FIFA World Cup 2014

[The Chosen One]

Thanks a lot zeets.

Anyhow Brasil scores to even at 1 all after gifting a goal to Croats.

[zitothebrave]

I told you I do whatever I want. And I'm still gonna talk about the US in the other thread though

But it gives me a second shot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyWVia7hzGs

[Julio3000]

All productivity ended at work about 1:09 ago. Everybody is crowded around the computer.

[NinersSBChamps]

There appears to be some easy money to be had on these group matches. Is that the case KL?

[zitothebrave]

Holy **** how did they give a penalty for that. Fred should have been showed a Red for diving. What a ****ing joke.

[bravesnumberone]

Lulz and that's why it's difficult to watch this sport sometimes at all levels.

[zitothebrave]

Terrible luck for the Croatian goalie. Should have made the save.

Hope the Croats score 2 more or the Brazilians add one. Would hate for a match this early to be decided on a terrible reffing penalty.

[zitothebrave]

Could have been a penalty on Luiz there. Should have been after that horrific call against Croatia.

[zitothebrave]

Bull**** call on Olic there.

Brazil have the refs to thank. Should be 3 points going to the Croats as of right now.

[bravesnumberone]

Lol, could they be any more in Brazil's pocket?

[zitothebrave]

Lol, could they be any more in Brazil's pocket?

If the goalie had been blown off the ball or been more decisive instead of playing off his back leg where it's up in the air. That's not as bad as the penalty call or not giving the caall back on Luiz's penalty.

Croatia's goalie has been terrible. So has Cesar. Lucky for them this group is pretty weak. If Brazil or Croatia was in one of the groups of death playing like this in the back it would be over.

[NinersSBChamps]

Officials or referees or whatever they are called get blamed in this sport too?

[gilesfan]

Croatia is good as I thought (awesome midfield), but their goalie ****ing sucks.

[bravesnumberone]

Officials or referees or whatever they are called get blamed in this sport too?

Soccer is a sport where you can literally cost a team a game. At least Brazil added one more.

[zitothebrave]

Croatia is good as I thought (awesome midfield), but their goalie ****ing sucks.

Yeah. I really wish the US was in that group. If their goalie let in those 2 candy ass goals the US could handle them and Cameroon to advance. Croatia is seemingly gonna fall into the issue where they have a great midfield, quality defense but **** goaltending. They'll be much better with Madzukic instead of Jelavic.

[NinersSBChamps]

Yeah. I really wish the US was in that group. If their goalie let in those 2 candy ass goals the US could handle them and Cameroon to advance. Croatia is seemingly gonna fall into the issue where they have a great midfield, quality defense but **** goaltending. They'll be much better with Madzukic instead of Jelavic.

I hope Portugual pisses all over U. S.

[Julio3000]

I thought it was a horse**** call. Defensible, but wrong. Sucks for Croatia.

[zitothebrave]

I hope Portugual pisses all over U. S.

I hope the US ****s all over Portugal Then we go and **** all over you cause #****yeah

[zitothebrave]

I thought it was a horse**** call. Defensible, but wrong. Sucks for Croatia.

It's not defensible you can't give a call like that without certainty in the World Cup.

[zitothebrave]

If you're lurking goldfly

http://old.theamericanoutlaws.com/events/ao-events-in-brazil

[Tapate50]

Don't know **** about soccer however the radio show I was listening to had #worldcupmyballs trending to no 2 in the world yesterday.

[Julio3000]

It's not defensible you can't give a call like that without certainty in the World Cup.

Watched it again. You're right.

[The Chosen One]

Don't know **** about soccer however the radio show I was listening to had #worldcupmyballs trending to no 2 in the world yesterday.

Didn't know Limbaugh was still endorsed by Viagra.

[gilesfan]

Yeah. I really wish the US was in that group. If their goalie let in those 2 candy ass goals the US could handle them and Cameroon to advance. Croatia is seemingly gonna fall into the issue where they have a great midfield, quality defense but **** goaltending. They'll be much better with Madzukic instead of Jelavic.

Croatia is much better than US though. THey would completely own the midfield.

[Tapate50]

Didn't know Limbaugh was still endorsed by Viagra.

I didn't know Limbaugh was still on radio. Now I know.

[gilesfan]

I thought it was a horse**** call. Defensible, but wrong. Sucks for Croatia.

I thought it was a bad call, but the defender grabbing Fred like he did makes it a tough call for the official.

[gilesfan]

Refs **** Mexico

[tomahawkchop10]

Soccer needs to implement the NBAs rule of fining floppers. It gets ridiculous. Brazil basically won their match cause a guy fell down. Also wish USA was better. I have a hard time rooting for other countries. That's why I love the women's world cup.

[drewdat]

Just take away points in the group stage retroactively. Should clean things up.

