[WC] Group E -> 1/ Italy - 2/ Ghana

12/06
USA 0-3 Czech Rep. (6 PM
Italy 2-0 Ghana (9 PM)

17/06
Czech Rep. 0-2 Ghana (6 PM)
USA 1-1 Italy (9 PM)

22/06
Czech Rep. - Italy (4 PM)
USA - Ghana (4 PM)


1- Italy 4 pts +2
2- Czech Republic 3 pts +1
3- Ghana 3 pt E
4- USA 1 pt -3

this in my opinion is the real Group of Death, I say it will be Italy and USA, Czech Republic are way too overrated to be #2 in the world as they have only qualified for Euro 2004 in recent years

Czech republic are probably overated but they have a good squad. Far better than the US. Ghana are darkhorses in the group.

I think the group of death is Argentina-Holland-Ivory Coast-Serbia. Any team can go through.

I think Ghana has few chances. They have three or four good players, but that won't be enough IMO.

this in my opinion is the real Group of Death


I totally agree. It think Italy may be buried in this group if Toni and Giardino can't make any impact. Don't count out US and Ghana, they are hard to play against

Lets see:
- I like cheering for the US because it pisses off real soccer fans when they win.
- I like cheering against Italy because around here, all the people who are like 1/16th Italian become Italy fans.
- I like cheering for the Czech Republic because I like cheering for countries that are good at hockey.
- I like cheering for African nations because it seems like an upset when they win

As someone that doesn't know a lot about soccer, I'm looking forward to watching this group. :)

(Are the times listed GMT or Local?)

I totally agree. It think Italy may be buried in this group if Toni and Giardino can't make any impact. Don't count out US and Ghana, they are hard to play against

I rather play Ghana and the US than the Ivory Coast and Serbia, who have more offensive potential on their bench than the two aforementioned teams have in their starting line-up. Not to mention I'd rate one of Argentina/Holland slightly above the Czech's.

There are two groups of death, but C has a definite edge IMO.

I think Italy and the Czechs will make it out of this one. Outside of Mexico, the US still doesn't do very well against world powers.

Our only shot of advancing is fluking out a 1-1 or 0-0 draw with the international soccer version of the '03 New Jersey Devils in Italy, and walloping Ghana to get second on goal differential. Then Brazil kicks our *** in the first round of the tournament stage...We got a bad draw, IMO...

The winner of this group is going the be Ghana. Their midfield is too young and aggressive for the older and more injury prone Italy and Czech. Injuries are piling up for those squad and I would not be surprised if neither makes it out. BUT Italy will qualify ahead of the USA. The Czech Republic are going to be the busts of the tournament.

Whats with the hate fest on US soccer?

Most of you make it seem like "what's the point in showing up!?" for the US.

I guess in 2002 we shouldn't have bothered to show up either. We don't have a bad team at all. I think we'll do well.

Whats with the hate fest on US soccer?

Most of you make it seem like "what's the point in showing up!?" for the US.

I guess in 2002 we shouldn't have bothered to show up either. We don't have a bad team at all. I think we'll do well.

There's no hate-fest man, it's just the truth.

I see Italy and the US advancing. I think the Czech's fail to beat either the US or Italy

Czech/USA for me.

Italy will fail with all the problems surrounding them at home.

Czech/USA for me.

Italy will fail with all the problems surrounding them at home.

Well said :yo: I predict Czech and US will advance

Alexi Lalas was on 'The best damned sporst show pierod' yesterday and he said that this is the absolute best US squad ever assembled and that Kasey Keller is the best goal tender in the world.

Alexi Lalas was on 'The best damned sporst show pierod' yesterday and he said that this is the absolute best US squad ever assembled and that Kasey Keller is the best goal tender in the world.


Even I know that isn't true

Alexei Lalas likes to talk a lot. I heard a lot of it when he was with NY Red Bulls.

Just let the Hair Man talk.

Anyhoo, I could agree that this perhaps the top USA squad. Keller's the man, but not THE man. Unfortunately, they're in a tough group and can either shock everyone and win it all (and why not? Ghana and Czech Rep. are short on WC experience and Italy traditionally doesn't start out with their A game); lose it all (Czech Rep. talent and maturity beats USA' speed, Ghana is just on fire, and Italy plays to the best of their abilities); or somewhere in between.

Such is the group of death. I know the Czechs have been preparing a lot for the USA and likewise for the USA preparing for the Czechs. It should make for a good match up. I believe I predicted the Czechs taking the group with the USA right behind them. THEN WE SHOCK THE WORLD AND BEAT BRAZIL (assuming they win their group)...or not...

ASIDE: Hey, acr, the 2003 NJ Devils won the Stanley Cup! We should only hope the USMNT are like them! :rant:

Alexi Lalas was on 'The best damned sporst show pierod' yesterday and he said that this is the absolute best US squad ever assembled and that Kasey Keller is the best goal tender in the world.
Lalas was probably smoking pot at the time...

I see the Czechs winning this group.

Italy will be in a dogfight to end up second.

Many interesting games in this one for sure, not a dull moment.

Can't wait for this groups games.


CZE 2 USA 1

ITA 1 GHA 1

ill definately be routing for the us, but it'll be tough for them to get through. i see the czechs and americans getting to the next round.....screw italia :D

He's not the best goaltender IN THAT GROUP

Oh let me guess, Petr Cech??? HAH...anyone with Chelsea's defense could put up those numbers. Keller is good, but hes not unbeatable. If anything I'd say its a push, but to say Cech is that good really miffs me.

It doesn't matter if its the group of death or not. That has no bearing on anything. The fact of the matter is, not one of these games will be easy for any team. This is what I love about the WC, and the group play...any given day can see any team win, but to get out of the group, it takes more than one lucky game.

I won't make a prediction...its too hard. One moment I am filled with confidence and the next I am writhing in agony over the thought of a possible defeat, or worse yet, being shut out.

GO USA! :clap:

I see the Czechs winning this group.

Italy will be in a dogfight to end up second.

Many interesting games in this one for sure, not a dull moment.

Can't wait for this groups games.


CZE 2 USA 1

ITA 1 GHA 1


awww how cute, someone has a crush on cristiano ;)

Oh let me guess, Petr Cech???

I think he means Gianluigi Buffon, who clearly is a world-class goalkeeper. Who may or may not like to make some bets ;)

Czech Rep and Italy. in this order, just because Italia always struggles in the first stage

Italy will make it, with Czech Republic first. I wouldn't be surprised if Italy draws all it's games and still make it.

I want it to be US and Czech, but gut feeling is telling me there won't be any surprises in this group, although it'll be very close. I'll go with gut feeling for my prediction. Italy and Czech.

Whats with the hate fest on US soccer?

Most of you make it seem like "what's the point in showing up!?" for the US.

I guess in 2002 we shouldn't have bothered to show up either. We don't have a bad team at all. I think we'll do well.


A little sensitive perhaps? It seems like the posters in this thread have taken a fairly even keel in their comments. Also, there is a more difficult group than who the US drew in 2002. In terms of talent on paper, USA have perhaps a paper thin advantage on Ghana and and are clearly outclassed by the other 2 teams in the group; by far in the case of Italy and pretty heavily in the case of the Czechs.

I do think the US has a great squad though and it isn't far fetched to think they'll go through. In the world cup, the game can turn on a dramatic moment and USA has the pace to capitalize on a shift in momentum, with Johnson, Beasley and Donovan. Pretty steady defense with Oguchi being a true class defender, and Reyna is so under-rated. Claudio reminds me of a poor mans Alonso, always makes the smart play and a good sense of where to be be both defending and attacking. Doesn't have Alonsos shooting ability or range of passing, but he's a very good player.

Oh let me guess, Petr Cech??? HAH...anyone with Chelsea's defense could put up those numbers. Keller is good, but hes not unbeatable. If anything I'd say its a push, but to say Cech is that good really miffs me.

Peter Cech isn't the best goalie in the group (that's clearly Buffon) but he's light-years ahead of Kasey Keller. And Chelsea picked him up BECAUSE he's one of the best in the world, they wouldn't have gone for him otherwise. Keller wouldn't even be the best goalie in the bottom half of the EPL table, let alone the starter on Chelsea.

(Are the times listed GMT or Local?)
All are local time.

Italy will be first. As much as I wouldn't like them to, USA will go through as well...

Interesting article on the possible effect of global anti-Americanism: advantage USA?

Hatred Bringing the US Team Closer Together (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=370304&cc=5901)
More often than not, they hate. Imagine the Red Sox playing at Yankee Stadium a week after Derek Jeter took four Curt Schilling fastballs to the earhole. Or the Denver Broncos visiting the "Black Hole" after John Elway told reporters that Raider fans are all "degenerates" and they should "bring it on."

Imagine all this repugnance. Times about 10.

