Monday, June 15, 2009

Confederations Cup Liveblog: USA v. Italy



America, f*ck yeah! Gonna beat the Italians and save the f*cking day, yeah!

Well that's the plan. It's the 'Confederations Cup'. It may mean nada and just be an exercise to make sure those South Africans are ready for the big one next summer, but we care... And so does America! This is why I, Bigus am at your service this afternoon to talk you through all the action. Will Rossi jam a middle finger up at the natives of New Jersey? Will Landon Donovan turn up? Man up? By the way, why oh why oh why oh why are the MLS still playing games with it's best players on International duty? (Well, only 6) So many questions. After the jump, maybe some answers. Live blog ahoy!


Pretoria, South Africa. If yesterday is anything to go by expect a crowd of locals blowing traffic cones, or are those plastic trumpets? Anyway, sounded like a right din. Dancing away, high five-ing. We know you gave them free tickets South Africa, we know! All that was missing was thunder sticks! Still, the locals got to see Torres knock in a hatrick and a nice one too. Devalued though, by the awful defending of New Zealand, who quite frankly should be ashamed of themselves. The flight of the Conchords should hang their heads low today.

Early team news...

Italy have center back trouble. Get in America, this is your chance! But...Gattuso is back, booooooo.

Here are the line-ups for the last team both teams ran out to play International matches...

USA (W2-1 v Honduras, 6 June): Howard; Clark, Bocanegra (DeMerit 71), Mastroeni (Feilhaber 46), Onyewu, Dempsey, Donovan, Casey (Beasley 74), Spector, Bornstein, Altidore.

Italy (W4-3 v New Zealand, 10 June): Amelia; Santon (Zambrotta 66), Legrottaglie, Gamberini, Dossena, Gattuso (Montolivo 61), Pepe (Camoranesi 62), Palombo, Gilardino (Toni 60), Rossi (Pirlo 46), Quagliarella (Iaquinta 62).

TTR (That Traitor Rossi) will be looking to piss on his home country after deciding to play for Italy and not the old US, and after scoring against Northern Ireland he is gonna feel confident. I hope New Jersey native Bruce Springsteen writes a song about the little fecker and sells a billion records.

Last 9 games between the two: Six wins for the Blue floppers and 3 draws. Camon America? Don't you care?

Jose Altidore does. His face book status from 11am.

Jozy Altidore yall know what time it is!! 2:30 eastern time game vs Italy support us like you always do!

Wooo, Yall know that makes sense!

Today's referee is one 'Pablo Pazo'. Sounds like he could be a talking penguin from a popular Nickelodeon show, but no he is in fact a professional football referee. A quick butchers at google tells me nothing about him. Good old FIFA, another gem for sure.The assistant refs are also from Pazo's country which the BBC says is 'CHI'. Chille?

Lets hope the linos are better than yesterdays duffers. Lets be honest NZ got lucky that the muppet on the near touchline in the second half screwed up 3 times denying Spain 'one on one' opportunities.

One final note before we get under way. I am a retard, and there will be a whole bunch of spelling mistakes. I am well aware of my 'retard' status, so no need to point it out.

Who is going to be my ESPN team this afternoon? I wait with anticipation. A quick peek at the Soccernet site surprised me with a sneak attack. An embedded preview by that turnip Tommy Smyth. He says that Donovan is the key man and Italy are slow starters. Oh Tommy, will you ever learn? Whovever does the game today I am sure there will be the usual smattering of 'reverse flip headers' and 'line drives'.

Well, I'm settled in early, TV is on. Sportscenter just showed the teams arriving at the stadium. Team America must hate each other. All listening to music. Kids these days! Maybe they are all psyching themselves up? Adu did look as if he could have been listening to the Rocky 4 soundtrack. T-minus 30 mins folks and I promise no WAGs on this page Nathaniel.

Woah, my TV just switched over to record Little Bill. No harm done, ten minutes to go. Sorry Bigus Jnr. No Little Bill tonight mate.

Lineups.

USA
Tim Howard
Jay Demerit
Jonathan Bornstein
Oguchi Onyewu
Jonathan Spector
Michael Bradley
Landon Donovan
Clint Dempsey
Benny Feilhaber
Ricardo Clark
Jozy Altidore

Italy
Gianluigi Buffon
Nicola Legrottaglie
Giorgio Chiellini
Fabio Grosso
Gianluca Zambrotta
Andrea Pirlo
Gennaro Ivan Gattuso
Daniele De Rossi
Mauro German Camoranesi
Alberto Gilardino
Vincenzo Iaquinta

TTR is on the bench for Italy.

