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USA - Czech Republic (June 12th 2006) [Group E] (pg. 13)
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| luisjb82 |
Same here... Only watched the first half, but they were certainly playing great, a few mistakes here and there on defense but the rest was just truly skillful.
USA simply looked outplayed at all times and they certainly lack more depth on the attack, they need a pure 9, Mcbride or Donovan aren't exactly that type. |
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| NYCTrancefan |
All 200 million plus may not be behind the U.S. team, luckily for them actually the way they played, but there are more than enough knowledgable fans out there and they ask some dude at a Nascar Track, okay. He's probably more worried about Ricky Rudds engine being inspected by track officials and the points standings.
The reality is that until this team does a whole lot better in International Football at the highest levels consistently and continue to foster the growth of the game among young kids, who can move on to play in Europe at top tier clubs like the South Americans do and not this B outfit we have now, I can care less if these guys support the National Team or not I look for improvement and today showed the U.S. is not in the class of world football or at least confirmed it, next game Italy. If the U.S. was winning the bandwagon would have picked up some bandwagoneers. |
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| nrjizer |
What's really sad is that the US team is capable of so much more. I know it's easy to criticize US soccer, but the truth is that when they are in top form, they truly are a formidable team, as demonstrated in 2002. Even Nedved said in a pre-game interview that the US was a strong team, not to be underestimated. He even went so far as to pick them as the dark horse for the cup.
I knew from the beginning that the US would need to bring their A game to the Cup. Anything short of 100% would simply be unacceptable.
And today, they did not. And they paid for it. Badly.
The marking was bad (as proven in the 5th minute by the cross that let Koller score). The defense was shaky and unstable. The midfield was slow and uneffective. The crosses were terrible -- they were either way off target, directly into Cech's hands, or they simply failed to find a blue jersey. We were practically giving them possession. The offense... well, it simply wasn't there. Donovan and Beasley got the ball so rarely, they may as well have stopped for a picnic.
I'm probably being harsh, but it's because I'm a big fan of these guys and I know that they're capable of much, much better. Czech is a very strong team indeed (I'd say they have a pretty good chance of winning the cup, or at least making it to the final), but that does not excuse our performance. Like I said before, I wouldn't mind the US losing had they actually given it their all.
While their 2002 team was indeed strong, I think they had an edge because they were so underestimated and took Portugal by suprise. They did not have that edge today against Czech. If there's any silver lining that can be found in this, it's that they have (hopefully) learned their hard lesson early on, instead of later in the tournament when there may have been no second chance. |
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| luisjb82 |
Don't get me wrong, but with Italy as next opponents, their chances of reaching 2nd round have decreased to almost 1%.
USA is lacking on the offensive side and Italy has more than enough on the defensive side, I just don't see how USA will manage to score a goal vs. them...
But you never know, USA might bring their A game vs Italy and upset them, that's the beauty of football ;) |
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| NYCTrancefan |
| quote: | Originally posted by nrjizer
What's really sad is that the US team is capable of so much more. I know it's easy to criticize US soccer, but the truth is that when they are in top form, they truly are a formidable team, as demonstrated in 2002. Even Nedved said in a pre-game interview that the US was a strong team, not to be underestimated. He even went so far as to pick them as the dark horse for the cup.
I knew from the beginning that the US would need to bring their A game to the Cup. Anything short of 100% would simply be unacceptable.
And today, they did not. And they paid for it. Badly.
The marking was bad (as proven in the 5th minute by the cross that let Koller score). The defense was shaky and unstable. The midfield was slow and uneffective. The crosses were terrible -- they were either way off target, directly into Cech's hands, or they simply failed to find a blue jersey. We were practically giving them possession. The offense... well, it simply wasn't there. Donovan and Beasley got the ball so rarely, they may as well have stopped for a picnic.
I'm probably being harsh, but it's because I'm a big fan of these guys and I know that they're capable of much, much better. Czech is a very strong team indeed (I'd say they have a pretty good chance of winning the cup, or at least making it to the final), but that does not excuse our performance. Like I said before, I wouldn't mind the US losing had they actually given it their all.
