USA, you made a great run.

"JGrabowMSt" (jgrabowmst)
07/01/2014 at 18:14 • Filed to: worldcuppredictions

But I do believe this is the end of the road.

My money is on Netherlands vs Germany for the final game, has been the whole time.

DISCUSSION (14)

PheeNoIVI > JGrabowMSt
07/01/2014 at 18:17

Yeah solid run. Great for soccer in the US

Klaus Schmoll > JGrabowMSt
07/01/2014 at 18:21

Not over yet!

JGrabowMSt > PheeNoIVI
07/01/2014 at 18:23

The US team has one major flaw, they can get possession and run with it, but they're like a dog chasing a car. When it comes to committing to the goal, they fall very very short. They take chances when they know it wont work, and every time it doesn't work, they look surprised. It's just a train wreck. Tim Howard is probably the best goalie in the world cup right now, considering how well he's been doing, but the rest of the team needs to come up to his level in order to take this and run with it.

Pure luck isn't going to get 2 more goals right now. They way they're making shots on goal, they'd fail miserably if it came down to penalty kicks.

Hopefully this opens the USA's eyes, and the soccer program improves, because we've come very far, but only to show a little bit of naivety.

JGrabowMSt > Klaus Schmoll
07/01/2014 at 18:29

My boss was an olympic soccer coach for several years, after playing professionally in Europe. I played a bit myself, and we can both see when a team doesn't have what it takes to make the push.

I'll be surprised if USA makes it out of this game on top. Very surprised. They just barely made it out of their group. Unfortunately, a lot of these teams get a lot more practice with events like the European Cup and other games. The USA doesn't get the same amount of opportunities to learn about other teams the way a lot of the European teams do.

sebdel > JGrabowMSt
07/01/2014 at 18:32

Yup, but what an end, best match yet!

JGrabowMSt > sebdel
07/01/2014 at 18:33

They did really well, no doubt about that. They've learned a lot hopefully, and can apply it to their training, and maybe even display their new knowledge next time.

Klaus Schmoll > JGrabowMSt
07/01/2014 at 18:34

They are improving though! Wouldn't have thought that they could force Belgium into overtime, or even make it into the eliminations. Give them "4 more years" (yep, I just did that) and they might be a force to be reckoned with.

duurtlang > JGrabowMSt
07/01/2014 at 18:38

My money is on Netherlands vs Germany for the final game

That would be interesting. Especially as a Dutch person who frequents Germany a lot.

duurtlang > Klaus Schmoll
07/01/2014 at 18:41

It seems to me football/soccer is finally gaining traction in the US, which means more kids will start to play which in turn will lead to more talents being discovered.

ly2v8-Brian > Klaus Schmoll
07/01/2014 at 19:01

That optimism would make you a great Chicago Cubs fan Klaus.

JGrabowMSt > Klaus Schmoll
07/01/2014 at 20:35

I don't disagree for a second. They've made it very far, and they played most of their games very well. Their defense is lacking, though in my opinion, their goalie is easily the best goalie in the world cup right now. Especially with how well he's playing, he's the best player on the team right now.

But that's just me. If the rest of the team can make their way to his level, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

JGrabowMSt > duurtlang
07/01/2014 at 22:03

Robben and Schweinsteiger are setting things up for a really epic final match if they make it there. While Germany is being themselves (an absolute dominating machine), Netherlands I would say are being equally aggressive. I'm not sure if Germany really wants the win as bad as Netherlands show it.

We'll see what happens, but if I were a betting man, I would put a couple hundred on it and not be too concerned. I'm not sure I would put money on who ends up winning, that's a really tough call, but I can see those two making their way up.

CPT Speedbump > JGrabowMSt
07/01/2014 at 23:55

Red Devils for the win!! Odds were heavily against the USA anyway going into it. I almost said "us" but...in the case of Belgium and the USA, both are us to me, lol, yay dual citizenship

JGrabowMSt > CPT Speedbump
07/01/2014 at 23:59

The US was able to put up enough of a defensive fight to stay afloat for 90 minutes, but considering the offensive abilities of Belgium, USA had no chance. They were worn out and unable to keep any traction. 1 goal was nice to see that they had some fight left, but they missed enough opportunities, it was their time.

I'm still proud, and I hope it changes the USA's view of soccer in the future.