[tomahawkchop10]

Sick goal for NED. Hope Spain loses.

[The Chosen One]

What a goal for Judas Van Persie.

[The Chosen One]

Neds putting on a clinic.

[The Chosen One]

Neds 4-1 now. Embarrassing performance by the #1 Ranked Fifa squad.

[The Chosen One]

5-1 LAWL

[bravesnumberone]

Well this has been anti-climatic.

[tomahawkchop10]

Man I don't watch a ton of soccer, but Robben is a freaking beast!!

[tomahawkchop10]

Anyway Australia pulls another upset in the next game?

[The Chosen One]

Man I don't watch a ton of soccer, but Robben is a freaking beast!!

Don't encourage him. Robben is actually a huge cunt. People think Manu Ginobli flops... you should see Robben.

[The Chosen One]

Anyway Australia pulls another upset in the next game?

Doubtful. Essentially a home game for Chile.

[zitothebrave]

Neds 4-1 now. Embarrassing performance by the #1 Ranked Fifa squad.

When RvP and Robben are on the dutch are an offensive force. The Issue with the dutch against the Spaniards last time was Robben was piss.

[zitothebrave]

BTW you have to wonder if the Spaniards may be in trouble because they struggled in the Confederations CUp. Yes they won their group and beat a South American side (Uruguay) but their group had Tahiti and Nigeria, 2 teams they should have beaten easily. When they faced quality opponents and they had some mileage on their legs they couldn't beat the Italians in 90 (won on penalties in a 0-0 game) and got thrashed by the Brazilians.

[zitothebrave]

Full slate of games that I won't get to watch live today :(

I should be able to watch most of COlumbia/Greece and I'm gonna try to catch the end or at least a healthy chunk of the second have of Uruguay/Costa Rica England/Italy is totally out for me and I am looking forward to seeing if Yaya Toure can single handedly beat the Japanese.

[NinersSBChamps]

What channel are games on?

[zitothebrave]

First 2 games are ABC and second 2 are ESPN. All games are 3 hours apart starting at Noon

[zitothebrave]

Gigi Buffon out of the Italy/England game. Has to be the break the English want. Columbia is likely to come out on top of the group so the fight is for second most likely and the Azzurri are their top competition. Greeks can play a spoiler but I fully expect them to lose the group.

[NinersSBChamps]

My picks to advance from group stage. I know nothing about soccer.

Brazil and Mexico
Spain and Chile
Colombia and Greece
England and Italy
Ecuador and France
Argentina and Bosnia
Germany and Portugual
Russia and Algeria

[zitothebrave]

Spain is toast.

I never gave my picks so I have some insight of cheating that I would have had the Spaniards through easily. Spain has to win out now to advance. I can't see them advancing on 4 points given the spanking they were given by the Dutch. Unless they murder the Aussies and then draw Chile. Chile now can draw out to advance.

So I go with for advance

Brazil and Mexico (really it's whoever wins the Mexico/Croatia game)
Nederlands and Chile (got to bet the odds knowing the results)
Columbia and Japan (going for the extreme offense of Japan over the extreme defense of Greece)
Uruguay and England (Brits luck out with an injured Gigi Buffon, of course this group JMO will be determined by the strikers, if Suarez is healthy and in form they should roll, if Balotelli is in form they should beat the English even without Buffon, if Rooney is in form they could win the group, unfortunately the Ticos will just be playing spoiler most likely)
Swiss and French (though Francie will for sure miss ribery)
Argentina and Bosnia (second easiest group in the WC)
Deutschland and USA (ain't nothin to **** with)
Belgium and Algeria (Russia could advance, I'm just not that interested in them)

[zitothebrave]

Well the greeks are ****ed. Can only wish for a draw now :YDS:

[NinersSBChamps]

How does stoppage time work? Or extra time. Like after that goal the Colombia team celebrated for like a minute. Also why doesn't the clock stop?

[zitothebrave]

How does stoppage time work? Or extra time. Like after that goal the Colombia team celebrated for like a minute. Also why doesn't the clock stop?

Stoppage or injury time is time added on at the end of the half. The clock doesn't stop for a number of reasons. Primarily because Soccer is an old sport. What's easier to do count up 45 minutes and add time or consistently keep stopping the clock? Basically soccer is time kept so it's the same basic rules whether you're playing in a rich country ot a dirt poor country

[NinersSBChamps]

That makes sense then. I like the old school mentality you mentioned.

[zitothebrave]

Man I hope this is a short break. I have to work at 2 so I'm hoping the game is starting shortly after 1. I know it wont

[Heyward]

I'm gonna try to get into Soccer, who do i pull for?

[gilesfan]

Japan and chile exciting to watch.

Russia is much better than Algeria.

