I'm hoping and praying for the US team that showed up for the 2nd half against Slovenia. If we start the game like that, we're through. For the record, I say 3-0.
In 2002 we depended on the other two teams to give us a result and they did. This year it's in our hands. The only thing worrying me is Algeria's speed down the flanks against our slower than molasses outside backs.
Nervy times.... I'll call goals from- Altidore Beasley(or whoever starts in that spot vacated by Findley- could be Feilhaber or Holden too) Ziani Herculez 3-1 Finale.
[LINEUP-4-4-2]Altidore, Dempsey, Holden, Clark, Bradley, Donovan, Bocanegra, Gooch, DeMerit, Cherundolo, Howard[/LINEUP-4-4-2]
I'd like that lineup. I really want to see Clark start and for us to play counter-attacking soccer. Beasley would probably be the best option out wide instead of Holden in this situation, but we'll see.
In 2002, it was in our hands, as well. All we needed vs. Poland was a result. Huge game, and we came out totally unprepared. That said, I think we'll play well vs. Algeria. We've had our 'unprepared' moment in that first half vs. Slovenia. I don't believe it'll be easy, but I think we'll win today.
Sure as hell seem that way. We win today we get another England level game this weekend in the round of 16 possibly. It would be, dare I say, Massive.
It is what it is at this point. I'm not sure that we have any options on the bench that are better at this point. I think you ride it for 65 - 70 minutes or so and make the changes needed at that point.
No reason to worry about Gooch...We get Bornstein instead. F'n Bornstein. Shit. Biggest game in US history (debatable) and we get Bornstein. Unfreakinbelievable.
I think it's the right move. Onweyu was thirty seconds behind everyone else on the team the last two games.
You know the other thing that scares me is our defending of set pieces w/o Gooch. We are much shorter now w/o him in there. I know he wasnt playing his best soccer but I got to believe hes still better than Bornstein and brings much more to the plate. God, I hope Im wrong though.
From Yahoo: Does that guy THINK before he writes? Boca into CB, sluggo! Other: Edu starts instead of Torres, Gomez up front w/ Jozy. ------------------------------------ While i'm waiting for Ives to tell me if that's a good idea... consider this. Since ALG is widely recognized to have no real strike force AND it's a good idea to give Gooch a little regroup time, isnt now a good time rather than to ride the horse into the ground?
I'm thinking Fifa should just change the rules. Any US International match against small nations, they just ring up a goal for them at the start. That way we would know what was expected.