World Cup 2014

[M2]

Have they ever looked worse from a possession standpoint?

Sure, pretty much in every game of the 1990s. Plenty of times since then too. To be fair, Ghana ran like demons. Also, the U.S. seemed to take a tactical approach to hit Ghana quick on the counter, probably to get at its soft central defense.

[Hoosier Red]

The unsung play of the game was Fabian Johnson winning the corner while getting leg whipped into the back border fence.

Forcing the defender to make as big of a play as possible allowed it to go out and the US to have a corner.

[Yachtzee]

The unsung play of the game was Fabian Johnson winning the corner while getting leg whipped into the back border fence.

Forcing the defender to make as big of a play as possible allowed it to go out and the US to have a corner.

Fabian Johnson and Jermaine Jones both had big moves to set up the goals. Both had good games. On the other hand, I think I would feel better with Zusi instead of Bedoya for the next game. Maybe it's because I've seen more of him in MLS play, but I just feel like Zusi provides better service and is a bit more creative than Bedoya.

[Hoosier Red]

I think you're right Yachtzee, I think the idea has been Bedoya would give more defensive cover. But if they're looking for some offensive push, then Zusi is the guy to go to.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I never once questioned John Brooks being on this team!!!

I don't feel like that was a lucky win at all. They had a lot of the ball, but they didn't do crap with it and they had to have a freaking miracle strike to even score a goal. I didn't love our midfield play and we could have done a lot more to keep the ball in the middle of the second half, but they defended and worked like crazy and that was deserved.

[IslandRed]

When Altidore went down with the U.S. already up a goal, some bunkering was inevitable. I thought they'd come out with a new plan in the second half but it was mostly more of the same until late. Without Altidore as an outlet (Johannsson didn't seem comfortable in that role), they had a hard time getting the counterattacks started.

[Tony Cloninger]

Pereira red carded in the extra time and will miss the Italy and England game. Heavy loss for Uruguay today. Its over 3-1 Costa Rica is victorious! I'm off to the bar for the England match.

Unless there is a new rule change....you only miss 1 game for a red card, not two.

[reds1869]

Unless there is a new rule change....you only miss 1 game for a red card, not two.

At the World Cup a straight red card carries an automatic one match ban with the possibility of up to three matches. For violent play they will probably extend the ban.

[Tony Cloninger]

At the World Cup a straight red card carries an automatic one match ban with the possibility of up to three matches. For violent play they will probably extend the ban.

Very rare that happens and on the play he got the RC for.....it was not worthy of more than 1 game ban.

I have seen worse get only one.

I figured the rule had to be there for the option for more.....as anything can happen....just not for that.

Thanks for the rule confirmation!

[Chip R]

Here's some remastered footage from the 1930 World Cup.

http://www.openculture.com/2014/06/restored-footage-from-the-first-world-cup-uruguay-1930.html

[RedTeamGo!]

7329

[SunDeck]

Here's some remastered footage from the 1930 World Cup.

http://www.openculture.com/2014/06/restored-footage-from-the-first-world-cup-uruguay-1930.html

Wow, it's amazing how similar it really does look to the game today, just in terms of how the players move around. And man, in the few minutes I saw there were three no calls that today would be a yellow card.

[bucksfan2]

Anytime you can steal a win with your best player playing poorly and Altidore going down 20 minutes into the game is a good thing. For as good as Bradley can be, that was as poor of a performance as I have seen of him. Bad first touches, bad give aways, etc. Bradley is the type of player who can control the midfield and he needs to play much better over the next few games.

The Altidore injury really hurt the team. They looked good in the first 20 minutes, his run when he got hurt may have resulted in a nice chance, and in the hot and humid Brazil it really messed up their substitution plans.

Jones played better than I had hoped. He was tough in the middle without receiving a card. There weren't may bad give aways that he has a propensity to do.

Beasley was attacked mercilessly I wonder if he will be the weak link down the stretch.

Its nice having quality players to come off the bench. In yeas past the last few starters and the bench player (sans GK) were suspect. Now the roster is loaded with young, talented, international players.

[SunDeck]

I couldn't tell whether his performance was a result of the Ghana midfield or due to him having his head in the clouds, but he certainly was not a factor in creating offense for 80/90 minutes. There were some really poor passes and skills lapses and I wondered whether he was pressing, or was out of sync. He had about five good minutes and I thought it came at a crucial time when the US responded after the Ghana goal and it occurred to me that there was a direct correlation between him playing better and the looks they got for that 5-6 minutes, resulting in the goal.

[Hoosier Red]

I think Bradley was playing overly cautious. A lot of the missed passes were the result of not wanting to leave the ball open to being a counter. Essentially he had a lot of balls that only his teammate would have a chance at, but they were too heavy and missed even that window.
He was obviously target one for the defense especially when Altidore went down.

All in all I expect him to be better on Sunday.

[M2]

Belgium's Axel Witsel just had the worst header ever. Open net off a corner and the ball hit him in the face.

[Caveat Emperor]

This may be my favorite headline in recent memory:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BqVJ-FrIEAE7rPF.jpg

[improbus]

Anytime you can steal a win with your best player playing poorly and Altidore going down 20 minutes into the game is a good thing. For as good as Bradley can be, that was as poor of a performance as I have seen of him. Bad first touches, bad give aways, etc. Bradley is the type of player who can control the midfield and he needs to play much better over the next few games.

The Altidore injury really hurt the team. They looked good in the first 20 minutes, his run when he got hurt may have resulted in a nice chance, and in the hot and humid Brazil it really messed up their substitution plans.

Jones played better than I had hoped. He was tough in the middle without receiving a card. There weren't may bad give aways that he has a propensity to do.

Beasley was attacked mercilessly I wonder if he will be the weak link down the stretch.

Its nice having quality players to come off the bench. In yeas past the last few starters and the bench player (sans GK) were suspect. Now the roster is loaded with young, talented, international players.

Ghana was pressuring the ball relentlessly when the US got possession. The US midfielders aren't really dribblers, so they couldn't break free and get into open space. Also (maybe the biggest historical weakness of the US team other than a dominant striker) our backline doesn't provide good balls to the linking midfielders. Finally, Jozy may not be the worlds best striker, but he is excellent at getting and holding the ball upfront so he makes a nice outlet for the midfielders passing.

[M2]

Can't believe this, but I'm actually rooting for Mexico to beat Brazil.

[MWM]

Can't believe this, but I'm actually rooting for Mexico to beat Brazil.

I know. It feels dirty.

[Yachtzee]

Can't believe this, but I'm actually rooting for Mexico to beat Brazil.

Hush your mouth!

[improbus]

CONCACAF til I die....

[MWM]

Almost 2 games in and I'm very underwhelmed by this Brazil team.

[improbus]

Almost 2 games in and I'm very underwhelmed by this Brazil team.

Fred is dreadful. He is like Jozy, except always offsides and not having the holding game. That means he does nothing.

- - - Updated - - -

Ochoa has been unbelievable for Mexico.

[MWM]

What a game by Ochoa.

[reds1869]

Ochoa should be man of the match no matter the outcome.

[MWM]

Performance of the tournament so far by Ochoa. Clinic on goalkeeping.

[Ohayou]

Proof that 0-0 can be fantastically exciting. What a match!

[M2]

Fred is dreadful.

He's Fredful.

[tomnuetten]

what a terrible mistake by the russian goalie.. he looked shaky all night long and one of those situations result finaly in a goal...

I feel sad for that guy,

[BuckeyeRed27]

what a terrible mistake by the russian goalie.. he looked shaky all night long and one of those situations result finaly in a goal...

I feel sad for that guy,

"See guys, it could be a lot worse." -Iker Casillas

[Roy Tucker]

Just watched the Brazil-Mexico game. Just awesome.

Mexico ought to build a statue for Ochoa. Like a hot hockey goalie carrying a team.

[tomnuetten]

Let´s go Australia, I don´t know how but please beat the dutch

edit

and cahil with a wonderful goal a minute after robben scored. I think this was the best goal so far, even better than van persie´s header

[MWM]

Sick goal by Tim Cahill.

This World Cup keeps getting better.

