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Friday, February 01, 2013

OT: The Soccer Thread: February 2013

Well, it was on time last month!

RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) Posted: February 01, 2013 at 11:59 AM | 1499 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
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701. ursus arctos Posted: February 12, 2013 at 11:50 AM (#4367746)

Flip

702. puck Posted: February 12, 2013 at 12:02 PM (#4367772)

or I'll eat all my poseur soccer shirts.

I found a Cosmos warm up in a Ross in Colorado...I wonder how it made its way out here. It was the wrong size for me, unfortunately.

703. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: February 12, 2013 at 12:05 PM (#4367779)

Idle hands and all...

Defoe is far too short to play at being in a Guy Ritchie film.

704. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: February 12, 2013 at 02:01 PM (#4367975)

Mean spirited, but kind of funny

edit: I got 11 out of 14, btw.

705. I am going to be Frank Posted: February 12, 2013 at 03:04 PM (#4368038)

Which game should I watch live today? I feel like watching Zlatan trumps any potential upset in Glasgow.

706. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 12, 2013 at 03:05 PM (#4368041)

There will be no upset in Glasgow.

707. Swedish Chef Posted: February 12, 2013 at 03:45 PM (#4368104)

Anzhi director: QPR 'out of their minds' to pay Christopher Samba fee

It's bad when Anzhi thinks you're spending carelessly. It's like getting lectured by Gazza for your drinking problem.

708. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: February 12, 2013 at 03:50 PM (#4368111)

Some clownshoes from Celtic there. They had started off on the front foot, too.

709. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 12, 2013 at 03:56 PM (#4368117)

Some clownshoes from Celtic there. They had started off on the front foot, too.

It's like I'm psychic.

710. Textbook Editor Posted: February 12, 2013 at 04:02 PM (#4368122)

This is where giving up away goals in 1st legs at home just kills you.

I wouldn't say Juventus looks all that solid at the back so far; goals could come...

711. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 12, 2013 at 04:07 PM (#4368130)

This is where giving up away goals in 1st legs at home just kills you.

I wouldn't say Juventus looks all that solid at the back so far; goals could come...

Away goals can only hurt the home-first team, if they actually score at home. e.g. if the score stays 0:1, there is no possible way Celtic can lose on away goals.

712. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 12, 2013 at 04:11 PM (#4368136)

It looks to me like Celtic are playing a 4-3-3, with Forrest and Commons flanking Hooper in very advanced positions. They're creating a lot of chances against the Juventus back three, but there's a lot of pressure on the defenders when they lose possessio.

713. I am going to be Frank Posted: February 12, 2013 at 04:28 PM (#4368156)

Valencia's goalkeeper is terrible. They've been controlling the game but Liverpooling their chances.

714. I am going to be Frank Posted: February 12, 2013 at 04:40 PM (#4368171)

Is anyone else having problems with the audio on the Celtic game?

715. SuperGrover Posted: February 12, 2013 at 04:59 PM (#4368198)

Valencia's goalkeeper is terrible. They've been controlling the game but Liverpooling their chances.

According to ESPN the shot numbers are 6(4 on target) for PSG and 5(0) for Valencia. Those accurate?

716. Arnett Mead (Arjun) Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:09 PM (#4368211)

Valencia's goalkeeper is terrible.

He's playing really terribly today. I don't know quite what's up; I've seen games where he was really, really good, too.

In case anyone cares, NWSL schedule is out. The NWSL website has players listed for each team, but I guess they all haven't signed yet? I'm not entirely sure. All White Kit is doing some team previews, the first one was Boston.

717. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:15 PM (#4368221)

Is anyone else having problems with the audio on the Celtic game?

I'm not watching now but early on the audio was a couple of seconds behind the video.

718. SuperGrover Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:18 PM (#4368224)

Gut told me to bet on Juve-Celtic under and PSG. I ignored my gut. I am a fool.

In case you care, gut says Shak-Bor draw and over in the RM-MUN game. I will probably be wrong.

719. I am going to be Frank Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:21 PM (#4368226)

Valencia has had a lot of possession, but can't break down PSG's defense once they get close to the box. Neither one of Valencia's fullbacks can cross. Whenever PSG gets the ball they create very good chances.

