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[Bam Bam Baklava]

The Belgium game is big for me. They got tons of world class talent, they've looked in great form, and they got the perfect mix of young stars and veterans.

If they can really take it to Algeria I would put them in the top 5.

 

[Kiraly]

Gotta love the European mods going to sleep after the KO of the last game of the night, threaf title remains unchanged until one of them wakes up. :lol

 

[Animator]

I cannot wait for all the gifs of the Mexican coach tomorrow

 

[Bam Bam Baklava]

Gotta love the European mods going to sleep after the KO of the last game of the night, threaf title remains unchanged until one of them wakes up. :lol

I'm getting KO'd in OT and they're letting it happen. It's like that rocky 4 towel gif.

 

[RELAYER]

Altidore's injury cements my opinion that Donovan needed to be on the American side. If Jozy comes back and is effective, the team dodged a bullet. If not, leaving the most experienced and proven World Cup goal scorer off the roster was a mistake.

I realize they play a vastly different game from one another, but offense is offense.

The only solace I can take in his absence is that, if what they say about his fitness and conditioning was true, Landon 'Beer-gut' Donovan probably wouldn't have fared any better in these conditions than the guys who are pulling hammies.

 

[Tragicomedy]

The only solace I can take in his absence is that, if what they say about his fitness and conditioning was true, Landon 'Beer-gut' Donovan probably wouldn't have fared any better in these conditions than the guys who are pulling hammies.

I've never seen Donovan do anything but perform on the biggest stage.

That's a bit dated since Messi scored again this tournament, so the big boys are up to four. LOL @ Rooney.

 

[xbhaskarx]

The only solace I can take in his absence is that, if what they say about his fitness and conditioning was true, Landon 'Beer-gut' Donovan probably wouldn't have fared any better in these conditions than the guys who are pulling hammies.

Despite Klinsmann's BS about how Donovan was "behind" other players and people trying to justify his stupid decision by seizing on one side view photo where he looked like he had a bit of a belly (see: your comment), it later came out that Donovan was still one of the top performers on the beep test at the World Cup camp in Stanford.

 

[RELAYER]

I'm just trying to find excuses.
I always wanted him to be there and I still do, and I bitch about it pretty much every day, but at some point I just have to let it go. He won't be playing, we have to look at the matches without him, regardless of who goes down.

I really do find it hard to believe though that Donovan was worse than all 23 guys that we brought. We mostly looked like dog shit yesterday. That was an excruciating game to watch.

 

[Blablurn]

Brazil vs mexico will be craaaaaazy. Craaaaaazy.

Lets go mexico.

 

[Boom Boom Pow]

I'm just trying to find excuses.
I always wanted him to be there and I still do, and I bitch about it pretty much every day, but at some point I just have to let it go. He won't be playing, we have to look at the matches without him, regardless of who goes down.

I really do find it hard to believe though that Donovan was worse than all 23 guys that we brought. We mostly looked like dog shit yesterday. That was an excruciating game to watch.

if we look like dog shit and won, then the only palce to go is up!

 

[GorillaJu]

Looking like dog shit and winning is the mark of champions. Man Utd anyone?

There is only one conclusion to come to. We're winning the god damn World Cup.

 

[Tragicomedy]

I really do find it hard to believe though that Donovan was worse than all 23 guys that we brought. We mostly looked like dog shit yesterday. That was an excruciating game to watch.

 

[GorillaJu]

I'm just trying to find excuses.
I always wanted him to be there and I still do, and I bitch about it pretty much every day, but at some point I just have to let it go. He won't be playing, we have to look at the matches without him, regardless of who goes down.

I really do find it hard to believe though that Donovan was worse than all 23 guys that we brought. We mostly looked like dog shit yesterday. That was an excruciating game to watch.

Did we being 23 wide attacking midfielders? No? Then that argument doesn't really work. When Donovan plays nearly everything goes through him. He wants to be the scorer, the playmaker and the winger, and he doesn't have the engine required to press and defend on the wing where he'd be playing.

 

[Myoclonic Jerk]

Can't wait for Germany to rip Portugal another one tonight.. And can't wait to see that Ronaldo's crying face! Dickhead!

YESSS!!

 

[sportzhead]

I'm just trying to find excuses.
I always wanted him to be there and I still do, and I bitch about it pretty much every day, but at some point I just have to let it go. He won't be playing, we have to look at the matches without him, regardless of who goes down.

I really do find it hard to believe though that Donovan was worse than all 23 guys that we brought. We mostly looked like dog shit yesterday. That was an excruciating game to watch.

To say we looked like dog shit out there is ridiculous. And Donovan doesn't have to be worse than all 23 guys, he only has to be worse than the 4 forwards we have on the team. I like Donovan, everybody likes Donovan, but this is sports, move on. He can't play forever. If Jozy doesn't go down today, nobody would still be talking about Donovan not being on the team. We have a team that can and will compete.

