Of these defenders (whom I've chosen as the ones most likely to play significant minutes in the WC), who do you think is the most likely to make a significant defensive error that costs us a goal? Note that this error could consist of a simple mental mistake like not marking their man, or it could be a poor giveaway in the defensive third, or it could be getting outrun or outmuscled by their mark or beat 1 v 1 in the box on the dribble or in the air. It could also include getting beat consistently on the wings allowing open crosses, one of which becomes a goal by no one's fault but the outside back due to the high frequency of open crosses allowed. Cherundolo Lewis Onyewu Pope Gibbs Bocanegra Note that you can vote for up to 3. Try to envision that player's performance in the WC, against WC quality competition. Ignore good performances from CONCACAF except against Mexico and perhaps Costa Rica, as the rest of the teams aren't WC quality (including T &T even though they are in it). The point of this poll is that in the WC, sooner or later the USMNT defense will be under immense pressure and someone is gonna be the weak link. Imagine we're playing Brazil or England, and onslaught after onslaught of attacks are coming our way, and these defenders are isolated 1 v 1 over and over. Who is going to get beat and cost us?
I'll abstain. I don't like polls where I have to pick who is the most likely to f@#k up. That's bad energy with just a month to go. Happy thoughts. Happy thoughts.
Let's remember who's fault it was for the first goal against Germany. Cherundolo started that fiasco..and then Ching missed his marking..and then Keller was caught in no man's land... Cherundolo..is the weaker of the backs..in my opinion. Just because Eddie Pope plays for Real..doesn't make him the weakest..Real Salt Lake could have Paolo Maldini in his prime and it wouldn't do any good. RevsFanDan
As much as I like Agoos, I am glad he is not back there this time around. Frankly, I don't think ANY of these men will make the physical mistakes Agoos made in the World Cup four years ago.
Not unless the refs are pu$$ies! I expect one awesome headed goal from Gooch in the knockout phase! (OK, I'm remembering the Gold Cup! http://www.us.terra.com/goldcup2005/us/interna/0,,OI600411-EI4900,00.html)
i defentally know that pope wont be most likely hes consitant and has much experiance i say one of the younger guys or maybe lewis since hes new to the defender postion
I'm slightly concerned about that myself. Koller is a huge dude that Gooch is gonna have to bang. If he drawls a red card from acting it would be a crying shame. I voted Pope based on the theory its a young mans game. But Lewis was a close 2nd. Overall though, I'm pretty optimistic about our D. Shouldn't be a problem. I'm worried about our finishing if anything. Hell, its so close now, I'm not worried about anything. We are gonna kick some ass. Bring on Group E!