There's an Upset Brewing in... Soccer? What's that???

[teddy ballgame]

So it seems to me to be somewhere between the Little League World Series and the Special Olympics in terms of importance.

It's a dress rehearsal for the World Cup. They play in some of the stadiums where World Cup games will be played and give the host country a chance to play some competitive games, since they don't have to go through qualifiers.

[bigh0rt]

I only hope that Brasil doesn't decide to stomp the United States 5 - 0 as some sort of a statement. As AD said, we'll need them to lay a massive egg in order to have any sporting chance.

[The Artful Dodger]

I only hope that Brasil doesn't decide to stomp the United States 5 - 0 as some sort of a statement. As AD said, we'll need them to lay a massive egg in order to have any sporting chance.

Yeah, the thing with the US that's disappointed me since making it so far in the 2002 World Cup is they're not the most fundamentally sound squad. It's not so much that they lack the ability, let alone the quality, but things like their passing and pressing need work. It doesn't help matters when their coach is something of a tactical dunce. Today, they were bailed out by fine last-ditch defending and fortunately, Spain weren't on their game.

[bigh0rt]

I only hope that Brasil doesn't decide to stomp the United States 5 - 0 as some sort of a statement. As AD said, we'll need them to lay a massive egg in order to have any sporting chance.

Yeah, the thing with the US that's disappointed me since making it so far in the 2002 World Cup is they're not the most fundamentally sound squad. It's not so much that they lack the ability, let alone the quality, but things like their passing and pressing need work. It doesn't help matters when their coach is something of a tactical dunce. Today, they were bailed out by fine last-ditch defending and fortunately, Spain weren't on their game.

Yeah, even since they've made giant strides in world play, they are still one of the sloppiest teams you'll ever see play, even against opponents they outmatch in CONCACAF. Lazy play, poor tactics. They are frequently bailed out by last ditch defending and top tier keeper play that they've seemingly had forever now be it Meola, Keller, Friedel, or Howard. For the first time probably ever, our talent pool is rich enough to compete, but they just don't do enough with it. How I wish we could have gotten Klinsman to coach this team.

[knapplc]

I don't care how far off their game Spain were, and I don't care how lucky the Americans were, beating a team that was on a 35-game win streak is pretty impressive, especially when they're the #1 team in the world.

Bring on Brazil. You learn the most when you play the best.

[Metroid]

I don't care how far off their game Spain were, and I don't care how lucky the Americans were, beating a team that was on a 35-game win streak is pretty impressive, especially when they're the #1 team in the world.

Bring on Brazil. You learn the most when you play the best.

I think knapp typo-ed.

I'm not sure but wouldn't it be?

"I don't care how far off their game Spain was,"

or

"I don't care how far off their game the Spaniards were,"

[Mookie4ever]

I don't care how far off their game Spain were, and I don't care how lucky the Americans were, beating a team that was on a 35-game win streak is pretty impressive, especially when they're the #1 team in the world.

Bring on Brazil. You learn the most when you play the best.

35 game unbeaten streak. I think that 34 of them were draws.

[knapplc]

I think knapp typo-ed.

Of course I didn't.

[kimchi_chigae]

Brazil looked pretty good against Italy, or maybe they looked good because Italy looked so bad. I'm pretty confident they can bet the South Africans tomorrow and take on the Americans on the weekend. I'm always scared about playing the Americans ever since their game in the 94 World Cup. That Round of 16 game was one of the most tense games I have ever watched.

[knapplc]

I don't care how far off their game Spain were, and I don't care how lucky the Americans were, beating a team that was on a 35-game win streak is pretty impressive, especially when they're the #1 team in the world.

Bring on Brazil. You learn the most when you play the best.

35 game unbeaten streak. I think that 34 of them were draws.

Yep, looks like they had some draws there. I think the article I just read said Spain have won 15 straight, and are unbeaten in their last 35, meaning there must have been some draws in there somewhere.