[The Chosen One]

I'm gonna try to get into Soccer, who do i pull for?

Usa.

[thethe]

I'm surprised how entertained I am watching soccer.

[Heyward]

Usa.

Why not Sounders?

[The Chosen One]

I'm surprised how entertained I am watching soccer.

Been noted here that gilesfan notoriously talked trash about soccer all the time. Said he would rather wash his car than watch soccer. Then 2010 he converted.

It's easy to like it. IN USA you don't have any superstar world class futbol players like a messi or saurez. It's easy to get vested into other teams in Europe however.

[The Chosen One]

LOL URUGUAY. PULLING A SPAIN

[The Chosen One]

lol ENGLAND

[The Chosen One]

Sturridge with the equalizer.

[MrShwag]

Blah.. Italy should have more than 1. Incredibly entertaining first half though.

[bravesnumberone]

That was pretty slick by the Italians.

[The Chosen One]

All Italy has to do is park the bus now.

England, a very young team and showing it.

[bravesnumberone]

Eh, England is mounting the pressure. But running out of chances.

[MrShwag]

Cattanacio don't fail us now.. .

[MrShwag]

LOL nice corner rooney you shmuck

[MrShwag]

LOL nice cross wilshere.. pro

[MrShwag]

I haven't watched PSG much but I'm very happy to move on through the Cup with Sirigu without Buffon which says ALOT

[MrShwag]

Ok um. That free kick by Pirlo at 92 minutes. Discuss. lawl@joehart.

[acesfull86]

Ok um. That free kick by Pirlo at 92 minutes. Discuss. lawl@joehart.

:bowdown:

[acesfull86]

Italy 3 - CR 3 - England 0 - Uruguay 0....couldn't draw it up any better than that

[zitothebrave]

All I have to say is Go Ticos!!!!

Really shook the group up with the upset.

[zitothebrave]

While I missed a few matches seems to me like so far the best ref has been the MLS ref.

[zitothebrave]

Wow is the Ivory Coast gonna live up to their potential finally? Bad goal keeping on that second goal.

[bravesnumberone]

Wow, Ivory Coast. I thought they were going to get blown out as many early mistakes as they made.

[acesfull86]

Italy completed 92.2% of its passes...highest in a WC game since 1966.

Nice recovery by CIV in the 2nd half.

[NinersSBChamps]

Wanted to see the Swiss pull out the win. I assume it would have been an upset?

[NinersSBChamps]

Holy crap that last 45 seconds was insane. Ecuador fails to get a shot off on one end and Switzerland goes the distance with a goaaaaaaaaal!

[NinersSBChamps]

I didn't think you could be in the box in front of the goal though?

[Heyward]

Great match!!!!!

SOCCCCCCCCCCER!

[gilesfan]

That was great. Refs did **** the Swiss, but ball don't lie

[gilesfan]

Wanted to see the Swiss pull out the win. I assume it would have been an upset?

No. Swiss the fave

[gilesfan]

I didn't think you could be in the box in front of the goal though?


What do you mean?

[gilesfan]

If you guys want to really appreciate soccer, watch Pirlo from Italy. A magician.

[NinersSBChamps]

What do you mean?

The last goal scored, the Swiss player was in the boxed off area in front of the net.

[gilesfan]

The last goal scored, the Swiss player was in the boxed off area in front of the net.

You are allowed to run in the box

[thethe]

I feel bad for Honduras.

[The Chosen One]

You are allowed to run in the box

Correct. So long as you're not offside, once the ball reaches that area you are free to do whatever.

[zitothebrave]

I feel bad for Honduras.

Honduras is one of the weaker sides. It was bound to happen. That group is bad that if the French and Swiss don't advance they're in trouble. They have the weakest CONCACAF and CONMEBOL teams in the tourney. Not that either of them are terrible, but I'd kill fo r the US to be where the French are.

[zitothebrave]

The last goal scored, the Swiss player was in the boxed off area in front of the net.

In soccer there are 2 boxed areas. Commonly (or at least when I played) as the 6 and 18 yard box. They really don't have a massive difference except for dead ball kicks. No indirect kicks can occur inside there and freekicks and goalkicks come off it. I think in some youth league you're not supposed to be inside the 6 for safety reasons but it doesn't matter at the senior level. A goal has free reign inside the 18 as long as he gets to the ball.

[zitothebrave]

Kun Aguero is struggling mightily in the second half. 2 turnover that were just really bad.

[zitothebrave]

Great setup and shot by the Argentines.

[zitothebrave]

If you guys want to really appreciate soccer, watch Pirlo from Italy. A magician.

Messi is way more magical than Pirlo. One could argue that Pirlo isn't even the best at what he does. Some others worth mentioning as deeplying you have Xabi Alonso, as playmakers who play maybe a little more further you have Xavi, Iniesta, Modric, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Fabregas, Sneijder and some more I'm sure I'm missing you could argue.

