Posted on 07/01/2014 10:02:58 AM PDT by 1rudeboy
SALVADOR, Brazil — Every four years, soccer cleans its slate and allows nations to reinvent themselves. Forgotten teams resurface. Small programs make big strides. Champions uphold their legacy or, in the case of Spain this summer, show their age.
For the second consecutive World Cup, the United States is in position for a breakthrough, a fresh narrative, a defining moment.
[From Fancy Stats: How the United States can beat Belgium | What to expect from U.S.-Belgium (not much scoring) ]
Four years ago in South Africa, the Americans won their first-round group in a heroic manner but lost to Ghana on an extra-time goal in the knockout stage. It wasn’t an upset; rather, it was a missed opportunity to reach the quarterfinals for the second time in three tournaments and set the tone for the next World Cup cycle.
On Tuesday, the U.S. squad enters a round-of-16 match against Belgium with another chance to nudge the program along a little further. The Belgians are a more formidable foe than Ghana was in 2010, having arrived in Brazil with a stable of top-flight talent and a deserved label as dark-horse candidates to hit the semifinals or beyond.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Haha. Don’t know what your half-time analysis is showing but on the BBC, Alan Shearer was highlighting how the USA is committing too many men forward and leaving themselves open on the counter. Jurgen will need to sort that out at half-time.
Anyone know how much time they give between the end of regular play and the beginning of overtime?
Belgians squander a couple good chances, but good hustle and backside defense by Beasley to keep it 0 - 0.
45 minute halfs plus for injury time, which is usually 3 to 5 minutes longer per half.
10 minutes. Enough for a commercial break and a bit of pundit chatter.
Yeah ;-)
10 min, ok, thanks.
you play the cutesy old card the same way you play the "cute blond chick needs your help" card.
Life is good!!
It’s that gorgeous trophy. I have a medallion made by the sculptor, Silvio Gazzaniga. My jeweler saw it and commented...”Such talent, such beauty”.
Full defensive. It’s starting to become a shooting gallery. Get some possession and keep it. Reduce some pressure.
Not looking good at all, only a matter of time.
I don’t want to see the US go out with this bad a game. Dang it.
Never has a 0-0 game seemed so much like a rout.
Agree. Belgium 17 shots to US 3.
Believe!
This will go to penalties. Hark these words.
I think all of Belgium’s goals have come after 70 minutes.
US really needed to get an early goal in this one.
The substitution that should have come at halftime and probably would have if Johnson hadn’t been hurt. A forward on for Zusi.
Belgium is just too skilled for the US....The US is working hard, and Howard is world-class keeper, but at this point it’s simply not good enough to get past this point.
We look like we are running out of gas. Heavy sigh, but I believe.
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.