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Only way the US has a chance for a tie is if Ronaldo doesn't show up: agreed!Rooting for USA obviously, but my team I want to watch the most is Belgium.
I think they will make some noise, especially with their weak group they got put in. They can and should sweep that group.
USA draw is definitely this world cups group of death. No other group is that stacked. However portugal is not nearly as good as people think they are, they had to win a playoff to even make the cup and they rely wayyyy to much on Ronaldo. If he has a bad game (rare i know) then they can be beat. Just hope he chooses the game with usa to have an off day.
Hazard, Courtois, De Bruyne, Benteke, KompanyOnly way the US has a chance for a tie is if Ronaldo doesn't show up: agreed!
Belgium is definitely a team to watch since Lukaku and Mirallas will be in the squad! EVERTON!!!!!
The white is the only way to go, however a friend has it and it just looks like a polo, not a jersey at all... Sad that they are so plain. And then the other is ridiculous. I wish they had of kept the hoops red and white.Real question is, which jersey should I go with?
Very plain but kinda classic looking or...
Do I really want to look like a rocket pop though?
The white one for sure and yes it looks just like a polo shirt but that's not necessarily a bad thing as it has that classic soccer jersey look.The white is the only way to go, however a friend has it and it just looks like a polo, not a jersey at all... Sad that they are so plain. And then the other is ridiculous. I wish they had of kept the hoops red and white.
Dempsey or Donovan IMO.
Dempsey or Donovan...maybe Bradley. Can't go wrong with any of those.
Altidore is a flop for the second time in EPL, as much as I and every other USA follower want him to be great, he's just not.As far as the jersey talk goes...I still rock my world cup 2010 Altidore jersey. I love it! I'm going to order another Altidore jersey (going with the freeze pop) as he's my favorite footballer in the world. I say take a name but that's just me being picky. I can't do the nameless ones. The only thing with them, however, is that the numbers don't always stick with the players. Michael Bradley for instance now wears 4, but wore 12 I believe. Don't quote me on that. He wore another number for sure though. I'd guess Green is almost guaranteed a number change at some point. Avoid his .jersey
Jozy needs to play in a lesser league where he can continue to develop his game. The Eredivisie did wonders for his confidence and allowed him to work on the technical side of the game. He still needs more time to develop as a target man. The problem with the EPL is that it is a much more physical league where even the best of strikers can fall out of form. Look at Soldado for example. IMO the ceiling for Jozy is a player like Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. If he can get to that level by the next world cup we should all be satisfied.Altidore is a flop for the second time in EPL, as much as I and every other USA follower want him to be great, he's just not.
While I can't argue that, I can blame the Sunderland midfielders as a partial reason. Jozy had a few good looks that he could've put in the back of the net this season so he does need to take advantage of those opportunities. He's on a 4 year deal there so hopefully Poyet gives him some more opportunities in the future. All that being said, he's a different international player so he will play a big role next month and if he shows up, we should feel good about our chances of seeing knockout stage. I understand he's not the best player but doesn't change the fact that's he's my favorite and will more than likely always be until he calls it quits.Altidore is a flop for the second time in EPL, as much as I and every other USA follower want him to be great, he's just not.
As a secondary team, I'm pulling for Mexico (as weird as it is! That's the rival! The enemy!) because my wife is from Mexico. If she wins, I win. Happy wife happy life. If they lose, I win still lolIf Mexico goes out, then I'd like Italy to win. I'm not Italian, but they have some players I like on their team.
:lol:As a secondary team, I'm pulling for Mexico (as weird as it is! That's the rival! The enemy!) because my wife is from Mexico. If she wins, I win. Happy wife happy life. If they lose, I win still lol
How could Casillas be higher than Neuer? Neuer is Bayern's number 1 keeper while Casillas only plays in the CL. No arguments with Courtois though. He has had a phenomenal year.Only time will tell for Altidore...He'll undoubtedly be on this year's squad though.
Also, Adrian Melville, an ESPN writer, wrote an article listing the top 10 goalkeepers heading into the World Cup using the following as his grading criteria behind the 10: "The goalkeepers in these power rankings reflect not only the statistical volume of shots faced, but also the player's degree of difficulty in the saves that he makes, along with intangibles such as organizing a defensive shape that can help with the ultimate objective of conceding as few goals as possible.