There is only one Leo Messi though.

[zitothebrave]

Rough loss for the Bosnians. They were impressive. They should walk out second.

[gilesfan]

Why would anyone feel bad for Honduras? They are just a team that tries to bully the other team.

Messes is a magician, obviously. But the way Pirlo can dictate a game from a deep midfield spot and spray passes is amazing to watch. Plus, obv, his free kicks like he screwed Hart on.

[gilesfan]

Of course I love Modric, but his passing range isn't even close to Pirlo

[gilesfan]

I don't have much faith, but CMON USA! Must win

[acesfull86]

I am @$&#%# jacked for this game. Can't wait. Tough draw, but I don't know if there is a team I'd want to beat more than Ghana.

[NinersSBChamps]

It's Ghana happen! GHANA!!!!!!!!

[gilesfan]

LOL Pepe.

[acesfull86]

Keep pouring it on

[gilesfan]

That was huge for USA. No Pepe and a couple other knocks.

[gilesfan]

http://www.theonion.com/articles/breaking-down-the-us-world-cup-roster,36283/

[acesfull86]

That was huge for USA. No Pepe and a couple other knocks.

Yeah that's about as good as we could have realistically expected. Now we have to take care of our business.

[gilesfan]

Rumor has it Essien and Boetang out for Ghana. USA might be catching all the breaks.:cooter:

[tomahawkchop10]

About that time. America!!!! So pumped.

[zitothebrave]

I'm about to start getting the tequila flowing.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10440749_10152481367901100_2490323880272408302_n.j pg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uEpcfonkt4&feature=kp


And once more for more freedom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCXRRLT7tL8

[zitothebrave]

Rumor has it Essien and Boetang out for Ghana. USA might be catching all the breaks.:cooter:

Refs will be sure to counter that. I'm setting the number of goals taken from the US unjustly at 1.5. Who's ballsy enough to take the under?

[zitothebrave]

AMERICA!!!!!!! **** YEAH!!!

[The Chosen One]

Ekzignwkxokgnrbsjfnrjskxkmgmtm re kxngntbskxmxknyynfnzkckgn

[tomahawkchop10]

Wwweeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

[thethe]

Can we get possession at all? Geez....

[The Chosen One]

Beasley with two lul moments already.

[zitothebrave]

Well we're boned.

[The Chosen One]

Phucks.

[thethe]

Is that guy who just got hurt good?

[tomahawkchop10]

Well that sucks...

[zitothebrave]

Is that guy who just got hurt good?

He's the only holdup striker the US has which is the style of play they play. Now we have to adjust our style.

[The Chosen One]

Is that guy who just got hurt good?

Lol....

[thethe]

He's the only holdup striker the US has which is the style of play they play. Now we have to adjust our style.

Whats a holdup striker?

[zitothebrave]

Whats a holdup striker?

Someone who plays at the top of the offense who you throw the ball up to and they hold the ball until support comes.

[The Chosen One]

Whats a holdup striker?

He and Dempsey are guys that score. He actually starts in one of the best leagues in the world albeit it's a bottom tier club.

We need him definitely.

[thethe]

Ghana seems to be able to play better together. USA rarely holds the ball for sustained periods of time. I'd imgaine thats important.

[zitothebrave]

He and Dempsey are guys that score. He actually starts in one of the best leagues in the world albeit it's a bottom tier club.

We need him definitely.

I'm praying it's just a light pull or a super bad cramp he thought was a pull but I"m guessing we're boned.

[The Chosen One]

I'm praying it's just a light pull or a super bad cramp he thought was a pull but I"m guessing we're boned.

Don't think it's a tear. I think its a super crampm I think he was super amped and got the cramps from the adrenaline rush.

[The Chosen One]

Ghana seems to be able to play better together. USA rarely holds the ball for sustained periods of time. I'd imgaine thats important.

We don't have the pure athletes like Ghana. We have a working middle class group of guys. Nothing fancy or sexy but hard working.

[thethe]

Is Ghana a better team?

[The Chosen One]

Is Ghana a better team?

Younger as you can see by the tv analysis.

We'll see who's better by the end of tonight.

[The Chosen One]

Jesus christ.

[Mrs. Meta]

Silly Africans!

[thethe]

Ouch, that guy has a broken nose.

[zitothebrave]

Jesus christ.
Don't get how that wasn't a yellow. Clint will play through it. But **** that ****.

[Mrs. Meta]

Is alexi lalas still available?

[The Chosen One]

Tim Howard is the sexy.

No homo.

[Mrs. Meta]

Tim Howard is the sexy.

No homo.

He and Brad Friedel are the shiz.