I think Italy and the Czech Republic will go through from this group but it is a toss-up, wouldn't be surprised if the USA managed to get through.

As long as the Czech rep. is one of the two teams to qualify I would be satisfied, really like their team.

Italy: Great all-around team. There is a chance that soccer scandal in Italy will affect the way the team plays. Buffon and Lippi are at least two players, who are alledged to be involved. Zambrotta and Nesta will be out for the opening match. I wouldn't bet my money on Italy to advance. :eek:

Ghana is getting no love around here. :dunno:

They got a decent attack and defence, plus three great midfielders in Essien, Muntari and Appiah.

Czech Republic are not overrated they play a team game and play a good system. They also have Pavel Nedved. I think it will be 1. Czech 2. Italy 3. USA 4. GHANA

If I was Bruce Arena, here is my starting XI:


---------------Keller----------------
Cherundolo-Onyewu-Bocanegra-Lewis
Donovan-------Reyna--------Convey
Johnson-------McBride-------Beasley


Sure, its a bit unbalanced, but that front six is really talented and Reyna is a fair hand at breaking up play through the middle.

If I was Bruce Arena, here is my starting XI:


---------------Keller----------------
Cherundolo-Onyewu-Bocanegra-Lewis
Donovan-------Reyna--------Convey
Johnson-------McBride-------Beasley


Sure, its a bit unbalanced, but that front six is really talented and Reyna is a fair hand at breaking up play through the middle.

meh people always underrate the american's talent simply because a lot of it is in the MLS and they have never seen these guys play. Its a lot like some NHL fans and good players in the RSL or SEL. Or they underrate the american talent because of the rampant anti-americanism raging across the world right now.

I wonder what would happen if the US went all the way. I think thats in the bible somewhere... :sarcasm:

I wonder what would happen if the US went all the way. I think thats in the bible somewhere... :sarcasm:

Are you talking about that part about Antichrist? :sarcasm:

I'll make a guarentee. USA goes through. Or, USA finishes last in the group. I have a feelin' its gonna be great, or gonna be ugly...

A little sensitive perhaps? It seems like the posters in this thread have taken a fairly even keel in their comments. Also, there is a more difficult group than who the US drew in 2002. In terms of talent on paper, USA have perhaps a paper thin advantage on Ghana and and are clearly outclassed by the other 2 teams in the group; by far in the case of Italy and pretty heavily in the case of the Czechs.

I do think the US has a great squad though and it isn't far fetched to think they'll go through. In the world cup, the game can turn on a dramatic moment and USA has the pace to capitalize on a shift in momentum, with Johnson, Beasley and Donovan. Pretty steady defense with Oguchi being a true class defender, and Reyna is so under-rated. Claudio reminds me of a poor mans Alonso, always makes the smart play and a good sense of where to be be both defending and attacking. Doesn't have Alonsos shooting ability or range of passing, but he's a very good player.

I don't think I'm being sensitive at all. Reading a lot of papers, articles, etc it seems like the US shouldn't even show up. Everyone is underrating the US despite their experience and talent. At any rate the US is capable of winning each of their games.

Guys like McBride, Johnson, and Donovan will certainly be causing problems for other teams defenders and what you said in a later post about Reyna and the defense, especially Oguchi Onyewu, is very true as well. Keller is also an above average goaltender that has come up with huge stops before when the NT needed them.

Most opinions as I said are for us to finish in 3rd or 4th in that group, but anything less than 2nd would be a huge dissapointment to me -- and should be for the US squad. I think that confidence and playing with a chip on their shoulder from those outside the US will drive them to a productive tournament.

I could be wrong but I'm certainly not going to sit here and pretend like the Czech, Ghana, or Italian teams are so superior that we shouldn't bother (which is what a lot of outside observers think). Sure on paper they might look better but there is a reason they play the games ya know. ;)

That crap with Serie A won't effect Italy as much as some of you would like to think it would.

Not all players are involved. And even the few that are, are not fully involved. The focus is completely on the World Cup right now in Italy. I don't think they'd let those types of problems interfere with that.

I'm going with the favorites and betting on Italy and the Czechs advancing.

Italy has been horribly underrated by too many analysts. They've always had a superb defense and goal keeping but haven't had the coaching of late to really take advantage of their great skill upfront. Now, with Lippi, who is getting the most out of all his players, Italy could be scoring and shutting people down, rather than just shutting people down.

Italy and Czechs get though

Italy and the Czech's go through...

I'll be honest, I am rooting for the USA to do well. This might be the first sporting ever where I am pulling for them to do well. I've got a bad feeling about Italy and think something is going to happen in this group. Czech Rep and USA advance.

This is by far the toughest group in the World Cup this year to get through. Ill say my predictions out front, I think its gonna be Czech and USA, simply because Italy has had a lot of trouble at home and doesn't seem like they are gonna have there head on straight. That said, the opening game in Czech and USA is going to be a match to watch, with the uncertainty of Czech forward Milan Baros, this game could go either way. Even if he does play his foot isn't 100 percent and thats an advantage for US defenders. People have to keep in mind that this is the World Cup, it only happens every 4 years, ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING can happen. Everyone is so quick to kick US soccer around and not think that they have a chance to advance. I think a lot of people are going to be surprised and US will turn some heads this year. Anyways, I'm excited for the World Cup, there are going to be a lot of awesome games and hopefully some good upsets.

This is by far the toughest group in the World Cup this year to get through.
No.

No.


Which one is harder?

Group C
Argentina = Italy
Holland = Czech Republic
Ivory Coast > Ghana
Serbia > USA

Group C
Argentina = Italy
Holland = Czech Republic
Ivory Coast > Ghana
Serbia > USA

No, Serbia is not better then USA, just because you hate the Americans shouldn't cloud your judgement that they are a good soccer team. Anyway, I can see what you are saying, C is a hard group, but not as many question marks as E, regarding who will come out of the group.

I hate americans? Since when?

And yes it had more quesiton marks. Logic would mean Italy and Czech Republic go through. They're clearly above the other two teams.

Meanwhile, in group C, Argentina and Holland are only marginally better than the other two.

Serbia is a very strong team. Very very strong.

Serbia are better than the States.

Hilarious how Americans immediately think you "hate" them when you place them below European subtoppers.

Serbia went undefeated during their qualification series and only allowed *one* goal. They are diciplined, motivated and willing to lay it all on the line. Not to mention they are very skillfull.

Hilarious how all Europeans look down on the US soccer team. If you guys were true soccer fans you'd appreciate the effort of all players regardless of nationality. All anyone asks is you show respect for other teams like they show you respect for the nation you cheer on. This is the World Cup, every team played there ***** off to make it here, respect the skill and the fact that even with the entire world looking down on them and laughing at them, they come out and play.

No, Serbia is not better then USA, just because you hate the Americans shouldn't cloud your judgement that they are a good soccer team. Anyway, I can see what you are saying, C is a hard group, but not as many question marks as E, regarding who will come out of the group.

Serbia if memory serves only conceded 1 goal throughout qualifying. In terms of the Euro qualifying system thats damn good.

Serbia if memory serves only conceded 1 goal throughout qualifying. In terms of the Euro qualifying system thats damn good.


I never said they were bad, they are a good team. All I said was that I think USA is better then them

I never said they were bad, they are a good team. All I said was that I think USA is better then them

But as soon as someone thinks they are better than USA, they hate americans? Can't people have their opinions? There is alot of underrated teams in Europe (S&M and Croatia) that doesn't get credit enough because there are even stronger teams in Europe so people forget about them, do they play the hate-card every time?

Let people think what the h*ll they want and don't get mad because you don't share that opinion.

The US has a good squad but are clearly underdogs in the group. The smart bet would be:

Italy
Czech
US
Ghana

Of course anything can happen. The US has been playing pretty well against European competition lately and should be up to the task against Italy and Czech. My prediction (for what it's worth):

Czech
Ghana
US
Italy

But as soon as someone thinks they are better than USA, they hate americans? Can't people have their opinions? There is alot of underrated teams in Europe (S&M and Croatia) that doesn't get credit enough because there are even stronger teams in Europe so people forget about them, do they play the hate-card every time?

Let people think what the h*ll they want and don't get mad because you don't share that opinion.


First of all take your own advice, I dont mind that people are expressing their opinions thats what is great about it, all I'm saying is there is no reason to look down or "hate" American soccer. And if you are upset about me using "the hate card" then you apparently haven't been looking at any news channels or papers, the general consensus around the world is the hatred for the US national team. This is the most glorious tournament in the world, respect it and respect the players on the field.

I don't look down or "hate" american soccer.
It's just that Serbia's better.
We're not saying Iran is better than the US here! :shakehead

First of all take your own advice, I dont mind that people are expressing their opinions thats what is great about it, all I'm saying is there is no reason to look down or "hate" American soccer. And if you are upset about me using "the hate card" then you apparently haven't been looking at any news channels or papers, the general consensus around the world is the hatred for the US national team. This is the most glorious tournament in the world, respect it and respect the players on the field.

