BBTF's Newsblog Discussion :: OT: The Soccer Thread, March 2013

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Friday, March 01, 2013

OT: The Soccer Thread, March 2013

Update your bookmarks, it’s the soccer thread.

Football hipster word of the month: Catenaccio
THTF news: Two months of fixture hell begin in which Spursin’ it up becomes all too possible
Shooty news: He’s decided to follow Real Zaragoza, because that’s totally not a hipster choice
Hamburglar / French Freiburg news: I still find both puns funny. Monthly updates to follow
News news: I am now done with the bit.

Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: March 01, 2013 at 05:02 PM | 800 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: off-topic, soccer

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501. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:25 PM (#4394758)

In this weather I can't imagine getting hit with a direct kick from 10 yards away is a pleasant experience.

502. Baldrick Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:25 PM (#4394759)

This is truly absurd.

503. Mefisto Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:26 PM (#4394760)

Can't say I'm surprised.

504. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:27 PM (#4394761)

Well ####.

505. Dale Sams Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:27 PM (#4394762)

I'm going to assume the ball isn't one of the ones we had as a kid that would turn into a rock when the temperature plummeted. After all, people are still heading the ball without getting concussions.

506. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:29 PM (#4394763)

As a US fan I'm glad they're playing on but these are pretty ridiculous conditions.

507. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:30 PM (#4394764)

What strikes me is that the halftime break didn't seem to make a meaningful impact on the condition of the field. My expectation is they would be out there with their zamboni/plow thing and the shovels and at least the first 15 minutes would be OK. With that thought maybe you stop the game at about 65-70 minutes and re-clear the field.

That doesn't seem to have happened. The field was just as bad in the 46th minute as it was in the 45th.

508. Borussia, Du bist so wunderschön! (Mark Edward) Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:32 PM (#4394765)

I mean, I might be underestimating the situation, but the players don't exactly look like they're in "dangerous" conditions here; if anything they look very cautious right now.

509. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:33 PM (#4394768)

Well they're playing cautiously because it is so dangerous. I think the saving grace is that the field is so slick that there is no way to plant one leg and have the other leg twist or something on that order. Once you start to slide, you go down.

510. Textbook Editor Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:33 PM (#4394769)

TE Jr. is going to freak out when he watches this over breakfast tomorrow morning... It's like some sort of bizarro soccer world...

511. The Yankee Clapper Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:35 PM (#4394771)

Not much of a soccer fan, but SNOW SOCCER could be pretty cool . . . if I could see the ball a bit better. No yellow or orange?

512. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:36 PM (#4394773)

The ball is yellow. Someone mentioned on the previous page that the red ball is Adidas and that Nike is sponsoring tonight's ball (or vice versa).

The yellow really isn't helping much.

513. Biff, highly-regarded young guy Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:36 PM (#4394774)

US gets a free kick, ref blows for a foul on the US right after the delivery. Seems inevitable at this point.

514. Baldrick Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:37 PM (#4394775)

Here's a corner. I wonder if there will be a foul called on the delivery.

515. zack Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:38 PM (#4394776)

I'm still waiting for a 25 foot slide tackle.

516. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:40 PM (#4394777)

That could be red very easily. US caught a break there.

517. zack Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:40 PM (#4394778)

Jones is such an ass, but the sno-fro is awesome.

518. Biff, highly-regarded young guy Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:40 PM (#4394779)

A red for Jones wouldn't have been unjustified there but he escaped without a card. What the hell was he doing?

519. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:42 PM (#4394781)

I thought he was on. I thought the player on the near side played him on but there was no way the linesman could see that.

On the subject of off sides, while I'm not complaining, it seems like there should have at least been a discussion on Dempsey's goal.

520. Baldrick Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:42 PM (#4394782)

The 'pace' of this game is crazy. It's like watching grainy old film from the 20s or something, when the pitches were just huge mud-pits, and players mostly didn't run.

521. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:44 PM (#4394783)

Gotta chase every ball right now. Even if it looks like it's headed out it may not roll all the way.

522. Borussia, Du bist so wunderschön! (Mark Edward) Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:47 PM (#4394785)

3 strikers?

EDIT: Beasley's having a hell of a game for someone who probably hasn't played LB in a meaningful game in some time.

523. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:48 PM (#4394787)

Great play by Guzan. That's a highly risky pass by Bradley, pass back to the keeper and he slips and bang its in the net. Good work by Guzan to stay stable on his feet and boot it away to safety.

524. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:50 PM (#4394788)

I was trying to figure out who the blonde guy wearing 13 was, that's just Jermaine Jones.

If anyone else is wondering (I was so I went back and checked) ESPN's clock was stopped during the abandon or not discussion so that 78 minutes should be fairly accurate.

525. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:52 PM (#4394789)

Man of the Match - Ground Crew

526. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:54 PM (#4394790)

Jones did a job tonight. Not a fan of his but he had a good game.

527. Dale Sams Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:59 PM (#4394791)

Snow (and mud) soccer was always fun.

528. zack Posted: March 22, 2013 at 11:59 PM (#4394793)

This color guy is such a ####### homer.

529. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 23, 2013 at 12:00 AM (#4394795)

Harkes was the same way when he was doing the color. I get the passion but a little fairness would be useful.

530. zack Posted: March 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM (#4394796)

hey guys, it's snowing.

531. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 23, 2013 at 12:07 AM (#4394800)

Whew. That was ugly but beautiful all at once.

532. Borussia, Du bist so wunderschön! (Mark Edward) Posted: March 23, 2013 at 12:08 AM (#4394801)

Well that was fun.

533. Textbook Editor Posted: March 23, 2013 at 12:08 AM (#4394802)

SPURS THINK FACTORY

Put a shirt on Dempsey!

534. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 23, 2013 at 12:09 AM (#4394804)

Give Klinsmann credit, he got the decision right with Demarcus Beasley and really the entire backline. Jermaine Jones also had a good game among guys who get a fair amount of grief.

535. Mefisto Posted: March 23, 2013 at 12:10 AM (#4394805)

I've seen some pretty bad pitches in youth soccer, but that might top them all.

536. Mefisto Posted: March 23, 2013 at 12:10 AM (#4394806)

But it was fun to watch. And kudos to Beasley, who did a great job notwithstanding my doubts.

537. Borussia, Du bist so wunderschön! (Mark Edward) Posted: March 23, 2013 at 12:16 AM (#4394810)

Yeah Beasley was great. I'm still worried about Tuesday (especially with Cameron's lackluster play) but even with the regular starters in I'd be worried.

538. puck Posted: March 23, 2013 at 02:11 AM (#4394840)

That ball bounces ... like the field is frozen ... which it most likely is (I have no idea if any MSL pitches have undersoil heating)

Dick's Sporting Goods Park has under soil heating.

Just got back...that was kind of crazy.

539. puck Posted: March 23, 2013 at 02:29 AM (#4394844)

Jesus is the ref going to let a free kick come into the box without blowing the US for something?

Yeah, what the hell was going on with this? I couldn't tell if they were real fouls.

540. puck Posted: March 23, 2013 at 02:32 AM (#4394845)

What strikes me is that the halftime break didn't seem to make a meaningful impact on the condition of the field. My expectation is they would be out there with their zamboni/plow thing and the shovels and at least the first 15 minutes would be OK. With that thought maybe you stop the game at about 65-70 minutes and re-clear the field.

That doesn't seem to have happened. The field was just as bad in the 46th minute as it was in the 45th.

They had two gators w/plows (or whatever you call those vehicles). Those guys cleared the box. 10-15 people with shovels cleared the center circle and center strip of the field. The snow was really coming down, though, and covered it pretty quickly.

541. puck Posted: March 23, 2013 at 02:44 AM (#4394847)

Dempsey's shot deflected off Roy Miller? Hilarious. People were saying all week he'd be CR's anti-talisman, given some of his plays for NYRB, esp. his "intentional" encroachment in the box negating his GK's save of a PK, leading to a successful re-take.

542. Mefisto Posted: March 23, 2013 at 01:00 PM (#4394962)

Even more credit to Beasley: he was knocked out on that play and chipped a tooth.

543. The John Wetland Memorial Death (CoB) Posted: March 23, 2013 at 01:20 PM (#4394968)

The Italy v Brazil friendly was a boatload of fun ...