[thethe]

I feel like we need to be quicker with our passes. Am I wrong?

[The Chosen One]

Beasley has made already 4-5 bone headed plays.

[zitothebrave]

Is alexi lalas still available?

If only

http://media.mlive.com/michigan_soccer/photo/9584467-large.jpg

[The Chosen One]

I feel like we need to be quicker with our passes. Am I wrong?

Not how soccer works. Spurs have spoiled you with basketball. We don't play that style.

[zitothebrave]

Beasley has made already 4-5 bone headed plays.

You wouldn't think the most veteran player on the line would be so out classed. You'd expect more struggles from Besler.

[zitothebrave]

**** not Besler too.

[The Chosen One]

Come on Besler. 6 minutes until half.

[Mrs. Meta]

Damn, missed opportunity there.

[zitothebrave]

Damn, missed opportunity there.

Well if Dempsey wasn't being blown off the ball like a defensive lineman standing up.

[Mrs. Meta]

If only

http://media.mlive.com/michigan_soccer/photo/9584467-large.jpg

That's what gattis will look like in a few years.

[Mrs. Meta]

Well if Dempsey wasn't being blown off the ball like a defensive lineman standing up.

Yeah, it helps my frustration level to just assume that there are no actual refs on the pitch.

[zitothebrave]

How in the hell was Muntari not carded but whatever.

[Mrs. Meta]

Apparently you can sweep the leg in futbol now, blah.

[zitothebrave]

Beasley absolutely has to play better. If he can't bring on Yedlin or Chandler. His play has been atrocious against the Ghanan right wings.

[tomahawkchop10]

Ok so I don't watch a ton of soccer, but after the first 2 minutes I feel like we were getting dominated? And Jozy is out, I'm pretty scared...

[zitothebrave]

Ok so I don't watch a ton of soccer, but after the first 2 minutes I feel like we were getting dominated? And Jozy is out, I'm pretty scared...

I'd say we were about equal after the first 10 minutes. Ghana was way better in possession but all that possession amounted in 2 real chances. US had at least 3 real chances.

[Mrs. Meta]

Beasley absolutely has to play better. If he can't bring on Yedlin or Chandler. His play has been atrocious against the Ghanan right wings.

I dunno man, his veteran presence rivals that of Laird's! Haha.

We totally had the best hair though, back in the day...lalas, cobi Jones, Eric wynalda etc etc.

[The Chosen One]

Without jozy it's going to be tough to even score against Portugal.

[zitothebrave]

Without jozy it's going to be tough to even score against Portugal.

Still have Clint. I'd use Wondo though

[zitothebrave]

Damnit Besler subbed out. I'm scared

[Mrs. Meta]

I feel like I'm watching a sea of Manu ginobli

[zitothebrave]

Just tightness for Besler that's good.

[zitothebrave]

Beasley is terrible.

[The Chosen One]

Howard is boss.

[The Chosen One]

We are being outclassed in speed and it shows big time.

[zitothebrave]

Howard is boss.

He's not even a good goalie #gilesfanning

[zitothebrave]

This is the first time I can say that Bradley and Jones have been on the same pitch and Jones has greatly outclassed Bradley.

That's a challenge Generalissimo.

[The Chosen One]

Thank god for Howard because we are getting killed on possession.

[zitothebrave]

Thank god for Howard because we are getting killed on possession.

Honestly we're seeing what missing Jozy has been. Anytime the ball is played deep from the top Ghana comes away with it.

[The Chosen One]

Jones has a lot of heart. Love it.

[zitothebrave]

****. Not good news for Jozy.

[zitothebrave]

This is on loop now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9QqIzhwk

[zitothebrave]

That's on the midfield. Nothing the defense coudl do there.

[The Chosen One]

Welp...

[The Chosen One]

Dmcnjdkcjgndnxncnrnfbnrncnfnfnfnnfnfnfnnfnfnfn

[zitothebrave]

JOHN MOTHER****ING BROOKS"


AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tomahawkchop10]

Ggd fb jfdfhhssthhgsdgkteef n NC a we tuursft5re!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!''''

[Heyward]

USA~

[The Chosen One]

5 minutes. Jeeeez

[zitothebrave]

5 minutes? What? There was no injuries.

[zitothebrave]

I guess this answers the question for next match, Johannson has been a ghost.

[zitothebrave]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOO

In Jurgen We Trust!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Chosen One]

I've run out of random letters to type.

[Mrs. Meta]

BTOBravo cock thrust!

[zitothebrave]

I've run out of random letters to type.

That collection of random letters was coherent. Weird

[zitothebrave]

Why did that white chick have a Ghana flag. ****ing hipster.

[The Chosen One]

Someone's cutting onions around here.