So you mean that when I tell you that you should let people have their own opinions I am telling you what you opinion should be? Seems a bit nitpicky, I am just saying that all people don't think the same and you shouldn't jump on everyone's throats just because they don't believe in the team you hope for. And for not looking at TV-channels or papers, do you really think that the media in Sweden focuses on what feelings people have against the US-team? I don't watch any americans channels besides CNN from time to time...

I think you are way too defensive with "respect" players etc. no one here is bashing them, they just say that believe in another team, I personally have a hard time seeing Italy and Czech Rep. not winning this group since they are two of teams I believe can go really far, doesn't mean I hate americans, just that I think there are better teams.

Yarre, I completely understand with what your sayin, believe me I do. Sorry if it came off as I was tryin to pick a fight with anyone or anything, because thats not the case. I'm just tired of people looking down on American soccer when they try jsut as hard as everyone else to make it to the World Cup. But anyone should be an amazing Tournament and a fun one to watch. Now its time to turn over and watch the Germany game.

Yarre, I completely understand with what your sayin, believe me I do. Sorry if it came off as I was tryin to pick a fight with anyone or anything, because thats not the case. I'm just tired of people looking down on American soccer when they try jsut as hard as everyone else to make it to the World Cup. But anyone should be an amazing Tournament and a fun one to watch. Now its time to turn over and watch the Germany game.
It's great that they tried hard to make it, really it is. Effort doesn't usually get placed in as high an emphasis when evaulating a team though.

It amazes me how so many americans I know have both and inferiority complex and a superiority complex at the same time (does that make sense?)

Serbia is a lot better than the USA.

Anyone else like Michael Davies?

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=davies/060609

serbia better than Usa...bwahahaha

It's great that they tried hard to make it, really it is. Effort doesn't usually get placed in as high an emphasis when evaulating a team though.

It amazes me how so many americans I know have both and inferiority complex and a superiority complex at the same time (does that make sense?)

I'll agree we have both, but you're country (if you live in Australia) is not under the same type of scrutiny as the US. You don't go to world events and see "Go Home Aussies!" signs everywhere or constantly worry you're going to be killed because of your nationality. You aren't both loved and hated in the world in equal measure.

Most nations don't know this feeling and it's not hard for Americans to become defensive while constantly attacked in every conceivable way, figuratively and literally. And it's not impossible to feel a stong sense of pride knowing what our nation has accomplished since it's birth either.

serbia better than Usa...bwahahaha
Is that sarcastic laughing? I think the two teams are basically even on paper, but S&M plays against tougher competition and is probably a more effective unit. All the US fans are acting like twats in this thread.

They were showing the security that travels with the US team... :eek: . Crazy stuff.

They were showing the security that travels with the US team... :eek: . Crazy stuff.

Rangers, SEALS????

Group C
Argentina = Italy
Holland = Czech Republic
Ivory Coast > Ghana
Serbia > USA

Alright, my views on US football are well known, but I completely disagree with you here.

For all the people pimping Serbia, let's not forget the US track record. They made the quarters at WC02 and they consistently beat Mexico, 8 of the last 9 I think? Everyone here was talking about how great Mexico was at the Confederations Cup last year, but that never spreads to the US.

I also think that Argentina is better than Italy and that Holland is better than the Czech Republic.

Argentina > Italy
Holland > Czech Republic
Ivory Coast > Ghana
Serbia < USA

All that being said, the US still finish 3rd in the group, but I do think that they are better than Serbia. I think that the US losses and most of their goals conceded in qualifying came after they had qualified for the WC and they were playing back-ups. Serbia has more talent perhaps, but the US has more experience and they are very tactically sound. I think they're probably one of the best organized teams in the tournament.

Serbia surrendered one goal. I'd say THEY are one of the best organized team in Europe and in the world.

Serbia will surprise you a lot it seems.

Serbia surrendered one goal. I'd say THEY are one of the best organized team in Europe and in the world.

Serbia will surprise you a lot it seems.

If you really want to break out stats, I will oblige you.

Serbia's qualifying group included Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belgium, Lithuania, and San Marino. The only other decent team was Spain. How many goals did Spain concede? 3. Only 2 more than Serbia.

The US qualifying group had Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Guatemala, and Panama as well as Mexico. In fact, I believe that 4 teams from that group qualified for the WC. Discounting the US final game when they played a C team against Costa Rica and allowed 3 goals, the US allowed 3 goals in their qualifying group. Also, 2 of those goals came in a game at Azteca with Mexico. The Azteca is probably one of the most hostile stadiums in the world and it's at an extremely high altitude.

So you could basically say that the US A and B teams allowed 3 goals in 9 games of qualifying or the US allowed 1 goal in 8 games.

Not that much of a difference. I'll expect you to break out the European superiority argument, I'll just say that 2 teams from Serbia's group qualified for the WC and 4 teams from the US's group qualified.

Well, yeah 4 teams qualified, and that's part of the problem.
Costa Rica would never touch the hope of qualifying in a European group where the top 2 get through.

And Serbia finished ahead of Spain.
Individually, Serbia is impressive : Stankovic, Kezman, Milosevic, Djordjevic, Vidic, etc... No contest on that for the US.
But they also play very well as a team.
I'm not sure the US would finish well ahead of Belgium, and certainly not ahead of Spain.
The qualifyers were much more impressive for Serbia, not matter how you slice it.
Either statistically, or if you look at the team they beat.
They won 2-0 in Belgium, and didn't lose a single game to anyoen in their group, including Spain.

Really, Flyhigh, anyone that has seen Serbia will tell you how dangerous they can be.
They're quite obviously a better team than the US, not that there's anything wrong with that. As I said, the US are a top 20 team. Serbia is a top 15.

Well, yeah 4 teams qualified, and that's part of the problem.
Costa Rica would never touch the hope of qualifying in a European group where the top 2 get through.

And Serbia finished ahead of Spain.
Individually, Serbia is impressive : Stankovic, Kezman, Milosevic, Djordjevic, Vidic, etc... No contest on that for the US.
But they also play very well as a team.
I'm not sure the US would finish well ahead of Belgium, and certainly not ahead of Spain.
The qualifyers were much more impressive for Serbia, not matter how you slice it.
Either statistically, or if you look at the team they beat.
They won 2-0 in Belgium, and didn't lose a single game to anyoen in their group, including Spain.

Really, Flyhigh, anyone that has seen Serbia will tell you how dangerous they can be.
They're quite obviously a better team than the US, not that there's anything wrong with that. As I said, the US are a top 20 team. Serbia is a top 15.

How do you know that the US wouldn't have finished ahead of Spain? No offense, but Spain played like crap for most of qualifying. Spain is certainly a top 10 team and if they had played decently, they would have finished well ahead of Serbia. Even as it was, Serbia was only 2 points in front of Spain.

No offense to BF, but I don't think that Belgium is very good right now and to you Evilo, you talk to me about how I haven't seen Serbia much and I admit that, but how much have you seen the US? When they are on form, they cam easily beat a team like Mexico. They are very solid at the back and decent attacking.

I think you guys rate European teams too highly. Poland gave England a really hard time in their group and everyone was saying that Poland would beat Ecuador and many had them as a darkhorse to go deep into the tournament, but Ecuador beat them pretty soundly. I know that most American teams outside of Brazil and Argentina don't have much talent, but they find ways to win more often than not.

All this US bashing is almost making me hope that they make it out of the group so that they can get a bit of respect around here.

How do you know that the US wouldn't have finished ahead of Spain? No offense, but Spain played like crap for most of qualifying. Spain is certainly a top 10 team and if they had played decently, they would have finished well ahead of Serbia. Even as it was, Serbia was only 2 points in front of Spain.

No offense to BF, but I don't think that Belgium is very good right now and to you Evilo, you talk to me about how I haven't seen Serbia much and I admit that, but how much have you seen the US? When they are on form, they cam easily beat a team like Mexico. They are very solid at the back and decent attacking.

I think you guys rate European teams too highly. Poland gave England a really hard time in their group and everyone was saying that Poland would beat Ecuador and many had them as a darkhorse to go deep into the tournament, but Ecuador beat them pretty soundly. I know that most American teams outside of Brazil and Argentina don't have much talent, but they find ways to win more often than not.

All this US bashing is almost making me hope that they make it out of the group so that they can get a bit of respect around here.


:clap: :clap: :clap: Well said

Hilarious article about Materazzi. Pretty much sums up what I think of him! :biglaugh:

http://football.guardian.co.uk/worldcup2006/comment/story/0,,1792175,00.html

In other news, Totti is "70%" but will play against Ghana. Nesta is 50/50 on playing the first game.

