World Cup - USA 2 Ghana 1

[Ponzio]

Not a big soccer ... or is that futball?... fan but that was one of the most teeth grinding games I've ever seen. USA scores first, not even 35 seconds into the game and then defensively holds off Ghana for 3/4 of the game, as their shot on goal is a ridiculous 5 to 1. Not surprisingly they finally even the score and it looks like our boys are doomed. All indications at that point would have led you to believe it would only be a matter of time till Ghana scored the winning goal but instead we soon thereafter score on a header, off a penalty kick, to win the game. I think the Ghanaian players were more shocked that they lost than the USA players were that they won. Sweet!!!

 

[Lulimet]

The header was of a corner kick, not a penalty kick.
It was a tense match and the US did well to win, but the US team has to do a lot better against stronger opposition. I am still not convinced they'll get to the knockout rounds but I hope I am wrong.

 

[adk highlander]

Great game. Did not miss a second. After the second goal my kid thought I was having some kind of fit. By the way Brooks's goal was off a corner kick not a penalty kick. Brazil v Mexico should be an exciting one today.

 

[3db]

I'm waiting for the Germany/Holland game. Both have juggernaut teams..and the Dutch are big people.

 

[Ponzio]

like I said, "I'm not a big soccer fan". pardon my ignorance of the rules. I'm gonna have to get my son and nephew, whose a "striker" on his high school soccer team, to give me a run down and learn the nuances of the game. he must be good, since he was a starter this year as a freshman. I'm a pro football/basketball kind-a guy but that was fun last night. trust me, if I had any money on the game, I'd know the rules, players & teams inside out.

the announcers last night kept going on about how the USA team has a long slag thru the "bracket of death" with Germany, Portugal & possibly Ghana again. I guess their "playoff" seeding, for lack of a better term, isn't doing them any favors, huh? I'll just continue to root for the USA & Italy and have some fun, even if I don't have a clue at times.

 

[3db]

the announcers last night kept going on about how the USA team has a long slag thru the "bracket of death" with Germany, Portugal & possibly Ghana again. I guess their "playoff" seeding, for lack of a better term, isn't doing them any favors, huh? I'll just continue to root for the USA & Italy and have some fun, even if I don't have a clue at times.

The US won't be able to beat Germany or Portugal. The difference in the skill set would be analogous to the German Hockey team playing team USA. There is just no way the German hockey team has the ability to beat the US.

 

[Ponzio]

The US won't be able to beat Germany or Portugal. The difference in the skill set would be analogous to the German Hockey team playing team USA. There is just no way the German hockey team has the ability to beat the US.

you mean, there is no Santa Claus?

 

[3db]

you mean, there is no Santa Claus?

LMAO Sadly no

 

[Lulimet]

I'm waiting for the Germany/Holland game. Both have juggernaut teams..and the Dutch are big people.

They can't play each other because they are in different groups.

 

[lsiberian]

They can't play each other because they are in different groups.

They certainly can play each other and look like they will.

 

[3db]

They certainly can play each other and look like they will.

Like I said, that will be an awesome game

 

[rnatalli]

Italy is my team, but I always hope the US team does well. They played alright during the Ghana game so I feel they have a chance despite being in the group of death.

 

[darien87]

Beyond lame that Donovan's not on the team though.

 

[Lulimet]

They certainly can play each other and look like they will.

They can only play in the final and that is not happening. Italy will crush everyone on their to to a fifth title

 

[Ponzio]

Viva Italia!!!

 

[defmoot]

The U.S. played a decent game but where plagued by muscle-related physio issues, cramps, etc. Josie Altidore went down very early with a hamstring pull, which forced USA to shift strategy. He's a big, strong player not easily replaced. Supposedly he'll be ready to play Sunday. U.S. players' passes weren't very sharp and must be improved. Portugal has skills, yes, but we'll have to wait and see how tough they are. USA can win/draw against them, but Germany is a bigger mountain.

Overall a really good tournament so far.

 

[lsiberian]

The U.S. played a decent game but where plagued by muscle-related physio issues, cramps, etc. Josie Altidore went down very early with a hamstring pull, which forced USA to shift strategy. He's a big, strong player not easily replaced. Supposedly he'll be ready to play Sunday. U.S. players' passes weren't very sharp and must be improved. Portugal has skills, yes, but we'll have to wait and see how tough they are. USA can win/draw against them, but Germany is a bigger mountain.

Overall a really good tournament so far.

The US can at best hope for a draw with Portugal IMO. Germany will already be qualified and probably play backups.

 

[Lulimet]

If US gets a draw against Portufail, then they are as good as qualified (assuming Germany beats or draws Ghana).

 

[3db]

If US gets a draw against Portufail, then they are as good as qualified (assuming Germany beats or draws Ghana).

You are correct in that Germany won't play Holland unless Holland makes it to the finals. They way I understand it, Groups A-D play each other until the last team standing plays the last team standing between Groups E-H. The only team I see strong enough to take out Germany in Groups E-H is France.

 

[Lulimet]

They way I understand it, Groups A-D play each other until the last team standing plays the last team standing between Groups E-H.

Correct. And yes, Germany have an easier road to the final than the other top teams.