T-minus 5 mins. Get In.

BJ Upton, nice catch. Top Ten plays instead of build up. My oh my ESPN loves soccer so much. Titles underway. Glorious HD. Not a bad open that one. Seen worse.

Buffon looks old. Like one of yer mates dads. Lalas is talking about penetration. Being ugly and a ginger, I'm sure his experience is limited to football.

Ok we are nearly set for kick-off. Aghhhh the trumpets! Noooooo. Sounds like a bee hive. Damn you South Africa. Why do I find Landon Donovan so irritating? Is it just me or is he really a twat?

WE ARE OFF!

3 mins: Not much to talk about thus far. Italy are wearing a different shade of blue to the usual shade. Some header tennis and a low cross cleared by Demerit. Both teams given the ball away and Zambrotta has just slammed into Dempsey. Hello son!

8 mins:Italy being Italy, defence is pushing up and they are looking to play people in around the box. There is plenty of space behind the Italian defence and if the US can hit on the break then they may get a chance. Need to win the ball back first! Free kick on the edge of the box, left hand side, as Altidore gets knocked over by Gattuso. 25 yards out. Donvan touch and Dempsey blast 20 yards higher than the crossbar. These trumpets are really fucking annoying. I hope Dempsey clocked at least one of these human bees.

11 mins. Both teams being cautious with possession. Donovan skins Pirlo before passing to the cameraman behind the goal. Th US are having a bit of a spell. OHHHH. As I said that they give the ball away. Gattuso, Gilardino cusion header and a De Rossi volley at Howard from 22 yards.

15 mins. Altidore caught off side but he is certainly looking like he wants to be a pain to Legrottaglle. Camoronesi sends a teasing cross in and Onyewu deals with it. Us holding their own so far and this one is pretty even.

20 mins. Spector looks nervous and I'm not sure he is going to be able to contain Camaronesi who is switching from left to right at will. Pirlo takes a free kick out by the touchline and Legrottaglle sends a header wide of goal. Thats two half chances for Italy so far.

25 mins: Zambrotta plunks Dempsey for the second time. Clearly see him as a key player. Clark has been impressive in midfield. He hasn't stopped running. US not embarrassing themselves as expected.

What a chance! Bradley is played through by Donovan and then completely fluffs it. Shoot the ball with power man! Italy made it difficult but he has to do better.

Why would you want to blow a fucking horn for 90 mins? Why?

28 mins. Camoranesi has been allowed to send a few balls into the box this half and the latest effort finds De Rossi but to no avail. Straight to Howard.

31 mins. Oh my the US really needs to take advantage of what they are given. Donovan feeds Altidore and he decides to pass to the Italians chasing back. He needed to test the keeper. Onyewu is having a good game. Italy hits on the break and he shows authority and wins the ball back strongly. Pirlo takes a free kick from 35 yards and Howard concedes a corner. Resulting corner comes to nothing.

33 mins. Oh dear. RED CARD. Clarke has been sent off for a professional foul. He has completely spoiled his good performance to this point. The clowns on ESPN say it was a yellow. But folks. He slid in high and clattered Gatusso. Clumsy. Could have done some serious damage and there was no way he was going for the ball. Italy are up to their usual tricks. More attention for Dempsey and Donovan takes an elbow. He then takes a free kick and sends it high. Got his eye on the same horn blower as Demsey from earlier. Well, ten men with an hour to go? Oh lord. Pray people...Pray.

38 mins: Italy are making the most of the extra man advantage already. The US need to get to HT unscathed and regroup. Bornstein directs a ball passed Howard and the flag is up. Er.....The offside man is irrelevent here and thats an own goal. The ref denies Italy. Lucky escape.

40 mins: GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL USA. USA USA USA!!!

Altidore breaks into the box and tries to take Chielini inside. The Italian sticks out a leg and makes contact. Altidore hits the deck and penalty! Donovan, cool as a cucumber sends the ball into the bottom right corner and Buffon the wrong way. I have to eat some humble pie here folks. Donovan has been pretty good during this first half.

1-0 USA


HT: After conceding the goal, there was plenty of desperation from the Italians but the US back 4 has been great this half and done a good job at keeping tight to De Rossi and Gilardino.