[tomnuetten]

2nd yellow card for cahill => most likely this game is his last world cup game

[M2]

No Xavi or Pique in Spain's starting XI. Strikes me as the right moves. Xavi got overrun and Pique was out of step with the rest of the back line. Still, that's two iconic players to send to the bench.

[tomnuetten]

No Xavi or Pique in Spain's starting XI. Strikes me as the right moves. Xavi got overrun and Pique was out of step with the rest of the back line. Still, that's two iconic players to send to the bench.

yes that´s right.. gutsy move to give them a rest in this situation...

mhm I don´t know which team I should root for, I hoped that both teams advance... I think I´ll root for spain because they have better chances than chile to win it all...

[M2]

Clearly the Chile plan is to get all over Iniesta whenever he touches the ball. So far it's working, but it will leave space for him to pass/dribble into.

[5TimeWSChamps]

So theres this...

Cristiano Ronaldo Could Miss Remainder Of World Cup, #POR Doctor Says Playing With Injury Puts Career At Risk -- http://t.co/oRqwk7FNbG

[5TimeWSChamps]

1-0 Chile

[Chip R]

So theres this...

Cristiano Ronaldo Could Miss Remainder Of World Cup, #POR Doctor Says Playing With Injury Puts Career At Risk -- http://t.co/oRqwk7FNbG

Witch doctor doing his thing.

[M2]

Chile is doing a furious amount of running off the ball.

[M2]

Terrible punch by Iker.

[The DARK]

Right now, Spain is looking primed to become this tournament's 2010 France. You can't play tiki-taka football if you can't keep possession for more than a couple passes at a time... Chile don't even look that great so far, and yet they're still winning this game with ease. Why were they ranked so highly coming into this tournament again?

[SunDeck]

Buh bye Spain.

How about Aussie Cahill's volley for goal? #2 goal of the WC, along with Van Persie's.

[tomnuetten]

mhm I like the spain team, but they didn´t deserve it this time. they looked slow...

chile deserved the win and I hope they can win against other top teams aswell!

[improbus]

Buh bye Spain.

How about Aussie Cahill's volley for goal? #2 goal of the WC, along with Van Persie's.
If any of you watched Barcelona this year (which is Spain's main feeder system), their brand of soccer started showing some cracks. Teams have learned to pack the middle of the field with piles of bodies and close off the passing lanes. They decided to let Barcelona (and Spain) have the flanks where they are marginally dangerous and take away the middle of the park where they are deadly. It has really killed Spain's goal scoring ability (especially when they don't have a Messi to rescue them).

[Yachtzee]

Shrimp River 0 - 3 Ralston Purina

[Yachtzee]

Who has the better afro? Assou-Ekotto of Cameroon or Fellaini of Belgium? While Assou-Ekotto's is almost Oscar Gamble-esque, Fellaini's has more goals.

[M2]

If any of you watched Barcelona this year (which is Spain's main feeder system), their brand of soccer started showing some cracks. Teams have learned to pack the middle of the field with piles of bodies and close off the passing lanes. They decided to let Barcelona (and Spain) have the flanks where they are marginally dangerous and take away the middle of the park where they are deadly. It has really killed Spain's goal scoring ability (especially when they don't have a Messi to rescue them).

A lot of the Barca problem (and it showed up for Spain too) was the running off the ball. What makes possession football work is support from the players around you. If you've consistently got three options - as opposed to one or none - you'll keep the ball. Yet it takes hustle to constantly present those options. Barca's players are doing a whole lot of "pass it over there" these days instead of "pass it to me."

Also, the Barca and Spain systems rely on high pressure to win back the ball whenever it gets lost. The high pressure was non-existent for Barca during most of the season and for Spain at this World Cup. The upside is the midfield looked about 100% better when Koke came onto the field. Add in Thiago and Isco, with Jese and Deulofeu adding speed on the wings, and suddenly Spain is reloaded.

[Slyder]

Anyone know what Song was thinking? They weren't completely out of the game until he went and decided to go Kung Fu Fighting on the back of that midfielder.

[Yachtzee]

And Assou-Ekotto headbutts his own teammate.

[5TimeWSChamps]

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--Vt7fJB2n--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/774111584967354401.gif

[Yachtzee]

So Croatia-Mexico on Monday looks to be an interesting match with Croatia's strike force against Ochoa. Very exciting.

[tomnuetten]

wow what an undisciplined team... fighting against eachother on the pitch is one of the dumbest things you could do as a player...

Song hit Mandzucic which was stupid and you couldn´t see any obvious reason. But Mandzucic played in the Bundesliga a long time and multiple players said that he is one of the dirtiest players they ever played against. This is not an excuse, because no matter what the other said or did to you earlier should lead to Songs reaction, but I doubt that nothing happend before Songs blackout...

[Yachtzee]

On a side note after watching highlights from the Netherlands-Australia match, is there anyone else who feels conflicted about watching Arjen Robben scoring all these goals? Part of me says, "Wow, those are amazing goals. He is awesome." But then I remember, "Wait, this is Robben," and recall all the crap he pulled in the last World Cup. I think I could sum up my feelings by saying he looks like Professor X, but he plays like Magneto. You can't help but wonder if he's going to go back to his evil ways once the opportunity arises.

[Hoosier Red]

I didn't remember Robben's hijinx from last world cup but was he the bleepity bleep who broke Stu Holden's leg?

[MWM]

On a side note after watching highlights from the Netherlands-Australia match, is there anyone else who feels conflicted about watching Arjen Robben scoring all these goals? Part of me says, "Wow, those are amazing goals. He is awesome." But then I remember, "Wait, this is Robben," and recall all the crap he pulled in the last World Cup. I think I could sum up my feelings by saying he looks like Professor X, but he plays like Magneto. You can't help but wonder if he's going to go back to his evil ways once the opportunity arises.

This. the Dutch have been my favorite international team ever since Dennis Bergkamp's amazing goal in the 98 World Cup. But I really dislike Robben, especially after what he pulled in the 2010 Cup final. I feel seriously conflicted about rooting for them because of him.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I didn't remember Robben's hijinx from last world cup but was he the bleepity bleep who broke Stu Holden's leg?

No that was Johnny Evans or Nigel de Jong depending on which time you are talking about.

[MWM]

Every time I watch England I wind up being surprised at how pedestrian they are. I know it's been like this for a while, so it shouldn't be surprising, but it still is. There's no reason they shouldn't be better than they are.

Is this Ian Darke calling this game for ESPN? I generally like these guys, but they're about as bad as Thom when they're calling England's games.

[westofyou]

FiveThirtyEight ‏@FiveThirtyEight

According to the Soccer Power Index, there was 0.75% chance that #ENG and #ESP would lose their first two matches, says @ESPNStatsInfo.

[Yachtzee]

I wonder if England would have been better off going full tilt with the youth movement and left guys like Rooney and Gerrard on the bench.

Has anyone else been following the games on SiriusXM? I find myself in the car during much of the games due to work and kids in various summer day camps. I love being able to listen to the games, but the annoying part is how they cut to their standard radio shows between the games. I'd really like to hear some news about the upcoming games, but instead they have Scott Van Pelt talking about college football or Dan Lebatard talking about what LeBron is going to do next or who will go #1 in the NBA draft.

[tomnuetten]

england is not good enough! they are better than they were in recent years and they started to get better/younger on multiple positions.. but they still lack a creative midfielder.

you can´t win today without a great midfield and a great coach => england has neither

[Caveat Emperor]

Between his slip that cost Liverpool the title and his flick on that allowed Suarez to score the game winner today, it hasn't been a good couple months for Steven Gerrard.

[Yachtzee]

england is not good enough! they are better than they were in recent years and they started to get better/younger on multiple positions.. but they still lack a creative midfielder.

you can´t win today without a great midfield and a great coach => england has neither

I think England might be better off hiring a coach willing to blow the whole thing up and start building a team from the U-20s. Listening to the radio broadcast, it seemed like much of the game the English were running things through Gerrard and Rooney. Maybe it was just the bias of the announcers, but I got the impression the English were more interested in getting Rooney his first World Cup goal rather than winning. I feel like maybe England would have been better off with Rooney and Gerrard coming off the bench as subs rather than focal points of the offense.