720. Textbook Editor Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:27 PM (#4368229)

And the dream dies.

721. Textbook Editor Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:28 PM (#4368231)

What's the total goals line for RM-MUN? If it's 3.5 or less, I'd certainly bet the over.

722. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:29 PM (#4368232)

They've been controlling the game but Liverpooling their chances.

Same could be said about Celtic. Brutal, but they are toast now.

723. SuperGrover Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:32 PM (#4368235)

Ooooo, maybe I wasn't so stupid to ignore my guy after all!

My book has it at o3 -110/u3 -130 (yes I pay 40 cent lines for the privilege of losing "points" here in the States). The Shaktar-Borussa draw is just +200.

724. SuperGrover Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:32 PM (#4368236)

Oh and United is +375. That seems to be an awfully large number to me. I don't expect them to win, but I certainly don't see them as THAT big of a dog.

725. I am going to be Frank Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:35 PM (#4368238)

Wowowow... Zlatan just got a straight red

726. Arnett Mead (Arjun) Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:36 PM (#4368240)

Neither one of Valencia's fullbacks can cross.

Statistics from this match according to WhoScored: Guardado has 9 crosses/3 accurate crosses, Pereira has 7 crosses/0 accurate crosses (I'm trying to find what the average is, but can't seem to locate it).

EDIT: Here's an article from last year about accuracy percentages for crosses.

727. SuperGrover Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:36 PM (#4368241)

BTW, Celtic has 3 more shots on target than Juventus (7-4). It also looks like they have double the shots in the box (8 to 4 counting on ESPN's Gamecast pitch). The numbers indicate this score is not fair.

728. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:38 PM (#4368246)

BTW, Celtic has 3 more shots on target than Juventus (7-4). It also looks like they have double the shots in the box (8 to 4 counting on ESPN's Gamecast pitch). The numbers indicate this score is not fair.

They've pretty much dominated the game, especially in the second half. Juve has just punished them every time they set a foot wrong.

729. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:41 PM (#4368250)

Celtic - Juve via whoscored
0 Offsides 6
12 Fouls 12
10 Corners 4
27 Throw ins 15
13 Dribbles 3
23 Tackles 17
82% Pass Success 79%
40% Aerial Success 60%
55% Possession 45%

730. SuperGrover Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:44 PM (#4368254)

What is the suspension for red in UCL? Single game I presume?

731. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 12, 2013 at 05:49 PM (#4368264)

What is the suspension for red in UCL? Single game I presume?

Minimum is one. Disciplinary body can add to that at their discretion.

732. Mefisto Posted: February 12, 2013 at 07:10 PM (#4368330)

In case anyone cares, NWSL schedule is out. The NWSL website has players listed for each team, but I guess they all haven't signed yet? I'm not entirely sure. All White Kit is doing some team previews, the first one was Boston.

I don't believe they are all signed yet, and I doubt they're final. I think we'll still see some movement.

Good link on the previews. Thanks.

733. Mattbert Posted: February 12, 2013 at 08:44 PM (#4368385)

I've watched the replay of the Ibra incident about ten times, and I think I've changed my mind about it each time. At first I thought it was slightly harsh and a booking would have done, but then I thought he intentionally went over the ball to stamp on the Valencia player, but then I noticed the ball had a ton of backspin on it so maybe he just misjudged it, but then...bleh.

734. ursus arctos Posted: February 12, 2013 at 10:31 PM (#4368433)

Reputation can be determinative in such situations, and he has one for both recklessness and nastiness.

735. Borussia, Du bist so wunderschön! (Mark Edward) Posted: February 13, 2013 at 11:33 AM (#4368656)

Bad Dortmund news:
- Ilkay Gundogan is out. That's not good at all.

Good Dortmund news:
- Marcel Schmelzer will play.
- Nevin Subotic is back!

I'd expect a lineup of:
Lewandowski
Gotze - Reus - Kuba
Sahin - Kehl
Schmelzer - Hummels - Subotic - Piszczek
Weidenfeller

736. Sean Forman Posted: February 13, 2013 at 12:10 PM (#4368701)

Ibra didn't complain a whole lot FWIW.