I still say that the own goal from Borstein should have counted. Half time 1-0 USA.

Right. Need a pee and get a fresh beer, hang tight folks.

@Phil and EF. Fellas, please. A yellow would have been nice and Clark was playing well, but he slid in with his foot high and turned it towrads Gatusso. Made hard contact. The ball was on the ground, it was dangerous. Lalas on ESPN is high. Says that the red was nonsense. Clark didn't complain because he knew! Lalas is a nut job and completely swayed by his passion for his country.

@Goat. The offside should be irrelevant and the ref should have ignored the flag and given the goal. The cross was coming anyhow and it was turned in. Borstein had his back to the Italian who was 15 yards away from him and he stuck out a leg. If the ball gets through, then it's offside. That my friend was an OG. Why should it be an offside?

46 mins: Ok folks we are back. No changes that I can see. We are underway.

@Phil. Just because he wasn't injured did not mean it's not a red.

50 mins: So far so good people. The US certainly do not look like a team with 10 men. In fact they are keeping the ball down and finding space. No parking the bus here. Dempsey tries to take on the Italians alone but gets stripped.

@ianseancahir. fair play but I still think the ref should have a gander at what's going on himself before blowing. Linesmen are usually linesmen because they are not good enough to be refs.

54 mins. Be proud America, your boys are doing a great job. Not sitting behind the ball and defending well. passing when they can and trying to find space. Corner. Iaquinta heading wide under pressure from Demerit, who has been outstanding today.

TTR sighting! He is on Camaronesi.

58 mins: GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLL OH NO. And its that traitor Rossi!!! What a disaster. He is allowed to run at goal and unleashes a deadly left footed strike from 25 yards. He just came on and shows NJ the finger. Take away his passport I say.

USA 1 ITALY 1

Montolivo on for Gatusso.

@TFA. I believe that if the ref doesn't blow so quickly he would have given it. We will never know. It all happened super fast.

62 mins: Rossi hangs back and gets another shot at punishing his home country? But he blazes a left foot volley high and wide.

65 mins: Altidore off and Charlie Davies is on. Clearly Bradley has no intention of hanging onto a draw. The fresh legged Davies likes to run off the shoulder of the last man and is an out and out forward. Italy are imposing their will now. They have taken control of this one and are now finding space out wide. Howard just made a good block before a shot flies over the bar.

69 mins: Gilardino off Toni on. Pirlo tries to send a ball into the box from a free kick and Donovan blocks it before chasing it all the way up the field. I will say it again, Donovan has been impressive today and I have bashed him for years. Today he has been very good.

71 mins: GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL De Rossi. It's been coming to be fair and the US have been clearing the ball for the last few minutes. De Rossi has acres of space, turns, picks a spot and shoots from 20 yards.

USA 1 ITALY 2. Sorry America.

Benny F off and Beasley on.

The ESPN fella just said that both goals could have been avoided. Hmmm...If you have a holding midfielder to close down players running at the defence. Ricardo Clark, where are you?

77 mins: One way traffic now. Crosses, clearances, crosses, headers. Davies and Donovan are alone and all they have now is to run with the ball. Dempsey shoots from distance but its no trouble for my mates dad, I mean Buffon.

80 mins: Now THAT was a penalty. Cross from Beasley and Legrotaggle leaps over Donovan in the box and flattens him, doesn't touch the ball and that is a penalty. But not according to the ref. Robbed of a point? 10 mins left.

85 mins: Italy have been their usual selves. They have pushed and pulled, nudged and knocked but they have also taken advantage of a stupid over zealous challenge from Ricardo Clark. That penalty call looks like it could have been the last hope. They have lots of space now and they are playing keep ball.

US sub: Sacha Kljestan for Bornstein.

87 mins: Sacha Kljestan just hit a shot just over the bar after some good possesssion. The US are not done yet but when they don't have the ball, its hard to get back!

@Goat. Yeah but its a Camaro.

90 mins: Howard just kept hope alive with a save from TTR. Glory chaser! Take away his passport and his Boss records!

92 mins. Howard keeps the US prayers alive. Luca Toni is on the end of a pass that sliced the US defence apart and his shot is saved by the Everton keepers legs.

93 mins: GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL TTR!! Bastard!

