OT-World Cup

[steger_3434]

I know there are a lot of posters that are big into soccer, so with the NT preliminary rosters announced today I figured we'd get a thread going.

Not impressed whatsoever with BB's roster. Looks like it's going to be the same old USA where we defend with 11 and boot the ball up to a loan forward and hope he can score by himself against world class defenses.

My other team is Brazil and Dunga has turned that team from a beautiful "samba" style into tough Italian style team. I know Ronaldinho and Adriano have had their problems, but they've both regained their form and could really help that team off the bench. As of right now they have no creativity in the midfield. They are a Kaka injury, which is pretty likely, away from falling flat on their face. Surprised Pato didn't make it, either.

[stevescheffler06]

Sorry, I don't speak 'world'. You might as well have been Delfino in a post-game interview, though I do find myself vaguely interested.

[jerrod]

yep, i'm not thrilled with the lineup either. so it being preliminary i know that 7 people on there now won't make it, can other people still be added?

i also want to know when the us/england game is going to be on the 12th, i have brewers tickets that day

[yoshii8]

I don't think players can be added now, it just has to be cut down. Jerrod, who were you hoping would be on the US roster ?

[TurkishThunder]

yep, i'm not thrilled with the lineup either. so it being preliminary i know that 7 people on there now won't make it, can other people still be added?

i also want to know when the us/england game is going to be on the 12th, i have brewers tickets that day

It's at 1:30 central

[steger_3434]

Pretty sure noone can be added to that list. Dunga has now released his "other" 7 players that will be cut unless injuries before the cup come into play:

Diego Tardelli (Atlético-MG)
Ganso (Santos)
Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim-ALE)
Marcelo (Real Madrid-ESP)
Alex (Chelsea-ING)
Ronaldinho Gaúcho (Milan-ITA)
Sandro (Internacional-RS)

I'm glad to see Ronaldinho on the list, but not a chance he lasts. Interesting that Adriano didn't even make this list.

Anyways, my excitement for the US team has gone down a little. Everyone says we got drawn into an easy group, but England is a finals favorite, any African team will be tough and Slovenia is a very underrated UEFA team. Add that into the fact that we have Bunker Bob running things it's going to be a very boring cup.

[yoshii8]

It seems like recently, the US does well every other World Cup, I'm hoping that trend continues.

I think the overall talent is better on this roster than it has been in years past, I wouldn't be at all suprised to see the US advance the 2nd round. Who do you guys think is going to run up top w/ Altidore?

[Bernman]

Not impressed whatsoever with BB's roster. Looks like it's going to be the same old USA where we defend with 11 and boot the ball up to a loan forward and hope he can score by himself against world class defenses.

I guess I don't see where you come to that conclusion from the personnel he selected. That's probably what will often happen, because that's the way bunker Bob plays with his whole conservative empty bucket midfield-forward formation where there's two much space between teammates in the middle to link up passing, but the attack players themselves are not void of skill. Actually I think that's a strength relative to past cycles.

My only issues with the roster were taking surplus forwards and midfielders like Rogers and Findley, ignoring their recent struggles in MLS and w/ the national team, instead of opting for security on the back line in the form of recent standouts in our domestic league like Bobby Convey and Omar Gonzalez. The weakest position by far on the national team is left back, and Bobby has experience at that position, and has enjoyed a renaissance after finally appearing to be fit from the knee surgeries he underwent a couple years ago. Gonzalez only would have added to the clear and chase style, but he'd also match-up with a lot of dangerous forwards due to his size, strength, speed, leaping ability, and anticipation he's currently exhibiting. His teammate Sean Franklin from the Galaxy also would have been a better option. I hated those choices, but they were regarding bench players at best so I can't get overly bent out of shape.

My prediction for the national team is scoring isn't much of an issue, but mental and physical breakdowns on defense are. The best back line option we have at this juncture is Boca-Onyewu-DeMerit-Cherundolo. And it's a tenuous one with the lack of foot speed of the outside backs and health of those inside. But Bumstein is on outer space sometimes and makes about 2 lethal mistakes every game he plays. And Spector has developed into a similar player at West Ham. He's just had an awful season there. They can't be relied upon. Howard is going to have to be team MVP for this team to advance in the World Cup. Much like in the Confederations Cup and ala Friedel in Korea/Japan.

[Bernman]

It seems like recently, the US does well every other World Cup, I'm hoping that trend continues.

It's true, and I think that's largely because the '90, '98, and '06 Cups were all in Europe. The other two weren't.

Even in friendlies in Europe we look lifeless and over-matched. Sucked against Denmark, Holland, and Slovenia. But in South Africa, the Americas, Asia; it's always different. I think that's because in Europe it's more like a true road game where 99% of those attending are wanting and expecting us to fail so they can mock us. That's a lot of pressure. Other areas outside of Europe are more receptive to American football and less snobbish. The pressure is thus much lower.

I think we don't have a disaster next month like in the European cups.

I think the overall talent is better on this roster than it has been in years past, I wouldn't be at all suprised to see the US advance the 2nd round. Who do you guys think is going to run up top w/ Altidore?

