World Cup

[CajunRage]

I did say we lucked out...our first score was catching Ghana with their pants down. The score off the set piece was damn good and would have scored against most teams...but with the way the defense was playing Ghana left 2-3 goals on the table...and they knew it.

I agree. You might as well have cut the field in half. The game was played almost entirely on our side of the field. I recall two plays where if a Ghana player doesn't "shank it", he's kicking at an open net. I'll give it to RS that Ghana is probably the most athletic team in the tournament, but this is like saying that an American football team got inside the 10 yard line 15 times and only scored once. Their opponent would definitely have "lucked out" to win that game even if it was the Saints versus Lafayette Middle school.

[CajunRage]

Obviously, we don't have as good of players as the rest of the world. However, I think Americans possess a different attitude/drive about athletics than athletes from other countries. That's why we scored a last second goal against Algeria and that's why we were able to rally to beat Ghana.

US is never going to outclass a Germany or Portugal. But, if we can keep the goal scoring to a minimum. Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey are entirely competent on a counter attack.

Imagine if Lebron James and Jimmy Graham played for USA soccer. That is what we are up against.

[cajunhawk]

Our first goal was because Clint Dempsey had a World Class first touch to get himself in a great position, then a great move inside and an excellent finish. You were just griping that our players aren't as good as theirs, then when a player does something that only great players can do, you chalk it up as luck.

Be consistent.

World class? He shuffled the ball to the left for an open shot.

[raginsaints]

Look kid...you gotta take the Red White and Blue colored glasses off. The analogy is apt...and the entire world knows it...except you.

I forgot more soccer overnight than you'll ever know, kid.

[raginsaints]

World class? He shuffled the ball to the left for an open shot.

Yeah this pretty much let's me know who I'm dealing with

[ManAboutTown]

Yeah this pretty much let's me know who I'm dealing with

Not only was that a class touch and finish (left footed might I add) but Jermaine Jones' flick pass was outstanding as well..

Remember, most people look at soccer like every other American sport. It simply is not, and can not be viewed or disected as such.

Yes we could easily have lost that game. It came down to finishing. Americans finished when it mattered, Ghana did not.

[raginsaints]

Not only was that a class touch and finish (left footed might I add) but Jermaine Jones' flick pass was outstanding as well..

Remember, most people look at soccer like every other American sport. It simply is not, and can not be viewed or disected as such.

Yes we could easily have lost that game. It came down to finishing. Americans finished when it mattered, Ghana did not.

Great layoff by Jones, a fantastic touch by Dempsey, letting it run through his legs, a nice touch to take it inside and beat the defender and a perfect left-footed finish. That entire goal was "World Class."

[sportsfanatic21]

Football analogy.

Ghana out gained the US 545 to 202

Ghana was 1-6 in the redzone, missing multiple FGs after being unable to punch it in.

The US returned the opening kickoff for a TD, then had a late drive and were able to punch it in from the one yard line. Americans win 10-7.

[cajunhawk]

Football analogy.

Ghana out gained the US 545 to 202

Ghana was 1-6 in the redzone, missing multiple FGs after being unable to punch it in.

The US returned the opening kickoff for a TD, then had a late drive and were able to punch it in from the one yard line. Americans win 10-7.

Now that's a good analogy (or metaphor...get those mixed up)...

[SlappyCajun]

Imagine if Lebron James and Jimmy Graham played for USA soccer. That is what we are up against.

I disagree to an extent. Size is nice in soccer, but is not necessary. In fact, some of the world's best players have been incredibly short.

Where I think the US lags is that kids in foreign countries play pick up games in the street. They are around it 24/7. So, they develop an incredible feel for the game. It's why U.S. basketball maintained an edge. Even if other countries have great jump shooters, they didn't have a feel for the game. Now, as European kids are growing up with basketball, they are erasing our advantage. Some of the most creative players in basketball are foreign point guards.

IMO, until soccer becomes a game that kids play - - not organized youth league, but pickup - - we will always lag behind the rest of the world because we lack the skills and creativity to generate scoring opportunities that don't derive off of a counter attack.

[cajunhawk]

Yeah this pretty much let's me know who I'm dealing with

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3in9BW7k9fg

Now that is world class.

[CajunRage]

I disagree to an extent. Size is nice in soccer, but is not necessary. In fact, some of the world's best players have been incredibly short.

Where I think the US lags is that kids in foreign countries play pick up games in the street. They are around it 24/7. So, they develop an incredible feel for the game. It's why U.S. basketball maintained an edge. Even if other countries have great jump shooters, they didn't have a feel for the game. Now, as European kids are growing up with basketball, they are erasing our advantage. Some of the most creative players in basketball are foreign point guards.

IMO, until soccer becomes a game that kids play - - not organized youth league, but pickup - - we will always lag behind the rest of the world because we lack the skills and creativity to generate scoring opportunities that don't derive off of a counter attack.

I was aiming more for the most athletic people in our country not playing soccer.