[zitothebrave]

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/22871380.jpg

[tomahawkchop10]

USMothereffingA!!!!!!!!!

[acesfull86]

I'm glad this is a message board because I think I ruptured a vocal cord or two....holy, holy s#$!

Amazing result

[Mrs. Meta]

Brings out the National pride in me more than dare I say... The world baseball classic?

Haha, man... Just awesome.

[zitothebrave]

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/500x/51218518.jpg

[The Chosen One]

I'm glad this is a message board because I think I ruptured a vocal cord or two....holy, holy s#$!

I'm pretty sure I did. I'm home alone watching this game and I damn near can't talk to myself.

[zitothebrave]

I'm pretty sure I did. I'm home alone watching this game and I damn near can't talk to myself.

There's a fist indent in the back of my computer chair from my excited punch after the Brooks goal.

[acesfull86]

Any chance we can get Terrance Boyd on a flight to Brazil? The lack of a hold up forward is a frightening proposition against Portugal and Germany. If Ghana held 60% possession, I can't imagine it's going to get any easier against world class European sides.

[The Chosen One]

There's a fist indent in the back of my computer chair from my excited punch after the Brooks goal.

Fairly certain the nails on the wooden floor I was jumping up and down on have loosened.

[zitothebrave]

I'm stealing this from sportsnation

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10402849_10152481725376100_5770552335264792936_n.j pg

[acesfull86]

BTW, 60% possession feels like 85% when you really, really care about the result

[zitothebrave]

Any chance we can get Terrance Boyd on a flight to Brazil? The lack of a hold up forward is a frightening proposition against Portugal and Germany. If Ghana held 60% possession, I can't imagine it's going to get any easier against world class European sides.

Unfortunately I don't think you can sub someone out without an extraordinary circumstance. 20 minutes into the first game is far and away the worth time to lose a player

[zitothebrave]

Fairly certain the nails on the wooden floor I was jumping up and down on have loosened.

If my foot wasn't hurt like hell right now I would have been really tempted to take a lap after that goal.

[acesfull86]

I took off at a run when I saw the net ripple....was relieved to come back 30 seconds later to find it wasn't waived off for a foul or any other violation

[gilesfan]

Holy ****! Completely outclassed but **** that we still win. Take that **** Ghana!

Howard and Jones were men today. Johnson had good moments. Bradley, Beasley, and Dempsey were crap (after first minute).

Wow that header came from nowhere and brooks had looked like ****

[The Chosen One]

Holy ****! Completely outclassed but **** that we still win. Take that **** Ghana!

Howard and Jones were men today. Johnson had good moments. Bradley, Beasley, and Dempsey were crap (after first minute).

Wow that header came from nowhere and brooks had looked like ****

Since you seem to go against the grain here were you actually rooting for Ghana too?

[tomahawkchop10]

I'm pretty sure I did. I'm home alone watching this game and I damn near can't talk to myself.

I'm at my girlfriend's house...I think her mom thinks I'm crazy!! Lol

[tomahawkchop10]

I took off at a run when I saw the net ripple....was relieved to come back 30 seconds later to find it wasn't waived off for a foul or any other violation

Lol me too

[The Chosen One]

N
I'm at my girlfriend's house...I think her mom thinks I'm crazy!! Lol

I think she's just relieved it's her daughter that isn't moaning in pleasure and there's no sex involved.

[The Chosen One]

When I saw the net ripple I swear my eyes dilated to three times the size. As soon as I saw the red shirts running bananas I started going bananas.

[zitothebrave]

Beasley was crap the whole Game and Bradley came on strong at the end. But yeah he sucked for 70 minutes.

I also wouldn't say Brooks looked like ****. He played like a 21 year old in the world cup. Started out nervous, then built up.

Of course the fact that Beasley was complete ass next to him couldn't have helped.

Jones was the ****ing man today. Everyone else had moments where they were up and down, Jones put on his ****ing big boy pants and put in 100 minutes of work and didn't really put a wrong foot. Got to love his game today. While Beckerman and Bradley were up and down and he put in a full days work.

Bradley needs to play better, and I guess Wondo is going to go up top. We looked like **** in transition anytime Johannson touched the ball. Johannsson has skills but I think he's better paired up with Jozy or Dempsey without a broken nose who probably can't breathe too well. I think Wondo will be better up top. Or do Dempsey up top and stick Zusi in the mid and have Zusi/Bradley/Bedoya trade off who's the behind Dempsey man.

[zitothebrave]

Since you seem to go against the grain here were you actually rooting for Ghana too?

No Giles isn't a terrorist like niners. He just hates Dempsey and Klinsmann.

[gilesfan]

No Giles isn't a terrorist like niners. He just hates Dempsey and Klinsmann.

I don't hate Dempsey or Klinsmann. As a Spurs fan, I just knew Dempsey wasn't good enough.

