent they've sold so far, there's less chance of PSV going as far next season as they did in the CL this year. But I wouldn't knock the chances of a Hiddink-coached team... I think Bruce should roll out the B/C team for Costa Rica. We just pasted them 3-0 a month ago, and we have to play them again in August in a WC qualifier, so you probably don't want to throw your best squad at them here, esp. since we're more or less into the next round, right? (CR and US = 6 points each; Canada and Cuba = 0 points each) Noonan and Ralston are good MLS players, but a little too slow for the international game, IMHO. Noonan won't be able to get shots off at the WC. I like Wolff as a backup at the WC, but he needs to be paired with a pure finisher. Speaking of finishers... other than EJ (and Mathis before he flaked out), we need some clinical finishers. Bruce has gotta teach these guys to ATTACK, esp. when they clearly outclass their opponent. They're still playing too tentatively against CONCACAF teams, which drives me nuts!!!
I hope he takes the best from games 1 & 2 and doesn't play them in game three. We're through, and there's no way we face mexico until the finals either way (unless they finish 3rd) so why not let the core players rest for the quarterfinals?
if we can sign up that canadian guy to net us a goal every so often, this team will be much more potent on offense
To all those who mentioned Beasley looked lost in the midfield, I have to disagree. After watching him at PSV all last season (seeing him in person at the Vitesse game) I have to say he is the best or second best player (Donovan is also quite good) you guys have. Maybe he looks lost because his teammates aren't making the runs or clearing space to help him out. I'm not trying to be contentious but Ralston is no Van Bommel and Wolff is no Farfan. I saw that he wasn't getting much help. That's why it seems like he and Landon "click" because Landon has a good football mind and knows where to go. Just an opinion....
I agree with your assessment. The US dominated until perhaps the 65th minute when Canada created some chances but Keller was stellar (again). Hard, clean shots on frame from outside the area would force defenses like Cuba's and Canada's to move out of the box. As it is, we do try too often to move the ball almost to the six yard box and other countries know this now and defend accordingly. That's why Cuba stayed with us so long on Thurday. England would have sprayed cannon balls on them from 25-30 yards out and probably bagged a couple. Still, we got the result that we deserved and I think this tournament could prove entertaining even if it's not seen by many as important.
what is the most likely quarterfinal team we will play....could be anybody? how bout the USA gets in the quarterfinal game on Univision so everyone can watch it, damnit
If we finishe first in the group, we play one of the third place teams that qualifies [either from Group C (Mexico, Guats, Jam, or SA) or group A (Hon., Panama, T&T, or Colombia)]. If we finish second we play the 1st place team from Group A.
didn't catch the match. happy to see the results. happier to see a healthy EJ, after reading the posts in this thread. can anyone tell me todays line up? also can anyone explain who the likely teams will be for the Reliant Quarter final games? C1 v. A3 or 3B 2pm C2 v. A2 5pm still in the air on a 3 hour drive and $25 ticket plus parking to see a Jamacia v. Panama game. Costa Rica and Jamacia could be a fun match. Thanks Orbie
Bravo!! Onyewu! Bravo! Cherundolo, Ralston and Pablo Mastroeni played great. Most important, I'm happy to see John O'Brien back. He gave the team stability holding the ball. It's early to say but I believe this is what were going to see in the future. -----------------------KELLER--------------------- --------------GIBBS-----------ONYEWU-------- CHERUNDOLO-------------------------------????????? --------------------------MASTROENI-------------- --------------O'BRIEN------------------------------ ---------DONOVAN---------------------BEASLEY-- -------------JOHNSON--------MCBRIDE------- GO USA!
Your guess is as good as mine, but I'm still predicting Mexico to win group C (with SA finishing 2nd and Jam being one of the 2 qualifying 3rd place teams). Group A, who knows. Panama will probably win it and Colombia will come in 2nd. But we'll know more after tomorrow (when group C plays their second games) and after the Hurricaine moves out of Fla. allowing group A to play their next 2 games.
nuggets from ussoccer.com: http://www.ussoccer.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=198324&itype=113&icategoryid=65 Donovan moves into 3rd place all-time on US scoring charts (with 25). USA 18-0-0 in gold cup group play.
You're right, that is a big part of it. He makes very smart runs and is great at combining play but a lot of times no one is looking to play the ball through or making the extra run into space. Still, he shouldn't be played in the middle of the field.
I was surprised to see people not liking Vanney todayy. I noticed #3 early on, but couldn't figure out who it was (I was watching on a small TV far away at a bar) and when I did finally see, I was shocked. His crosses were pretty impressive. maybe not as good at the back end where he needs to earn his bread and butter (not much going down on Dolo's side, that's for sure!), but going forward I was impressed.
You know what I think? Our best player is Landon. Our most valuable, least replaceable player is Eddie Johnson.
Anyone else think it likely that Bruce will try to sit as many of the six YC-carrying players as possible? LD, DMB, AKA Pablo, Gooch, Sanneh and Heydude. Not sure what options that leaves at the back, plus not sure if Pope (who sprained an ankle?) will be able to go. Dolo-Conrad-Vanney? Just wondering ....
Agreed. Ralston served a fat one to Patrick Noonan and, man, did he come close but, sheeit....that should've been buried!!! Argh....
The problem is (and continues to be) that Vanney is fundamentally not fast enough to play left back in international football. I mean he is absolutely glacial out there. I don't even want to fathom Cristiano Ronaldo or Kaka running at him.
Only wish his shot was a bit heavier....he's got most of everything else under control...he's still lifting his game up too. Exciting to watch.
JOB was moving well, nice to see. Bracamonte was commenting about how the Netherlands schools solid futbol...while we're watching JOB. He's going to get stronger...we gotta hope someone gives him the minutes....he's becoming more&more important as this squad gets into final shape.
Gooch, LD, Pablo, JOB all looked good! Overall, I guess I am happy about the win. Should have been 4-0. Damn Noonan...finish will ya'?
The videos we've been fed from PSV seem to show a pretty confident DMB flowing and getting it done....agreed.