544. vortex of dissipation Posted: March 23, 2013 at 01:27 PM (#4394971)

Theo Walcott has a tear in "a very unusual area" in "his pelvic area", according to Roy Hodgson:

"And right at the start of training yesterday, Theo Walcott was crossing a ball. The pitch was slippy, he followed up the cross and immediately felt a twinge in his pelvic area.

"We took him for a scan today and there's a slight tear in a very unusual area.

"He's going back home, but hopefully he won't be out for too long."

Sounds slightly embarrassing, and I'm not sure I'd want that made public...

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1385112/rio-ferdinand-criticises-england-and-roy-hodgson?cc=5901

545. puck Posted: March 23, 2013 at 01:35 PM (#4394974)

Even more credit to Beasley: he was knocked out on that play and chipped a tooth.

Someone tweeted back that he should replace it with gold tooth. He replied, "haha that was hilarious!! I jus might do!"

I saw a pic of a pretty good laceration on Jones's calf. I guess he got spiked on that play in the 1st where he went down and down again a short while later.

546. Spivey Posted: March 23, 2013 at 02:44 PM (#4394990)

What happened to Beasley? I remember in the early to mid-aughts he looked like he had a chance to be a regular Champion's League player. I guess he just didn't improve?

I thought Altidore was really good. His work effort is really high, and he's a great hold man. Really, a few years back he was one of those strikers where you'd say "He does everything but score". And now he's in form as far as scoring goes. He needs to start every WCQ.

547. Darkness and the howling fantods Posted: March 23, 2013 at 02:45 PM (#4394991)

The Italy v Brazil friendly was a boatload of fun ...

Croatia v Serbia is also worth checking out. The game is just ok, but it's Croatia/Serbia for the first time ever...

548. AuntBea Posted: March 23, 2013 at 02:45 PM (#4394992)

Dempsey's shot deflected off Roy Miller? Hilarious. People were saying all week he'd be CR's anti-talisman, given some of his plays for NYRB, esp. his "intentional" encroachment in the box negating his GK's save of a PK, leading to a successful re-take.

This might be the single most stupid thing I have ever heard of done by a professional soccer player, or any soccer player for that matter. I guess I should qualify that with the phrase "on the field".

549. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 23, 2013 at 03:09 PM (#4394998)

I hadn't seen that play involving Miller. Wow is that stupid.

550. Dale Sams Posted: March 23, 2013 at 04:32 PM (#4395022)

I hadn't seen that play involving Miller. Wow is that stupid.

I've had league refs give a free kick due to the kicking teams infringement, rather than order a retake. But I've never seen someone at that high a level not know the rules.

551. madvillain Posted: March 23, 2013 at 04:42 PM (#4395026)

I thought Altidore was really good. His work effort is really high, and he's a great hold man. Really, a few years back he was one of those strikers where you'd say "He does everything but score". And now he's in form as far as scoring goes. He needs to start every WCQ.

His improvement since joining AZ is nothing short of outstanding. He's scored goals in pretty much every fashion for them: precise headers, left footed finesse, from combo plays, great individual runs, etc.

If the US can figure out a way to get him the ball in half the good spots AZ does he'll score 5 or 6 goals in qualifying. And agreed, last night he was really the only guy that could hold it up in the final 1/3 and obviously his low hard shot early led to easy tap in for the ultimate poacher Clint.

552. Darkness and the howling fantods Posted: March 23, 2013 at 04:45 PM (#4395027)

Looks like Costa Rica is going to file a protest.

553. Dale Sams Posted: March 23, 2013 at 04:48 PM (#4395030)

In related news. Apparently some Red Sox players don't know you don't call the infield fly rule on bunts.

554. RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) Posted: March 23, 2013 at 05:14 PM (#4395042)

Looks like Costa Rica is going to file a protest.

Does that have any chance of being upheld? My assumption is basically not, that FIFA is loathe to overturn results short of actual fraud. But I freely admit I don't have any idea.

555. Borussia, Du bist so wunderschön! (Mark Edward) Posted: March 23, 2013 at 05:18 PM (#4395044)

Looks like Costa Rica is going to file a protest.

This was mentioned in the article, but around the 55th minute the ref stopped play to confer with the game commissioner, the players, and coaches. I can't lip-read, but none of the Costa Ricans seemed too upset that the ref decided to continue the match. Of course, this was during a time in the match when it looked like Costa Rica was on the verge of scoring.