 

[FootballFan]

Usa usa usa

What a team

What spirit

 

[Maninthemirror]

I heard the Russian team is really good. lets see

 

[Sviatoslav]

I heard the Russian team is really good. lets see

lol, from whom?

 

[bjaelke]

lol, from whom?

you

 

[Arjen]

Excited to see Belgium play today, they got a great team, hope they don't choke.

 

[Lana Del Rey]

OMG OMG OMG

Rumours say Capello is supposedly unbanishing Dzagoev for tomorrow's game. Get in. Now it will likely be a watchable 0-0 draw instead of a boring one. Hngg

We all know Russia are going to win this world cup, stop pretending.

Gazprom need a surge in money and a free 6kg of 18 carat gold is the best way to help them through their crisis.

 

[Maninthemirror]

lol, from whom?

well all the rumblings that Capello has turned the team from disaster to a team which can challege Belgium for top place in its group and belgium is the big dark horse this world cup

 

[Sr Kitsune]

Damn Mexico plays today, I can't wait for the game... and the gifs of the coach going crazy.

 

[RELAYER]

To say we looked like dog shit out there is ridiculous.

meh....not really
we got kind of lucky

Howard played great.

Our passing and attack was crap

Watching that game was terrible because it seemed like Ghana had possession 90% of the time, and regardless of how good Howard was playing, you just knew they were going to score eventually. It's like they were firing at our goal full auto.

The more I think about it the more it seems miraculous that we won.

I like Donovan, everybody likes Donovan, but this is sports, move on.

Why are you chastising me with my own point?

 

[spekkeh]

The Belgium game is big for me. They got tons of world class talent, they've looked in great form, and they got the perfect mix of young stars and veterans.

If they can really take it to Algeria I would put them in the top 5.

The whole country has been calling them prospective champions even though this is their first time at the world stage. The team consists of eleven waterboys (very good ones mind, but still). I think they're going to choke. They should easily reach the round of 16 though because of their weak group and their formidable defense and especially goalkeeper.

 

[B-Dubs]

To say we looked like dog shit out there is ridiculous. And Donovan doesn't have to be worse than all 23 guys, he only has to be worse than the 4 forwards we have on the team. I like Donovan, everybody likes Donovan, but this is sports, move on. He can't play forever. If Jozy doesn't go down today, nobody would still be talking about Donovan not being on the team. We have a team that can and will compete.

If Jozy didn't go down we probably would have looked a lot better on the attack. Despite all the shit he gets from almost everyone, when he was carried off the pitch our attack almost entirely died. It sucks even more since it looked like he was going to be in a position to take a shot if he didn't go down.

 

[Afrikan]

For the people who don't know, I present the legacy of Portugese thug Pepe...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1POVLqxwjiI

Has anyone just punched him before....just clocked his ass? I don't remember that ever happening.

if he played in an exhibition celebrity soccer match with US American Football players, dude would get KO'd on the spot.

I think Ibra is one of the few pro soccer players that would be crazy enough to punch him with his Taekwondo taking ass.

 

[Vitten]

The whole country has been calling them prospective champions even though this is their first time at the world stage. The team consists of eleven waterboys (very good ones mind, but still). I think they're going to choke. They should easily reach the round of 16 though because of their weak group and their formidable defense and especially goalkeeper.

Pretty much, Belgium's got lots of talented prima donna's but they're a bit lacking in the brawn & grit department and they lack killer instinct.
I expect them to do well in the group stage but once they're up against a well rounded and physically strong opponent I fear they will suffer. .

 

[Sviatoslav]

well all the rumblings that Capello has turned the team from disaster to a team which can challege Belgium for top place in its group and belgium is the big dark horse this world cup

The team was never really a disaster. The team from two years could just as easily contend with Belgium as the current one. Russia's problem hasn't really been playing against the Belgium's of the world, but the C tier nations that sit back and bunker.

It's hard to predict how Russia will do here since they lost their most important player to injury two weeks ago (Shirokov) and there's not really a competent replacement.

We all know Russia are going to win this world cup, stop pretending.

Gazprom need a surge in money and a free 6kg of 18 carat gold is the best way to help them through their crisis.

Gazprom doesn't need money, they signed that 500 billion dollar deal with China recently. Thanks Obama.

 

[Dagobert Duck]

I've never seen Donovan do anything but perform on the biggest stage.

That's a bit dated since Messi scored again this tournament, so the big boys are up to four. LOL @ Rooney.

pfff what about Müller? 7 games, 8 goals...

 

[sportzhead]

meh....not really
we got kind of lucky

Howard played great.

Our passing and attack was crap

Watching that game was terrible because it seemed like Ghana had possession 90% of the time, and regardless of how good Howard was playing, you just knew they were going to score eventually. It's like they were firing at our goal full auto.



Why are you chastising me with my own point?

