The Soccer Thread (Version 7.0)

[Pastor]

Friday's game just sucked. There seemed to be no attention by the Americans to the conditions they were playing in. There was no adjustment of play. There was no adjustment of strategy. Instead, it was the same-old, same-old.

Conditions in Mexico will be better for soccer, but not for health. We'll have to see how fit this team really is. It is also a game that I was looking forward to seeing Jermaine Jones in. Shame he's back in Germany already...

 

[kingcreole]

I know I'm late on this, but it happens. I'm happy the U.S. did get 3 points against Costa Rica, but now they have to go play at Mexico Tuesday and are looking at having 3 points after their first 3 matches. Granted, two of them were on the road, but still. I know a lot of people (myself included) sometimes overreact and all, but what are y'all's opinions? I know they still have a lot of matches to go, but a 1-2 start isn't exactly one that has you running to make your World Cup reservations.

Let's see what happens in Mexico first.

I will. I'd love to come out of Mexico with 3 points, but to be honest, any points at all would have to be considered gravy.

I predicted a Hex record 5-2-3, with losses at Honduras, Mexico and Costa Rica. A home tie somewhere and a road tie somewhere, plus a road win and four home wins. Losing to Mexico is almost expected, but there is a lot of pressure on Mexico right now. Two points in two games so far, and anything less than a win Tuesday could prove disastrous. If, let's say, it's a tie, Mexico would have dropped four points at home and have only three home games left.

This game is far bigger for Mexico, and I'll say the pressure doesn't get to them and win 2-1. USA scores first of course, and then withers late.

 

[deskslave]

The story in the Times today about the Serbia-Croatia match indicated that the Balkans might be a tough road environment. And there's an England fan in a coma today because he got beat up in a bar attending the San Marino match. It's soccer. People are weird, not pleasantly, either.
PS: If China ever gets good at soccer, a remote possibility I know, they'll retire the most unbearable sports fans on earth trophy in short order.

I don't think a fan getting beaten up in a bar has much to do with the challenges faced by a given team. The biggest challenge England would have faced would have been the nonleague-esque surroundings, and the 8-0 final seems to suggest that they got over it.

In other words, just because the supporters have issues doesn't mean that the players do. That being said, yes, I would imagine that Mexico is pretty challenging. But certainly the Balkans, along with much of eastern Europe, throw up their own challenges for Europe's powers. Travel distance, facilities, supporters, weather, etc.

 

[JosephC.Myers]

I know I'm late on this, but it happens. I'm happy the U.S. did get 3 points against Costa Rica, but now they have to go play at Mexico Tuesday and are looking at having 3 points after their first 3 matches. Granted, two of them were on the road, but still. I know a lot of people (myself included) sometimes overreact and all, but what are y'all's opinions? I know they still have a lot of matches to go, but a 1-2 start isn't exactly one that has you running to make your World Cup reservations.

Let's see what happens in Mexico first.

I will. I'd love to come out of Mexico with 3 points, but to be honest, any points at all would have to be considered gravy.

I predicted a Hex record 5-2-3, with losses at Honduras, Mexico and Costa Rica. A home tie somewhere and a road tie somewhere, plus a road win and four home wins. Losing to Mexico is almost expected, but there is a lot of pressure on Mexico right now. Two points in two games so far, and anything less than a win Tuesday could prove disastrous. If, let's say, it's a tie, Mexico would have dropped four points at home and have only three home games left.

This game is far bigger for Mexico, and I'll say the pressure doesn't get to them and win 2-1. USA scores first of course, and then withers late.

I didn't realize Mexico had already been dropping points at home. That has to give the U.S. some hope. I'd be happy with anything other than a loss.

 

[TrooperBari]

Friday's game just sucked. There seemed to be no attention by the Americans to the conditions they were playing in. There was no adjustment of play. There was no adjustment of strategy. Instead, it was the same-old, same-old.

But, but ... THREE POINTS!!!!!! Everything's fine now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Norrin Radd]

When I have two hours later, I guess I'll read this one.

If anyone else happens to read it and wants to provide Cliff's Notes, that would be awesome.

http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2013/3/26/4136238/usmnt-vs-mexico-soccer-rivalry-history-world-cup-qualifying

 

[NoOneLikesUs]

When I have two hours later, I guess I'll read this one.

If anyone else happens to read it and wants to provide Cliff's Notes, that would be awesome.

http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2013/3/26/4136238/usmnt-vs-mexico-soccer-rivalry-history-world-cup-qualifying

We need to get that tape.

 

[Webster]

When I have two hours later, I guess I'll read this one.

If anyone else happens to read it and wants to provide Cliff's Notes, that would be awesome.

http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2013/3/26/4136238/usmnt-vs-mexico-soccer-rivalry-history-world-cup-qualifying

El Tri -- sore losers for at least 33 years.

 

[Norrin Radd]

An easier to digest Mexico-U.S. history lesson.

You know, about a game that actually mattered without trying to extrapolate it into the events of a decade later.

http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/soccerusa/id/1963?cc=5901&hjuk

 

[spikechiquet]

FIFA is a bunch of frauds...but at least we got 3 points.

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/usa/story/fifa-rejects-costa-rica-protest-over-usa-snowstorm-victory-032613

If they didn't want to play, they should have filed a protest before the game.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

I know ESPN has the rights to Mexico matches, but after the homertastic coverage of the CRC match this equal coverage is jarring.

As is the Spanish subtitling.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Heart says 2-0 USMNT; head says 3-1 Mexico. Excuse me while I bite my nails for the next 90 minutes.