If I was a Costa Rican player/coach, I would've been adamant about abandoning the match then and there. Your chances of scoring in those conditions, even with a majority of the possession, are slim. As a US fan, however, I'm glad they kept playing.

Bill Hamid's having an excellent game for DC United today. Actually this whole DCU-Columbus game has been entertaining.

556. Swedish Chef Posted: March 23, 2013 at 05:35 PM (#4395051)

If I was a Costa Rican player/coach, I would've been adamant about abandoning the match then and there.

It's better to just lose the game than to risk sanctions for walking out.

557. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 23, 2013 at 05:58 PM (#4395057)

Costa Rica didn't need to walk out. At the moment I questioning looked the ref asked both clubs if they wanted to play and CR seemed eager to keep the game going. I think if they had said "no way, this is unplayable" the ref would have abandoned it.

And frankly the game shouldn't have been played. I'm glad it was and I don't think FIFA has any reason to uphold a protest since the conditions were the same for both teams but that was a ridiculous exercise last night.

558. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 23, 2013 at 05:59 PM (#4395058)

My assumption is basically not, that FIFA is loathe to overturn results short of actual fraud. But I freely admit I don't have any idea.

Please. FIFA isn't going to overturn a result based on fraud, that's half their revenue generating program.

559. The Yankee Clapper Posted: March 23, 2013 at 06:25 PM (#4395064)

And frankly the game shouldn't have been played. I'm glad it was and I don't think FIFA has any reason to uphold a protest since the conditions were the same for both teams but that was a ridiculous exercise last night.

No good options with a lot more snow in the forecast and the USA playing in Mexico City on Tuesday. Did they have the option to reschedule for a month from now? Maybe a logistical nightmare if they go down that road. What about rain, do they play through a steady rain, assuming no hurricane or lightning?

560. RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) Posted: March 23, 2013 at 06:26 PM (#4395065)

Please. FIFA isn't going to overturn a result based on fraud, that's half their revenue generating program.

It did occur to me to make this joke. I should have said "FIFA is loathe to overturn results short of actual fraud from which they aren't getting a cut."

561. Swedish Chef Posted: March 23, 2013 at 06:31 PM (#4395066)

What about rain, do they play through a steady rain, assuming no hurricane or lightning?

As long as the pitch passes inspection before the game they will try to play through most everything. It happens that games are abandoned mid-game due to rain, but then it has to be torrential, any kind of normal steady rain won't do.

562. puck Posted: March 23, 2013 at 08:54 PM (#4395119)

As long as the pitch passes inspection before the game they will try to play through most everything. It happens that games are abandoned mid-game due to rain, but then it has to be torrential, any kind of normal steady rain won't do.

I wondered if they checked with a weather guy like MLB umpires do. If they did that I supposed I could see them not going on with the game. But at game start, the pitch wasn't bad, so I guess that's why they went on with it.

It would have been tough to call for all the logistical reasons, though. Do clubs have to release players for the FIFA friendly dates? And in addition to that, pretty much all the fans showed up.

563. Manny Coon Posted: March 24, 2013 at 02:35 AM (#4395199)

A Central American or Caribbean team complaining about conditions in a road game in the USA is ridiculous considering all the gamesmanship they've used over the years to gain advantages on the US team, whether it's super narrow fields, scheduling games at the hottest, most humid times of day like the recent Honduras game or the case of Costa Rica scheduling all their games on the crappy artificial turf at Saprissa instead of their much nicer national stadium, these teams don't care about the quality of the playing conditions and never have.

564. Sean Forman Posted: March 25, 2013 at 09:00 AM (#4395669)

Costa Rica scheduling all their games on the crappy artificial turf at Saprissa instead of their much nicer national stadium, these teams don't care about the quality of the playing conditions and never have.

I've been wondering just what is going to be rolled out for the return match to Costa Rica. Could get pretty ugly I would imagine.

565. Borussia, Du bist so wunderschön! (Mark Edward) Posted: March 26, 2013 at 12:27 AM (#4396481)

Haha, Klinsmann's trollin' the Mexican national team, adding Orozco-Fiscal to the roster for tomorrow's game.

