World Cup Day 6 11/25: AMERICAN REVOLUTION!

[DJnVa]

As we're now into the second games of the group stage, this tourney really gets going.

GROUP A:
8 am: Qatar vs. Senegal Senegal is still in decent shape, with Qatar and then Ecuador on tap. Heck, if you assume Ecuador loses to Netherlands there are paths to the next round even if they lose this game. That said, a win, and one by a few goals puts them in very good shape. Qatar has a tougher road, with Netherlands still to go, but if they win this, they have multiple paths forward. Senegal 3-1.

11 am: Netherlands vs. Ecuador Depending on how the first game goes, Netherlands can all but punch their ticket to the R16 with a win and no matter what a win here and they're pretty safe. Ecuador might have a win or go home match against Senegal in a few days, so if they can snatch a point here, that helps. I don't think they do though, 2-0 Netherlands.

GROUP B:
5 am: Wales vs. Iran Ah, what strange bedfellows international sporting events make. US rooting big-time for Iran here--a win? Perfect. A draw? Fine. A one goal loss might not even be that bad. Hopefully Iran puts forth a valiant effort in front of their backup keeper. DARE TO DREAM: 0-0.

2 pm: Man, this is a big one. England looked in fine form in their opening match, and it seems like Kane's knock isn't that bad. The US outplayed Wales for a large part of their first game, but left the door open just enough for Bale to walk in and snatch a draw. A lot of the angst around this game will depend on exactly how the 5 am game goes. I pick with my heart. 2-2.

 

[SocrManiac]

If Greggggg can turn the press on and off over the course of 90 instead of burning his side out in 45, there’s a chance. If he BBQ’s the side in the first half again then it could get ugly.

 

[ThePrideofShiner]

I have faith. I think we are winning 2-1.

 

[teddykgb]

I honestly think the USA takes an absolute beating. I just don’t think we have the back line to handle a strong England attack and we won’t setup to play a hugely frustrating bus park with some speed on the counter to try to fluke one. Generally I’m in favor of this as I hate when the USA plays like a minnow but don’t see the path for a major upset like this with this group and manager trying to go toe to toe with England

 

[Stanley Steamer]

I honestly think the USA takes an absolute beating. I just don’t think we have the back line to handle a strong England attack and we won’t setup to play a hugely frustrating bus park with some speed on the counter to try to fluke one. Generally I’m in favor of this as I hate when the USA plays like a minnow but don’t see the path for a major upset like this with this group and manager trying to go toe to toe with England

I have to say I also see this as a not unlikely event. The US may use their athletic prowess to disrupt England, and grind out a result. But England definitely hit the ground with all cylinders firing, and if they remain confident, they have the skill to carve open the American defense. If they get up early, a beating could ensue.
But hey, why be negative? US 1, England 0

 

[candylandriots]

Paging @fletcherpost

 

[fletcherpost]

Just don't let us down America.

 

[Jimy Hendrix]

I just woke up from a bad dream where the lineup graphic dropped and the debate was all about whether it was an orthodox 3-5-2 or a return to Steve Sampson’s 3-6-1.

I do expect reality to at least be an improvement over that.

 

[Silverdude2167]

I'm scared but hopeful

 

[fletcherpost]

Wales vs Iran in the World Cup, now there's a thing we might not see again or in a while. This is the good part of the World Cup. Massive match this.

 

[fletcherpost]

Kieffer Moore has the first big chance of the game. From close range, could have done better but he took an accidental hit to the face in the aftermath. He's okay,. he's a big lad. Wales need him to do a lot of the running for Bale and Ramsay.


OMG/Allah Iran score. Game on.

Edit: Oh VAR rules it offside.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

Azmoun has to shoot there, encouraging start though overall

 

[fletcherpost]

Tasty challenge on Williams there. Let's hope he runs it off. There's a good energy about this match. It's very intense.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

Ezatollahi puts it nearly on a plate for Azmoun, inches too far out in front

 

[fletcherpost]

That was close for Iran, barely a foot away and it's a tap in.

