World Cup 2014 - Group G (Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA)

[Beefy]

Please use this thread for prediction and match discussion for this Group.

[Beefy]

I got Ghana in our office sweep :(

[BBF]

I'm involved in 3 sweeps. I got Switzerland, Japan and Iran. Good luck.

[Beefy]

Cheers BBF. Bloody nice of you.

[BBF]

Any time, mate. Any time.

[Romford Pele]

Interesting group. USA are decent and Portugal can be prone to have off days, and Ghana are good too. Hard to back against Germany qualifying but could be any of the other 3 here

[RFF Champ]

USA aren't decent. The other 3 should be competitive though, one of my favourite groups this.

[MichaelC]

USA aren't decent. The other 3 should be competitive though, one of my favourite groups this.

I'm hoping the USA can be decent enough to beat Portugal (like in 2002) so that the Portuguese wind up pointless after two games and probably out. :)

[MTR]

This should be an interesting group. USA has to come out and win the first game against Ghana if they are going to have a chance of getting out of this group. If they lose the first game and have to get results out of the next two games they are in trouble. I think they can get out of this group but it won't be easy. Portugal and Germany can't look past Ghana or USA because that could cost them.

[Beefy]

There's always a shock elimination somewhere in the group stages. I'm going to stick my neck out and go for Portugal and Ghana to get through this group (C'mon Ghana!) and the Germans to go home

[BBF]

There's always a shock elimination somewhere in the group stages. I'm going to stick my neck out and go for Netherlands and Ghana to get through this group (C'mon Ghana!) and the Germans to go home

That is sticking your neck out in a massive way, Beef

[MTR]

Did we add a fifth team to the group? ;)

[wardy]

You must have got some odds on that Beefter.

[Beefy]

Stupid, forgettable Portugal.

[Judas Iscariot]

We NEED to finally beat Ghana. And that can happen.

If that happens, we're better conditioned than Portugal and more used to playing in the disgusting conditions we'll be playing them in. Ronaldo's mystery knee injury is a bonus.

Germany likely won't give a fuck for the third match since they'll already be through.

I!

I BELIEVE!

I BELIEVE THAT!

I BELIEVE THAT WE!

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pjliE37ENY

:usa:

[Judas Iscariot]

This should be an interesting group. USA has to come out and win the first game against Ghana if they are going to have a chance of getting out of this group. If they lose the first game and have to get results out of the next two games they are in trouble. I think they can get out of this group but it won't be easy. Portugal and Germany can't look past Ghana or USA because that could cost them.

When you refer to your country, don't say THEY. Say WE.

[RFF Champ]

Guaranteed Dempsey scores against Germany.

[Judas Iscariot]

Dempsey is a bad ass motherfucker who has spent years in Donovan's shadow while he's the one getting bruised and bloody and said years ago while Donovan ducked playing in Europe that he'd rather sit on the bench in England than start in MLS because he'd learn more from it.

Granted that was a long while ago and now he's back in MLS, but he became the highest goal scorer in Fulham's history.

This is likely to be Dempsey's last World Cup so I expect him to kill himself with effort.

[RFF Champ]

Dempsey only does effort in the big matches. He'll spend the Ghana game on his ass and score the opener against Germany. His record against big nations and big clubs is one Ronaldo would be proud of.

[Judas Iscariot]

How dare you compare Dempsey to Ronaldo.

[Ringo]

Granted that was a long while ago and now he's back in MLS, but he became the highest goal scorer in Fulham's history.


That's not true. :squint:

[Torn]

Ahaha yeah where has that come from!?

He's past it now. His Fulham stint in January was a mess.

[MTR]

Granted that was a long while ago and now he's back in MLS, but he became the highest goal scorer in Fulham's history.


He is not the highest scorer for Fulham. I think he has scored the most goals by an American in the Premiership.

[Judas Iscariot]

Well fuck me sideways I was positive he was. Maybe most in a season?

Anyway stop being a communist MTR.

[Ringo]

Could be their highest in premier league history. Has about 50.

[Ringo]

Ronaldo's limped out of training and not looking good apparently.

[Caito]

I know only the basics of the sport and fuck all about the intricacies of it.



With that said...


USA! USA! USA!

[Judas Iscariot]

I'm a diamond in the rough, everybody knows the score...

"But the people want more!"

And I'm a give it to 'em. I was born a winner, all I had to do was show 'em.

