2E vs 1F

Looks like we will be playing for the right to lose to Brazil.

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Damn so much strong negativity about conrad...Ive only seen him ever have one bad game, and that includeds national side and definitely at the club level

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Conrad is a very good MLS player and no more, IMO. He's never started in an important game against a non-CONCACAF opponent. When he has started in friendlies against tougher competition he has been average to bad. I'm not even counting the Germany game, as I vowed not to hold that debacle against anyone. But Conrad was miserable for most of the game in the friendly against Japan, for instance, even though we won. I hope I'm wrong about him, though, because I'm fairly certain he'll start in the middle. Gooch did have good things to say about Conrad's minutes against Italy, so I hope they can work well together. But man, what I would give to have Gibbs back right now...

Re Lewis and Convey, I share the concerns about them both playing on the left. Many of us worried about that before CR, too, and it turned out all our hand-wringing was right on the mark. But I really think Lewis can discipline himself to play back more after giving up that first goal. Convey played better defense against Italy, too, so they might have it sorted out.

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Looks like we will be playing for the right to lose to Brazil.

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At the risk of getting ahead of ourselves, Brazil has not impressed me so far. Of course, their jv team could probably take out many teams but so far they're not playing lights out. Anything can happen in this WC.

Of course, none of this matters if the U.S. and Italy don't win (and we're not scoring 6 goals on Ghana).

Brasil only plays as hard as they have to until late in the tournament. If we have to play them, I'd much rather face them in the first elimination game than in the semis.

Since January 2005 Convey and Lewis have played in three games together

8/17/05: 1-0 W vs T&T
10/8/05: 3-0 L at Costa Rica
6/12/06: 3-0 L vs Czech Republic

Convey was subbed in on 66' in our 1-0 win against Latvia during our runup, 5/28/06.

Granted the 3-0 L was a game after we qualified for Germany '06 but Lewis let in the winner in the first half. I just don't think these guys will play together well, where else have they played well together?

Also Dre, did they announce how many people were at the game on Sat night (dynamo)? I was watching it in a bar and couldn't hear any sound, but now that Greg is gone to Germany I think I'd rather not listen.
[This message has been edited by riley290 (edited 6/19/2006 2:36p).]

[This message has been edited by riley290 (edited 6/19/2006 2:38p).]

You might be right, riley. It's certainly not an ideal situation, but neither is Conrad starting in the defense.

[This message has been edited by tool (edited 6/19/2006 6:23p).]

I agree starting lewis and convey on the same side is just a terrible idea...lewis looks great when paired with beasley because of beasleys supperior defense

convey looks good when positioned ahead of a more defensive back because he is so active on that wing...

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Also Dre, did they announce how many people were at the game on Sat night (dynamo)? I was watching it in a bar and couldn't hear any sound, but now that Greg is gone to Germany I think I'd rather not listen.

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Just under 14,000 which is the lowest total of the season thus far. Considering we were playing RSL, the US/Italy game, and the weather in the early afternoon, that's not too shabby. I expect to be back in the upper teens the next two home games.

I hope so, I can't to see what the attendance is after WC is done. Hopefully the attendance will continue to rise and we can prove to San Jose that we deserved a team...

We've given up 0 goals with Conrad in, that's better than the 4 we gave up with Pope in

[This message has been edited by riley290 (edited 6/19/2006 3:42p).]

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mookie, that has been addressed about 10 times in this thread alone. Both of those teams will want the win, no matter who goes in 2nd place behind them. The 2nd place team (which could be italy if they tie and ghana wins) will most likely be facing brazil, whcih is not what any team wants to do no matter how they are playing right now. Brazil is just one of those teams that gets better as the tourney continues, and generally one that you dont want to see at all if you can avoid it. Neither team will play for a tie, I can guarrantee it

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wrong- Czech will be very happy to make the second round due to their injury situation. They will gladly take the tie to play Brazil. Italy has the upper hand and wins the group with a tie. Therefore, if the US gets up early and they see it I guarantee both teams sit on the ball for the entire second half- Italy has done it before and won't hesitate to do it again.

playing for a tie is pretty much the dumbest thing one can do. Garunteed way to lose a match.

