The highly-rated Pompey right-back becomes the off-season's latest player to snub advances from Chelsea (Yuri Zhirkov and Kaka before him, if you're keeping score at home) and sign elsewhere with his confirmed move to Liverpool. It fulfills one of LFC's biggest needs in strength at the wing-back positions, and it also means we climb up the rankings for the number of English players in our starting lineup.
That makes three, bitches! Eat our dust, Arsenal!
[Guardian Sport]
Monday, June 22, 2009
Quick Throw: Glen Johnson officially joins LFC
Sex With Teens >>>> Payroll Management
Berlusconi: possibly a worse owner than Hicks/Gillett. But with a higher libido.
It's a fun time to be on the squad at AC Milan. You just watched Kaka depart for La Liga, the Beckham circus has left town (perhaps only temporarily, but still) complete with ugly robot wife and annoying entourage, your best defender/player in club history is freshly into retirement, and your owner is an oblivious, aloof, teen-shagging, escort-hiring clown.
In the case of Andrea Pirlo, their 30-year-old irreplaceable midfielder, the 72-year-old Silvio took time to address transfer rumors with this glorious, clueless, brilliant quote: "If there's an offer, it should be considered. We'll see. I was the first to say that he must stay, but then they showed me the sums (for his salary)."
Sure, he's up to his wrinkled, liver-spotted neck in pliable, impressionable bed partners, but he's has to be more in tune with his team, doesn't he? He doesn't even know how much money his players make! Does he even know they sold Kaka? At least Roman Abramovich reads the sports pages from his giant fucking yacht.
Silvio is fast-becoming the world's first silk-pajama'd playboy Head of State/Soccer Team Owner (Kim Jong-Il doesn't count, unless he puts in a bid for Newcastle United), with the tabloids flushed and engorged with stories about lavish naked parties (seriously NSFW!) at various luxury residences, where lots of sex and champagne-quaffing takes place. Given that he's no moviemaker and he's not making a sequel to Eyes Wide Shut, the authorities have been having a poke around in case they could turn the aging debaucherer into their next high-profile trophy in court.
Regardless, it's kinda sad that he has no clue what's going on at his club. Though with his rather attractive procession of bikini-clad excuses, can we really be that mad?
Newcastle United Reveal Latest Line Of Home Furnishings And Fashion Accessories.
Newcastle United have decided to go into home furnishings and fashion to recoup some of the money Mike Ashley has lost over the last couple of years. They have launched a new line of furniture to coincide with the release of their new 'sunshine' feel away shirt. The perfect shirt for the new dawn of the Colaship. We all know how grim it is up north, smog, deep depression, relegation and memories of the industrial age. Well Newcastle have a new lifestyle range just for you.
First of all we have the patio range. A nice sofa to park your botty on and umbrella to protect you from the suns harmful rays as you bask in the day dream glory of Championship football.
Mates having a laugh at your expense when they come over to watch the big game? Shut them up with this stunning Newcastle United rug. 
Hitting the beach this summer? How about the official Newcastle United Beach Towel?
Girlfriend not up with the latest Geordie fashions? Put that right with a visit to the Newcastle club shop. Hey Presto, she's looking good now. 
What about those trips to the toilet gents? Cheer up even the fastest of quick pees with a pair of these!
And finally, show how much you love the Magpies with this stunning new away shirt, sure to be the toast of town centers, such as Scunthorpe and Plymouth. But wait, it's not just a football shirt, it doubles up as a place mat, a cat bed, a dish cloth and a trendy bandanna. Get yours today.
There it is ladies and gentleman. The new 2009/2010 Newcastle United away shirt. No comment.
UF Quick Throw: Breaking News!
According to the Associated Press, ESPN have just won the rights to broadcast Setanta's 46 Premier League games in the UK next season. How will this affect ESPN's attempts to crack the footy market in the USA? Nobody knows but this is a first step into the world of the Premier League for ESPN. Setanta lost their rights to the games when they failed to pony up the latest, required installment of cash to the Premier League last week. Stay tuned for more as we get it.
Is Michael Bradley Delusional?
Michael Bradley answers his critics.Obviously, all of us here at UF (even the Brits!) are elated at yesterday's crazy results in the Confederations Cup that saw the USMNT through to the semi-finals. While we are slightly hesitant about our chances against Spain, the #1-ranked team in the world, we're just glad to be there considering the chances of that happening going into yesterday's matches were slim to none. How do the players themselves feel?