Hilarious article about Materazzi. Pretty much sums up what I think of him! :biglaugh:

http://football.guardian.co.uk/worldcup2006/comment/story/0,,1792175,00.html

In other news, Totti is "70%" but will play against Ghana. Nesta is 50/50 on playing the first game.

:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

I actually do feel a bit sorry for him. He seems like a decent guy who just isn't very good at football, kind of like Cygan.

How do you know that the US wouldn't have finished ahead of Spain? No offense, but Spain played like crap for most of qualifying. Spain is certainly a top 10 team and if they had played decently, they would have finished well ahead of Serbia. Even as it was, Serbia was only 2 points in front of Spain.

No offense to BF, but I don't think that Belgium is very good right now and to you Evilo, you talk to me about how I haven't seen Serbia much and I admit that, but how much have you seen the US? When they are on form, they cam easily beat a team like Mexico. They are very solid at the back and decent attacking.

I think you guys rate European teams too highly. Poland gave England a really hard time in their group and everyone was saying that Poland would beat Ecuador and many had them as a darkhorse to go deep into the tournament, but Ecuador beat them pretty soundly. I know that most American teams outside of Brazil and Argentina don't have much talent, but they find ways to win more often than not.

All this US bashing is almost making me hope that they make it out of the group so that they can get a bit of respect around here.


are you kidding? if the USA gets through(which i think has an equal chance of happening and not happening), the talk will immediately switch to, "well, they squeaked through, but there's no way they'll advance passed this round."

it no longer really bothers me, and in fact, i kind of enjoy it.

are you kidding? if the USA gets through(which i think has an equal chance of happening and not happening), the talk will immediately switch to, "well, they squeaked through, but there's no way they'll advance passed this round."

it no longer really bothers me, and in fact, i kind of enjoy it.

You are right, that's exactly what will be said. But I don't think it has anything to do with "US bashing", or "US hate". It's said about every single non-elite team that manages to advance out of a tough group. And USA is in a VERY tough group. For some reason though, every time somebody mentions a possibility of US not advancing, he is accused of "US bashing" by US homers. :shakehead

anyway,

anyone in the states know who is carrying the czech\US game on TV?

Well, why not just, you know, ignore said homers? It's not as hard as, say, hitting mute when Pierre McGuire is on TV.

anyway,

anyone in the states know who is carrying the czech\US game on TV?

USA vs. Czech Republic - ESPN2, Monday, 6/12, Noon (EST) (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/worldcup/fixtures?view=date&cc=5901)

Italy-Ghana will air on ESPN2 following USA/Czech Rep. at 3 PM. I'll try to watch both since the USA needs to gear up for Italy and I want to see how well/poor they do against Ghana.

are you kidding? if the USA gets through(which i think has an equal chance of happening and not happening), the talk will immediately switch to, "well, they squeaked through, but there's no way they'll advance passed this round."

it no longer really bothers me, and in fact, i kind of enjoy it.

Well, I think most of the guys on here are fairly nonbiased. They can say that Portugal crashed and burned at WC02 which is true and that Mexico wasn't too great anyways, which might be true. But if the US gets past Italy (tremendously talented) and the Czechs (very impressive at Euro04), I trust that most members here would give the US the credit that they deserve.

How do you know that the US wouldn't have finished ahead of Spain? No offense, but Spain played like crap for most of qualifying. Spain is certainly a top 10 team and if they had played decently, they would have finished well ahead of Serbia. Even as it was, Serbia was only 2 points in front of Spain.

No offense to BF, but I don't think that Belgium is very good right now and to you Evilo, you talk to me about how I haven't seen Serbia much and I admit that, but how much have you seen the US? When they are on form, they cam easily beat a team like Mexico. They are very solid at the back and decent attacking.

I think you guys rate European teams too highly. Poland gave England a really hard time in their group and everyone was saying that Poland would beat Ecuador and many had them as a darkhorse to go deep into the tournament, but Ecuador beat them pretty soundly. I know that most American teams outside of Brazil and Argentina don't have much talent, but they find ways to win more often than not.

All this US bashing is almost making me hope that they make it out of the group so that they can get a bit of respect around here.


Flyhigh, you represent our country well. I also hope we get out of our group, just so people realize that we have a pretty good team. I don't think Serbia are as far ahead of us as Evilo believes. We have a young team and at the next world cup, Convey, Onyewu, Beasley and Donovan(all are 23 or 24) are going to be dominant players. All 4 are already VERY good.

Well, I think most of the guys on here are fairly nonbiased. They can say that Portugal crashed and burned at WC02 which is true and that Mexico wasn't too great anyways, which might be true. But if the US gets past Italy (tremendously talented) and the Czechs (very impressive at Euro04), I trust that most members here would give the US the credit that they deserve.

Oh I think most people here already give US a lot of credit, and nobody is saying that Italy and Czech R. will be wiping the floor with the stars and stripes. They just had tough luck with the draw, they drew two of the top European teams, and with all due respect US is simply not at their level yet. At least they are not on paper. But paper doesn't play football, players do, so anything is possible. I will not be surprised if US advances, they are capable of doing it. My problem is the "US Basher" label that's been thrown around here way too much in the last few days.

I've got Italy and the US going through.

Injuries of the Czechs and the scandal in Italy could be a big problem and it could not be. Depends on what happens in the first game.

The US must draw both powerhouses at least, have one of the powerhouses lose to the other and beat Ghana to advance. It's very attainable. If they managed to beat one of the powerhouses, draw the other and beat Ghana, they're through and probably away from playing Brazil unless Brazil slips up. Ghana won't be a walkover.

If Ghana wins a game, the team they beat will be headed home without really odd circumstances taking place.

How do you know that the US wouldn't have finished ahead of Spain? No offense, but Spain played like crap for most of qualifying. Spain is certainly a top 10 team and if they had played decently, they would have finished well ahead of Serbia. Even as it was, Serbia was only 2 points in front of Spain.

No offense to BF, but I don't think that Belgium is very good right now and to you Evilo, you talk to me about how I haven't seen Serbia much and I admit that, but how much have you seen the US? When they are on form, they cam easily beat a team like Mexico. They are very solid at the back and decent attacking.

I think you guys rate European teams too highly. Poland gave England a really hard time in their group and everyone was saying that Poland would beat Ecuador and many had them as a darkhorse to go deep into the tournament, but Ecuador beat them pretty soundly. I know that most American teams outside of Brazil and Argentina don't have much talent, but they find ways to win more often than not.

All this US bashing is almost making me hope that they make it out of the group so that they can get a bit of respect around here.
Actually, you're making it sound like Mexico is impressive, but I'm not of that opinion.
Two weeks ago, France, played like crap and still beat them very easily.
I'm pretty sure France would have a REAL hard time beating Serbia and Spain.

I also think south american teams are always hard to beat.
Poland sucked last night. Ecuador played a solid game, but Poland started to play when they were 0-2 down, and they hit the iron twice.
BTW, you probably never heard me say Poland would make a run.
As I said, Serbia is not "worlds" ahead of the US. I would rank the US around 20th and Serbia around 15th.
That's hardly underrating IMO.
I personally would love to see the US go through in this group, but they are a long long shot since Ghana is not exactly a weak opponent, and the two european teams are heavily talented and if they play like they can, they should go through.
If I were of the opinion that only european teams would win, I wouldn't have selected Brazil as winners (only european teams win on european soil, except for 58), and I wouldn't have picked Ivory Coast to do such damage in Group C, at the expense of Serbia and Holland.

Actually, you're making it sound like Mexico is impressive, but I'm not of that opinion.
Two weeks ago, France, played like crap and still beat them very easily.
I'm pretty sure France would have a REAL hard time beating Serbia and Spain.

I also think south american teams are always hard to beat.
Poland sucked last night. Ecuador played a solid game, but Poland started to play when they were 0-2 down, and they hit the iron twice.
BTW, you probably never heard me say Poland would make a run.
As I said, Serbia is not "worlds" ahead of the US. I would rank the US around 20th and Serbia around 15th.
That's hardly underrating IMO.
I personally would love to see the US go through in this group, but they are a long long shot since Ghana is not exactly a weak opponent, and the two european teams are heavily talented and if they play like they can, they should go through.
If I were of the opinion that only european teams would win, I wouldn't have selected Brazil as winners (only european teams win on european soil, except for 58), and I wouldn't have picked Ivory Coast to do such damage in Group C, at the expense of Serbia and Holland.

I never referred to you, but there were plenty of people on XT saying that Poland would go deep.

I just still don't view Serbia in the same class as the US, has Serbia ever even qualified for a major tournament before? I don't think they were at Euro04 or WC02.

Mexico is a decent team. They did very well at the Confederations Cup (beating Brazil by the way) and they did that without Rafa Marquez.