How did we get lucky? Did we not defend? Did we not make chances? Did we not counter their pressure? Portugal played like shit, not the USA. And when we have guys cramping up and still pushing through to apply pressure and make runs, that is far from dog shit.

And how am I chastising you? I just made a comment after stating why Donavan doesn't have to be worse than the 23 on the team.

 

[Charles Foster Kane]

That's a nice Google logo.

Rip Paul. He must have tasted great.

 

[Kurt Angle]

proud to be an American

where at least I know im free

:*)

 

[maximrace]

Really looking forward to Bel-ALG, will be a great match. Belgium has one of the most talented teams in this cup, it will be fun to see if they can match the hype created here.

 

[Dilly]

I just hope they don't choke.

 

[spekkeh]

The team was never really a disaster. The team from two years could just as easily contend with Belgium as the current one. Russia's problem hasn't really been playing against the Belgium's of the world, but the C tier nations that sit back and bunker.

It's hard to predict how Russia will do here since they lost their most important player to injury two weeks ago (Shirokov) and there's not really a competent replacement.



Gazprom doesn't need money, they signed that 500 billion dollar deal with China recently. Thanks Obama.

I just read that Russia (not counting Soviet Union though for them it was ages ago too) never advanced from the group stage. That's cray. Surely you'll manage this time, you already won from Korea last year.

 

[Envelope]

What's with all the forced Belgium hype?

 

[$200]

 

[Arjen]

What's with all the forced Belgium hype?

How is it forced?

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

Today Moyes releases Fellaini in Brazil.

 

[B-Dubs]

So good lol

 

[painey]

my friend is moving to Arizona this week, do I'm having goodbye lunch with her tomorrow and going to miss the 2nd half of the Algeria game.. it will be the first 2nd half I've missed all tournament

 

[magnificent83]

Ughhh, that just happened. Its a tough pill to swallow but I can't hate that they hit Ghana in our weakest areas, defending set pieces. Now, we need to tie Germany or not lose by more than one, hope Portugal beats the US and then in the final round, a German win coupled with a Ghana win could see Ghana through.

 

[Dagobert Duck]

Ughhh, that just happened. Its a tough pill to swallow but I can't hate that they hit Ghana in our weakest areas, defending set pieces. Now, we need to tie Germany or not lose by more than one, hope Portugal beats the US and then in the final round, a German win coupled with a Ghana win could see Ghana through.

Good luck with beating us (germany) the hype is strong here

 

[Unknown Soldier]

So if I'm understanding how Group Stage works, in order to go through the Crying Eagles of Freedom need to manage a draw with Portugal and lose to Germany by 3 goals or less? Is this correct?

Because that seems awfully doable if Portugal remains a shambles and the Crying Eagles don't get a man sent off early in the game the way the Portuguese did.

 

[caesar]

Has anyone just punched him before....just clocked his ass? I don't remember that ever happening.

if he played in an exhibition celebrity soccer match with US American Football players, dude would get KO'd on the spot.

I think Ibra is one of the few pro soccer players that would be crazy enough to punch him with his Taekwondo taking ass.

lol why would he do that?

I don't think anyone has punched him now, they just know hes crazy. Ibra would be interesting yeh.

 

[Kurtofan]

USA USA

 

[xbhaskarx]

Did we being 23 wide attacking midfielders? No? Then that argument doesn't really work. When Donovan plays nearly everything goes through him. He wants to be the scorer, the playmaker and the winger, and he doesn't have the engine required to press and defend on the wing where he'd be playing.

We brought Julian Green, who is promising but *currently* looks like a boy amongst men, and BRAD FUCKING DAVIS.

Oh no Donovan wants to be a playmaker AND goal scorer?? That is fucking horrible, it's clear we don't need either of those things. Who needs goals, assists, and chances created, let's just have panic defending for 89 minutes, that's the new attractive brand of soccer Klinsmann promised us when hired.

Now Brad Davis, there is a guy known for defending, and for his "engine"... brilliant fucking analysis, clearly you are the John Madden of soccer.

 

[spekkeh]

So if I'm understanding how Group Stage works, in order to go through the Crying Eagles of Freedom need to manage a draw with Portugal and lose to Germany by 3 goals or less? Is this correct?

Because that seems awfully doable if Portugal remains a shambles and the Crying Eagles don't get a man sent off early in the game the way the Portuguese did.

Theoretically, though if Portugal wins from Ghana, they also build up a positive goal difference.

 

[Jackson]

So if I'm understanding how Group Stage works, in order to go through the Crying Eagles of Freedom need to manage a draw with Portugal and lose to Germany by 3 goals or less? Is this correct?

Because that seems awfully doable if Portugal remains a shambles and the Crying Eagles don't get a man sent off early in the game the way the Portuguese did.

There's no way Ronaldo could live down going out in groups to USA or Ghana.

Portugal looked pretty good against Germany, despite the goal difference. USA was barely holding on afte Dempsey's (impressive) goal.

Portugal won't win the cup, but don't mistake that for being a poor team.