Now, given that the USMNT had lost to Italy and gotten throttled by Brazil (granted, with only 10 men in both matches), very few people gave the boys a chance to advance into the semis. Even beating Egypt would not be enough, as Brazil would have to beat Italy and there was a significant goal differential to be made up. Amazingly, two 3-0 scores in the right direction came about and the (almost) impossible happened.
And Michael Bradley would like you to know how he feels about it:
"All of the critics in America who said we were no good after losing to Italy and Brazil, let's see what they say now," Michael Bradley said.
Well, Michael, I would say that you and the boys backed into the semi-finals thanks to a lazy effort from Italy and some shoddy defending from Egypt. I would say that a goal on Father's Day for the 2nd year in a row is an apt display of how nepotism has allowed you to keep your starting role. I would even say that you and your dad should both still lose your jobs, but that is unlikely to happen given this result. Make no mistake, Bradley fils (that's "son" for you non-Francophones), the 3-0 victory over Egypt did not demonstrate that the USMNT is a global force in footy. Yes, the effort was there from Davies on the 1st goal, and Deuce seemed to wake up at some point in the 2nd half and scored a magnificent header, but until there is a continual effort from everyone on the team during every match we will remain the broken clock that is right twice a day (only once if we're using military time).
Your colleague Jonathan Bornstein demonstrated a far higher degree of self-awareness when discussing the shambolic play in the first 2 matches coupled with the incredible results of both of yesterday's tilts:
"It's like that quote from 'Dumb and Dumber': 'So you're telling me there is a chance.' That's what we kept saying," defender Jonathan Bornstein said.
Yes, Jonathan, there was a chance and the USMNT took it. There is also a chance that you boys will beat Spain. Of course, there is a far greater chance that Fabregas, Torres, Villa, Xavi et al. will look at the other end of the pitch and laugh when they see Bradley, Casey, Beasley, and Bocanegra.
However, Brian Ching still believes:
"Take that all the naysayers. about 18 hours ago from txt"
Read more on "Is Michael Bradley Delusional?"...
Did I Forget Anythingone?
Suncream, Check. Ipod, Check. Swimming trunks, check. Travellers checks. check. Physio, check. Scott Parker packed an unusual item as he headed off on holiday this summer. West Ham's physio.
Parker missed West Ham's run in last season with a groin injury and manager Gianfranco Zola is so determined to have Parker back from his hols fit, he has sent along the clubs physio. There is no word as to who the chap is or whether or not he will make a good wing man. But a nice rub down the morning after some WAG hunting sure does sound enjoyable. Actually, I believe Parker is married, so there will be NO WAG hunting. Maybe his medical man can fetch Pina Coladas instead.
Did Hull Even Get A Brochure?
I doubt it. What brochure do I refer to? This one, that Lingering Bursitis told of last week. But while the glossy book featuring Owen's career was sent to Everton, Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool, plus a few select top European clubs. Only ONE seems interested in saving Mr Owen from a trip to Peterborough next season.
While team Owen try to sell brand Owen to some of the top clubs in the world, just one team are trying to sign the forward. Hull City. Team Owen were trying to attract a top club, by sending the book, a glossy effort filled with images and facts, highlighting Owens achievemnents and stats.
Under 8 weeks remain until Newcastle kick off their Championship campaign at the Hawthorns against West Brom, and Owen is still a Geordie. He may have thought that a host of clubs would be eager to sign him. A player, to be fair, who has a very impressive record. But those days are gone and that lengthy knee injury has stolen most of Owens pace. He was not a first choice towards the end of last season and this did not go unnoticed.
While Hull haven't made a firm offer to Owen, who is a free agent on July 1, they are certainly planning to."He has got a proven track record as a goalscorer and that's an area we are keen to strengthen. However, it would have to be on the right terms." -Hull Manager Phil Brown.
Should Owen join Hull City, it will be another nail in the coffin of his career. One that started brightly and promised to deliver years of consistent goalscoring for club and country. At just 29, Owen should be playing at his best. In his prime. Still, I am sure he could find the net for Hull and would be an upgrade on what they currently have. Wherever Owen plays next season, I am sure it won't be Newcastle. For that to happen he would need to sign a new deal, for a Championship club.
