Posted on 06/08/2014 3:13:46 AM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
Nine days from now, the United States men’s national team will open the World Cup against Ghana in Brazil. And in their final official warm-up game, on the last day before they travel down, they ticked off a number of boxes on their lengthy to-do list in a 2-1 win over Nigeria.
Striker Jozy Altidore, on whom so much could depend in the coming weeks, finally ended his scoring drought by scoring in the 31st and 68th minutes. He hadn’t scored for his club Sunderland since Dec. 4 in his disastrous first season there, and his last tally for the USA had come on Oct. 11 -- a six-game scoreless stretch.
More momentum was built as the Americans took a third win from this three-game tune-up series, having previously vanquished Azerbaijan 2-0 on May 27 and Turkey 2-1 on June 1. The win itself, meanwhile, seems all the more significant since it came over another World Cup-bound opponent that plays much the same way as Ghana does. The Ghanaians, of course, bounced the USA from the last two World Cups. But the Americans will need a win this time around to retain any hope of advancing from a group that also contains world-beaters Germany and Portugal.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.foxsports.com ...
Who is your nation for the World Cup, Berlin_Freeper? Germany? The US?
USA All The Way!
Then Germany.
Germany has a better chance.
If I had to bet a lot of money, Spain.
If Brazil wins, I will be happy for them.
As holders, Spain will enter as one of the favourites to triumph, but no European team has ever won the World Cup on South American soil.
Torres, 30, has claimed that could end this summer, but the striker also believes that Brazil will be tough opposition.
"For me, we are still the favourites to win the World Cup, but in a big tournament the hosts are normally favourites as well," he told reporters.
"But not favourites. We're not fools. We know that in Europe there are only two or three great teams but at the World Cup there are plenty who can win without a problem.
"Maybe this time we'll see an African team at least get close to the final."
June 26th is going to be massive for you then! USA v Germany should be quite the occasion.
I think USA are in an immensely tough group, and I have a great respect for Germany for obvious reasons.
As Gary Lineker said: “Football is a simple game. 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.”
Perhaps not in Brazil though. It’s going to be very hard for a European nation to triumph there.
"The players are in a positive mood and are completely focused on the World Cup. They're ready to show their best in Brazil.
"I don't want to make any forecasts as any of participating teams have chances to win the World Cup before the event's kick-off. I believe the strongest one will grab the trophy."
note that during the match I received no e-mails from Nigeria.
Yes, can only win there.
One win would be amazing, the other not so much.
Maybe they will tie. :)
I expect Germany will at least give the others a good run.
But everyone should be ready for a bad day.
Iran starting soon, I need to watch that - LoL!
Except when they play Italy.
“Except when they play Italy.”
Yes. I think Gary Lineker was ruefully reflecting on England’s clashes with Germany at major tournament finals in the last 25 years or so. They are not fond memories for English fans. I loved the World Cup in Italy in 1990 but it took me quite a while to get over that semi-final against (West) Germany!
I can still see Gazza’s tears, and those penalties from Pearce and Waddle. Argh!
Just hope that England aren’t involved in a penalty shoot-out at this tournament. I think England and Italy must have the worst record at them!
Iran starting soon, I need to watch that - LoL!Warriors face secretive Iranians
Word is, the Iranians turned down an offer to make the match a public one and earn some money. They will also not allow it to be televised.
Instead from 3p.m. T&T time, the teams will kick off on the training field at the Arena Corinthians training ground, for basically a closed-door affair.
While press from the two countries are allowed to view the match, word yesterday was that no one would be allowed to broadcast the match.
France in 40 minutes. :)
France vs. the Reggae Boyz to play yarda ball, so I think I have heard....
Benzema will replace Ribery; France will still have Giroud who seems good playing for Arsenal.
Now in his fifth year in Spain, the Real Madrid striker did not have the greatest start to his career at Los Blancos, playing second fiddle to Argentinean forward Gonzalo Higuain. Yet he has come into his own this season following the departure of Higuain, scoring 24 goals in Real’s impressive run this year.
An out-and-out striker, Benzema is powerful and strong on the ball, with a sharp eye for goal. Comfortable with both feet, the centre-forward is known for his technical ability and pacey runs, both with and without the ball. A potent finisher, he is a strong header of the ball as well, while also often drifting out wide to create space for himself to deliver a defence-splitting pass into the box.
The Algerian-born centre-forward made his senior debut for France in 2007, yet has not been as prolific for his country as at club level. In their qualifying campaign for this year’s World Cup, Benzema featured in nine out of France’s ten qualifiers, yet scored just twice. Benzema will definitely look to improve upon his below-par tally of a goal in every three games for his country, yet will be encouraged by his potent club form this season to prove his worth in Brazil.
"He must play like he can do and does at Real Madrid. You know Karim; when he scores he is very happy.
"I just want him to be himself. When he is at the peak of his abilities, of course he is a player who pulls the whole team up."
France has a whole league of players, I really wish they went for someone for reason other than he plays for Real Madrid. Also, I think he was involved some in that scandal they had over there a few years ago.
Play doggone French players!
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