Posted on 06/21/2006 10:33:27 PM PDT by soccer_maniac
The U.S. national team goes into Thursday's Group E finale against Ghana (9:55 a.m. ET, ESPN) knowing that it must come up with a win to have any chance of moving to the Round of 16.
All four teams in Group E, including the USA, still have a chance to advance. The U.S. must beat a tough Ghana side to have any chance of moving to the knockout phase. Should Bruce Arena's team be able to secure three points against the Africans, whom they meet at 9:55 a.m. ET on ESPN, they will need Italy to beat the Czech Republic in a simultaneous match, which can be seen live on ESPN2. The U.S. is not mathematically eliminated with a Czech draw or win, but will need a big victory over Ghana to avoid being eliminated on goal difference.
(Excerpt) Read more at mlsnet.com ...
Sigh, It sucks going from Depressed to Pumped to Depressed right at Half Time.
I'm so irratated.
I want Eddie Johnson in this game.
The best refs in the world seem to work our matches. How nice of FIFA. UGH!
"Boos rang out around the stadium in Nuremberg as Stephen Appiah celebrated scoring from the penalty spot."
and "The decision from referee Markus Merk was met with jeers from the USA supporters - it was debatable to say the least."
From http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853408.stm
I don't know that "the world" wants us to fail but the refs certainly do!
According to the BBC, the penalty decision was "debatable to say the least".
You boys can still do it. Ghana are quite capable of imploding.
No Johnson =(
As I mentioned above, I don't know squat about soccer. But it's situations like that where nothing appeared to happen that results in a penalty kick is just one of the reason why many American's won't watch soccer. Referees and acting play too big a role in the game.
I agree. He should have come in instead of Olsen
Completely agree.
I've seen a lot of international matches (including the last World Cup), and it usually takes a flagrant foul to draw a penalty kick. What the hell is going on with these refs?
The whole world will see the highlights tonight, and any soccer fan will recognize that non-foul, if that's any consolation.
Let's Go USA!
I love Wynalda, just now on ESPN: "for the first time this World CUp, Bruce Arena is *finally* forced to play attacking soccer [now in the second half]. US 3-2."
Thank you ESPN..we know what the USA record is when not leading. NEXT!
the stage is set. Italy doing their part, the Czechs down...
BRING IT USA!!!!!!!!
Back to watch the game.
Essien down
SHUT UP DAVE O'BRIEN...UUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!
Is Johnson in?
Darned, I think I got so angry from that call, that I was bounced off the net.
That call was nuts.
Merk is destroying the match.
But, come on. Two goals.
You have got 11 guys in red, and one guy in yellow to beat.
Come on!!
Hell no!
I would be jumping up and down if that was the case!
WTF!
Is Arena playing for a tie?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.