2006 WORLD CUP - Day 14 Thread - U.S. needs win in group E finale

MLSnet.com ^ | 6-22-06 | MLSnet.com

[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.

[Jameison]

"The problem I have with Soccer (football) is all the flopping and acting. "

True enough.
And the Argies are past masters at that.
Just ask Simone.

[jjbrouwer]

Not true, Fritz.

If USA beat Ghana and Czechs beat Italy, USA can go through on goal difference ahead of Italy.

[You Dirty Rats]

Why couldn't World Cup schedule it at a better time like they did on last Saturday?

There are games every day; not all games can be scheduled on the weekend. Also, the games are in Germany, so the first two games kickoff at 4pm Germany time and then the last two at 9pm Germany Time.

I don't think FIFA is going to schedule games based on what's convenient for the United States. FIFA is not an India-based call center.

[Jameison]

LOL!

[MNlurker]

Off to the local bar to catch the game. Work can wait!

[BaBaStooey]

If I had to pick someone to be the Star of Persia, it would be her.

[MHGinTN]

World Cup Soccer: ahh the grace, the athleticism, the balance and agility, and the acting. Well, at least I've seen one yellow card given for flopping down in the goal area (the oscar for fakery). And one goal scored by a goal keeper (the tape is hilarious)!

[You Dirty Rats]

My pick for the semi-finals:

Iran, Sweden, Germany, South Korea

[Jameison]

Hey, anyone else notice that one of the German players is from Ghana?
Chap by the name of Asamoah.
4 years ago, there was another player from Ghana in the German team too.
Interesting.

[Eurotwit]

Is that based on soccer skills, or other talents? :-)

[You Dirty Rats]

Adu could also play for Ghana if he wants to. FIFA doesn't limit participation to citizenship; a parent's birthplace also qualifies. However, once you play for a national team I don't believe that one can change.

[MoJo2001]

GO USA!!!

Hope everyone is ready!

[You Dirty Rats]

Soceer skills?!? Who said anything about soccer skills?

Sweden v. Germany are in the "kissing chicks" semifinal; South Korea v. Iran are in the "solo smoking hottie" semifinal.

[Jameison]

Here is the fella:

Gerald Asamoah
http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/worldcup/player?statsId=2930

[Jameison]

"However, once you play for a national team I don't believe that one can change"

I believe you are right.

[MHGinTN]

Haven't seen any S. Korean chicks but that Persian Princess is a keeper!

[jjbrouwer]

I predict precisely none of those teams will make the semis.

Look out for an England Brazil semi-final and the winner going on to meet Argentina in the final.

[Berlin_Freeper]

GO USA!

[You Dirty Rats]

I haven't seen any English chicks yet.

[You Dirty Rats]

I've just learned another reason to beat Ghana.

UN Sec-gen Kofi Annan is from GHANA!!

UN out of the USA; Ghana out of the Cup!!