I'm wondering if here in Philly I can watch the game at work. I have xfinity and fox sports at home. Will it be on the xfinity app or do I have to pony up for fox soccer?

737. JuanGone..except1game Posted: February 13, 2013 at 12:13 PM (#4368705)

Great news for Nigeria. Their federations took pessimisim to a whole new level. That squad will be competitive during World Cup.

738. Sean Forman Posted: February 13, 2013 at 12:20 PM (#4368714)

Just checked and foxsoccer2go has a free 7 day trial (with probably the hardest to find cancellation on earth) starting today.

739. I am going to be Frank Posted: February 13, 2013 at 12:25 PM (#4368720)

Statistics from this match according to WhoScored: Guardado has 9 crosses/3 accurate crosses, Pereira has 7 crosses/0 accurate crosses (I'm trying to find what the average is, but can't seem to locate it).

Crosses from the flank into the box are always going to be a low percentage. Not sure what is construed as an accurate cross (target touches the ball?), but Pereira's were really bad - not even close to any Valencia player. Guardado was marginally better but PSG were giving the fullbacks a fair amount of space and it wasn't pretty. Valencia did get a goal back, so they aren't totally out of it.

I'm really scared of Ozil today. United's defense/midfield isn't the most mobile and with Ozil dragging players all over the place its going to leave a lot of gaps. Add in Di Maria and Ronaldo's dribbling ability its a bad matchup.

I hope Fergie goes:
RVP
Rooney
Cleverly - Carrick - Jones - Valencia
Evra - Vidic - Rio - Rafael
De Gea

Not sure what Jones' availability is. I think I would rather have Evans then Rio at this point but that's a little too much to ask. I'm going to be angry if Giggs starts.

740. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 13, 2013 at 12:29 PM (#4368725)

Reus usually play more outside when both him and Götze are starting, though it's fluid. I expect Klopp to pick Bender over Sahin.

741. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 13, 2013 at 12:33 PM (#4368729)

Ibra didn't complain a whole lot FWIW.

I'm always amazed at how little protest seems to go up on a red card. Considering how stiff the penalty is both in the current game to go down a man and in the future for the automatic suspension the baseball-style freak out doesn't seem to happen very often. Generally guys just look bemused, stand there for a minute and walk off. Teammates often put up some fight but it's not as fierce as the penalty would seem to warrant.

742. JuanGone..except1game Posted: February 13, 2013 at 12:43 PM (#4368737)

I'm wondering if here in Philly I can watch the game at work. I have xfinity and fox sports at home. Will it be on the xfinity app or do I have to pony up for fox soccer?

Same boat here. I was considering going to Tir Na Nog this afternoon, but some jackass here decided to schedule a 3pm meeting (People and there bad priorities). I will probably take frequent bathroom breaks throughout that meeting for scoring updates.

743. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 13, 2013 at 12:43 PM (#4368738)

If you have a "baseball-style freak out" in football, you can tack 3 games on to your suspension.

744. JuanGone..except1game Posted: February 13, 2013 at 12:50 PM (#4368744)

I hope Fergie goes:
RVP
Rooney
Cleverly - Carrick - Jones - Valencia
Evra - Vidic - Rio - Rafael
De Gea

I'm still of the belief that you need to play a 4-2-3-1 with Jones shading over to the Right. I know that its cliched, but I think stopping Ronaldo is the first and second priority for stopping Real in this match.

745. Randy Jones

Posted: February 13, 2013 at 12:56 PM (#4368749)

I'd like to see Jones on as a DMF with orders to treat Ronaldo the same way Pepe treats Messi in Clasicos.

746. JuanGone..except1game Posted: February 13, 2013 at 12:57 PM (#4368750)

I'd like to see Jones on as a DMF with orders to treat Ronaldo the same way Pepe treats Messi in Clasicos.

I'm sure that Ronaldo rather likes his hands.

747. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 13, 2013 at 01:00 PM (#4368755)

The problem is that if Jones shifts over too much to the right, you're leaving Michael Carrick as the primary protection for the back line against Mesut Özil and Angel di Maria. I'd suggest that given Valencia's awesome workrate and strong defensive skills, United should sit back in a more balanced system and force Madrid to break them down. If they're already sitting back, Ronaldo won't have as much room to run into, anyway.