Great play by Pirlo who skips down the right, he's round the back and he chips the ball into the box for the arriving Rossi to volley home. He has one with his left and one with his right. Boy the USA really missed a trick with this kid from NEW JERSEY. Boy US Soccer are run by morons.


FULL TIME.

We are done. USA 1 ITALY 3.

Don't be disheartened America. You were brave today and played with a lot of heart. Clark's rash tackle ultimately cost you the game but you didn't believe that and gave all you had. Sure you were a little lucky not to concede an own goal but the challenge on Donovan in the box was an absolute given and should have tied the game. Italy were always going to dominate with an extra man, hell, they usually do without and they did for spells but the USA's effort was committed and admirable.

As for Rossi. How this kid from NEW JERSEY can play for Italy is beyond belief, not just because he was allowed to get away, but because he is tasty and set to star for Italy in a World cup for sure.

Well that's me done. Been a while since I did a live game, maybe I'll do another one really soon.

Good day, good people!

-Bigus.

201 comments:

1 – 200 of 201   Newer›   Newest»
Goat said...

Healey and Musto did the morning game so I bet we'll get that turnip for this game.

Goat said...

TFA--best chant in all of soccer/professional wrestling.

Whizalen said...

no WAGs because the US men can't score anyone WAG-worthy?

BurgerBrother said...

USA: Howard, Spector, DeMerit, Onyewu, Bornstein, Bradley, Feilhaber, Clark, Dempsey, Altidore, Donovan

The Fan's Attic said...

my favorite variation on the chant happened at the brazil-USA match in the 1994 world cup. some guy behind me kept saying: "ooo-suh!, ooo-suh, ooo-suh!!".

it took me 30 minutes to figure out what the hell he was saying.

BurgerBrother said...

Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Chiellini, Legrottaglie, Grosso, Camoranesi, Gattuso, De Rossi, Pirlo, Iaquinta, Gilardino

BurgerBrother said...

Feilhaber!

Goat said...

Interesting that Bradley the Younger, Feilhaber, and Clark are all in the mid-field.

Goat said...

I think Viva los Gringos (sung to the tune of Viva Las Vegas) during games against Mexico would be pretty good too.

Goat said...

I'm irrationally excited for this. I'm sure that excitement will last all of five minutes.

Bigus Dickus said...

IM SOOOOO HYPED!!!

phil said...

Love this lineup. Glad Bradley has decided to stop pretending MLS can produce international quality players.

Goat said...

Half the MLS contingent in the starting XI

Spectator said...

I am very happy with this lineup.... Now let's see if the Jonathans and Clark can step up and produce.

Also, #banvuvuzelas #banvuvuzelas #banvuvuzelas #banvuvuzelas #banvuvuzelas #banvuvuzelas #banvuvuzelas #banvuvuzelas #banvuvuzelas #banvuvuzelas #banvuvuzelas #banvuvuzelas

phil said...

Half the MLS contingent in the starting XI

That's only 3.

Goat said...

Yep. Also, two Jews in the starting XI. Will one be our very own Super Jew?

EbullientFatalist said...

Good afternoon UFers. I've had an exciting day of tracking the Iranian protests, but democracy can take a backseat to footie right now.

Unknown said...

Odds on Bradley redcard? 3/5ish?

EbullientFatalist said...

I'd like to echo the "love-this-lineup" sentiment.

phil said...

Italy already look completely uninterested in attacking.

Rich Forsyth said...

I don't get to watch every USMNT game, but the bits I do make me think that the US players fear an STD or something if they play it down the left width. WTF.

BTW, work at research university + fiber Internet2 + espn360 not blocked = nice

Unknown said...

Keep it up Demerit.

EbullientFatalist said...

I remember watching Dempsey at Furman. Would have figured him to be on the national team or play in the Prem, even though everyone was excited about him.

phil said...

Ugh. Terrible FK. Is there no one in the side who can take those?

Email us at said...

Feilhaber on the wing? and all that positive ends up in a "meh" for Bob.

Jacob said...

Buffon may look old, but he sexes up one hella hot woman.

phil said...

Demerit rushed that, but he's clearly more of a physical presence than Bocanegra ever was.

Email us at said...

well, Phil, Donovan did over tap the pass. But yes, no one on this national team can take a freekick

/buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Unknown said...

Having watched Dempsey at Revs matches, I was a bit shocked myself. Proud at how far he's come though.

Jacob said...