[zitothebrave]

I don't hate Dempsey or Klinsmann. As a Spurs fan, I just knew Dempsey wasn't good enough.

Players who aren't good enough don't score that first goal.

Until Jozy got hurt and Clint got kicked in the face our offense looked great. Gonna have to find otherways to get on the board.

[acesfull86]

Brooks came up with the clutchiest of all clutch moments, but Jones is my MOTM.

[gilesfan]

Players who aren't good enough don't score that first goal.

Until Jozy got hurt and Clint got kicked in the face our offense looked great. Gonna have to find otherways to get on the board.

So he's great bc he scored that goal?

[gilesfan]

Brooks came up with the clutchiest of all clutch moments, but Jones is my MOTM.

Have to re watch, how did he get so open.

There is no other possible MOTM than Jones

[zitothebrave]

So he's great bc he scored that goal?

Dempsey has great skill. He's got flaws but he could have stuck around on Spurs if they wanted him. But they got a great offer from Seattle and elected to sell. Considering their inability ot find the net I'm guessing they maybe could have used him.

[zitothebrave]

Have to re watch, how did he get so open.

There is no other possible MOTM than Jones

Timmy would be the second choice but Jones for sure was MOTM, that's why Klinsmann kept picking him despite some issues he's had with getting in foul trouble and his initial struggles as a holding midfield.

[gilesfan]

Dempsey has great skill. He's got flaws but he could have stuck around on Spurs if they wanted him. But they got a great offer from Seattle and elected to sell. Considering their inability ot find the net I'm guessing they maybe could have used him.

I can understand you being a homer, he's just not Europe quality

[zitothebrave]

I can understand you being a homer, he's just not Europe quality

Didn't he score like 13 goals for Fulham?

Honestly I'm glad he's in MLS. He looks way looser than he has in a long time. Still kinda concerned about Generalissimo in MLS but hopefulyl he looks more send off less first 70 minutes of this game.

[gilesfan]

Didn't he score like 13 goals for Fulham?

Honestly I'm glad he's in MLS. He looks way looser than he has in a long time. Still kinda concerned about Generalissimo in MLS but hopefulyl he looks more send off less first 70 minutes of this game.

Fulham to to Europa or champs league.

I'm glad Clint is in MLs too. I want that league to succeed.

[MrShwag]

I would say its the usual hard-fought, sloppy soccer, miracle win from the USMNT. Tough to play possession against a speedy Ghana team w/o Altidore and Bradley and FJohnson playing like crap. I give Dempsey a pass because he scored a jacked-up goal in the 1st minute and got a broken nose from a ridiculous head-kick.

We were due against Ghana. Time to regroup. A draw to Portugal and we should escape the group. I'd like to see Wondo up front against Portugal.

[zitothebrave]

I would say its the usual hard-fought, sloppy soccer, miracle win from the USMNT. Tough to play possession against a speedy Ghana team w/o Altidore and Bradley and FJohnson playing like crap. I give Dempsey a pass because he scored a jacked-up goal in the 1st minute and got a broken nose from a ridiculous head-kick.

We were due against Ghana. Time to regroup. A draw to Portugal and we should escape the group. I'd like to see Wondo up front against Portugal.

While a draw is fine, I want to win. I mean a draw gets us in there most likely as then we only have to not give up 3 or more goals against the germans but I'd rather just wrap it up Sunday.

[zitothebrave]

Fulham to to Europa or champs league.

I'm glad Clint is in MLs too. I want that league to succeed.

MLS is on the upswing. I'm happy for it. I'm up in nowheres ville but whenever I inevitably move back to civilization I'm supporting my local MLS club again. I was a Red Bulls supporter in NB and Union in south jersey.

[holden]

Jones was massive. Just completely in control the whole game. Bedoya was awesome as well until he tweaked his hammy like everyone else on our team.

We need Jozy, bad. Hope he's able to get back before it's over.

[zitothebrave]

Jones was massive. Just completely in control the whole game. Bedoya was awesome as well until he tweaked his hammy like everyone else on our team.

We need Jozy, bad. Hope he's able to get back before it's over.

Actually I think Bedoya just rolled his knee a bit. He wasn't grabbing his hammy like Jozy or Besler. I hope Jozy is back. He's so important but the fact that he's getting presumably an MRI tomorrow likely isn't good.

My only wish after today is Jozy to be back. I mean we can get by without him most likely in the group as we need to basically draw POrtugal and keep it close against Germany or draw. I don't think they need Jozy for that. But they certainly need him aganist Belgium. I have no clue how Johannson or Wondo would be able to do a damned thing against Kompany and Vermaelen. I mean I don't think we can beat the Belgians anyway but we willb e boned without Jozy he's our only hope.