Not much between these two sides. They kind of cancel each other out. Iran seem the more lively.

 

[fletcherpost]

Ezatollahi puts it nearly on a plate for Azmoun, inches too far out in front

Did Iran just not turn up for the England match? They started this match totally differently, much more energy, a bit of venom. Did they give England too much respect? England played well but Iran were well off it.

 

[Average Reds]

Did Iran just not turn up for the England match? They started this match totally differently, much more energy, a bit of venom. Did they give England too much respect? England played well but Iran were well off it.

This is precisely what I’ve been asking myself for the last hour. Look like a different team out there.

 

[Average Reds]

How. Did. They. Not. Score?

Just an incredible sequence with two goalposts and one “Look what I found” save.

 

[Jimy Hendrix]

Between that and Sargent last round, think that’s three posts in two matches against Wales. God might have more Ls and Ys in his name than I realized.

 

[fletcherpost]

Iran are playing some nice football. They need to score when they're on top though. Wales need to get fresh legs on.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

ffs they will regret not taking these chances

Did Iran just not turn up for the England match? They started this match totally differently, much more energy, a bit of venom. Did they give England too much respect? England played well but Iran were well off it.

Back 5 with Cheshmi in the middle was completely out of nowhere, he didn't feature in qualifying for good reason. Moharrami at RWB was also a bad fit, Rezaeian is a much better fit in a back 4 as well.

 

[fletcherpost]

I feel an Iranian goal is only a matter of time.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

How did neither ref nor linesman see the handball?

 

[Jimy Hendrix]

Allen hurt and Ramsey being a shell of what he was is really hurting Wales, no midfield creativity at all.

 

[CodPiece XL]

Iran have been playing like they’ve had an extra man the last 10 minutes. Iran were happy to give up possession to Wales in the first half, the big difference is that Wales don’t have the quality of England to take advantage of possession and open the defense up.

The best option for the US against England is to be aggressive .. the old snap at their heels, get in their faces. Give their players no time on the ball and just as important.. compete for secondary 50/50 balls.

 

[allstonite]

Red?

 

[fletcherpost]

Has to be a red.

 

[CodPiece XL]

How is that not a red?

 

[mauf]

Not as knowledgeable a fan as many folks here, but I thought red was the right call.

Let’s see if Wales can hold onto the point.

 

[Investor 11]

And he’s off

 

[Jimy Hendrix]

Feel like the initial yellow was just “not a DOGSO”, then the review was actually useful to gently remind the on field ref what a butcher’s challenge the actual challenge was.

 

[allstonite]

I’m surprised DOGSO wasn’t considered. Defender was keeping up with the attacker but wasn’t really close to him

 

[CodPiece XL]

I don’t understand how the ref only gave a yellow in the first place is he blind?

 

[jon abbey]

Wow!

 

[Fred in Lynn]

She’s not going to be able to go back home. Nice job, camera person.

 

[allstonite]

Wow

 

[DJnVa]

GOAL!

 

[Average Reds]

Just astounding.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

HOLY FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BigSoxFan]

This is good for US, right?

 

[jon abbey]

2-0

 

[Investor 11]

A draw was the preferable result from the US standpoint, with an Iran win 2nd choice correct?

 

[DJnVa]

Well if the US can’t beat Iran with the R16 as the prize we won’t deserve it.

 

[DJnVa]

A draw was the preferable result from the US standpoint, with an Iran win 2nd choice correct?

sure, assuming US loses to England, but we’ll take it.

 

[CodPiece XL]

I think the US are heading to the next round.

 

[allstonite]

Wow x2. So take it to England today and then hope to just beat Iran Tuesday and we get through?

 

[Silverdude2167]

Well now its all pretty clear for the US, they need to win one of the next two games and not lose to Iran.

 

[Average Reds]

Iran dominated and deserved the win.

 

[Fred in Lynn]

Ok, quit scoring XT goals, Iran. US may need them.

 

[allstonite]

I’m just surprised it took +90 minutes for them to finally score. They were flying out there all game