I would like to congratulate the USA on making it to the dozen minute mark without conceding. Just goes to show how much tougher CONCACAF is than UEFA.

EbullientFatalist said...

@ Umlaut: Indeed.

EbullientFatalist said...

Do the horns EVER stop?

Jacob said...

Not really the time to let the ball run there, Rico.

Jacob said...

EF-No. But they did soften in the 2nd half of the Spain-NZ match. We have to hope for a blowout either way to get them to stop.

Jacob said...

Nice dive, Mauro.

Email us at said...

Camoranesi is the WORST. And on the italian side, that's saying a lot.

Jacob said...

Horrible marking by Spector.

phil said...

And the Azzurri begin the diving game...

Anonymous said...

Italy's blue/gray combo looks like crap.

phil said...

HOW CAN YOU LEAVE PIRLO FREE!?!?!?! Awful defending, lucky not to concede.

Anonymous said...

I still hate de rossi from the last WC.

Goat said...

Don't tell Umlaut but Italy's shirts have sublimated print. Also, Gattuso=Frank Stallone.

Kyle B. said...

I wasn't living in DC yet the last time the cicadas were here, but I can imagine this is how bad it's going to be in 13 years (or however long).

First time I've been happy I can't make 2010 since I figured out I'd probably get fired for bailing out for 2 weeks.

Jacob said...

Yes, I've seen them. I don't think they look awful (shocking, I know), they just don't look like Italy.

Anonymous said...

get up Clint

EbullientFatalist said...

So is our midfield (from left to right): dempsey-clark-bradley-feilhaber? Or is there a holding mid?

Jacob said...

Ye of little faith, Kyle. Only two weeks?

Anonymous said...

Gooch is way too good at heading the ball straight up, and not OUT.

Jacob said...

W-E-A-K finish.

Goat said...

Bradley knocked the piss out of that shot.

Anonymous said...

nice pass by Donovan, and a TERRIBLE finish

phil said...

Agreed on de Rossi, MRD.

Jacob said...

Of course, it would have scored in the Eredivisie.

phil said...

Bradley does know that he's allowed to try and pass, instead of taking audacious shots, correct?

Jim Hendry said...

Goat: there is, and can only ever be, ONE Super Jew. His name is Yossi.

That is all.

Jacob said...

It's the Wave!

Goat said...

Harkes needed a replay to see that Bradley "didn't get everything on it."

Anonymous said...

Buffon probably pissed himself when he saw how weak that shot was.

Jacob said...

GODDAMMIT Why doe no one have a left foot?

Goat said...

JT--maybe Slightly Above Average Jew would be a better description of Bornstein/Feilhaber.

Jim Hendry said...

Jozy Jozy Jozy... this is why Xerex no te gusta

Anonymous said...

We can't score in a whorehouse.

Jacob said...

Seriously, should have had at least one from two.

Jim Hendry said...

Goat: I can live with that.

Unknown said...

@MrRedDevil:

Absolutely agreed on DeRossi. Picked the wrong guy to elbow in the head though didn't he?

Goat said...

It almost looks as if Altidore hasn't played in quite some time.

Anonymous said...

I hate Liverpool, but Yossi is a super jew.

EbullientFatalist said...

Jesus. Two excellent opportunities, two weak-ass shots.

Kyle B. said...

Anyone on either team pack a finish? The U.S. has made that missed Italian header look sublime by comparison.

Also, can anyone believe Gooch did something klutzy in the box but actually avoided having a PK awarded in international play? Against the Italians? Shocking.

Jim Hendry said...

When was the last time the Italian National Team actually had a decent striker? Toni, Totti, Iaquinta... I feel like the last time they got consistent goals from their strikers was 1990 and Schillaci. I feel like their middies did most of the net-busting in '06.

Jacob said...

I was holding my breath Kyle.

Signal to Noise said...

GODDAMNIT JOZY. that was a good a chance as Landycakes will make for him all day and he decided not to shoot.

Also, the Azzuri are officially the Sharters today with those shit-brown shorts.

Kyle B. said...

JT - what about Baggio?

Jacob said...

JT-Pippo Inzaghi. 25 in 57 for Italy.

That's a fucked up red.

Unknown said...

GODDAMNIT

EbullientFatalist said...

Red card. Jesus, Rico.

Email us at said...

you've got to be kidding me.

Jim Hendry said...

