Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Confederations Cup Liveblog: Spain v. USA



Running late - let's get this mother going!

No time for subtext, Dr. Jones... LB jr had a doctor's appointment this morning (he's fine), and we're ready for the off.

Big question: how can the US stop this Spanish team scoring? I still love the whimsy of their anthem.

LINEUPS:
SPAIN (4-1-2-1-2): Casillas - Capdevila, Puyol, Pique, Sergio Ramos - Xabi Alonso - Riera, Fabregas - Xavi - Torres, David Villa.
Subs: everyone else

USA (4-2-2-2): Howard - Demerit, Bocanegra, Onyewu, Spector - Clark, Bradley - Donovan, Dempsey - Altidore, Davies.
Subs: everyone else

Vuvuzelas at the ready!

Preamble: It's going to be a long day down the flanks for the US. Capdevila and Ramos LOVE to get forward, and the two guys in front of them, Riera and Cesc, are no slouches with the crossing either. Spain need to keep their shape and hope that the speed of the US team doesn't cause too much havoc in the space the wing-backs vacate.

And we're off!

1 min: Xabi Alonso has some time to spray passes around before it works wide left with some lovely one-touch passing. Riera's low cross is sidefooted away by Gooch.

3 mins: Pressure down the US end, naturally. Cesc gets bundled over by Bocanegra, and the Spaniards take it short. Fabregas has his cross deflected, and as it loops toward goal, Howard does the safe thing in tipping it over. Spain take the corner short, but Xavi's delivery doesn't find his man and a foul in the box gives the USMNT a breather.

Then the US break well down the left, with Altidore winning a corner off Puyol as he tries to square the ball into the middle. Corner doesn't come to much.

5 mins: Landy goes into the book! Seriously, an unfair call, but as 7 EPL players found out last season, you don't fuck with Xabi Alonso as it gets you stamped right into the ref's book. The two arrive at the same time for a loose ball, but Xabi gets the shit end of the contact and the ref rushes for his book. Before that, Casillas nearly screwed up a clearance to put Xabi/Landy in that situation, coming out of his box to shin it clear.

Then he does it again! The Spanish offside trap looks as effective as the Maginot Line (yeah, UFers, I read our email thread from this morning).

7 mins: CHARLIE DAVIES BICYCLE KICK ACTION! Bright start for the USMNT, who are playing with the proverbial "nothing to lose". Getting round the back of those wing-backs is always going to cause problems. As Altidore gets clear in the box wide right, he finds his man on the overlap and the cross reaches Davies in space 12 yards out, but he can't do anything more than bicycle it instinctively and it 's always heading wide. Still, I'm impressed with their fearlessness thus far.

9 mins: Screamer from Dempsey 18 yards out, but it's juuuuust wide of the post. Lots of confidence in all-white thus far today.

@The NY Kid - you don't get to explain the Maginot Line to us. It was rubbish and patently didn't work. Much like Sergio Ramos on defense. Or Damarcus Beasley anywhere on the pitch.

10 mins: Bradley loses Fabregas for a moment, and the mohawked milquetoast volleys from 25 yards, but it's always going over the bar despite the late dip in trajectory.

JP and Harkes are gushing over the USMNT so far, and rightly so... just as they gush a little extra, Spain go close themselves! Torres lurks at the back post and gets to a low cross before his marker, but it's always going wide. Dangerous for a second, there.

@The NY Kid - keep going until you're red in the face, mate. The Line was rubbish.

13 mins: USMNT trick of the day: longballs over the top for Altidore and Davies to chase, chase, chase. Not a bad gambit considering Ramos will always be further downfield, and Puyol's a bit old and thus, the chance to Vidic him (as Torres/Gerrard did during that 4-1 game at Old Trafford, oh yes) is definitely there.

15 mins: A Sepp Blatter sighting! Does anyone else hate him as much as I do? To a man, the least likable person involved in the beautiful game, with that crook Jack Warner a very close second.

Bradley's searching for Davies up the middle, but his pass is too strong. Still, nice to see 'em asking questions of that Spanish backline. After all, it's only human. They're prone to mistakes.

Offside flag goes up against David Villa as he's a step too quick in pursuit of a pretty-looking cross by Ramos. The USMNT are defending a high, high line, which is troubling considering the pace Spain has up front. There's being aggressive, and being foolish. Might be straying towards foolish with that line.

17 mins: ESSENTIAL TRUTHS WITH JOHN HARKES, Pt. 1 of many: "The US is not New Zealand." Indeed they are not. Do you say that because it's not 3-0 already?