UF Quick Throw: Santa Cruz is Coming To Town City
Man City long time target Roque Santa Cruz is finally undergoing a medical at Eastlands. He bitched and moaned, Man City bid for him again and again and now they have finally met Big Sam's valuation of the 28 year old Paraguay International. He will now join Bellamy, Robinho, Caicedo, Bojinov, Evans, Vassell and Sturridge as part of Mark Hughes collection of forwards. If you believe the rumors, then Carlos Tevez could soon be joining the list. Expect Caicedo, Boninov, Vassell and (young Welsh prospect) Ched Evans to head for the exit door.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Confederations Cup Liveblog: Italy v. Brazil
Those damn horns!
Happy fathers day people. Fathers day, ahhh, that should mean that I will be left alone for 2 hours to blog this game. However be prepared for interruptions as Diego's rescue pack breaks or my little girl tries to ski down the stairs on a pair of my flip flops. Join me after the jump as Italy and Brazil get it on.
Ahhh F@ck. Lalas on ESPN again. Come back Tommy Smythe!
Lineups are in...
Italy
1 Gianluigi Buffon (G)
19 Gianluca Zambrotta (D)
22 Andrea Dossena (D)
4 Giorgio Chiellini (D)
5 Fabio Cannavaro (D)
21 Andrea Pirlo (M)
16 Mauro German Camoranesi (M)
10 Daniele De Rossi (M)
20 Riccardo Montolivo (M)
15 Vincenzo Iaquinta (F)
9 Luca Toni (F)
Brazil
Brazil
GKJulio César 1
(D) Juan 4
(D) Maicon 2
(D) André Santos 16
(D) Lúcio 3
(M) Gilberto Silva 8
(M) Kaká 10
(M) Ramires 18
(M) Felipe Melo 5
(F) Luis Fabiano 9
(F) Robinho 11
So what's the story here, well the Italians haven't beaten Brazil since 82 and need to win by 2 goals to go through. Egypt lose and an Italy draw will do. Of course there are many mathematical possibilities. We'll get to those as we crack on.
The ref is one Hector Vergara from Canada. Do they play football? We know they don't know much about the game from Fox Soccer Report.
Alright, anthems are underway and we are close. If this is your first Bigus liveblog here is my disclaimer. I am a retard, there will be spelling errors. Cake and eat it? Not here.
Ok, we are off, if this games sucks, U75 is blogging the USA v Egypt over on the other thread. Ain't this cool? TWO live blogs.
2 mins: The horns are blowing and neither team has kept the ball for more than 3 passes.
@Sven. She is two!
3 mins: Maicon breaks forward from the right and finds himself alone with the keeper only to be offside, and miss anyway. Straight down the other end and Camoranesi comes close as Lucio clears.
4 mins: Pirlo needs to learn how to head a ball. He meets a corner from the left and sends his effort wide. Well wide.
6 mins: Fabiano finds Ramirez on the right and he sends his shot wide. Game opening up a bit. Both teams look eager to get forward.
That ref doesn't look Canadian to me, oops, racial profiling!
9 mins: Robinho tries to set Santos on goal but Italy clear. Brazil certainly dedicated to pushing their outside men forward. Italy will certainly have opportunity to find space out wide.
10: Maicon cross finds Robinho on left of the Italian box, he sets up Kaka, center, who shoots into a sliding Doessena.
13: Neither team is really keeping possession. Kaka feeds Fabiano but he is muscled out of the action by Dossena and Cannavaro. Buffon gathers the loose ball. Robinho makes a speculative shot, weak and straight to Buffon.
Can't help thinking that Pirlo would do really well in the Premier League. Always seems like he really likes to get stuck in. Bolton away would not faze him.
15 mins: Kaka feeds Fabiano, who is a nippy fella and he is through. Buffon out early and collects at Fabiano's feet.
@Commenters. No touching please. None.
Oh we have a wave! The horns subsided for a moment as a wave made it's way around the ground. Love a wave. Especially when everyones at it and the cool guy who thinks he is too good has to stand up not to be outed as a jerk.
18 mins: Quite enjoying this. Kaka is good isn't he? Box to box player. Lucky Real. Corner for Italy as Camaronesi wins it from Santos. Pirlo sends a long one in, a high header and the ball is cleared by Brazil before a free kick is given to the team in yellow. Toni is through on goal via an Iaquinta pass but is tackled quite superbly as he pulls the trigger, by Lucio.
22 mins: Brazil are finding space that they shouldn't be afforded. But Maicon can't exploit the opportunity and wastes his cross.