I'd prefer Dempsey. He has been featuring at striker for Fulham with some success, has played several national teams there, and is the most proven, secure choice. Also, moving him up top, opens up a spot for Holden who is emerging into a star with his club and the stars and stripes.

Then I'd have Buddle waiting as a sub against tougher squads, and Gomez against easier ones. Buddle is better at creating his own shot off the dribble and Gomez the (even) more clinical finisher at this point. That's my reasoning.

BTW, a player can still be added to the 30-man roster in the event of an injury. Which I'm sure you could falsify if someone was really sucking, and say, Bobby Convey was still killing it in MLS.

[steger_3434]

BTW, I've been following a lot of yanks abroad lately so I can provide insight into their recent form if anyone who hasn't been keeping tabs is wondering about a specific player. Steger, your boy Torres hasn't been great with Pachuca, but he's been solid I'd say. He was a defensive beast in his last game against Monterrey, picking off about 10-15 passes, a couple of which should have led to goals for the Tuzos. But on the other hand he was careless with the football, causing a goal against, and almost another. Normally he's a great distributor but suspect defender. He needs to not be satisfied with bringing one or the other in order to deserve much time in South Africa. The potential is there.

Nice post Bern. My problem with US soccer is that the development of our players takes away all creativity. Coaches stress fitness and playing both ways so much that any creativity is sucked dry from the players. Torres was bread to be a creative distributing mid. He wasn't trained to be a defensive force. We can't always expect players to give it there all on both sides of the ball. The great teams have a few guys that you cover for on the defensive side because their offensive instincts are so great. If you are that type of player under Bunker Bob you don't see the field. Just boot the ball up to Altidore and hope you can take it 1v1 against 5 guys.

[steger_3434]

We might as well use this thread as a Champion's League thread as well. I'm really pulling for Bayern to win the Cup. Mainly for selfish reasons as for Serie A I'm a big Milan fan. It would kill me to see Inter win the treble.

[PedroGrande]

Good luck to you guys,

It stil hurts the 3-2 win you had against us in 2002 but you deserved it,and our team that year sucked balls.

You have a nice group,i believe you can reach at least the final 16 and have a chance if you catch Germany. You are one of those kind of teams that will do better against good teams like england and Germany, but will have some difficulties to have to take over the game against smaller teams that makes you play with the ball.

As for the great picture, there are the main favourites like Spain, Brazil(don't like their team that much, but they are always good), Argentina maybe (depending of some choices from Dieguito),France, Italy and England.

Portugal is in the second group with Germany, Netherlands and Cote d'ivoire.

I was more confident last year with our team in the europeans and it didn't went so well, and was less confident in 2006 so,i don't really know what to think. If Ronaldo,Deco and the midfield work i believe we can do some damage.

I expect to see most of the games and be here to comment it. Good luck to neopolitan's italy, villetino's Netherland (or Holland) and sorry for Sigra's croatia I think, that did't qualify.

[steger_3434]

Good luck to you guys,

It stil hurts the 3-2 win you had against us in 2002 but you deserved it,and our team that year sucked balls.

You have a nice group,i believe you can reach at least the final 16 and have a chance if you catch Germany. You are one of those kind of teams that will do better against good teams like england and Germany, but will have some difficulties to have to take over the game against smaller teams that makes you play with the ball.

As for the great picture, there are the main favourites like Spain, Brazil(don't like their team that much, but they are always good), Argentina maybe (depending of some choices from Dieguito),France, Italy and England.

Portugal is in the second group with Germany, Netherlands and Cote d'ivoire.

I was more confident last year with our team in the europeans and it didn't went so well, and was less confident in 2006 so,i don't really know what to think. If Ronaldo,Deco and the midfield work i believe we can do some damage.

I expect to see most of the games and be here to comment it. Good luck to neopolitan's italy, villetino's Netherland (or Holland) and sorry for Sigra's croatia I think, that did't qualify.

I really want to root for Portugal as I always liked Figo. However, nothing can get me to root for the pretty boy CR7. Nothing. I'd like nothing better than to see him fail.

[PedroGrande]

I really want to root for Portugal as I always liked Figo. However, nothing can get me to root for the pretty boy CR7. Nothing. I'd like nothing better than to see him fail.

I know that he has a bad rep of a pretty boy. But I can say to you that he is more professional than most of the players even figo. He is always the last to leave the training grounds, nobody see's him in bad places during the season, even if he already won almost everything he didn't pull a "ronaldinho" of being desinteresting after it. He still thinks he have to prove everybody's wrong like the people that said that he wouldn't be that great in Real. 26 goals in 27 matches, for a winger. Not bad. And personaly and to the media he is a class act, and you can never point him the finguer because he always gives the effort. He's got a bad rep because he isn't falsely humble like messi or kaka, he has a Jennings swagger, but that is good.