Fuuuuck me, close for Spain. Somehow, Torres is completely unmarked in the middle as Onyewu and Bocanegra leave him a nice 10-yard circle of room in which to operate. He gets the ball, turns and shoots, forcing a good save from Howard, but then the linesman flags for offside. On the replay, he was on. C'mon, officials! First the Landy card, and now this. One thing is certain: that high backline is gonna be mauled if they don't switch it up.

@EbullientFatalist - no clue why they seem to think Sergio Ramos is a physical player. He's Spanish! Surely Bornstein could have handled that.

20 mins: Donovan tries to get Davies through on goal when he maybe should have taken a shot, and Spain clear. They break up the left via Villa, who gets to the touchline again and cuts it square, but one of those tall Sequoia-looking motherfuckers in the middle gets it clear.

21 mins: Donovan learns from his mistake 60 seconds ago, cutting in from the left, dribbling freely up the middle and shooting from 20-odd yards. It's wide of the post, but you knew that already.

In a flash, it comes right back down the other end, and some sloppiness from the US gives a couple of scoring chances for Spain... the move ends with Riera dragging his shot across the face of goal from a narrow angle.

Demerit clears another low cross from the left wing. While the US midfield is holding its own, the backline is awfully bunched up, allowing plenty of space for overlaps down the flanks. That, coupled with their dangerous offside trap being so high up the pitch, and I fear the worst. Still, as long as Spain stays scoreless, I guess you could call it successful.

24 mins: Riera looks for Villa in the middle, but Onyewu is there to knock it behind for a corner. Xavi to take.... he plonks it right on Onyewu's forehead and it's cleared, but only as far as Capdevila, and Spain get another corner as Fabregas lurks looking for the ball over the top. It's taken short, and kinda wasted. Once they hoof it upfield, Puyol fouls Davies at the halfway line to give his defenders a breather.

A NOTE OF THANKS: seriously, you guys are great for coming to UF during all this USMNT hullabaloo.

27 mins: GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL.... IN YOUR FACE, LA LIGA! What a move by the Villareal and Xerex reject Jozy Altidore... maybe the Spaniards will give him a run out when the domestic season starts again. The striker gets a yard of room in the middle to spin off Pique with his hip, leaving him for dust, and his shot is right at Casillas, who can only parry it in off his post with Puyol trying in vain to get back. Nice goal, that. What say you folk? Spain 0, USA 1

Well, that was something, wasn't it? Altidore gets booked for taking his shirt off during the celebration, but he gives not a flying fuck. How will Spain respond? Dellacamera is talking about "panic", which is perhaps a bit much considering there's an hour to go. I do, however, fear the gushing from the likes of Galarcep come tomorrow morning... honestly, that worries me more than the US losing 4-1.

30 mins: Spain picks up right where they left off, crowding the edge of the area yet finding no clear scoring chances. Ramos floats a beauty to the back post where Villa controls first-time, but Spector is there to block the shot. Spain do win a corner, and then another one as Spector(?) heads over. Xavi delivers to a US player again, and the Yanks clear.

CLOSE FOR SPAIN! From a broken play, too. Looked like a foul on Bradley in the midfield, but Riera takes it, shoots from distance, and the block falls to Villa. He takes a step to try and get some room, but blasts it over the bar from the edge of the box. Still, Spain keep pushing up the wings.

34 mins: It's been all Spain since the goal, and there's always the danger of trying to sit back and camp on a 1-0 lead, especially when you're angling for the upset. Mustn't forget how to attack, USMNT... so far you're hoofing it right back to 'em. Onyewu stoops low to head it out for a throw after the 2,475th cross from the left wing. Torres is caught offside from the throw, and is incredulous. I kinda am too, as that's kinda impossible.

@Mike Georger - yes, somehow they did. The linesmen have been very creative thus far.

36 mins: Free-kick for the US some 30 yards out as Davies gets bundled over. Donovan puts in a lovely cross to the back post, and Dempsey steals the header from Bocanegra, who was much better placed, to put it over the bar. D'oh. Coulda, shoulda been 2-0 if we're honest.

Boy, how Spain is missing some physicality in that midfield. Too many fleet-footed stepover kings there. Xabi Alonso can't do it all back there. They'd give all the paella in Catalunya for Marcos Senna right now.

As I type that, Spain comes close again! Beautiful passing opens up the right wing for Ramos, and he is able to find Torres unmarked in the box. He can't control, and also looks to pass instead of shoot, giving Onyewu enough time to lean in and knock it away for a corner that Xavi promptly wastes.

40 mins: Nice play by Altidore, who is giving the Spaniards all kinds of trouble on the ball. Capdevila plays it left-to-right to Ramos, and as he tries to cut it in for Xabi Alonso, Jozy is there to intervene and he takes a hard foul from the Liverpool man.