[IslandRed]

I think England might be better off hiring a coach willing to blow the whole thing up and start building a team from the U-20s. Listening to the radio broadcast, it seemed like much of the game the English were running things through Gerrard and Rooney. Maybe it was just the bias of the announcers, but I got the impression the English were more interested in getting Rooney his first World Cup goal rather than winning. I feel like maybe England would have been better off with Rooney and Gerrard coming off the bench as subs rather than focal points of the offense.

Mostly the announcers hammering a meme IMO. Every game for Rooney was starting with the whole "when will he score" storyline, and it got bigger with every near-miss. (I know that one header today was tough, but he missed from, like, two feet away.) But in the game, it wasn't forced, and Sturridge saw the ball in striking position just as often. Rooney wasn't even close to England's biggest problem.

As for Gerrard, he made a handful of good passes from that deep playmaking role he's transitioned into, but didn't see a lot of the ball overall. Bad flub on the header, but one that likely doesn't turn into a goal if it's just about anyone but Luis Suarez lurking. Unfortunately for him, it was Suarez.

But I agree with your primary point -- by the next big tournament, Gerrard's probably hung 'em up and Rooney won't be a front-line guy. England has a lot of good young players coming along, some of which made the team this time around against the odds.

[SunDeck]

Buffon very fortunate on an early mistake. Indecision kills goalkeepers. Not to take away from the service, it was tough to defend.

[tomnuetten]

Buffon very fortunate on an early mistake. Indecision kills goalkeepers. Not to take away from the service, it was tough to defend.

Buffon is similar to Casillas they were both top 5 goalies for a long time, but they are not anymore!

great goal => hope costa rica wins today and uruguay against italy => that would be perfect

[SunDeck]

Buffon is similar to Casillas they were both top 5 goalies for a long time, but they are not anymore!

great goal => hope costa rica wins today and uruguay against italy => that would be perfect

Amazing, he did it twice. It's not his fault the guy was so free but he needed to break that header up. Instead, he looked, stepped up then was flat footed.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Fear concacaf!

[RedTeamGo!]

Fear concacaf!

7360

[Tony Cloninger]

Costa Rica has acclimated itself very well and loves this weather.

[westofyou]

Everyone is high fiving in Costa Rica

http://www.re-moto.com/photos/01471-CRI-Guanacaste-Coati.jpg

[MWM]

If there were no names on the jerseys, we'd be watching and saying that Costa Rica is the best team in that group.

[westofyou]

Italy was just defeated by a country with no army...

[Yachtzee]

Amazing. Who would have thought the Ticos would be on top of one of the Groups of Death?

[bucksfan2]

Amazing. Who would have thought the Ticos would be on top of one of the Groups of Death?

I never would have thought Costa Rica would be through, England out, and Italy and Uruguay playing a do or die match.

[BuckeyeRed27]

There has been some awful goal keeping in this tournament. How does that Swiss keeper get beat near post at that angle? Terrible.

[Tony Cloninger]

I never would have thought Costa Rica would be through, England out, and Italy and Uruguay playing a do or die match.

That match will be the ugliest and craziest match you can imagine.

[tomnuetten]

There has been some awful goal keeping in this tournament. How does that Swiss keeper get beat near post at that angle? Terrible.

yep bad mistake, but he was good again on the penalty shot ...

to many bad mistakes from the swiss team today..

[BuckeyeRed27]

yep bad mistake, but he was good again on the penalty shot ...

to many bad mistakes from the swiss team today..

That was a nice save.

Not sure if France is this good, or if the Swiss are a little overrated or having a bad hair day.

[tomnuetten]

That was a nice save.

Not sure if France is this good, or if the Swiss are a little overrated or having a bad hair day.

france is good, swiss is not bad and should advance as 2nd place team (I think they are better than honduras) but that´s it.

today they make terrible mistakes and have terrible turnovers and the french team has a lot of open space => that is deadly, someone should say shaqiri that soccer is a teamsport and passing a ball to a teammate is legal and sometimes not a bad idea (he was terrible in game 1 and not much better in this half)

[The DARK]

france is good, swiss is not bad and should advance as 2nd place team (I think they are better than honduras) but that´s it.

today they make terrible mistakes and have terrible turnovers and the french team has a lot of open space => that is deadly, someone should say shaqiri that soccer is a teamsport and passing a ball to a teammate is legal and sometimes not a bad idea (he was terrible in game 1 and not much better in this half)

Pretty much the theme of this cup so far is how individual superstars are no replacement for an efficient, fit, and well-coached team. Germany and France both look fit to go all the way.

[M2]

Italy was just defeated by a country with no army...

Oddly, no army probably still beats the Italian army in a war.

Italy even got lucky in the game with the ref not calling what seemed to be a pretty obvious penalty against Joel Campbell in the box.

[M2]

I'm rooting hard for Honduras in the next match. The double yellow in their match against France really did them in and they'd be in a play-in game against the Swiss if they can put away Ecuador.

[tomnuetten]

Pretty much the theme of this cup so far is how individual superstars are no replacement for an efficient, fit, and well-coached team. Germany and France both look fit to go all the way.

mhm yes they could but I don´t think that france or germany win. I don´t think a european team will get to the finals.. germany had a good game, but they had luck (I would not have called the penalty, pepe got a red card, höwedes with a foul that could have been a penalty)

france is good so far (first game against honduras wasn´t that good) but the swiss help them big time

[M2]

France hasn't won like this since the Battle of Wagram.

[tomnuetten]

5-2 :eek:

2010 they had that many goals after the 5th game :D

[tomnuetten]

hard to win a game if your defence looks like this

http://www.tagblatt.ch/storage/scl/import/newsml-sda/schweiz/1967597_m3w560h330q75v39445_20131219165030583.jpg? version=1387469212

[westofyou]

"Probably never before had an England team played so badly"

The Western Morning News / 1950

[SunDeck]

France hasn't won like this since the Battle of Wagram.

A like is simply not good enough M2; this comment is far in a way the best use of tuition dollars spent on Western Civ., ever. I applaud your recall.

[M2]

A like is simply not good enough M2; this comment is far in a way the best use of tuition dollars spent on Western Civ., ever. I applaud your recall.

I'll confess that I had to look it up, though I knew enough to remember that Wagram was Napoleon's last big win and that Smolensk and Borodino, while technically wins, sowed the seeds of his eventual retreat across the European continent. This reminds me I need to pick up a copy of the Dupuy Encyclopedia of Military History.

[MWM]

Wake me up when Iran isn't playing.

[SunDeck]

In honor of the WC, until it's through I've decided to always run in place really fast in the 15 seconds before I take my place at a desk. No sport has sillier warm up activities than soccer.

[dabvu2498]

In honor of the WC, until it's through I've decided to always run in place really fast in the 15 seconds before I take my place at a desk. No sport has sillier warm up activities than soccer.

Swinging a weighted bat in the on deck circle is pretty silly when you think about it.

[Yachtzee]

Swinging a weighted bat in the on deck circle is pretty silly when you think about it.

I always swing two briefcases before going in to argue a case before the court.

[tomnuetten]

I tried to watch every game so far and I did watch at least 45 minutes from every game. But I wouldn´t watch a game between Iran and Greece...

I can understand the way they play and they don´t have another chance to win or get a point, but for the fans it is terrible to watch

edit:

looking forward to watch the brothers play against eachother (again), Jerome Boateng (Ger) vs Kevin Prince Boateng (Gha)

[Yachtzee]

Everytime I hear Asamoah, I think:

http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110512203057/southpark/images/9/94/A.w.e.s.o.m.-o.png

[SunDeck]

Yahtzee, I'm guessing you have a nickname at the courthouse.

[Yachtzee]

Germany laying an egg here. The US just can't expect any help.

[SunDeck]

Holy Heino, c'mon!

[Yachtzee]

Klose! The man just scores goals.

[SunDeck]

The momentum swings. This is turning into a good game. Have to say, I don't mind watching Ghana play; they've got some dangerous players.

