World Cup 2014

[Pete]

After processing the bitter disappointment, I still feel better about today's heartbreaking draw than I did after the win against Ghana.

Today we were the better team; we pretty much stole that Ghana match.

And after all, Ghana drew with Germany, so that shows how close all these teams are.

The trademark of this U.S. side is their battling spirit, and I still feel very good about our chances to advance.


My one fear is that a desperate Portugal throws everything forward and ends up getting thrashed. They have to not only win, but win by 3 goals and then hope we lose, so they have very little at risk.

[Dustin]

WOOOW! The KOCO story about the crowd at Skinny Slims watching the World Cup was awesome. Definitely thought they were showing footage from a bigger city at first!

[NegativeCreep]

Someone with more soccer-smarts please explain to me why with under 5 minutes to go the US didn't try to score - and instead were content to play defense and run the clock out. Is that the soccer version of the prevent defense (which only succeeds in preventing a victory).

While I didn't see that, I can maybe explain it a little, if you did.

Pushing up to score goals, quite often, leaves you open to a counter attack. With the lead, the LAST thing you want to do is give away an easy goal.

Again, I didn't really see us do this, but it may give you a little understanding on why a team would.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

[DavidD_NorthOKC]

After processing the bitter disappointment, I still feel better about today's heartbreaking draw than I did after the win against Ghana.

Today we were the better team; we pretty much stole that Ghana match.

And after all, Ghana drew with Germany, so that shows how close all these teams are.

The trademark of this U.S. side is their battling spirit, and I still feel very good about our chances to advance.


My one fear is that a desperate Portugal throws everything forward and ends up getting thrashed. They have to not only win, but win by 3 goals and then hope we lose, so they have very little at risk.

I agree - much better on time of possession alone. I really like the direction Klinsmann is taking the teams style of play and tactics.

[DavidD_NorthOKC]

Someone with more soccer-smarts please explain to me why with under 5 minutes to go the US didn't try to score - and instead were content to play defense and run the clock out. Is that the soccer version of the prevent defense (which only succeeds in preventing a victory).

If you are referring to taking the ball into the corner toward the end of the match, that is the best way to run time off with minimal exposure to a counter attack. If you throw too many players forward pressing an attack, you risk a long ball over the top often leaving your defenders at a disadvantage.

That cross from Ronaldo and the finish was a thing of beauty - the US had done a great job containing Ronaldo and he had not been particularly dangerous until those last 30 seconds. Bad luck more than unsound tactics.

[dankrutka]

WOOOW! The KOCO story about the crowd at Skinny Slims watching the World Cup was awesome. Definitely thought they were showing footage from a bigger city at first!

Link: Oklahomans cheer on team USA in world cup | Oklahoma City - OKC - KOCO.com

[NegativeCreep]

Link: Oklahomans cheer on team USA in world cup | Oklahoma City - OKC - KOCO.com

they posted on Facebook a little while before the game started that they were approaching 2000 people there.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

[Just the facts]

If you are referring to taking the ball into the corner toward the end of the match, that is the best way to run time off with minimal exposure to a counter attack. If you throw too many players forward pressing an attack, you risk a long ball over the top often leaving your defenders at a disadvantage.

That cross from Ronaldo and the finish was a thing of beauty - the US had done a great job containing Ronaldo and he had not been particularly dangerous until those last 30 seconds. Bad luck more than unsound tactics.

...

While I didn't see that, I can maybe explain it a little, if you did.

Pushing up to score goals, quite often, leaves you open to a counter attack. With the lead, the LAST thing you want to do is give away an easy goal.

Again, I didn't really see us do this, but it may give you a little understanding on why a team would.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

So it is the soccer version of a prevent defense - with the same result as in American football. I think I am starting to see why Soccer has a hard time catching on here in the States - playing not to lose is just not the American way of doing things .

[Pete]

So glad Skinny's and the Outlaws had the foresight to organize the watch parties.

Thursday match is at 11AM Oklahoma time, so not sure how that will work out.

[DavidD_NorthOKC]

...



So it is the soccer version of a prevent defense - with the same result as in American football. I think I am starting to see why Soccer has a hard time catching on here in the States - playing not to lose is just not the American way of doing things .

Do you recall the four corners offence Dean Smith used at UNC? Pretty much the same thing. Of course American impatience and "need" for instant gratification led to the shot clock.....