I see there is a goal by the US in the other game. Nice one. Charlie Davies bundles the ball over the line. 6 more goals needed?
26 mins: Kaka feels cocky after finding out how much he is worth and tanks one from 40 yards.
27 mins: Camaronesi finds himself alone on the edge of the box, right but flashes his volley over the bar.
31 mins: Some impressive build up from Brazil, they probe the left, then Kaka links in the right and Maicon sends a cross in. Fabiano meets said cross but sends his effort high.
32 mins: Maicon is finding space on the right again and again, he is constantly open. Maicon wins a corner and takes it. Out for another. Wow. Maicon sends this in, cleared, arrives at Santos, feeds Lucio who has a cross deflected from the left up and off the bar. Another corner and Lucio is free again, his heavy shot is saved by Buffon before a follow up at the edge of the box is sent over by another Brazilian.
36 mins: Brazil have taken over this game as the first half gets old. Starting to find opportunity's....AND GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL.
GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL. GGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLL.
The impressive Maicon alone again, he steps inside and sends a ball into the box with his left. Fabiano takes the sting out of the pass and turns before sending the ball low to Buffons left with his right peg.
Italy 0 Brazil 1.
40 mins: Italy cannot keep the ball, Brazil are now in control. Italy need to get to half time and reorganize. TTR (That Traitor Rossi) is ON. Tactical change. Didn't see who came off. Standby people.
Iaquinta was the man replaced.
Is it me or is Dossena carrying a little to much weight? Pool fans?
42 mins: GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Fabiano again. Robinho surges forward, plays a one two with Kaka to his left except he doesn't collect the return and leaves it for Fabiano to fill the empty net. Robinho's leave was super as Buffon dived to block the shot that didn't come.
Italy 0 Brazil 2
44 mins: GGGGGOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Italy have fallen apart. WOW. Italy caught napping and the break was on. 2 on 1. Robinho is away and he sends a cross to his mate Fabiano who is arriving at the back stick but Dossena intervenes by sending the ball passed his own keeper.
Italy 0 Brazil 3
HALF TIME
Italy reeling. Brazil took over after around 25 mins and they finished the half in a dominat manner. Hope you are enjoying this one like I am.
Back shortly
No way that dude's Canadian. No way.
As it stands, Egypt go through with Brazil.
Back to Pretoria. We are off.
So Hector Vergara IS Canadian. He was born in Chille..... And moved....??????
47 mins: Italy have started lively but look vulnerable on the break and one of those is on right now. Chiellini has brought Fabiano down at the edge of the box. Free kick. Santos passes to snack vendor 30 yards behind Buffon
50 mins: Italy look a little desperate. Preferring to knock balls into the box ignoring acres of space out wide. Crosses would be far more effective.
Brazil coach Dunga looks exactly like he did when he played for his country.
53 mins: I'll say it again. Maicon has been great today and he is ALWAYS open. If he had a head on every cross he's played over today this one would be in double figures. A rare Italian attack sees Dossena send a cross in that Ceasar deals with. A quick break and Robinho tries to make space for a shot but his Italian company makes the Man City player shank a shot wide.
56 mins: Gilardino on for Luca Toni. Just what's needed at 3 nil down. Well done Italy, take off a striker. I am baffled.
60 mins. This one is all Brazil. Italy were stunned before the break and a half time cuppa followed by a boot in the arse from Marcelo Lippi has had no effect whatsoever.
63 mins: Italy really are fucked as Brazil just counter every time Italy commit players forward. Brazil have really been better than I expected today. Over the last year I often thought that they were a shadow of their former selves but they have been very good today. All over the pitch. Or maybe Italy just suck?
@Michael RE: Dossena. Thank you sir.
67 mins: Pepe has been lively since coming on for Montolivo and he plays a one two but cannot get enough on his shot to trouble Buffon. TTR finds space and has a shot from distance. Buffon deals with it.
69 mins: The stunning Maicon finds Robinho from the right and he in turn sets up Kaka who shoots just wide from 17 yards.
I see USA up 2 nil now. Another goal and they pip Egypt? Yes ESPN confirms that. Thank you gents. Come on USA.
72 mins: ESPN just screwed up and named the ref as the wrong fella. A Mexican chap. Sorry ESPN. He is a Chilean Canadian!
Free-kick from Italy. Pirlo hits the wall and wins a corner. That is cleared and a Pepe shot/cross from 45 yards is turned wide for another corner.