Seriously though: I know Altidore is still a bit rough around the edges and all, but why won't a Spanish club let him play? Is their racism still that bad over there?

Hard to keep up right now; Howard comes out of his area to clear the ball before Torres can reach it, and then Spain get a free-kick (didn't see what happened). Xavi tries to be clever and play it right across the edge of the box, but Donovan clears. It doesn't go far, and Spain set up another assault that almost pays off. Altidore gives it away and Villa gets it on the right via a lovely through-ball... his low cross for Ramos is denied at the last second by Bradley's hard challenge. Trying times for the USMNT since the goal -- they're defending on their heels and hoofing it clear every time, allowing Spain to reset and try, try again. Surely they can't hold the 1-0 lead?

45 mins: The Great Assault on Howard continues... this is becoming as lop-sided as that Assault on Precinct 13 (although Denzel did have some weapons eventually). Torres jinks inside his marker with ease on the right side of the box and shoots low with his left peg, forcing Howard to save with his calf. The ball bounces up and teases David Villa, who fouls as he tries to nudge a header goalward for one of the three Spaniards waiting at the back post.

One minute of stoppage time. And it's quickly gone.

HALF TIME: Spain 0, USA 1
Well, that was unexpected. The US are playing very well so far, at least in terms of scoreline. 25 minutes of positive, attacking football gave them the goal, and the final 20 have brought an avalanche of nearly-theres for the World's #1 team. Desperate defending at times, but Howard's goal remains unravaged by that scary assemblage of goalscorers in red shirts.

Thoughts?

And we're back. My fingers are tired, but this game has lived up to my wildest dreams thus far. The Spaniards are quite flimsy in the midfield despite all their wonderful playmakers, and the USMNT are taking advantage.

Thanks also for the thank yous! Without you lot, we'd be nothing.

Bourbon glass = refilled
Plate of Nachos = refilled

And here come JP and John for more truthiness.

46 mins: Nice, ESPN. You missed the kickoff due to commercials. Had to squeeze one more Mike's Hard Lemonade shout-out in, didn't you?

47 mins: Donovan is, much as it pains me to admit, having a good game. Causing problems on the wings. His latest cross is blocked out for a corner, which he takes himself. It's a good delivery, and Dempsey tries the diving header, pushing it over the bar with Xabi Alonso's boot in attendance.

48 mins: Torres gets space out wide right and floats a dangerous cross to the back post, but Howard's there to punch it out for a throw. From the throw Villa gets some space to shoot, and it takes a wonderful diving save from the Everton man to keep it out. Corner, Spain... they take it short and Xabi Alonso has a crack from 25 yards, putting it just over the bar. Second half has begun much like the first ended.

49 mins: MAYBE A PENALTY BUT ALMOST CERTAINLY NOT! Onyewu came forward and left Demerit all alone to deal with David Villa up the middle. Villa tumbles in the box with Howard coming off his line, but he was always falling over.

50 mins: Spector does well to head yet another Ramos cross away from danger, but he hoofs it right back to the Spaniards and Xabi resets the attack. It's sloppy, but effective, defending from the US to keep their 1-0 lead. Sergio Ramos has set up camp on that right wing.

51 mins: Xavi has room to shoot in that space between Bradley/Clark and Onyewu/Demerit... his shot is deflected out for a corner that amounts to nothing.

Another corner for Spain as Spector blocks Riera's run and cross. Xavi takes it short and Villa gets it, controls it and volleys from a tight angle, but Howard plucks it out of the sky.

Harkes is right for once: every time the US clear, they give it right back to Spain so they can attack again. I'd say that the US has maybe enjoyed a minute of possession so far this half.

53 mins: As I type that, Donovan springs Davies down the right, but his cross is too long for Altidore.

54 mins: ANOTHER PENALTY FOR SPAIN BUT NOT REALLY! Looked like Xavi took a tumble, though in an offside position, under pressure from Donovan. On the replay, it looked like Landy did barge the tiny midfielder down, but the whistle remains quiet.

Riera has a crack from 20 yards, turning neatly inside Spector and shooting wide of the near post with Howard across to cover.

@J - no live feed of the Showdown in Chinatown, sadly. Fear not, as we have a quartet of correspondents there to do interviews, blog it, and also a UF first, some original video content! Stay tuned for Friday when we get the bulk of it up on the site.

57 mins: Howard saves well again from Villa, and the last minute or so has been all down the other end. Altidore's physicality wins the US a corner off Capdevila. Donovan to take...

... he floats it in to the middle, looks like Pique headed it clear, but it falls to Ricardo Clark who volleys it from 25 yards into that proverbial cliche, Row ZZ.