Kind of like the difference between BubbaCAR and Formula 1 / road racing. Still a great sport regardless of its popularity in the colonies relative to the rest of the world. Doesn't bother me a nanosecond most Americans don't get it or whine about a draw. The tactics involved at the higher levels is pretty interesting and good lord, at least they aren't stopping to rest every 10 seconds!!

You may be on to something from a sociological viewpoint though.

[codyt]

...



So it is the soccer version of a prevent defense - with the same result as in American football. I think I am starting to see why Soccer has a hard time catching on here in the States - playing not to lose is just not the American way of doing things .

I don't quite understand the logic here. In American football, when a team has a lead late in the game, they primarily run the ball to run out the clock. Is this playing not to lose as well? I would say employing a more conservative strategy with a late lead is something common in most, maybe all sports.

[DavidD_NorthOKC]

I don't quite understand the logic here. In American football, when a team has a lead late in the game, they primarily run the ball to run out the clock. Is this playing not to lose as well? I would say employing a more conservative strategy with a late lead is something common in most, maybe all sports.

I think JTF was mostly joking as was I, but you have a point.

American football bores me to tears; I might watch 2 or 3 games a season max. Give me soccer and basketball any day.

I quit worrying about the prevailing attitude of most Americans toward the world's most popular game long ago. As witnessed by this year's USMNT, the US is improving and playing very well against just about anyone despite a lingering penchant for mental lapses at inopportune moments. With the growth of youth leagues and training opportunities over the last couple of decades I could only dream about when I was a kid, I think the MNT can sustain this level of play and continue to improve.

[Pete]

There has been a remarkable increase in interest in the U.S. since the last World Cup four years ago.

I suspect that is due to a whole generation that grew up playing the game reaching adulthood.

These massive watch parties all over the country, 150,000 Americans in Brazil, very organized and enthusiastic support... The rest of the world had better watch out because I think we've turned a corner regarding the Beautiful Game. I wouldn't be surprised if our national team showed big improvement by Russia 2018.

[BlackmoreRulz]

Makes you wonder how good we would be if all of our top athletes played the game. just imagine if athletes like Russell Westbrook or an Adrian Peterson were on the "pitch"

[Just the facts]

I don't quite understand the logic here. In American football, when a team has a lead late in the game, they primarily run the ball to run out the clock. Is this playing not to lose as well? I would say employing a more conservative strategy with a late lead is something common in most, maybe all sports.

They might run out the clock but they don't do it by giving the other team the ball in front of their own end zone and hoping the defense can hold for the final 10 minutes of the game.

[Just the facts]

Makes you wonder how good we would be if all of our top athletes played the game. just imagine if athletes like Russell Westbrook or an Adrian Peterson were on the "pitch"

I was thinking about this last night actually. We have 330,000,000 people to pick from and it only a matter of time before we can find 11 of them that can beat everyone in the world on a regular basis. It is safe to say that the best US soccer player in the US right now has probably never even touched a soccer ball, or at least hasn't since 6th grade.

I remember an interview with Geoff Gordon many years ago and someone asked him what it was like to be the greatest race car drive in the world (I know - like I said, it was a long time ago). His reply was that he wasn't the greatest race car driver. That title probably went to some NYC cab driver who doesn't know he is the greatest race car driver because he didn't try it.

[DavidD_NorthOKC]

They might run out the clock but they don't do it by giving the other team the ball in front of their own end zone and hoping the defense can hold for the final 10 minutes of the game.

Sure they do - it's called punting. Can't go for it on 4th down every time - or should they?

You just described one of the best parts of real football however. The flow of the game can switch in an instant and the same 11 eleven players go from attacking to defending and vice versa. No trotting off the field so 11 different players can.......... zzzzzzzzzzzzz

[AP]

I was thinking about this last night actually. We have 330,000,000 people to pick from and it only a matter of time before we can find 11 of them that can beat everyone in the world on a regular basis. It is safe to say that the best US soccer player in the US right now has probably never even touched a soccer ball, or at least hasn't since 6th grade.

By this logic India and China should have the best teams in the world, and that's not even close to true...

[DavidD_NorthOKC]

I was thinking about this last night actually. We have 330,000,000 people to pick from and it only a matter of time before we can find 11 of them that can beat everyone in the world on a regular basis. It is safe to say that the best US soccer player in the US right now has probably never even touched a soccer ball, or at least hasn't since 6th grade.

I remember an interview with Geoff Gordon many years ago and someone asked him what it was like to be the greatest race car drive in the world (I know - like I said, it was a long time ago). His reply was that he wasn't the greatest race car driver. That title probably went to some NYC cab driver who doesn't know he is the greatest race car driver because he didn't try it.