[tomnuetten]

I still think the german team is overrated ;)

[dougdirt]

I still think the german team is overrated ;)

Trying the old reverse jinx?

[tomnuetten]

Trying the old reverse jinx?

not at all...

[SunDeck]

Muller down and bleeding after the last play, I think. I see a lot of red.

[tomnuetten]

I thought the media overhyped the german team after the win against portugal...

lahm made 2 terrible mistakes in the first 10 minutes and the german team didn´t look that good until the penalty (which wasn´t a penalty in my book).. afterwards portugal made mistakes and gave the germans way to much place... the red card sealed it (portugal should have got a penalty kick though)

I have a hard time to root for the german team anyway... I don´t like the way lots of german "fans" (who have no idea about soccer and don´t follow the sport during the year at all) think they are better than anyone else, the same is true for german media... another thing is the political effect german wins have...

and even worse is that I don´t like 75% of the players playing for germany. I have a hard time to root for players I don´t like during the normal bundesliga season. It is like rooting for a team with pujols, molina, larussa, a-rod, etc.

[Yachtzee]

Yahtzee, I'm guessing you have a nickname at the courthouse.

My Brazilian soccer name is Bernhardtinho.

[tomnuetten]

bad luck for bosnia.. first they scored a regular goal 1-0 but the referees saw it offsides.. than a questionable decision favoured nigeria two seconds before they scored the goal...

[OldRightHander]

bad luck for bosnia.. first they scored a regular goal 1-0 but the referees saw it offsides.. than a questionable decision favoured nigeria two seconds before they scored the goal...

Nigeria was given a gift. It should be Bosnia up 1-0 right now. If there's any justice they'll at least get an equalizer.

[tomnuetten]

Nigeria was given a gift. It should be Bosnia up 1-0 right now. If there's any justice they'll at least get an equalizer.

bosnia was tired... no offence in the 2nd half but at the last second dzeko with 2 good chances (a header and a shot at the goalpost)

[Tony Cloninger]

Argentina are the ones who are lucky. Now I have to hear about Messi for another week.....not that we weren't going to hear about him but other players are having better games than he is.

[SunDeck]

Very excited for tonight's match, Christiano Ronaldo v. the USMNT.

[SunDeck]

Actually, I'll admit I'm kind of dreading it as well. I prefer great matches to slogging crawls, where one team plays defense, which is something the US may well do tonight. It stands to reason they would be cautious, but without Altidore they don't have that guy who can hold the ball and give other guys the opportunity to get up with him.

[tomnuetten]

Actually, I'll admit I'm kind of dreading it as well. I prefer great matches to slogging crawls, where one team plays defense, which is something the US may well do tonight. It stands to reason they would be cautious, but without Altidore they don't have that guy who can hold the ball and give other guys the opportunity to get up with him.

it would be dumb if the us don´t play defensive against portugal! they are dangerous (very dangerous) if they have space and have breakaway opportunities, but they have a very hard time to play against a defensive team.. that´s the reason they weren´t that succesful in the qualification "tournament", because the opponents gave them the ball and parked the bus and they had no idea what they can do...

[SunDeck]

I didn't say they shouldn't be defensive, but rather 8 men in the box turns a game into a tacklefest. My worry is they don't have the horsepower to be a countering threat, so that the game will be entirely in the US half, no rhythm, no spaces, just a mess of legs and falls and that eventually Portugal, or really Christiano, will break through. Klinsmann alluded to something yesterday, saying he felt they needed to go for it, but that could just be a coach hoping his words will cause the other team to try the wrong formation and personnel. So I agree with you Tom, but I think the US left side needs to play some inspired defense to keep from losing. Put someone in Christiano's shorts, I say.

[Tony Cloninger]

Results are all that matters right now.... as I should know when Italy tries to grind out a draw while Uruguay has to win.... but Belgium is not impressive to me.

They seem to play when they need to...so it will be interesting to see them in the knockout stages.

BTW... anyone have BeIn sports?

That Segunda Division playoff in Las Palmas was insane in the last minutes of stoppage time.

Fans came onto the pitch..... play stopped.... fans moved to the side... Cordoba scores an away goal on the last play and it got crazy from there.

[SunDeck]

OMG. Botched clear, looked like a little kid.

[tomnuetten]

bad start.. that is bad news for the us, portugal is extremely dangerous on breakaways (normaly)

edit:

so far the us is pretty good (beside the mistake to begin the game)

[The DARK]

I expect things to get sloppy as the game drags on. Bad passes, more injuries, and lots of counterattacks. I don't like our chances there, so lets hope they can convert soon.

I'll say this much though: we've looked like one of the best-coached teams at the Cup so far.

EDIT: Thank God they're getting a water break. Manaus without one is just silly.

[SunDeck]

US responding with a solid twenty minutes. Dempsey is moving well, making some nice opportunities. Bradley holding the middle pretty well.

[Yachtzee]

Is Landon Donovan really an animitronic robot?

[tomnuetten]

Bradley :eek:

[Patrick Bateman]

Woof, chance of the match right there.

[Yachtzee]

Jemaine Jones!

[tomnuetten]

nice goal.. and they earned it! Wow it is pretty bad if you have to rely on Eder as striker (I think he is one of the worst players in the tournament)

and dempsey with the deciding (?) goal..

[Reds Fanatic]

Dempsey!!

[Yachtzee]

Unbelievable! This team is just amazing!

[Yachtzee]

5 minutes stoppage time.

[Reds Fanatic]

Ugh. 20 seconds away from the win

[Playadlc]

Ugh.

[Yachtzee]

Ugh. 2-2 draw.

[Playadlc]

I feel sick n

[The DARK]

That was a truly painful end. We're still in pretty good shape to advance. So long as we put up a respectable performance against Germany and Portugal/Ghana is reasonably close, the tiebreaks are in our favor.

It helps that with this result, the Germans have such good tiebreaks that the only possibly way they don't advance is by losing by a million to us. Hopefully that puts them in a more conservative mindset.

[tomnuetten]

a draw against germany helps both teams, but I doubt that germany plays for a draw

[Yachtzee]

Well. In the end it was a great performance after an unfortunate mistake early in this game.

[Caveat Emperor]

I'm numb. That felt worse than a loss.

Michael Bradley has been worse than awful this tournament. His inability to keep possession dogged the team all day, and it led directly to the final goal. They had less than 60 seconds to kill and he couldn't hold the ball.

[Ohayou]

Low and Klinsmann are probably on the phone right now.

[SlimJim11]

Michael Bradley has been worse than awful this tournament.

That giveaway is about as bad of a mistake as you could make. He clearly doesn't understand end of the game situations as he did a similar thing against Ghana. It's unbelievable to me he doesn't understand you should try to keep the ball with a 1 goal lead at the end of a game.

[Yachtzee]

I'm spent. Now comes the prisoner's dilemma. It serves both teams to take it easy, play for the draw, and save players for the knockout rounds. However, neither team can rely on the other playing for the draw. Since they won't know what the outcome of the other game is, neither team can take a loss and expect to advance. Therefore, I expect the Germans and US to play for the win.

[Brutus]

Todd Fuhrman @ToddFuhrman · 30m
So the draw is +150 for the #USMNT vs Germany. Why is that relevant? It's the shortest draw price we've seen all tournament for a reason...

[KronoRed]

Guy up the hill yelled 'DAMN' so loud it's still echoing.

[Hoosier Red]

I thought he had played pretty well until that last turnover. But damn.

Not to relitigate past crimes, but I thought he took something of a bad rap for his end game play against ghana too. He had run out of real estate on the sideline, tried to cross the ball all the way to the far sideline which would have spent even more time, but the keeper came up and nabbed it. No real loss there to me.

Today, his chance at goal was exactly what I'd want him to do. The keeper was beaten just put the ball on frame. Just happened to find the opponents knee. It happens.

But that turnover was just dreadful.

Still if you had offered a 2-2 tie at halftime I'd have taken it and never looked back.

[Yachtzee]

Well, if anything, we have enough guys with Bundesliga experience to have a good idea about the Germans. Also, as with Bradley for us, Lahm and Ozil haven't been having the best World Cup and have been coughing up the ball in midfield too.

