Sunday, June 28, 2009

Confederations Cup Final Liveblog: United States v. Brazil


The NY Kid failed his pregame fitness test, so I'm your last-minute substitution. I promise that I'll try to match his high level of liveblogging from this morning!

From an American perspective, there's not much more hyperbole that can be added to this game, although that hasn't stopped the U.S. media from trying (but hey, at least they're writing about soc-cer!). The statistic you will hear often today is that the United States is playing in its first FIFA tourney final. We can debate whether the Confederations Cup is a real tournament all we want, but needless to say that the American turnaround has been quite remarkable.

Unlike Spain, the Brazilians are in-form and unlikely to roll over today. But then, who would've said that the U.S. would beat Egypt 3-0 to make it into the knockouts, or beat Spain to make it into the finals? In other words, can the U.S. continue their bizarro run through the Confederations Cup? And I said there was no more hyperbole that could be added!!

Lineups, liveblog and lots of your comments after the hop.

Lineups:

Oooh-Essah, Oooh-Essah, Oooh-Essah: Howard, Bocanegra(c), Onyewu, DeMerit, Spector, Feilhaber, Clark, Donovan, Dempsey, Clark, Altidore. Subs: Guzan, Robles, Bornstein, Casey, Pearce, Beasley, Wynne, Klejstan, Adu, Torres, Califf

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Santos, Luisao, Lucio(c), Maicon, Melo, Silva, Kaka, Ramires, Fabiano, Robinho. Subs: Victor, Gomes, Kleber, Elano, Alves, Miranda, Josue, Baptista, Kleberson, Pato, Nilmar, Juan

-30: Harkes is joining Lalas in the studio for the pregame. They're seated awfully close to each other, eh? I expect lots and lots of talk about beating Brazil back in 1998.

-23: Wonder if Giuseppe Rossi is home watching this match? Hahaha.

-20: As EF notes in the comments (hi!) Feilhaber gets the nod in midfield over Klejstan. Bob Bradley made the right move, now it's down to my favorite Brazilian-Jewish-American to make good.

-15: Anyone else notice that the USA's miraculous turnaround coincided with the sudden disappearance of Tommy Smyth from ESPN? Just saying.

-10: Hey look a Bill Simmons commercial. I bet he worked that into his latest contracts (10 commercials about me a week).

-8: Teams are out on the pitch, the stadium looks pretty much full - and the vuvuzelas are already a-buzzin'. Truly, the one word that has been made famous during this tournament. Sepsis Bladder, Jacob Zuma and the other "dignitaries" are shaking the players hands.

-5: The vuvuzelas are adding a nice Lamont Young/John Cage drone to the national anthems.

-3: One of the sideline officials is Mexican. I'm going to be keeping an eye on him!

-1: A tribute to Marc-Vivien FoƩ, Cameroon midfielder who played for Man City and Lyon.

KICKOFF: Ooof I'm nervous! Brazil kick off.

2: If the first couple minutes mean anything, Brazil look like they'll try to keep the ball and force the Americans run around and tire out. U.S. look like they'll try to put pressure on the Brazilians like they did against Spain.

3: Good play by the U.S. bringing the ball up the pitch, leading to a long shot by Deuce that wasn't troubling the keeper. Then Clark tries a through ball to Davies.

4: Cliche alert! Brazil wants to win beautifully.

6: Brazil pressing into the box. USMNT clear the first corner, here comes another....

7: Kaka has a clear header on the near post but he's far wide. Howard unhappy with the defending.

9: Bigus wants to point out that Harkes lied earlier today: "Harkes just lied. !!! He was asked if he had played against marc vivean foe and he said he had in 94-95. Foe joined west ham in 98!!"

10: GOAL GOAL GOAL DEMPSEY: Wow!! Spector with another fantastic cross, Deuce gets a boot on it and its in the corner of the goal. 1-0 USA!! (Sorry for the delay, Blogger acting up.)

