I'm worried about our not having a striker on the U.S. side. A draw is an acceptable result for Iran today against our guys who absolutely must win to advance out of the Group stage. I can see Iran dropping back defensively and making us beat them. That's the style I would deploy If I were Carlos Queiroz. We're gonna find out a lot today. This makes the draw against Wales all the more frustrating.
I'm worried about our not having a striker on the U.S. side. A draw is an acceptable result for Iran today against our guys who absolutely must win to advance out of the Group stage. I can see Iran dropping back defensively and making us beat them. That's the style I would deploy If I were Carlos Queiroz. We're gonna find out a lot today. This makes the draw against Wales all the more frustrating.
Iran is a team that parks the bus, plays physical, and counters as is. This is going to be like a typical away CONCACAF game for US, just with better field and less bullshit ref (ref today won’t put up with that level of shit - looked him up). So at least they are well experienced in that. It’s gonna take a moment of brilliance from someone and I get the feeling Pulisic is that guy if it happens (he was about 3 inches away from glory against England)
The real question is how aggressive they go on counter with our inability to score and the results in CONCACAF weren’t great against this style of play.
Iran is not the team that played England. Watch their game against Wales to see what to expect--bunker defense and play for the counter. They have a very good coach who understands that their is no glory in trying to play on the front foot against a younger and more athletic team from the US.
Patience is the operative word for the US and some creativity from Berhalter is needed in putting together a lineup. I would give Ferreira a shot for about half and then absent a score put in Reyna. Do not expect Iran to give Pulisic or Weah the room they have had in the first two games to attack, which makes the task for Ferreira more important and also will make set pieces critical. Against England, Pulisic did well for a change with his set pieces but no one on the US could take advantage. US needs McKennie to ge5t a head on the ball.
If the US scores first no matter how "risky" they cannot get too conservative and pull back into a defensive posture and concede the other 2/3rds of the field. If Iran scores first this becomes an almost impossible task for the US as they struggle to score even one goal against major competition much less a team well-schooled in playing with 11 behind the ball. .
If Iran shuts down Pulisic, the US just doesn’t have the attacking talent to break defenses down.
I think that you may be right about the result but do not underestimate the value of McKennie in the box and the skills of Reyna and speed and power of Weah. I see a strong likelihood of a frustrating tie or a 1-0 loss with Iran scoring late on the breakout, but that is simply because after 4 years of qualifying and 2 WC games, I still am waiting to see a legitimate striker particularly against a team focused on playing for the tie. Lots of wings and a very good midfield but no finisher in a crowded box. Still I hope.
but I really hope they get one to go in the first half.
It's really going to feel like it's getting late early if they come out of the half with a gun to their head for 45 minutes.
Of course, if you get one then Iran needs to really start playing ball, but I'd rather be defending and counter-attacking than battling against the clock with the Iranian bus parked in front of the net.
Our set pieces once s strength in the past is now a weakness. Set pieces were where the US would score goals not anymore
Pulisic has not been good at all delivering the ball on corners
In 2 games we have 2 shots on goal. The worst stat in the WC.
Iran is going to bunker down on defense and counter attack.
This is going to be a very difficult game
Is not fouling when Iran wins the ball in our attacking third. Contain, keep them under pressure, and we'll get it back eventually. We are going to be amped up but staying calm in those situations is critical because a foul kills 30-60 seconds, relieves pressure, and gives their D a rest.
Our set pieces once s strength in the past is now a weakness. Set pieces were where the US would score goals not anymore
Pulisic has not been good at all delivering the ball on corners
In 2 games we have 2 shots on goal. The worst stat in the WC.
Iran is going to bunker down on defense and counter attack.
This is going to be a very difficult game
I agree with Jeffrey, who posted this at 8 a.m.:
"Against England, Pulisic did well for a change with his set pieces but no one on the US could take advantage."
Still, can't argue that it is no longer the strength it once was ... and can't claim it won't be a difficult game. I feel like Dempsey half an hour ago ... my legs are jumping beneath the desk.