[Red Heeler]

Double edged sword to tonight's game.

On one hand, the feeling before the tourney began was that a win vs Ghana, a draw vs Portugal, and don't get blown out by Germany probably gets the US through to the knockout round. Mission accomplished so far. Except that the Germans crapped the bed against Ghana. Give Ghana a ton of credit. They are fast, fast, fast. Their relentless running put Germany off their game. The Yanks should take note.

On the other hand, the Fighting Bomb Pops shouldn't have to worry about Thursday. For 93 out of 95 minutes, they outplayed the 4th ranked team in the world. The first goal was a result of a ball that I can clear 98 times out of 100. That's one minute the US got outplayed.

Following the Portugal goal, the US took over the game. The equalizer seemed inevitable. So, it came, followed by the goal that would put the Yanks through.

Unfortunately, Klinsman then did what underdog teams always do. He bunkered. Damn the midfield dominance that's worked the whole game. Bring in a extra center back to shut down balls in the air. Bradley has no support, and gives the ball away. (Note to him and the rest of the team, "AWAY" is sometimes the best place for the ball.) Then the very extra center back who was brought on to take away balls in the air falls asleep on the crucial ball in. Minute two that the US was outplayed.

Instead of a chance to rest the starters against the Germans, now it's all hands on deck.

Two little minutes (even less really) mean the difference between a nice setup for a run in the knockout round and fighting to stave off elimination. It is "The Beautiful Game," but she sure is an insufferable witch at times.

[dfs]

Bradley has no support, and gives the ball away. (Note to him and the rest of the team, "AWAY" is sometimes the best place for the ball.) .
;)

[Caveat Emperor]

The sick scenario playing in my head:

L to Germany
Ghana wins and goes through on goal differential.

Ghana does it to the US again (this time indirectly).

[dfs]

That's not sick. It's worrying a lot of us.


It's nice to hate something besides the cardinals for a while....

[Yachtzee]

Double edged sword to tonight's game.

On one hand, the feeling before the tourney began was that a win vs Ghana, a draw vs Portugal, and don't get blown out by Germany probably gets the US through to the knockout round. Mission accomplished so far. Except that the Germans crapped the bed against Ghana. Give Ghana a ton of credit. They are fast, fast, fast. Their relentless running put Germany off their game. The Yanks should take note.

On the other hand, the Fighting Bomb Pops shouldn't have to worry about Thursday. For 93 out of 95 minutes, they outplayed the 4th ranked team in the world. The first goal was a result of a ball that I can clear 98 times out of 100. That's one minute the US got outplayed.

Following the Portugal goal, the US took over the game. The equalizer seemed inevitable. So, it came, followed by the goal that would put the Yanks through.

Unfortunately, Klinsman then did what underdog teams always do. He bunkered. Damn the midfield dominance that's worked the whole game. Bring in a extra center back to shut down balls in the air. Bradley has no support, and gives the ball away. (Note to him and the rest of the team, "AWAY" is sometimes the best place for the ball.) Then the very extra center back who was brought on to take away balls in the air falls asleep on the crucial ball in. Minute two that the US was outplayed.

Instead of a chance to rest the starters against the Germans, now it's all hands on deck.

Two little minutes (even less really) mean the difference between a nice setup for a run in the knockout round and fighting to stave off elimination. It is "The Beautiful Game," but she sure is an insufferable witch at times.

I think I would have rather seen Mix Diskerud come in rather than Gonzales. More fresh legs to either hold the ball in Portugal's half or harry them in midfield to keep them from getting passes to Ronaldo.

[Slyder]

The sick scenario playing in my head:

L to Germany
Ghana wins and goes through on goal differential.

Ghana does it to the US again (this time indirectly).

For this to happen Ghana would (I believe) have to swing the goal difference by 3 combined. I'm hoping for a couple Portugal goals quickly and both us and Germany camp.

[Slyder]

Has anyone else sort of noticed that this might be the last World Cup with Tim Howard as a premier goalie? Does anyone know if we have anyone primed to replace him? He's 35, by the next world cup he'll be approaching 40.

[Slyder]

Tiebreakers for anyone who is interested.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/u-s--scenarios-in-group-g-still-look-bright-despite-draw-against-portugal-010917150.html

Win/Draw= US moves on

Lose vs Germany, Ghana/Portugal no draw.
Tiebreakers:
- Goal differential (Germany 4, U.S. 1, Ghana -1, Portugal -4)
- Goals scored (Germany 6, U.S. 4, Ghana 3, Portugal 2)
- Head to head result (The U.S. beat Ghana, but drew against Portugal)

[tomnuetten]

mhm if germany wins 2-0 and ghana wins the game
or germany 1-0 and ghana with more than 2 goals difference the us is (after a great start) out...

didn´t think that this could happen, but the scenario isn´t even that unlikely

[membengal]

I am still gutted.

[SunDeck]

Obviously, that was a heartbreaking finish. However, you have to tip your hat to Ronaldo for the poise and skill to put that ball on his teammates head. The US played better than I think I've ever seen them play, with sharp countering, tight defense and fairly decent ball handling. Zusi's pass to Dempsey showed great poise; i was ready for him to blast it into the side of the net which is very likely the way a US player would have handled that in the past. Instead, he served up a nice, soft ball for the sure goal.

And I don't think they would have tied had Bradley not played as he did at midfield. Criticize him for the ball that led to the final goal, but he made a lot of good things happen during the game. Plus, you have to wonder about the defense on that last play, letting the cross go through. They struggled clearing crosses all night, which had little to do with Bradley.

[Caveat Emperor]

For this to happen Ghana would (I believe) have to swing the goal difference by 3 combined. I'm hoping for a couple Portugal goals quickly and both us and Germany camp.

The key will be staying level with Germany through HT -- if it's tied up going into the second half, I expect both coaches to get ultra-conservative to preserve the point.

Simply cannot concede the early goal in this game.

[bucksfan2]

Obviously, that was a heartbreaking finish. However, you have to tip your hat to Ronaldo for the poise and skill to put that ball on his teammates head. The US played better than I think I've ever seen them play, with sharp countering, tight defense and fairly decent ball handling. Zusi's pass to Dempsey showed great poise; i was ready for him to blast it into the side of the net which is very likely the way a US player would have handled that in the past. Instead, he served up a nice, soft ball for the sure goal.

And I don't think they would have won had Bradley not played as he did at midfield. Criticize him for the ball that led to the final goal, but he made a lot of good things happen during the game. Plus, you have to wonder about the defense on that last play, letting the cross go through. They struggled clearing crosses all night, which had little to do with Bradley.

My thoughts pretty much exactly. If you listen to any soccer analyst break down a game, there shouldn't be a single goal scored because someone made a mistake. The Portugal goal hurt, but at some point you have to tip your cap to the plays the Portuguese made. The cross Ronaldo made was fantastic, sure the US had men in the box, but the Portugal striker made a better play. It was a great game, a game the US dominated for 90 minutes, a game the US could have won 5-1 if they converted a bunch of their chances.

I don't think the US plays for a draw against Germany but I do think they will bunker down and play a defensive game trying to prevent a high scoring affair. They are in the drivers seat and unless there is an absolute shocker I think they advance.

Two questions:
Jones is on a yellow, do the yellows reset going into the knockout stage? If he picks up a yellow against Germany is he out for the 1st game of the knockout stage?
Do the coaches/players have access to the score of the other game?

[improbus]

I love the Dutch in orange. That is one of the worlds great uniforms.

[improbus]

My thoughts pretty much exactly. If you listen to any soccer analyst break down a game, there shouldn't be a single goal scored because someone made a mistake. The Portugal goal hurt, but at some point you have to tip your cap to the plays the Portuguese made. The cross Ronaldo made was fantastic, sure the US had men in the box, but the Portugal striker made a better play. It was a great game, a game the US dominated for 90 minutes, a game the US could have won 5-1 if they converted a bunch of their chances.

I don't think the US plays for a draw against Germany but I do think they will bunker down and play a defensive game trying to prevent a high scoring affair. They are in the drivers seat and unless there is an absolute shocker I think they advance.

