USMNT --- World Cup 2010 South Africa - USA Eliminated

[NJReds]

Originally Posted by OldRightHander

Not exactly the US team, but I just heard that Drogba is out with an injury. Shame. He can be fun to watch.

Other noteable injuries from the past couple days:

Italy: Camorenesi (out) and Pirlo (possibly out)

England: Ferdinand (out)

[reds1869]

Those are some big injuries. Though I guess in this tournament they are all big injuries.

[Cedric]

Originally Posted by reds1869

Those are some big injuries. Though I guess in this tournament they are all big injuries.

I don't see how the Italians can win without Pirlo. The only dynamic "playmaker" in the whole setup for them.

[NJReds]

Originally Posted by Cedric

I don't see how the Italians can win without Pirlo. The only dynamic "playmaker" in the whole setup for them.

He is the glue of that midfield, although he wasn't great this year for Milan.

DeRossi is more than capable, and watch out for Simone Pepe. He had a solid campaign for Udinese. He can be dynamic in the midfield.

Actually, losing the "old-timers" Camorenesi and Pirlo may actually be a blessing in disguise for the Azzurri as some of the younger talent might revitalize this group.

[Nugget]

See what happens to night when the Socceroos play. Wonder what team the US will put out against us as we play hard and whether the US will see this as a hit out or a game where you need to protect your stars.

It will also be a good to see what kind of team Verbeek will put out. Supposedly very disappointed in the condition of the ground.

[Betterread]

Originally Posted by NJReds

Totti retired from international duty.
Miccoli suffered a knee injury in Palermo's second to last game.
Balotelli is immature ... a red card waiting to happen. Can't be trusted in the spotlight. Same with Cassano.

I would have taken Toni or Rossi over Iaquinta, though.

Not sure what you don't like about DiNatale, Gilardino and Pazzini. All are solid choices.

Totti changed his mind. You're right about Miccoli, I forgot he got injured in the final game of the year.
Balotelli is too talented not to be selected, regardless of his weird behavior.
Gilardino and Iaquinta are not world class scorers. Pazzini owes his fantastic year to Cassano. Cassano is the far superior player on Samp.

[Betterread]

Originally Posted by NJReds

He is the glue of that midfield, although he wasn't great this year for Milan.

DeRossi is more than capable, and watch out for Simone Pepe. He had a solid campaign for Udinese. He can be dynamic in the midfield.

Actually, losing the "old-timers" Camorenesi and Pirlo may actually be a blessing in disguise for the Azzurri as some of the younger talent might revitalize this group.

Pirlo had a great 2006 WC but he's past his prime. You like DeRossi as a replacement. Interesting. I'm a Roma fan and DeRossi showed creative midfield ability enough to hope for more... but he was very inconsistent this year. Pizarro was their top midfielder - he passed more accurately, he controlled tempo much better and was more disciplined.
Giovinco could have helped but was not selected.

[NJReds]

Originally Posted by Betterread

Pirlo had a great 2006 WC but he's past his prime. You like DeRossi as a replacement. Interesting. I'm a Roma fan and DeRossi showed creative midfield ability enough to hope for more... but he was very inconsistent this year. Pizarro was their top midfielder - he passed more accurately, he controlled tempo much better and was more disciplined.
Giovinco could have helped but was not selected.

Giovinco was injured and didn't play much this year. He's not in form.

DeRossi is tireless. He had to play a defensive midfield role all too often to cover the suspect Roma defense. Many Italians I know are not thrilled with this squad, either.

[WMR]

USA did a very good job creating chances today. That being typed, they surrendered many good scoring opportunities as well. Keeping England off the ledger will be a tall order. Need to be ready to score some goals next Saturday to keep pace with the Brits.

[Caveat Emperor]

Originally Posted by WMR

USA did a very good job creating chances today. That being typed, they surrendered many good scoring opportunities as well. Keeping England off the ledger will be a tall order. Need to be ready to score some goals next Saturday to keep pace with the Brits.

I'm going into Saturday hoping for a tie, but mentally prepared (and OK) with a loss.

[Yachtzee]

It's Soccer Xmas morning! Happy World Cup! The Yanks are going on a "Lion" hunt.

[reds1869]

Sad news from Soccer America this morning: Nelson Mandela's 13 year-old great-granddaughter was killed in a car crash on the way home from the opening concert last night.

[AccordinglyReds]

First match about to begin

[westofyou]

Originally Posted by Yachtzee

It's Soccer Xmas morning! Happy World Cup! The Yanks are going on a "Lion" hunt.

This is perfectly timed, the Stanley Cub ends and the World Cup begins, it's gonna be a great month.

[OldRightHander]

Originally Posted by westofyou

This is perfectly timed, the Stanley Cub ends and the World Cup begins, it's gonna be a great month.

Hockey at Wrigley? They did play that outdoor game there recently didn't they?