Yeah, you're probably right. I'm sort of hoping someone forces out Bendtner. I don't trust him at all.

Drogba is out. Pirlo is most likely out. Ferdinand is out....WTF is going on

I saw a report that said Drogba was back in, after minor surgery. I call BS, but still possible he might suck it up and play.

But yeah, lots of injuries this time around. Spain and Netherlands might have the healthiest rosters out of the powerhouses right now IMO

wow, Buddle's stock is definitely rising in this one, 2 goals in 31 minutes. Not bad.

Buddle had a very good match.

I bet a friend $10 Drogba would play. He's such a prima donna & is always "injured" in his club matches but still manages to score goals. I can't help but think this is more posturing by him.

Buddles first goal was sick

Robbens injured

:(

I seen that, oh boy...

For those that seen the US game, what were your thoughts?

Findlay showed flashes of speed, but couldnt finish to save his life, go figure.

Buddle held the ball up well and took advantage of his opportunities, great game for him.

Gomez was in the game a few minutes and was already on the scoresheet, soccer in mexico has miraculously done something for this kid.

Bradley was a work horse in the midfield, distribution could be better but he was solid defensively.

LD was lively all game, dudes legs never seemed to get tired, service was great and gave the defense trouble all game, glad to see he showed up this year.

Clark disappeared for long lapses, which kinda worries me, I think Torres would have shined in his place today.

Dempsey looked OK at times, he looked a bit tired after the break. Total bullshyt that his goal was disallowed, he wasnt the one who was offside, bogus call.

Cherundolo looked great moving down the flank, his pace was welcome and defensively he was strong.

DeMerit was strong defensively but set piece marking was dismal.

Goodson was well, Goodson.

Gooch was disappointing, senseless fouls and poor distribution from the back, i hope its just jitters from being at the big show and not injury worries...

Bornstein surprised me a bit, he looked ok today, didnt make too many blunders which is a welcome change from his usual performances.

Hahneman didnt look solid the whole second half, shaky clearances, missed a few attempts to snag the ball on set pieces, looked out of position numerous times, lets hope he doesnt see time against a quality side.

overall, not a bad game for the US, hopefully we can get a similar result against England.

Best squad in a while

My two impressions from the match were that Cherundulo looked fantastic. I couldn't get over it.

& I agree with the above point on Clark, though, at his position (being a defensive-minded player), obscurity isn't really a bad thing (think Claude Makelele). I was very disappointed Torres didn't see the field-- he was the best player last week for the team. Bradley seems happy to stay deeper-- as does Clark-- I wouldn't mind dropping either of them to make way for Torres.

I'm really bummed for Robben. He's got a cruel history with injuries.

same with RvP, if he goes, Hollands dreams of world cup glory are as good as over. They'll survive without Robben, they'll miss his goal scoring ability, but VdV will step in and provide the creativity, him and sneijder should combine well in the midfield.

So you're saying RvP missing they have no shot...but missing Robben they can survive? :ugh:

They basically have the SAME numbers with their National Team....and Robben is more creative.

RvP is on a nasty tear right now, he has scored in each of the last 5 friendlies and he is the only striker that they have that finishes his chances, midfield wise, Robben is a good scorer, but have you seen Sneijder this season at inter? guy scored some wonder goals and is EXTREMELY creative, VdV is the bench replacement for Robben and is very lively on the ball, I dont think he'll be missed as much as a lone striker which RvP occupies.

Dude get off his ****! He is good but he isnt the team!

oh yes, yes he is.

Id like to know how many of his goals have been assisted by Robben. Seriously....Van Persie is good but you honestly make him out to be a god.

I love how you resort to calling me a hater when I am being UNBIASED.

back on topic you. So how about France-China game, wtf?

France is garbage. No shocker. Their coach is a moron. I could put together a squad 10x stronger.

more importantly, wtf is going on with Henry? did his finishing leave when he left Arsenal? And why the F didnt Nasri make the roster? that kid is quality and would have made a nice bench backup for Gourcuff.

No he hasnt seen playing time like he did with them. He was a 1st choice striker on their team. Barca is much more spread out. Hint hint, RVP on Arsenal should I say?

France has many questions than there are no answers to. Trezeuget is a great fwd, yet Dometech leaves him out because he puts personal issues before the necessity of the COUNTRY and TEAM.

Alberto Zaccheroni: "Jose Mourinho Is Worth Little Tactically" - Goal.com

This guy makes me laugh. What a joke. He has a nerve to attack Mourinho...yet when he coached Inter in 03-04 he got raped 5-1 in the CL @ the San Siro by Arsenal getting knocked out and finished 4th in the Serie A....getting sacked after that.


Sore loser, jealously? I think both!

as previously predicted, france will be the flop of the cup with Italy following suit. I'll admit, with Robben out, the Oranjes title hopes look slightly diminished.

As much as I hate to say it, I dont think theres a better coach in the world currently, the guy just wins championships, now Real are going to go on a tear and wouldnt doubt that they'll win the treble next year.

Best managers in no order

Ancelotti
Van Gaal
Mourinho
Hitzfeld

No Hiddink?

Yep.
Supposedly Nasri was left off because he's "immature" & selfish. But Gallas made it.

I know right? How do you keep a kid capable of something like this off the squad?

Dumb coaches

I was cheering like an idiot when I saw this goal for the first time. Absolute quality.

and I'm not going to comment on the whole Robben debate other than...ugh.

Watched my tape of the USA/Aussie game, why did it seem like the Americans were just crumpling every which way at the end of the game!? lol

and this may be the Gunner in me, but Robbie Findley reminds me too much of Theo Walcott. So much pace, but decision making...ugh. Really, the Australians could have easily taken the game if Josh Kennedy put his head into it. Literally.

I'm scared against England, our defensive line looks much weaker than I thought it was. And Hahnemann? Please, PLEASE, Tim Howard, do NOT get injured. I don't want to see whiffed punches in the air with Wayne Rooney sniffing for goals in the danger zone.

Domenech is an idiot. I can't wait for him to be out. Had he not gotten Zidane & Makelele to come back in 2006, he'd have been out after that World Cup.

How he still had a job after Euro2008 is beyond me.

I almost ordered a Nasri France kit during the spring. Glad I didn't do that.

less than 5 more days to

ARGENTINA 2010 CHAMPIONS.....

it will be a glorious day.

...?! what

Iono whether you heard, but they're cutting the tournament short & crowning a winner after Sunday.

with Maradona at the helm, never.