We'll NEVER call you Landycakes again! (not for awhile anyway.....)
The USA goes through! England goes through. The longest tennis match ever. The USA goes through! Hockey is over for now. Basketball is over until Lebron makes his decision. The USA goes through! Baseball games galore tonight. And did I mention? The USA goes through!
Welcome to our place for the evening. We’re glad to have you. Pull up a chair, grab a stool, or sit on the couch (but move the dog first). And for those who missed the game today, and for those who didn’t but just want to cheer again, here’s the goal that put us through.
Have fun and enjoy yourselves. I’ll be checking in by mobile while I shuttle the kids to practices…
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Got goosebumps again watching that… So relieved that the boys managed to pull through and advance. I don’t know what I would’ve done had they managed to not advance.
Landon has been so much better this tournament, much calmer and more in the game mentally. While Bocanegra wears the armband it seems Landon does a lot of talking to his teammates to get them settled. I am so glad that he cleaned up that rebound.
Can’t wait for Saturday!
For them to win after having another goal (clearly at that) disallowed, that was sweet. I’m very proud of how they fought in that game. Algeria got cheap with the fouls in the second half and rather than losing their cool and doing something stupid: They just kept attacking and finally put one home.
That’s the key- this team showed a TON of maturity. Not only did they keep playing until the final whistle, they kept their mouths shut when calls went against them and didn’t retaliate when provoked. A year ago I don’t think I could have pictured myself saying any of that.
what a great day! Ghana will not be able to rest coming off of a loss and having to worry about all our last minute scoring trend!
Shoulda been called back. The ball was offsides.
Should have been a red card on the Algerian for busting Dempsey in the face with an elbow too. There were a lot of blown calls in that game.
I missed the games. In 2 sentences (each), how could England and USA’s be described so that I can understand how the teams played?
England – Scored a goal, held the opponent, and thank god we made it through.
USA – Tenacity and work ethic pay dividends, sweet 16 here we come.
I woke up my neighbor I was screaming so loud after that goal. Not easy to do in Vegas with the AC running!
Oh, and the blade on the ceiling fan was easily fixed and my hand seems none the worse for wear!
Then again, I’m pretty sure my adrenaline level is still off the charts!
hahaha ouch.
For everyone making the “best win in US men’s soccer history” claim, I point you to the Round of 16 win over Mexico in 2002. You want to make today #2, I won’t argue.
1950?!
Also, I think there is a lot (positive) to be said going forward about the fact that the US backline looked no better/worse without Gooch.
Okay, MODERN USA history.
Anyone making that claim is pretty easily outed as not having paid attention in 2002.
Because I’m sick of seeing his smarmy face, could anyone tell me why Goldenballs is allowed to sit on the England bench in his Saville Row three-piece, travel with the team, etc.?
It’s not like he was selected THEN got hurt and couldn’t play- he got hurt and, therefore, couldn’t play. He’s not part of the team any more than Conor Casey is part of the USMNT (thankfully).
He’s getting coffee and bagels every morning for Capello.
mascot duties? i dunno, it’s been pissing me off too.
is that Beckham?
If it is he who you are referring to, he should be on team. I haven’t seen his match fitness recently, nor England’s play, but the amount of goals they have scored so far points to a need for a playmaker.
It is Beckham.
He tore his Achille’s tendon in March and will not be able to play any earlier than September.
cool. Thanks. And I guess he could have been on the squad if he could have possibly been fit.
re: my stupid comment. I don’t know why I wrote that, I knew that he isn’t fit at the moment – I’m trying to recover by asking if he will be better as the tournament progresses…
not with a ruptured Achilles.
I don’t think he’s technically ON the team, he’s just a mascot in an expensive suit.
Capello has needs, man.
*snerK* I’ll never look at fettucine alfredo the same way now.
He’s somebody’s WAG.
Whoops, I meant to say he’s the paparazzi’s WAG.
Here’s a really neat calendar which forms itself based on criteria you mouse-over – strongly recommended.
http://www.marca.com/deporte/futbol/mundial/sudafrica-2010/calendario-english.html
I like Bob’s decision to go with America’s first 3-3-4 that I can ever remember, and considering it was with Bradley the Younger and DeMarcus “Effing” Beasley on the field at the same time, it might have been our first 3-1-6 for the last 6 minutes. Our Bob, embracing innovation!
It’s just like UEFA cup Steve McLaren!