13: Robinho with acres of space and forces a good save by Timmeh, the Americans clear the resulting corner. And then Davies had a break and was bumped... He goes down and the US gets a freekick right outside the box. US corner. Breathless stuff!

14: Bocanegra heads the ball down and the US get another corner. The ball pings around the box. No let up from the Americans, who are looking like the stronger team.

16: Kaka has a shot but Demerit is there to block. Americans need to be very careful on the defensive wings, Spector and Bocanegra are getting consistently beat.

17: Other UFers are checking in.... The Likely Lad couldn't get into a capacity Nevada Smiths (why he went there in the first place I'm not sure), and Autoglass is watching in Paris. How cosmopolitan we are!!

18: US freekick, around 35 yards out. Into the box but Brazil eventually clears.

19: Yellow care to Bocanegra, who was literally hanging on to Kaka. That's one way to defend against the break!

21: US playing lots of men behind the ball. Need to be careful that they don't forget to press forward as well! Still lots of game to be played. Silva kicks the ball behind the ball for a freekick.

22: Spector gets absolutely skinned by Robinho on the wing but the Americans recover. Those wings are making me nervous though. Meanwhile, Feilhaber with a great tackle on Kaka. Mistime it and it would've been a yellow.

24: The Likely Lad reports: "Brazil fans are real douches. Not carrying on so much after the goal."

25: Howard with a very good save on a long Melo shot, who then earns a yellow card for something - probably complaining. Brazil still pressing and the US still defending. Can Brazil punish the Americans for trying to get to the break 1-0?

27: Another great save from Timmeh on a Maicon cross along the line. Brazil gets the corner, US clear to Donovan on the break and....

GOAL DONOVAN!!! 2-0 USMNT! DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES? YES! Totally against the run of play but the Americans counter very very well, Donovan with a great first touch to beat the Brazilian defender and slot the ball into the corner.

30: US cannot stay content now, and continue to put pressure on the ball and earn a throw-in for their efforts. Cross into the box just out of the reach of two Americans in the box. Wow. Almost a third.

32: Feilhaber and Clark can't quite connect in the box and the Brazilians counter the other way. Gooch clears but the Brazilians come back. Lots of pretty play by the Brazilians around the box but so far the Americans are defending well.

34: Lingering Bursitis checks in after taking a break from baby duty: "Full credit, Americans are playing like they should. Solid D and kill teams with their defense and use their speed. This should be their M.O.!"

35: Another great save from Timmeh from a short-range Santos shot, and then Fabiano heads the ball just over the bar. Phew!

36: Altidore skins Santos, who brings him down and gives up a freekick just outside the box to the right. Well done by Jozy.

37: Free kick just cleared by Brazil, otherwise Deuce would've had a header on goal. Corner to the Americans.

38: Corner goes straight to Cesar, and the Brazilians break right away and earn a free kick around 30 yards outside the goal. Brazil are lining it up here.

39: Brazil too smart for their own good here and waste the freekick. Davies breaks on the counter but his final touch lets him down.

40: Spector beats Kaka one-on-one on the wing. Well done!

41: Lingering Bursitis checks in again: "Maybe Project 2010 wasn't so crazy afterall!" Robinho almost scores but Howard with another last-ditch save.

43: Americans on the back foot again, but do just enough to defend and Maicon's shot goes wide. US will be very, very happy to go in at the half up two goals here!

44: Feilhaber has made several great tackles... So my favorite Brazilian-Jew-American is meeting expectations! Maicon takes a crack from long distance, it's deflected out for a corner that Howard collects. One minute of extra time.

45 Ohhhh Fabiano almost connects on a fantastic cross by Maicon.

TWEET TWEET TWEET Halftime: The USMNT go into the lockerroom up 2-0 on Brazil! Not in my wildest dreams, not even close. 45 minutes to play though. Brazil certainly have the ability to come back here.

Half: So I'm wondering which war metaphor best epitomizes what the US needs to do in the second half: The Alamo? Valley Forge? The Second Battle of Bull Run? The Battle of the Bulge??