Thought: when will the US get their unfair red card? Soon?

59 mins: For all the shots on goal by the European champs, the US have survived to the hour mark with their 1-0 lead still intact. Squeaky bum time forthcoming.

Pique tries to get free up the right wing, even though he has no business doing so, and Bocanegra picks his moment to put a foot in and toepoke it back to Howard.

60 mins: The 10,118th corner for Spain. Xavi botches it again! Under pressure from Donovan, Xavi then gives up a throw-in. Breather for that US backline, but only for a minute.

61 mins: Wonderful shot by David Villa! Spector loses the ball from the throw-in, and Villa shoots just wide of the post from 20 yards.

NOT A PENALTY FOR THE US! The ball is hoofed forward and Altidore has time to control it. He wants to shoot from a narrow angle, but Puyol is there to tidy up.

63 mins: Villa's been rather wasteful today, missing with another effort and then failing to release Torres up the middle with the goal beckoning.

Ramos puts another cross in that finds Villa in the middle. He leaves for Riera who is galloping in behind him, but Spector's there to block. Assault on Precinct Howard continues.

65 mins: Seriously, are Spain going to score or what? The Siege continues as Howard makes two saves in quick succession, from Sergio Ramos of all folk, and then with the defense bunched, Ricardo Clark makes a tremendous block to keep out Ramos again. The US look exhausted, but still, their goal is virginal.

67 mins: Fabregas takes way too much time on the ball, cutting inside from the right with just one to beat. He dawdles an awfully long time before chipping a rather soft cross into the middle, and Donovan is there again to head it clear.

Del Bosque has had enough: Fabregas off, Santi Cazorla on. A true right-wing option now emerges for Spain.

68 mins: Torres is frustrated once more as the cross is too short and too soft for him to get to, and Bob Bradley's making changes himself.

69 mins: Subs for the USMNT: Charlie Davies off, Benny Feilhaber on. They need that midfield help to keep their shape. Parking the bus now becomes the obvious option, and I am stunned that 20 minutes stand between the USMNT and a massive, huge, enormous fucking upset. To be fair to Spain, they've been rather unlucky too, but that's nitpicking at this point. The US are defending like titans in the face of all this pressure.

70 mins: Donovan has room on the right to try and deliver a nice cross. He doesn't, particularly, though Dempsey does get clattered to the turf by Puyol as the ball comes in. No whistle.

If you're Del Bosque, what do you do subs-wise? Two more to make... David Silva? Sergi Busquets? They need some speed, and Riera is clearly exhausted and settling into that below-average form that he found with Liverpool after Christmas.

71 mins: Xabi Alonso's pass out right is too strong for Santi Cazorla to reach, and it's a USMNT throw-in. Then, Spain get to attack again, but Demerit is there to block off Torres from getting control of the delivery. Tremendous defending by Demerit again.

74 mins: GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL... and I cannot believe it! US strike again on the break! You can hear Harkes laughing in the commentary box as he moves away from the mic. Feilhaber gets it wide right as Altidore breaks up the middle... Sergio Ramos displays some absolutely shocking defending in controlling the ball and teeing it up for Clint Dempsey, who is right there behind him to nip in and tap home with Casillas a million miles away. Pique hugs the post, hoping for the ground to swallow him whole. Ramos is incredulous. Unbelievable! Spain 0, USA 2

77 mins Sorry the update is a little slow... having a spot of technical difficulty at my end.

Mata is on for Albert Riera, and he wins a corner off Spector. They do nothing with it again as the defense holds. Feilhaber then bundles down Santi Cazorla, but Villa puts the free kick right into Howard's arms. For all their bluster and pace, Spain is not really creating too many clear-cut chances. Villa and Torres have been well controlled by Spector, DeMerit and Onyewu today. Unbelievable stuff.

80 mins: Xabi Alonso has another crack from distance after Mata's cut in from the left, but Howard parries it away. All Spain still, and still nothing to show for it. They're lining up in the 6-yard-box for a chance to touch one home, but the US are holding firm.

85 mins: SORRY FOLKS! My computer is struggling under the weight of all these Spain shots on goal. Conor Casey replaces Altidore, and the Spanish assault keeps coming up empty. Capdevila heads over from an offside position, a couple more difficult chances, and then the inevitable... US RED CARD! They have to be consistent. He goes in late and low on Xavi, I think, and the ref shows a straight red. Bit harsh, that, and a tarnish on their titanic performance.

From the free-kick, Onyewu is there again to impede David Villa.

86 mins: The pattern continues: Spain cross, US deflect/head clear. Spain cross, US deflect/head clar. Spain cross, US clear.