His list:
1. Courtois
2. Howard
3. Buffon
4. Casillas
5. Neuer
6. Lloris
7. Hart
8. Ospina
9. Begovic
10. Ochoa
His reason behind Neuer at 5: Neuer is considered by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world, but there are some warning signs for the German international based on his recent form for Bayern Munich. Since Jan. 1, Neuer conceded 12 of his 19 Bundesliga goals over 15 appearances, including five from within 6 yards, even though as a team Bayern conceded a league-low 7.0 shot attempts per game over that period.How could Casillas be higher than Neuer? Neuer is Bayern's number 1 keeper while Casillas only plays in the CL. No arguments with Courtois though. He has had a phenomenal year.
I agree 100% with the Howard comment. Those are some greats they have him above. I don't think it's by much, but he should surely be ranked lower in my opinion.Howard is maybe a little high on list but Courtois is a sight to behold in goal.
Talk of him replacing Cech this coming season, especially after his shoulder surgery
I'm with you. Begovic is the most consistent keeper in the Premier League and if this injury to Cech is serious, I'd call him the best in the EPL. Gimme Begovic over De Gea, Hart, Howard any day. He needs to pull off one of these moves to a big club (that he has been linked to) to get more exposure to casual football fans.I think Hart is too high. I think I'd take Begovic over him.
Begovic is an excellent keeper but sometimes it is hard to gauge his worth when you consider Stoke play a very safe/defensive style. I'm inclined to give some credit to the defense. A move to a big club would do wonders for his career. Everton on the other hand played a much more open game this season under Martinez than last year under Moyes. Yet, Howard finished second in the EPL for most clean sheets and his distribution was excellent. I don't think you can go wrong with either guy. Is Howard rated too high? Probably but so is Hart.His reason behind Neuer at 5: Neuer is considered by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world, but there are some warning signs for the German international based on his recent form for Bayern Munich. Since Jan. 1, Neuer conceded 12 of his 19 Bundesliga goals over 15 appearances, including five from within 6 yards, even though as a team Bayern conceded a league-low 7.0 shot attempts per game over that period.
I agree 100% with the Howard comment. Those are some greats they have him above. I don't think it's by much, but he should surely be ranked lower in my opinion.
I'm with you. Begovic is the most consistent keeper in the Premier League and if this injury to Cech is serious, I'd call him the best in the EPL. Gimme Begovic over De Gea, Hart, Howard any day. He needs to pull off one of these moves to a big club (that he has been linked to) to get more exposure to casual football fans.
Agreed. This EPL season wasnt nearly as fun with ManUre being so freaking terrible.On a slight tangent, LVG confirmed as United head coach. As a United fan I'm happy they signed him. At least pre and post game interviews will never be boring again.
Next season will certainly be a ton of fun. There are at least 6, maybe 7 teams, who will compete for the top 4 spots.Agreed. This EPL season wasnt nearly as fun with ManUre being so freaking terrible.
I think you underestimate Howard and his impact a Everton... Remember that Howard set the shutout record in 09, and honestly I don't know how close to the top 4 Everton would be without him. However he will be starting his decline and his career is coming to a close. But I have always had Howard in my top 5, and I like seeing an analyst do the sameI agree 100% with the Howard comment. Those are some greats they have him above. I don't think it's by much, but he should surely be ranked lower in my opinion.
Nah timmy has at least 3 more really good years, most elite keepers dont really start to fall off until late 30s, hes 35 so should still be elite for another 3 or so, even then he could prolly play until early 40s and still be good. Cant think of his name but that one keeper for manu was still really good when he retired at like 45, he was asked to still play but was like nah, im old, im tired, im done.I think you underestimate Howard and his impact a Everton... Remember that Howard set the shutout record in 09, and honestly I don't know how close to the top 4 Everton would be without him. However he will be starting his decline and his career is coming to a close. But I have always had Howard in my top 5, and I like seeing an analyst do the same
Van der Sar was only 40 when he retired but yeah he could have played on. Fergie recommended he retire on top.Nah timmy has at least 3 more really good years, most elite keepers dont really start to fall off until late 30s, hes 35 so should still be elite for another 3 or so, even then he could prolly play until early 40s and still be good. Cant think of his name but that one keeper for manu was still really good when he retired at like 45, he was asked to still play but was like nah, im old, im tired, im done.
