2010 World Cup - Group C Discussion

[TexasTerror]

WORLD CUP - GROUP C
United States, England, Algeria, Slovenia

STANDINGS
USA 0-0, 0 pts
ENG 0-0, 0 pts
ALG 0-0, 0 pts
SVN 0-0, 0 pts

SCHEDULE

June 12, 2010
United States vs England, 2:30 p.m. EST (Royal Bakofeng) - ABC

June 13, 2010
Algeria vs Slovenia, 6:30 a.m. EST (Peter Mokaba) - ESPN, ESPN3.com

June 18, 2010
Slovenia vs United States, 10 a.m. EST (Ellis Park) - ESPN, ESPN3.com
England vs Algeria, 2:30 p.m. EST (Cape Town) - ESPN2, ESPN3.com.

June 23, 2010
Slovenia vs England, 10 a.m. EST (N. Mandela Bay) - ESPN2, ESPN3.com
United States vs Algeria, 10 a.m. EST (Loftus Versfeld) - ESPN, ESPN3.com

SECOND ROUND CONTESTS FOR GROUP C

June 26, 2010
1C vs. 2D, 2:30 p.m. EST - ABC

June 27, 2010
1D vs 2C, 10 a.m. EST - ESPN, ESPN3.com

[TheValleyRaider]

Of the USA's group games, I'll only be able to watch the England match. We're in the fortunate position that losing that game won't make or break the Cup for us, given we ought to be heavy underdogs. It's probably better for me not to be able to watch the games against Algeria and Slovenia. If the US doesn't win either of those games, I'll be glad not to be around for it

The long and short of it is simple: we must get out of the group. Short of somehow becoming a seeded team, this is as easy a group as we'll ever see. One of those 16 spots is ours for the taking. Best-case scenario probably sees us tie England, then somehow beat them out on goal differential for the #1 spot

GO USA!

[bkrownd]

Unfortunately I have a volunteer thing scheduled at that time on the 12th. :(

World Cup month should be a paid world holiday, dadgumit!

[TexasTerror]

The game times do make it tough to watch, so good thing the USA-England match is at a decent time and not in the early hours of the day.

I should be able to watch two of the three games, if not all three games. Good thing with the second two games being on ESPN3.com.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

It all hinges on Gooch's health in my mind. If he can shut down Rooney and play him physical.... we can shock the world again.

[PhoenixSupreme]

It certainly wouldn't hurt if the good DaMarcus Beasley plays, not the Scottish League Rangers Beasley

[onbison09]

USA!!

[CrackerRiley]

I know I'm thinking way ahead right here but Group D has Germany in it. US desperately needs to finish this group in 1st.

I'm very excited for Saturday! Hopefully I'm not too wasted...

[NHwildEcat]

I know I'm thinking way ahead right here but Group D has Germany in it. US desperately needs to finish this group in 1st.

I'm very excited for Saturday! Hopefully I'm not too wasted...

There is no guarantee that Germany would be the #1 out of Group D...although it does seem likely...

I say we all look forward to the first game against England and go from there...

Side note: I love how ESPN has marketed the game as the most anticipated in the World Cup...which is true, but only in the U.S. and the U.K. I am sure Spain/France/Germany/Brazil have other games they care for.

[TexasTerror]

Today is the day...

We'll see if ENG v USA warrants all the hype...

[ngineer]

I can hear the chants now: "BEAT BP! BEAT BP! BEAT BP!" :D

[Lehigh Football Nation]

USA!

The lineup card is in...

4-4-2 with Robbie Findlay starting up top, and Bradley and Clark underneath. He's clearly worried about England's attack.

Interesting.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Kind of a gamble to put Findlay in there - but after thinking about it, he's the guy most like a healthy Charlie Davies on this team. It might pay off.

[PhoenixSupreme]

Just gotta figure out how to kick my roommate and his gf out of the living room so I can watch the game now... World Cup is a lot better than Law & Order or NCIS or whatever the heck they're watching

[Lehigh Football Nation]

England looks a little tight out of the tunnel; USA seems looser.

Goose bump time; national anthem.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I can't believe the game is actually here.

[TexasTerror]

We're underway!

Let the fun begin...and hopefully some US scoring as ewll...

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Ugh!

Gerrard just minced USA's defense to start out. 1-0 Taxation Without Representation.

Nightmare start for USA.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Findlay paying dividends, making a corner kick from nothing.

Gooch in the mix on the corner; no worries anymore about his injury.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

15 minutes in, USA has settled down in this 1-0 game. Not much offense yet, except on the corner kicks. Boca had a golden chance, but nothing came of it.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Altidore SO CLOSE on the header. US showing some ability to be dangerous. Dempsey also nearly punched it in after the missed header.

England on the counter! WHEW!!!!!! Nice stop by US I think DeMerit saved the goal!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

US creating some decent attack.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Free kick, just outside the area. Yellow card for Millner.