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wrong- Czech will be very happy to make the second round due to their injury situation. They will gladly take the tie to play Brazil. Italy has the upper hand and wins the group with a tie. Therefore, if the US gets up early and they see it I guarantee both teams sit on the ball for the entire second half- Italy has done it before and won't hesitate to do it again.

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Yes, because if the US is up 1-0 at HT then the US will surely win the game at the Czech republic will have nothing to worry about. Your logic is astounding.

The only way your scenario could possibly play out is if the US was dominating at HT...along the lines of 3-0 or 4-0. If that's the case (4-0) we go through to the second round anyway on goal differential regardless of the outcome.

Actually, if we are clobbering Ghana at HT on the order of 3-0 or 4-0, CR would have incentive to NOT play for the draw because they would lose the goal differential with the US and therefore would need a win to go through.

So yeah, you're pretty much wrong on all accounts.

Euros are looking out for other Euros. If they have a chance to send each other into 2nd round, they'll do it. Luckily, there are enough scenarios that both teams will play hard initially.

That said, our dream start is early Italian goal. Followed closely by early American goal.

[This message has been edited by birdman (edited 6/20/2006 1:46p).]

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Pasta/Pizza > Kolaches

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LMAO!!! Thanks GS, that was fantastic.

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Just under 14,000 which is the lowest total of the season thus far. Considering we were playing RSL, the US/Italy game, and the weather in the early afternoon, that's not too shabby. I expect to be back in the upper teens the next two home games.

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I was there, I forgot how fast the game moves above the HS level. My kids and I had a great time. We'll go back for sure.

I was supprised how close the field is to the stands. You forget how much larger the soccer field is vs. football. Next time I'll bring my big lens with me.

I know this game is at 8 in the morning, but is there anyone in Houston that is going out somewhere to see this one?

We have to find a way to get O'Brien in the game and let him create scoring chances. We still have not scored a goal in two games. We need a win here and I don't think we can count on an own goal to bail us out again.

I'll either be at Richmond Arms or The Mezzanine. Either way, I won't be alone, I guarantee you.

And the game starts at 9, not 8.

Just saw that the US has registered the fewest shots on goal of any team in the tournament. The only one on goal was the shot by Reyna that hit the post against CZE. ANG with four shots on goal was the next team from the bottom. GHA has 14 shots on goal.

The US is third from the bottom in total shots with 14. AUS has 34 shots through two games. GHA has 34 shots against the same teams.

The US is second from the bottom in number of corners taken. Only 5.

Only been caught offsides once, though. ESP, KSA, and MEX also were only caught offside once during their first two games.

[This message has been edited by An Ag in CO (edited 6/21/2006 10:12a).]

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The only one on goal was the shot by Reyna that hit the post against CZE

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I do not believe that is the shot on goal, as technically if it hits the post it is not "on goal." Edit- I stand corrected, The official match report shows Reyna with one shot from that game, and the shot is a shot on goal, so the shot that hit the pipes is our only shot on goal. I know in hockey that shots which hit the pipes are not recorded as shots on goal.

That is a bit disappointing that we have not had more shots on goal. Part of that is that we had 9 men for 45 minutes, but it does not explain the other game and a half.

The one offsides we had was a killer, taking away Beasley's goal against Italy.

[This message has been edited by Aston94 (edited 6/21/2006 10:28a).]

According to FIFA, Reyna took one shot during the game against CZE. He also registered a shot on goal so by that reckoning the shot against the post is counted as a shot on goal.

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APPIAH AWARE OF AFRICAN DREAMS

Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has reminded his team-mates they will be carrying the hopes of an entire continent when they take on the United States in their crucial Group E clash on Thursday.

Ratomir Dujkovic's side surprised many with their 2-0 triumph over the Czech Republic last Saturday, and will now meet the US with a possible place in the knockout stages at stake.

Ghana need a win to be sure of qualification, though a draw would be enough for the Black Stars if Italy beat the Czech Republic at the same time.

With Angola, Togo and Ivory Coast already out of contention in their respective groups, Ghana and Tunisia are the only African representatives still able to advance to the next round.

And Fenerbahce midfielder Appiah vowed the Black Stars were determined to make their mark.

"Before coming to Germany I said we are not going to win the tournament but we are here to make a name for ourselves," he told PA Sport.

"We have nothing to lose and this is like a dream coming true.

"And it is not just our country that is happy but all of the African continent," the 25-year-old added.