73 mins: Chielini and Gilberto Silva try to recreate a scene from the Matrix 5 ft in the air and the Italian rolls around a bit before getting up.
WOWWWWWWWW. USA THREE UP and the USA are now set to go through if it stays like this. Can you Adam and Eve it?
76 mins: The US needs Italy to stay off the score sheet and Melo helps the dream stay alive as he stops Pepe's driving shot. At the other end Robinho has a shot blocked.
78 mins: Maicon makes a run from the right and decides to shoot, he has his effort sent wide for a corner by a defender. The resulting corner is cleared by Chielini.
Pirlo and Maicon really should play in the EPL. The Italian league is for wusses.
80 mins: Camoranesi has been a little greedy in this second half, he has failed to pass out wide on numerous occasions and just now went alone again, he is bundled off the ball and Brazil clear at the edge of the box.
84 mins: Kleberson is about to come on. The ex-Manchester United flop currently plays for Flamengo in Brazil. Gilberto Silva makes way for Kleberson. Who last played for Brazil 6 years ago.
86 mins: Maicon wins the ball and surges forward, feeding Robinho who loses the ball, but it breaks kindly for Kaka, who has his shot deflected wide right. Corner. Maicon sends it in, long to Santos who sends a cross back to the right. Maicon has another go and Italy clear.
The US are now just 3 mins from the semi's and they really need to send a case of beer to the Brazil hotel tonight. And a nice bottle of wine to Maicon and Fabiano.
89 mins: Time is running out for Italy and they look a beaten, deflated side. There's a rarity. Enjoy it people.
Anyone still there? I think I lost everyone to the other game.....(listening....crickets)
91 mins: De Rossi has a desperate shot from distance, wide.
Can't be long now. I don't remember a lot of injury time to be added. 4 mins max including 30 secs for subs.
94 mins: One last attack from Italy? A throw in half way into the Brazil half. Everyone forward. Doessena gets the ball on the left and shoots from 25. High by a foot.
And there it is. The final whistle.
Italy 0 Brazil 3
USA game is still being played, head on over the other thread if you are still with me, to see if they can hold on and go through. Thanks for your time people.
-Bigus
Confederations Cup Liveblog: Egypt-USA
Is this the day the US finally solves its problem up top?Are you ready for some bloodshed? We feel the same as most of you that US Soccer needs a change at the top and at the manager position. Today may be the day that triggers one of these occurrences. But probably not.
USA, of course, are coming off of back to back red card laden losses against Italy (3-1) and Brazil (3-0). Egypt have been much more impressive, fighting Brazil to the end (4-3) and defeating Italy 1-0 on Thursday. USA are in the woeful position of likely placing 8th in the eight team field, which would happen if the Americans lose today.
But, it's not a total lost cause yet. With at least a three goal win today (and a heavy Italian loss), the US can still move on. Egypt, too, has a lot to play for and can advance by bettering Italy's result. Bigus will be liveblogging the Italy-Brazil match, so join us both in the comments.
USA: Guzan, Bornstein, Onyewu, DeMerit, Spector, Dempsey, Clark, Donovan, Bradley, Davies, Altidore.
Egypt: El Hadari, El Mohamady, Said, Gomaa, Fathi, Abd Rabou, Eid, Shawky, Farag, Abdel-Ghani, Aboutreika.
Guzan gets the unsurprising start in net, while the backline remains the same. Davies, who some like a lot more than I do, also gets the start while Torres continues to pay penance for prank calling Bradley's hotel room after the Costa Rica match.
Here's hoping El Hadary has a howler today to balance out the wonder match he had against Italy. Zidan is a notable absence for Egypt up top. I still know next to nothing about this team, so be on the lookout for my mistakes (and forgive them, it's Fathers Day).
Kick in 15. Bring your vuvuzela.
-5.00 Sign in the stands: "USA ready to loose", held by an Egyptian fan. My response:
Yeah! Take that!
-2.00 Surprise of the tournament so far: no cards for Michael Bradley. He's my call for today's USA red card.
0.00 Kickoff. Here we go.
2.00 Dempsey 8 games without a goal. Roy Hodgson would not allow that.
3.00 Abdelghany with an Egypt shot as DeMerit misplays the ball. Poor start, confidence wise, in the back.
3.00 Within the same minute, another dangerous chance for Egypt. Luckily, there was whiff from six yards out. This could get ugly.
