Pretoria - U.S.A.~ Algeria - June 23

Rook · June 22, 2010

westcoast ape said:
I used to count myself among those that didn't rate Dempsey. Not only not for the nats, but even back when he palyed for the NE Revolution. I felt he was better at carrying the ball laterally than he was at penetrating a defense, and that people got caught up in his daring and skill when really he was apt to lose the ball in a dangerous position with the way he was dribbling the ball.

But he has changed a bit. When he does carry the ball laterally he is apt to earn a foul - the guy earns so many dangerous free kicks for us, and the way we depend on them you can't discount his value in that regard -- and he is better at getting forward with the ball on his foot as well.

Is Dempsey essential to this team the way that Donovan or Howard are? No, but it is very close.

Under Hodgson the aspect of his game that has greatly improved is his heading. He's deadly on corners now and has a knack of getting a header across the goal.

I think you have to start Gooch. I'm all for putting players in with little exp, but not in one of USAs biggest matches ever. Gooch was decent against England too the goal he was partially responsible for well Gerrard is talented and he's going to through once in a while.

The Yank · June 22, 2010

jhf14 said:
body language speaks volumes... watch him on the field, the man appears dis-interested and complains if he doesn't get the ball exactly on his foot (and then fails to track back if disposessed). I still think he is one of our best players, but his inability to get over his Donovan complex will always be his problem. His club form is a step up in my opinion... but perhaps because there isn't as much pressure on him specifically to do well - who knows.

That's just how he looks. He always looks kind of dopey with a blank expression. I used to think he was dis-interested aswell until I saw him crying like a baby when we lost the Confederations Cup. That guy wants to win as much or more than the rest of the team. If you have read what he has said in the papers lately he has a lot he wants to prove about his heart and his drive and to me he has proven it.

I don't see him failing to track back. Like I have said he covers almost as much ground as Donovan on defensive and offensive duties.

RAFUH · June 23, 2010

TX Bill said:
A clean sheet and an Altidore goal would do me just fine.

This. I would like to see one of our strikers.... well.... strike!

TX Bill · June 23, 2010

Getting nervous here.

Tennessee Blue Mike · June 23, 2010

Big day tomorrow. Altidore needs to step it up a notch.

ape man · June 23, 2010

Goals from the front guys, whoever plays.

jhf14 · June 23, 2010

to win this game Donovan MUST have a good game... he does well, we do well since nearly everything goes through him.

jdeezy · June 23, 2010

The Yank said:
That's just how he looks. He always looks kind of dopey with a blank expression. I used to think he was dis-interested aswell until I saw him crying like a baby when we lost the Confederations Cup. That guy wants to win as much or more than the rest of the team. If you have read what he has said in the papers lately he has a lot he wants to prove about his heart and his drive and to me he has proven it.

I don't see him failing to track back. Like I have said he covers almost as much ground as Donovan on defensive and offensive duties.

Yep. All of this. Like I said before, he's easy to mistake for lazy based on his style & mannerisms. But he's not. Not at all. And he cares. A lot. So let's move on & be happy to have him while we're still the anti-french/english from a supporter base standpoint.

*tick-tick-tick*

jdeezy · June 23, 2010

TX Bill said:
Getting nervous here.

Me too. It's almost like the future of the sport over here kinda depends on tomorrow.

No pressure though boys!

jdeezy · June 23, 2010

jhf14 said:
to win this game Donovan MUST have a good game... he does well, we do well since nearly everything goes through him.

I know, but I'd feel better if we didn't feel the need to constantly remind him/us of this at every opportunity. The guy's had some maturity/mentality issues (who hasn't??) & finally seems to have gotten over the hump for good (thank you, davey). Yet we (yes, I'm talking to you alexi lalas!) make it a point to remind him that basically the entire sport rests upon his shoulders & no matter what he does we'll ALWAYS reiterate how in the past you've faded from a game or two. Ya know, just in case there was even a shred of self doubt still lurking around, we promise to bring it out of you & top it off w/ a full serving of pressure & unrealistic burden.

And, btw jhf14, nothing of what you wrote was in any way untrue. Complete fact. Just my way of getting the pre-game jitters out of the way now. B/c you know, it's important for america that MY nerves be settled come game time kickoff.

Oh, & should I be worried that my starting XI is exactly what Lalas had?? No seriously guys, give it to me straight. Have I lost my cookies?? B/c I don't want to be that dude. Seriously.

jhf14 · June 23, 2010

jdeezy said:
I know, but I'd feel better if we didn't feel the need to constantly remind him/us of this at every opportunity. The guy's had some maturity/mentality issues (who hasn't??) & finally seems to have gotten over the hump for good (thank you, davey). Yet we (yes, I'm talking to you alexi lalas!) make it a point to remind him that basically the entire sport rests upon his shoulders & no matter what he does we'll ALWAYS reiterate how in the past you've faded from a game or two. Ya know, just in case there was even a shred of self doubt still lurking around, we promise to bring it out of you & top it off w/ a full serving of pressure & unrealistic burden.

And, btw jhf14, nothing of what you wrote was in any way untrue. Complete fact. Just my way of getting the pre-game jitters out of the way now. B/c you know, it's important for america that MY nerves be settled come game time kickoff.

Oh, & should I be worried that my starting XI is exactly what Lalas had?? No seriously guys, give it to me straight. Have I lost my cookies?? B/c I don't want to be that dude. Seriously.

Alexi comes across like he's pissed that Donovan took his place as the poster child of American Soccer (remember the long red hair and beard?... might be my first memory of U.S. soccer)... Donovan and him had some clashes when he (Alexi) was GM of the Galaxy... so pretty much everything he says about Donovan I take with a grain of salt.

Speaking of venting and getting pre-game jitters out... I am working from home today to watch the game BUT I HAVE A FREAKIN' CONFERENCE CALL FROM 10:30-11:30AM EST !?!?!??!?! The ONE thing I didn't want to happen... who the hell schedules a call during this time?!

good thing I can record it...

Bigloco · June 23, 2010

hour before match and no lineup? Cant be good, i'm thinking a 9 0 0 1 with bornstien up front as the lone striker!

Bigloco · June 23, 2010

Howard; Cherundolo, DeMerit, Bocanegra, Bornstein; Donovan, Bradley, Edu, Dempsey; Gomez, Altidore

I think i just threw up a little

jhf14 · June 23, 2010

Bigloco said:
Howard; Cherundolo, DeMerit, Bocanegra, Bornstein; Donovan, Bradley, Edu, Dempsey; Gomez, Altidore

I think i just threw up a little

is that the line-up!?! Please say that Bornstein isn't playing....he is 100% pure awful and will be DESTROYED on the outside

Bigloco · June 23, 2010

jhf14 said:
is that the line-up!?! Please say that Bornstein isn't playing....he is 100% pure awful and will be DESTROYED on the outside

Per Grant Wahl's tweet....thus the throw up a little

I'm not surprised that Gooch isnt starting with Algeria's size (or lack there of) But Bornstien? Guy does have speed i guess....::cry::

I'm still hoping Wahl is wrong