Final sub for USMNT... the tireless, peerless Clint Dempsey off, replaced by Jonathan Bornstein.

88 mins: Time to start discussing the end of Spain's almost-record unbeaten streak and winning streak?

89 mins: Pique gets a yellow card for Chelsea-ing the referee. Respect the Ref = not dead just yet! Conor Casey chases the ball into the corner and looks to hold off Capdevila, but he can't. Spain break again up the left, but David Villa, who's been rather selfish and rubbish today in equal measures, is offside. Will this cut his price tag enough so that Liverpool can buy him on the cheap?

Three minutes of stoppage time.

90 mins: THE BUS IS PARKED! Epic defending at the back by the US today. This time, Howard skips off his line to rob Mata who was lurking at the near post. Today, the little pigs' house was made of brick, and the Big Bad Spanish Wolf was left a-knocking at the door.

I don't know how much credit Bob Bradley can take for this; simply put, his XI showed up today. I eagerly/not-so-eagerly await the USMNT soundbites after the game.

90 mins + 2: Still a whole lot of nothing from the selfish douche, David Villa. Seriously, he's been crap today. 40 seconds to go! Alexei Lalas has enough time to jerk off to completion before the live feed cuts to Bristol, CT.

FULL TIME: Spain 0, USA 2
Wow. Just, wow. Have a drink tonight, fellas, as you earned that one. Not only did they successfully defend, albeit desperately at times, against that frightening Spanish attacking corps, but they took their smattering of chances when prompted and made 'em count. Just, wow.

I repeat: wow. Holy fucking wow.

Thanks for playing along, folks. Gush at will! You've earned it! A stupendous, phenomenal win by the US today. We can kinda ignore those blips last week v. Brazil and Italy, not entirely mind you, but somewhat. Beating Spain counts at atonement, right?

Also, sorry the updates got a little slow at the end there. My computer was literally dying.

430 comments:

1 – 200 of 430   Newer›   Newest»
Sculptor?!? said...

That's it you're banned.

The NY Kid said...

Howard, Bocanegra and Bradley were the only ones to sing the anthem.

Have some pride, boys!

BackBergtt said...

I.... I don't know what I want in this game :(

Ryan said...

The only thing we have going for us? it's like 35 degrees today in South Africa.

Jacob said...

Way to blow it, Limey.

Confused about this backline. Who is out on the left?

Precious Roy said...

Any quasi-legit source of even an audio stream? No way I'm getting a video stream where I'm working and they don't have any way to ID my laptop as it is, so I don't want to raise any suspicion. An audio stream is probably small enough to not raise any flags.

Jacob said...

DeMerit was mumbling too

Sculptor?!? said...

@NY Kid: that's because they're the only ones who knew the words.

Precious Roy said...

Even without any moving pictures, I am going to wager that not a single Spanish player sang during their anthem.

/smrt'ed

The NY Kid said...

Demerit on the left, Spector on the right.

Jacob said...

That was tough, PR. I thought it was longer, though.

Unknown said...

So anyone see the odds before kick off? I'm interested in what kind of chance the bookies gave us.

Sculptor?!? said...

You tell 'em, Timmy.

The NY Kid said...

17:1

and those were just the odds of Bob Bradley actually making it to the stadium

Unknown said...

love it when JP develops a sudden accent when talking about spanish plays. RRRRRIera

BackBergtt said...

So Brazil are favorites for next summer apparently? Absurd.

Jacob said...

Decent corner from Landon. No one found it.

Unknown said...

whew just made it. Glad to see Spain haven't scored yet.

The NY Kid said...

I'm just sayin' - I would have Tim Howard's babies.

Jacob said...

Bocanegra is out wide on the left.

The fuck was that for?

Jacob said...

SCrew you Xabi. Not a yellow.

EbullientFatalist said...

We're causing trouble!!

And there's the first bullshit card of the day.

Unknown said...

Thought Landycakes was going to be red carded there. Phew.

Sculptor?!? said...

Landycakes with a yellow already. who had that in the pool?

Jacob said...

Did neither team bring long sleeves for the tournament?

Luton13 said...

well finally after finding a working link and shitty american beer i am so ready for this match....ohh no baby jesus isn't infallible

strong like bull smart like tractor said...

Ugh. No video, no audio - I'm stuck with the gamecast and you lot. Up the OoSah!

The NY Kid said...

that was almost a snazzy-looking OG!

Unknown said...

Nice way to bring it to Spain. Go boys.

BackBergtt said...

Ramos is so bad at defense.

Unknown said...

man, if we scored on a bike. wow.

Unknown said...

davies you tease

EbullientFatalist said...

Up the OoSah!!

Jacob said...