566. Swedish Chef Posted: March 26, 2013 at 05:25 AM (#4396501)

Nigel Adkins is set to be Reading's new manager. I assume that they have given up on avoiding relegation and plan to go with him in the Championship.

567. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: March 26, 2013 at 08:13 AM (#4396532)

So, what'd I miss? The important thing is I got pictures of two kinds of owls (and, as these things go, I saw them within a half hour of each other) so whatever I missed pales in comparison with that.

In tinfoil hat news, Boris Berezovsky, the former Russian oligarch who sued Abramovich for all his money and lost was found dead in his office today of apparent suicide a day after rumors were flying around that Abramovich had been arrested by the FBI in the USA. The latter rumor turned out to be false and Berezovsky's death could very well be a suicide, but it's fun grist for the mill if you like to weave conspiracies. Word of advice: even if you're a billionaire, don't get on Vlad Putin's bad side.

568. Mattbert Posted: March 26, 2013 at 09:39 AM (#4396576)

So, what'd I miss?

Judging from the internet reaction, a couple of lousy games for Spurs. I was out of town for a while too, and it sounds like we picked a good time to be away from the television.

569. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: March 26, 2013 at 09:51 AM (#4396591)

Stupid Spurs! I did catch some of that USA-Costa Rica "game". It was fun to watch, mostly for Jermain Jones' hair turning into some kind of post nuclear holocaust mutant chia pet as the night wore on. I also got a kick how the ref just sort of gave up calling the game in any kind of coherent fashion in the second half. The linesmen did a great job under the circumstances, though. Bring on Mexico, I guess, though, to be honest, I don't really enjoy these games.

570. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 26, 2013 at 10:01 AM (#4396611)

Bring on Mexico, I guess, though, to be honest, I don't really enjoy these games.

Why not? I'll freely admit I'm really fired up for the qualifiers.

571. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: March 26, 2013 at 10:14 AM (#4396622)

Why not? I'll freely admit I'm really fired up for the qualifiers.

I like the qualifiers, but I'm kind of tired about how much hatred there is in this particular game. It feels like it's about more than soccer and I find it wearisome. I also think El Tri fans are kind of boorish and I'm not a fan of the diva-behavior of El Tri on the pitch so I find myself feeling kind of spiteful during these games which is not a place I want sports to take me. At the end of the day, this is all just a goof.

572. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: March 26, 2013 at 11:13 AM (#4396687)

Japan can wrap up a WC spot today if they just tie Jordan. Right now they're down a goal at the half.

edit: Actually, it would be bad news for Australia if Jordan wins. Japan is going through, if not today then soon.

573. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: March 26, 2013 at 12:01 PM (#4396761)

FIFA rejected Costa Rica's protest. Meh, I was never worried.

574. Swedish Chef Posted: March 26, 2013 at 12:41 PM (#4396811)

Rumor has it that Mourinho has signed a preliminary contract with Chelsea, but that it depends on them finishing top-4 this season.

575. Ron J2 Posted: March 26, 2013 at 01:34 PM (#4396851)

@554 Protest denied.

"FIFA has examined the content of the letter and ... has confirmed that the conditions established in the regulations for an official protest have not been met by the Costa Rica FA," soccer's governing body said in a statement.

"Therefore, the result of the match played on 22 March stands and is considered as valid."

576. Swedish Chef Posted: March 26, 2013 at 01:47 PM (#4396872)

FIFA has examined the content of the letter and ...

...the check is missing.

577. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 26, 2013 at 02:12 PM (#4396891)

Japan can wrap up a WC spot today if they just tie Jordan. Right now they're down a goal at the half.

Jordan the 2-1 win while Australia drew with Oman (and needed a late goal to do it). Japan are still in great shape but Jordan has the Aussies in a bit of a pickle.

Spain/France is on ESPN2 here in the States. If France wins then Spain are likely to be playing in one of the playoff ties, potentially against England if they lose to Montenegro.

578. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 26, 2013 at 02:13 PM (#4396892)

"FIFA has examined the content of the letter and ... has confirmed that the conditions established in the regulations for an official protest have not been met by the Costa Rica FA," soccer's governing body said in a statement.

