OT - USA v. ARG Copa Semi-Final Pre-Game Open Thread

Submitted by Hab on

Kickoff is at 9:00 pm EST.

I know few around the boards are soccer (sack-ah) followers.  For those that are, you're undoubtedly aware of the Men in Blazers.  For those who aren't, they are pundits that take a borderline satirical approach to reporting on the game and state of the sport in the US by combining American enthusiasm for all things American with the other football and throw in an excessive dose of hyperbole.  

All that to say, the US are facing Argentina, and though I fully expect the US squad to get torched, I would suggest for those who aren't fans of the sport, give this one a watch, it promises to feature "the Best Player in the World against the Best Player in the World named Kyle."

-- Suggestion for I believe Brian who hates the 1-10 rankings after soccer matches, I'm with you in loathing those rankings.  I far prefer more subjective metrics: England are Pants.

stephenrjking

June 21st, 2016 at 3:36 PM ^

Lionel Messi is an all-timer and is one half of an all-time rivalry (with Christiano Ronaldo) in Europe. it is a privilege to watch him play. The US miraculously shuts him down or the US gets torched, either way it's a must-watch. I'm glad he'll get some American attention tonight.

Farnn

June 21st, 2016 at 3:46 PM ^

I'm very torn on this matchup. I spent a summer in Argentina and not being much if a soccer fan previously started following Argentina. Even back in 2002, when he was 15, the people of Argentina were saying he was the next great player, who would be better than Maradona. So I can't really root for either team to win in this, but will be happy with either result.

And Nessi really is a joy to watch. He plays the game right, gives his best effort, and can still surprise you.

Sports

June 21st, 2016 at 9:10 PM ^

What if you lived in another place for the majority of your life, then immigrated? What if you got into the sport late and picked a random team? What if your parents immigrated from another nation that you identify culturally with? Why is it a big deal to root for a different team?




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stephenrjking

June 21st, 2016 at 10:25 PM ^

The shallow response to this notwithstanding, your scenarios are not what is in discussion here. Someone who lived their entire lives in France and moved here a year ago for work is not suddenly going to switch sides.

But going the smug, "I'm too enlightened to root for my own country" route by someone who has lived in the US their whole lives is silly. Especially when it comes to rooting for national soccer teams.

Michigan4Life

June 21st, 2016 at 3:53 PM ^

unless USMNT somehow find a way to contain Messi which is pretty much a futile task.

Best chance of USMNT winning this one is to bunker down and defend, defend, defend until you can counter. I'd be okay with a 0-0 draw with PK deciding the game because I don't think USMNT can beat Argentina straight up especially when you have 3 players suspended for tonight's game.

funkywolve

June 21st, 2016 at 4:30 PM ^

To me the key tonight is how does Argentian play?  Do they come out and press the entire field or do they sit back and give the US some room on the US's defensive side of the field.  Chile put the full field press on Mexico and Mexico crumbled.  If Argentina comes out pressing the entire field the first touch and passing of the US is going to have to be spot on or it won't matter whether the US is parking the bus or not.

Atticus

June 21st, 2016 at 6:50 PM ^

Argentia is excellent at pressing. Their strength is in their attacking front 5-6. I would think that putting an attacking lineup out there would help to relieve pressure and push the focus to the middle third of the field. The best way to defend Messi is to deny him the ball in the first place, and that only happens if you can control midfield.

I think you throw caution to the winds, take the game to their end and hope you can get a fluky goal or two to offset their inevitable scoring. Then pray you make it to penalties.

BursleysFinest

June 21st, 2016 at 3:52 PM ^

Wowww, a Page 2 link.  That was peak Simmons popularity (or should I say likeability, no one had tired of his formula yet).  Anyway, my head says 3-1 Argentina, I hope my head is stupid.