OT: *** 2014 FIFA World Cup ~ Brazil ~ 6/12-7/13 [ESPN] ***

[Dr. Ogrodnick]

Bradley has not been good. He ****ed up a few times today and couldn't maintain possession in that final minute which lead to the tieing goal. He needs to get his **** together and fast.

Literally all he has to do at that point is corner it and force Portugal to go the length of the field and the US wins.

I've never been a Bradley fan, but I've accepted that he's part of the leadership core. But so far he's given the US a crappy game versus Ghana and a huge mistake that turned a victory and certain advancement into a draw. If they end up failing to move on Bradley is a huge part of that disappointment.

 

[Fugazy]

Literally all he has to do at that point is corner it and force Portugal to go the length of the field and the US wins.

I've never been a Bradley fan, but I've accepted that he's part of the leadership core. But so far he's given the US a crappy game versus Ghana and a huge mistake that turned a victory and certain advancement into a draw. If they end up failing to move on Bradley is a huge part of that disappointment.

I've been infuriated at how he has been playing. The goals don't always come, but holy **** he is making atrocious decisions all over the field.

 

[BlueShirtGal]

OK....it was kind of like being a Rangers fan!

 

[Fugazy]

OK....it was kind of like being a Rangers fan!

and

 

[LittleKev6D9]

OK....it was kind of like being a Rangers fan!

That was more like being a Mets fan.

 

[Beer League Sniper]

Bradley was terrible today. I'm not even a big soccer fan, and I could see as much. Missed what was basically an open net, got what amounted to a lucky deflection on a horrible shot choice to Zusi on the Dempsey goal, and had a huge turnover that tied the game at the end of regulation. I have a hard time believing that he's the right choice to be out on the field. Classic choker.

 

[LittleKev6D9]

Bradley was terrible today. I'm not even a big soccer fan, and I could see as much. Missed what was basically an open net, got what amounted to a lucky deflection on a horrible shot choice to Zusi on the Dempsey goal, and had a huge turnover that tied the game at the end of regulation. I have a hard time believing that he's the right choice to be out on the field. Classic choker.

I can tell you're not a big soccer fan. Bradley is one of the best players on USMNT. He'll be on the field against Germany and he'll play every minute, and you'll have to sit there and like it. Two "bad" games will not change that.

 

[Dr. Ogrodnick]

I can tell you're not a big soccer fan. Bradley is one of the best players on USMNT. He'll be on the field against Germany and he'll play every minute, and you'll have to sit there and like it. Two "bad" games will not change that.

And if the US fails to advance he'll shoulder a lot of the blame. He's falling apart on the big stage so far.

 

[nyrpassion]

That's what I said. I didn't see 5 minutes in that half.

exactly what I told everyone around me that would listen. Was betting my life on 3-4 minutes. 5 was a shock.

 

[IceBear86]

lmao I'm sure they can be convinced to do this again

Like "don't beat us and we may stop spying on you"? Just kidding...

I think the German team and coaching staff has too much respect for Klinsmann to make it a blowout - IF (and that is a humaaangous "if") they are able to blow the US out.
I think it's going to be a close game. With the game tied mid or late 2nd half, the German team won't make a push to score one. They'll try to keep the ball and avoid injuries and more fatigued players.

This has "Gijon" written all over it, but our team won't do that again. No chance in hell.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

That's painful. What, 15 seconds away from advancing? This group is going to have a wild ending.

USA is almost certain of advancing.

The only 2 scenarios where it doesn't happen:


a.) They get crushed by Germany by at least 3 goals or more and Ghana or Portugal wins
b.) USA loses by a small margin and Ghana wins
c.) USA loses by a small margin and Portugal crushes Ghana


Scenario B looks most likely of all 3. Let's hope USA can agree to a draw with the Germans

 

[Kokoschka]

Huge amount of respect gained for the US team. Well done by your guys.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

US with a great game. Hoping for a Ghana-Portugal tie.

The announcers said it yesterday, playing in the stadium will likely have detrimental physical effects for us in the next game.

I'm hoping for a draw but expecting a loss, tbh.

As for Bradley, I was screaming for him to just boot it once he got the ball. Kick it the length of the field. In fact, kick it so that it's a throw in deep in their end.

He wasn't even aware of his surroundings when he got it taken away. And as soon as that happened... you just knew that they'd tie it. I had a sinking feeling and said here it comes. It's a shame. He's really played like dog **** these last two games.

 

[AHB*]

Bradley was terrible today. I'm not even a big soccer fan, and I could see as much. Missed what was basically an open net, got what amounted to a lucky deflection on a horrible shot choice to Zusi on the Dempsey goal, and had a huge turnover that tied the game at the end of regulation. I have a hard time believing that he's the right choice to be out on the field. Classic choker.

This is just a horrible assessment.

1) Bradley was not "terrible" last night. He had a fairly strong game, with one horrid play.

