WC 2022

[camosfan]

I don't think the casual observer realizes just how outrageous Messi's touch was and how absolutely perfect that shot was. Simply incredible but because it wasn't a side scissor it won't get the attention it deserves. Wow! Goal of the tournament thus far.

Fans want the fantastic, daring acts!

[jfreddys]

I don't think the casual observer realizes just how outrageous Messi's touch was and how absolutely perfect that shot was. Simply incredible but because it wasn't a side scissor it won't get the attention it deserves. Wow! Goal of the tournament thus far.

Fans want the fantastic, daring acts!

I think for fans of a country that scores, each and every goal is a goal of the tournament.  But the Messi and Richarlison goals were both brilliant.   

[camosfan]

Two games today remind us why we love World Cup football!

[blue_jays]

Those last 15-20 minutes were painful. This U.S. team doesn't scare anyone the rest of this Cup. I've seen youth teams kill the clock more effectively than these pros.

[jknezek]

Those last 15-20 minutes were painful. This U.S. team doesn't scare anyone the rest of this Cup. I've seen youth teams kill the clock more effectively than these pros.

The first half was good, except we can't score. The second half was.... ugly, panicked, lucky to survive. On to the Netherlands. Going to have to be better if we are going to get anywhere deeper. However, with the youngest team in the tournament, and with the pre-tournament games, they have done better than I expected. Lot of talent, lot of skill, but the struggle to put away chances is brutal.

[stlawus]

The goal scoring is a concern, but we just got through without conceding a single goal in the run of play in a group where England finished +7 on goal differential.

[Shamrock]

The inability to keep possession of the ball in the second half was nerve wracking!

I fear the Dutch.

[jfreddys]

and I now have a new favorite goal of the tournament.   

[blue_jays]

Feels like the Dutch are 2 goal favorites to me. The fact we looked that shaky with bad decision making against Iran (not France, not Germany, Iran) in the second half left a bad taste. But maybe it's just a case of the U.S. not playing well as a favorite, maybe they just need to be the perpetual underdog in order to get their mindset right. (Addendum: Berhalter stinks.)

[camosfan]

Brace yourselves the next phase will be much uglier, play not to lose!

[Saint of Old]

I don't think the casual observer realizes just how outrageous Messi's touch was and how absolutely perfect that shot was. Simply incredible but because it wasn't a side scissor it won't get the attention it deserves. Wow! Goal of the tournament thus far.

Fans want the fantastic, daring acts!

I think for fans of a country that scores, each and every goal is a goal of the tournament.  But the Messi and Richarlison goals were both brilliant.

Go on Youtube and watch the Aboubakar  goal for Cameroon against Serbia.
That was masterful, the best world cup goal since Diego strolled through England in 1986.
The Abaubakar, as the Skill will now be called as sure as the Cryuff got its name from the Dutchman, will be done by many a kid for decades to come.

[AZ -Soccer Guy]

Today was a great game for the US. Not a perfect game, sometimes not a pretty game.  In a tournament of this nature it's very hard to win a game let alone a group stage knockout game.  The decision to bring Zimmerman on was brilliance (not a fan of him) but when Iran is bypassing your midfield over and over with long ball after long ball why not put a guy in the back line that can win header's? He must have won 10 plus in 15 min!  To win games on the big stage carrying that much pressure you have to defend and be comfortable with it.  Our boys today did just that!  Well done allowing one PK goal in three games.  My two cents

[Ejay]

Feels like the Dutch are 2 goal favorites to me. The fact we looked that shaky with bad decision making against Iran (not France, not Germany, Iran) in the second half left a bad taste. But maybe it's just a case of the U.S. not playing well as a favorite, maybe they just need to be the perpetual underdog in order to get their mindset right. (Addendum: Berhalter stinks.)

The Dutch have not been that impressive.  I give the US a decent chance in this one.  And disagree that "Berhalter stinks". He's far from perfect, but he certainly does not stink.

[Hopkins92]

Things that folks should give credit to GGG for:

* Tim mf'ing Ream. Dude has been on the outside looking in for what seems like a decade. Too slow, many of the analysts and fans said. Meanwhile is a rock for an EPL side. He has been absolutely lights out this tournament.

* Bringing on Carter-Vickers. Zimmerman was a step slow on a few occasions the first 2 games, gave up a pretty bad penalty in the first. He is also a problem with ball at his feet. ENG clearly targeted him on their press... Every time he touched the ball, someone was right there closing him down and led to a lot nervy situations. CV was outstanding yesterday.

* Starting lineups, formation. We have started all three games in an attacking stance and have looked very dangerous. We had close to 60 percent possession in the first half yesterday.

Some things I would question/gripe about:

* Gio. Not sure what he did to get into the doghouse, but I'm not sure why he's not even coming off the bench sooner. While Pulisic says he's ready to go for Saturday, I doubt it. Need to get Reyna on the pitch.

* Formation, stance in the second halves. Wales was really the most glaring example of GGG not making the proper adjustment. Got way too passive. I think it was fine going into a 442 against ENG in the second half... seemed to kind of put them off for a good bit.

But, yesterday... Going 442 up 1-0 is fine. Slightly more defensive, but still allows you to quick strike on the counter. But going 541 with 15 minutes left (and you know at least 5 in stoppage - turned out to be 9) was just unnecessary. You're just asking for some nonsense at that point and Iran really could've scored at least twice in the final moments.

That said... And I've been critical of GGG in many instances. I'd grade him out at a B+. The belief, grit and determination of this group of young guns is palpable. That is cultural, and it doesn't just happen with the players. It's a deliberate approach and GGG and the rest of the staff should get credit for that.

[Ejay]

They had 2 shutouts and only gave up one goal via a PK no less. I would have bet my house before the tournament that we couldn't do that. Kudos!