Half: Watching Spector play today, I can't help but ask: What was Bob Bradley thinking by playing Marvel Wynne over Spector?? But seriously, no matter what happens the rest of this game, it's difficult to be too mad at Bradley, isn't it? Seems to be making all the right personnel moves lately: Davies, Clark, Spector, Feilhaber. Oh who am I kidding, forget insta-punditry, everything's thrown out the window right now. It's all about holding on against Brazil for the next 45 minutes.

46: US kick off. Deep breath, here we go.

46: GOAL BRAZIL FABIANO: Maicon passes to Fabiano just outside the box with his back to the goal, turns, beats Demerit and Howard. Brilliant goal. 2-1.

48: US a little rattled now. Just showed the replay again. Nothing Demerit or Howard could've done once Fabiano got the ball where he did. Brazil freekick at the halfway line.

50: Kaka waits too long with the ball just outside the box and the Americans clear. Altidore on the break but it goes out of bounds for a U.S. throw-in. Feilhaber has a nice run along the endline but can't keep the ball in the play.

51: End-to-end stuff here. Gotta think that favors Brazil. U.S. can't sit back, but they can't get too stretched either.

52: Better from the US. Defend well against Robinho and then try to break.

53: US break again, Davies wide to Dempsey who can't control and the Brazilians break. A wasted counter.

54: Foul called on Feilhaber against Kaka. Jozy clears it well, but Brazil keep s possession and try a through ball to Fabiano that's too long.

55: Kaka earns another free kick against Feilhaber around 30 yards out. All the calls going the Brazilians' way. Freekick into the wall and then up in the air, but foul called and the US get a freekick in the box. US needs to pull it together here.

58: Brazil with more pretty passing, Maicon crosses from the corner but Timmy gathers. Then a last-minute tackle from Spector against Kaka for a corner. Kaka isn't treating this like an exhibition. And one more great save by Howard on a header by Lucio and then Silva kicks the ball out of play. Nervy, nervy stuff!

60: OH MY! Brazil thought they had the equalizer. Kaka with a freeheader on a corner, Howard just saves and keeps the ball outside the goal mouth. Oh boy on the replay, that looked like a goal.

62: Harkes and JP with the partisan commentary, but that was a shocking call and the Americans are very, very lucky. Howard entirely within the goal and blocked the goal up to the bar.

64: Harkes says that Lucio was definitely offsides when it looked pretty close to me. No matter, Brazil keep pressing. Maybe the Alamo really was the right analogy?

65: Davies breaks and then smartly holds the ball up so the Americans can get a breather. Lando with a nice long shot that forces a good save from Cesar. Americans with rare sustained offense here. Oh and Dempsey with another good long shot! Much better.

66: Here comes the cavalry: Santos off, Dani Alves on. Ramires off, Elano on. Brazil clears the corner and immediately get back on offense.

68: Fabiano is very unhappy about earning a 50-50 foul against Demerit. But the Brazilians get the ball back easily and are back on offense.

69: Americans really need to maintain possession. Meanwhile, Lucio earns a yellow card for dissent.

71: Demerit with a good clearance, the US immediately give up the ball and Howard just barely gets the ball away from Fabiano. US seem totally over-awed here. Just slow things down and keep the damned ball!

72: Dani Alves' first touch is to sky the ball well out of play. A rare breather.

73: Davies takes on four defenders, beats three of them but not the fourth. Hey Bradley, how about some fresh legs here?

74: U.S. makes another good move but it's snuffed out and Brazil comes back the other way....

74 GOAL BRAZIL 2-2 Fabiano: Long coming and deserved. Kaka beats Spector, crossed the ball into the box. First shot comes off the crossbar but Fabiano is righ there to head the ball into the net.

75: Bornstein and Kliejstan on, Jozy off... ESPN won't tell me who else came off.

76: Thanks ESPN, it was Feilhaber off.

