Group D's General Discussion Thread

I don't think it was "winning ugly". The game was pretty even early before Australia scored. Afterwards, Australia naturally took on a more defensive posture, while still looking to trouble Turkey when they pushed up. Turkey did have a lot of shots and some very good chances to equalize before the second goal effectively sealed the match, But overall I think Australia did deserve the win against an otherwise solid Turkey team.

 

Australia knew how to defend. They shall defeat Paraguay as well and qualify.

 

There has been a lot of squad turnover since the qualifiers. Some young players have started to make an impression since then.

 

Yeah I could see. I liked this Australia side a lot more than the one I watched during the qualifiers, even after you had changed your coach.

 

Congrats to Australia. Also nice to see former Grasshopper Irankunda score a goal.

 

Australia v USA is looking to be a great game. The USA were very good against an admittedly poor Paraguay - probably showed themselves as slightly better than Turkiye, and Australia looks like it has the defense Paraguay was meant to and has the pace up front on the counter to hurt the US.

 

Him or maybe Circati IMO, possibly even Soutar. It was our defensive organization that won that game.

 

The way Australia plays is definitely not my cup of tea. Put me to sleep at times.
However, it was physical and effective last night.
Turkey just could not put the ball in the back of the net. Mostly due to good organization, a keeper who played well and a little bit of luck.

 

Yes, Australia defence was faultless.

 

I had both Paraguay and Turkey losing in my predictions but definitely didn’t expect Paraguay to lose 4-1.

I’m not sure that Paraguay can recover from that loss mentally, Enciso was already on the verge of tears after USA’s second goal so I can’t even imagine how they felt after the fourth goal. Hope they can recover

 

Well that result was pretty much why I stayed away from that game in betting lol. Unfortunately I wish I had remembered that the Swiss play down and up to their respective oppositions so so much, so I got cleaned out on that game lol.

It was so hard predicting who would win this game, when has Australia disappointed in a WC in the past two decades? Just Brazil and Russia and that was likely settling in with the denouement of that '06/'10 Golden Generation. Now they've figured out how to grind out results w/o heroes like Tim Cahill in back to back WC's.

I will say, too many people are writing off Paraguay and Turkey. Those nations are too proud to walk away from these nightmare performances and just ---- the bed on match day 2 and 3. I expect them both to come out fighting next week. This isn't over, and as I've mentioned so many times before, the USMNT has NEVER been consistent w/this group in any meaningful sense. For the bulk of the past eight years they've ---- their pants once per window a good 90% of international windows, and major competitions or qualifications for said competitions. It is rare that we put it all together for a 2 or 3 game window stretch. Saving grace and hope remains that this cup has a lot more time off between games than is typical in the group stage so maybe they'll put it together w/the time off.

It is gonna be very interesting.

(I did hedge Qatar with parlays attached to Germany and Germany Spain, so hopefully that can help some of the beating I took yesterday lol).

 

Playing the next match in Seattle gives me a lot of confidence on Friday.
Some of the best fans in the country if not the best.

 

Türkiye's arrogance & stupidity got them their just desserts.

Way to go Aussies.

 

They way Australia set up, US won't be able to use their speed for 90% of the match.

 

It all depends on how it is officiated too.

I expect a close physical match but if there is an early penalty' called or a lot of cards then that will be in USA’s favor.

 

The US vs Australia game features two countries who are set up tactically to frustrate each other.

Australia has a pretty common setup. A low block with five at the back and looking for fast vertical touches to their speedy forwards. A classic bunker and fast counter.

The US is much more interesting. They have realized that as the hosts they will be obligated to beat the bunker in the group stage. They are using the best formation for that - a 3-5-2. However, they are betting on extreme movement and switching players to open up passing lanes. Their defense is quite literally immediate counter-pressing at the top. It's a good fit for a team of athletes and dribblers with meh passing skills. The issue is that they are basically chasing the early goal and putting the opposition out of commission early.

In the end, the best bet for both countries is to go in and play exactly like the first game. The big battle will be if Australia has enough technique to survive the US counter-press. The second battle will be if the US tires out in the counter press before scoring.

 

Another early USA goal this time a lucky own goal.