Pre-match: USA vs Portugal, June 22nd

Good advice from van Nistelrooy: "Attack, but also think about defending"

 

I just think JK didn't realize it was possible that he'd have a game without Altidore.

 

ok boys and girls. enjoy the match! Go USA!

 

Bedoya is probably on that side to help with Ronaldo. They could switch sides.

 

Good luck, we can do it!

 

A draw here is huge...a win here and I think we might have a massive bandwagon for this world cup.

 

I don't know if the graphic is actually spacially accurate or not, but it does appear that is the defensive version of Barcelona's formation with 2 deep midfielders instead of 1 deep and 2 central. So...this will be interesting. I really feel like this formation for us calls for faster wide midfielders, but Zusi cutting in and shooting right footed makes sense.

 

If Portugal scores early, the US will be in trouble because Portugal will mainly play defensive and rely on the counter from that point on, conserving a lot of energy. It's important to win the midfield or maybe even bunker down the first half to frustrate the Portuguese. I think that's the key here for this game-don't allow the early goal.

 

I AM VERRRRRYY EXCIIIIIITEEEEDDD

 

1 hour.

So excited to see the US play again. And i shall repeat myself, i hope you guys win.

 

The longer we can frustrate Ronaldo I think the better it will be. We need to capitalize on the chances we do get.

 

Ok everyone, let's mosey on down to the PbP thread. Make sure to stick close to your buddy so no one gets lost.