Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

It could have been better but Team USA had a good run. We won our group! We could have advanced deep into the tournament if we just could have eliminated the dumb defensive errors. We have some youth and we know what we need to improve before Brazil '14.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

The US had a nice run, and could still be barreling forward if it weren't for their defensive blunders.

I caught the highlights and commentary after Germany blitzed England, as the braintrust on TV were talking about what's next for the US. Aside from the defensive errors, the biggest lack the US had was a big time goal scorer. Altidore has the potential of being that, and at 21, has time to develop, but guys like Dempsey, Donovan, who were so heavily depended on this tournament will be role players next time. It'll be interesting to see who emerges over the next 4 years.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;709301]The US had a nice run, and could still be barreling forward if it weren't for their defensive blunders.

I caught the highlights and commentary after Germany blitzed England, as the braintrust on TV were talking about what's next for the US. Aside from the defensive errors, the biggest lack the US had was a big time goal scorer. Altidore has the potential of being that, and at 21, has time to develop, but guys like Dempsey, Donovan, who were so heavily depended on this tournament will be role players next time. It'll be interesting to see who emerges over the next 4 years.[/quote]

^Yes. Although the young Altidore flashed, no goals were scored by forwards. If we could grow defenders and forwards like we grow goalies, we'd be awesome.

I'm glad that our current defenders are all long in the tooth. We'll be forced to make changes whether we want to or not, and we need to make changes.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

[quote=Lotus;709305]^Yes. Although the young Altidore flashed, no goals were scored by forwards. If we could grow defenders and forwards like we grow goalies, we'd be awesome.

I'm glad that our current defenders are all long in the tooth. We'll be forced to make changes whether we want to or not, and we need to make changes.[/quote]

Our defenders and mid fielders were not the reason we lost. IMO the reason we were not better if for lack of a great striker. Buddle and Gomez just don't have the mentality and Altidore may be good down the road but definitely underwhelmed after the qualifiers. The US just does not have a track record of producing good hard-nosed strikers like you need to be a great team. Look at home many shots we took on goal and many many of them were badly misplayed but could have been turned into goals if we had strikers like some of the good European and South American teams have.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

[quote=SkinzWin;709306]Our defenders and mid fielders were not the reason we lost. IMO the reason we were not better if for lack of a great striker. Buddle and Gomez just don't have the mentality and Altidore may be good down the road but definitely underwhelmed after the qualifiers. The US just does not have a track record of producing good hard-nosed strikers like you need to be a great team. Look at home many shots we took on goal and many many of them were badly misplayed but could have been turned into goals if we had strikers like some of the good European and South American teams have.[/quote]
In hindsight, Dempsey should have played up front with Altidore, with Beasley and Donovan on the wings. Just to give Altidore a veteran presence up front to help set him up.

The defense made too many crucial mistakes, and as Bradley said after the fact, there was no way Gooch would be 100% after his long layoff. He had no business starting the England or Slovenia matches.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

[IMG]http://bitsandpieces.us/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/imagestwilights-like-soccer.jpg[/IMG]

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

[quote=Buster;709831][IMG]http://bitsandpieces.us/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/imagestwilights-like-soccer.jpg[/IMG][/quote]

I just posted in Supper Funny, it is great!

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

[quote=Buster;709831][IMG]http://bitsandpieces.us/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/imagestwilights-like-soccer.jpg[/IMG][/quote]

Don't agree with it but that is pretty damn funny.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;709354]In hindsight, Dempsey should have played up front with Altidore, with Beasley and Donovan on the wings. Just to give Altidore a veteran presence up front to help set him up.

The defense made too many crucial mistakes, and as Bradley said after the fact, there was no way Gooch would be 100% after his long layoff. He had no business starting the England or Slovenia matches.[/quote]

I agree completely.

Going forward, though, we need to homegrow some strikers so that someone like Dempsey can stay in the midfield. Then we might have an attack worthy of the World Cup.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

anyone else a lil disappointed or less interested in the world cup after the way the game was offciated and FIFAs response?

i am. im still going to watch but a part of me is turned off.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

[quote=over the mountain;710247]anyone else a lil disappointed or less interested in the world cup after the way the game was offciated and FIFAs response?

i am. im still going to watch but a part of me is turned off.[/quote]

FIFA really can't say anything right now. When the Cup is over, let's see if they make moves. If they don't, then I'll join you in disappointment.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

Wow, Brazil heading home. Last 15 minutes of that match were freaking tense.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

Spain is the motherland so I'm rooting for them..well I was rooting for them...now I'm suddenly thinking how bad would it be if the Netherlands won?

[url=http://twitter.com/BobbiEden/status/17871111144]Twitter / Bobbi Eden : If #ned wins the #worldcu ...[/url]

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

16,892 Followers

lol

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

The Dutch were brilliant at times yesterday and lackadaisical during others. If they let up against either Germany or Spain, they will get pummeled. Van Bronckhorst's goal in the 18th minute was simply brilliant. [URL="http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/goals/video/video=1269644/index.html"]If you can catch video of it, go check it out[/URL].

Germany/Spain this afternoon should be a slobberknocker.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;710959]The Dutch were brilliant at times yesterday and lackadaisical during others. If they let up against either Germany or Spain, they will get pummeled. Van Bronckhorst's goal in the 18th minute was simply brilliant. If you can catch video of it, go check it out.

Germany/Spain this afternoon should be a slobberknocker.[/quote]

Slobberknocker is correct. I'm looking forward to Germany/Spain, rooting both for Spain and for a good game.

You are right about the Dutch. Perhaps in the final they will smell blood in the water and not let up like against Uruguay.

Van Bronckhorst's shot was one of the most amazing and beautiful goals that I have ever seen. It is plays like that which make me a fan of soccer.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

I actually really liked the Robben goal, beautiful pass to set it up as well

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

Regulation over and I predict Spain for the WIN.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

Gooooooaaalllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Spain

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

[quote=Redskins_P;706843]Spain has always been overrated and overhyped and they continue to choke in the WC. Don't know why everyone always jumps on their bandwagon.[/quote]

What now son?! :)

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

Congrats to Spain and their supporter SmootSmack. Let's see if they can defend at Brazil '14.

I thought that in the final, the goaltending was outstanding, whereas play on the field, especially by strikers, was considerably conservative, almost scared. Must have been the nerves.

Re: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread
 

[quote=Lotus;711878]Congrats to Spain and their supporter SmootSmack. Let's see if they can defend at Brazil '14.

I thought that in the final, the goaltending was outstanding, whereas play on the field, especially by strikers, was considerably conservative, almost scared. Must have been the nerves.[/quote]

They were gun shy for sure with all the one on one chances. I think they were playing more not to lose than to win IMO.