"I hope we will show another great performance and continue like that. We are committed to our country and to making Africa proud."

It is a heavy load to bear for the Group E underdogs, but Appiah remains calm despite the burden resting on his shoulders.

"We don't feel any pressure," he continued. "We are cool and ready to play. There is no pressure on us."

Ghana will be without the services of Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari, who serve one-game bans after picking up their second yellow card last Saturday.

The duo were both on target in the victory over the Czechs, but coach Dujkovic insists their absence will not hinder his side.

"We have two players suspended but we have players who are able to replace them," he stated.

"Anyhow I am optimistic and I still believe the Black Stars can reach the semi-finals."

Dujkovic does not intend to receive score updates from the clash between group leaders Italy and the Czechs in Hamburg.

"Of course we think about the match between Italy and the Czech Republic but if the Black Stars continue to play at this level I am not worried," he added.

"This Black Stars team is not afraid of anyone and they can face every opponent at this moment."

Things will not get any easier should Ghana reach the knockout stages as five-time World Cup winners Brazil await the group runners-up in the next round.

Yet Dujkovic would be happy to face the defending champions.

"We are expecting to play Brazil which would be good for Ghana because we are known as the Brazilians from Africa," he smiled. "It should be a great match.

"But for us at the moment the focus is on the match tomorrow."

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Just saw that the US has registered the fewest shots on goal of any team in the tournament. The only one on goal was the shot by Reyna that hit the post against CZE. ANG with four shots on goal was the next team from the bottom. GHA has 14 shots on goal.

The US is third from the bottom in total shots with 14. AUS has 34 shots through two games. GHA has 34 shots against the same teams.

The US is second from the bottom in number of corners taken. Only 5.

Only been caught offsides once, though. ESP, KSA, and MEX also were only caught offside once during their first two games.

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That is depressing.

Take some shots.

Hopefully we saved our attacks until now....

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Pasta/Pizza > Kolaches

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This is SO not true.

It's a good thing Adu has already been capped or else this could have also been the "Battle for Freddy in 2010"

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Never thought about that....How true!

One thing in our advantage is goalkeeping. I'm not about to stir up the debate about Keller's status.

I'm talking about Ghana's goalie. Like most African goalies, he can be sketchy. He got lost off his line a few times in each game. Both Italy and Czech had some great goaltending.

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Both Italy and Czech had some great goaltending.

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Doesn't make much difference when we never put a ball on frame in the first place.

They sound pretty confident. Hopefully we can leave them very disappointed tomorrow.

BTW, if Arena decides to start McBride as the lone striker again I might just watch the other match in protest.

All I know is that if the US team doesn't come out fired up to shut Ghana's mouths for this game, something is seriously wrong. I had no beef with Ghana before, but now I pissed. Their stupid coach and player's are showing us no respect. We better come out ticked off!

The Czech game really damaged us in the eyes of the world. We HAVE to win this game. Ghana's lack of respect is evidence of the world-view of us right now.

tool, you may have to prepare yourself to watch Italy/CR...I seriously doubt Arena will change from the 4-5-1 or 4-1-4-1 or whatever the heck that formation is. Ever since Gibbs went out, seems he has had no confidence in our defense at all given the formations he is playing. With Mastro and Pope (not that he did any good) out, I'd expect Arena to continue with the defensive formations.

One can only hope he comes out with a 3-5-2 or even a 4-4-2 formation in hopes to control the run of play and heaven forbid play attacking soccer. Playing EJ along side McBride would help open up things on the attacking third. At this point we need to win and have nothing to lose. Minds as well play like it. Hopefully Ghana does not respect us and that motivates the US to open up and show our stuff.

Sadly, if we come out with a 4-5-1 I think we either draw or lose. If we play a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2, I think we have a better shot at winning, but we could easily lose big being exposed at the back. At this point, rather roll the dice.

I don't like having a lone striker anyway, but my real problem is starting McBride in that role. It's just a recipe for another 0-goal game from our offense. McBride may be our best forward, but he's nearly useless as the lone man up top.

Our only hope in that situation is that Ghana gifts him more space back there.

tool, agreed. Only way a lone striker works is if he is T.Henry or has 5 midfielders that do a really good job of supporting the striker like Portugal did against Mexico. We got neither.