5.00 NYK-Who knows? Maybe he's just dug his heels in and refuses to change. Dempsey's free kick from 30 takes a wicked deflection, but didn't have enough sting to get past El Hadary.
6.00 Rico Clark has a shot deflected out for a corner. El Hadary easily covers Landy's corner. Quick throw out is not controlled well.
8.00 I'd like to see Holden called up.
10.00 Clark is itching for anything. Tries a shot from 22 yards out and 10 yards wide of the goal. Goes twenty yards wide on the far side.
12.00 Dempsey gets called for a foul. Asks the ref what he is calling. Replay bears Deuce out. Free kick results in a scrum in the box. Egypt looked to have a couple of chances to slot it home, but USA scrambles it away. El Hadary gets a good save on the other end while I'm yelling at Harkes.
13.00 Shot was by Bradley. Outstetched hand of El Hadary palmed it away.
16.00 Donovan makes a great run from midfield, getting a diagonal ball from Dempsey. Landy gets past his last man, squares up to the keeper, and passes to no one. He was expecting Jozy to fill in at the back post, but Jozy checked to the penalty spot. A great opportunity lost.
18.00 Ooo-sa with better run of play so far, but Egypt with the better chances. There is some space behind the Egypt defense. The US just has to get there.
20.00 Donovan attempts a lob, it falls about a foot in front of the keeper.
21.00 GOAL Charlie Davies never gives up on a scramble. EL Hadary flops on a low cross, but it squirms free. Davies takes a couple of swipes at it and finally banks it in for the goal. 1-0 USA. BTW, I was about to call for Jozy off at HT, as he looks slow, but his play on the endline made it possible for Davies to get on the ball.
El Hadary's pride is bruised. Bring on the magic spray. Update:El Hadary's pride is bleeding out the top of his head. Kicked by his own player.
24.00 Honestly, he's been down almost three minutes. Get him off.
26.00 Still down. The US really needs this game to restart.
27.00 El Hadary up. Respectful clap given.
28.00 Brazil-Italy going to end at 0-0 if this scoreline holds up. Book it.
29.00 Donovan, playing out on the left today, picks up the ball at midfield, runs at everyone and almost beats El Hadary with one last dribble. He looks energized by having someone else score.
30.00 Fact: Johnnie Spector and Lucas Glover are the same person. Guzan pulls down a nice save off of a weak poke by Abu Trika.
31.00 El Hadary needs treatment again. He took off the wrap. Looks like the ref told him to sit, but he would not. Play goes on.
32.00 There has to be a better option than DeMerit. He's whiffed a couple of times on easy balls today.
35.00 Onyewu lucky to not pick up a "Onyewu PK call" there. Climbed over the back on a cross.
36.00 Deuce gives the ball away in midfield. This usually leads to a goal. Not this time, but close.
38.00 Egypt dove for a PK in the box. Should be a yellow, but no stoppage yet. Brazil up 1-0. Yellow Card Spector booked for, well, not much.
38.00 Egypt shot from 30 clips the top of the crossbar. Guzan late on it.
40.00 If I wanted to watch Brazil-Italy, I'd switch channels. Fuckers. As the US was attacking, no less.
41.00 Once again, Altidore can do nothing while the ball is near him. It's painful to watch and care. Get better, buddy.
42.00 Man, if Egypt counterattacked with any verve, they would be much more dangerous today.
43.00 Brazil score again. Need two more in each match.
44.00 Bradley whistled for a foul. Egypt are divers. They are very good at it, though, it's hard to see at full speed. Brazil up 3-0. That's shocking.
44.00 Is Italy looking to go home?
45.00 Davies catches up to a long ball and fires a left foot shot. Saved by El Hadari. Jozy gets the ball. Loses it.
45.00 Egypt go through if these scorelines hold. USA goes though with a three goal swing.
45.00 Onyewu cuts out a ball that was seeking out an open man on the penalty spot. Nice read of the play by Gooch.
45.00 USA with a couple of good looks in stoppage. Bradley pulls a DMB inside the box and misses out on a chance.
Tweet Tweet TWEEEET Half time. USA all over Egypt at the end. Game has had many swings in momentum. Both teams look good for a goal or two in the 2nd.
I would recommend taking Altidore out at half. Maybe Adu, but I would like Torres better. Push Dempsey up for 15 minutes to play behind Davies and see what he can do. If nothing, sub Dempsey as well.