"Therefore, the result of the match played on 22 March stands and is considered as valid."

That's interesting. They didn't reject the grounds for the protest but basically said that Costa Rica didn't follow the proper procedure for filing it.

579. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: March 26, 2013 at 02:16 PM (#4396896)

If France wins then Spain are likely to be playing in one of the playoff ties, potentially against England if they lose to Montenegro.

Naw, I think both Spain and England would be seeded if they go into the playoffs so they'd avoid each other.

580. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: March 26, 2013 at 02:28 PM (#4396910)

So, what lineup do you go with today with Jones out? I see that Kljestan might get a start in Jones' place instead of Edu. Does Beasley get another start?

581. vortex of dissipation Posted: March 26, 2013 at 02:39 PM (#4396920)

England lineup against Montenegro:

England: 1. Joe Hart, 2. Glen Johnson, 3. Ashley Cole, 4. Steven Gerrard (c), 5. Joleon Lescott, 6. Chris Smalling, 7. James Milner, 8. Michael Carrick, 9. Danny Welbeck, 10. Wayne Rooney, 11. Tom Cleverley.

Substitutes: 12. Kyle Walker, 13. Ben Foster, 14. Leighton Baines, 15. Steven Caulker, 16. Frank Lampard, 17. Scott Parker, 18. Leon Osman, 19. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, 20. Ashley Young, 21. Jermain Defoe, 22. Daniel Sturridge, 23. Fraser Forster.

582. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 26, 2013 at 02:43 PM (#4396924)

Naw, I think both Spain and England would be seeded if they go into the playoffs so they'd avoid each other.

Didn't know they seeded them. The Guardian podcast guys were saying that was a possibility.

So, what lineup do you go with today with Jones out? I see that Kljestan might get a start in Jones' place instead of Edu. Does Beasley get another start?

Beasley certainly earned another start but is it the best move? I gotta think that slogging around in the snow was exhausting and while they probably ran less in terms of miles it was probably more fatiguing. If the back four can go again that's probably the best play though, not like there are a ton of options back there. It would be high risk but with the pressure on Mexico might this be a spot to give Brek Shea a rumored start at left back with an eye toward attacking more and putting some heat on El Tri?

My concern tonight is second half fatigure. I like Beasley coming on as a second half sub. I worry about him going 90 again and having some experience feels like it can be useful. I'm an Edu fan so I really want to see him in there too.

Looks like the weather will be cooperative and it will be in the low 60s/high 50s tonight. Better than playing on a 90 degree afternoon down there.

583. Topher Posted: March 26, 2013 at 02:44 PM (#4396925)

I think Beasley has to start; he's pretty much in the lineup because their aren't any other options right now on the roster. And while you really can't take away anything from the Denver game, he seems to have played well enough that you aren't going to yank him when there isn't a replacement.

Kljestan would be an interesting selection since it would seem to suggest that the US would be going for the win. I don't think there is a chance the US holds Mexico scoreless, but this is one game I'd be just fine with Klinsmann using his 4 defensive midfielder lineup and going for a 0-0 draw.

584. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: March 26, 2013 at 02:47 PM (#4396927)

The Guardian podcast guys were saying that was a possibility.

I could be wrong but they seeded them last cycle as the Irish will be very happy to point out to anyone who wants to listen and also to those who don't.

585. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 26, 2013 at 02:51 PM (#4396931)

I'll add that I want Zusi in there. He struggled the other night but I think his game is the type that would be hampered by conditions. I think given a shot tonight he'll produce. I also think Altidore probably can come off the bench tonight. Like Beasley he worked hard the other night and might be an impact player late either in need of a goal or to help secure a lead or a draw with some good hold up play.

You asked so I'll lay out my lineup

GK - Guzan
DF - Cameron, Goodson, Gonzalez, Orozco-Fiscal (get a little of that August magic going)
MF - Zusi, Dempsey, Edu, Corona
FW - Gomez, Johnson

586. CWS Keith plans to boo your show at the Apollo Posted: March 26, 2013 at 02:56 PM (#4396937)

You're leaving arguably the US' best player (Bradley) on the bench?

587. Topher Posted: March 26, 2013 at 02:57 PM (#4396939)

I'll add that I want Zusi in there.