78: Kaka with a shot that goes wide. He's easily been the best man on the pitch. Melo with a dangerous jumping challenge that takes out Donovan. Very lucky not to get a second yellow.

79: Cesar makes a good grab on the long freekick from Donovan. Americans still look tired and Brazil still look like they're the more likely to score.

81: Bornstein with a long shot after two giveaways, but not troubling Cesar.

83: More good play from Kaka and Robinho, whose shot looks good but goes wide. Going the other way, Davies goes down easily in the box but the ref isn't impressed.

???: ESPN has dropped the clock from the screen so no idea how much time is left! More last-ditch defending from the Americans. Demerit makes a good clearance.

85: GOAL LUCIO. BRAZIL 3-2: Good header off the corner. U.S. look gassed and Brazil deserve to take the lead, especially with the non-call on the earlier goal.

88: Americans earn a corner. Last sub, Casey for Clark. Good effort by Onyewu but he heads the ball just over the crossbar.

89: Harkes and JP are already spinning the positive. I know Brazil are world class and we should be happy to be here, but Bradley still sucks. U.S. came out in this half totally unprepared, and wound up looking totally deflated after they gave up the first goal. That's on the coach, plan and simple.

91: 3 extra minutes. Casey is the only player for the U.S. looking like he thinks the Americans can get the equalizer.

92: Kljestan should've never been brought on. No touch, no poise. Dani Alves skies the ball out of play.

TWEET TWEET TWEET Brazil 3, USA 2: What a disappointing end to what has been a remarkable tournament for the U.S. The Americans positively crumpled in the second half. Brazil were the deserved winners. Whatever Bradley told the team in the lockerroom -- well, it didn't work. Bringing on Kljestan was a mistake. Time to digest what just happened this past week. Lots and lots to mull over.

Man of the match was Fabiano, who is also the golden boot winner of the tournament.

Hey everyone, chin up. Thanks for joining us for our Confederations Cup coverage! Sorry the ending wasn't the Cinderella storybook we were hoping for! Now, go out and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

215 comments:

1 – 200 of 215   Newer›   Newest»
EbullientFatalist said...

Ooo-Sah?

Yeah, Ooo-Sah.

EbullientFatalist said...

FEILHABER GETS THE START!!!


Because Bradley can't play.

Tuffy said...

You listed "Beasley" in the subs section because there wasn't a section for "we put him on a plane back to the US already", right?

Spectator said...

@Tuffy: Heh exactly. It's still shocking that Bradley put DMB on the pitch.... That's why you have practices, you know, to see which players are fit and capable and playing and all.

Anonymous said...

I think Feilhaber was definitely the right choice to replace Bradley today.

Chad said...

Hello all. Can't believe I'm leaving my lurker shell and commenting, but thanks to UF for making a Sunday when I had to come into work bearable. I should be at The Globe right now, getting hammered and yelling threats at Bradley through the TV.

Unknown said...

I hope Rossi is home crying tears of olive oil. thanks in advance for being my only way to follow the game. Spouse insisted we had to go see Bruce in conceret. Good note - he played london calling!

Kyle B. said...

Anyone keep wondering if the "Brazil has all the pressure on them" meme isn't necessarily the case?

The USA are the ones who have raised expectations with their performance against Spain and know people will be tuning in to see them play today.

Meanwhile, Brazil have been here / done that and surely a Confederations Cup final is not going to be considered a pressure cooker for players who have been at the pinnacle of the sport (either at club or country level).

Tuffy said...

3-1 Brazil. Let me be embarrassed by one of my picks again.

Chad said...

Kyle: I agree 100%. I think the "pressure on brazil" thing is mostly American media trying to talk themselves into thinking the USA have a genuine shot at winning this.

Chad said...

Oh, and my prediction for what it's worth: 2-0 Brazil. Hoping for another giant upset though.

Jacob said...

Nervous.

I think we had a higher rate of singers than Brazil. Good sign?

