USMNT: To Rüssia With Love

Bosoxen

Bosoxen

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I have a sneaking suspicion we're being trolled...
 
(Translation: This is Mexico's lineup vs USA. What do you think?)
 
https://twitter.com/espnsutcliffe/status/652366599249227778
 
Edit: I know this probably isn't the place for that, but absent a game thread, I didn't know where else to post it.
 
dirtynine

dirtynine

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Between all the dos-a-cero boasting, the Trump thing, Landon's comments, and Mexico staying quiet and focused....  I hate to say it, but I feel like the US is in for an embarrassment.  I'll root like hell for the good guys, but I don't expect to win this one.  If it's 2-0 the wrong way it's going to really suck.  Given that scoreline after the 85th minute or so I'd actually be pulling for another MX goal. 
 
Hope I'm proven way wrong. 
 
Dummy Hoy

Dummy Hoy

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dirtynine said:
Between all the dos-a-cero boasting, the Trump thing, Landon's comments, and Mexico staying quiet and focused....  I hate to say it, but I feel like the US is in for an embarrassment.  I'll root like hell for the good guys, but I don't expect to win this one.  If it's 2-0 the wrong way it's going to really suck.  Given that scoreline after the 85th minute or so I'd actually be pulling for another MX goal. 
 
Hope I'm proven way wrong. 
Click to expand...
I think you're one of the best posters in this forum and I generally agree with you or find your point to be interesting, but this is silly. You're worried about this game because of media hype? These 'issues' you listed have absolutely nothing to do with what occurs on a football pitch and are of absolutely no concern to the men who will be playing. The US is healthy up front and JK has never lost to Mexico.
 
If you want to be a bit pessimistic because Mexico seems healthier than we thought they would be, or note the US's poor form recently, or question how JK is going to line up some ill fitting pieces, that would be reasonable.  Suggesting that the bleating of ignorant sheep will affect how well the back four controls Chicharito is ridiculous. 
 
dirtynine

dirtynine

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Thanks for the (initially) kind words, and yeah, there's nothing scientific or analytical there.  I've just been feeling dread around this particular game.  Some it is feeling lackluster about the team, some of it is injuries. And yes, some of it, frankly, is US overconfidence and unearned braggadocio, whether that be among the fans or the national federation.  The off-field narrative may not directly affect on-field performance but it does matter in the larger context.  
 
Your larger point is completely right, of course, and reading your response slapped me across the face a little bit, in a good way.  Ready to go. 
 
Dummy Hoy

Dummy Hoy

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dirtynine said:
Thanks for the (initially) kind words, and yeah, there's nothing scientific or analytical there.  I've just been feeling dread around this particular game.  Some it is feeling lackluster about the team, some of it is injuries. And yes, some of it, frankly, is US overconfidence and unearned braggadocio, whether that be among the fans or the national federation.  The off-field narrative may not directly affect on-field performance but it does matter in the larger context.  
 
Your larger point is completely right, of course, and reading your response slapped me across the face a little bit, in a good way.  Ready to go. 
Click to expand...
 
 
SoxFanInCali

SoxFanInCali

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California. Duh.
I'd feel better if it wasn't in the Rose Bowl. As if it wasn't going to be overwhelmingly Mexico supporters in the first place, I wonder if it being played opposite the Dodgers game will either keep some Americans home, or quiet while they are constantly checking their phones.
 
That said, #IBelieveThatWeWillWin.
 
Titans Bastard

Titans Bastard

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Bad start to the day.  U23s lost to Honduras 2-0 in the all-important semifinal.  The US will now play the loser of the Mexico/Canada game for 3rd place.  If they win that game, they'll play a one-off against Colombia in Rio for a place in the Olympics.
 
Crap game from the US.  Herzog's answer when down 2-0 was to sub in a big defensive midfielder (Alashe), presumably in hopes of nicking a set piece.  That sort of game...  At the first real test, the U23s didn't look like they had a plan and didn't look prepared to deal with adversity.  They had an emotional meltdown at the end - Herzog and the Honduran manager were sent off, and then the US engaged in some CONCACAF antics.
 
We used to be able to qualify for the Olympics using mostly college players.
 
Demoralizing. 
 
Joe D Reid

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If they fail to qualify for two competitions in the same day, the drumbeats will start up.
 
Titans Bastard

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Tangled Up In Red said:
Almost a 4-3-3 ? Or 4-1-3-1 with Jones wide?
Click to expand...
 
My thought based on that lineup would be a 4-4-2 diamond with Jones wide-ish on the right, but mostly pinching in to allow FJ to bomb forward.
 
One thing that worries me about this lineup is Beckerman's failing legs.  Jones and Zardes can't be relied upon to provide extensive defensive support and Michael Bradley can only do so many things at once.  I worry that Beckerman will be exposed without the help of someone with a better defensive workrate (like Bedoya).  If Bedoya had not fallen ill, I suspect he may have started over Zardes, in which case it would be the same team that started against Ghana except for the GK.
 
Early reports from the media types say that this crowd is alllllll Mexico.  Which should come as no surprise.  There was some brave talk of the crowd being 30% or 40% US fans, but it sounds like that's not happening.
 
Titans Bastard

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Mexico's 4-3-3:
 
https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/653004160271446016
 
 
Marquez starting at DM.
 
Get a red card, Rafa.....you know you want to.
 
Jed Zeppelin

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Safe lineup for sure, which tends to make me nervous in general but probably the right move at least to start a match like this.
 
Tangled Up In Red

Tangled Up In Red

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I would have Howard over Guzan without second thought.

Line up looks conservative, which as stated, is probably right. Can't believe were forced to rely on lead-boots Beckerman.
 
luckiestman

luckiestman

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Too many sports on tonight, Jesus Christ I'm getting a headache. Does this game start at 930 or is that when coverage starts?
 
SocrManiac

SocrManiac

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Guzan's magic dust wore off a long time ago. Howard hasn't been spectacular but he's a far better option.

I can't feel good about any eleven with Altidore in it.
 
Cellar-Door

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Jones and Beckerman together is very slow in midfield (especially since Bradley isn't exactly quick himself).
 
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