Kyle B - he was more an attacking middie, no?

u75 - right... did he do well in major tournaments? I feel like their strikers always fall to shit in Euros and World Cups..

Jacob said...

Looking for a make up red now.

EbullientFatalist said...

"What are you fucking watching?!"

Good for you Landon. Show some heart.

Jacob said...

No idea about tourneys.

Anonymous said...

It's really impossible for me to describe how much I HATE the Italian national team.

Jacob said...

Laughable attempt.

Jim Hendry said...

How are you doing, PR? Conflicted?

Unknown said...

Beckham has not taught his technique to the Galaxy players.

Goat said...

Elbow to the face would have been the perfect opportunity for a make up red.

EbullientFatalist said...

That's a very disheartening red for Clark. I thought he had been playing tough. Ref got it wrong.

Kyle B. said...

JT - I always thought of him more as a second striker, but your point is well taken. Honestly, I was a bit young during the 1994 World Cup and don't have great memories of Baggio (this was before coverage in America really picked up).

Maybe there's a distinction between the elbow and Clark's challenge, but I don't think it's big enough to have taken a man off the pitch in the 34th for one team and not the other.

Misery, Donovan. I really thought if we had a goal coming in this game it would be off a set piece. I don't see how that's going to happen from the first couple we've taken.

Anonymous said...

@G: I think Becks only goes to LA for Laker games these days.

Jacob said...

No goal.

Anonymous said...

Jesus.

Jacob said...

Thank your Jewish stars, bornstein.

EbullientFatalist said...

Holy shit. Bornstein just got saved by the ref.

Kyle B. said...

Wow. Great call by the assistant. As much hell as they get for missing them, offsides might be the hardest call in sport, and that was a particularly difficult angle.

Jacob said...

PK!!!!!!!!!

EbullientFatalist said...

ALTIDORE DREW IT!!!!

phil said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jacob said...

Blatant dive after the kick, though.

Jacob said...

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Anonymous said...

YES!!!

Signal to Noise said...

that elbow to the face was at least a yellow.

LANDYCAKES converts!

EbullientFatalist said...

Landon . . . . . . .


YESSIR!!!


OO-SAH,OOO-SAH, OOO-SAH!!!

Goat said...

Wow.

phil said...

GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!


HAHAHAHA. Italy beat at their own game!

Jacob said...

OO-SAH, indeed.

Email us at said...

Well done, Cakes. But even better done by Benny and the Hatian Sensation to get to that point

Anonymous said...

US & A!

Great Success!

Jacob said...

Bradley with the strong right foot. Nice drive, but too close to Buffon.

EbullientFatalist said...

Where did this team come from?

Unknown said...

Nice one Jozy. I almost hate you for giving me hope. Now it is going to hurt so much more later.

phil said...

@ EF: Bradley finally picked a real back 4 and a competent midfield.

Kyle B. said...

Can it be argued 2 of the 3 best games the U.S. has played since 2006 are against Italy (if this continues)?

This is more of an indictment at how bad the team has been otherwise than a ringing endorsement of the play in this match so far. But other than Gold Cup 2007 v Mexico, what else stands up?

Goat said...

Something tells me the OO-SAH chant will get broken out in Baltimore.

Anonymous said...

@Kyle: You're right. We've played our best against Italy.

Goat said...

Biggest question for halftime: Will Lalas be able to hide his erection?

EbullientFatalist said...

@Phil: It's amazing the cohesiveness of the unit. Our midfield looked very up for it until Clark's unfortunate red. I wasn't convinced about Feilhaber on the right, but it seems to be working.

Do we move to a 4-1-3-1 after the half?

Unknown said...

BBC complaining that Gooch only half clears balls and puts too much pressure on his defense.

Kyle B. said...

@Goat

[insert obligatory joke about this being the "biggest" question]

Anonymous said...

@G: They stole my comment!

strong like bull smart like tractor said...

I would not want to be going into the Italian locker room after that half - is Lippi going to rip them a new one, or what?

EbullientFatalist said...

Did . . . Did I just a Zizou/Messi commercial? On American TV?

Goat said...

MrRD--clearly they're fans of the UF comment section.

phil said...

Feeds are down. Fricking copyright gestapo out in force today.

Anonymous said...

@Goat: I just want a little credit, ya know? Wankers.

EbullientFatalist said...

I was so shocked by the commercial I lost my ability to use English grammar and context.

