U.S. vs. Latvia Live!
It's the third game in a week for the U.S. lads in preparation for the WC, which starts in less than two weeks. They've looked unconvincing in previous friendles this week. How well will they fare against Latvia? Tune in to ESPN2 to find out and join me live on the blog to comment.
posted by gatorbob @ 6:44 PM
108 Comments:
Here's tonight line-up for the U.S. according to soccernet.com:
Keller
Cherundolo
Pope
Conrad
Lewis
Mastroeni
Beasley
O'Brien
Donovan
Johnson
McBride
Apart from Onyewu, who must be completely shagged after the two previous games in quick succession, that's the team, isn't it?
Yes, apart from Onyewu, that is the team. I might have McBride up front alone for the Czechs and Italians, but if Brucey is gonna play a 4-4-2, that's the one.
"Impressive victory against Venezuela?" O'Brien's having a laugh.
They've got Beasley playing wide right on their graphic. Surely not!
I don't expect them to say Venezuela were thugs and mugs and Morocco showed a bit of quality when they realized that the US were out ideas.
Where's Davey-boy? He always seems to show up at half-time. Some one needs to buy that lad a watch!
Give him a bell, the dozy git.
"Every second that Donovan is on the pitch means that the U.S. is seconds away from a goal." Ach, I'm not sure that I can take much more of this shite.
Bugger! Claudio's up and running about - someone get the lead pipe out!
Now that I think about it, remember that Italian game that we played and Mattarazzi clawed Beasley down and then they broke up field and scored. And Trap was shown giving Mattarazzi a wink and a thumbs up? Beasley was on the right then.
I'm digging the new change strip with the white diag stripe on red with blue shorts. Very stylish.
They look like bowling shirts. Do they have their nick-names in script on the upper chest? And the name of a pest service on the back?
More mythology about Landycakes and the decision to move back to MLS. I can imagine the steam coming off Nick and Steven's scalps.
Yeah 'Cello, nothing makes Landycakes more comfortable than being a big fish in a little pond. Ambition? Nah, as long as he's comfortable.
These Latvian geezers don't look like they're messing about tonight; wouldn't want to meet one of them down a blind alley in Riga. They look like the sort on those docu-dramas about the East European sex trade.
Latvia is the land that style forgot, but they're just a hell of a lot bigger than the munchkin brigade that we're forced to choose from. That said, Conrad's holding his own well. He's come a long way. I'd have him start with Onyewu.
First yellow for Latvia. We should see a few of these tonight. Nice run from Landy.
Donovan totally sold that card. Foul, sure. But a yellow for that's harsh.
And was that a practised routine? Terrible free kick in a dangerous area of the pitch. Not nearly good enough.
See, that handball was totally cardable. Referee might give us an interesting evening tonight.
Too bad Beasley passed there. And behind the runner.
Yeah, the ref does seem a bit uneven so far. But we're all over these mugs. We should get some goals before long. I'd like to see Eddie Lewis taking all the set pieces, though. Come on, Eddie!
Oh, Johnson should have easily gotten to that long ball. If he isn't on for his speed, then what else?
That's a fair point. Johnson is getting amongst the action more than in either of the previous two games.
Yeah, they seem to have sussed that the Latvians are going to push up and try to catch us offside, so they're trying some balls over the top. Good tactic - we'll see if it works.
Oh, Jesus, McBride got completely taken out there. Huge knot on his head. Didn't he do that a few years back for Columbus? And now he's off. Bollocks!
Ahh, Jesus! McBrides finished for the night I hope. Nasty knot on his head.
No, he seems to be doing the Bryan Robson "Captain Fantastic" thing and is coming back on. I don't know about that. I'd stick Ching in.
Nice move but never a pen for Johnson. Still, we could easily get a penalty before long the way this is going. "Down he goes" seems to be the most common commentary line.
What the f**k is the Mad Hatter thinking letting McBride back on the field. I don't care whether he wants to play, he's got a serious looking head injury 13 days before the first game. Does Ching need extended warm-up?
Yeah, let Lewis take a few more of those.
I don't know what Arena's thinking. It's as if he dialled up the coaches of the last three opponents and said, "I want you to give us a good kicking. We need the testing."
Eddie - Eeeeeedie Lewis - King of the Elland Road!
Tired of seeing Johnson getting caught so often in the first 20-odd minutes.
Alright, even I'm getting frustrated with Lewis not beating the first man on the post with these corners.
Latvia were in Euro 2004? Don't remember that.
Speaking of corners, look out for the corner taken by Adu last night that Boswell headed in for our third over the Wizards. Class!
Nice effort from McBride after another good run from Landon. Good possession without the sharp edge from us tonight.
But has Keller had a touch yet? I don't so.
Yeah, they had a rough group. I particularly remember that the Czechs took them apart. I was watching with a Latvian acquaintance and he was happy for 5 minutes before the tonking began. I think they had to play Holland too. It was a brutal group.
Better from Eddie but Johnson wasted it. I don't think I've ever seen him score with his head.
Oh man, I just saw that "Don't Tread On Me" coiled snake on the sleeve of those bowling shirts.