One other thing--Davies has great speed. If Egypt find themselves having to push up, then look for the former BC Eagle to exploit the holes.
45.01 Here we go. We still need at least two USA goals and another +1 in a swing with Italy. Anyone thing Egypt will park the bus in the 2nd given that they are through at this point?
46.00 Guzan starting to get hairstyling tips from Friedel at Aston Villa as well, it seems.
48.00 Bornstein lucky to not get a card, I think. Yellow Card Bradley. Late. Not much to it.
49.00 Davies with a low cross to Jozy, who lets it run without a touch. Sub Eid off, Hassan on.
50.00 Once again, Hassan takes the armband from El Harady. That's just weird.
51.00 Very close for US. Gooch wins the ball and dribbles up. Passed it off to Dempsey who got clobbered after outletting. Ball runs to Jozy who shoots and deflects off the arm of a defender on the line. Possible PK, but not given.
53.00 I'll say it, since I have the floor. If your arm is away from your body, it should be called. His arm was away from the body and stopped a goal. Even if he knew nothing about it.
54.00 Sub Fathi off, Said on. Fathi got hurt when Deuce was taken out and fell on his leg.
56.00 El Hadary with another nice save from distance on Bradley. Why couldn't he get a concussion when kneed in the back of the head?
58.00 Egypt are doing a lot of standing around on defense. Us not trying too hard to break it down, instead shooting from distance. One good wall pass and this is opened up.
59.00 Gooch is having a beast of a game today. He is single handedly controlling the air in the box.
60.00 Altidore ole's a header. Sub, please.
61.00 Guzan saves an offside shot. He looks a bit like El Hadary on Thursday. Not letting anything past. Final Egyptian sub upcoming.
61.00 Sub Abdelghani hurt, off. Abougrisha on. Egypt out of subs.
63.00 GOAL Michael Bradley slides one home. It was a 1-2 between him and Landy. Let's go, motherfuckers, get another one and go through. 2-0 USA
65.00 Egypt are dead men walking right now. Still getting attacks, but really trying once they get in the final third. This is doable.
67.00 Hassan and Bornstein go head to head in the corner. Stalemate. Followed by another Egyptian offside.
68.00 Altidore sacks up and makes some pretty good moves on the end line. If only he could get the ball there every time.
69.00 Sub Altidore off, Feilhaber on. Deuce or Landy to move up? Looks like Deuce.
70.00 Davies starting to look a little gassed.
71.00 GOAL DEUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. 3 fuckin' nil. Hey look, move Dempsey up, let's see what happens. There were a couple of players who could have put that cross home, Deuce did it. El Hadary just lost.
73.00 OOOO-sa. OOO-sa. OOOO-sa
74.00 Well, this is definitely interesting. USA are through at this point, but with 15+ to go, it's not safe here or there. Come on Brazil, don't let Rossi fuck it up for us.
75.00 Egypt attacking with purpose now. Clark butts one out of bounds.
76.00 Ball stuck in the middle. I'll take it.
77.00 Davies dives. No call. Time running.
78.00 Sure is a lot better playing 11 on 11.
80.00 Telling cross smothered by Guzan. No possession for US at this point.
81.00 NOOOOOOO. Not Casey. Do not want.
81.00 Sub Davies off, Conor Casey on.
83.00 Yellow Card Al Muhamedi throws an elbow to the back of Donovan's head.
84.00 Dempsey stays down after a challenge from Gomaa. Elbowed in the back on a header. No call. Looks like 2002 WC Mexico match with the challenges. Who is our Cobi Jones now?
86.00 US controlling more. Casey not so swell. Nervous.
87.00 Deuce has really picked his game up since being moved up. Cross for Casey goes for nought when Casey decides to hide behind his defender.
89.00 Corner for Egypt. Casey does something good and heads it away convincingly. Comes back in and Gomaa has the chance of the match for Egypt. Head it over from 6.
90.00 Other game over. 3-0 Brazil. Corner kick coming. Cleared away. 3 minutes stoppage.
90.00 100 seconds left. Egypt getting close.
90.00 1 minute. Egypt foul. USA looking to salt it away.
90.00 30 secs. El Hadary walks it to midfield and Egypt are offside. Amazing, really, when USA has so many back.
FULL TIME Fucking amazing. US do just what they have to do to go through. Who fancies a Spain-USA liveblog (and a third place match against South Africa)?
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