Toronto_Mike
Scent of a Woman
England/Italy o/u is at 2 oh my.
Guys found any interesting props yet?
Guys found any interesting props yet?
Simple answer to why ESPN does this and I'm sure I don't have to tell you. First ESPN has MLS and World Cup coverage. Of course they are gonna promote the best player in the league. Second you can't be ESPN and say the USA is really kind of fucked, you won't get the casual fan. I don't remember how many people watched last time. But I remember the number was pretty big against Ghana.
Moving onto the cheering against the USA. I don't think anyone here is really upset I just think it's strange. I personally don't care what Canada does in anyway shape or form. Only time I'm cheering against Canada is if my team is playing them or I have a bet on something. You not cheering against the USA can't be a serious statement. Look at your posts from when the draw happened. Your posts are in capital letters. It's clear jubilation from you and TM. The unrealistic expectations is a silly reason. I don't see it. I don't see anyone saying it's finals or bust. I don't see anyone saying much other then plotting on how the USA is gonna advance. You are doing the same with England, because naturally you a re a fan, and that makes sense.
well.....if the US is paired with Ghana we can just forget about it
Isnt Ivory Coast still playing with many guys from the 90s team, ie old?Ivory Coast and Ghana are still good
Isnt Ivory Coast still playing with many guys from the 90s team, ie old?
Cmon Mikey...disgusting?Alex the issue is simple, and you cannot deny there is plenty of homerism with the USNT, it's quite disgusting. Banter is fine but when you make comments that sway to being unrealistic then you are asking for backlash. If the fans were more humble then it wouldn't be such a problem but man every big tournament the US is in there's so much nonsense.
Again there is no Anti America it's trying to figure out what goes through the minds of unrealistic fans.
there's a difference between optimism and homerism. You see a ton of that in this forum be it in the NBA forum, NFL, CFB or CBB.
It's great to be optimistic and like you said everyone is optimistic if you aren't why are you at the WC right?
However the issue is that sometimes the posts become a bit comical and i've seen it since 2002. Each big event the US participates in there is a sense of ignorance like "we are better than you all"
If I recall someone here said the US would go far in the WC no matter who they face see now that's a bit of a ridiculous statement. As you said if the US make the Quarters that's quite an achievement, but when you look at this group specifically you cannot just think that getting out of this group is already an accomplishment no? The thing is where are they going to get the points?
Nope, I think they are bad but I don't cheer against the team
I dislike the hype ESPN gives to untalented players who are treated like gods of a 4th tier league (Landy Cakes)
what CarolinaGuy and what someone like Braves or Alex say who actually follow the sport is completely different
I think Ghana is overrated IMO......easy to do b/c they have knocked us out of the last 2 cups. We can hang with them and Portugal.
I think Ghana is overrated IMO......easy to do b/c they have knocked us out of the last 2 cups. We can hang with them and Portugal.
bro, you are jealous that our Country has grown in Soccer over the last twenty years and, well, some other country's have not. Plain and simple. Nobody is unrealistic about what the US can do in any match no matter what is at stake. It is not out of the realm of possibility for the US to advance (runner-up) out of their Group no matter what you say ... And you've said a plenty in this thread concerning the US. You bring a lot of knowledge and I enjoy (only) reading your soccer stuff. However, I'm gonna stop reading whatever it is you have to say about the Americans bc I can't say for a fact you don't have ulterior motives. Please tell me again how hated I am. Like I could give a shit. Lol.
Cmon Mikey...disgusting?
I was here at CTG for the WC all last time, and it wasnt out of control
The soccer forum gets alot of play at the time, and it seems like a time for the year round fans to sometimes "turn their nose up" to the casual fans(not saying you or anyone in particular...in fact you and manuk and many others were real cool at the time with explaining things etc..)
I look forward to the WC:shake:
the first line you make this statement is just rather comical.
If you are going to enter this convo at least have some knowledge of the game such like braves, alex, apolous, and rexy. You come in here with your patriotic view but not a football view at all.
If you wish to discuss the sport then do so without any bias or lack of knowledge, simple as that. I don't go into the CFB and start saying random shit.
Nope I never said that you are making an assumption.
I just said the US aren't going to qualify from the group and think that Ghana will beat them in the opening fixture. But some how it has become a political forum because I don't support the same colours you do.
Here's the issue how often do you watch the sport? When braves has something to say about the USNT I always am keen to read because he watches them more then me he also watches the MLS a ton so it's good to get his insights. But then in comes along you who have yet to contribute anything about the game rather then a nationalistic view of your country. Why are you getting so offended if someone doesn't believe your country will do well?