Out of curiosity, where would you rank Mexico? Certainly behind the US since the US always beats them, but then again, they've done pretty well recently.

I'd rank Mexico between 20th and 25th.

BTW, how would you rank Czech Republic? Because they didn't make all the recent tournaments either.

You have to keep in mind that any team can miss a big tournament when they are in a european group.
Honestly, you're making it sound like Serbia has a weak group, but Spain, Belguim and Bosnia are hardly weak opponents.
Turkey was in the last WC semis, and they didn't even qualify this time.
Mexico and the US have the chance of being in a weak part of the world football wise and they never ever miss a WC thanks to that.

France missed Euro 88 and WC 90, as well as WC 94 even though they had guys like Papin, Blanc, Dechamps, Cantona or Desailly for some of these qualifyers.
Norway didn't qualify even though they're a tough team to beat. Denmark didn't make it, they have a good team too.

Honestly, the biggest team out of the WC are multiple in Europe, 1 in South America (Uruguay) and 2 in Africa (Nigeria and Cameroon, maybe Morocco).

I'd rank Mexico between 20th and 25th.

BTW, how would you rank Czech Republic? Because they didn't make all the recent tournaments either.

You have to keep in mind that any team can miss a big tournament when they are in a european group.
Honestly, you're making it sound like Serbia has a weak group, but Spain, Belguim and Bosnia are hardly weak opponents.
Turkey was in the last WC semis, and they didn't even qualify this time.
Mexico and the US have the chance of being in a weak part of the world football wise and they never ever miss a WC thanks to that.

France missed Euro 88 and WC 90, as well as WC 94 even though they had guys like Papin, Blanc, Dechamps, Cantona or Desailly for some of these qualifyers.
Norway didn't qualify even though they're a tough team to beat. Denmark didn't make it, they have a good team too.

Honestly, the biggest team out of the WC are multiple in Europe, 1 in South America (Uruguay) and 2 in Africa (Nigeria and Cameroon, maybe Morocco).

I'd put the Czechs at about No.10, you're forgetting their run to the semis at Euro04 where they beat Holland (twice I think?) and a couple of other decent teams as well.

I'm not saying that Serbia is a bad team here. They have talent and they did do very well in qualifying, however, I think the US is just as good and if you factor in past tournaments, the US is probably better. Serbia has a lot of talent, but I think there are guys (Convey, O'Brien, even Donovan) that can really surprise some people. Donovan especially has the talent, but he's too lazy for a top European league. However, he takes the WC seriously and I'd expect him to be at his best.

I'd put the Czechs at about No.10, you're forgetting their run to the semis at Euro04 where they beat Holland (twice I think?) and a couple of other decent teams as well.

I'm not saying that Serbia is a bad team here. They have talent and they did do very well in qualifying, however, I think the US is just as good and if you factor in past tournaments, the US is probably better. Serbia has a lot of talent, but I think there are guys (Convey, O'Brien, even Donovan) that can really surprise some people. Donovan especially has the talent, but he's too lazy for a top European league. However, he takes the WC seriously and I'd expect him to be at his best.
Exactly my point. Czech Republic might be a top 10 nation, but they have missed big tournaments because they couldn't qualify (Holland as well).

Exactly my point. Czech Republic might be a top 10 nation, but they have missed big tournaments because they couldn't qualify (Holland as well).

The Czechs have only become top 10 within the last couple years, at the time of WC02, I don't think that they would even break most people's top 20.

The Czechs have only become top 10 within the last couple years, at the time of WC02, I don't think that they would even break most people's top 20.
Czech Republic was a finalist at Euro 96... :shakehead
They're hardly new to the elite teams.

Czech Republic was a finalist at Euro 96... :shakehead
They're hardly new to the elite teams.

I know that, but it's possible for a team to take a downswing, teams aren't elite forever you know... :shakehead

The Czechs have been good in the past, they're good now, and they'll be good again in the future. However, that doesn't mean that they'll be permanently elite. I was just getting into football seriously in 2002, but as I recall, most people didn't really rate them highly in qualifiers. I think they ended up losing to Belgium in the playoffs, but I can't remember who won their group.

In football terms, 1996 is ancient history, the only tournaments I consider to be really relevant right now are Euro04 and WC02 becuase you still see a lot of players from those teams. I'd be curious though as to how many current players on the Czech roster played at Euro96. Not many, I don't really see how Euro96 is related to this conversation.

I know that, but it's possible for a team to take a downswing, teams aren't elite forever you know... :shakehead

The Czechs have been good in the past, they're good now, and they'll be good again in the future. However, that doesn't mean that they'll be permanently elite. I was just getting into football seriously in 2002, but as I recall, most people didn't really rate them highly in qualifiers. I think they ended up losing to Belgium in the playoffs, but I can't remember who won their group.

In football terms, 1996 is ancient history, the only tournaments I consider to be really relevant right now are Euro04 and WC02 becuase you still see a lot of players from those teams. I'd be curious though as to how many current players on the Czech roster played at Euro96. Not many, I don't really see how Euro96 is related to this conversation.
It is because the rankings are based on past experience and history, so it is related.

I know that, but it's possible for a team to take a downswing, teams aren't elite forever you know... :shakehead

The Czechs have been good in the past, they're good now, and they'll be good again in the future. However, that doesn't mean that they'll be permanently elite. I was just getting into football seriously in 2002, but as I recall, most people didn't really rate them highly in qualifiers. I think they ended up losing to Belgium in the playoffs, but I can't remember who won their group.

In football terms, 1996 is ancient history, the only tournaments I consider to be really relevant right now are Euro04 and WC02 becuase you still see a lot of players from those teams. I'd be curious though as to how many current players on the Czech roster played at Euro96. Not many, I don't really see how Euro96 is related to this conversation.

Yes, Czech Republic were good, before 96 and after.
They didn't turn bad and then good.
To say they've been good since 2002 is really off the mark.
The problem is that they faced tough competition in the qualifyers.

I am just hoping that the US makes it through but I wouldnt be suprised if they didnt, hopefully they can at least play well enough to have a chance and then you never know what can happen with a lucky bounce or something

I would also like to say how I think that Serbia is better than USA.

European qualifyers are very tough and every time there is one of the big football countries failing to qualify. I can think of Denmark and Turkey this time.

I'm not sure why the United States and Serbia are getting compared when evaluating groups C and E anyway. Is it just because there happens to be an African country in each? If the groups are compared strictly based on team quality, then it's

Argentina > Italy
Holland > Czech Republic
Ivory Coast > USA
Serbia > Ghana

I never referred to you, but there were plenty of people on XT saying that Poland would go deep.

I just still don't view Serbia in the same class as the US, has Serbia ever even qualified for a major tournament before? I don't think they were at Euro04 or WC02.

Mexico is a decent team. They did very well at the Confederations Cup (beating Brazil by the way) and they did that without Rafa Marquez.

Out of curiosity, where would you rank Mexico? Certainly behind the US since the US always beats them, but then again, they've done pretty well recently.

My god!!! Serbia was a part of Yugoslavia, they didn't have to qualify. Also, you might have heard that there was a little civil war that lasted about a decade in the former Yugoslavia.

Serbia has produced a boatload of talent over the years. You have absolutely no clue what you are talking about. Go watch some baseball or something.

My god!!! Serbia was a part of Yugoslavia, they didn't have to qualify. Also, you might have heard that there was a little civil war that lasted about a decade in the former Yugoslavia.

Serbia has produced a boatload of talent over the years. You have absolutely no clue what you are talking about. Go watch some baseball or something.

There's absolutely no need for this :shakehead

I would also like to say how I think that Serbia is better than USA.

European qualifyers are very tough and every time there is one of the big football countries failing to qualify. I can think of Denmark and Turkey this time.

Not only they both missed, they were both in the same group. The group that also featured the current European Champion Greece, who also failed. This just shows how insane European qualifiers are.

My god!!! Serbia was a part of Yugoslavia, they didn't have to qualify. Also, you might have heard that there was a little civil war that lasted about a decade in the former Yugoslavia.

Serbia has produced a boatload of talent over the years. You have absolutely no clue what you are talking about. Go watch some baseball or something.


:madfire: Completely and totally unecessary, this is a discussion of soccer, no need for comments like that in this thread. Grow up *******.

This is a very tough group but I wouldn't call it a group of death.

The Czechs are the best team in the group. I like them because of their overall balance. Nedved is a great player and Baros should score some goals. This in definantly not the #2 team in the world but remember that the FIFA rankings are according to the number of matches and wins each team has.

Italy will be the second place team. They always have a problem scoing goals. Nesta, Cannavaro lead a solid foursome on defence. Up front I don't like Italy at all. Del Piero is so overrated imo, talk about a player with so much hype over they years but has done so little internationally. Totti is the key, he better keep his head in the game.