And he likes girls. Why shouldn't he?:D

[Bernman]

Well, I don't necessarily agree that players should be allowed to be one dimensional role players. Few managers overseas allow you not to give effort defensively either. Cuper with Aris has benched Adu after pretty good offensive/passing/creating performances because he just doesn't exhibit the work ethic to pressure defenders/d-mids, make their jobs a little tougher, and regain possession for his team. Thankfully for Torres though he does occasionally exhibit superb defensive effort and anticipation (like against Monterrey) so that could get him into Bob's good graces and give him a good future in Europe.

There are two ways you can build possession. Either connecting together from the back after you've thwarted attacks or from the front forcing giveaways. If you don't appreciate when we just send a long ball downfield against any semblance of pressure, how do you think other fans feel when they do the same against any pressure. It's not happening though if you wait back and let them pick you apart. We even play pretty football against the crappier sides who are too tentative to pressure you even a little at the back lest risk getting burned.

But I do agree that a big issue with football in the states is the lack of creativity and skill development. It is due to an over-stress on fitness, strength, speed, etc.; as you alluded to, as well as the paradigm that it's sock-er so the objective is to kick the ball as far as you can defensively any chance you get and have the strikers and mids go and chase it. How does that develop dribbling ability, deft first touches, link-ups, etc? I grew up playing select soccer, and competed in JV soccer through tenth grade, and then just decided not to try out anymore. Then when I played my buddies from the varsity team as seniors in pick up games, I was by far the most creative and skilled player on the field. They were shocked I didn't play anymore for the school. I developed more from just absorbing Champions' League and Dutch League games than I did from receiving coaching and experience playing our style. Too bad I got chronic knee injuries soon afterward....would have liked to see how it translated back to organized soccer.

[steger_3434]

It is quite amazing watching the European leagues and then watching the MLS. I'm not even talking about speed and phenomonal 1v1 play. I'm talking about simple trapping of the ball. I'll watch some MLS and a simple pass will hit a guys foot and pop 2 feet into the air. I can't believe what I'm watching. I still play quite a bit competitively. I played on some elite select teams growing up and on a few ODP teams. (those teams are a complete joke now, and were back then too, keep in mind.) I played in college as well.

[steger_3434]

Back on topic, though. While the US is my number 1 team, I do follow Brazil quite a bit as well. I just hate what Dunga has done to that team. They have no creativity whatsoever and their midfield is beyond awful. Kaka will not be completely fit and without him they are screwed. I'd like to see them maybe try Alves out wide, but he's not the type of player Dunga likes. It also would have been nice to see Ganso make the team. Ugh, I think I'll actually see more creativity from the Italians this year.

[Bernman]

I really want to root for Portugal as I always liked Figo. However, nothing can get me to root for the pretty boy CR7. Nothing. I'd like nothing better than to see him fail.

Don't hate him because he's beautiful.

I personally love watching the guy because immediately after receiving the ball he's running mercilessly at defenders. You pretty much have to give him long distance shots as a defender otherwise he'll burn you with his speed and deception. And he seemingly has inexhaustible energy.

I think he's the one player who could make footy popular in the states. He'd have a lot of marketing appeal for his looks ala Beckham, but unlike David he doesn't need his teammates to be good in order to produce goals for a team. He can take over almost single-handedly. The top two complaints from the American sport's fan about footy are lack of scoring and general goal mouth action.

[steger_3434]

I really want to root for Portugal as I always liked Figo. However, nothing can get me to root for the pretty boy CR7. Nothing. I'd like nothing better than to see him fail.

Don't hate him because he's beautiful.

I personally love watching the guy because immediately after receiving the ball he's running mercilessly at defenders. You pretty much have to give him long distance shots as a defender otherwise he'll burn you with his speed and deception. And he seemingly has inexhaustible energy.

I think he's the one player who could make footy popular in the states. He'd have a lot of marketing appeal for his looks ala Beckham, but unlike David he doesn't need his teammates to be good in order to produce goals for a team. He can take over almost single-handedly. The top two complaints from the American sport's fan about footy are lack of scoring and general goal mouth action.

No doubt he has talent and flair. As you can see from my Brazil fondness I usually love players like this. However, him playing for two teams I can't stand doesn't help me like him. ie United and Real.

[Bernman]

It is quite amazing watching the European leagues and then watching the MLS. I'm not even talking about speed and phenomonal 1v1 play. I'm talking about simple trapping of the ball. I'll watch some MLS and a simple pass will hit a guys foot and pop 2 feet into the air. I can't believe what I'm watching. I still play quite a bit competitively. I played on some elite select teams growing up and on a few ODP teams. (those teams are a complete joke now, and were back then too, keep in mind.) I played in college as well.

Yeah, I just have to groan most of the time I watch MLS and ball movement and possession get killed because a player can't even trap the football or has an idea for a pass that's just foolish and poorly executed. The Galaxy, Sounders, and Red Bulls are OK to watch. There are a few guys on the national team who've seemed to regularly struggle with trapping, like Bradley and Clark, but they've done fine in Germany, reportedly. I don't watch the Bundesliga much because it's too aerial and not skilled....maybe that's why they get by. Even though they rival Serie A in overall ability now, it's not a great league for technical skill. Robben and Bayern are more the exceptions than the rule.