Kopper said...

Though I hope I'm wrong, I see this as 1-0 Brazil.

Jacob said...

OOO-SAH

Let's go!

Jacob said...

Foh-ay. Not Foe.

Jacob said...

Wife's comment: Shouldn't they stop honking?

Yes, honey, they should.

Jacob said...

His reading English is better than my reading French.

Kyle B. said...

If we must predict, 3-0 Brazil.

They're just so good, and I worry of a USA letdown, or the pressure of the final getting to the players. As mentioned above, what is the biggest match any of these players have played in? Howard's FA Cup final? What would be second? Germany in 2002?

Major finals appearances are sparse on these resumes. But, first time for everything.

Tuffy said...

"Yeah, it's a sad event." Way to bring the color, Harkes.

MoonshineMike said...

If we lose anything less than 3-0 it will be a victory...

Anonymous said...

that was pretty sad/touching

Jacob said...

Thanks, Spectator, for taking this over today. I could not have done it.

Kyle B. said...

Obviously not meant for today, but you guys ever consider using that LiveChat technology? Makes it a lot easier to follow both the blog and the comments.

Again, not necessarily the best timing, but I'm struggling following blog / match / comments already.

Kopper said...

I just hope we don't blow our wad in the 1st 30 mins, only to give it up in the end.

Jacob said...

Kyle-
We don't like Cover It Live, at least, because it's harder for people to come in later and read the flow of the match.

EbullientFatalist said...

2-1 Brazil, on a late winner.

The detailed formation graphics are a big plus; I'm becoming a fan of the US 4-2-2-2

Jacob said...

Be aware that the altitude may have an effect on this game.

I feel the last ten of the first half and last 20-25 of the second will move very slowly.

Chad said...

Is it bad that every time they show Bradley on the sideline, all I can think is oh shit, that's our coach for the next 5 years?

Jacob said...

I like when Deuce defends with passion. The games where he does not are rough.

EbullientFatalist said...

Gooch again positions himself well. He'll be picked up by a bottom-half Prem team this summer, right?

Jacob said...

That's way too open.

The guy said...

Most annoying buzzing sound. Sorry USA, I'll wait for the highlights... that form of stadium noise if retarded

EbullientFatalist said...

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

krossfader said...

wooohoooo!

Jacob said...

I fucking love Spector's crosses in!!!!!!!!!!!

The guy said...

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!!

USA!!!!

1 - 0

The Fan's Attic said...

YEAH MFERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jacob said...

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

Tuffy said...

Clint Dempsey is my anti-drug.

jape said...

nice!

MoonshineMike said...

Oh my Oh my oh my.

EbullientFatalist said...

DEMPSEY DEMPSEY DEMPSEY!!!! THE PRIDE OF FURMAN!!!

Kyle B. said...

Apologies to anyone within 6 blocks of my house for the noise I just let out. Some combination of "yes" and "wooh". What a touch. This is the FFC version of Dempsey.

EbullientFatalist said...

Well, I believe we have settled on a back four. Spector's delivery was on-point, and Dempsey did well to finish.

Jacob said...

Furman boy does good again. Plus, he scored from the midfield.

BackBergtt said...

OH DIP!

EbullientFatalist said...

One Timmy Howard, only one Timmy Howard . . .

Chad said...

stupid work made me miss that, but allow me to be late and say: GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!!!!!

jape said...

Now just start kicking Kaka and Robinho as much as possible.

EbullientFatalist said...

Good from Davies.

The Fan's Attic said...

WTF? BIlly Mays died? Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson and Billy Mays.

The world is truly ending.

EbullientFatalist said...

TFA: Yeah, for real. Strange, strange days.

We are scrapping - I love this type of football.

The Fan's Attic said...

That was a good effort.

Keep it up lads.

Jacob said...

Davies. I like Davies. As long as he doesn't kick someone, I like Davies.

MoonshineMike said...

no more billy mays? did he give his life so USA could score first?