Good header from Donovan.
Second yellow for Latvia.
OOOOHHHH, nearly from Landon. Good stuff. Cherundolo is really doing well on the right.
Yeah, even Ben Franklin would say, "ooh, that a bit OTT."
Good stuff from Eddie Lewis on the left and again Johnson isn't really attacking the header. Shame. Lots of chances now but no finish.
Really must score a few this half to make all of this possession and play in the Latvian third count. Johnson really must be better.
I f-ing hate the "Game Shots" especially since they crank the crowd noise and you think that there's something going on live.
O'Bs talking about the gutsy effort from McBride, but what he didn't say is that McBride's been pretty quiet since coming off. If he'd been behind some of those chances that Johnson has had in the air, we'd be one or two up by now.
Nice tackle in the box from Maestroeni.
You know, McBride is very quiet right now. I don't see the reason he's still on with that knock on his head.
I have just got in from watching the kids in the pool.
How is the game going so far.
I didn't even know the game was on. Thomas had to tell me it was on
They've got Johnson's number even though he's onside for that one.
Hopefully Brian'll see some sense and take himself off at the half. Certainly the Mad Hatter isn't capable of that. He'd keep him playing with half his head blown off.
Lots and lots of US play in the Latvian third, many fouls by the sluggish Latvians, Eddie Johnson offside for the dozenth time this match, McBride picked up a knock to the head that's resulted in the ugliest knot you've ever seen.
Welcome aboard.
great header from McBride.
He is a great center forward.
Hey Davey, good to hear from you mate. Lots of possession from us tonight, without the finishing product. They've played a lot of balls over the top to Johnson and the Lats have just stepped up and caught him offside. Good wide play with some chances in the air from Johnson. The Lats are giving up lots of frees and that could prove costly for them. Two yellows already on them.
You guys have a pool? And you're watching this malarky?
Laundry:
I like the US red shirts as well.
Either of you ever seen a match in this stadium? Looks like a nice one.
We were given a pool about three years ago. I just got it opened but thought it was still too cold. Well, while vacuuming today I FELL IN!! It wasn't that cold. The water is clean and about 72 so the kids went in.
The bugs are too much so I brought them in.
McBRIDE IS A CLASSIC CENTER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!
Great header
fellas, there was a goal. Where are you?
1-0 at the half and again, it's not good enough at all.
Latvia hasn't troubled any of the defense. That leaves Lewis and Cherundalo free to gallop forward along with O'Brien, Donovan, and Beasley. McBride saved our bacon, but Johnson in particular has been crap getting caught offside as many times as he has.
Beasley on the right and coming inside is a joke. Get him where he belongs. O'Brien again has been busy with no impact. Donovan has been a little better in this half than in the previous games. But the poverty of this opposition means we should be clicking away and finishing many more opportunities.
Tired of saying the same thing.
Davey, I had to pull the dog out of the window. He's secure in his cage now.
It's better not to play your best in these games. SAVE IT FOR THE CUP
WHere has Bob gone?
Is he locked out like I was before
Are you saying that's the plan? What about McBride's noggin? No, we're not firing on all cylinders at all. Blame the US Fed for scheduling these so close together that there's not time to practise between games. But this squad is not playing well--you simply cannot avoid that conclusion.
Arena put a lot of pressure on Johnson and Wolff when he picked them ahead of Twellman. Neither player has earned that call-up in any of the previous two games or this first half.
Donovan has been uninterested most of the time. O'Brien doesn't combine all that activity with any real output. Beasley has been tentative--gone is that burst of speed. He's jogging along dinking the ball in front of him like Cruyff.
But I am happy with the defense. I like Conrad and Onyewu and Keller. I'm watching Cherundalo and Lewis improve in their roles every time I see them.
No idea where Bob went. A slash?
Nice story about the pool b-t-w. I'd love to have seen you falling in. Quality.
Isn't Hartford where you and the kids saw that Champions Series with Man Utd and some Italian club?
Of course it is not planned but teams that do well in the tournament don't have to be playing well going in.
The one that springs to mind is Italy. Useless before and during the '82 cup and then win it.
England in Euro 96, not playing well and then struggling against Switzerland and then bang.
What was the US doing before the last world cup. Nothing was expected of them.
Four years earlier they were playing well and confident going into the tourney.
I think the players are doing their best not to get hurt.
Were you upset with England Belarus result?
Engerlund play on Tuesday(live on FSC) I don't care how they play. They lose and people will count them out.
No, both years '04 and '05 were at Giants' Stadium.
I know you would have like to see me fall in. I was fully clothed in shirt, short, socks and shoes. My neighbors were on their deck and saw me go.
They had a little chuckle
red jerseys are only for this friendly game?
We look the equal of Latvia and we're better than that. I want some quality to rise and comfortably beat them.
Apparently so. I think they look like bowling shirts.
johnson is down
he can't be that hurt with that challenge
The replay doesn't make Johnson's knock look too serious.
useless at the top of the box
That was the first time we looked uncomfortable at the back.