(who has apparently become a good manager as soon as he started living in Holland)
Balls! Strasburg ate a 1-nil loss. (Apologies for changing sports for a moment). With that team, he’ll be last year Grienke before long.
Am I the only one who noticed that the last thing Landon did in his post-game interview was to say “hello” to is ex-wife?
Interesting…
Huh, guess what just popped up as the top story on Yahoo’s home page? I guess I’m not the only one who noticed!
I noticed – and started laughing. Of course, had to explain to hubby what I was laughing about.
Though as far as I understand, the split was amicable; they’re probably still friends at least.
yeah, maybe they are back together or maybe it was a “look at me now, ex-wife!”, my wife thinks they are getting back together.
she’s loving the world cup and gets a sappy back story, only on a day like today.
I don’t think it was the, “LOOK AT ME NOW!!” angle, he seemed very genuine.
Hey, but in the end, whatever makes him play better!
Any couple that has joint custody of the dogs must be doing ok. I know that my ex-fiancee from 20 years ago is one of my best friends now….so it’s possible to break up and realize it’s probably the best thing for both of you.
I wonder if Beckham would have found a way to keep the Jabulani down. The lack of any danger on free kicks in this tournament is disturbing.
Totally agree, the set pieces have been criminal….If I had a dollar for every fail on a free kick from 5 yards or less outside the box….Well I’d have like 25 bucks, but thats still much more than I should have.
Strikes me that this ball can be directed at will, with a lot of English, like a cue ball in billiards. But it’s going to take a lot of practice to learn the tricks to it – I’m guessing longer than the WC lasts. But if this ball continues use after the Cup, it’ll be really interesting to watch the GKs deal with all the curve balls and knuckleballs.
The ball is allegedly faster, which should also keep the curves from being as pronounced, as the increased speed is from less resistance as it’s the “roundest” ball ever (according to Adidas). I’m guessing it’s going to be like a wiffle ball, fast changes in direction, but not as long and pronounced bends to loop it over walls and such.
Some leagues have been practicing with that ball for months (the Germans in particular) in their club leagues, and no one can keep them down. At all.
It truly is the ball. It doesn’t appear much can be done. It’s sad because it makes teams feel like they can give up free kicks at will. If goals don’t come from the run of play or corners, they aren’t happening.
What mystifies me is that even when goalkeepers judge the ball’s path correctly and have their hands behind it, they can’t seem to catch it on the first try- I’ve never seen so many incoming balls knocked down by keepers before being collected.
I’m guessing this has something to do with the smoother surface of the ball and maybe keeper gloves being a “generation” behind in terms of technology. Though that shouldn’t be the case with Adidas gloves, now should it?
And that’s weird, since I read that the ‘dimpled’ surface areas are purportedly there to give the GKs better grip.
I think that the players are going to have to learn to kick the ball softer for goal strikes, or hit it more square with the foot, and less like a field goal. Even corners don’t seem to be as dangerous or with the wicked curves. It seems to bend to a point….then sail.
Notice now too: A lot of teams aren’t even swinging high corners into goal. They’re kicking it in short and then trying a shorter swing in front to goal. Money says the issues with the ball and it’s flight have had something to do with that.
Yup, I think you’re right Candle.
So agree….they are almost afraid cause they know the ball is going to sail. Granted they were practicing with the new ball in some leagues, but you figured they would give it a go in international competition before breaking it out for the World Cup.
Just got home….I need to break this out before I say anything….USA! USA! USA! Tomorrow’s Eye Opener may be just a bit jingoistic.
Look at all of us talking soccer!
WOOOOOOO!!
hahaha, it’s like I told you earlier – congratulations, the conversion is complete.
For everyone enjoying all the World Cup action…don’t forget that MLS starts up again this weekend. Get your picks in on the Pick’Em. Next MLS game is Friday night.
First Union match at PPL this weekend, but sadly, it’s against the Sounders who I think might smack us around.
Still though, should be an interesting experience in the new grounds.
I’m hoping the lads get fired up enough in the new digs that they pull out a win. I went with a total homer pick on that one.
Also, let me know about the parking situation; I haven’t heard back from the Union about passes or anything. Eejits.
The official scoop on parking is that they issued passes to the founding members for 200$ per, you can only park one car, and if you don’t have a pass, you’re on your own to park your car in Chester.
And given what’s gone on in Chester lately, I’d recommend finding out the public transpo situation.
