Here we go . . . A lot of chips on the table, we win and are through to the next round. Portugal loses and they are out. Injuries on both sides. Who will start up top for the USA? Can we stop the battered Cron7? Yes, I believe, Go USA @Friedel'sAccent @bungadiri Let's roll . . MOD NOTE: for those of you who would like to jump ahead to the announcement of the lineups, those start here: http://forums.bigsoccer.com/threads...june-22nd-6pm-et.2006951/page-3#post-30488710
I am reminded of the great Keith Olbermann line: "That was a 3-6-1 double play, if you're scoring at home, or even if you're by yourself."
I posted this elsewhere, but it fits here, too: If Wondo starts today, the XI will probably look like this: Howard age 36 Johnson 26 Cameron 28 Besler 27 Beasley 32 Bedloya 27 Bradley 26 Beckerman 32 Jones 32 Dempsey 31 Wondo 31 The youngest players would be FJ and MB at age 26. The average age is 30 years. Might be the oldest XI the US has ever started in a WC game, although there might be an older one in 2006.
Regardless of the US team age, I'm feeling good about today's game. This is a golden opportunity for 3 points. 2-1 USA, after surviving a tough opening 30 minutes.
My confidence is all over the place, minute to minute, on this one. To Portugal, this is an absolutely "must win" game. Psychologically, if not numerically. I expect them to play as if it was a knockout match. I hope we do the same. Because for us, psychologically if not numerically, this is also a "must win" game....... We do NOT want to have to rely on the kindness of German strangers in round 3.
Temperatures will be near 80 F (27 C) to start the game, but very high humidity will make it feel more like 90 F (32 C). As has been the case in other games, heat stoppages could be used if the referees feel the conditions warrant a break for the players. The other concern will be the looming threat for a shower or thunderstorm across the area. The best chance of any rain will be early in the game. http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/world-cup-thunderstorms-heat-threaten-play/29065549
6 pmSunJun 22 80°F Scattered T-Storms FEELS LIKE: 85° HUMIDITY: 85% PRECIP: 40% WIND: E at 3 mph Sunset at 6:00 pm Upload Your Sunset Images 7 pm 78° Partly Cloudy FEELS LIKE: 78° HUMIDITY: 87% PRECIP: 0% WIND: E at 3 mph 8 pm 77° Partly Cloudy FEELS LIKE: 77° HUMIDITY: 90% PRECIP: 20% WIND: ESE at 3 mp
breaking news kicker has the lineup! Howard - F. Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley - Bradley, Beckerman - Bedoya, J. Jones - Johannsson,Dempsey Trainer: Klinsmann
Portugal: Eduardo (Tor), André Almeida, Eder, Rafa, Ruben Amorim, Vieirinha, William Carvalho, Varela no ronaldo!!
Whoa! Found the direct link. Kicker is very well sourced, so I have to think these lineups are legit http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/...2/1417858/spielvorschau_usa-941_portugal.html
The Germany-Ghana draw yesterday means a draw with Portugal today still leaves us in a very vulnerable position. Portugal making up a -5 GD on the final day was one thing, Ghana's -2 GD is another. Bradley and Dempsey need to both show up for 90 minutes. We should see more of the ball today though. If Portugal were smart they'd press us, but with their personnel and the elements hopefully that is not a realistic option. A little more nervous for this game than I was on Monday since Portugal are dangerous through both possession and the counter.
They updated it Beto - Joao Pereira, Bruno Alves, Neto, Miguel Veloso - Ricardo Costa - Joao Moutinho, Raul Meireles - Nani,Cristiano Ronaldo - Helder Postiga Trainer: Paulo Bento