BackBergtt said...

Brazil is clearly missing Lucas.


...

Jacob said...

That was pretty obvious.

EbullientFatalist said...

I'm not sure what the hell happened to our back line - is it playing Clark in the holding role that strengthened it?

Bullshit card on Boca.

Kyle B. said...

The sight of any US player carrying a yellow - especially a midfielder or defenseman - this early should be a major cause of concern.

jape said...

Yes. We need a goal for each fallen celebrity.

Jacob said...

Is Gooch still on his aerial game today? I sure hope so. That was a nice play.

Jacob said...

Watch those elbows, Jozy.

Jacob said...

US setting too far back. Need to be able to push it out more.

Tuffy said...

Timmy Howard makes my brown eyes blue. With joy.

Jacob said...

TLL speaks the truth.

EbullientFatalist said...

TOASLDKFJA;LKSHF[0WAH'OSA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jape said...

YESYESYESYESYES!! What a run!

Tuffy said...

I LOVE YOU BIZARRO EARTH

MoonshineMike said...

That was impressive actually. the fast break?

Jacob said...

Great play between those two. THis is fucking awesome.

Tuffy said...

Does Landycakes know these games count? Someone told him these were exhibitions, right?

Kopper said...

This is just too wierd.

Jacob said...

Andre Santos showing some of those lovely Brazilian ball skills.

EbullientFatalist said...

Jesus. What a counter. What movement and speed. I'm shocked - SHOCKED!! - at the way we have played since the Egypt game.

Frank said...

Thank God Dunga had the "sense" to replace the solid Edison Miranda with Luisao, who's playing like utter shit.

EbullientFatalist said...

We are taking the game to the Brazilians, and they aren't used to it.

jape said...

Landy's first touch was rough but it worked to his advantage. Keep it up, boys!

EbullientFatalist said...

Having Jozy playing wide on the left, expecting the ball on the counter, is working out well - spreads the Brazilians, doesn't allow their centerbacks to provide service during attacks.

Jacob said...

Timmay!

EbullientFatalist said...

Howard!! Just so on-point.

EbullientFatalist said...

This may be the best half of football I've ever witnessed by the US.

The Fan's Attic said...

good foul by donovan. playing a great game. jesus.

Jacob said...

Alright, here's my theory.

The US had the furthest to travel to get to South Africa. In addition, they had a couple of important games right before this tournament. It took them some time to get acclimated to where they were, and time for Bradley to stop playing DMB.

Teeknuts said...

For the second USMNT game in a row I've tuned in to find an incredibly improbably scoreline.

The Fan's Attic said...

@umlaut: my theory has been since the egypt game, that not playing DMB means the US wins. it's held true far.

EbullientFatalist said...

Ohhhh, Spector. Good hustle, way to get back.

jape said...

Great energy from the US up and down the pitch - if we can keep this up, we could pull this off.

MoonshineMike said...

Wasn't Donovan pronounced dead last year? Is this like some zombie Landon playing on another level. Who made the comment about shooting their wad in the first half?

EbullientFatalist said...

Timmy!

Jacob said...

Thank God for Gooch in the air.

Tuffy said...

The US defense consists entirely of headers within 10 yards of their own goal. It's not good for the weak-hearted.

Jacob said...

Hold on til the half, fellas.

Jacob said...

UGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH. Thank goodness, no goal.

The Fan's Attic said...

whewww....halftime. that was crucial.

this is fucking awesome.

EbullientFatalist said...

Wow. That would've been hard to take after such a good half. Hold on fellas.

Teeknuts said...

Christ that was close, Holy shit, is the US actually beating Brazil 2-0?

jape said...

Yeah. 'Holy Shit!' all around.

Kyle B. said...

I keep thinking "just keep playing this way, and let whatever happens happen."

Fuck that. Get the result. Holy shit this would be massive.

HOW IS THIS THE SAME TEAM THAT WENT TO COSTA RICA?

Jacob said...

It's not. That team had DMB.

