I was thinking about what the best result in the Portugal - Germany match is for each of our possible results against Ghana. If we lose I'm guessing we want a draw in Germany - Portugal that way we are only 1 point out of second and winning our final two matches advances us. If we draw I'm thinking we want a Germany win. This would mean a draw against Portugal coupled with a Germany win over Ghana would have Germany qualified and us in 2nd position going into the final game. It would also mean a win over Portugal would put us in a great position. If we win I'm thinking we want a Germany win. This would mean that a win over Portugal could qualify us for the second round as long as Germany does not lose to Ghana. It would also mean that a draw would have us at worst in 2nd place going into the final match. Or is it good just to hope that all games not involving the US are ties? That would mean if we could go 1 win, 1 loss, and 1 draw we would advance. Anyway, just something to be thinking about as we watch the Portugal and Germany match this morning.
I want Germany to tie Portugal then Ghana, and for US to win against both Ghana and Portugal. That's the most ideal. Way the group would look at that point: 1. USA - 6 pts 2. Germany - 2 pts 3. Ghana - 1 pt 4. Portugal - 1 pt.
Draws are definitely best if your goal is to win the group. But... if we're just looking to advance in either position, then we should pull for Germany to crush both Ghana and Portugal. Not only does Germany crushing Portugal give them 0 points and hopefully a large negative GD, but it'll also make them desperate for a result in Manaus which should play to our advantage. I just want to advance, so I'm pulling for the largest German victory possible. 5-0 would be awesome.
i'll be cheering for germany to win. as much as i like the idea of keeping points low, i think our most realistic (and probably the most realistic) is for germany to win. and for ronaldo to cry. but if we tie or lose, then sure, maybe a germany-portugal tie keeps our chances higher.
Scenario 1: I want a Germany win by 2 or 3 goals, then if we beat Ghana that would start this group off nicely. After that a win or tie vs Portugal would be perfect, then Germany to beat Ghana. Then its pretty much set, Germany with 6 and the US with 6 or 4, can either give Portugal 0 or 1 and Ghana with 0. Then Portugal will most likely beat Ghana looking for a goal difference, it would be enough for us to tie Germany and both teams are happy. Lets hope Germany destroys Portugal and Ghana that way in the Germany game Klinsy could give out nice hugs to his former players and coaching staff and say c'mon guys we're family here right? Should we trust the Germans though? Scenario 2: We go for the win in every game!! That way we depend on no one to get results. Scenario 2 is the best obviously but its more of a hope thing. Scenario 1 is more realistic. But today is the most important game to win, today 3 points will boost confidence and take a load off the players/fans backs. Every think positive in the stadium and remain positive, no negative vibes please.
Wow, completely forgot about that. Definitely need to be rooting for reds (and yellows for Germany, since a red is only a 1 game suspension).
This is the best result if it stands no doubt. We must beat Ghana. Period. If this stands now we just need to draw Portugal and then not lose to Germany by more than 3.
So far everything goes our way, Portugal will come out of Germany game with big negative GD, one of their starters is missing next game, and they still have 45 more minutes to play, so Germany can put couple more goals in.
Dream start for the US. Couldnt get much better, but another red card would be nice. Portugal doesnt seem to be a particularly deep team.
Perfect result is happening. When a team gets blown out like this, they can fall apart. Portugal is ripe for us.
I'm only showing 6 defenders total on their WC roster. They might have to use some interchangable parts against us in the back.
I think we can expect Portugal mentally to be done. They'll come out swinging for about 20, and if they don't score by then, that might be it for them.