A couple of decent chances early for the US. Hope this isn't it.

EbullientFatalist said...

I lurve the way we're playing right now. Fighting, scrapping. playing hard, taking chances.

The NY Kid said...

great start to the match from the boys.


And don't make me explain the Maginot line again, dammit!

Sculptor?!? said...

These announcers must be the footy equivalent of Buck and McCarver.

Luton13 said...

what is going on? did someone put acid in my miller high lite?

Precious Roy said...

Bull/Tractor... Same situation is this is killing me.

EbullientFatalist said...

Maginot? Its like the Curzon Line but has been crossed by the Germans more often.

BackBergtt said...

SEXY CESC clooose

Jacob said...

Eat it, Torres!

Luton13 said...

sweet gloves gooch

The NY Kid said...

now listen here! If the Spanish offside trap was the Maginot line, the US would beat it by going to another pitch to score on a bewildered Pepe Reina. In that sense, it would be effective where it was!

Sculptor?!? said...

I dunno about anyone else's beverage choice, but I'm beginning to suspect hallucinogens in my cheese and crackers...

Email us at said...

Ehh, Harkes isn't nearly as bad as McCarver, OOS, or (god forbid) Marcelo Balboa. Dellacamera is at least better than Bretos and Miles, but that ain't saying much. Neither now the key rule of football commentary- track the ball, and shut the fuck up until something big happens.

Unknown said...

"i think for spain the first minute was good because they kicked the ball off and went forward"-harkes

Unknown said...

donovan, better touch man!

Jacob said...

BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Turn down the field/crowd mikes plz.

Sculptor?!? said...

@cowden: thank you for proving my point. I'm beginning to re-think not spiking my pepsi.

Unknown said...

you're never going to make it to the Dutch league with a touch like that, Landon.

EbullientFatalist said...

So, why is Boca out on the left?

Jacob said...

Some ONTD_FB girls there, I think.

BackBergtt said...

I think I'm the only cracker that likes the vezuvlelauivas or whatever they are.

Also, if the USA ends up getting housed in this game I look forward to all the sunshining of 'they had a good five minutes!'.

Luton13 said...

@ef because its a chess match and unexpected...really who knows knows, bradley?

Jacob said...

@EF-Conditioning and expereince, I think. NYK can confirm, Carlos played outside back almost all season at Rennes this year (though I think it was RB)

EbullientFatalist said...

@Scupltor: I'm nursing a scotch, at 2:45 on a Wednesday afternoon. My parents are very proud.

Sculptor?!? said...

Jeebus, Jozy looks asleep on his feet. Poor kid - I think Bradley's been running him too hard.

BackBergtt said...

The announcer I have (some gin soaked limey) is praising the crowd. Attaboy.

Jacob said...

Not offside, shitty central defending. Nice save though.

Unknown said...

@MG I'm just happy that Casillas has actually had to touch it a few times, and not just on backpasses.

great save by Howard, even though offsides.

EbullientFatalist said...

I'll take Boca on the left; Bradley probably didn't think Bornstein was physical enough to counter Ramos.

BackBergtt said...

Offside trap against the best striker in the game, brilliant!

The Fan's Attic said...

Platini ranks right up there in the least likable in football category.

phil said...

That's a spotty offside call, at best. Ooo-sah got lucky.

Unknown said...

i'm liking the hustle so far....RRRIera

Luton13 said...

shoot it!!!!

The NY Kid said...

yeah, Charlie Blackmouth did quite a bit of work outside at Rennes, since they enjoyed running Fanni up the middle.

HA! I said "Fanni"

Jacob said...

Gooch still reading the game pretty well.

Unknown said...

@Mike Gregor: BBC, huh? He seems impressed with the US so far, doesn't he?

Sculptor?!? said...

What the hell was that?

Jacob said...

Could have taken a few more steps there before shooting.

BackBergtt said...

"BBC, huh"

Maybe, I have what is clearly a Korean video feed.


Nice shot dickhead.

Unknown said...

Landon, I know we wanted you to shoot more, but pick your spots better. You had the help.

EbullientFatalist said...

Gooch has positioned himself very well these past two games.

We are playing the midfield as well as Spain. The two holding mids are plugging the middle well, setting space at a premium.

J said...

Great game to watch so far... wonder how long the U.S. can rely on the saving tackle from the winged cross. Good pressure up front gives me hope... worried about Spain's counter.

Precious Roy said...

Killing me that we are playing with Spain and I can't watch.

strong like bull smart like tractor said...

Woo, hooray for quasi-legal choppy German video feeds!! Connected just in time to see Donovan miss on the counter.

Jacob said...

I'm enjoying Deuce tracking back with vigor.

Sculptor?!? said...