2) That open net was not easy. The fact that he even got that ball, which was bouncing all over the place, on net, was a fantastic play. Sometimes luck doesn't go your way. If you were listening, you would know the US couldn't even practice on that end of the field the day before because of the pathetic conditions on that end of the pitch. That was a great play by Bradley to redirect that ball on net, with quite some force and it was an unfortunate knee that got in his way.

3) His play on the Dempsey goal was again, not lucky. When you get the ball in that area, you are taught to shoot immediately. Not wait, not look for a pass, put it on net. And you know what they say, put things on net, good things happen. Same as hockey.

4) The fact that you aren't sure if he's the right choice to be on teh field for the USA just shows your lack of knowledge. He is arguably and certainly in my opinion, the USA's most important player. He is one of very few guys to have played on a top team in Europe and START. He is a wonderfully gifted player that the US is lucky to have. If you followed soccer at all, you would understand just how lucky we are to have him. It's like someone saying Lundqvist sucks because he has a bad game and one bad play. That's how important Bradley is to the USA squad.

This is what drives me nuts about the World Cup. You literally have people that will blame this guy to the death, when meanwhile, he has done more for US soccer then most can dream of. Once every four years people care about these guys and they judge them like they've followed them their whole careers.

Let me ask you this, who should start in Bradley's place?

 

[McRanger]

Bradley was awful against Ghana. But he played well yesterday. He sprung a few guys with really well placed balls.

The blocked redirect was unlucky. And the giveaway was awful, but the ball should never have been in the middle of the field anyway.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

This is just a horrible assessment.

1) Bradley was not "terrible" last night. He had a fairly strong game, with one horrid play.

2) That open net was not easy. The fact that he even got that ball, which was bouncing all over the place, on net, was a fantastic play. Sometimes luck doesn't go your way. If you were listening, you would know the US couldn't even practice on that end of the field the day before because of the pathetic conditions on that end of the pitch. That was a great play by Bradley to redirect that ball on net, with quite some force and it was an unfortunate knee that got in his way.

3) His play on the Dempsey goal was again, not lucky. When you get the ball in that area, you are taught to shoot immediately. Not wait, not look for a pass, put it on net. And you know what they say, put things on net, good things happen. Same as hockey.

4) The fact that you aren't sure if he's the right choice to be on teh field for the USA just shows your lack of knowledge. He is arguably and certainly in my opinion, the USA's most important player. He is one of very few guys to have played on a top team in Europe and START. He is a wonderfully gifted player that the US is lucky to have. If you followed soccer at all, you would understand just how lucky we are to have him. It's like someone saying Lundqvist sucks because he has a bad game and one bad play. That's how important Bradley is to the USA squad.

This is what drives me nuts about the World Cup. You literally have people that will blame this guy to the death, when meanwhile, he has done more for US soccer then most can dream of. Once every four years people care about these guys and they judge them like they've followed them their whole careers.

Let me ask you this, who should start in Bradley's place?

Personally, I'd rather start Zusi in Bradley's place when Altidoire comes back. Technically, Zusi was the other striker yesterday, although he was roaming for much of the game.

Bradley was completely invisible against Ghana. He started the game much more dominant against Portugal, but after the missed goal opportunity, completely tanked.

On a volley, his shot was pretty decent, although he certainly had much more time than he took. Nani settled it momentarily and picked his spot. Bradley tried to blow the ball through the defender's torso.

After that, it got worse. I don't blame him for the shot on the defender. I think it was a solid play that was bad luck, but his play thereafter was woeful.

He was constantly out of position, constantly making poor passes, his defense was pitiful. He didn't even try to settle the ball and pick a spot on the 2nd goal. He again, tried to blast it through an obstruction.

The culmination was when he acted so casual with the ball in the 94th minute. No urgency to make the right play or force Portugal into a tough position. Portugal was attacking for 20+ minutes. It's not like they put a full court press on that particular play, surprising Bradley. He should have known they'd aggressively come after the ball. They were in desperation mode.

Kick the ball down the field, make them go the distance. He's supposed to know that. Not a heads up play on any of those 3 examples. Not a heads up play in the 2nd half at all, by him.

 

[Fitzy]

Diskerud is the more natural Bradley replacement, IMO.

 

[LittleKev6D9]

Personally, I'd rather start Zusi in Bradley's place when Altidoire comes back. Technically, Zusi was the other striker yesterday, although he was roaming for much of the game.

There was no OTHER striker yesterday. The US played a 4-5-1, which means 1 striker. And that was Clint Dempsey. Zusi played attacking outside Midfield which is exactly where he should play. His best skills are his ability to cross the ball and his speed. Putting him at Bradley's spot doesn't allow him to effectively use both.

Bradley hasn't played his 2 best games against Ghana and Portugal, but they are not nearly as bad as anyone has made it out to be. And anyone clamoring for him to sit should just save their breath. He's gonna start, and rightfully so.