Goat said...

Bigus--why should the own goal have counted? Not being contentious, I'm just curious?

Goat said...

That second one shouldn't have been a question. I know I'm curious.

Kyle B. said...

And we're off.

phil said...

I dunno, BD. He did come in high, but I think a red is harsh there. Lalas is an idiot to call ti nonsense, but it's a bit harsh, IMO. But I see where you're coming from. The red isn't completely uncalled for, but I must admit that Gattuso's quick recovery was nothing short of miraculous.

Unknown said...

So the BBC guys just had a little giggle fest. "So the US call themselves the 'MNT'. Giggle. Takes all kinds I guess."

Errgh.

Goat said...

Bigus--I thought Bornstein was closely defending the offside Italian and deflected it past Howard in an attempt to prevent the offside man from playing the ball. Maybe I'm just misremembering, though, in my blind devotion to Slightly Above Average Jew.

Unknown said...

Phil, Italy has been blessed by the Pope himself. Haven't you noticed all injuries heal miraculously quickly?

phil said...

Bradley should be fired just for never having played this back four before today.

Anonymous said...

@Bigus: I just went back and watched it live, and the ref had blown the whistle before Bornstein hit it. He made the call immediately based on the direction of the pass and intent. So while I sort of agree with you, it's moot because he had already made the whistle.

Anonymous said...

hmm Spain would rape both of these teams with the way they're playing today. also- i would love to see spain versus the united states, dad's family versus mom's family.

Goat said...

G--that's why I've been angling for folks to call them the Gringoes. It's not as cool as the Pharaohs but it's still better than the Men's National Team.

Anonymous said...

@phil: Agreed

Unknown said...

Nice Dempsey. Very nice.

Anonymous said...

Hey Clint, when you're all alone, you don't dribble towards the defenders!

The Fan's Attic said...

While I did not see the offside/own goal call, based on Bigus' description, I would have to disagree with BD. If the ball was played to him and he was in an offside position, then the call is offside regardless of whether the ball was tipped by a US player.

Unknown said...

Goat - Yanks doesn't do it for you? Red Sox fan?

phil said...

This is the first time I've ever seen the USMNT boss the area like this. Which begs the question:

Why hasn't this back 4 played before, and does Bradley have the sack to do the right thing and not immediately insert Bocanegra when he's healthy?

Okay, so that's 2 questions, but still...

Kyle B. said...

Camizzle,

If your point is that the best team in the world would beat the two teams on the pitch, it's well taken.

I don't think it was ever a question Spain were better than these two squads, no matter how this match turned out.

Also, fuck Rossi.

Unknown said...

Hey Rossi, I'm embarrassed to be from Jersey too but isn't this a bit extreme?

Goat said...

G--Fuck 'em both. I'm a Cleveland fan.

Anonymous said...

Rossi hates our freedom.

EbullientFatalist said...

WOW.

/leaves room

Signal to Noise said...

and of course Rossi gets the damned equalizer. JESUS.

phil said...

Rossi = typical Jersey douchebag. Proba had Macheda's girl when she was fresha and clean.

Ah, who am I kidding? Jersey girls are NEVER fresh and clean.

Goat said...

This is when we needed Rico--to break Rossi's leg.

Anonymous said...

huh. so this is where all the cool kids are this afternoon.

Goat said...

Landcakes would have my undying admiration if he punches Rossi in the face after the game.

The Likely Lad said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Not that anyone cares, but I'm usually HirsheysKissMyArse. Just too lazy to sign in with it...

@Bigus: Agreed, he called it too quickly, but I'm not gonna complain.

Oh, and FUCK ROSSI.

camilavillasana said...

god I hate Italy. just putting it out there.

Unknown said...

TIMMY SAVE US.

Goat said...

Likely--you said it better than I could.

Unknown said...

It's almost at the point of wondering who I hate more - Italy or Mexico.

Anonymous said...

@G: Mexily? Italico?

Anonymous said...

Time to back up the bus and pack it in. We need this result.

The Likely Lad said...

wow. these two guys of all them. good night south africa.

Kyle B. said...

Wow Gooch. Shows what we get for allowing someone from Clemson to try to do anything competent.

/irrational

phil said...

Surely being scored upon by a traitor and a cheap shot artist is God's judgment for starting two wars.

Goat said...

