Originally posted by SeitseQuite simply, the Czeskys were great. They are one of the top teams of the tournament and they proved it again today. The US are a fairly good team but they were simply outclassed by one of the best.
Although it's true that (a) the FIFA ranking is ridiculous, and (b) USA and Mexico have it easy in Concacaf (that's how the are is named, you know), both do great in the continental competitions, and when I say continental I mean North, Central and South America.
Therefore, I was surprised too at the 3-0 because the US is not that bad, 5th or 90th accordin ...[text shortened]... agles say, the lack of effort was heartbreaking since that is what the distinguishes the team.
At one moment CR was leading 1-0 and the US hit the post. A few minutes later Rosicky fires a rocket for the 2-0. This is football.
Rosicky: Man of the Match.
Originally posted by sasquatch672Well, at least Ben Roethlisberger almost died today.
I didn't read through the whole thread, so sorry if I'm repeating this. But god-DAMN did the US look terrible today. You guys are putting it to a lack of effort - I confess I didn't see alot of fire today, but that isn't what concerns me the most.
The US team lacked anything resembling conceptual play today. The Czechs were playing the ball int ...[text shortened]... It might be time to completely rethink the US approach to the game, from U-10's on up.
Originally posted by sasquatch672I don't think the USA will ever be a big force in soccer. Look at South America and Europe - the game is ingrained in the culture, boys are competitve (and encouraged to be so from dads) right from a very early age. Pretty much all lads who are even a little sporty take it on as their number 1 game at the youngest age. Until soccer becomes the number 1 sport in the US I can't see how they could hope to be challenging on the world stage.
I didn't read through the whole thread, so sorry if I'm repeating this. But god-DAMN did the US look terrible today. You guys are putting it to a lack of effort - I confess I didn't see alot of fire today, but that isn't what concerns me the most.
The US team lacked anything resembling conceptual play today. The Czechs were playing the ball int It might be time to completely rethink the US approach to the game, from U-10's on up.
Originally posted by sasquatch672So if they play better conceptually, but still without fire, they'll be better off?
I didn't read through the whole thread, so sorry if I'm repeating this. But god-DAMN did the US look terrible today. You guys are putting it to a lack of effort - I confess I didn't see alot of fire today, but that isn't what concerns me the most.
The US team lacked anything resembling conceptual play today. The Czechs were playing the ball int ...[text shortened]... It might be time to completely rethink the US approach to the game, from U-10's on up.
No fire = no intent to win. We have been told that this team is different, they've been close, they'll play with a chip on the shoulder. Nope. Not so far, anyway.
Its happens here in the USA every four years. The World Cup is a huge stage for soccer and a bunch of kids in this country run to sign on to the local soccer program. But it dies off a few months after the Cup ends. They lose interest or another sport catches their eye. Honestly, in the US the girls are much more interested in soccer than the boys. I've mentioned before a student in my 8th grade class is a star on the 14 year old national team, no one in the class really cares. They care about their football team or baseball or lacrosse teams. The kid is an amazing athlete and will more than likely be a pro in a few years. How many members of the US Cup team members are actually born in the US?
It is a sport that involves alot of skill and tremendous athleticism, if it really did catch on this country and we were fanatical about it as we are with football, baseball, basketball and hockey then we would be much better. i respect the soccer players in the Cup for their amazing abilities, so if you want to knock the US while you have the chance, go ahead, we only care for one month every four years
note - I find it funny to watch what the players do with their hands and arms when they have the ball. They wave them around and twist them at funny angles. looks like T-rex arms.
Originally posted by sasquatch672I full well understand that passion isn't enough. I really do. But with the combination of sleepwalking through the game and an abysmal understanding of how to set up plays today, I'm just disappointed in the extreme. You can believe still I'll be behind the team 100% Saturday, and any other time they take the field, win, lose, or draw.
Passion's not enough. You've got to have at least a half-assed idea what you're doing out there, and today, the US didn't.