[Judas Iscariot]

Said the proof is in the pudding, the secret's in the sauce. I ain't gotta tell nobody why they call me the boss.

[Red Dog]

Dempsey is a bad ass motherfucker who has spent years in Donovan's shadow while he's the one getting bruised and bloody and said years ago while Donovan ducked playing in Europe that he'd rather sit on the bench in England than start in MLS because he'd learn more from it.

Granted that was a long while ago and now he's back in MLS, but he became the highest goal scorer in Fulham's history.

This is likely to be Dempsey's last World Cup so I expect him to kill himself with effort.

Fulhams highest goalscorer has 178.

Dempsey has 50 for them.

Oooooh close.

[Beefy]

Really looking forward to the two matches in this group tonight (think I'll be skipping Iran vs Nigeria though...). Should be plenty of goals.

[McBain]

Great evening for me of Game of Thrones finale and Germany/Portugal. YES.

[turdpower]

Pepe is a fucking idiot.

[wardy]

Harsh red. Muller is a fanny.

[Mik]

They are both idiotic.

[Kneeneighbor]

Okay so the chap with the red card is out for the match and his team is down a man... Are there any repercussions for him or the team beyond this match?

[HHHnFoley_Rulez]

Harsh red? He clashes heads with him. He needed to go.

Adrian Chiles droning on about how Muller play acting is a disgrace, it is, but so is the 'vigilante' justice Pepe dealt out. They're highly paid professionals and what he did, on the biggest stage there, was act more of a petty child than Muller did by going down like Tyson hit him. If Pepe goes over and shouts at him, and he gets up straight away like he did, then he looks the fool. Now Pepe does.

The ref could have dealt with that, potentially booking him, but Pepe give him absolutely no choice.

I'd be taking Eder back off for a defender and hoping for the best...

Thought penalty was stone wall and probably should have been a red too.

[wardy]

I know the rules of the game but there was fuck all in it. I would've booked the pair of them and told them to grow up.

[turdpower]

Okay so the chap with the red card is out for the match and his team is down a man... Are there any repercussions for him or the team beyond this match?

Gets suspended for the next game is my understanding.

[turdpower]

I know the rules of the game but there was fuck all in it. I would've booked the pair of them and told them to grow up.

That's true of course, but "clashing heads" is a red card, so the ref got it right.

Muller tried to get him sent off and it's worked.

[turdpower]

Jesus, I've just seen Nani's haircut :nono:

[Andy]

Adrian Chiles is such a stupid fucking cunt. Vieira looks like he wants to knock him out and Cannavarro is just getting fed up.

[HHHnFoley_Rulez]

I was just saying to my mate how Vieira wants to punch him. He's insufferable. I dont know if ITV think he's the "every man" and appeals but he's the "every man" who everyone hates cos he speaks so much shit. He probably doesn't even watch football beyond the Premiership highlights. He knows nothing (Jon Snow) and isn't shy about making it apparent. I'd rather listen to Tim Lovejoy, and that's saying something.

[Kneeneighbor]

Gets suspended for the next game is my understanding.

But his team gets to play at full strength correct.

[Simon]

Slim Charles is gonna bang in a hat trick to nick a draw for Portugal

[wardy]

But his team gets to play at full strength correct.
Aye they can just replace him with someone else for the next game.

[turdpower]

His team gets to play with 11 players if that's what you mean? But he can't be one of them.

[Ringo]

fucking hell GHANA what are you playing at

[Matthew]

USA
USA
USA

[Kneeneighbor]

We're killin' em!

[wardy]

Woooooo

[Grimario]

Who is doing commentary on BBC 5 Live? Jason Roberts and someone else...?

[turdpower]

That leg raising action doesn't seem normal to me.

[turdpower]

Who is doing commentary on BBC 5 Live? Jason Roberts and someone else...?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b046ct18

Never heard of him.

[Grimario]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b046ct18

Never heard of him.

:cheers:

We have match coverage with him and Roberts... and at half time, we have Torn's favourite ever Ghanaian striker doing analysis.... Lloyd Owusu!

[Simon]

Alistair Bruce-Ball has been on 5 Live for years, think he's more of a first-teamer nowadays whereas he used to be the dude updating you on Stoke vs West Brom.

[Kneeneighbor]

God this hanging on shit is painful to watch.

[Simon]

Yaaaaaaaaaasss fuck off yanks

[Clutch]

holy shit!

