NFT: USMNT v. Panama

the biggest game in US WCQ history.

They've been really shaky these past few games. Like 'get off my lawn' bad.

In comment 13633001 B in ALB said:

Quote:

the biggest game in US WCQ history.

It is a massive game, but that seems a little much. T&T - 1989 still tops.

But does anybody feel as though this particular version of the national team has any chance at all of doing anything in the WC?

I am totally unenthused about this team. I hope they shock us all.

In comment 13633015 Maryland Giant said:

Quote:

But does anybody feel as though this particular version of the national team has any chance at all of doing anything in the WC? I am totally unenthused about this team. I hope they shock us all.

The one unknown is that if Arena can continue to play the future, as opposed to the past, it is possible that several of these young kids can improve significantly between now and next June. The European players still have most of their season remaining. Brooks should be healthy and fit. The MLS kids will have started their next season and should be in form. Yes it is a long-shot, but if they allow the kids to play instead of falling back on the old "reliables" there is at least some hope. Except perhaps in goal where none of the young goalies have been featured at all and Howard and Guzan are clearly no longer in their prime.

First of all, I agree with everything you said.

Second, doesn't it feel a little bit like how we felt about the Giants O-line this offseason?

Well, we'll see.

whether or not they can do anything next year is a moot point (although I guess we have outs against Australia)

In comment 13633036 Maryland Giant said:

Quote:

First of all, I agree with everything you said. Second, doesn't it feel a little bit like how we felt about the Giants O-line this offseason? Well, we'll see.

I try to spend as little time as possible thinking about the Giants' OL. It is too depressing.

isn't a crap shoot in that you can usually narrow down the eventual winner to 2-3 teams, how a team qualifies isn't predictive of how they will perform. Mexico had to qualify via the play-in game last time and then made it to the knockout round. The bubble team in South America routinely does fine.

Just qualify and then you at least have a chance. I'd give the US as good a chance as any team they've had to get to the knockout stage.

Even if the USA loses, they should be T&T and get to a wildcard play-on game.

for the Cup, which would be a national disaster there.

Tim Howard; DeAndre Yedlin, Omar Gonzalez, Matt Besler, Jorge Villafana; Darlington Nagbe, Michael Bradley, Christian Pulisic, Paul Arriola; Jozy Altidore, Bobby Wood.

1-0 Pulisic following a great flick, made it happen
Link - ( New Window )

Altidore on a great cross by Pulisic
Link - ( New Window )

is wreaking havoc.

Should have been 3-0.

Somebody had to say it

start a game!

no angle and the keeper did well.

but we have absolute joke of a defense.

But there is no question that Yedlin adds real quality on the right side. He was a difference maker tonight. Everyone played hard but some were less effective than others. Nagbe has slumped in recent appearances. Bradley at the best form he has shown in years helped calm the midfield.

.

And in.

Just saw the highlights... Lots of quality on this team. All four goals were big boy goals. If we saw Messi or Ronaldo doing the same shit we'd all be talking about how great it was.

This team can make serious noise in Russia. Serious noise.

In comment 13634151 B in ALB said:

Quote:

And in.

Yes, but they probably don't even need to do that. May not even need a point at TnT anymore, which is a major relief.

When the best player is put in his best position to succeed.... and how that affects altidore and wood to play much better with a world class player in the middle.

Need to sure up the defense over the next year now... as the current is not working. And figuring out the middle behind Christian

In comment 13634151 B in ALB said:

Quote:

And in.

A tie will also get us in barring goal differential outcomes that are almost impossible to happen.

Barring injury in 4 years. So thrilled to finally have one of those types of game-changers

In comment 13634165 Go Terps said:

Quote:

Just saw the highlights... Lots of quality on this team. All four goals were big boy goals. If we saw Messi or Ronaldo doing the same shit we'd all be talking about how great it was. This team can make serious noise in Russia. Serious noise.

Yup, that Pulisic opener was the closest I've seen from a USMNT player to one of those guys (Messi/CR7)

I can't see the USMNT getting past R16 because the back 4 isn't close to being good enough

In comment 13634348 dpinzow said:

Quote:

I can't see the USMNT getting past R16 because the back 4 isn't close to being good enough

I'd like to see John Brooks return. I thought he was our best central defender before his injury. Not sure what his status is. But we've got some time before the Cup itself starts.

One or two guys can make a difference - definitely helped last night to have Yedlin at right back rather than Zusi.

In comment 13634367 Del Shofner said:

Quote:

In comment 13634348 dpinzow said: Quote: I can't see the USMNT getting past R16 because the back 4 isn't close to being good enough I'd like to see John Brooks return. I thought he was our best central defender before his injury. Not sure what his status is. But we've got some time before the Cup itself starts. One or two guys can make a difference - definitely helped last night to have Yedlin at right back rather than Zusi.

Brooks definitely solidifies USMNT in the back. He's injured for a couple of more months but hopefully he's healthy next summer.

Yedlin is more of a wing-back/winger with his speed than a natural right back...he's still very questionable defensively on the top level. I'd almost play a defensive midfielder at right wing to allow Yedlin to make his runs

In comment 13634348 dpinzow said:

Quote:

I can't see the USMNT getting past R16 because the back 4 isn't close to being good enough

US getting out of Rd of 16 is always iffy, but Arena has a a long time to get the team straightened out and de-Klinsmanned.
I think they have a bigger problem at goalkeeper. Love Tim Howard but he's ready for Social Security and doubt Guzan is good enough to be at that level.

Pulisic was incredible last night. His first touch on his first goal was a very nice move and that pass to Altidore was absolutely perfect.

It's getting fun to watch some legit talent and to see a USMNT with a guy that you have to keep your eyes on at all times.

Altidore and Wood were tremendous too.

Defense is still struggling.

a bit of skill, but as others said, having Pulisic makes him and Jozy look much much better. Need to sort out some defensive issues, I don't think Arriola and Yedlin is a good pairing (midget committee) and think Bradley's work rate isn't sufficent to be the only guy in there. I'd like a trio of Acosta, Nagbe and Cameron (unrealistic since apparently Bradley is undropppable) buttressing the three pronged attack, with Deuce coming in at 65 minutes to add a spark. Definitely feeling better about things after this match.

Jon Brooks?

In comment 13635156 PaulBlakeTSU said:

Quote:

Jon Brooks?

He's still hurt. He'll be in the XI when he gets healthy.