Didn't see this posted anywhere, so here it is: http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-confederationssquads&prov=reuters&type=lgns I don't know these squads that well, but they all look to have a mixture of their stars and some new faces (just like us). I'd be interested to hear what fans of our Group B opponents think of the squads their countries brought.
There's already discussion of that nature going on at the Confederations Cup board. Here's the link. https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=746
Things could get tough in France I've been watching closely the Euro 2004 qualifying closely on my satellite and the US should really get set for a match with Turkey. Those guys are playing for pride, and many of them are vying for spots with European sides. They look sharp and as quick as they did during the WC and I have images of Gallipoli running in my head with US playing the part of overrun Aussies. The match will sorely test the back four and midfield Arena is bringing for this trip. I'm trying to be optimistic but... As for Brazil Ronaldinho is bucking for a transfer from St. Germain and can also be expected to put on a show for window shopping managers. That bodes ill for the US defense again missing some key players like O'Brien, Reyna and Pope. I'm particularly concerned about Berhalter who looked awkward and disconnected in his last appearance. He'll need to take things up several notches as will Vanney. A few bright lights are Lewis who seems to be playing the best footie of his whole career. You can see him out-thinking his opponents during the Wales match and his runs down the side never allowed defenders to get comfortable. The US will need Armas and Bocanegra to put in heroic performances for Turkey or it could become a Turkey Shoot. The Cameroon match is anybodies guess but I'll rely on the very talented African side's propensity to field a bunch of individually talented players who don't gel as a team by match time. I'd like to hear a more optimistic prognosis from other fans.
Re: Things could get tough in France Nice point. I personally think it will be france v Turkey in the final. But the US international defenders did not impress against New Zeland. Berhalter, Vanney, and Cherundolo all looked...horrible. I think Hejdude and Pablo should be worked into the back line. I don't want to see the same line as the newzeland on our team against turkey. Hejduk has really impressed me, and Pablo can probably play in the back if we have 4 defenders.
Re: Re: Things could get tough in France Relax. It was just one bad game and we only gave up one goal. Remember Mexico is probably as talented as Turkey and Cameroon and they couldn't score on us either, or really come that close even
Re: Things could get tough in France But didn't the Aussies hold them off until the reinforcements arrived? I'd look for 2-2 draw.
hold out I think they were pretty much slaughtered but maybe we have a down under history major in the house.
Re: Things could get tough in France I don't know about Turkey - in their last euro 2004, they *barely* beat Macedonia 3-2 after being down 1-0, 2-1. Macedonia? Come on! Turkey should have 2-0 with the "C" squad... Currently being discussed here - http://tinyurl.com/e8ra
Re: hold out It turns out we are both sort of right. They did hold them off, but reinforcements never came and they end up being slaughtered, before finally evacuating. http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Alley/5443/gall.htm In that case, 3-2 loss, with turkey scoring in injury time.