[Clutch]

nice header

[Kneeneighbor]

We're killin' em

[Caito]

US looked extremely lucky to win that game.

[Kneeneighbor]

From about 30 min on I felt like they had the fight taken to them.

[Bert]

http://i.imgur.com/e7qEmTP.gif

[wardy]

Well done the Yanks. 110%.

[wardy]

Now that I have been nice to you I would like you to come over and help us get independence from these bastards. #voteyes

[DaSaintFan]

US looked extremely lucky to win that game.

3 apparent major injuries, and our worst player managing to get that miracle header.. I'll take a bit of luck. And with Portugal losing Pepe for the next game... I like our chances now. (I seriously thought we'd go 0-3 in this group).

[Judas Iscariot]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R5A0pg4oN8

[son_of_foley]

Now that I have been nice to you I would like you to come over and help us get independence from these bastards. #voteyes

What the fuck are Vot eyes

[HHHnFoley_Rulez]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R5A0pg4oN8

They should have used that as the anthem, your players might have actual sung it instead of half of them pretending to be asleep (?) and the others just moving their lips.


The best bit was Robbie Savage having a fit on commentary.

[Simon]

I thoroughly enjoyed Robbie Savage telling us that he used to have a tattoo but now he doesn't have a tattoo.

[HHHnFoley_Rulez]

"I just got a bit overexcited.."
"..I know"

:lol:


WWPNS - What Would Phil Neville Say.

[Romford Pele]

Robbie Savage should not be employed. I loved it when Henry tore him a new one the other day.

This group is very interesting. USA have a great chance now, especially as Portugal looked so shite (even before the sending off) yesterday

Thomas Muller is supremrely unlikeable, but Pepe is a gimp for doing that.

[Ringo]

I always disliked Müller as well. Something about his face. But in Germany he has a reputation for being a genuine nice guy. Always super modest in interviews, never takes any credit for himself. Pepe is a lunatic who it could be argued shouldn't even be allowed to play football anymore. Find it amusing how Chiles and others were apparently criticising Müller so much.

[wardy]

What the fuck are Vot eyes
Don't be jealous.

[Chris Scott]

From what I watched first half USA played some decent footy.

[Red Dog]

Robbie Savage should not be employed. I loved it when Henry tore him a new one the other day.

This group is very interesting. USA have a great chance now, especially as Portugal looked so shite (even before the sending off) yesterday

Thomas Muller is supremrely unlikeable, but Pepe is a gimp for doing that.

Not sure what game it was, think it was this one, Savage kept saying "run it into the corner, get the job done, waste some time".

That's why lower league cloggers shouldn't be pundits at world cups. Couldn't imagine Henry saying that.

[MTR]

Jozy is out vs Portugal. :(

[Simon]

Didn't he tear his hamstring in the last game, surely he's out for the tournament? In any case, I would suggest that if USA could choose one player to remove from each team, they'd probably go with Altidore and Ronaldo, so count your blessings...it could have been Dempsey and Nani.

[Andy]

This is shaping up to be an excellent match. Got the 5Live commentary on and it's so much more enjoyable. Brad Friedel is very good.

[wardy]

WHAT A MATCH MATE

[Andy]

Slowed down a bit now Germany are controlling possession but still enjoying it.

[wardy]

Good game now.

[The Rick]

The fuck is going on? Germany shouldn't be allowing Ghana to control this well should they? I mean Germany is a better team aren't they? Ignorant yank here with questions :wave:

[The Rick]

well never mind I guess

[Xtreme Rebel]

Does Klose get another goal this tournament to take the record for himself?

[Andy]

Bloody told you this would be a good game!

[MikeHunt]

The 2nd half was outstanding. Fucking begging for a Germany 3rd for a score cast to come in. Sadly another £5 down the drain

[Prototype16]

Great second half - loved seeing Klose get his goal too

Germany would be better off starting with Schweinsteiger and moving Lahm to right back - it seems a waste to leave him out, and Lahm is still an excellent right back

[McBain]

What a second half.

I was one of three mates cheering on Ghana in a bar full of Germans. The reactions we were getting from them was hilarious. Ghana really deserved at least a point though, thought they were outstanding. Strong in defence, great with the ball and really went for it. Really hoping they somehow manage to get through.

FOOTBALL.