Oh, goody. Sigh. You’d think they’d offer something a bit more secure in order to facilitate repeat patronage.
Wish I was around when the MLS pick em actually started…been doing great in yahoo’s World Cup pick em though…currently ranked in the top 500 in the World.
Anyone care to weigh-in with their MOTM for today?
I have to go with the obvious pick – Donovan. He edges out Dempsey only by virtue of the fact that his goal actually got counted however.
DeMerit. Dealt with some other spotty US defensive efforts. Was better than some of his much more high-profile linemates. Best match I’ve seen from him in awhile.
Clint Dempsey wins my Mouth of the Match award for getting busted in his.
Oh, right, I should answer my own question!
DeMerit.
Never thought I’d used the word “dominant” in conjunction with his name, but as I said in an earlier post-match post, the rough-and-tumble nature of the Championship has made him perfectly suited to dealing with a physical match like today’s.
I’m going to go with a different one than the obvious: Tim Howard. His play in goal was excellent and his outlet throws and kicks were spot on as you’ll get with that wonky ball.
The outlet throws were nothing short of spectacular..
I know! Even the commentary crew were making heavy note of it.
For all the hell the man had to face when he went to Man U and all the work he put in at Everton, this is a good moment for him. On the biggest stage for the international game, he’s shining.
I’d go Bradley the Younger. His pace all over the field was nuts, should have had two assists, and really helped out Bournstein.
Donovan is a great choice, being he scored the amazing, amazing, amazing goal…but I think Altidore had an amazing game too, he did the kind of things that don’t show up on the stat sheet but gave the US plenty of great scoring chances.
I’m out. You guys be cool, don’t trash the place like we trashed twitter earlier. Deal?
Heh. Yeah, we’re going to kill that thing on Saturday. Bits of fail whale all over the planet.
I have no idea of what any of that means- and I’m glad of it.
Ha. It does have its moments. I still have no idea why it exists, but I’ve figured out how to be entertained by it.
“Bits of fail whale all over the planet.”
Somewhere, Chandler, Cain, Hammett, Woolrich, Thompson, MacDonald et al. have risen from their graves to mourn what has become of the English language.
Nothing wrong with the sentence fragment if you know what a fail whale is.
It wasn’t the fragment that broke my literary heart.
Sorry, didn’t realize I needed to write a Pulitzer Prize winning essay.
I remember seeing a Tweet that DeMerit received 5 stitches (in his tongue), whilst Dempsey received 4 in his lip. But I can’t verify that. Anyone have any info, and if it’s correct, how did he sustain the injury?
NBA Draft tomorrow night, can’t wait. Watching the Phillies/Indians game. It’s funny that the phillies former minor leaguers are beating them.
What’s the score? Phucking Comcast is blocking the game here again, in continued defiance of the FCC.
5-4 Indians. Top 7. Choo has 2 homers and 4 RBIS
I am HOWLING with laughter. A college friend just totalled up what he’s spent on Farmville since November 2009. total: $1990. That’s about NINE DOLLARS A DAY. In REAL money. On FARMVILLE.
*headdesk*
Damn, that’s a chunk of cheese. Were it not that everyone I have ever met is on FB and FB only, I’d bail. I hate that damn site. The only thing of interest these days are the comments on the Atlanta Braves page. As much as I love my team, the comments make me cringe and want to commit seppuku.
Looks like I killed LC again.
Still here. No one else seems to be though.
Talking about a fake farm has that effect. I’m actually in the middle of “The Two Escobars” which I DVR-ed from last night.
pfft. laughing at a fool and his money being parted is always a good time.
Fuck, what a game!
good god, you’re alive! where’ve you been?
I refer you to my FB updates all day. Today was my version of a stay in the Hanoi Hilton.
But to answer your question, I am in Wisconsin for the week.
what for? what did you do to merit that punishment?
I’m attending — and working at — a conference for the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. Making contacts, handing out cards, kissing ass with the people I’ll be working with in a year or two, etc.
Also — I’m in the running for an internship with the State Department! If I get it, I’ll be a paid intern for ten weeks in either Seoul or Moscow at the US Embassy.
Seoul? Moscow? Wow, you really DID piss someone off.
Seriously though, good luck.
Thanks.
As my wife has often pointed out, when you think of me, the first thing you think of is diplomacy.
*snerk* you’d get along with the South Koreans. They seem to have a culture of drinking around business deals. (watch Three Sheets).