Kyle B. said...

From BBC:

"Do you think David Beckham will lay claim to the improvement in US football being down to him?!"

Brilliant.

MoonshineMike said...

USA needs to be aggressive in the second half. strong d, but go for the breaks.

Kyle B. said...

u75: point well taken.

The Fan's Attic said...

so, dempsey tied for leading scorer with VIlla, Torres and Fabiano? crazy.

Jacob said...

Um. Not the Alamo.

Jacob said...

One more for Deuce and Fulham may have to sell him.

Jacob said...

Please no Casey today.

Jacob said...

Nice finish. Sucks.

Kyle B. said...

Nothing mental. Just a world class finish. Top stuff.

EbullientFatalist said...

Can't do anything about that. DeMerit played it well, just a quality finish by Fabiano.

Jacob said...

DOn't hold back, fellas. Let's go.

The Fan's Attic said...

is it just me or has Kaka really been pressing in this match? not a great match for him so far.

Jacob said...

Get your shape, fellas.

Anonymous said...

ashton kutcher is tweeting this haha
http://twitter.com/aplusk

Jacob said...

Altidore starting to look tired.

Jacob said...

Have we overrun in the first half? Tired counter.

jape said...

Feilhaber is having a hell of a game!

Jacob said...

Nice hold, Rico.

Kyle B. said...

This is reminiscent of the second half against Spain, but Brazil are far better on the set piece. 35 minutes is a long, long time.

Jacob said...

Good job in the wall.

Jacob said...

Heart rate up.

Jacob said...

That looked like a thrown elbow into Spector's face.

Jacob said...

TIMMAY!

Poor marking.

Jacob said...

Give Melo another card. COme on.

Jacob said...

Lots of whistles at this point of the game.

Jacob said...

Blerg.

MoonshineMike said...

Spector has been chasing down Kaka and Robaninho. He's held up well.

And that was luck.

Teeknuts said...

This game is going to kill me.

EbullientFatalist said...

That was a goal.

Jacob said...

That may have been in.

Jacob said...

Get Jozy out. No wheels left.

Kopper said...

Thank god for no instant replay on that one.

The Fan's Attic said...

yeah...that was a goal.

MoonshineMike said...

And that may of been a goal. wow.

jape said...

Damn. That looked in.

Teeknuts said...

I would like to thank Sepp Blatter at this point for continuing to refuse implementing replay.

Anonymous said...

luis garcia
he drinks sangria...

Tuffy said...

I would not complain openly if the United States chose to score another goal.

EbullientFatalist said...

The US needs to score now and win 3-1 to quash any controversy about that goal/non-goal.

Jacob said...

Offside. Three on one Brazilians on the backside.

jape said...

This is about as dicey as it gets. Heart Rate Up is a good comment.

Jacob said...

This sucks. Need a finished counter.

Jacob said...

Nice move put together there btw Deuce and Rico.

ALR said...

This match not recommended for the elderly or those with heart conditions.

EbullientFatalist said...

Danny Alves makes me nervous.

Bob, make a move - we need fresh springs out there.

Jacob said...

ALR-
Or pregnant women.

Tuffy said...

Did the Bradley family get a group rate for tickets back to the US or did Bob stick around long enough to make a Goddamned substitution?

Jacob said...

Interesting call. Non-call would have been fine.

Jacob said...

Hell, I'd take casey right now. Just make a move before it is too late.

Kyle B. said...

If anyone gives grief about the non-goal, the 3 dodgy reds we've taken this tournament should suffice as an answer.

Karma gave us one back.

Teeknuts said...

20 minutes, thank fucking god for Tim Howard.

EbullientFatalist said...

Ohhhhhhhh HOWARD! What anticipation.

Jacob said...

True, Kyle.

MoonshineMike said...

No one there with davies. We need legs.

Jacob said...

NO. Not Kljestan. Torres.