Two questions:
Jones is on a yellow, do the yellows reset going into the knockout stage? If he picks up a yellow against Germany is he out for the 1st game of the knockout stage?
Do the coaches/players have access to the score of the other game?
The Yellow Cards reset after the quarterfinals. I'm sure the coaches are told about the score of the other game. I don't know how you could not find out.

[M2]

Has anyone else sort of noticed that this might be the last World Cup with Tim Howard as a premier goalie? Does anyone know if we have anyone primed to replace him? He's 35, by the next world cup he'll be approaching 40.

Brad Guzan's only 29. Bill Hamid (23) and Sean Johnson (25) are the current top two younger guys, both could be absurdly good in four years.

[Yachtzee]

Brad Guzan's only 29. Bill Hamid (23) and Sean Johnson (25) are the current top two younger guys, both could be absurdly good in four years.

The US has been pretty good at producing World Class keepers. Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller had great careers, and Brad Guzan would likely start for a lot of other countries.

[Caveat Emperor]

The US has been pretty good at producing World Class keepers. Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller had great careers, and Brad Guzan would likely start for a lot of other countries.

Yup. It's the one position that the US exports better than just about anywhere else.

Guzan is world-class. His work at Villa keeping them up is well documented and outstanding.

[improbus]

Some of my favorite non-game related World Cup stuff.

1) The ridiculous music that the teams march into. It sounds like a bad '80's roller coaster intro song.
2) The arm fold that happens when the players are introduced. It is magical.
3) Men in Blazers have exploded. So happy for the boys.
4) Ruud van Nistelrooy. He and Roberto Martinez are great, especially when they are sparring over tactics.
5) The countries that sing the second verse of their national anthem without the music. (I've noticed Brazil and Chile)
6) The hair. From Pirlo to Ronaldo, from Fred's mustache to the Brazilian guy who looks like Sammy Davis Jr.

[Yachtzee]

So FIFA opens an inquiry against Mexico for the practice of its fans chanting an anti-gay slur when opposing goalkeepers take goal kicks, but decides to do nothing because "it's not an insult in that context." So I suppose it's meant to honor opposing goalkeepers? Hogwash. I suspect FIFA was more afraid of enforcing its own rules (docking Mexico points or requiring them to play in an empty stadium) than it was any backlash from the homosexual community. The result is now the Mexican fans are chanting it louder than ever.

If FIFA was serious about getting rid of racist or, in this case, homophobic chants from fans, they should have withheld a decision till after today's game and warned Mexico fans that their team would not go through if the chant continued. I guarantee you the chant would stop.

[Caveat Emperor]

Of course, the same FIFA did award the World Cup to a country where homosexuality is illegal.

[Yachtzee]

Of course, the same FIFA did award the World Cup to a country where homosexuality is illegal.

All the more sad yet funny when you see the ads FIFA is running promoting itself as standing for fairness and inclusiveness.

[MWM]

Bah humbug

[Yachtzee]

For all the "Go CONCACAF" talk, I still can't get behind Mexico. They just annoy me so much.

[Yachtzee]

Maybe if they played at Azteca, Croatia might have stood a chance. ;)

[tomnuetten]

So FIFA opens an inquiry against Mexico for the practice of its fans chanting an anti-gay slur when opposing goalkeepers take goal kicks, but decides to do nothing because "it's not an insult in that context." So I suppose it's meant to honor opposing goalkeepers? Hogwash. I suspect FIFA was more afraid of enforcing its own rules (docking Mexico points or requiring them to play in an empty stadium) than it was any backlash from the homosexual community. The result is now the Mexican fans are chanting it louder than ever.

If FIFA was serious about getting rid of racist or, in this case, homophobic chants from fans, they should have withheld a decision till after today's game and warned Mexico fans that their team would not go through if the chant continued. I guarantee you the chant would stop.

I read somewhere in german media, that they decided to sing something different after the goal kick... it said they would yell pepsi everytime going forward because it is the biggest rival of fifa´s biggest sponsor and they didn´t like the way the fifa handled the situation...

no idea what they yelled today.

I have no problem with the fifa going after fans for bad behaviour, the problem I have is the inconsistency. They had no problem with the mexican chants in game 1, but the moment they played brasil and they made the same as they did in game 1 it was a problem (I have no idea what the word means but I read multiple times that it isn´t racist or anti- gay)

I didn´t like the way the mexican coach handled the situation. I think he should have said something to the fans via the media, instead he downplayed the whole incident

[Yachtzee]

I read somewhere in german media, that they decided to sing something different after the goal kick... it said they would yell pepsi everytime going forward because it is the biggest rival of fifa´s biggest sponsor and they didn´t like the way the fifa handled the situation...

no idea what they yelled today.

I have no problem with the fifa going after fans for bad behaviour, the problem I have is the inconsistency. They had no problem with the mexican chants in game 1, but the moment they played brasil and they made the same as they did in game 1 it was a problem (I have no idea what the word means but I read multiple times that it isn´t racist or anti- gay)

I didn´t like the way the mexican coach handled the situation. I think he should have said something to the fans via the media, instead he downplayed the whole incident

From what I gather, the complaint was made by FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe). They've also reported Croatian and Russian fans for ultra-right wing banners, as well as the German pitch invader for having Nazi stuff written on him and some German fans for showing up to the Germany-Ghana game in blackface with Ghana written on t-shirts. The reason why the Mexico issue took off is because, as opposed to those other incidents, which can be considered actions of a few individuals, the chant by the Mexicans is so loud as to be clearly audible on the TV broadcasts. I may not be fluent in Spanish, I've known enough Mexicans who have taught me plenty about various swear words in Spanish over the years and the word they're using, in the context they're using it, is a homosexual slur, despite what the Mexican Football Federation would like us all to believe. It's like if US fans yelled the "f" slur for homosexuals but then trying to claim they were referring to a bundle of sticks or a cigarette.

And it was even more pronounced in today's broadcasts. Of course, there is really no good way to deal with the matter during the World Cup. Realistically, you can't really force a team to play in an empty stadium when you have so many fans that are either non-partisan or for the opposition. That is really only a reasonable punishment in qualifying, when you have home games. Docking points isn't workable because FIFA wants competitive matches, and docking points while group stages are still going on works against that. Rather than doing a sham investigation and taking whatever the Mexican Federation says at face value, they should have just held of making a decision and warned fans not to use the chant during the World Cup or risk the Mexican team facing penalties that would make it difficult for the team to qualify for the next World Cup. That could solve the problem in short order because Mexican fans would police their own to make sure the penalties don't get levied. At least that's what the hope would be.

[Razor Shines]

I read somewhere in german media, that they decided to sing something different after the goal kick... it said they would yell pepsi everytime going forward because it is the biggest rival of fifa´s biggest sponsor and they didn´t like the way the fifa handled the situation...

no idea what they yelled today.

I have no problem with the fifa going after fans for bad behaviour, the problem I have is the inconsistency. They had no problem with the mexican chants in game 1, but the moment they played brasil and they made the same as they did in game 1 it was a problem (I have no idea what the word means but I read multiple times that it isn´t racist or anti- gay)

I didn´t like the way the mexican coach handled the situation. I think he should have said something to the fans via the media, instead he downplayed the whole incident

I didn't know it means something anti-gay either and I'm not sure a lot of Mexicans translate it that way. It's derogatory for sure. I've heard my father in law (Mexican) say it and it would be odd if he meant it as something anti-gay. Hell, George Lopez got pretty famous by saying about 6,000 times a night about "W" in his stand up shows several years ago.

[Yachtzee]

I didn't know it means something anti-gay either and I'm not sure a lot of Mexicans translate it that way. It's derogatory for sure. I've heard my father in law (Mexican) and it would be odd if he meant it as something anti-gay. Hell, George Lopez got pretty famous by saying about 6,000 times a night about "W" in his stand up shows several years ago.

I can remember as a kid when we would say the "f" word and "gay" and "queer" all the time, and while we didn't mean it as it's literal meaning, we meant it in a way that someone or something was different or weird. But that's the thing with slurs. It's not what the user means, but rather it's effect on those who hear it. Even when we don't mean them in the literal sense, we're still using them in a way that relates back to the original meaning in some way. When we played "smear the queer," we didn't even know the connotation. Now kids play "kill the carrier," not because it was hurtful to the kid with the ball to be called "queer," but because it's offensive to people who are are may be homosexual.