Wouldn't you say it's time for some subs. Latvia getting forward, start-stop stuff going on for us.
I can't stand these commentators.
I know you have mentioned it many times but they are absolutely clueless
Just heard from Bob.
He is locked out.
That happened to me. Do you know what the reason is?
Is it too many postings?
So Bob, by the way LEEDS SUCK!! What do you have to say about it? Nothing? NA NA NA NA NA
I'm disappointed every time I see Beasley stop running and lay the ball off. I want to see him go to the byline where he's more dangerous. Similarly, it's annoying that Donovan keeps getting the ball on his weaker foot where he too is looking for a pass or worse, work it laboriously over to his better foot.
Subs please.
That was better. Everyone clicked together but the angle was just too fine. Better corner from Landon and header from Johnson. I'd be happier if Johnson had headed that on goal, but this is better.
Do you really think Bruce told him to be sure to be offside at least twice?
that should have been the equilizer... and again
Too close for comfort there. I think our midfield has sort of gone to sleep. There were 3 chances that only these hacks couldn't finish off.
Convey warming up.
Thomas just cheered because he saw Convey.
He likes him
If he's following orders, Bruce must have told him to be offside about 20 times by now.
I am sure the commentators would agree
I have to say I was tired of Convey when he left DCU. He reacted like a spoiled kid when he didn't get a work permit for the Spurs move and played petulantly when he bothered at all. By the time he left for Reading, no-one was sorry to see the back of him.
But Reading has been good for him. A bit of quality on the crosses now that he never showed at DCU. Better decisions too about his running. He used to do this thing that he imagined would draw defenders, but only clogged up the option of the player on the ball.
FIRST TIME BOBBY, FER CHRISSAKES!!!!
and why does Thomas like Convey. USELESS.
Put it away first time
I'm glad that spell of play for Latvia is over. We've resumed crawling all over them again.
Is there game film of you? Thomas should be watching those tapes.
Nice header from Johnson. That required a sharp save for once. You may be right Davey. Maybe there is a game plan to play patiently and take advantage of defensive lapses.
I guess Arena imagines that these guys are like the Czechs. Maybe this is the game plan for the Czech game?
No there isn't
He watches me play now.
I play up front and score plenty of goals but I have to tell him that he has to run a darn sight more than I do.
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Too bad,
You know who he should watch, games of Lineker. If Thomas has the skill, then great. But watching Lineker would show him what a positional master of the game he was. He was always there or thereabouts and such a good finisher. That's what I remember of your play at LHS.
No need to explain about the running nowadays.
thank you
McBride's head isn't nearly as scary as it was in the first half. It really must have just been cosmetic.
Nice stuff for Convey. Good cut inside and only a Latvian foot stopped that from troubling their keeper.
Tired bodies on both sides making this an end to end game now.
I'm surprised that Lewis isn't moving more freely. He didn't take much of a knock. Oh, there he's running again. Twat. Shouldn't look injured if he's not.
does the US have any games in Europe or is this it
OK, did anyone notice if Bradley is in the squad? I think I would have noticed if he was and just what's the point of playing someone outside of the squad? Irresponsible.
They were talking earlier of a closed door match against an unnamed opponent about 6 days before our opening game. Somewhere near Gelcheskirchen.
you just made up that name
Melanie needs me to drive Eric's friend home immediately after the match so I'll return to this after that.
Thanks chaps. Hope we can work out the kinks soon.
I am off to put the boys to bed.
Take care
NOT LONG TO GO
Now they let me comment! Ah well, I reckon our boys looked a bit more useful tonight, but I'm still worried about the lack of goals. Where are they going to come from? Landon doesn't seem bothered to get near goal and I'm convinced that Eddie Johnson has been receiving secret electro shock treatments - he's a shell of a man. If they have to play 4-4-2, I'd put Ching alongside McBride. The back four seems pretty much set and Kasey Keller may keep us in it for a while against the Czechs. Apparently they have one more closed door practice game against Angola, a stand-in for Ghana, I suppose.
This morning my Washington Post review of the game was high on the defense and explained that the 1-0 win was a good result given the span of three matches in 9 days. There was also mention of the fact that Italy are reeling because of the corruption scandal and the arrest of players for betting. And mention that the Czechs have been hit with injuries to Smicer-he may not make a fitness test to be conducted tomorrow or the next day and be replaced-and a recurrance of a niggly injury in two of their forwards.
I take the reporter's point but this is very representative of the way the games come in the first round. And we're facing two teams of proven quality and one of unknown. We've seen three sleep walks through Morocco, Venezuela, and Latvia. What troubles me is the question of goals. Our hope is to keep it tight and draw with the Czechs and the emergence of a strong partnership of Onyewu and Conrad bodes well for that. But we have to keep the result of the Italy match respectable as well. A task too testing for us? Probably. Which leaves us needing to give Ghana a hiding to get a possible 4 points and superior goal difference. I don't see that from what I've been seeing. I see wayward passes, predicable movement in front of goal and awful finishing.
I really think we need to hope that Arena has something up his sleeve to get the forwards finishing chances. Without that, the USA's chances look dismal.
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