Van der Sar was only 40 when he retired but yeah he could have played on. Fergie recommended he retire on top.
I more meant he is on the down swing with this being his most probable last world cup. I feel like most players enter the twilight of their careers when they retire from international to focus on club. They can't do the grind due to age, just meaning his career is coming to a close.Nah timmy has at least 3 more really good years, most elite keepers dont really start to fall off until late 30s, hes 35 so should still be elite for another 3 or so, even then he could prolly play until early 40s and still be good. Cant think of his name but that one keeper for manu was still really good when he retired at like 45, he was asked to still play but was like nah, im old, im tired, im done.
Agreed. I think Howard could and will play on for Everton but this is his last World Cup. He'll probably hang 'em up after Copa America 2016. IMO, it is important that some of the young guys get a crack at it.I more meant he is on the down swing with this being his most probable last world cup. I feel like most players enter the twilight of their careers when they retire from international to focus on club. They can't do the grind due to age, just meaning his career is coming to a close.
Seconded.As a United fan, I too am happy with the Van Gaal signing. He's never been a long term solution anywhere, ever, but we need someone to motivate the club, play attacking football, and get the youngsters on the pitch. Pretty much the anti-Moyes.
Has anyone been watching or listening to the Men in Blazers World Cup previews? I highly recommend them.
Yea there are so many promising young and upcoming GK's that haven't really had a chance. After Howard it's between Guzan and Rimando... but then we have Hamid, Johnson, and Hall... heck even Clint Irwin is now throwing his name in with his play the last 2 years for the Rapids. US has always been known for goalkeeping, but right now I am not sure what the future looks like.Agreed. I think Howard could and will play on for Everton but this is his last World Cup. He'll probably hang 'em up after Copa America 2016. IMO, it is important that some of the young guys get a crack at it.
I wasn't underestimating Howard. I love Timmy. His numbers are there. 3rd fewest goals given up (4 of those were own goals) in the EPL this season and that's with a team the likes to go forward. From last year to this year, his save pct went from 70.9% to 77.2% even when Everton gave up 12% more shot attempts. I know he's a beast. I was simply saying he should be a couple spots lower. Certainly behind Neuer and probably Buffon. But I have no issues saying he's a top 5 keeper. I even said 'I don't think it's by much' when I made the comment.I think you underestimate Howard and his impact a Everton... Remember that Howard set the shutout record in 09, and honestly I don't know how close to the top 4 Everton would be without him. However he will be starting his decline and his career is coming to a close. But I have always had Howard in my top 5, and I like seeing an analyst do the same
I think Belgium will surprise a lot of people...I wasn't underestimating Howard. I love Timmy. His numbers are there. 3rd fewest goals given up (4 of those were own goals) in the EPL this season and that's with a team the likes to go forward. From last year to this year, his save pct went from 70.9% to 77.2% even when Everton gave up 12% more shot attempts. I know he's a beast. I was simply saying he should be a couple spots lower. Certainly behind Neuer and probably Buffon. But I have no issues saying he's a top 5 keeper. I even said 'I don't think it's by much' when I made the comment.
Also, Melville wrote an article on top 5 attacking teams at the World Cup. I'm sure if each one of us had to list our top 5 attacking teams that we'd be very close, if not exactly the 5 he had.
His top 5 are:
1. Germany
2. Spain
3. Argentina
4. Brazil
5. United States. Ok I'm kidding. Netherlands
The list is based on World Cup qualifying and individual performance of players throughout the 2013-14 season, and he considered that some of the attackers who get heavy minutes now will have a new role with the international squads.
Only thing is the teams from outside Europe are the weakest they have ever been... Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil are not the teams that they have been in the past... I think that run ends this summer.I think Belgium is the deepest team not named Germany but they are really green. Benteke being injured also hurts them. Also, for what it is worth no European team has ever won a World Cup hosted in South America.