[The Rick]

I watched most of that second half until Fro invited me to play some Mario Kart 8. It was exciting to watch. I might just have to watch a bit more of this world cup.

Just thought about it, I could have left the tv on the game and played MK8 on the pad. Oh well.

[Caito]

Alright, true followers of this, tell a non usual follower...


What are the chances the US can win this match?

[Simon]

Reasonable based on the first games each team played. USA aren't as talented but are solid enough and work their knackers off. I reckon it will be a draw, which will probably suit the US.

[Simon]

However if you defend like that you will be punished. Even by Nani.

[Caito]

Yeah that was awful. gotta get the ball out.

[Ringo]

Nani is BACK.

Loved Ronaldo rinsing about four players not long before the goal by the way.

[RFF Champ]

The standard Dempsey vs. Big team goal will get USA back into this.

[RFF Champ]

Shit goalkeeping by Howard, he sat down.

[Simon]

Nani is BACK.

Loved Ronaldo rinsing about four players not long before the goal by the way.

Yeah brilliant, completely unnecessary as well. It's like he realises that Portugal can't achieve what Argentina can, so he's trying to outdo Messi just by skilling the shit out of everyone.

[Caito]

Tell you what though, they are playing they're asses off after that terrible goal and have had some decent chances.

[Simon]

USA have four or five players I've never seen that look really tasty. The lad with dreadlocks in front of the back four looks good, Johnson is full of energy, Brooks the centre back looks class. Not seen a lot of Bradley either but he looks the real deal, mad that he went back to the MLS at the peak of his career.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

They all work very hard but are distinctly ordinary players, apart from Bradley who is a decent footballer but has had awful luck with injuries.

[Simon]

Would have thought you would be in a more positive mood after your boyfriend scored earlier.

[Simon]

BOOF

[Caito]

Damn

[wardy]

Fucking love it!

[The Rick]

Some of the passing by US has been pretty lackadaisical.

[Kneeneighbor]

That passing was tits... 'Muerica

[Simon]

Gwan the Yanks.

[MMH]

That Eder is shockingly bad.

[Ringo]

yessssssssssss.

[The Rick]

I'm enjoying this match.

[Kneeneighbor]

That Chris Ronald guy is always offsides. He's pretty terrible.

[wardy]

Just realised my stream is miles behind. Go on the yanks! Always like them at the World Cup.

[MikeHunt]

yas great result. fuck you ronaldo you stupid tosser.

[The Rick]

Fuck. That little blonde fucker has misplayed the ball too many times.

[MMH]

What a cross.

[JP]

Bradley needs shooting, what the fuck was he doing?

[Simon]

Unbelievable finish to another great game. What a tournament unnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Ringo]

fuckkk. Was so ready for a massive US/Klinsi celebration there. Makes the last two games in this group very interesting indeed.

[DaSaintFan]

Jones with one bad pass.. and set that up Ronaldo's crosser.. (who shot like crap the whole game til that one pass!)

[Kneeneighbor]

So what's the soccer etiquette here in the next game. Both Germany and US both advance with a draw. Will they just kick the ball around for 90 and call it good?

Also how about the interview with Klinsmann?

[Caito]

Playing pool couldn't hear interview. What were the cliff notes?

[Kneeneighbor]

Well they asked him about playing Germany and he basicly said FIFA set everything up for them, didn't make them play in the jungle or travel at all for their games.

[McBain]

Delighted by this result, means Ghana still have a chance to go through.

[Judas Iscariot]

Fuck you McBain

[Judas Iscariot]

The bar turned from insane jubilation to where you could hear a pin drop in the blink of an eye.

It's alright though we've got this.

But with less than thirty seconds left Jesus fucking Christ.

[McBain]

That's football. It can be a cruel mistress.

I have a lot of sympathy for USA, but Ghana are both my sweepstake team and the best African team I've watched so far.

[Judas Iscariot]

Jacked dude came up to me in the bar with tears in his eyes after I lead the bar in a rousing rendition of "God Bless America" at the start of the second half.

Said, "I've got to tell you, sorry I'm tearing up, but the last time I heard that song sung was when I got back from Afghanistan last month. Thank you for getting us to sing that."

I said, "Why are you thanking me? Thank YOU man. Thank YOU," and I shook his hand.

He put his arm around me and hugged me and said, "Don't thank me for anything. It just reminded me of the things I saw and the friends I lost over there. So thank you for getting us to sing that, I appreciated it."