While their 2002 team was indeed strong, I think they had an edge because they were so underestimated and took Portugal by suprise. They did not have that edge today against Czech. If there's any silver lining that can be found in this, it's that they have (hopefully) learned their hard lesson early on, instead of later in the tournament when there may have been no second chance. |
They just looked overwhelmed by the huge stage of World Cup football, you wouldn't know that 12 players were returning from the 02' squad. I will say it again even if we didn't beat the Czechs I would have taken a game where more heart was displayed and a closer, competitive scoreline, never did I feel the Czechs were in any danger of slipping up in that game from the firs goal scored on the U.S. Don't even get me started on the defense I never liked any of those guys back there, and now I remember why. How do you have a 5'6 defender in Cherondolo and the sad part is he is actually one of the better players, scary. He may look good against the Guatemalas, Costa Ricas and Panamas of the world but against teams like Holland, England, the true U.S. defense is exposed as the Czechs showed. Shameful performance. |
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| Aristronica |
look enough of the ing hype ok
who did "they" beat last world cup that was so amazing???
Mexico, Portugal, Korea Republic, and Poland... ok let's break it down.
Poland beat US and we saw what they did their first game this tournament and had a quick exit the last time around.
Korea Republic had the home crowd behind them and were doing well - the US still tied them and Korea will probably get beat by Togo if anything.
Mexico??? well they play them about 5 times a year and they go back and forth on wins - it was USA's turn.
Portugal is probably the "best" team they played and as even so Portugal is not as world class as everyone likes to believe - the "Golden Generation" never lived up to it's expectations. Portugal got caught early - made a decent effort for a comeback but fell short.
If we look at all these results from the previous world cup then it's very simple - if USA gets a big enough lead they are capable of "surviving" the match. However they are a terrible second half team and if they fall behind they never get into it.
Basically the mistake was letting in the Koller goal - that's what killed them from the beginning. I think it's some kind of American mentality and it totally makes this team worthless.
My last point is - what the is Beasley doing on the right side trying to cut it inside to his left foot - that's unnatural for any winger to do - any less put in good crosses - you Arena this is your fault! |
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| Eddie N MIAMI |
:o
pitiful performance, how frustrating that the czech scored the first 2 goals on 2 attempts.USA got pwned, Rosicky omg he was banged up , yeah right damn nice game by him.This was the game that we had to prove to the world, and they blew it.
Only a miracle vs Italy will keep USA alive in this,and yeah dont see that happening.Luca Toni is gonna own our defence.
sucks that Koller is out for the rest of the WC, without him his team cant win it all. |
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| djdust |
| Today was just awful for the US. As an American, I was highly disappointed at their showing. I don't see us advancing to the next round, but I'll keep the dream alive. As for the Czechs-- they're a damn good team, and it wouldn't be surprising if they make it all the way to the finals. All in all, I'm rather embarassed for the US (it practically ruins my entire week), but I'll still be cheering for them against Italy. |
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| Aristronica |
| quote: | Originally posted by Eddie N MIAMI
:o
pitiful performance, how frustrating that the czech scored the first 2 goals on 2 attempts.USA got pwned, Rosicky omg he was banged up , yeah right damn nice game by him.This was the game that we had to prove to the world, and they blew it.
Only a miracle vs Italy will keep USA alive in this,and yeah dont see that happening.Luca Toni is gonna own our defence.
sucks that Koller is out for the rest of the WC, without him his team cant win it all. |
no, if baros is fit they can run the same line-up with him up front
the 4-5-1 was highly effective today. |
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| paulandrews |
| quote: | Originally posted by paranoik0
overconfident already?
Ghana's strongest point is the midfield as well, teams might match each other. Altho I'd have to say Czech Rep are clearly favourites now. |
I was trying to say one of our strongest weapons is tactics and discipline and thatīs what Ghana absolutely fails in. We will own them.
The only thing Iīm worried about is their agressiveness, as I saw some harsh fouls from them against Italy yesterday (mostly at the end of the match when they were losing 0-2). |
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| fcuk Ū |
| I've always liked Czech Republic and always knew they would be strong, USA had a few firing shots that went wide and the one that hit the post was a spew! But the Czechs looked strong from the very start and have way too many good players for USA close down. Rosicky and Nedved get my vote for players of match. Arsenal have picked up one worthy player that 2nd goal, what a crack! The best will be Czech playing Italy :D :wtf: :crazy: |
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