That's in case anyone needs one. I'll put one in for England and Wales as well, even though it doesn't matter what happens in that game. Our guys jus need to handle their own business and win.
packing it in defensively as expected and trying to score on the counterattack. We are dominating the ball and have had a few decent chances off of crosses. I would normally like to see players shoot more from outside the box where it's less crowded, but that could be difficult given how defensively Iran is playing.
lack of a good striker really hurts the U.S. Weah should have let the ball bounce instead of jumping up to hit a weak header the Iranian goalie easily caught. We also continually shoot the ball 20 or more feet over the bar. Good strikers are more composed and finish their chances.
lack of a good striker really hurts the U.S. Weah should have let the ball bounce instead of jumping up to hit a weak header the Iranian goalie easily caught. We also continually shoot the ball 20 or more feet over the bar. Good strikers are more composed and finish their chances.
lack of a good striker really hurts the U.S. Weah should have let the ball bounce instead of jumping up to hit a weak header the Iranian goalie easily caught. We also continually shoot the ball 20 or more feet over the bar. Good strikers are more composed and finish their chances.
Yeppers. If the U.S. doesn't go on, that has to be a point of emphasis going forward in terms of player development and selection. Weah kicked a field goal basically, lol. Definitely shouldn't have headed that ball either.
I think the Iranians will park the bus also....
Iran is a team that parks the bus, plays physical, and counters as is. This is going to be like a typical away CONCACAF game for US, just with better field and less bullshit ref (ref today won’t put up with that level of shit - looked him up). So at least they are well experienced in that. It’s gonna take a moment of brilliance from someone and I get the feeling Pulisic is that guy if it happens (he was about 3 inches away from glory against England)
The real question is how aggressive they go on counter with our inability to score and the results in CONCACAF weren’t great against this style of play.
Patience is the operative word for the US and some creativity from Berhalter is needed in putting together a lineup. I would give Ferreira a shot for about half and then absent a score put in Reyna. Do not expect Iran to give Pulisic or Weah the room they have had in the first two games to attack, which makes the task for Ferreira more important and also will make set pieces critical. Against England, Pulisic did well for a change with his set pieces but no one on the US could take advantage. US needs McKennie to ge5t a head on the ball.
If the US scores first no matter how "risky" they cannot get too conservative and pull back into a defensive posture and concede the other 2/3rds of the field. If Iran scores first this becomes an almost impossible task for the US as they struggle to score even one goal against major competition much less a team well-schooled in playing with 11 behind the ball. .
I think that you may be right about the result but do not underestimate the value of McKennie in the box and the skills of Reyna and speed and power of Weah. I see a strong likelihood of a frustrating tie or a 1-0 loss with Iran scoring late on the breakout, but that is simply because after 4 years of qualifying and 2 WC games, I still am waiting to see a legitimate striker particularly against a team focused on playing for the tie. Lots of wings and a very good midfield but no finisher in a crowded box. Still I hope.
Saturday
The Iran team has been signaling support for the protest movement. They must feel like they have a real purpose and are playing for their people.
It's really going to feel like it's getting late early if they come out of the half with a gun to their head for 45 minutes.
Of course, if you get one then Iran needs to really start playing ball, but I'd rather be defending and counter-attacking than battling against the clock with the Iranian bus parked in front of the net.
Pulisic has not been good at all delivering the ball on corners
In 2 games we have 2 shots on goal. The worst stat in the WC.
Iran is going to bunker down on defense and counter attack.
This is going to be a very difficult game
Incredible shit happening in the world we live in.
Incredible shit happening in the world we live in.
This is nothing new in that area of the country
Quote:
if they don't "behave" (as in, sing their national anthem).
Incredible shit happening in the world we live in.
This is nothing new in that area of the country
Area of the world should say.
You are sick, remember?
belly up
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hoping I can watch with no distractions.
You are sick, remember?
haha I am just going to look busy (from home)
Pulisic has not been good at all delivering the ball on corners
In 2 games we have 2 shots on goal. The worst stat in the WC.
Iran is going to bunker down on defense and counter attack.
This is going to be a very difficult game
I agree with Jeffrey, who posted this at 8 a.m.:
"Against England, Pulisic did well for a change with his set pieces but no one on the US could take advantage."
Still, can't argue that it is no longer the strength it once was ... and can't claim it won't be a difficult game. I feel like Dempsey half an hour ago ... my legs are jumping beneath the desk.
U.S.A. vs. Iran match starting at 2 pm EST - FOX US link - ( New Window )
Note - Both games will be broadcast simultaneously so as to avoid any **ahem** shenanigans from taking place (see 1982 World Cup for reference)
England vs. Wales - 2 pm EST start - FX1 TV broadcast - ( New Window )
^^^
Yeppers. If the U.S. doesn't go on, that has to be a point of emphasis going forward in terms of player development and selection. Weah kicked a field goal basically, lol. Definitely shouldn't have headed that ball either.
Looks like he got hit in the nuts