Fergie used the unbalanced midfield / three-on-one defense against a left winger in the Spurs game, and it opened up enough space that Lennon, Defoe, and Dempsey all put significant pressure on the goal. If he goes with that same system, but the other attackers are now Karim Benzema, Özil, and di Maria, with balls coming in from Xabi Alonso behind them, it's going to go very poorly.

748. Mefisto Posted: February 13, 2013 at 01:01 PM (#4368756)

I'm still of the belief that you need to play a 4-2-3-1 with Jones shading over to the Right. I know that its cliched, but I think stopping Ronaldo is the first and second priority for stopping Real in this match.

Yes. I expect the defensive pairing to be Rio and Evans for the additional mobility. Otherwise the lineup in 739 looks right unless Young comes in for Valencia.

749. JuanGone..except1game Posted: February 13, 2013 at 01:08 PM (#4368766)

Fergie used the three-on-one defense against a left winger in the Spurs game, and it opened up enough space that Lennon, Defoe, and Dempsey all put significant pressure on the goal. If he goes with that same system, but the other attackers are now Karim Benzema, Özil, and di Maria, with balls coming in from Xabi Alonso behind them, it's going to go very poorly.

Another key is going to be Rooney at least pestering Xabi. Xabi has always been one of my few favorite non-Chelsea players, even at Liverpool. When he has a great outlet like Ozil, he can be devestating. Him almost single handedly breaking the Bridge's 4 year home streak still haunts me.

750. Borussia, Du bist so wunderschön! (Mark Edward) Posted: February 13, 2013 at 01:12 PM (#4368776)

Reus usually play more outside when both him and Götze are starting, though it's fluid. I expect Klopp to pick Bender over Sahin.

Bender had a really bad game Saturday, though he was playing out of position. Sahin hasn't looked out of place since joining the team.

751. Mefisto Posted: February 13, 2013 at 02:09 PM (#4368832)

Another key is going to be Rooney at least pestering Xabi.

Rooney's pretty undisciplined for this role, and his failures have cost Utd in the past. I wonder if SAF will actually put Rooney on the left and let him use his energy tracking di Maria (and vice versa). Kagawa would be much more effective on Xabi. Alternatively, he could let Cleverly mark Xabi and have Rooney chase di Maria.

It's a tricky problem, and I note that we're all wondering how Utd will stop Real, rather than the other way around. That says a lot.

752. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 13, 2013 at 02:36 PM (#4368856)

Well Real is the better side, I don't think there is much doubt about that. But it's not by so much that an upset would shock me. And United to have several guys, who can swing a tie by themselves, most notably RVP. And never bet against Sir Alex, he always seems to find a rabbit to pull out of his hat from somewhere.

753. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:16 PM (#4368901)

Totally balls-out squad selection by SAF. (Phrasing.) I'm guessing a 4-2-3-1 based on personnel, and based on the fact that you can't start a right-sided forward against Madrid, the guy on the right needs to have major defensive responsibilities. Big opportunity for Welbeck, but I'm kind of shocked Valencia isn't in there.

De Gea; Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra; Jones, Carrick; Rooney, Kagawa, Welbeck; Van Persie

Real Madrid start the expected XI. (EDIT: No, one change, Varane in for Pepe at CB. Who's Varane?)

754. Arnett Mead (Arjun) Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:25 PM (#4368926)

(EDIT: No, one change, Varane in for Pepe at CB. Who's Varane?)

19 year-old French center back, Raphael. Was phenomenal in the Clasico two weeks ago. They signed him a couple of years back directly from France.

755. DA Baracus is gritty and hits with RISP Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:34 PM (#4368938)

Celtic's done but they virtually cleared all their debt making it this far. I think they're quite pleased overall.

756. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:37 PM (#4368939)

Wow that's a ballsy lineup for SAF. Is Rooney starting on the left? I presume so as that seems to be the better matchup (as others have mentioned). Welbeck and Rafael on the right is...interesting.

BTW, the over is now -125 (from -110 yesterday). And United down to +350. And Shak-Bor draw down to +185.

757. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:38 PM (#4368942)

Santana in for Subotic. Bender starts. Otherwise Dortmund as expected.

758. Arnett Mead (Arjun) Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:38 PM (#4368943)

Also, while the men's Champions League Final was prohibitively expensive/tickets were gone before I could refresh, the women's final (also here, at Stamford Bridge) has very available ten pound tickets all around. I'm seriously contemplating going (if I can make the date work...there's a good chance that I'll be busy on May 23rd).

759. Mefisto Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:40 PM (#4368944)

Wellbeck is fresh and he'll run forever. It's a reasonable choice. I'm guessing Rooney will be on the left with Kagawa to mark Xabi.

760. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:43 PM (#4368947)

Wellbeck is fresh and he'll run forever.

Can he defend with Valencia though? I don't feel informed enough to comment but it seems like a legitimate question.

BTW, I am already hating Gus Johnson on this broadcast.

761. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:47 PM (#4368952)

Rooney is playing on the right. Now THAT is interesting. SAF ain't kidding about this being a game with goals.

762. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:51 PM (#4368954)

Tons of space out there for Real...this could be fun.

763. I am going to be Frank Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:54 PM (#4368955)

Its too open. I guess Kagawa would be better in keeping possession but Rooney and Welbeck out wide can and has been exposed.

764. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:56 PM (#4368957)

The Rooney-Rafael pairing on the right already looks messy. Rafael getting way up front with little back tracking by Rooney.

765. Arnett Mead (Arjun) Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:57 PM (#4368960)

Aaaand of course our Sky box is broken. Wonderful.

766. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 03:58 PM (#4368963)

This page usually has some fairly good streams.

767. Mattbert Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:02 PM (#4368965)

Valencia has been seriously out of sorts this season. I don't think Ferguson trusts him right now. If this was last season, Valencia would probably have been one of the first names on the team sheet.

768. Arnett Mead (Arjun) Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:02 PM (#4368966)

Thanks. Apparently you can watch Skysports online with your normal username and stuff, so I guess it's not a big issue, but thanks for the link! I'll store that one.

769. Mefisto Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:03 PM (#4368967)

Can he defend with Valencia though?

I guess we'll find out. But since he's on the left, I'm thinking the real question is Rooney.

770. I am going to be Frank Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:05 PM (#4368968)

Wow... has Madrid been bad on set pieces this year? Ramos didn't even jump.

771. Mefisto Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:05 PM (#4368969)

Who gives a #### about how Welbeck defends.

772. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:05 PM (#4368970)

And Welbeck with the goal. Real dominating early but the goal on the set piece. Nuts.

773. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:07 PM (#4368971)

Who gives a #### about how Welbeck defends.

LOL.

774. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:09 PM (#4368972)

Rafael looks like a boy in a man's game trying to defend Ronaldo.

775. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:10 PM (#4368974)

Meanwhile in the Ukraine, it appears from the numbers that Borussa is dominating so far.

776. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:13 PM (#4368977)

True, but I could use a goal here though. Would make me much calmer.

777. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:15 PM (#4368981)

Matter of time. Great athleticism. That's something few can match.

778. I am going to be Frank Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:15 PM (#4368983)

Well the equalizer was coming. Rooney allowing the cross to come in too easily.

779. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:18 PM (#4368985)

Not what I had in mind.

780. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:22 PM (#4368988)

What happened there FPH?

781. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:23 PM (#4368991)

Srna freekick from 25 yards or so. Poor goalkeeping.

782. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 04:28 PM (#4368995)

And there you go Fancy Pants!

783. I am going to be Frank Posted: February 13, 2013 at 05:04 PM (#4369027)

I don't know how De Gea just got that save. Running to his right while somehow simultaneously leaning to the left makes a kick save to his right.

784. I am going to be Frank Posted: February 13, 2013 at 05:15 PM (#4369035)

Two great chances for RvP.

785. President of the David Eckstein Fan Club Posted: February 13, 2013 at 05:15 PM (#4369036)

Man, that's the kind of chance you'd think RVP would bury

786. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: February 13, 2013 at 05:32 PM (#4369050)

Well, that saves at least something from the game. Shouldd really be up 2 by now, hope that doesn't come back to haunt them in the return leg.