I bought him another Hennessy.

[Red Dog]

So what's the soccer etiquette here in the next game. Both Germany and US both advance with a draw. Will they just kick the ball around for 90 and call it good?

Also how about the interview with Klinsmann?
Soccer etiquette is playing the game properly.

Although Germany have form for this - they did it in 1982. Think that was when they introduced all final group games being played at the same time.

[Simon]

Soccer etiquette is playing the game properly.

Not really. In England maybe (though there are examples of dodginess all around) but in other countries it's completely the norm. Italy even have an accepted term for it, biscotto...not sure why it's called that.

You'd like to think it wouldn't happen and there's no reason to think it will have been pre-planned...but if there are twenty minutes to go and the scores are level, neither team will go for it.

[RFF Champ]

Playing in Manaus seemed to have quite a big effect on Italy and England. It'll be interesting to see how Croatia are tonight but based on the evidence so far I reckon the USA will be well up for the draw.

[Simon]

I read that Italy players claimed to have been hallucinating by the end of the England game due to the conditions, madness.

Excited to see the tournament start to kick on now. Mexico/Croatia tonight should be great, with Brazil/Cameroon retaining interest thanks to Brazil not being confirmed group winners yet.

[Red Dog]

Not really. In England maybe (though there are examples of dodginess all around) but in other countries it's completely the norm. Italy even have an accepted term for it, biscotto...not sure why it's called that.

You'd like to think it wouldn't happen and there's no reason to think it will have been pre-planned...but if there are twenty minutes to go and the scores are level, neither team will go for it.

Well besides that I think they will go for it anyway as surely there is a huge advantage in finishing top? Who are they likely to play?

[RFF Champ]

It'll be a shame to lose Mexico or Croatia, they both look decent. Fancy Croatia to win tonight though and go far.

[Fanny Batter]

You think Croatia would beat Holland or Chile? Seems a big ask to me. They've looked solid in their games but you'd fancy those 2 teams to have a bit too much for them. Lot's of attacking flair in both the Croatia and Holland teams though, hoping the Dutch get the draw tonight because that would be a great game. Chile would provide good resistance to Brazil too, would be a tense match.

I definitely see Argentina (Switzerland should be a doddle), France (Nigeria aren't great) and Germany (Algeria have played well but shouldn't be too much hassle) coasting to the quarters, all the other games (I think it'll be Holland/Croatia, Brazil/Chile, Belgium/USA, Ivory Coast/Costa Rica and Uruguay/Colombia) are very close games on paper and could provide some shocks, namely Chile beating Brazil and Murrica beating Belgium. What a great World Cup.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Chile showed they had a few issues in the game against Australia that Spain couldn't exploit, namely their central defence is very ropey. I would fancy Croatia to give them some trouble as Mario Mandzukic is extremely strong in the air and they have a lot of pace down the flanks. It would be an interesting game. Luka Modric is the best central midfielder in the competition now in my opinion and it means Croatia will tend to be able to control midfield vs anybody they play now. The problem for Chile is getting close to him with their high pressure game and hoping he just doesn't pick them apart when they move up. I don't see Chile's defence being good enough to take them much further unfortunately.

I would fancy them to give Brazil a real go because Brazil have looked so static and ordinary so far, aside from Neymar. Brazil need to change their midfield, Paulinho should simply not be starting.

[RFF Champ]

Holland will come unstuck. The midfield has veen very quiet and they won't be able to rely on monster Robben and RVP performances for long.

[Romford Pele]

Snejder needs to get back to his form of 5/6 years ago and dictate games if they are to get past QF stage but they have match winners.

[McBain]

It could really be any one of about 5 or 6 teams at the moment, none have looked invincible. Great stuff.

[Romford Pele]

True. i got Brazil in my office sweepstake and put £10 at 4/1 on Argentina (each way) but could end up being anyone at this rate.

[Ringo]

Snejder needs to get back to his form of 5/6 years ago and dictate games if they are to get past QF stage but they have match winners.

If they beat Mexico it's probably going to be Costa Rica or Ivory Coast in the quarters so they could well get to the semis without too much trouble. Not that I want to write off the other teams so easily, but they'll be heavy favourites.

[Romford Pele]

On another point, I saw Portugals equaliser from Sunday - Ronaldo didnt even celebrate it, he just cannot stand it when he is not centre of attention can he?