Somehow, I get the feeling the Mexican fans aren't using their chant to tell the opposing goalie "Well played, old chap."

[Razor Shines]

I can remember as a kid when we would say the "f" word and "gay" and "queer" all the time, and while we didn't mean it as it's literal meaning, we meant it in a way that someone or something was different or weird. But that's the thing with slurs. It's not what the user means, but rather it's effect on those who hear it. Even when we don't mean them in the literal sense, we're still using them in a way that relates back to the original meaning in some way. When we played "smear the queer," we didn't even know the connotation. Now kids play "kill the carrier," not because it was hurtful to the kid with the ball to be called "queer," but because it's offensive to people who are are may be homosexual.

Somehow, I get the feeling the Mexican fans aren't using their chant to tell the opposing goalie "Well played, old chap."

I'm not saying you're wrong and not disagreeing that it shouldn't be shouted at opposing teams. I did say that's it's derogatory. I've heard it used and wasn't aware of the anti-gay connotation was my main point, I thought it was similar to English words that start with B or P meaning female dog or wuss. Which would be permitted if it did mean either of those words? I do recall a lot of Spurs fans shouting words like that at Lebron during the finals and no one called for any penalty. Either way I'm not a fan of shouting rude or offensive comments at opposing players.

[Yachtzee]

I'm not saying you're wrong and not disagreeing that it shouldn't be shouted at opposing teams. I did say that's it's derogatory. I've heard it used and wasn't aware of the anti-gay connotation was my main point, I thought it was similar to English words that start with B or P meaning female dog or wuss. Which would be permitted if it did mean either of those words? I do recall a lot of Spurs fans shouting words like that at Lebron during the finals and no one called for any penalty. Either way I'm not a fan of shouting rude or offensive comments at opposing players.

I think if the crowd were chanting something in English meaning female dog or cat, FIFA would probably clamp down at the request of ESPN not wanting to have to deal with complaints from viewers. US viewers tend to be more sensitive to foul language than other countries. As far as fan chants go, the Columbus Crew banned supporters from making a rude chant on goal kicks and threatened to take away preferential seating privileges. The chant stopped the very next game. If people want to yell at the keeper on goal kicks, I always thought going Caddyshack and yelling "NOONAN! MISS" would be more clever than being crude.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Italy, Spain, England all out in the group stage, with Portugal likely to join.

[reds1869]

Apparently Suarez thinks they should have snacks for the players.

[SunDeck]

How does a bite not get a red card? Suarez needs to be out for the rest of the tournament.

[reds1869]

How does a bite not get a red card? Suarez needs to be out for the rest of the tournament.
He needs to be gone longer than that. How does someone who does that three times not get kicked out of the game for a long time?

[RedTeamGo!]

Whoa Whoa Whoa - he bit someone AGAIN??!?!?!?!

[bucksfan2]

Suarez with another apparent bite of an opposing player. How can he be that stupid and what will the penalty be?

[SunDeck]

Whoa Whoa Whoa - he bit someone AGAIN??!?!?!?!

A little Italian shoulder....with a little chianti.

Seriously, the guy is out of control.

[improbus]

How does a bite not get a red card? Suarez needs to be out for the rest of the tournament.

The guy he bit, Chiellini, had taken about ten dives and had acted as if he was macheted each time. The ref isn't going to give him the benefit of the doubt if he doesn't directly see the incident.

[hebroncougar]

A huge Liverpool fan. But Suarez needs at minimum a season, and in reality a lifetime ban. 3rd offense is inexcusable.

[Yachtzee]

How do we know Suarez isn't a zombie?

[Slyder]

How do we know Suarez isn't a zombie?

If he's a zombie I better get in shape. When the Apocolypse occurs we'll have to out run him.

[MWM]

Geez, Suarez should definitely be out of the cup, but that will never happen. But if there's anyone who deserves it, it's Chiellini.

[SunDeck]

The guy he bit, Chiellini, had taken about ten dives and had acted as if he was macheted each time. The ref isn't going to give him the benefit of the doubt if he doesn't directly see the incident.



Does it have to be the match referee? They were in the linesman's sight. I figured they are in contact via their headsets, but maybe not.

OK then, gone forever from FIFA play. And if I'm his team-Liverool?- I look for a way out of his contract.

[Hoosier Red]

If he's a zombie I better get in shape. When the Apocolypse occurs we'll have to out run him.

No we won't. I'll only have to out run you. :)

[CoachBombay]

In Suarez's defense. I cant pass up an Italian sub either

[bucksfan2]

Does it have to be the match referee? They were in the linesman's sight. I figured they are in contact via their headsets, but maybe not.

OK then, gone forever from FIFA play. And if I'm his team-Liverool?- I look for a way out of his contract.

He is one of the most dynamic goal scorers in the EPL. I don't see any what Liverpool gets rid of him.

[RedTeamGo!]

In Suarez's defense. I cant pass up an Italian sub either

7387

[Tony Cloninger]

I am supposed to be happy and Yet I cannot be. He lost his head again for the sake of trying to win at all costs.

Now he is going to screw the country and his handball will be considered a minor thing.
Chiellini should have been red carded the last game on a penalty anyways.... still.

Just FYI.... NOT all us Uruguayans like to bite people.

[vaticanplum]

Just FYI.... NOT all us Uruguayans like to bite people.

I am dying. Duly noted, good sir.

[Yachtzee]

Alexi Lalas wonders how Suarez will explain it to his children. No Alexi, it's how will explain it to Chris Carpenter's son.

[Tony Cloninger]

I am dying. Duly noted, good sir.

It took a while to get over the jokes about the Andes crash of the Uruguayan Rugby Team back in 1972.

This one is going to take a while.

My father texted me that there was nothing conclusive and Chienilli was crying and complaining the whole game. Hardcore until the end and He was born in Sicily before moving to Uruguay right after the war.

[5TimeWSChamps]

Ivory Coast with big equalizer on Greece. My homie Gervinho with the assist to Bony

[paintmered]

What a devastating turn of events for Ivory Coast.

[BuckeyeRed27]

What a devastating turn of events for Ivory Coast.

Pretty soft penalty too. I think he kicked the dirt and fell over.

That is about a million times worse than the Portugal header against us.

[5TimeWSChamps]

Never a penalty. Dude kicked the turf and fell

[Yachtzee]

Whoever is doing Sportscenter is doing a terrible job of pronouncing names. Chiellini is "Kah-li-ni" and I believe she actually said Costo Rico.

Edit: And she just said Colombria

[Chip R]

So, they can't suspend Suarez because he didn't get penalized during the match?

[WMR]

So, they can't suspend Suarez because he didn't get penalized during the match?

FIFA just makes this crap up as they go along...

[Yachtzee]

FIFA just makes this crap up as they go along...

Pretty much.

[dougdirt]

If he's a zombie I better get in shape. When the Apocolypse occurs we'll have to out run him.

Nah, you just have to outrun someone that he can catch first.

[tomnuetten]

So, they can't suspend Suarez because he didn't get penalized during the match?

they can only if the ref didn´t see the icident. If he saw it but thought it wasn´t red worthy (or gave him a yellow card) they can´t suspend him any longer, because the ref made a decision... if the refs can´t see it, it is a different thing (in fifa theory)

I hope that chiellini learned a lesson aswell. it is not smart to act like someone stabbed you everytime an opponent is close to you. he is a terrible diver and at some point the refs will recognize it (in this situation he payed for it)

[Chip R]

they can only if the ref didn´t see the icident. If he saw it but thought it wasn´t red worthy (or gave him a yellow card) they can´t suspend him any longer, because the ref made a decision... if the refs can´t see it, it is a different thing (in fifa theory)

Say what you will about the NFL but they are very proactive about illegal hits that the officials didn't catch or chose not to penalize during the game.