ALR said...

umlaut... of course we cant forget them. Yeah, I'm perplexed by that yellow and in love with tim howard. It's a rollercoaster of emotions.

Kopper said...

damn!

ALR said...

UGHHHH.

EbullientFatalist said...

Damnit.

MoonshineMike said...

well crap on a stick. Everyone standing around.

Tuffy said...

Oh, hey! Welcome to the game, Bob!

EbullientFatalist said...

Jesus.

Keep pushing fellas.

Sasha and Bornstein?

The Fan's Attic said...

klejstan looks like your friendly neighborhood meth junkie. well, not so friendly.

Kyle B. said...

Jozy had to come off and I can get past Sasha, but Bornstein after the goal? Inexplicable.

MoonshineMike said...

I don't see feldhaber anymore

Jacob said...

Melo lucky again. That should be his second yellow.

The Fan's Attic said...

hey, that wasn't a half-bad free kick from donovan.

Jacob said...

Landy's FKs have gotten much better as the tournament has gone on.

Kyle B. said...

Bob,

It's one thing to only bring 3 forwards. But if you don't trust playing the third one (Adu), why bring him?

We have no legs up front and no options because Bradley simply will not play Adu. Damnit, and I'd almost forgiven him because of the attacking style we've played these last two games.

Decent effort, Bornstein.

Jacob said...

A couple of good looks since 2-2. Keep it up, boys.

jape said...

Got to push now. No way do I see them surviving extra time.

Unknown said...

Get up, Charlie. That wasn't a penalty.

The Fan's Attic said...

weather.com says its 43 degrees in J'burg right now. how can these guys be in turtlenecks during a match?

EbullientFatalist said...

DeMerit, excellent.

Unknown said...

Why do they call us the Bullet-Dodgers? Because we dodge bullets, Avi.

MoonshineMike said...

Well, now what?

Anonymous said...

JOSH GROBAN is watching this too

joshgroban: This Fifa match sounds like it was Free Atonal Trumpet Night. Great game though...go USA!!

Tuffy said...

Good night, nurse.

The Fan's Attic said...

well, that was inevitable.

Kopper said...

Gee, no one saw that coming, did they? What crap.

EbullientFatalist said...

Didn't dodge that bullet, Matt.

MoonshineMike said...

The Bob Bradley Face. in full form.

EbullientFatalist said...

So, Adu on now, right? Would make sense, meaning who cares if we lose 4-2? Just push up, get that equalizer.

Unknown said...

Don't worry; our coach is a tactical genius. Wait, what?

Teeknuts said...

This is a very somber paginate.

Unknown said...

Ebullient Fatalist- Well, neither did Boris in the end.

Kyle B. said...

No 3rd substitute? Just leave these legs out there? Inexplicable.

jape said...

shit passes.

Unknown said...

Kyle B- Connor Casey on and Clark off. Hoo boy.

The Fan's Attic said...

casey on. well, that's the offense we are looking for. right?

damn...close on onyewu.

EbullientFatalist said...

Connor Casey: America's answer to what exactly?

ALR said...

inevitable maybe, but it still hurts.

Jacob said...

3? Seems light.

Tuffy said...

Y'know what? No one's treading on the U.S. for at least a month. Good for the lads. I toot my horn for them.

Jacob said...

Red card in 3...2...1...

Kyle B. said...

If you're not going to play Adu, bringing him was coaching malpractice. We needed something once that third goal came in that Conor Casey isn't going to bring. This is indefensible.

And damnit, we can't say Brazil doesn't deserve it.

The Fan's Attic said...

so...brazil's defense isn't very good is it? if the US can get a lot of good counters, imagine what a skilled team can do.

that said...really impressed with davies this tournament. donovan did himself a favor too. spector and demerit did great as well.

Unknown said...

Well, at least we know Brazil won't win the WC.

EbullientFatalist said...

Welp.

Jacob said...

Thanks, Spectator, for the live blog. This hurts, but will be fondly remembered.

EbullientFatalist said...

(slow clap)

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