[MikeHunt]

On another point, I saw Portugals equaliser from Sunday - Ronaldo didnt even celebrate it, he just cannot stand it when he is not centre of attention can he?

Or maybe he was fucked off at the shite display from the rest of the team over the two games.

[Romford Pele]

So you wouldnt celebrate a last minute goal that keeps you in the world cup? Behave.

[MikeHunt]

I don't see why he would if he was fucked off. I certainly wouldn't.

[Romford Pele]

I bet if it was he that had scored, he would be giving the big un like he did when he scored the irrelevant fourth goal in the Champions League final. It is all ego.

[MikeHunt]

Nah wrong.

[Romford Pele]

Nope.

[thegoat]

I did think that he wasn't celebrating at the time but assumed it was because he'd been preparing himself for his usual massive cry when Portugal go out of a tournament and just wasn't able to switch emotions so quickly.

[MikeHunt]

Yup

[Mik]

On another point, I saw Portugals equaliser from Sunday - Ronaldo didnt even celebrate it, he just cannot stand it when he is not centre of attention can he?

He was centre of attention, it was all about his cross.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Why would he celebrate, they're practically out anyway. I think the guy does try to get that memorable pic when something happens, like dropping to the floor on his own when Man Utd won the Champs League instead of running over with the rest of his team or whipping his shirt off after his peno in the last final, but he had spent the USA game watching a real display of ineptitude on behalf of his colleagues and then produced the sort of quality that none of the rest of them could manage to provide for him to set-up a goal that was really too little, too late. He spent the game making good runs that his team mates just couldn't find. Eder was absolutely terrible. It wouldn't be terribly surprising if he jacks in international football after this tournament. Portugal look spent. It's easy to forget that before the Costa/Figo/Pinto generation they hadn't gone to a tournament in years and they could easily return to mediocrity for a while.

[MMH]

I didnt realise that Ronaldo has that weird shaving in his hair for a reason.

Hes not all bad I suppose.

[MMH]

Looking at the weather in Recife if anybody hadnt backed a draw before hand I would be lumping on about now.

[Romford Pele]

0-0?

[Simon]

I didnt realise that Ronaldo has that weird shaving in his hair for a reason.

Hes not all bad I suppose.

Increasingly it seems to me that Ronaldo is a decent bloke who happens to be easily dislikeable, I'm always hearing stories of him doing all these humble, decent things that are at odds with the public perception of him. Whereas stories are starting to creep out about Messi that makes him seem the other way around, a seemingly likeable chap who does actually have a bit of a dark side - over the past year I've heard various stories about him being insubordinate to Vilanova and Martino, and also pushing for Tevez to be continually left out of the Argentina squad. Obviously it's all conjecture though.

[Simon]

I've had the idea banging around my head for some time but I am actually now fairly comfortable with the idea that the Yanks, when it comes to football, are actually quite likeable. I don't know if it's because it's a sub-culture over there and so pulls in a different crowd to the arseholes that follow Yankball and baseball or what, but American soccer fans that I encounter seem very passionate and knowledgable about the game (in the way that fans of minority sports tend to be, I guess) without any of the insane nationalistic bullshit that they have in their culture in general. The team is pretty likeable as well - not exceptionally talented but hard-working and well-drilled.

So yeah...cards on the table, I like the Yanks and would like to see them do well.

Of course the problem with that is that if they strart doing well, the sport will grow in popularity and the rest of the country will get into it, and they'll be a horrendous, detestable superpower in football by 2022 or earlier.

[Chris Scott]

Come on Germany and USA.

[wardy]

I've always liked the Yanks as a team. Get with it Simon. Hoping they snatch a win here. Bruv.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

People have been saying the USA will be a football superpower for ages. It will never happen. They'll always be a decent team and that's about it.

[Percussion]

Superpower is a tall order, especially given the amount of diversity of sport offered here. But there is a pretty big gap between decent and superpower that we can still fill in the coming years and find ourselves more and more competitive.

[MMH]

When did Clint Dempsey turn into a modern day Socrates? Been doing sexual backheels all over the place in the world cup.

[Fanny Batter]

What's everybody fancying from here on out then? You'd have to consider either Algeria or Russia to be massive underdogs against Germany so the line up is pretty much settled.