[SunDeck]

they can only if the ref didn´t see the icident. If he saw it but thought it wasn´t red worthy (or gave him a yellow card) they can´t suspend him any longer, because the ref made a decision... if the refs can´t see it, it is a different thing (in fifa theory)

I hope that chiellini learned a lesson aswell. it is not smart to act like someone stabbed you everytime an opponent is close to you. he is a terrible diver and at some point the refs will recognize it (in this situation he payed for it)

FIFA officials say they are investigating, but what would that mean if they can't suspend him?
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/luis-suarez-bite-fifa-to-investigate-suarez-following-incident-with-giorgio-chiellini-9560801.html

[5TimeWSChamps]

FIFA charges Luis Suarez for biting opponent. If found guilty, rules call for minimum ban of 2 matches, maximum of 24 months.

[Dwarftree]

So, they can't suspend Suarez because he didn't get penalized during the match?

Yes they can. The rule is that when a referee does not make a ruling on the field about a certain scene the officials
can investigate on that certain scene. And if they see something that was not right, they can apply a ban. Which
most certainly will happen. And since he is repeat "biting offender" i´d presume a 10-15 game ban. At least i feel
that would be justified. 10-15 games would basically mean 2 years out of the national team.

On the other hand you never know what that corrupt FIFA bunch is up to.

[RedFanAlways1966]

He ought to be put in jail for the remainder of the World Cup. Real jail. Elbowing, kneeing, punch... they are all assaults. However, biting another human just takes it up a notch IMO. I am in favor of a 1-year ban and the promise that a lifetime ban will be next for him. In no way should this be tolerated by FIFA or any sports organization. Great player. Terrible sportsman.

[Caveat Emperor]

Suarez is a first-rate scumbag (and a racist too) -- but, as someone pointed out at work today, we give athletes a free pass on stuff way worse than biting.

[Tony Cloninger]

Suarez is a first-rate scumbag (and a racist too) -- but, as someone pointed out at work today, we give athletes a free pass on stuff way worse than biting.

I will agree that he can be a scumbag but he is no racist. Even Evra and the English FA stated that he was not a racist. That is abou the only thing I can defend him on anymore.

[Caveat Emperor]

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--9wWVETx8--/783750280095762758.gif

[Tony Cloninger]

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--9wWVETx8--/783750280095762758.gif

That is the only thing left for me..... keeping a sense of humor about it.

Best player Uruguay has produced since Recoba and Francescoli.....but they did not have anywhere near the drive to win..... turns out the drive is masked with some insanity.

Very disappointed.

[M2]

I can't post a picture of it or even refer to it by its proper name, but Miguel Herrera kind of looks like the guy on the cover of the Dwarves' Blood, Guts and (unmentionable) album.

[SunDeck]

Suarez's lawyer is preparing to argue that there was no bite, that he lost his balance and fell into the defender. Also that there was a conspiracy by Italy throughout the game against him.

http://www.espnfc.com/league-name/story/1913419/headline

[RedTeamGo!]

Pepe is playing against Ghana, that should help Portugal quite a bit. I am hoping for a Portugal 1-0 win or 0-0 tie.

I fear Ghana is going to win 3-0

[Yachtzee]

Pepe is playing against Ghana, that should help Portugal quite a bit. I am hoping for a Portugal 1-0 win or 0-0 tie.

I fear Ghana is going to win 3-0

I'm hearing reports that Muntari and Boateng have left Ghana's camp and that there is dissention in the ranks.

The bigger question is whether they'll be able to play with the torrential rain in Recife.

[RedTeamGo!]

Why would there be dissention in the ranks?

[MWM]

I don't feel good about today mainly because after watching Ghana against Germany and watching Portugal's 2 games, I think Ghana is the superior team and have a lot more to play for. I think Ghana is going to handle Portugal. I do think Ghana has some holes on defense and I can see Portugal stealing a goal, and possibly keeping it to a 1 goal game.

I want to be optimistic, and I don't think this German team is as good as we'd expect from Germany, but I have a hard time seeing the US not losing to them.

[RedTeamGo!]

I don't feel good about today mainly because after watching Ghana against Germany and watching Portugal's 2 games, I think Ghana is the superior team and have a lot more to play for. I think Ghana is going to handle Portugal. I do think Ghana has some holes on defense and I can see Portugal stealing a goal, and possibly keeping it to a 1 goal game.

I want to be optimistic, and I don't think this German team is as good as we'd expect from Germany, but I have a hard time seeing the US not losing to them.

Two of Ghana's best players are suspended for the rest of the World Cup - Muntari and Prince-Boetang, and the rest of the team was about to boycott today's game. Ghana is in full out nuke-mode right now.

[redsfan30]

Never in a million years thought I'd be posting in a soccer thread!!!

According to ESPN, FIFA and game officials will be meeting in about a half hour to determine if the field is playable after severe rain/flooding in the area.

[RedTeamGo!]

:thumbdown:

[thatcoolguy_22]

Never in a million years thought I'd be posting in a soccer thread!!!

According to ESPN, FIFA and game officials will be meeting in about a half hour to determine if the field is playable after severe rain/flooding in the area.

If they delay the game it can only help the US. If Portugal/Ghana tie, we could see a lot of subs in the Germany game. After the rain forest game, our guys could use the extra rest. If they don't delay the game< the rain will keep it low scoring enough to prevent a blowout.

[SunDeck]

Biggest suspension in WC history.

http://www.espnfc.com/fifa-world-cup/story/1913701/luis-suarez-banned-for-four-months

[BuckeyeRed27]

Omar replaces Cameron and Davis replaces Bedoya. Rest of the line up and the formation the same as the Portugal game.

[Hoosier Red]

Not crazy about the lineup insertions but I'll trust Jurgen who's had the golden touch so far in the tournament.

[SunDeck]

It must be mentioned, the size of Michael Bradley's head. I actually find it hard to keep from being distracted by it.

[Kingspoint]

If they delay the game it can only help the US. If Portugal/Ghana tie, we could see a lot of subs in the Germany game. After the rain forest game, our guys could use the extra rest. If they don't delay the game< the rain will keep it low scoring enough to prevent a blowout.

One defender slips and there's an unexpected goal.

[SunDeck]

So far, looking like kids v. adults. US touches and possession lacking against a very organized German team.

[RedTeamGo!]

US defense is holding their own

[reds1869]

My DirecTV receiver, which has never crashed, just did. Lovely.

[MWM]

Own goal from Ghana makes me a a little better.

[SunDeck]

Agreed, especially Howard, but the ball skills are killing them. They need better passing if they hope to score.
Jones just missed his opportunity to do a Van Persie. That was close, with the keeper way out.

[Slyder]

I'm not that impressed with the Germans back 4. There's space available for Jones and company.

The German midfield is as good as advertised, they controlled most of that half

[MWM]

Us looked shaky first 20 minutes or so, but much better after that. Never would have thought Bradley would be as bad as he's been. He's been a liability for the US.

[SunDeck]

Us looked shaky first 20 minutes or so, but much better after that. Never would have thought Bradley would be as bad as he's been. He's been a liability for the US.

I think he's done well against a superior midfield in this game, but his touches on offense have been difficult to watch.

[RedTeamGo!]

I borderline think Bradley should be benched in the 2nd half for Diskerud

[BuckeyeRed27]

Very solid half. This is one of the best teams in the world, they are going to get chances and we held our own. Actually I thought we had the better of the last 20 minutes.

[RedTeamGo!]

7412

let's go!!!!

[Kingspoint]

Great shot by Germany.

[SunDeck]

"Zauber"

These guys are solid around the goal. US looking a little shaky, starting off again. Once again, they need some possession.

[M2]

It's officially squeaky bum time. Ghana's a goal away from snagging that final spot in the knockout rounds. Bradley's first touch has been brutal this game. Gonzalez has stepped up big time so far.

Rooting for a Portu-gol at the moment. Come on Cristiano Ronaldo.

[Kingspoint]

US hitting each other in the head! Ouch!

[SunDeck]

Wow, that looked painful.

[RedTeamGo!]

I feel like I am doing cardio

[M2]

Got my wish. Ronaldo scored. Now let's have the U.S. stick one in the net and remove all doubt.

[Kingspoint]

Got my wish. Ronaldo scored.


Nice call!