2 games doesn't takeaway from what he's done for the USMNT.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Anyone watching Netherlands - Chile? We just need a draw to top the group. 1st half just ended. Pretty even game

 

[94wasagoodyear]

Although the odds of USA advancing are still pretty good...it's gonna be nerve wrecking close. What scares me is Ghana and Portugal are going to play really loose and I imagine its going to be a high scoring game..This could be bad because should Ghana win by 1 goal and we lose by 1 Ghana could advance by having scored more goals than us. Of course, this all can be avoided if we win/draw Germany.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

2-0 and we win the group and most likely avoid playing Brazil in the 2nd round.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

2-0 and we win the group and most likely avoid playing Brazil in the 2nd round.

I think Brazil wins like 3-0 and Croatia beats Mexico 2-1... or something similar.

Brazil-Croatia are who I think will be advancing. Croatia isn't bad, if that's who you end up facing.

They should have had 4 points right now, that penalty was BS against Brazil that lost them the game.

 

[BarbaraAlphanse]

There was no OTHER striker yesterday. The US played a 4-5-1, which means 1 striker. And that was Clint Dempsey. Zusi played attacking outside Midfield which is exactly where he should play. His best skills are his ability to cross the ball and his speed. Putting him at Bradley's spot doesn't allow him to effectively use both.

Bradley hasn't played his 2 best games against Ghana and Portugal, but they are not nearly as bad as anyone has made it out to be. And anyone clamoring for him to sit should just save their breath. He's gonna start, and rightfully so.

2 games doesn't takeaway from what he's done for the USMNT.

1) Everyone says Zusi's best attributes are crossing the ball. I haven't seen that at all. He's above average there, sure... but he's been by far the most dynamic in his stretch balls from the center of the pitch. He fed Fabian Johnson quite a few times with beautifully placed balls from Bradley's position.

In contrast, his corners tended to go farther than intended for much of the game yesterday.

2) Under the same logic as the bolded, Klinsman should have never cut Donovan. Sometimes, it is time to try something new. Bradley has looked slow and careless and as a leader of this group... he hasn't shown up when the team has needed him the most.

A couple of days ago there was someone on the ESPN panel (might've actually be Lalas) that said that big-time players are the ones you just know that somehow someway they'll come through for your team. For the US, its Dempsey, Bradley, and Howard. Dempsey and Howard are doing their parts. Bradley isn't. He's not coming up when the team needs him most, and that is incredibly disheartening.

 

[LittleKev6D9]

1) Everyone says Zusi's best attributes are crossing the ball. I haven't seen that at all. He's above average there, sure... but he's been by far the most dynamic in his stretch balls from the center of the pitch. He fed Fabian Johnson quite a few times with beautifully placed balls from Bradley's position.

In contrast, his corners tended to go farther than intended for much of the game yesterday.

2) Under the same logic as the bolded, Klinsman should have never cut Donovan. Sometimes, it is time to try something new. Bradley has looked slow and careless and as a leader of this group... he hasn't shown up when the team has needed him the most.

A couple of days ago there was someone on the ESPN panel (might've actually be Lalas) that said that big-time players are the ones you just know that somehow someway they'll come through for your team. For the US, its Dempsey, Bradley, and Howard. Dempsey and Howard are doing their parts. Bradley isn't. He's not coming up when the team needs him most, and that is incredibly disheartening.

1) Zusi was the one who served the ball that John Brooks headed in against Ghana. He's played outside attacking midfield for Sporting KC practically every game. It's his position. It always has been.

2) Landon Donovan is not on the team because Klinsmman didn't have a spot for him. He brought 4 forwards. He's not playing over Altidore or Dempsey period. He brought Johannsson because he could use the experience in this WC so he's ready for 2018. And Wondo made the team because he will provide more off the bench than Donovan would.

Also, Donovan hasn't been a staple at WCQ.

And Landon even said he's not physically able to train 12 days in a row and have 12 good days. Also no one was at camp and saw how these players were playing.

It's not as black and white as you think. Bradley is the unanimous best field player the United States has. Just cause these last two games don't show that, doesn't mean it's not true.

As for him looking slow and careless, that was an entirely made up statement.

 

[McRanger]

1) Zusi was the one who served the ball that John Brooks headed in against Ghana. He's played outside attacking midfield for Sporting KC practically every game. It's his position. It always has been.

2) Landon Donovan is not on the team because Klinsmman didn't have a spot for him. He brought 4 forwards. He's not playing over Altidore or Dempsey period. He brought Johannsson because he could use the experience in this WC so he's ready for 2018. And Wondo made the team because he will provide more off the bench than Donovan would.

Also, Donovan hasn't been a staple at WCQ.

And Landon even said he's not physically able to train 12 days in a row and have 12 good days. Also no one was at camp and saw how these players were playing.

It's not as black and white as you think. Bradley is the unanimous best field player the United States has. Just cause these last two games don't show that, doesn't mean it's not true.

As for him looking slow and careless, that was an entirely made up statement.

He did look a bit out of it against Ghana.

Significantly better yesterday though.