World Cup

[mrreality68]

Some of the goods are turning out real good. Enjoy the upsets but not big on the extended extended time let's get to the knock out round and RAMP IT UP

[commishbob]

I wasn't expecting today's Ghana-South Korea match to be one you couldn't take your eyes off of but it turned into one of the better ones of the tournament so far. Terrific stuff.

[UKCardGuy]

I watched ENG vs USA on Friday with mixed feelings. As someone with a foot in both camps, I thought I couldn't loose with that match. Well how wrong I was. What a boring match.

I hadn't seen much of the US men's team in recent years but based on what I've seen in the World Cup - they're super fit but they lack quality in the final 3rd of the pitch. If they US team just had a creative midfielder who could provide properly weighted passes and a couple of wingers who can provide decent crosses - they'd be unstoppable.

England on the other hand just seemed tired and lackluster. I think they're going to have a hard time against Wales tomorrow. Wales will want to beat England more than they'd like to progress out of the group stage. :-)

I think the USA vs IRAN will be a good match.

Otherwise, I think Brazil look like contenders for the final and I think Japan could be a dark horse to make it to the quarter finals.

[ClementeFanOh]

USA and UK advance! All right!

Trent King

[howard38]

Originally Posted by ClementeFanOh

USA and UK advance! All right!

Trent King

Only part of the UK. Wales is going home.

[58pinson]

Thrilled that the US will advance to the round of 16. That said there are a few obviuos reasons to be concerned.

The two injuries, especially to Pulisic, are very troublesome. I see Pulisic is saying he'll be ready for the Netherlands game. I hope so.

The game seemed to me to somewhat mirror the opening game against Wales. The first half - very impressive. Second half - not so much. I know there's a limit to how long guys can go at 100%, and that the opponent's change of strategy will influence a lot of things you can do..... but that leads to the next thought.

Thought the subs were woeful for the second time in three games.

Lastly, how many times did the attempt at one extra pass eliminate a possible shot on a keeper who was obviously a bit shakey (England put 6 in against him)?

I've been very impressed with Dest, Robinson and Adams. Kind of feel that if the starting 11 are at 100% we go in against the Dutch with a decent chance. Fingers crossed.

[Snapolit1]

While I have no doubt that the US will rally around the men's team should they continue to advance, I don't see this tournament so far growing soccer much in the US long term. Young people who played the game are very into it, but casual observers are bored with the 0-0, 1-0 games. And the ridiculous flopping in really beyond the pale. I played soccer for years and can appreciate a well played game. But so much of what I've seen so far is why I'm convinced soccer will always been a second or third tier sport in the US. We just don't watch games all afternoon that end in a tie or worse a 0-0 tie. Yes, we are the outliers on that, but it is what it is.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by 58pinson

Thrilled that the US will advance to the round of 16. That said there are a few obviuos reasons to be concerned.

The two injuries, especially to Pulisic, are very troublesome. I see Pulisic is saying he'll be ready for the Netherlands game. I hope so.

The game seemed to me to somewhat mirror the opening game against Wales. The first half - very impressive. Second half - not so much. I know there's a limit to how long guys can go at 100%, and that the opponent's change of strategy will influence a lot of things you can do..... but that leads to the next thought.

Thought the subs were woeful for the second time in three games.

Lastly, how many times did the attempt at one extra pass eliminate a possible shot on a keeper who was obviously a bit shakey (England put 6 in against him)?

I've been very impressed with Dest, Robinson and Adams. Kind of feel that if the starting 11 are at 100% we go in against the Dutch with a decent chance. Fingers crossed.

agreed and it would be nice if they could score because in the Round of 16 some of the other Countries know how and also play solid defense. Cannot rely on tie games any more