Match 22 - Slovenia vs USA - 18th June - PbP and Post Match Discussion

I think Howard may have been surprised by the shot, as his view was blocked by a defender. Great shot though. And I'm not too sure he would have kept it out had he seen it leaving the striker's foot.

O and by the way, I think USA should speed up and move much more. At the moment they're giving Slovenia plenty of time to return to their formation.

 

I guess they are a decent side when they are doubted and have to respect the oppo.

When they get it into their head that they should win and that they are favourites they can't handle it I guess.

 

Slovenia has had a smart plan to contain the US. Both Dempsey and Donovan have been not involved in the buildup at all. There is also a serious lack of intensity to the US compared to the England game.

The US has only one shot, and not on goal.

Let's see if the free kick after the Altidore foul can produce something. Torres with an excellent crack at goal

 

34' 1-0 Slovenia counters up mid-left, USA drops back frantically. Slovenia shift gears, backpass behind midfield, pass around. Come back up the center, and USA steal it away. Torres shows his composure -- as soon as the ball reaches his foot, it sticks, and he casually turns-and-dribbles away from pressure.

 

Altidore is coming alive.

 

I never underestimate UEFA teams.

But let's be honest: that goal was a fundamental defensive breakdown. There isn't a team in the cup where you can leave an attacker wide open at the top of the box and not expect a quality shot.

It's a bigger defensive mistake than the one which resulted in the England goal.

The US needs to stop having these defensive breakdowns. Of course, at this point, it may be too late.

 

This game is getting better, but Slovenia is a great counterattacking team. US beware, this may be your exit.

 

damn he almost made that header from outside the freakin box

 

"on the other hand"

 

i'm sorry but if howard is a "top 5 goalkeeper" like ESPN claims, he has to do better on the goal that came from so far out.

this slovenian keeper is legit. great save from torres

howard is a consistent keeper who never makes any huge errors, but he also doesn't make that many wonder saves

 

35' 1-0 #17 Altidore controls near box top right, sends the ball in down the line behind 5 #Boštjan Cesar, bursts past in front of him -- Cesar hacks him down. Yellow card.

36' 1-0 #16 Torres re-creates his free-kick curler to the near post vs. Turkey -- #1 Samir Handanovič remembered that from the scouting tape, and is there with a two-palm block.

 

findley is useless.

 

Damn that ball was a sitter.

 

USA did well there, needed to be in the air from Findley as Donovan was really open

Surprised Altidore didn't get free. Dopey defending by Slovenia.

 

hahahahaha the ref is a joke , it hit him on the face , nowhere near his hand ......

 

Aaargh!

 

US looking dangerous, finally ...

Yellow for Findley. He's out against Algeria.

Horrible officiating there. There's no way in (&*$ that's a yellow.

But another dangerous attack by the US. C'mon guys! We can do this!

 

See my post above. And look at the breakdown of Onyewu pressing and leaving the box wide open v. England at this link:

http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/06/13/england-1-1-usa-tactic/

 

Brilliant defending by Slovenia!!

 

LOL Wow. US can't miss those!

 

"Absolutely ridiculous decision" - the English anchorman on ESPN said it all.

The football hit him in the face and he gets yellow-carded. Another dumb-ass referee.

 

USA have come alive at the same time as they did against England. Can they have a repeat?

 

40' 1-0 USA right corner, curled to 5m center -- off #20 Findley's left cheek and bounces down. #4 Bradley cannot believe this ball sitting at his foot, blasts hard -- cleared. Yellow card on Findley -- for handball?!

 

Jesus we're ripping through Slovenia right now but can't catch a break