Posted on 06/22/2014 1:05:04 PM PDT by Perdogg
United States V Portugal thread - 6pm EDT (3pm PDT) ESPN
But what if USA loses, and Portugal wins over Ghana by a lot?
Germany has only won their second game once since 1990,
“Portugal is the number 4 team in the world according to FIFA rankings.”
The US ranked well in the past (given that they beat up on the likes of Haiti and Canada).
Does this result mean that the US is par with the number 4 team in the world? Both the US and Portugal are (at best) second-tier teams.
“If Portugal or Ghana win, then they will be tied with us and probably be ahead on goal differential. (Since we only have a 1 Goal advantage).”
Portugal lost 4-0 to Germany; goal differential isn’t their friend.
The one thing that can’t be denied about soccer at this level is the tremendous build-up of tension that occurs in games such as this one.
The US should hope for a Portugal victory over Ghana. We have a much better goal difference edge over them.
I guess USA and Germany play for a draw, Germany goes through in 1st and plays Algeria or Russia, USA would play Belgium.
Or maybe the USA plays for the win.
“Just have to say, I predict USA 2-1 Portugal.”
Great guess; without the fifth-minute fluke that would be the result. Portugal’s second goal was great.
Both the games in our group are played at the same time Thursday.
The games are played at the same time. No edge there.
Aw shoot, you are right. Didn’t look at the times close enough.
We’re doing well overall, but I don’t expect them n the semis. If so, I’ll be cheering my a$$ off.
True, so we could still advance if Portugal beats Ghana and Germany doesn’t blow us out. Maybe. Possibly.
But I would prefer scoring a miracle win against Germany or at least getting a draw.
“Great guess; without the fifth-minute fluke that would be the result. Portugal’s second goal was great.”
Your logic would be great if teams never had injuries or unexpected losses.
Elo Ratings, http://eloratings.net/
Portugal #7 without the history of diving, colluding for draws, doping to win world cups, beating the USA in 2002 with a handball denying a goal, etc. etc.
“there were 3 US players near the goal and they let the Portuguese guy get behind them. Too busy watching the game and not focusing.”
I don’t understand saving yours subs so late in the game when you’re in the first round; the fresh legs may have had more of an impact if put on earlier.
I’ll take a miracle anything.
“But I would prefer scoring a miracle win against Germany or at least getting a draw.”
I’d like that, but the US should have advanced today.
“Portugal #7 without the history of diving, colluding for draws, doping to win world cups, beating the USA in 2002 with a handball denying a goal, etc. etc.”
Not sure what the point is; the US beat Portugal 3-2 in a game in which the Portuguese seriously underestimated the US.
especially in the humidity
I pick Ghana over Portugal, unfortunately. Their offense seems much more effective and dynamic.
I think we can beat Germany. Not likely, but we can.
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