World Cup 2014

Pro Sports 1,710 replies 30,371 views
like_that's avatar
like_that
Posts: 26,625
Jul 1, 2014 10:30am
I think the game last year will go a long way for this game. Also what's the word on Kompany? If he is out, that bodes well for the US.
Automatik's avatar
Automatik
Posts: 14,632
Jul 1, 2014 10:37am
I believe Kompany and Vanden Borre are out.
Uz2Bon36's avatar
Uz2Bon36
Posts: 1,135
Jul 1, 2014 10:47am
USA wins by at least two goals.
V
vball10set
Posts: 24,795
Jul 1, 2014 10:51am
[video=youtube;2uEpcfonkt4][/video]
ts1227's avatar
ts1227
Posts: 12,319
Jul 1, 2014 11:09am
I heard my boss talking shit to some of our Belgian colleagues on a conference call, I was amused

Considering the head of the company owns a damn soccer team over there too, I'd assume they're all pretty pumped as well
wildcats20's avatar
wildcats20
Posts: 27,794
Jul 1, 2014 11:42am
Swiss have a chance?
gorocks99's avatar
gorocks99
Posts: 10,760
Jul 1, 2014 12:03pm
Kompany will start for Belgium today; thought there was a chance he would not be playing due to injury.

Starting XI:
Courtois-Alderweireld-Van Buyten-Kompany-Verthongen-Fellaini-Witsel-Debruyne-Mertens-Origi-Hazard
like_that's avatar
like_that
Posts: 26,625
Jul 1, 2014 12:04pm
gorocks99;1631923 wrote:Kompany will start for Belgium today; thought there was a chance he would not be playing due to injury.

Starting XI:
Courtois-Alderweireld-Van Buyten-Kompany-Verthongen-Fellaini-Witsel-Debruyne-Mertens-Origi-Hazard
Hopefully he isn't 100% and affects the team.
Laley23's avatar
Laley23
Posts: 29,506
Jul 1, 2014 12:19pm
wildcats20;1631912 wrote:Swiss have a chance?
Yes. Argentina only have 2 real attacking options. Messi and Di Maria. Their backline is suspect, as is the midfield. On of the least talented Argentine sides I can ever remember...good thing they have Messi.

I mean, fucking Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuian are on this team...AND STARTING!!! lol. They havent been relevant since 2009
wildcats20's avatar
wildcats20
Posts: 27,794
Jul 1, 2014 12:21pm
Lol that was an awful attempt
K
KB0938
Posts: 900
Jul 1, 2014 12:21pm
What the fuck was that?
Mulva's avatar
Mulva
Posts: 13,650
Jul 1, 2014 12:57pm
Laley23;1631933 wrote:
I mean, fucking Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuian are on this team...AND STARTING!!! lol. They havent been relevant since 2009
Wut. Higuain irrelevant?
Laley23's avatar
Laley23
Posts: 29,506
Jul 1, 2014 1:04pm
Mulva;1631951 wrote:Wut. Higuain irrelevant?
Probably too strong of a word, but he was pretty bad for Real since the 2009-10 season. Has revived his career with Napoli, but thats kind of my point. Napoli had a great year 2 years ago, but they wont be a factor in Europe and wont be a serious threat to win Serie A past next season (if they even qualify).
Laley23's avatar
Laley23
Posts: 29,506
Jul 1, 2014 1:10pm
My main point is I dont feel like Argentina should be having to put him out there as their striker. I know Aguero is injured, but still. Higuain doesnt strike me as the most gifted forward in the world. He always seems to get goals created for him. The current crop of Argentina strikers, aside from Messi, has been criticized for their inability to create and finish. It has been on display 100% in this tournament.
OSH's avatar
OSH
Posts: 4,145
Jul 1, 2014 1:13pm
Heretic;1631826 wrote:And to my uneducated brain, it seems that Belgium got a lot of hype beforehand and through the group stage they more survived and advanced than impressed. Which at least makes me think they're vulnerable. Hopefully time will tell that's right!
Belgium got hype late. I've been saying for 2 years they will be solid this Cup. I imagine they'll have another great run in 2018 and/or 2022 too.

I said all of this before Januzaj committed to Belgium. I also forget that Courtois is Belgian too. Absolutely loaded.

USA! We can do it. Not a game that is unwinnable.
Laley23's avatar
Laley23
Posts: 29,506
Jul 1, 2014 1:15pm
Tim Howard probably hasnt gone consecutive games in his entire life not being the best GK on the field. Neuer last game, Courtois today...
wildcats20's avatar
wildcats20
Posts: 27,794
Jul 1, 2014 1:16pm
So much for protecting the keeper.
Laley23's avatar
Laley23
Posts: 29,506
Jul 1, 2014 1:19pm
Gotta have the ball first. Or be exposed while in the air (like WR in football)
wildcats20's avatar
wildcats20
Posts: 27,794
Jul 1, 2014 1:22pm
So would a quarterfinal appearance be a successful WC for the US?
Mulva's avatar
Mulva
Posts: 13,650
Jul 1, 2014 1:27pm
wildcats20;1631958 wrote:So would a quarterfinal appearance be a successful WC for the US?
Just getting out of the group was a success. Anything else is gravy.
wildcats20's avatar
wildcats20
Posts: 27,794
Jul 1, 2014 1:28pm
Mulva;1631959 wrote:Just getting out of the group was a success. Anything else is gravy.
I was kind of thinking that, but wasn't sure the actual opinion from you soccer people lol.
Laley23's avatar
Laley23
Posts: 29,506
Jul 1, 2014 1:30pm
wildcats20;1631958 wrote:So would a quarterfinal appearance be a successful WC for the US?
Frankly, this has been successful. But yes, a QF would probably solidify us an actual force in World Soccer. It would be the 2nd time in 4 WCs (beat Mexico 2-0 in 2002 and then lost in the QF to Germany 1-0). Then didnt advance past GRP. Then won GRP and lost to Ghana in ET, then this year.

About 10 teams have been that successful over the last 12 years...England and Mexico included, and we can easily make the claim to be better than both. Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Netherlands and I think Spain and France are only ones who can make that claim.
Automatik's avatar
Automatik
Posts: 14,632
Jul 1, 2014 1:49pm
I'm already thrilled with getting out after all the pre tourney talk where most thought we didn't have a shot in hell.

I just want a well played game today, and hoping to pull out a W. If we get totally smacked, I'll be pissed.
lhslep134's avatar
lhslep134
Posts: 9,774
Jul 1, 2014 1:50pm
wildcats20;1631958 wrote:So would a quarterfinal appearance be a successful WC for the US?
It's a success for me based on my expectations. Granted, the scenario that played out is the exact one I figured we'd need to advance (W, D, better loss to Germany than Por-Gha winner) but that doesn't mean it's not a success that we actually did it.

I think a win over Belgium would go a long ways in improving our standing worldwide, but nationally it's a success IMO.