World Cup Open Thread Day 13 (not 12)- Go USA, Advance!

Submitted by M-Wolverine on

I think we had 2 day 8's, so even though yesterday was "Day 11", since it started on Friday, this would actually be Day 13. Big USA game vs. Algeria to seal the advancing to the next round...and hopefully an insignificant England/Slovenia game at the same time.  

USA, USA, USA!!!

Plegerize

June 23rd, 2010 at 7:50 AM ^

It's win or go home here. I'm not banking on a tie helping us. England is going to feel lots of pressure from underachieving and will force a win I believe. That means that we HAVE to force a win against Algeria.

MaizeandBlue14

June 23rd, 2010 at 8:27 AM ^

Before someone asks, here are the ways for the US to make it into the second round:

  • The US defeats Algeria
  • The US tie Algeria AND Slovenia defeats England
  • The US tie Algeria, England ties Slovenia AND the US keep our plus-2 total of goals scored, compared to England’s total
  • The US tie Algeria, England ties Slovenia and makes up the difference in goals scored compared to the US AND the US win a drawing of lots, which will be held one hour after the conclusion of the two games.

Best case scenario is to just win and control our own destiny.

OHbornUMfan

June 23rd, 2010 at 8:50 AM ^

As an American, I want us to be better than the other countries.  I think that rewarding mediocrity is harmful to our nation, yet I see it in many forms daily.  Advancing after three draws is a great e.g. of rewarding mediocrity. 

If we can show we're better, we should advance.  If we can't, we should figure out how to get to where we need to be and spend the next four years getting there.

OHbornUMfan

June 23rd, 2010 at 10:47 PM ^

We won.  We earned our way to the next round.  You're definitely right about the US going farther than France, and though you're currently wrong about us staying in longer than England, this link (as well as our future performance) will bear out who makes it further when the next round finishes:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/scores?date=20100627&league=fifa.world&cc=5901&ver=us

Go.  Fight.  WIN.

Plegerize

June 23rd, 2010 at 8:57 AM ^

Perhaps you should learn the sport of soccer better before claiming that the U.S. has been mediocre.

Maybe on paper ties mean mediocre, but in reality they are far from it. Ties can provide a morale booster or can kill any momentum. In our case, Tieing England was a huge morale booster.

Besides, we got robbed of a win against Slovenia. Everyone knows that. With a win here we SHOULD be 2-0-1, but 1-0-2 is fine with me because we scored points in every game.

dr eng1ish

June 23rd, 2010 at 9:11 AM ^

 

Howard; Cherundolo, DeMerit, Bocanegra, Bornstein; Donovan, Bradley, Edu, Dempsey; Gomez, Altidore. 

 

Not a big fan of Bornstein, but I can understand as Onyewu has been lacking.  Surprised with Gomez over Buddle, but I'm willing to roll with it.

turbo cool

June 23rd, 2010 at 9:14 AM ^

Bornstein will keep me uneasy for the full 90. He is the worst player on our 23-man squad. Also, what's going on with Holden? I trust Bob Bradley but I would've thought that Holden starts out wide today and move Dempsey up top with Jozy...

umich_fan1

June 23rd, 2010 at 9:33 AM ^

I thought we thoroughly got outplayed by England. As much as we got screwed by the soccer zebras vs. Slovenia, we should have gotten no points vs. the Brits. If we can't beat Algeria, we don't deserve to advance. First 1.5 games, we showed no offense and had multiple defensive lapses. I think the USA as a whole is becoming more competitive in men's soccer, but we might not be a top 16 team for 4 more years.

mfan_in_ohio

June 23rd, 2010 at 9:34 AM ^

If size was more important than mobility for a central defender, we'd have Shaq playing center back.  Algeria doesn't have the players that England did on the wings to harass the left back position, so I'd rather sacrifice a little on the outside to shore up the middle, especially since a lot of the dangerous balls have come from defenders not being quick enough to step out on shooters.  Also, Gomez has at least played in this World Cup, and made the run that opened the space for Bradley's goal, so I'm fine with him.  If we still need a goal late, Buddle or Holden can come in to bolster the offense, or if we are up one or two late, we can bring in Onyewu and play five defenders.

M.I.Sicks

June 23rd, 2010 at 9:58 AM ^

Not a big fan of starting Bornstein at LB but obviously Algeria has somebody with some speed on that side of the field and it scares Bradley. One good thing about Gooch not being in the lineup is both CBs can stay flat instead of having Gooch hang back which creates a huge gap between he and Demerit. Love Edu starting though!

M-Wolverine

June 23rd, 2010 at 9:59 AM ^

But want to see what's going on in the England game, on Comcast (in Ann Arbor at least) Channel 963 Sports Central has both stations, and you can choose the sound. Good for a dual look.

JimBobTressel-0

June 23rd, 2010 at 10:21 AM ^

im really liking what i see from Hercules Gomez. He is aggressive and will take any shot. We need that mentality

bouje

June 23rd, 2010 at 10:23 AM ^

But man that looked like a slide tackle from behind in the box that should have been a PK and most likely a red. 

M-Wolverine

June 23rd, 2010 at 10:24 AM ^

Yes, thanks announcer, I know we're not losing in the first 3 minutes for a change.

England up 1-0 though.

GVBlue86

June 23rd, 2010 at 10:31 AM ^

Im refreshing this page like a mofo cuz I can't stream anything at work. This is sounding F'ing ridiculous! 2 dissallowed goals!!?? If they do it again I bet one of the Americans punches a ref.