Unofficial World Cup Thread de 2014

[pbmax]

I think conditioning showed. I think Belgium was spent that last 10 minutes.

They did stop challenging possession.

I think Ballack said something smart at halftime. If the US wanted to maintain possession, it had to play further up the field. They did that in extra time.

[wootah]

27 shots on goal, this never should have been this close.

Kudos on the US for showing a lot of heart those last 15mins, but the superior team won today.

[Freak Out]

Yes to which question?

No to the first and yes to the second.

[Freak Out]

27 shots on goal, this never should have been this close.

Kudos on the US for showing a lot of heart those last 15mins, but the superior team won today.

What did Howard have....like 16 or 17 saves? Fucking unreal....but its just like the old Irish announcer said..."ya gotta put it in the back of the net" same goes for the gimme that the USA missed.

You are right wootah...if that team really gels look out!

[wootah]

You don't have the proper scouting and coaching from a young age. Internet tells me the US has over 2,5 registered male soccer players, that's 1/4 Belgiums total population. Players enough, while from your whole team only the goalie would be part of our selection of 23 and then as 3rd goalie.

[wootah]

What did Howard have....like 16 or 17 saves? Fucking unreal....but its just like the old Irish announcer said..."ya gotta put it in the back of the net" same goes for the gimme that the USA missed.

You are right wootah...if that team really gels look out!

Howard was superb, hats off to him. All the Belgian players that were interviewed lauded him enormously as well.

[Teamcheez1]

You don't have the proper scouting and coaching from a young age. Internet tells me the US has over 2,5 registered male soccer players, that's 1/4 Belgiums total population. Players enough, while from your whole team only the goalie would be part of our selection of 23 and then as 3rd goalie.

I would disagree. Soccer is continuing to grow a vibrant and passionate fan base. Youth soccer has really progressed over the past few decades from almost nothing. I see the talent and competitiveness only getting better.

[Freak Out]

If MLS survives and the salaries are competitive parents and players will take notice and a big shift could occur. Color me skeptical though...even though I'd love to see it.

[Joemailman]

Anybody agree with this? And where's Red?

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/07/unit...ian-green-goal

1. The U.S. missed Kyle Beckerman.

In a match that demanded a physical presence with the ability to pass out of midfield, Klinsmann decided to bench the one player who had provided him just that for the entire World Cup. No other player in the U.S.’s match against Germany had a higher pass completion rate than Beckerman, who maintained possession more than 90% of the time. It was Beckerman who cancelled out Bastian Schweinsteiger in that match, and Cristiano Ronaldo before him.

Yet, Beckerman was nowhere to be found against Belgium, allowing the 6-5 Marouane Fellaini to bully the U.S. midfield for 90 minutes. Cameron failed to provide the passing in attack or support in defense that Beckerman had in games past, resulting in a constant threat when Belgium had the ball.

[Teamcheez1]

Anybody agree with this? And where's Red?

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/07/unit...ian-green-goal

I think you always analyze why you lose a game. Hind site is 20/20.

Would Beckerman have made a huge difference? Probably not much, and we still wouldn't have won.

[hoosier]

You don't have the proper scouting and coaching from a young age. Internet tells me the US has over 2,5 registered male soccer players, that's 1/4 Belgiums total population. Players enough, while from your whole team only the goalie would be part of our selection of 23 and then as 3rd goalie.

You think Howard would be third string goalie on Belgium team?!?

[Joemailman]

We save you guys from Germany in 2 World Wars and this is the thanks we get?

[Joemailman]

You don't have the proper scouting and coaching from a young age. Internet tells me the US has over 2,5 registered male soccer players, that's 1/4 Belgiums total population. Players enough, while from your whole team only the goalie would be part of our selection of 23 and then as 3rd goalie.

Youth soccer is huge in the U.S. However, once the boys enter high school at age 14, a lot of families with a star athlete start thinking about which sport gives them the best chance at a college scholarship. For most, that is football or basketball. The key for the U.S. I think is getting more of the top boys soccer players to stick with the sport through high school. It's a tough sell.

[Brandon494]

You think Howard would be third string goalie on Belgium team?!?

He wouldn't be third, but Thibault Courtois might be the best goal keeper in the world right now and only 22 years old.

[Teamcheez1]

Youth soccer is huge in the U.S. However, once the boys enter high school at age 14, a lot of families with a star athlete start thinking about which sport gives them the best chance at a college scholarship. For most, that is football or basketball. The key for the U.S. I think is getting more of the top boys soccer players to stick with the sport through high school. It's a tough sell.

Why would basketball give you a better opportunity at a scholarship than soccer? Soccer teams carry 20+ players. Basketball is around 13.

After doing some research (I edited this post), you are correct on the scholarship availability being more for basketball and football. More players in soccer than basketball , but less scholarships and teams.