|
Post by deridderforward#23 on Mar 26, 2006 15:20:27 GMT -6
usa are not overrated there majorly underrated
|
|
|
Post by coachray40 on Mar 28, 2006 8:25:55 GMT -6
Regardless of rating, the US has to prove that it can win on European soil, where they have struggled since forever. It seems that poor defending is consistently an issue that props its head up during US losses--my feeling is that there is a lack of defensive tactical teaching in our country with the advent of shortsided games, but that is for another thread. For the US to be ranked #5 is nothing more in my opinion than a blatant and unabashed effort to drive up and pander to American interest in the upcoming World Cup to induce sponsorship money and viewing. Especially with games being played where they will be broadcast midday in the US--not prime time. Its all about the Benjamins, and the most Benajmins are here in the US. Get US advertising dollars and you make money on the event.
Dont get caught up in the "well we beat Portugal last time" argument--what has Portugal done since except underachieve? Almost the beginning of the end for Portugal as the dominant team in Europe. Oh and yeah, we beat Portugal and then lost to Poland--the US backed into the second round with a close draw with South Korea who they should have lost to. The US will not beat the Czech Republic--I dont care what rationale we use about how they will come in and surprise them, great starting line-up etc. The US struggles regularly against bigger teams, and the Czechs are huge and fast, long with being a great group of skilled players. I think the #2 ranked Czechs will be a favorite to win the whole thing. Italy will play the US with passion and fury, as they will not allow themselve to lose--that would be a suicide note in their homeland. I believe the US can stay close to Italy, but an inevitable defensive breakdown coming from the flanks, where we have such standouts as Cherundolo, Conrad, Berhalter and an aging and too attack minded Frankie Hedjuk will cost us. Onyewu and Bocanegra are quality and will play well, but its just a matter of time till Eddie Pope injures his left anterior quad, or gets a hip flexor strain, or whatever other little poo-poo injury that his soft aayas comes up with this time(dude is ALWAYS HURT), and the US will go to a second line defender who will do something stupid. As for the other match against Ivorysenecamergeria--who cares? Low scoring with lots of flashy pointless dribbling by the Africans, with the US either winning close or drawing in an uninspired performance.
|
|
|
Post by deridderforward#23 on Mar 28, 2006 13:22:28 GMT -6
this dude knows what hes talking about lol
|
|