I hope everyone takes back all the good things they said about Bradley the Elder today after he just put Beasley in.

EbullientFatalist said...

With that much firepower, it was inevitable that Italy would score to go ahead.

Unknown said...

@MRD: I like Italico. Sounds like an ugly spotted pussycat.

phil said...

Can we just refer to Rossi as YEAGA BAWMBS from now on?

EbullientFatalist said...

@Kyle: Don't all dirt roads lead to Clemson?

Kyle B. said...

I would have loved to see this match with Clark not getting a shit red in the 34th. I still can't believe Gooch didn't get called for that PK in the first half.

That said, some shit marking by the U.S. at times and the Italians finally found a finish. I don't think we were outplayed we were in the first half, and I don't know how you could have expected much different from this half, except to hope their strikers don't start hitting and that Gooch can get a fucking foot on a ball in the box.

Fuck.

Kyle B. said...

@EF: Not even Clemson jokes can make me feel better.

Yet.

phil said...

BEASLEY?!?! BEASLEY IS THE SUB?!?!?!

BRADLEY MUST GO!

BRADLEY OUT!

Goat said...

Thanks, Phil. I'm waiting for everyone else to recant.

EbullientFatalist said...

phil: practicing your Georger impression?

Anonymous said...

I would never say anything nice about Bradley, so I don't have to recant.

phil said...

EF, we established during the Costa Rica match that

Georger : Rafa as phil : Bradley

cjdomer04 said...

Beasley would have been the correct sub in 2005. Now, not so much. Bradley is just on a bit of a delay here.

Goat said...

EF--someone should copy some of Georger's rants and just substitute Bradley for Rafa for situations like this.

Goat said...

Phil, perhaps you're already doing that. It would save you some time.

EbullientFatalist said...

@phil: I prefer Venn diagrams to organize logic.

We need to equalize. We deserve to equalize, IMO.

Goat said...

Bigus--Buffon may look like one of your friend's dads but he's the divorced one with the convertible who's dating a younger woman.

Kyle B. said...

No clue if this will work, but I'm pretty tolerant of the sub. My issue goes back to the fact Adu was the correct sub instead of Beasley.

Unknown said...

Love the porn stache on Sacha. Must mean some action is going to happen, right?

Goat said...

Calling a penalty on that foul on Donovan would have been fair even if the ref hadn't sent of Clark on a debatable red.

phil said...

@ Goat: Not hardly.

Georger's rants are inspired; mine are just drunken declarations.

In all seriousness, Bradley isn't the man to shape this team. He cannot do the job. They need to get a real football manger in here, someone who isn't beholden to MLS and US Soccer.

camilavillasana said...

if Sacha Kljestan scores I might pee in my pants.

(I won't really but that's how elated I'll be)

phil said...

What are DOING, Klejistan?

cjdomer04 said...

@phil: But US soccer would never allow that. They don't care if the US is #1, just good enough to get people to pay attention every 4 years and to MLS in the meantime. So, getting to the round of 16 with a lot of MLS players is better than semis with 0.

Unknown said...

THIS IS IT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Goat said...

Does Toni just suck?

Unknown said...

Somedays I totally understand football violence.

phil said...

YEAGA BAWMBS! YEAGA BAWMBS! YEAGA BAWMBS!

CHECK OUT MY STRIPED SHIRT! I JUST SCOWED A GAWL! MY FAKE TAN IS RUNNING, GOTTA GO K THX BYE!

camilavillasana said...

good play by Pirlo but fucking hell it had to be Rossi in the end didn't it....

Goat said...

Phil, how do you do such a good Jersey accent? I thought you were from Chicago.

phil said...

@ Goat: I had two Jersey kids in my platoon. I heard that shit every day.

Goat said...

I imagine that could have gotten annoying.

Unknown said...

I'm sorry, but whoever was praising our back four I must respectfully disagree. Gooch was bad today - backing off and giving Rossi room, the missed blocks. Just poor.

phil said...

Yeah, Gooch was bad in the second half. Still, Gooch and Demerit >>>>>> Gooch and Bocanegra

Unknown said...

@phil - Okay, I'll give you that. F'ing Bradley.

phil said...

Why did Torres not come one? Hell, why didn't Torres start?

Precious Roy said...

Well that was a kick in the pants. Rossi. De Rossi. Rossi. Tack on a shitty red and the US couldn't have drawn up it to hurt worse.

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