Unofficial World Cup Thread de 2014

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Had to dig for the Portugal lineup in Tweet format.

beIN SPORTS ✔ @beINSPORTSUSA
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Portugal XI v USA: Beto, Bruno Alves, Veloso, Ronaldo, Moutinho, Costa, Meireles, Nani, A. Almeida, Pereira, Postiga


Has a preview of the lineup Klinsman has selected: http://www.mlssoccer.com/worldcup/20...olls-dice-armc

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On plan for a five person midfield with one striker, the guy writing the preview above said despite some predicting it, he thought it unlikely:

The reason why? Because the US were so lackluster and out of ideas the last time Clint Dempsey played as the main front-runner, in last autumn's dour 3-1 loss at Costa Rica. The US had a bear of a time creating space – let alone opportunities – and couldn't wrest control of the game away from the hosts on that day.

A few days later, against Mexico, Klinsmann returned to a two-forward lineup, and the US dominated El Tri thanks largely to the stellar play of Eddie Johnson in the target striker's role. The Yanks have played with two forwards ever since.

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On plan for a five person midfield with one striker, the guy writing the preview above said despite some predicting it, he thought it unlikely:

yeah, and i don't like the idea of just dropping back and playing prevent d the whole game like last time

ronaldo taking free kicks at you all game is not what you want, imo

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Bedoya and Besler are both back despite leg problems last week. Its 88 degree in Manaus with a 62% humidity, feels like 95.

Gotta admit, sounds like a dry winter for the middle of the Amazon.

[pbmax]

yeah, and i don't like the idea of just dropping back and playing prevent d the whole game like last time

ronaldo taking free kicks at you all game is not what you want, imo

I wonder if this is classic play it safe when it actually renders you objectively worse because you don't have midfielders who can control the ball. Might be better with another player who can take the pressure off and attack.

[Brandon494]

What a fucking idiot...

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The attempt to clear was a better pass than the pass.

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though to win games playing like this

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this is looking better

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OK, US guy elbowed Birdman in the chops but why? Was he refusing to get up off of him?

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this is like an all out dog fight between two ugly retarded dogs

[Brandon494]

Dempsey having a hell of a game so far.

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bradley playing much better too

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Dempsey having a hell of a game so far.

be nice if he could just get a couple of those in, but he's knocking right on the door

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we're getting lots of good shots, those have to start going in at some point