U.S. vs. Slovenia--Yearrrrggh, more spoilers!!

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GemStateJim

2,500+ Posts
Today is the day we find out just what this U.S. side is made of. Defeat the Green Dragons of Slovenia, and the Nats are on the fast track to the knockout rounds. A tie keeps them in limbo, and a loss all but ends the dream with a match in hand.

So which is it gonna be? I'll be the first to go out on a limb and predict a 2-2 draw.

The Slovenians aren't known for their offense, but they can be lethal on the counterattack, and that's how I expect them to score (with maybe a set piece thrown in).

Defense is where the Green Dragons are best. Even so, I think our Yanks will display a great deal of grit and heart and manage to earn a point with a late equalizer. It won't be the result we hoped for, but it won't be a nightmare showing, either.

Keep in mind that I'm the World's Worst Prognosticator, so this could bode well for the U.S. For example, before last Saturday's match, I predicted England would win, 2-1.

Incidentally, both Slovenia and the U.S. were gifted goals in their opening matches by opposing keepers. What strange happenings are afoot for the two sides today?
 
I say that we score 2 and they get 1. We come away with 3 for the day, 4 total so far.

I really should get some sleep. I really don't think I am going to.
 
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Am staying home from work this morning to watch the match. Our ESPN is blacked out so we have to watch the crappy local coverage. Ah well at least it is an English crew working the game for the Caribbean feed.

This is the match of the Cup for the USA and for all intents and purposes determines their fate. So how about USA 2 Slovenia 0.
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Why the heck is your ESPN blocked out? That blows.

I reworked my work schedule too but I am failing to keep with the schedule. I told myself I could go to bed by 2 or so in the morning but who I am kidding? I don't make it to bed till 3 or so on a regular work day. 3 is if I am tired.

Oh well. An all-nighter it was/is. I will pay for it later but I will worry about that then.

2-1 and I stick with it.
 
Yep Loop it sucks. FIFA sold the exclusive rights to the Caribbean to a provider who made a deal with our local network to broadcast all the games. To protect their exclusive rights both ESPN and Univision are blacked out. Folks down here are hacked as the local network is not HD so we get a poor picture along with poor coverage. I was in Jamaica last weeked and same story there, ESPN, Univision and CBC all blacked out during games so only the local channels have the games.
 
I like the Dynamo, so feel bad for Clark.

But Torres is the best posession ball-handler on the team. Maybe ever. And he has also shown a creative streak.
 
Arrrrgh! Coach Bob has chosen to start Findley, despite the latter's inability to finish, find his teammates, or even stay/return onside. The only thing Findley can do, it seems, is run fast, and that's hardly a basis for starting a World Cup match, is it? (Please make me eat some crow, Robbie!)

On the bright side, Bradley has opted to start Longview's Jose Francisco Torres in place of Ricardo Clark--that's two Texans starting for the U.S. versus Slovenia!
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Here's the starting lineup for the U.S. (standard 4-4-2):

-----Altidore----Findley----
Donovan----------Dempsey
----Bradley------Torres----
Bocanegra------Cherundolo
----Onyewu---DeMerit----
---------Howard----------
 
Here's the starting lineup for Slovenia (another 4-4-2):

----Novakovic/Ljubijankic-----
Radosavljevic---------Koren--
-----Kirm----------Birsa------
-Jokic-----------------Brecko-
------Cesar------Suler--------
--------Handanovic-----------
 
Bad strategy IMO.

Findley did offer a possible advantage going in vs. England, but not this match. The Slovs are going to pack it in. I think they will be happy with a nil-nil result. Findley's lack of a good handle creates more of a disadvantage against this type of strategy. I would have gone with Buddle. And probably changed the formation too.

Hopefully Bradley will be willing to make adjustments on the fly. He did change tactics in the Confed Cup, with good results (at least until the 2nd half against Brazil).

Anyways, no excuses for coming out unfocussed and ready to go.
 
This blue uni look good up close
But, from a distance, the white looks like a sash.
Sorta Miss America or Statue of Liberty-ish

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SPOILER!


Slovenia 1, U.S. 0--14th minute.

Birsa with a well-driven shot freezes Howard and finds the back of the net as the U.S. once again surrenders an early goal. U.S. backline looking disorganized and affording the Slovenians too much space and too much time.

Nightmare beginning.
 
I'll be damned. Difference so far....they are moving to the ball, we are waiting on it. They are attacking us, we are waiting on them. Had four defenders standing there watching the shot. Nobody going to the ball. 1-0 as a result.
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Not much of an attack.

The Slovenian attack is more impressive. They seem confident and in control. Finding space. Nice game plan.

(so far)
 
Why doesn't Gooch just put on a white jersey and net a ball for Slovenia himself? Gooch 2, US 0
 
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