The Soccer Thread (Version 7.0)

[kingcreole]

Really liked the aggressive play. Still think that the defense is subpar, but that probably won't be a major issue until El Tri in the finals.

The Gold Cup defense has been subpar, which is not unexpected. Besler should be able to stabilize things.

I'm not putting Mexico in the finals yet. They've only really looked good for one game, and that was against a non-FIFA team. Panama worked Mexico over in the first meeting.

 

[podunk press]

1. U.S. beating Honduras isn't a slam dunk. At all.
2. Mexico beating Panama isn't a slam dunk. At all.
3. Aside from Landon, I think Beckerman, Diskerud and Corona have made very strong arguments for being on the World Cup squad in 2014.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

So who gets dropped from the current squad to make room for Donovan and any other Gold Cuppers?

 

[kingcreole]

1. U.S. beating Honduras isn't a slam dunk. At all.
2. Mexico beating Panama isn't a slam dunk. At all.
3. Aside from Landon, I think Beckerman, Diskerud and Corona have made very strong arguments for being on the World Cup squad in 2014.

I am president of the I Hate Kyle Beckerman Club ... and that guy has played very, very well in the Gold Cup. By far the best he's played for the USMNT.

So who gets dropped from the current squad to make room for Donovan and any other Gold Cuppers?

I think the following are probable starters next summer, at this point:

Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Graham Zusi, Landon Donovan, Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley, Matt Besler, DeMarcus Beasley and Tim Howard. That leaves one outside defender and one center back.

As for Gold Cup players ... Eddie Johnson is a guy who could work his way into the starting lineup but is more likely the supersub. Mix Diskerud's stock has shot up the last couple weeks. Joe Corona's skill and creativity is something we don't see often from a US player. Nick Rimando's stock is increasing as the No. 3 behind Howard and Guzan, but I've always been a fan of Sean Johnson.

 

[Big Circus]

The exchange at the end, with Donovan trying to put on the sunglasses that were thrown at him, was priceless. El Salvador fans were throwing anything and everything at him, and he punked them. I love the attitude that I'm seeing from him and from the team.

 

[deskslave]

After what I'm sure was an extensive and grueling consultation period, the new names for the Scottish divisions have been released. They will be known as the Scottish Premiership, Championship, League One and League Two.

*headdesk*

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23435136

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Man, the Cowboys Stadium field looks horrible. Big seams where the grass strips don't meet are filled with sand. If you want to try an in-swinging corner kick, there's no room on at least one end.

 

[spikechiquet]

I feel bad for the players in the first match...think of how ****ty it's going to be for the 2nd match. Yikes.

 

[Football_Bat]

U.S. in command, 2-0 at half. The pitch is a joke.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

At this rate, Donovan is going to win the World Cup for us.

/I know, I know
// Let a brother dream

 

[micropolitan guy]

Papiss Cisse is refusing to wear a shirt with Newcastle's new sponsor, a payday loan company, citing religious grounds.

Cisse has vowed not to score until they change sponsors. Oh wait, that was last year ...

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Clay Travis tweeted about how exciting the World Cup team is after today's match. Soccer fans corrected him, so he responded by bashing "soccer hipsters" and is now tweeting about how much they suck.

 

[Webster]

That was not exactly a tough challenge. The only talking point is whether Jurgen will be suspended for the final.

 

[Smash Williams]

Did he actually get red carded, or was he just asked to leave? I was watching the Spanish feed on mute at that time, and they just showed him walking down the tunnel.

 

[Webster]

Unclear. Twitter is of no help so far.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Wahl said a committee will review the referee's report and decide within 24-48 hours if he will miss the final.

Also, too, Panama!

 

[kingcreole]

Klinsmann is building some serious depth right now.

I actually want Mexico to win. Panama-USA would be a 1-0, 0-0 game. Mexico? I predict a 3-0 beatdown by the USA.

 

[spikechiquet]

I know the announcers aren't at the game, but how awful was that audio of Dellacamera & Cobi?

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Whoa oh Mexico (down 2-1).

 

[spikechiquet]

Whoa oh Mexico (down 2-1).

Ay Caramba.