The Soccer Thread (Version 7.0)

While I'm tickled to up 2-0 in Germany early in the match and loved JA's goal, I won't get too hyped about a potential result from this match any more than I was down about the loss to Belgium.

 

I'm enjoying the renewed attack from USMNT, but cringing every time the defense is called into action.

 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with a wonder goal to pull England level midway through the second half against Brazil. His dad was in the England team that beat Brazil in 1984 -- the last European side to win in Brazil. Really, really good goal.

 

And now Rooney makes it 2-1. Deflected, but still a fantastic strike.

 

Well, that didn't last. 2-2.

 

Have faith, Inky. All is well. Believe in The Program. St. Klinsi will deliver us to the Promised Land.

 

The inevitable return:

http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3199099/title/mourinho-appointed

 

We could have easily given up 8 goals. Germany missed the frame on so many sitters,

Two great goals though.

 

Outing alert: TrooperBari is Sunil Gulati.



Seriously ... a bang-on observation, Inky. This side continued to give off the impression that it couldn't score two goals on an three-hour training session on an empty pitch.

Jozy's goal was sublime, and the assist to set up Dempsey's goal was pretty good, too. The front is playing with confidence and Tim Howard is still stellar. But the back four is somewhere between awful and unwatchable right now.

 

Your first World Cup qualifier (well, after Brazil) is Japan. I look forward to their inevitable first-round exit and to struggling to remember that they were even there.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22772304

 

No doubt you base this prediction on sound evidence and much analysis of Japan's games. Do tell.