The Soccer Thread

[USSoccer]

I'm going to try and do the DVR thing, so I can enjoy the BeIN Spanish language SD broadcast in all it's glory.

[Guest]

wow, it's at 3:00? Why?

[bukie]

wow, it's at 3:00? Why?

According to Wahl, it's so that the temp stays warm during the game.

 

An alternative theory is that the city they're playing in is the most dangerous city in the world, and it's safer to play in the day time.

[bukie]

Feelings on where the USMNT would be after this first set of 3 qualifiers:

 

0-1 points: They aren't finishing top 4

2-3 points: That last match in Panama is going to mean more than it should

4 points: Good shape to qualify

5-6 points: Great shape to qualify

7-9 points: HA-HAAAAAA!

[wolf stansson]

Agreed. I'm guessing we get 4 pts.

[USSoccer]

Honestly, 4 points would be great. That CR home tie is critical.

 

Wahl tweeted a starting lineup that had Herc up front and not Jozy. Which is stupid.

[wolf stansson]

Wahl tweeted a starting lineup that had Herc up front and not Jozy. Which is stupid.

Honduras' centerbacks are beasts. Not sure if fighting fire with fire (Jozy) or going with guile (Herc) is better, but I do know that as a late-game sub, Jozy will be able to push some dudes around more than he would as a starter. I'd go with Jozy in every US game just because I believe in form more than over thinking match-ups, but I think that's JK's reasoning.

[bukie]

Honestly, 4 points would be great. That CR home tie is critical.

 

Wahl tweeted a starting lineup that had Herc up front and not Jozy. Which is stupid.

Especially since CR is likely to get a free 3 points from Mexico in a meaningless final game for them.

[Guest]

Looks like Wahl deleted that tweet?

[shnsajax]

Jozy slept with Jurgen's daughter.

 

If the conditions are horrible Jozy as a super sub doesn't bother me. But it might be too late at that point too. Bradley need to have a great game.

[Guest]

Honestly, 4 points would be great. That CR home tie is critical.

 

Definitely. Beat Panama and Jamaica on the road and get four home wins puts us at 18, which has been more than enough to qualify for each of the last four Cups (since the Hex started).

[bukie]

Honestly, 4 points would be great. That CR home tie is critical.

 

Definitely. Beat Panama and Jamaica on the road and get four home wins puts us at 18, which has been more than enough to qualify for each of the last four Cups (since the Hex started).

Worst case scenario of a home draw v Mexico and winless on the road with 4 draws and a loss in Mexico would still put them at 17, which should still keep them in the top 4.

[Guest]

Should be in the top-3 with 17. In 2010, Honduras and Costa Rica tied for third with 16 points, which was the best fourth-place finish we've had. In 2006, T&T was fourth with 13, 2002 was Honduras with 14 and 1998 was Costa Rica with 12.

 

Like your scenario presented, if we win the non-Mexico home games and get anything on the road, we'll be fine.

[SpongeWorthy]

Is there any advantage to finishing higher than 3rd or 4th in terms of the draw for the final?

[bukie]

To me, the worst case scenario I could imagine for the end of qualifying is that Panama is better than anticipated and CR is sitting 5th going into the last tie vs Mexico with Mexico having already clinched a spot and sandbagging the game just because.

[bukie]

Is there any advantage to finishing higher than 3rd or 4th in terms of the draw for the final?

4th place team would have to win a 2-leg playoff with the Oceania winner (likely New Zealand) to make the World Cup final. Since nobody in Oceania is better than anyone in the hex, it shouldn't be a difficult task. Still more difficult than just finishing top 3, though.

[wolf stansson]

Omar for Boca, EJ for Zusi a couple of the surprises. So there's some speed on the wing.

[wolf stansson]

Here's the real deal:

Howard ©; Chandler, Gonzalez, Cameron, F. Johnson; Williams, Jones, Bradley, E. Johnson; Dempsey, Altidore

 

---------TH

TC---GC---OG---FJ

---DW---------JJ

---------MB

EJ------JA------CD

 

I [expletive] love that lineup compared to what I was hearing. Jurgen = master troll status.

[Rex Buckingham]

Jurgen loves him some Jermaine Jones

[bukie]

I love this lineup and hope it scores 3 goals.

[Guest]

What a frustrating game time.

[USSoccer]

-I hope it plays like DWill isn't on the wing. He sucks out there and it negates his strengths.

 

-This is a pretty ballsy lineup for the away opener. LOVE that Gonzo's getting his shot.

[Guest]

That lineup is getting itself a set piece goal.

[shnsajax]

Jurgen loves him some Jermaine Jones

 

And Eddie Johnson. Really makes me miss Lando.

[wolf stansson]

Really makes me miss Lando.

If that a hole would play, this would have been the strongest lineup under JK for his entire tenure.

 

Fyi, Bein is replaying this tonight for those that may have not DVR'd it.