Or Michael Schumacher.....

[codyt]

I quit worrying about the prevailing attitude of most Americans toward the world's most popular game long ago.

I'm quickly finding that's probably good advice.

[Pete]

The best teams in the world have had soccer as an integral part of their culture -- and not just sports culture -- for generations.

It's all about youth programs and coaching and attracting the best athletes. And elsewhere, soccer is an urban game (kids kicking a ball on every street and playground) while in the U.S. it is obviously basketball.

The U.S. is doing much better in this regard but we still have a long way to go, especially since so few Americans cared until recently.

[Just the facts]

just for the record, I am not knocking soccer. I'm just trying to understand the strategy better. I just happen to think the best way to avoid a 2-2 tie is not to try and hold your opponent to 1 point - but to score 3 points yourself.

I play a lot of 21 with my kids on the driveway hoop. If they make a basket and get to 18 they have three free throws to try and get to 21. My oldest son came up with the 'brilliant' idea that if he made the first free throw that he would miss the second one on purpose. He thought his chances were better at making another basket instead of hitting two more free throws in a row and risk going back to 11. Of course, he would never get that chance because I would never let him score again. I finally convinced him to "win the game right now" instead of hoping to win it later. I guess seeing the players (and coaches) reactions to the tie left me at a little loss. Their attitude was, well we just have to tie Germany. Screw Germany - the German game shouldn't even matter. You should have won this game right now. Show a little emotion for losing (tying - same thing).



Does anyone remember OSU Head Coach Pat Jones' halftime interview against Nebraska in 1984. OSU had a 3-0 lead at halftime and he was asked what his plan was for the second half. He said his goal was to win 3-0. OSU lost 17-3.

[DavidD_NorthOKC]

I know what you are saying. But one of the most common ways to quickly score is on a counter attack. Say the US had pressed the attack rather than doing the smart thing and running time off. In that case a saved shot on goal is very likely to be turned into a counter attack by Portugal. Once their keeper secures the ball the forwards and midfielders break toward the US goal and the Portuguese keeper plays a long ball over the top of the US midfield and defense. It takes less than a couple seconds for the ball to go from the Portuguese penalty area to a 3 on 2 or 4 on 2 break with the US keeper exposed. Think of it kind of like a blocked shot in basketball with a long outlet pass to a breaking Russell Westbrook. I often tell people to think of soccer more like basketball on a much larger playing surface rather than American football. Does that help?

We won't start on off sides just yet though!!

[Teo9969]

Makes you wonder how good we would be if all of our top athletes played the game. just imagine if athletes like Russell Westbrook or an Adrian Peterson were on the "pitch"

We'd smoke every country in the world. [On edit: lest anyone take me too seriously, this is a bit hyperbolic]

It helps to have 320,000,000 people almost all of whom have some relative chance to display their abilities in a variety of markets at some point in their lives. You look at a guy like Ronnell Lewis who played 8-Man football in no-name Oklahoma and ends up playing for one of the Top 5 programs in college football. You have guys like Lebron James who are being hailed as the next Michael Jordan when he's not even old enough to vote…

The only 2 countries with more people are China and India, and their educational and social systems and are so utterly horrendous that there's no chance that talented people get a chance to show what they have in a wide variety of markets.

I don't pay enough attention to fútbol outside of the World Cup to know who the truly great athletes are in that sport along with other sports where there are sure to be amazing athletes like Tennis and Track.

I will say that there are handful of players in Football and Basketball that I have no doubt would be world-class if they had dedicated their lives to Fútbol as well.

People like

Lebron James
Russell Westbrook
Calvin Johnson
Adrian Peterson
LeSean McCoy

I don't think people like Kevin Durant or Jerome Bettis or Barry Bonds would provide a lot of help, even though they are great in their sports. But those people listed above are all people that insane control over their bodies…they are strong, quick, fast, and agile. Lebron might be a bit too tall, as the tallest player in the world cup this year is 6'7 and Lebron is 6'8" and he's a bit more of an upper-body strength guy, but he looks the part of a complete athlete.

[Teo9969]

To be sure…I'm not saying that anyone of those guys could just jump over today and start playing soccer at even a moderate level. But if they had spent the last 10 to 20 years of their lives working at soccer rather than their current sports.

You can teach/learn skills, though that takes lots of time and energy. You cannot teach/learn athleticism.