[The Chosen One]

Watching the replay... when they were playing the Star Spangled Banner in the stadium they were showing Klinnsman and I was reading his lips and he definitely was doing a terrible job of pretending to know it. hahaha

Who cares! He's given us a win against Ghana!

[zitothebrave]

Watching the replay... when they were playing the Star Spangled Banner in the stadium they were showing Klinnsman and I was reading his lips and he definitely was doing a terrible job of pretending to know it. hahaha

Who cares! He's given us a win against Ghana!
I could care less if he doesn't know the words. He's done more for the future of US Soccer in his 3 years at the helm than any of the previous coaches have in decades before. US has changed many things with soccer. Even just the general attitude, MLS clubs run academies now with success and that is a big thing for the US stopping kids from going to college, getting kids who're talented athletes who other wise would have considered basketball or football for college purposes to switch to soccer because they're taken care of early.

[acesfull86]

Once this tourney ends, I'm hoping he's going to go to work trying to secure Zelalem.

[zitothebrave]

Once this tourney ends, I'm hoping he's going to go to work trying to secure Zelalem.

Could be wrong but Zelalem seems hot to join the US side. Which is great for the US. Can always use more talent.

If they add Zelalem they have then 3 coups of players who could be world class by next world cup with him, Green, Zelalem and Brooks. Also US has lots of quality players in their own youth as well. Having a stable of young talented players is great.

[BRule]

http://www.brianphickey.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Adu-2.jpg

[zitothebrave]

Algeria has looked well in the first 15 minutes. Hopefully they can keep it up for 90 and make this group interesting.

[zitothebrave]

Wow, shocking play by Vertonghen and Algeria take the lead! Would make for a great upset.

[zitothebrave]

What a failure by Witsel.

[zitothebrave]

Good comeback by the Belgians. Fellaini looked amazing when he got on.

[gilesfan]

Good comeback by the Belgians. Fellaini looked amazing when he got on.

Yeah, what a huge ****ing shock that the fro played well.

[zitothebrave]

Yeah, what a huge ****ing shock that the fro played well.

I was more shocked that Dembele looked terrible. I love watching him play. He reminds me a lot of Bradley but he's got better shooting skills.

[gilesfan]

Dembele is not very good. Hate seeing him in the lineup for Spurs.

[zitothebrave]

Dembele was one of the 5 best players for spurs, absolutely for sure one of the 5 best non-defenders/goalies.

[gilesfan]

Dembele was one of the 5 best players for spurs, absolutely for sure one of the 5 best non-defenders/goalies.

He lost his spot to a 19 year old Algerian

[zitothebrave]

He lost his spot to a 19 year old Algerian

Correct me if I'm remembering this correctly but that change happened later in the season when Spurs fate was more or less sealed correct?

[zitothebrave]

Brazil/Mexico better be as exciting as it's being built up to be.

[gilesfan]

No, he started games at the first of the year.

[gilesfan]

Brazil/Mexico better be as exciting as it's being built up to be.

Brazil is gonna wax that ass.

[zitothebrave]

Brazil is gonna wax that ass.

As long as it's exciting and not sloppy I don't care. I fear the game will get chippy.

[zitothebrave]

Holy ****. Mexico has a freaking angel on their side.

[zitothebrave]

Fantastic result for Mexico. Ochoa was a wall in the net. Bad luck from Brazil too as they had a ton of hard shots that were right at the keeper.

[MrShwag]

USMNT may face Portugal sans all three Real Madridians: Ronaldo, Coentrao, and Pepe

[tomahawkchop10]

Yesss!!! Spain is going down!! Some deuchy girl I know is going for Spain and said she would root for them over usa, so I hate Spain now lol

[tomahawkchop10]

Ba bye Spain, ahh so happy!!

[zitothebrave]

Spain is such a failure. Wow I'm shocked.

[zitothebrave]

USMNT may face Portugal sans all three Real Madridians: Ronaldo, Coentrao, and Pepe

Would be great should mean at least a draw. I'm concerned about our ability to score without Jozy.

[MrShwag]

Jozy's really not that good (except when playing inside the Netherlands).

[zitothebrave]

Jozy's really not that good (except when playing inside the Netherlands).

Jozy is very important for the US's style of play. You saw it against Ghana, when Jozy was on the field the US was dominant. His holdup play is fantastic.

[gilesfan]

Jozy's really not that good (except when playing inside the Netherlands).

Yeah, he's not. Hadnt scored in 27 matches. The one thing he is good at is being a target and holding up play, but if that's your best attribute, then uh....

[zitothebrave]

Yeah, he's not. Hadnt scored in 27 matches. The one thing he is good at is being a target and holding up play, but if that's your best attribute, then uh....

That's the kind of conclusion you come to when you don't actually watch the games.