787. Mefisto Posted: February 13, 2013 at 05:40 PM (#4369054)

Weird time call there.

788. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 05:46 PM (#4369056)

A bit confused by second half tactics. Both managers seemed to play for the draw. The away goal for United means nothing unless the reverse fixture is 0-0 (which it won't be). Seemed both were content with resolving at Old Trafford.

With that said still plenty of chances. I feel a bit crocked that my over bet didn't at least push. Should have probably been a 2-2 game.

789. Mefisto Posted: February 13, 2013 at 06:50 PM (#4369124)

I understand why Utd would pack it in for the second half, but Madrid looked completely bereft of ideas.

There could have been more goals. I thought both goalies were terrific.

790. SuperGrover Posted: February 13, 2013 at 07:15 PM (#4369138)

Yeah I should have clarified that United's tactics made sense as they were dominated in the first half. Real though seemed to forego any real pressure from their fullbacks and instead relied upon the front 6 to break United down. Considering there were often 10 men behind the ball, seemed like a doomed strategy.

Of course, I am saying that through gambling tinted eyes, so take with a grain of salt.

791. Arnett Mead (Arjun) Posted: February 13, 2013 at 08:08 PM (#4369168)

Very interesting point on David De Gea in ZM's writeup on United-Madrid:

Van Persie could have won it with two late chances, which came about following a quick United attack – but the real star was De Gea. His centre-backs did well, but the Spaniard was still forced to make at least two top-class saves, and a succession of other decent stops.

His performance tonight showed exactly why Ferguson signed him, but in a way this was a demonstration of the fact De Gea isn’t a natural Manchester United goalkeeper. He’s always been capable of these brilliant saves, but it’s extremely rare United require their goalkeeper to make a succession of fine stops (previous goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar wasn’t as agile, but had more of a presence about him when taking aerial balls, and playing the ball with his feet, which is the kind of thing United require more consistently from their keeper).

By playing for such a dominant side, De Gea is unable to show his best attribute on a regular basis within one game – but when United do have their backs against the wall, he’s a fine safety net.

792. Mefisto Posted: February 13, 2013 at 09:14 PM (#4369198)

De Gea gets a lot of grief, but as I've said before, he's the best reaction shot blocker I've ever seen.

793. Arnett Mead (Arjun) Posted: February 13, 2013 at 09:41 PM (#4369208)

Kim Little is the best player on the Scottish team by a mile; I'm not surprised at all that she got onto Team GB over the summer (and played pretty well for them). She's just really composed and a very incisive passer.

794. Mefisto Posted: February 13, 2013 at 10:09 PM (#4369220)

The US looks awful up front and in the midfield. The back line is keeping it together pretty well, but Scotland aren't exactly WC finalists.

795. Arnett Mead (Arjun) Posted: February 13, 2013 at 10:16 PM (#4369222)

That's the third through-ball I can remember from Little where the Scottish player she was passing to was a foot offside and, had the player been onside, the player would have been out behind the US defence.

Yeah, I agree. I think Leroux's been pretty good (she's just far faster than any other player on the field) but otherwise...(and, as I type this, they of course have a nice little flowing move to score).

Krieger's been good both going forward and defensively, though, which is a very good sign.

796. Mefisto Posted: February 13, 2013 at 10:16 PM (#4369223)

Just wondering how crow tastes.

797. Arnett Mead (Arjun) Posted: February 13, 2013 at 10:20 PM (#4369225)

It was worse earlier in the game, where I was saying out loud "Rapinoe is having the worst game I've ever seen her play...she hasn't had a single touch that wasn't behind a US player or directly to a Scottish player" and her next touch was the goal.

798. Mefisto Posted: February 13, 2013 at 10:28 PM (#4369228)

Syd isn't as clinical as Morgan.

799. Mefisto Posted: February 13, 2013 at 10:28 PM (#4369230)

Press might be, though. :)

800. Arnett Mead (Arjun) Posted: February 13, 2013 at 10:41 PM (#4369239)

And, of course, NOW the attack is fluid, high-pace, and one-touch.

It's a shame that Press won't be playing in the US this year.

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