Brazil vs. Chile is the tie of the second round for me. Chile were perhaps flattered by Spain's lack of urgency and Australia's lack of experience at the back, but they're still a good team with a lot of attacking talent that might give Brazil trouble, as well as a lot of defensive discipline. If they can take Neymar out the game they've got a great chance. Before the last games I was pretty confident that they could take Brazil but the mixture of Neymar taking off and Chile's slack play against Holland makes me lean towards Brazil.

Colombia beat Uruguay. They won't be very good without Suarez, easily their best player and attacking outlet. Their defense should get torn to pieces by Colombia's talent up front. I think it'll be tense as a lot of the Colombians don't have big match experience, but I think they'll take the lead after half time and win quite comfortably.

France vs. Nigeria. Nothing I've seen from Nigeria tell me they'll beat France. Could be a good open game if they come out looking for goals though.

Germany will beat Russia or (hopefully) Algeria.

Holland vs. Mexico will be great, Mexico are well drilled and looked good on the counter. Robben and Van Persie look good though, and beating Chile when they didn't need to shows they've got good depth and attitude this time around.

Costa Rica will surely handle Greece. Surely.

Argies beat the Swiss.

Fancy America to beat Belgium.

Brazil/Colombia, France/Germany, Argies/USA, Holland/Costa Rica. Brazil/Germany, Argies/Holland. Brazil/Argies. Argies.

[Judas Iscariot]

People have been saying the USA will be a football superpower for ages. It will never happen. They'll always be a decent team and that's about it.

Yeah it's not likely to happen, but the interest in soccer over here and the growth of MLS and the fact that most of our players play in Europe has grown exponentially even over just the last eight years.

The ratings for the US matches here have been higher than the Stanley Cup Finals, the NBA Finals and the World Series, which is mental.


Superpower is a tall order, especially given the amount of diversity of sport offered here. But there is a pretty big gap between decent and superpower that we can still fill in the coming years and find ourselves more and more competitive.

Exactly. There isn't the money in soccer here that there is in the four other major sports. Imagine if Kobe Bryant had stuck with soccer? What if Lebron James, Mike Trout, or Calvin Johnson only had soccer to ply their trade as professional athletes? Our national team would be terrifying. But the money is in other sports here.

[_me]

Superpower is a tall order, especially given the amount of diversity of sport offered here. But there is a pretty big gap between decent and superpower that we can still fill in the coming years and find ourselves more and more competitive.
I feel like there is a huge gap between the top 2 sports in America (NFL and NBA) and everything else. If the MLS could ever make it into the discussion for 3rd (with MLB, NHL, MMA, etc) then I could see America turning into a nation that could compete for a World Cup. Until then, it is too niche to attract the elite athletes it takes to be world-class and that other nations have playing. I would say that none of Americas top 1000 "athletes" play soccer (probably 5000 or more). Once the elite 8 yr olds are deciding they want to be the next Ronaldo or Messi instead of LeBron or Peyton Manning, the USA will be something to see but not before then.

[_me]

Pointless question with no correct answer - Which American professional athlete, if you gave him the exact same physical and mental skills he had in his real sport but had him grow up in England or Brazil and thus become a soccer prodigy instead of a ____ prodigy, would have been the best?

My answer is Allen Iverson. Had a perfect soccer body - ultra quick, unbelievable balance, tough SOB.

[Judas Iscariot]

Kobe Bryant.

Grew up playing soccer already, insane athlete and completely focused on winning like a man possessed.

Maybe not at this point in his career, but in his prime he'd have been Captain America.

[Bluemoon]

The ratings for the US matches here have been higher than the Stanley Cup Finals, the NBA Finals and the World Series, which is mental.


What seriously?

[Bluemoon]

USA got out their group, Hodgson is a shit manager.

[RFF Champ]

When did Clint Dempsey turn into a modern day Socrates? Been doing sexual backheels all over the place in the world cup.

Dempsey has always looked an excellent footballer. His close control is amazing, he never loses the ball in tight spaces which is ideal for 'weaker sides'. He always said he was going to play Champions League but never got the move to prove himself at a better level.

The problem is managers get tricked into playing him up front because of his goalscoring record and he scores so many important goals. First problem is that he's lazy and won't press the ball particularly when it's not an important game. His movement is better cutting in from the left. I'd have been interested to see whether the result would have been different if the USA had Altidore causing problems up front and Dempsey helping Bradley to keep the ball higher up the pitch.

