John Adams Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 It starts on Thursday. An awesome month of soccer. The USMNT opens on Sunday in a must win match against a team that has haunted them in the past: Ghana. If the US has any chance of getting out of their brutal bracket, they have to beat Ghana then steal a point against Germany or Portugal. I doubt their defense is up to the task though. I always love the style of play difference between countries. The US plays a forward downhill style (that isn't always good). There is no rolling around after soft contact like the Italians or South Americans. The Germans are precise and tough. Brazil and Argentina are like the old LA Lakers: Showtime but the ultimate drama queens. Spain plays the perfect team game with slow possession and build up to attack. Nothing like it--hope the US can pull off a miracle advancement from the bracket.
Johnny Hammersticks Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 What are the chances Christiano Ronaldo plays on June 22nd? Sounds like he is practicing with the team, but on a limited basis. His injury sounds rather benign, but reading some articles, it seems pretty serious. It would be like playing the Miami Heat without LeBron. I am a casual soccer fan, but during the World Cup I become a fanatic. Can't wait until Ghana!
plenzmd1 Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 I was going to start t thread on a related topic , but hope this do. Heard Howard and Jeremy bring up this topic, and thought it was interesting. Certainly, I will be rooting for the United States to win. However, based on all the expert opinions it seems we may have a difficult time getting out of the first round. Having said that, they were talking about who should be your backup team? I really do not have a dog in that fight, but I think I will go with Argentina as a guy I work with is from Argentina and he is extremely excited. I think ghana would be cool to root for if we don't get past them as well. I always like to read for the underdog, so for you guys that know soccer is there another team out there that has a real opportunity to upset ?
Cugalabanza Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 I'm really excited. Here's one way I can guarantee that this WC will be better than the last: No !@#$ing vuvuzelas! I was going to start t thread on a related topic , but hope this do. Heard Howard and Jeremy bring up this topic, and thought it was interesting. Certainly, I will be rooting for the United States to win. However, based on all the expert opinions it seems we may have a difficult time getting out of the first round. Having said that, they were talking about who should be your backup team? I really do not have a dog in that fight, but I think I will go with Argentina as a guy I work with is from Argentina and he is extremely excited. I think ghana would be cool to root for if we don't get past them as well. I always like to read for the underdog, so for you guys that know soccer is there another team out there that has a real opportunity to upset ? I like to root for the Netherlands. They usually play an exciting, attacking game which is fun to watch. I find myself rooting for the nations that play the beautiful game and don't resort to diving and faking injuries and packing everyone into their own box to grind out scoreless draws.
eball Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 It's a shame my two favorite teams (USA and Deutschland) are in the same group -- but at least I know one of them is likely to advance! Would be ideal if somehow the Americans can beat Ghana and Portugal so they both make it.
BringBackFergy Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 I'm really excited. Here's one way I can guarantee that this WC will be better than the last: No !@#$ing vuvuzelas! I like to root for the Netherlands. They usually play an exciting, attacking game which is fun to watch. I find myself rooting for the nations that play the beautiful game and don't resort to diving and faking injuries and packing everyone into their own box to grind out scoreless draws. I've never heard it referred to as "The Beautiful Game" (and I played soccer) but I see your point. It is a very interesting game to watch when passes are crisp, the offense flows, and the "dives" are limited. I'll keep an eye out for the Netherlands.
Canadian Bills Fan Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 I have a feeling I may be hated during this month because I will be the only one rooting for Portugal lol CBF
BuffaloBillsForever Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) I look forward to the World Cup as much as the superbowl. Will be cheering for Germany and the Netherlands as always. Will also be rooting for Mesut Ozil to win the golden boot. Players that struggle on the German squad prior always seem to break out at the World Cup stage. Edited June 9, 2014 by BuffaloBillsForever
Cugalabanza Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 I have a feeling I may be hated during this month because I will be the only one rooting for Portugal lol CBF I promise I will only hate you on June 22. All other days I think you're alright.
Canadian Bills Fan Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 I promise I will only hate you on June 22. All other days I think you're alright. Thanks bud! CBF
Jauronimo Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 I have a feeling I may be hated during this month because I will be the only one rooting for Portugal lol CBF After watching Mexistan outplay Portunam for 92 minutes, I'd say thats a strange bandwagon to get on. Theres still some room on ours.
Canadian Bills Fan Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 After watching Mexistan outplay Portunam for 92 minutes, I'd say thats a strange bandwagon to get on. Theres still some room on ours. Well my background is Portuguese so I wont be joining any bandwagons CBF
Cugalabanza Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) I've never heard it referred to as "The Beautiful Game" (and I played soccer) but I see your point. It is a very interesting game to watch when passes are crisp, the offense flows, and the "dives" are limited. I'll keep an eye out for the Netherlands. The Spain vs. Netherlands game this Friday is one to watch. It's a rematch of the 2010 WC final. Also, it's two of the most fun teams to watch. Edited June 9, 2014 by Cugalabanza
Peter Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 U.S. of course. Back up teams in order of preference: Netherlands (because of style of play and my wife is from there)(I should mention that I am no longer a fan of RVP because of what he did to Arsenal). England (affinity for country and I am familiar with and like the players because of time watching Premier League - and also because of Arsenal players. Arsenal is my club team) Germany (a bit counterintuitive because they are huge rivals with the Netherlands. They have three Arsenal players. Plus, because of Juergen and his successor, they have completely changed their style from very boring to a good style. If I were a betting man, I think Germany probably wins the World Cup unless they get hometowned by Brazil).
meazza Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 I'll be rooting for Italy obviously but I'll also be rooting for Roma players to do well. Special shout out to Gervinho (Cote d'ivoire), Maicon (Brazil),Pjanic (Bosnia), Bradley (USA), Lukaku (Possible future Roma player ) I'll be rooting for Italy obviously but I'll also be rooting for Roma players to do well. Special shout out to Gervinho (Cote d'ivoire), Maicon (Brazil),Pjanic (Bosnia), Bradley (USA), Lukaku (Belgium/Possible future Roma player )
Magox Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) I always thought that the US team was at it's best playing in a compact form of defense, operating with a rapid counter attack. That is what we saw this last game vs Nigeria and if you guys remembered when we basically beat most of Spain's A team and nearly beat Brazil in the Confederation's cup of 2009. And don't forget, Spain was #1 in the world on an epic winning streak. That's the way to go, compact defense with a vicious counter. Oh, and that chest trap, cut in and finish from Jozy Altidore, was World Class! And Bradley, what a magnificent game, he indeed is our play making midfielder. Love that guy! And This never gets Edited June 9, 2014 by Magox
KD in CA Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 Do we get to riot if they lose to !@#$ing Ghana again?
Cugalabanza Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 Do we get to riot if they lose to !@#$ing Ghana again? Absolutely! If that happens again, I'm gonna go flip-ass crazy.
Deranged Rhino Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) John Oliver did a segment on FIFA last night, it was hilarious and figured it belongs here: NSFW due to language. Edited June 9, 2014 by GreggyT
Peter Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 Jon Oliver did a segment on FIFA last night, it was hilarious and figured it belongs here: NSFW due to language. That was hysterical.
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