Lincolnite: Lincoln's Online Community

Well I didn’t watch it since I was working, but I will watch it tonight on ESPN 2. All the US commentators have really been hyping this match so it is a sore disappointment in that sense - or in another sense a harsh “dose of reality.” There are those who would say that any of the 32 teams could beat any of the other 32 going into this weekend, but after watching all of the weekend games, it is clear that is not true. There are definitely some teams which are better than others here.

Seems to me the only helpful scenario is the US completely smashes Ghana and increases its goal differential. Italy beats the Czechs really bad and we beat Italy. Wishful thinking and I am not optimistic.

so was it generally thought that we needed at least 2 points out of our first 2 matches?

I agree with Mr T., it’s more a dose of reality than it is disappointment.  I’m not disappointed that they lost, but rather how they lost.  They looked completely lathargic and were outclassed on all levels.  If the team that played Latvia showed up today, we would have had a chance to not get embarrassed.  Unfortunately, the team that played Morrocco a couple weeks ago showed up.  And playing like that against a world class team will have you outclassed in front of the world.

...but get ready for worse on Saturday unless the U.S. plays completely out of their minds and/or Italy doesn’t show up.  The two teams that have impressed me most so far are Italy and Germany.  Ghana played very well, but Italy was still able to show they are on another level.  Everyone needs to look out for them.

DMB, with a draw such as the one the Americans got, at a very minimum, one point is needed from the first two matches (assuming we win over Ghana, which probably shouldn’t have been done in the first place).  So now this means we have to at least draw against Italy.  After watching each team play, that is a fantasy.  I suppose it’s possible to imagine drawing Italy, but it should not be expected. 

When I predicted we would finish 2nd in our group, I assumed that either CR or Italy would NOT live up to their world-class billing.  They have so far, and if they continue their play during the next match, the US will be going home.  Though it may disappoint some, it will not be surprising.  That’s what happens when you’re drawn into a group with two of the top 10 teams in the world (three if you count the US, which I wouldn’t).

I didn’t realize it was this bad until after just watching the repeat. It was almost like our guys were drugged or something. This was the worst team play I have seen so far, even worse than Ivory Coast or England. Dave K I agree - this was a total disaster. Pray Ghana and the US win big next weekend (LOL).

I haven’t been able to catch the match, but I’ve seen the “highlights”. Wow, the team looked awful. I agree, Mr. T., they looked drugged. For example, what the heck was the defense doing on that third goal? They just trotted along behind the attacker!