The USA is a time on the rise imo, but not as good as they are made out to be. #4 in the world is a absolute joke. They play countries that I have never heard of. They definantly have experience with the likes of Pope, Donovan, Reyna and McBride but they just aren't ready to play with the big boys in this group.

Ghana could surprise a team but it's unlikely. They are a young team so don't expect Ghana to do very much in the World Cup, just making it there was a huge accomplishment for this country. Appiah Stephen is the player to watch on this squad.

Id feel more confident about the Czechs if Baros was still the player he was at Euro 04

Ghana could surprise a team but it's unlikely. They are a young team so don't expect Ghana to do very much in the World Cup, just making it there was a huge accomplishment for this country. Appiah Stephen is the player to watch on this squad.
Essien should be the most dominant player of the group actually.

Essien should be the most dominant player of the group actually.

Defensively, perhaps. But I think he's far from the best player in this pool.

Vidic, I don't think I'll even respond to you. I'm perfectly aware of Serbian history, but that has no bearing on the current discussion. The fact remains that neither Serbia nor Yugoslavia qualified for the WC02 or Euro04. The US on the other hand has big tournament experience. By all rights, they probably should have made it to the semis of WC02 (Frings should have been red-carded and a PK should have been given for that handball). You can say fluke all you like, but that is a major accomplishment IMO. Beating a team like Portugal who still had Figo in his prime is also a major accomplishment. The US has also played decently against European teams. I believe that the US B team lost to Holland 1-0 a couple years ago, the same score that a full-strength Serbia side lost by.

The US team is still at least the equal of Serbia in my mind. The US has several up and coming young players who have a chance to make their mark at this WC. Just because they don't play in Europe doesn't mean that they aren't talented. I know that Landon Donovan gets a very bad rap around here and I'm not a big fan of his, but when he actually gets motivated, he can be a very dangerous player. I am not a big US fan. I don't think they'll make it out of their group to be honest. But I still will hold to the fact that as of right now, I view them as better than Serbia.

Defensively, perhaps. But I think he's far from the best player in this pool.
It's not what I said. I said he would be the most dominant player.

It's not what I said. I said he would be the most dominant player.

Dominant equals best IMO.

But I still will hold to the fact that as of right now, I view them as better than Serbia.
And it's not even close... :shakehead

And you really need to see them play before ranking them!

Dominant equals best IMO.
Not me.
Dominant means that Essien will stand out and do everything for his team.
He won't just be part of a team (like italians would do for instance). He'll be the best defenseman, the best striker and the best midfielder of his team.

People don't know how good Essien is because he didn't get enough time in Chelsea.
When on form, he's as unstoppable as any player in the world.

Italy will be the second place team. They always have a problem scoing goals. Nesta, Cannavaro lead a solid foursome on defence. Up front I don't like Italy at all. Del Piero is so overrated imo, talk about a player with so much hype over they years but has done so little internationally. Totti is the key, he better keep his head in the game.

Actually, lately they have been scoring alot. And your Del Piero statement is quite dated. Their front line is Gilardino and Toni and both have proven to be prolific international strikers.

Exactly my point. Czech Republic might be a top 10 nation, but they have missed big tournaments because they couldn't qualify (Holland as well).
* The Czech Republic is a top 5 nation since 2003, I've always said that.

I can't believe some even think they are not top 10. What have they been watching, they simply haven't seen anything from the Czechs at all.


* The Dutch have missed 1 big tournament from the past 10. :innocent:

I see no reason to compare them with other big countries who missed many more.


* USA is nice team but the Donovan's and Beasley's of this world are marginal players. That's nothing to be ashamed of and no hatred but just the facts. No single player can match Stankovic, Milosovic whoever but that doesn't really matter because the US are just a good team in general like they showed in 2002.

However, S&M are a good team as well and not a bunch of individuals. Together with that they have far more skill.

The Czechs and Italy are miles ahead of the USA and 1+1=2. This time I don't think they will make it to the next round based on teamspirit. They just have been unlucky with the draw.

Italy - Will walk the group and probably make the final as much as it pains me.
Czech Republic - Will just make second, but will go out in the quarters.
USA - Will impress but will fail to make it on GD. Another false dawn for American football.
Ghana - Cannon fodder.

And it's not even close... :shakehead

And you really need to see them play before ranking them!

I saw part of their qualifier against Spain, like I said, they seemed well organized and I don't doubt the individual players, but I still like the US better. I'll post again after I watch them against Holland though.

I saw part of their qualifier against Spain, like I said, they seemed well organized and I don't doubt the individual players, but I still like the US better. I'll post again after I watch them against Holland though.
The US is underrated here. I like it that way.

Honestly, I don't think there's a way to tell if Serbia's better than them or vice versa at this stage. Better players doesn't equal a better side.

However, if the US somehow managed to beat the Czechs or Italy, I'd say there's not much of a doubt that they've arrived.

Czech Republic was a finalist at Euro 96... :shakehead
They're hardly new to the elite teams.
the European championship is a poor way to gauge elite teams. We are talking about a tournament that Denmark and Greece have won in the last 15 years.

Sure, the second biggest tournament in world football is hardly a good way of gauging the world elite.... :sarcasm:

Denmark and Greece won it by good tactics, a freak result. The other winners were elite European sides.

Actually, lately they have been scoring alot. And your Del Piero statement is quite dated. Their front line is Gilardino and Toni and both have proven to be prolific international strikers.

Not so fast.....Lippi snorted a couple lines of coke today and hinted that he might start Iaquinta.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun11k.html

Not so fast.....Lippi snorted a couple lines of coke today and hinted that he might start Iaquinta.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun11k.html

OMG, if that's true I'm going to have an aneurysm. Just because Iaquinta scores two against an under-19 side, he might get the start?? And starting Perotta over Pirlo is just pain lunacy considering Gattuso is out two games at least. I hope he doesn't change the lineup!

First game is tomorrow morning, US vs. Czech at 11 AM EST. Can't wait.

We have to get probably the toughest team in the group right out of the gates. I'm just hoping we can get two points in the first two, by draws or one win, so we have a chance when we face Ghana in the final leg.

Not only they both missed, they were both in the same group. The group that also featured the current European Champion Greece, who also failed. This just shows how insane European qualifiers are.

Or how overrated European soccer is.

You have Germany and Italy winning it otherwise, with England and France as host nations.

People so overrate the second class European clubs, giving not even close to the same respect as the second rate South American clubs, which have a better world cup track record.

In the end, I really don't give too much credence for the second and third class European clubs because historically they don't do crap.

First game is tomorrow morning, US vs. Czech at 11 AM EST. Can't wait.

I too am anxious for that one.

Two top 10 teams in the world colliding. It will feel like a semi-final or quarter-final game.

I too am anxious for that one.

Two top 10 teams in the world colliding. It will feel like a semi-final or quarter-final game.

The Czechs are maybe a top 10 team in the world (one could argue either way). The USA are most definitely not. The FIFA world rankings are a joke and the rankings of those two teams (Czechs #2, USA #5) is some of the best evidence why.

We may be, we may not be...the thing is, we never play these top European teams in meaningful games, so we can't judge...our rating is skewed by the fact that we get to beat up on Canada and Belize in qualifying, also by the fact that Mexico can't seem to beat us. We don't meet teams like this too often, and if we do, it's just a friendly where all the best players are pulled out early, so it should be a treat to see how they do.

Before someone brings up Germany in reference to meaningful games against European sides, I'd like to point out that the lineup the US fielded was at best, a B team. I'd love nothing more to see the US win when people are predicting 3-0 and 3-1 games. The US isn't Iran or Costa Rica.

damn...i have to work tomarrow so i wont be able to catch any of the games. i really want to watch the US game, but i need the $$$$$

GO USA!!

damn...i have to work tomarrow so i wont be able to catch any of the games. i really want to watch the US game, but i need the $$$$$

GO USA!!
Quit work.

I cant decide if this is the year the world descends into darkness when the USA wins it or next years WC. :sarcasm: Rapture should be fun to watch regardless.

I am definitely looking forward to taking an extra long lunch break to watch the US play on the TV at the student center. I really hope no professor wants to see me before 2 PM.

I am also definitely hoping for the U.S. to win. Flaws aside, they are a good team and I hope tomorrow's game is their first step to making the round of 16. If they don't win or tie, I'll be dissapointed, but it's not the end of the world and I'll try to not have it darken my day. GO USA!!!

I model my playing after him.