Zusi does play in the center midfield when he's doing MLS duty. I really don't think it would be likely, but you could have him replace Jermaine Jones and go with Coronoa and Shea as true wings.

I'd like that lineup for the offensive potential, but again I'm not sure that Azteca is the right place to try it out.

588. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: March 26, 2013 at 03:04 PM (#4396949)

I think Bradley and Dempsey are the two guys who ALWAYS MUST PLAY. ALWAYS. I swore I wouldn't say this this cycle, but man, we could use Donovan today. The wanker.

589. madvillain Posted: March 26, 2013 at 03:24 PM (#4396964)

might be an impact player late either in need of a goal or to help secure a lead or a draw with some good hold up play.

And those are reasons he should start and give it 70 minutes of his best. His combo play with Dempsey has led to a couple nice goals, even if it wasn't Jozy scoring them. Jozy is the only striker in the pool capable of holding up the ball at all, so start him and hope by the time he's dead tired you've got a draw or a - gasp -- a lead to hold onto.

590. Swedish Chef Posted: March 26, 2013 at 03:45 PM (#4396986)

That's interesting. They didn't reject the grounds for the protest but basically said that Costa Rica didn't follow the proper procedure for filing it.

That of course doesn't mean they accept the grounds for the protest, it's just an easy way to reject it out of hand.

591. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: March 26, 2013 at 03:49 PM (#4396991)

You're leaving arguably the US' best player (Bradley) on the bench?

No that's just a stupid, dumbass oversight on my part. He definitely needs to be in there. Put him in for Edu in my lineup. Just a glaring oversight.

592. JoeHova Posted: March 26, 2013 at 06:10 PM (#4397139)

Does anybody have any recommendations for soccer people who would be good to follow on twitter? I could use a little (lot) more soccer news in my twitter feed.

593. The Clarence Thomas of BBTF (scott) Posted: March 26, 2013 at 06:49 PM (#4397161)

So, how should I mock my Mexican roommate if the US is somehow able to come away with points tonight?

Or, more likely, how should I handle the mocking?

594. madvillain Posted: March 26, 2013 at 06:50 PM (#4397162)

Just had a funny interaction with the mexican american kid (he was probably about 16) working at a taco lunch spot here in Seattle. He had on a Chicharito kit and I said, "so, you'll be rooting for mexico tonight?" He goes, "yea, for sure". And I go "but you're living in America". Then he says "yea, but America sucks".

Can't disagree there, compared to Mexico we do suck.

595. The Clarence Thomas of BBTF (scott) Posted: March 26, 2013 at 06:59 PM (#4397166)

Double post.

596. RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) Posted: March 26, 2013 at 07:19 PM (#4397175)

That's interesting. They didn't reject the grounds for the protest but basically said that Costa Rica didn't follow the proper procedure for filing it.

That's probably the easiest way to do it. Why rule on the issue unless you have to?

597. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: March 26, 2013 at 07:25 PM (#4397178)

Does anybody have any recommendations for soccer people who would be good to follow on twitter? I could use a little (lot) more soccer news in my twitter feed.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto. LOL! Jonathan Wilson is kind of an obvious source and the anti-thesis of Benny. The two together should be perfect.

598. Shooty is in the Trust Tree

Posted: March 26, 2013 at 08:43 PM (#4397206)

Who's Matt Besler? The starting CB for the USMNT! Maybe. Goodson likely won't play. I've never heard of Matt Besler.

599. The Clarence Thomas of BBTF (scott) Posted: March 26, 2013 at 08:47 PM (#4397209)

26. 1 cap for the US, in a friendly this winter vs Canada. Plays for Kansas City.

That is... not auspicious.

600. Textbook Editor Posted: March 26, 2013 at 09:44 PM (#4397222)

The Guardian podcast guys were saying that was a possibility.

I could be wrong but they seeded them last cycle as the Irish will be very happy to point out to anyone who wants to listen and also to those who don't.

The announcers on ESPN made it sound like the issue of seeding for the playoffs hadn't been decided yet.

Without seeding for the Euro playoffs I rather doubt Ireland would have gotten through... So while they may have been screwed back in 2009 they benefitted from seeding in 2011...

But yeah, I still do hate France....

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