Hey. Can we put the ball in the Spanish end?

/yeah, I'm 13.

MoonshineMike said...

"Watching Donovan Miss" ?

that's like every 5 minutes, I need more details.

Luton13 said...

do not kick it back!!

BackBergtt said...

'donovan rips a shot wide left
not a bad idea'

no.

phil said...

Landycakes is just not a smart player.

The NY Kid said...

I'm pretty sure that Sergio Ramos just tried to impregnate Landycakes

BackBergtt said...

My goal is to have hair like Puyol by the time the WC starts. You'll understand come Baltimore.

J said...

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

EbullientFatalist said...

GAOL!!!!

EbullientFatalist said...

JAIL!!!!

Luton13 said...

JOZY!!!!!

Sculptor?!? said...

JOZY! I take it back, kid!
WOOOOOOOOOO!

Unknown said...

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO JOOOOOZZZYYYYY!!!

Tuffy said...

I HAVE BEEN IMPREGNATED BY AN ALTIDORE

The NY Kid said...

Inconceivable!

BackBergtt said...

Wow.

Unknown said...

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Email us at said...

GOLAZO!!!!!!

Holy shit. . . nice, nice move! Who gassed and replaced US Soccer?

Unknown said...

great turn, top class.

EbullientFatalist said...

@NYK: I do not think you know blahblahblah


/Princess Bride'd

Rich Forsyth said...

Excellent.

The worry is that they have now awoken the snoozing giant.

Beware a four goal response.

Luton13 said...

really am i am serious, did someone put drugs in my beer and are nats really up 1 nil?

The Fan's Attic said...

OOSAH!!! OOSAH!!! OOSAH!!!!

First goal SPain has allowed in the tourney.

85 said...

That was neat.

The NY Kid said...

Please remember to send me $25 every time you refer to Jozy as "The Haitian Sensation"

phil said...

GOLGOLGOLGOLGOLGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGOLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


OOO-SAH! OOO-SAH! OOO-SAH!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
BackBergtt said...

Reina stops that every time.

hockalees said...

WOW... got my 360 feed going just in time for that goal. Awesome.

Unknown said...

great shield, i can't believe he put it away. keep it up boys

Sculptor?!? said...

@G: smells okay to me.

@EF: Anyone want a peanut?

cjdomer04 said...

Holy $*&#. Now just keep 11 on the pitch, and we can actually have a chance at this.

The NY Kid said...

looked like Casillas just got caught leaning the wrong way, expecting Jozy to go to his (Iker's) left

EbullientFatalist said...

We're handling the Spanish pressure well.

Precious Roy said...

Holy shit... the WSD stream just became the live call from the game at the end of the show. Woo hoo!

Jacob said...

How did DV miss that? And where was the foul call?

Luton13 said...

wtf no foul, then they almost score?!

85 said...

I don't know all that much about soccer, but how in the hell is that not a foul? Close call.

BackBergtt said...

Epic thirty five seconds of fail from Villa.

Sculptor?!? said...

Were that a "lucky bounce", or just a sky shot? Look at the replay again, Mr. Announcer Man. Sky shot.

J said...

Possession time U.S.

Jacob said...

Want to make sure we appreciate what Davies did in setting up that goal. His one two play with Landon really opened up Spain.

Email us at said...

it was nice defending by Boca to make up and over the only option for Villa

Spectator said...

The crowd at Slainte is cautiously happy at the moment!!

The NY Kid said...

that was a sweet little jig from Timmy Howard

Jacob said...

How many offside calls is that?

Unknown said...

here's hoping Onyewu and DeMerit's size foil Spain's crossing plan.

BackBergtt said...

I feel an own goal coming off a corner.

Unknown said...

the golden boy is very unhappy right now

Email us at said...

here, here, umlaut. . . Charlie's pass to Deuce was also very nice.

BackBergtt said...

Did they just call Torres offside from a throw?

J said...

got to be yellow

Jacob said...

Now that is a yellow card.

Precious Roy said...

Reminder: We played Spain pretty well in Santader last year right before they tore through the rest of Europe.

Okay, they had most of the possession but we limited the score to a respectable 1-0.

EbullientFatalist said...

The US holding Spain to nothing after all that pressure has to be a small victory for us.

@Umlaut: Indeed. Davies has impressed this tourney. He complements both Landon and Jozy.

Sculptor?!? said...

About time. Doesn't make up for the other non-calls, or the bullshit yellow on Landycakes, but still. I'll take it.

J said...

Should have scored

strong like bull smart like tractor said...

Heh - not sure if it came through on the ESPN feed, but the German video I'm watching now just showed a shot of TTR looking surly in the stands. Made me laugh...