I'm totally cheernig for Brian Chin on Team USA because he's Asian

I thought Ching was a Hawaiian native, which isn't a part of Asia? (http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/players/bio.jsp?team=hou&player=ching_b&playerId=chi444955&statType=current)

I thought Ching was a Hawaiian native, which isn't a part of Asia? (http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/players/bio.jsp?team=hou&player=ching_b&playerId=chi444955&statType=current)

Close enough. ;)

Sure, the second biggest tournament in world football is hardly a good way of gauging the world elite.... :sarcasm:

Denmark and Greece won it by good tactics, a freak result. The other winners were elite European sides.
I'm not saying that it isn't a huge tournament, but there are so many freak results that it is obvious the top players don't take it overly seriously. I mean when Denmark won they didn't even officially qualify for the tournament.

I'm not saying that it isn't a huge tournament, but there are so many freak results that it is obvious the top players don't take it overly seriously.

Four years ago Germany, South Korea and Turkey were semi finalists in the world cup.



I rest my case.


Players not taking a European Championship seriously... LOL :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:


FOTS you should really stop talking about things you don't know anything about. And I'm trying to say this in the nicest way possible. You don't see me arguing and irritating posters in MLB or NFL threads right?



Oh and that Denmark team was pretty good, although I doubt you knew what football was back in 1992 so I don't see why you are having all these opinions on the subject. Keep in mind that the European Championship (especially in those days only 8 teams qualified!!!!) is the toughest tournament to qualify for.

I'm not saying that it isn't a huge tournament, but there are so many freak results that it is obvious the top players don't take it overly seriously. I mean when Denmark won they didn't even officially qualify for the tournament.

:confused:

Players take it every bit as seriously as the World Cup, trust me on that. The fact that Denmark won in '92 after failing to qualify, once again speaks volume to the strenght of the European pool. They had to beat England, France, host Sweden, Holland, and Germany to win the tournament. You don't do that by accident, they had an excellent team that year that got hot at the right moment. Same thing goes for Greece. I guarantee you that if those two (plus Turkey, Romania, and Norway) were playing in this WC, they wouldn't be out of place.

I guarantee you that if those two (plus Turkey, Romania, Belgium and Norway) were playing in this WC, they wouldn't be out of place.

Fixed it for you. ;)

Don't forget we basically beat Brazil in the '02 version if not for that silly referee. But then again the WC isn't really taken serious by many players, look at the upsets in 2002, that's can't be a coincidence :sarcasm:


By the way Russia, Ireland, Austria, Scotland and maybe Finland also deserve mention as teams who wouldn't be out of place.

Fixed it for you. ;)

Thanks :biglaugh:

People so overrate the second class European clubs, giving not even close to the same respect as the second rate South American clubs, which have a better world cup track record.

In the end, I really don't give too much credence for the second and third class European clubs because historically they don't do crap.

I'm sorry but this post is quite simply wrong on all fronts and not researched at all:

In 2002:
Europe:
Turkey makes it to the semis
Germany to the finals

neither were considered European powerhouses before the tournament.

From south America
_Paraguay is the only team (non Brazil or Argentina - which didn't even make it through the group BTW) and they went out in the Round of 16 to Germany

1998

Europe:
Croatia in the semis
Denmark in the Quarters.

South America:
Chile and Paraguay's quest end in the round of 16


1994
Europe:
Sweden, Bulgaria: Semi finals
Romania: quarters

South America;
None even got trough to the round of 16


1990
Europe
Czechoslovakia, Ireland, Yugoslavia (though that could be argued to be a powerhouse - even though it certainly wasn't considered that back in the day) : Quarters

South America:
Urugay, Colombia: round of 16


1986
Europe:
Belgium semi finals

South America:
Paraguay, Uruguay: round of 16


1982:
Europe:
Poland: Semi Finals
(Belgium - USSR - Austria - Northern Ireland all make it to the second round, different format then)

South America:
Not a single non powerhouse even makes it into the second round.


I'm sure you're not planning to drag Uruguay 1930 or 1952 into the discussion because those were different times and that you will just admit that you were wrong on all fronts.

I'm sorry but this post is quite simply wrong on all fronts and not researched at all:

In 2002:
Europe:
Turkey makes it to the semis
Germany to the finals

neither were considered European powerhouses before the tournament.

From south America
_Paraguay is the only team (non Brazil or Argentina - which didn't even make it through the group BTW) and they go out in the Round of 16 to Mexico (CONCACAF)

1998

Europe:
Croatia in the semis
Denmark in the Quarters.

South America:
Chile and Paraguay's quest end in the round of 16


1994
Europe:
Sweden, Bulgaria: Semi finals
Romania: quarters

South America;
None even got trough to the round of 16


1990
Europe
Czechoslovakia, Ireland, Yugoslavia (though that could be argued to be a powerhouse - even though it certainly wasn't considered that back in the day) : Quarters

South America:
Urugay, Colombia: round of 16


1986
Europe:
Belgium semi finals

South America:
Paraguay, Uruguay: round of 16


1982:
Europe:
Poland: Semi Finals
(Belgium - USSR - Austria - Northern Ireland all make it to the second round, different format then)

South America:
Not a single non powerhouse even makes it into the second round.


I'm sure you're not planning to drag Uruguay 1930 or 1952 into the discussion because those were different times and that you will just admit that you were wrong on all fronts.

Paraguay lost to Germany in 2002, not Mexico. Yeah, I'm nitpicking ;) Great post though.

I wish I could see the USA-Czech game but I'll be at work. :(

the European championship is a poor way to gauge elite teams. We are talking about a tournament that Denmark and Greece have won in the last 15 years. :o

Greece okay, can happen.

Denmark has become a 2nd tier country and might have been already in '92 but they sure were close to elite in the '80s.

Sören Lerby, Preben Elkjær Larsen, Jesper Olsen, Ivan Nielsen, Morten Olsen, Jan Mölby, Klaus Berggreen, Frank Arnesen, Michael Laudrup, Flemming Povlsen, Allan Simonsen.

Nickname in those days: Danish dynamite.

Mexico is not part of South America

Paraguay lost to Germany in 2002, not Mexico. Yeah, I'm nitpicking ;) Great post though.

Yeah my bad, I'll edit :)


Mexico is not part of South America

Yeah I know thus Mexico (CONCACAF) was not taken into account in my earlier post...

Yeah I know thus Mexico (CONCACAF) was not taken into account in my earlier post...



1986
Europe:
Belgium semi finals

South America:
Mexico (home nation): Quarters
Paraguay, Uruguay: round of 16

Greece okay, can happen.
Greece was an elite team in 2004.

1986
Europe:
Belgium semi finals

South America:
Mexico (home nation): Quarters
Paraguay, Uruguay: round of 16

Whoa!

I didn't even notice that one (I had it correct in the 2002 one so you'll have to give me that ;)).

Point taken and, once again corrected :)

Greece was an elite team in 2004.

Nah.

Good system, good technique, very hard work and a good load of luck. They were not close to being an elite squad though, most people had them going out in round one already and with reason.


South Korea wasn't an elite team in 2002 either. These things happen. That's sport.

Nah.

Good system, good technique, very hard work and a good load of luck. They were not close to being an elite squad though, most people had them going out in round one already and with reason.


South Korea wasn't an elite team in 2002 either. These things happen. That's sport.mmh.. i hate to see this comparison.
I know what you mean but..
i just need to point out how different these things that happened were.
Korea advanced to semifinals through good team play AND PURE ROBBERIES (and mafia..)
Greece won through great commitment, organization AND good luck.

South Korea wasn't an elite team in 2002 either. These things happen. That's sport.

By that very same argument though, you could argue that Turkey making the semis was a fluke (I don't think they even qualified for Euro04).

You also have to keep in mind that only 4-5 (4 this time) South American teams qualify compared with 14 European teams in the tournament, so obviously there is a much higher probability that a small European team will go farther.

The lineup i expect for tonight's game:

------------Toni--------------Gila---------
--------------------Totti--------------------
----------De Rossi-------Perrotta---------
--------------------Pirlo-------------------
Grosso-----Cannavaro----Nesta----Zaccardo( :shakehead )
-------------------Buffon------------------

Korea advanced to semifinals through good team play AND PURE ROBBERIES (and mafia..)
That's BS, Korea deserved every one of their wins, some people simply don't like it when one of the so-called big teams go out.

Good system, good technique, very hard work and a good load of luck. They were not close to being an elite squad though, most people had them going out in round one already and with reason.
Most people turned out to be wrong. Some of the were bright enough to realize it, though.

I'm not saying that it isn't a huge tournament, but there are so many freak results that it is obvious the top players don't take it overly seriously. I mean when Denmark won they didn't even officially qualify for the tournament.

Everybody takes it seriously, believe me. It's the second biggest tournament in the world! Come round England when we're in it and tell me that nobody takes it seriously...

That's BS, Korea deserved every one of their wins, some people simply don't like it when one of the so-called big teams go out. :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

I hope we (Czech republic) win today! :handclap:

:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Great post. :clap:

Great post. :clap:

It was better than yours. South Korea deserved as many as Greece did in E2004.

mmh.. i hate to see this comparison.
I know what you mean but..
i just need to point out how different these things that happened were.
Korea advanced to semifinals through good team play AND PURE ROBBERIES (and mafia..)
Greece won through great commitment, organization AND good luck.

