The Association Football Thread

#1,351
#1,351
tvolsfan said:
The passing was certainly encouraging, IMO. We're much better when we don't just kick it as far as we can and hope Altidore can beat three defenders and finish, IMO.
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It seemed the only reason we were passing better was more to do with Jamaica playing for the counter than anything.
 
#1,352
#1,352
You may be right, but I've seen some very good play from the America at times. Second half of the Argentina game is a good example. I'm still more concerned about finishing than anything.
 
#1,353
#1,353
We really struggle at finishing, and that's a confidence/swagger issue. We need to become fearless, and quit playing tight up there. The best way to do that is win games and score goals, which is sort of circular unfortunately.
 
#1,354
#1,354
IPorange said:
We really struggle at finishing, and that's a confidence/swagger issue. We need to become fearless, and quit playing tight up there. The best way to do that is win games and score goals, which is sort of circular unfortunately.
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It's hard to be confident about things like this when the guys are young, but I think Agudelo will be able to do it.
 
#1,355
#1,355
Maybe Jamaica getting shut down 2-0 will provide a catalyst. I have to think the USA can handle their semi-final game. Jamaica looked a lot better than Panama even though Panama has already upset the US once.
 
#1,356
#1,356
I hope Donovan takes Klejstan's spot early in the half, he's been pretty clueless today. Glad Bradley didn't change the lineup after the Jamaica match though.

Oh and Agudelo doesn't have me missing Altidore at all.
 
#1,357
#1,357
This team has no touch today. Did they card that goon that stepped in front of Howard? I've gotten a yellow even though i didn't know I was in his path.
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#1,361
#1,361
Still can't believe bocanegra got carded for such a soft foul. This official is an idiot.
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#1,364
#1,364
utvols88 said:
Hopefully the US plays crisper against Mexico. They didnt look in true form last night.
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They looked horrible. Panama did a great job of pressuring. US should have handled it much better. Edu in my opinion made the difference.
 
#1,365
#1,365
utvols88 said:
Hopefully the US plays crisper against Mexico. They didnt look in true form last night.
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A few thoughts... EDIT: More than a few - apologies in advance for the MHF length...

1) I only got to see that second half/extra time of the Mexico/Honduras match. If that is any indiciation, there is no reason we shouldn't be able to beat Mexico.

2) It will require much better play from the US. I personally blame Bradley... I don't think he is tactically as sophisticated a coach as we need. Altidore made a comment about that after the Spain game, alluding to tactical game plans going out the window once the game starts, and that being a common occurrence. Not the mark of a good manager.

3) I do not understand Bradley's obsession with Klejstan. The guy is serviceable at best, at worst a slow liability who frequently gives the ball away. His last performance against Mexico was utterly abysmal.

4) Bedoya has been impressive... far moreso than Klejstan. He seems to have a bright future.

5) Agudelo also looks like he could be special... then again, I remember saying the same of Altidore and he's been disappointing for the most part.

6) Adu is the real deal. He has clearly had his issues, hopping from club to club, and I understand why Bradley didn't call him in for a while. Although he lost the ball a few times last night, that through ball to Landon was undeniable - perfectly weighted, perfectly placed. Landon's ball was equally sick!

The thing about Freddy is that he is the one guy whom opposing players have to respect. His ball to Landon was fantastic, but he is also able to create opportunities in tight spaces, with several guys on him. That can be invaluable.

7) Sadly, this will be an away game. It sickens me that US Soccer insists on setting these games in Pasadena, Texas, etc... I'd bet we're looking at 70%-30% ratio of Mexican to American fans. Sad that our boys have to endure that in their own country.

8) Having said that, hopefully Mexico will self-destruct as they often do, when playing us. If Jones and Bradley can really stick it to the Mexican midfielders and frustrate them, they'll start to get angry and play dirty.
 
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#1,366
#1,366
I honestly think this game can get messy for the United States. Our defense has terrible positioning and pretty immobile through the middle. Mexico has guys that make creative intelligent runs that will give our defense fits. Our D has stood strong so far due to many teams trying to attack through the air. Mexico will attack on the ground and that worries me.
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#1,367
#1,367
volball625 said:
I honestly think this game can get messy for the United States. Our defense has terrible positioning and pretty immobile through the middle. Mexico has guys that make creative intelligent runs that will give our defense fits. Our D has stood strong so far due to many teams trying to attack through the air. Mexico will attack on the ground and that worries me.
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Don't disagree... Mexico has the most technically talented team in CONCACAF, and it's not even close. But, as I said earlier, if we can disrupt their fluidity through the midfield, and frustrate their attacks, we can win.
 
#1,368
#1,368
I think our best chance is to come out attacking. I don't think trying to stop Chicharito for 90 minutes would turn out well.
 
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#1,369
#1,369
tvolsfan said:
I think our best chance is to come out attacking. I don't think trying to stop Chicharito for 90 minutes would turn out well.
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He would skin us alive, and still may. Kid is a fantastic player. And I'm not just saying that because he plays for United. :)
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