Jacob said...

Wish Dempsey had left it.

Luton13 said...

dempsey :(

EbullientFatalist said...

Dempsey put that home!!!

The NY Kid said...

Jozy is causing them fits in the back with his physical presence

Unknown said...

violet testes.
good tackle at the back though

Jacob said...

GOOCH!

J said...

Great last second tackle

Sculptor?!? said...

Ho! Nice emergency defence.

Unknown said...

Oh God. Hope TTR watches and weeps tears of olive oil.

strong like bull smart like tractor said...

I think I'm beginning to understand why Landycakes prefers to pass.

phil said...

Letting them in too close. I feel a goal coming.

Unknown said...

"when it doubt, kick it out!"-Onyewu

Unknown said...

I thought we'd had it there.

Jacob said...

That was late enough for a US red, but Xabi doesn't get those, I guess.

The NY Kid said...

Landycakes has the yips

J said...

Priority #1: NO stoppage time equalizers. Far too often lazy play at the ends ruin so many advantages.

Jacob said...

RED RED RED RED!

Sculptor?!? said...

Landycakes, ya big baby.

Tuffy said...

"What do you do for a living?" "I let Landon Donovan wave his finger at me disapprovingly." "Do you want me to shoot you?" "Yes, please."

EbullientFatalist said...

Oh, Landycakes. Stop that.

Jacob said...

DV gave Lando the Italian gesticulation there.

Luton13 said...

@tuff i dont know what that means, but i think it explain what just happened

phil said...

Landycakes: OWWWWWW!!!!

David Villa: Stop acting like Drogba.

Unknown said...

Too much more of this and my ticker's going to give out.

EbullientFatalist said...

Pagination before the half?

Sculptor?!? said...

Ugh. You know, boys, if you bother to play adequate defence to START with, you won't need these emergency tactics. Just sayin'.

Jacob said...

Props to DeMerit there.

J said...

Whats playing on your iPod right now: Dangerous followed by Highway to the Danger Zone

Unknown said...

some lucky bounces so far. reeeal lucky bounces.

Jacob said...

WTF? Gooch is now awesome.

Luton13 said...

maybe this is good karma due to real madrid buying every player with 2 legs

BackBergtt said...

What a play by Puyol

Jacob said...

Spain turning the screws.

Jacob said...

Thank you, Mr. Post.

Unknown said...

Timmmay!

Jacob said...

...or foot.

J said...

D ate its Lucky Charms this morning

EbullientFatalist said...

Howard: You may father my child.

Unknown said...

Wow. Howard, I'll have your babies too.

Unknown said...

Wow, Torres. Wow.

The NY Kid said...

I would like to reiterate that I would have Timmy Howard's babies

Luton13 said...

great save timmay!
stop the long ball shit on the other end of the pitch!

phil said...

OMG. What a lovely touch by Torres. Wow.

Jacob said...

Four games, three 1-0 leads at the half.

J said...

I'll take it

Tuffy said...

Tim Howard can't have babies; he instinctively blocks his own sperm.

Unknown said...

How is it that a country which has produced Dwight Howard, Lebron James and all sorts of running backs can't find someone as fast and strong as Fernando Torres.

phil said...

This is the best football I've ever seen from Gooch. Ever.

Luton13 said...

i need an aed nearby cause the next 45 minutes will be hell!!!!

Sculptor?!? said...

Phew. Break time. And everyone, just don't all flush at once. That could be ugly.

The NY Kid said...

@Matt - we do, they just become under-sized running backs

EbullientFatalist said...

"Every team needs the spock."

How true.

Precious Roy said...

Matt: you just named two of them... They're just playing the wrong sport.

The NY Kid said...

ooooooooooooohh, half-time pagination!

Jacob said...

LB, I know you are used to writing ling form these days, but wow. Does every update need to have its own chapter number?

/impressed

BackBergtt said...

To jump on the contrariwise horse ... VIVA ESPANA!

Unknown said...

@Matt: you answered you're own question. They're already playing other sports.

Juancho said...

I know nothing about this "soc-cer", but you are doing some fine work over here, BTO.

Email us at said...

Matt, I'd say it's because there hasn't been a football culture in US cities (let alone small towns) until very, very recently.

Unknown said...

400 today? can we do it?

Unknown said...

@NY Kid- True enough.

@Precious Roy- You know what's fun? Pick a few NBA players and fill out a starting XI.

The NY Kid said...

@Juancho - I'm down here! Lingering Bursitis is doing the live-blog today.

Although, if you meant that in a more general sense, thanks.

Unknown said...

imagine for a minute Lebron grew up playing soccer instead of basketball.


ok, wet dream over.

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