I knew you were going to reply that's why I didn't mention the ref in South Korea's case. I agree with you obviously. And by the looks of it it isn't any better this WC...

Alexi Lalas on ESPN2 is trying to claim that Kasey Keller is the best goalie in the WORLD :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

Alexi Lalas on ESPN2 is trying to claim that Kasey Keller is the best goalie in the WORLD :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

Considering how Americans like to see their country as "the world", he has a fair point.

Greece was an elite team in 2004.Good teamspirit and great tactics indeed. Elite team ? Euh, no.

Alexi Lalas on ESPN2 is trying to claim that Kasey Keller is the best goalie in the WORLD :biglaugh: :biglaugh:


Hes probably high

Considering how Americans like to see their country as "the world", he has a fair point.


I just like how the people on ESPN are talking like we're supposed to know who all these people are

The US is running a 4-5-1

Considering how Americans like to see their country as "the world", he has a fair point.

not unlike the europeans on this board who claim that every european country is going to advance into the second round basically :sarcasm:

It was better than yours. South Korea deserved as many as Greece did in E2004.You mean four ? Or which game exactly did Greece not deserve to win ? :shakehead

not unlike the europeans on this board who claim that every european country is going to advance into the second round basically :sarcasm:Hey, Poland is scrapped from my list of candidates. ;)

--------Keller---------
Lewis-Onyewu-Pope-Cerundolo
Mastroeni-Donovan-Reyna-Beasley-Convey
----------McBride--------------

No Johnson and Bocanegra is bad, Convey being in is good.

I'm pumped.

Gooch better don't get any cards today, he's in my fantasy team.

mmh.. i hate to see this comparison.
I know what you mean but..
i just need to point out how different these things that happened were.
Korea advanced to semifinals through good team play AND PURE ROBBERIES (and mafia..)
Greece won through great commitment, organization AND good luck.For once, get your head out of your butt.

Korea played their ***** off in front of their home fans. The refs were pretty bad and that's FIFA's fault but the mafia didn't cross the boarder in South-Korea.

No Johnson and Bocanegra is bad, Convey being in is good.

I'm pumped.
I don't know, they could be super subs late in the game if we can tire out the Czechs.

not unlike the europeans on this board who claim that every european country is going to advance into the second round basically :sarcasm:
Who said so?

"I think Kasey Keller suffers because he is American" :biglaugh:



I'm sorry I'm going to miss this game though. Our TV in the breakroom has Univision so I will have to stop in if i can.

If the US want to get out of this group, they need a result against the Czechs. They won't beat Italy and I seriously think that Ghana will be a TOUGH TOUGH match for the Yanks, that Ghanean midfield is scary strong.

"I think Kasey Keller suffers because he is American" :biglaugh:



I'm sorry I'm going to miss this game though. Our TV in the breakroom has Univision so I will have to stop in if i can.
Univision is better than ESPN2 anyway...unless Tommy Smyth is announcing...Tommy is the ****ing man!

Tommy says Big Phil way too much.

I've got a test in about half an hour and will miss the game. My goal is to avoid all knowledge of the game and watch the replay on ESPN classic at 5. Gonna be tough, but I think I can manage it. GO USA! :handclap:

not unlike the europeans on this board who claim that every european country is going to advance into the second round basically :sarcasm:

Considering how Europe provides the most contenders; what's your point? In terms of football, Europe is so far ahead on the States it's not even funny.

The ref is Paraguayan. No conflict there...

Czech Republic 2-1 i think.

1-1, Donovan and Koller with the goals.

I heard the announcer just say:

"A look of focus on the players faces, as they prepare for the brutal war that lies ahead".

I heard the announcer just say:

"A look of focus on the players faces, as they prepare for the brutal war that lies ahead".

Sometimes I think it's a blessing in disguise that I'm stuck with Spanish commentary.

ESPN2 cut to commercial instead of showing the Czec anthem...so I switched to Univision to catch it...that's one of my favorite parts of the World Cup...

ESPN2 cut to commercial instead of showing the Czec anthem...so I switched to Univision to catch it...that's one of my favorite parts of the World Cup...

that's possibly the most disrespectful and ignorant things i have heard of in a long, long time.

but to be fair, i wish i had some Yank commentary on. I would love to hear about 'scoring zones' and 'illegal interventions' and other hilarious phrases :)

not worried about the crowd, the crowds that the national team faces against concacaf opponents are much worse

Koller could have won the role in the Princess Bride :biglaugh:


http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/fifa/06/t/pla/l/177712.jpg

Koller could have won the role in the Princess Bride :biglaugh:


http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/fifa/06/t/pla/l/177712.jpg
:biglaugh:

Nice Unibrow.

So it appears the US' strategy is to hack away at Koller and Nedved...

Onyewu just got a Yellow for taking Nedved's legs out form under him.

1-0 Czechs.

I angered the giant

****. 1-0 already.

Pope completely blew that one...

That did not take long.

There you go.
Hehe, I predicted a Koller goal.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Learn to defend USA

How do you defend Koller in the air? :confused:

Considering how Europe provides the most contenders; what's your point?
I don't know what his point is, but for the record, since 1986 69% of the european teams reached the second round, 72% of the south american teams.

If one only takes into account the last two WC, though, europe is ahead by the same kind of small margin.

Overall, there seems to be very little evidence that UEFA qualifiers are any more difficult than south american qualifiers.

How do you defend Koller in the air? :confused:
the same way you defend against Crouch.

How do you defend Koller in the air? :confused:

Sign Peter Crouch! :dunno:

the same way you defend against Crouch.

Crouch isn't in the same class as Koller

I don't know what his point is, but for the record, since 1986 69% of the european teams reached the second round, 72% of the south american teams.

If one only takes into account the last two WC, though, europe is ahead by the same kind of small margin.

Overall, there seems to be very little evidence that UEFA qualifiers are any more difficult than south american qualifiers.
:lol:
There are many more teams qualified in Europe than in NA.
So your percentage is completely against your point.

the same way you defend against Crouch.
Get yourself a biased ref... Got it!

The announcers right now are talking about how the pressure and expectations might be a bit too much for the USA.

#22 on the Czech Republic gets a yellow for clipping Landon Donovan

Beasley is playing horribly!!!

The announcers right now are talking about how the pressure and expectations might be a bit too much for the USA.

What exactly were people expecting from this US team? This is a really tough group, they will do well to not get embarassed and keep the games close.

Beasley is playing horribly!!!
I think Pope is the worst man on the field so far...but Beasley has been invisible.

The announcers right now are talking about how the pressure and expectations might be a bit too much for the USA.

or they're not good enough?

What exactly were people expecting from this US team? This is a really tough group, they will do well do not get embarassed and keep the games close.
A lot of commercials/advertisements/promotions have been saying that this was the year the USA wins the tournament.

Saying stuff like, "now is the time that the USA takes over the soccer world" or "now the USA shows the rest of the world how to play the beautiful game", and stuff like that.

A lot of commercials/advertisements/promotions have been saying that this was the year the USA wins the tournament.

Saying stuff like, "now is the time that the USA takes over the soccer world" or "now the USA shows the rest of the world how to play the beautiful game", and stuff like that.

That sort of propaganda works for them in politics but sure as hell won't work in soccer. Countries in soccer won't bend over for the US like they do in world politics.

It's good that the US gets an asskicking every 4 years or so, even if it is only on the pitch, keeps them a little honest... :D

USA players are taking dives all over the field.

That sort of propaganda works for them in politics but sure as hell won't work in soccer. Countries in soccer won't bend over for the US like they do in world politics.

It's good that the US gets an asskicking every 4 years or so, even if it is only on the pitch, keeps them a little honest... :D
Do you think it is propaganda when they claim to the best at soccer?

Also, didn't they finish quite high in the 2002 World Cup?

Off the post!

Reyna hit the post...:shakehead

A potential USA goal went smack off the post.

That sort of propaganda works for them in politics but sure as hell won't work in soccer. Countries in soccer won't bend over for the US like they do in world politics.

It's good that the US gets an asskicking every 4 years or so, even if it is only on the pitch, keeps them a little honest... :D

yah they really got an asskicking in 2002 :sarcasm:

Do you think it is propaganda when they claim to the best at soccer?

Also, didn't they finish quite high in the 2002 World Cup?

They're not the best at soccer, not even close. England beat them with a reserve side last year. Everyone knows the FIFA rankings are a joke.

Do you think it is propaganda when they claim to the best at soccer?

Also, didn't they finish quite high in the 2002 World Cup?

Get it straight genuis. They're saying that this is the best US team ever. :shakehead

A potential USA goal went