[DaSaintFan]

If altidore had been available for the last two games, I think you'd have seen different outcomes.. either Dempsey would have had more shot opportunities, due to Altidore drawing all the atention, or less attack time with Bradley resulting in fewer mistakes.

It's possible Altidore will be back for the Belgium game (iffy, but possible), and I think you'll see more attacking from the US in that regard.

[_me]

Kobe Bryant.

Grew up playing soccer already, insane athlete and completely focused on winning like a man possessed.

Maybe not at this point in his career, but in his prime he'd have been Captain America.
isn't Kobe too tall? what other soccer players are 6'6?

[Version 6]

Peter Crouch and Fernando Llorente are probably that tall.

[Judas Iscariot]

Actually, I hadn't thought about height at all, so my bad.

But we could hypothetically field an entire squad of nearly 7 foot tall fit monsters.

Imagine that.

[JP]

Nikola Zigic, 6'7"

Legend.

[McBain]

Shelton Benjamin.

Just because.

[Torn]

If altidore had been available for the last two games, I think you'd have seen different outcomes.. either Dempsey would have had more shot opportunities, due to Altidore drawing all the atention, or less attack time with Bradley resulting in fewer mistakes.

It's possible Altidore will be back for the Belgium game (iffy, but possible), and I think you'll see more attacking from the US in that regard.

Well the slight problem with that is that Altidore is a bit shit.

[McBain]

Dempsey definitely needs someone to play off.

[RFF Champ]

Well the slight problem with that is that Altidore is a bit shit.

He's not that bad and it drastically improves Dempsey's contribution to the team. It'll be a massive boost in my opinion.

[Red Dog]

*Football

[_me]

Actually, I hadn't thought about height at all, so my bad.

But we could hypothetically field an entire squad of nearly 7 foot tall fit monsters.

Imagine that.
A team full of NBA point guards (Westbrook, DRose, John Wall, etc) and stretch forwards (Blake, LeBron, etc) and NFL receivers or running backs (Calvin, Shady McCoy, Peterson) and corners (Patrick Peterson, Revis) would be pretty staggering athletically.

Every players would be at least 6'0 200 and run a 4.5.

[Simon]

Get this basketball baseball fuckrie out of the World Cup thread.

[_me]

Get this basketball baseball fuckrie out of the World Cup thread.
I actually hate basketball. But there are no world cup games today. We have to talk about something until tomorrow.

[Simon]

LeBron with the trips-score into the hanging garden, high victory for the New York Tall Blacks!

[El Capitano Gatisto]

It's all bollocks anyway, it's like saying if all rugby and cricket players played football instead, England would have a world beater of a team. Every country has competing sports vying for the best athletes, even in Ireland there's rugby and GAA that are enormously popular. Having a supply of big fast men means nothing, either. They need to be good at football.

The USA having other popular sports of their own is besides the point. The reason they will never amount to anything in world football is because of the systems in place and the culture of college sport. Every other nation has the most promising players at professional clubs quite early on, whereas in the US the college sports system is the funnel for young players to get their training. Allied to there not being any money for domestic players in the US, this means that their most promising players, unless willing to move to Europe at a young age, are not going to be playing professional football until their early 20s. Perhaps this system is changing, regardless the coaching and youth set-ups in the US have a long way to catch up with the rest of the world. There's no onus on large numbers of American kids to leave their home country to take a risk on a football career as there is for African kids who are picked up by European teams in droves.

The USA hasn't produced a single world class player of note. Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride, Tim Howard and a handful of others have all been decent players but not even close to the top tier of talent. Not even producing one such player yet suggests that producing the several required to have a team able to compete at a World Cup is a long, long way off.

[Torn]

A team full of NBA point guards (Westbrook, DRose, John Wall, etc) and stretch forwards (Blake, LeBron, etc) and NFL receivers or running backs (Calvin, Shady McCoy, Peterson) and corners (Patrick Peterson, Revis) would be pretty staggering athletically.

Every players would be at least 6'0 200 and run a 4.5.

The best player in the world is a small white man.

[son_of_foley]

The best player in the world is a small white man.

Thanks mate
x

[_me]

The best player in the world is a small white man.
I tend to agree, which is why my original answer was Iverson. I was more referring to Judas' comment about a team of 7' monsters when I made that list.

[son_of_foley]

Imagine Jamaicas sprinters all playing for the REGGAE BOYZ maybe they wouldn't have got fucked by france so hard. YEOOOO