Quite simply put it, the suggestions have been made in this thread. The both offence and defence are suspect. YOu don't have to question the goalkeeping as Howard is one of the top and most consistent national team keepers in the world. The midfield is going to be very very discipline the only worry is can they keep up with pace? The attack of the Portugues and especially the Germans will pose a huge threat to that back line but most in here already pointed out that they have the best chance against Portugal rather than Germany. I mentioned that Portugal do not like playing against teams that don't create a lot of attacking options. If the US are patient enough to frustrate the Portuguese they can catch them on the counter, however if the Portuguese catch the US on the counter they are in massive trouble.
Now the game vs Ghana is going to be crucial for both sides. This is the game they both need to win…a draw is not the result either one want because they know getting 3 points Gerries and Portugal is going to be extremely difficult especially if you lose your opening game. I believe Teed had already mentioned the Gerries play the US in the last game, so lets say Gerries are through, don't think for one bit Low and Co would want to give a pass to the US, same goes with Klinsmann he wants to win that game.
Ghana is aging but it doesn't mean they don't have other kids coming up through their system, most think of Essien…guys he's been irrelevant for a few years now, plus he's ONLY 31 it's not like he's dying or anything.
Gyan and Ayew will cause problems for the US back line with their physical play, the Ghana midfield is no slouch either they are as good as the US if not slightly better. Thus the oddsmakers have this game right with the PK, Ghana doesn't have a HUGE advantage neither does the US.
The game is played in Natal which is a coastal town, it's not going to be hot, but it's going to be very humid as it generally rains more in the months of June and July. don't think anyone likes playing in humidity.
end of the day which team can maintain possession, which team can come back if they are down 0-1, which team can build a 1-0 lead, which team is more experienced, who has the better coach, who will come into the match without any key injuries?
You can see the US definitely have edges in many categories but not enough to say they will convincingly win. From a betting perspective I would be more than happy to take Ghana -0.25 but I don't expect them to win by 2 or more.
The in game option would be nice if someone scores very early. I think if Ghana does score first they will be VERY difficult to beat so personally I believe the US must score first in order to frustrate and open that game up because Ghana is not a superior attacking team.
No love for my country Ghana eh? lol Hakuna matata, "the day of the African Child" will be upon us soon.....
Why couldn't you have said this in place of what a handful of posters here at CTG called you out on over the last few days? World Cup is as much about ones country as the teams itself. It just is. Someone who writes for a living could do a much better job getting that point across than me, but I digress. You obviously have issues with Americans in general or you wouldn't seem to think "Americans hate Canadiens". AND I WASN'T THE ONLY GUY TO CALL YOU OUT. I was simply the only guy you wanted to engage.
How often do I watch the sport? For starters, I watched both morning matches in the E(B)PL yesterday. I watch way more than the casual fan, but I'm no where close to y'all's league. I have a bro-Lo who is from Ecuador so our common bond is drinking beer and talking soccer. I really don't know what else to say without getting too long winded. You asked.
as far as the Americans go in the WC, the Yanks will go as far as their defense will take them. Easily, it is the weakest link of the squad. More than once it has made an elite Tim Howard look average. It would be nice to see Altidore step his game up bc a lot of times you don't even know he is on the pitch and that is unacceptable from a guy who I think can be as dominant as anyone. If everyone had the drive and desire of Clint Dempsey (along with his skill), the Americans could walk to the semi's, but we know that ain't happening. Gotta beat Ghana and then put every ounce of your training and long hours into getting at least a tie with Portugal. Not gonna beat Germany unless something weird happens like the Germans get four red cards. Lol. I'd be surprised if the World Cup fan every four years could do any better than I just did, but I would expect one of you guys to go a little more in depth.
my god dude you seriously don't get it, so I say I don't think the US will qualify nor do I think they will beat Ghana all of a sudden I"m anti american? Jesus get a life man, why do you think its all about the US maybe you are the one that is a bit sensitive because you are being very defensive. Seriously man get real with this, it's annoying.
You are making a personal attack on me and I don't appreciate that what is your problem?
Apparently Manaus was ranked as one of the most dangerous places in the world too. Not sure what Brazil was thinking on this location. Only reasonable explanation is to boost local economy. Seems like it would be like the USA hosting the World Cup and setting all East Coast locations and then one in Los Angeles.
Travel wont be an issue IMO....US guys are used to flying cross country....DC to LA to NYC to KC etc. Might be an issue for teams that arent used to lots of plane travel (Ghana)
group F is the group of war crimes
i always love the soccer or hockey threads when the canadians true feelings about americans come out....be real all year fellas!