World Cup draw

[Paisa el Toro]

USA v. Ghana tonight at 6pm!

[CPR]

Ghana benches two of its best players vs. U.S.

NATAL, Brazil – The United States gained a good bit of fortune in the hours before its World Cup opener against Ghana when it was announced that two of the Black Stars' best players are not in the starting lineup, according to Ghana's team website.

Michael Essien and Kevin Prince Boateng were not listed in the starting lineup on Ghanafa.org, although no explanation was provided. It is assumed they will sit out due to injury. The news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

 

 

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ghana-benches-two-of-its-best-players-vs--u-s-195417360.html

[Bruce Blingstein]

The US can really use Donovan. They all seemed scared on offense, they were really hoping they can sit on that 1-0 lead. Caught a good break on a great corner kick.

I don't watch much soccer but I get it. Donovan always pushed it and tried to create, I'd didn't see much of that and felt it when Jody went out.

Is it just me or is Donovan just weird and awkward on espn coverage ?

Edited June 17, 2014 by Bruce Blingstein

[GaUSFBull]

How those 'Mericans!!

[JTrue]

The important thing is that I watched the game at Hattrick's tonight and their staff is lights out.

[charsibb]

The important thing is that I watched the game at Hattrick's tonight and their staff is lights out.

 

wit dere headlites on???

[JTrue]

It was a little cold in there, headlights on!

Edited June 17, 2014 by JTrue

[Paisa el Toro]

The important thing is that I watched the game at Hattrick's tonight and their staff is lights out.

Hattricks' staff is very talented, and this place has great pub food. Still one of my favorite sports bars in Tampa.

[DELdaBull]

Advancing just got harder.

[Who'sYourData?]

Advancing just got harder.

 

For what reasons?

 

The injuries are certainly an issue.  I think Besler is a big loss if he can't go against Portugal, maybe a bigger loss than Altidore.  We don't really have a replacement for Altidore, but until recently he was in dreadful form.  In the end I wonder if we aren't better off with Zusi in the lineup anywat with some variant of a 4-5-1, especially against Portugal so he can help a bit more on defense.

 

But Portugal has issues of their own to deal with.  Sure they have some guy name Ronaldo.  I hear he might be decent.  But otherwise they seem to be a mess, and now they are down Pepe with a red card.  So I'm not really sure that the Portugal game looks much more difficult than it did before.  The path seems to be to somehow get a tie with Portugal, and keep Germany from scoring a lot.  Pretty much what I figured before yesterday.