Another good opportunity...

Gooch just misses the header. Just a feeling, but the US will break this wall at some point...

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Uh oh. Tim Howard made 2-3 heroic saves, but he's writhing now. Bad, bad, bad news if he comes out.

Looks like he's staying in... for now.

Shawn Wright-Phillips comes in for Millner, who was not very impressive.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

US getting some decent organization & chances from midfield. Looks like Howard is OK right now.

Demerit is just sheer guts out there.

US withstanding a surge from England, corner kick.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Landon with a missed shot. He WANTS this.

Cherundulo with a yellow card.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

DEMPSEY!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

What a huge bungle by the England goalkeeper!

Nightmares for England!

xlolx!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Halftime

George Washingtons 1, Monarchists 1

Speechless. One awful goof from Green, England's goalie, and it's tied.

I've GOT to believe that this game is in Green's head. We can DO THIS!!!!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Another ENgland sub befoere the second half kicks off. HUGE gamble...

Looks like the Brits are trying to push early and get back ahead. Fast.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Deliberate handball gets yellow casrd for Jay "Nails" DeMerit. More for his body of work, I think, than the foul itself.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Boca got beat like a rented mule, went across the box but didn't find a Brit.

US surviving a furious England rally. If the US can last through the 60th minute, or get a scary counter................

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Heskey! HUGE save by Howard!!!!!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

USA! USA! Pace slowing as we creep to 60 minutes.... this could favor the US...

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Yellow card for Carragher for a late tackle. Good call... and I think Findlay or Altidore is going to get free here soon... next 10 mins.

Gerrard now gets a card from a high foot on Dempsey. THE US IS IN ENGLAND'S HEAD RIGHT NOW.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Free kick! Oooh, Boca can't direct it.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Anotehr England surge.... Howard, though, handles it. Corner.

Johnson! Wide.... WHEW!!!!!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

ALTIDORE! POST!!! OH WHAT A CHANCE!

Green's hand just deflected it into the post! Whoo!!!!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Dangerous free kick for England, far outside the area...

NOTHIN'.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

GREAT defense by US in the box. Stiffing Rooney, Terry...

ROONEY! WHEW... too high and it goes left.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

US getting some decent organization & chances from midfield. Looks like Howard is OK right now.

Demerit is just sheer guts out there.

US withstanding a surge from England, corner kick.

Seriously? "decent organization"????? xoopsx xrotatehx xrolleyesx xpeacex

I appreciate and give you credit for your enthusiasm LFN, but I just can't muster any excitement for this sport. I'll return to the peanut gallery now. :D

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Findlay gets a card, but no free kick for the tackle on Findlay a few minutes ago? Whatever...

[Lehigh Football Nation]

ROONEY!!!! WHEW!!!!!! Wide.

WRIGHT-PHILLIPS!!! Howard! WHEW!!!

Corner! Rooney! Howard scoops it!

HESKEY!!! Over the top!

Man, my heart is stopping!!!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Buddle coming in for Findlay. Let's see if his speed can create something more!

Crouch for Heskey.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

You can hear in the stadium: USA! USA!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Tough defense again! Altidore almost had another break but JUST missed.

USA challenging every pass. I love it!

One breakaway, and we can win!!!!!!! I know it!!!!!

Holden in for Altidore. Jozy is gassed, it was the right call.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

89th minute... Donovan shoots...? Over.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Holden boots... CORNER.......

Headed out... Four excruciatingly long minutes of stoppage time.
Two minutes left...

[Lehigh Football Nation]

FINAL WHISTLE

USA 1, ENGLAND 1

What an amazing game. Man of match? Onyewu. Answered every question made of him, made countless huge tackles and almost completely neutralized Rooney.

[appmaj]

I'll take the point

[TexasTerror]

U-S-A!

We'll take the tie and move forward. Shook off the rust in that one and just need to come out with guns ablazing in the next two matches.

GD will probably determine who is the group winner, so goal scoring needs to occur.

[TheValleyRaider]

Very glad at the result. I was pleasantly surprised at how aggressive the US came out after Gerrard's goal. Complete turnaround from the way they folded against the Czechs 4 years ago. That kind of resiliency will serve them well later

Good job neutralizing Rooney, though that did open up chances for the other attackers. Still, daring Emile Heskey to beat us is a lot saner than giving Rooney chances

Strong game throughout, but I was particularly impressed with Donovan, Dempsey and Howard. Gooch looks to be just fine, though I wasn't totally convinced Altidore is 100% (limping a bit when he came off?). Demerit wasn't bad, but everytime they showed a slowmotion replay of a Howard save, he seemed to be sliding in a split-second too late. It's hard to pick out a particular player in this game, as it really was a quality effort against an England team that looked fast and dangerous at times

Huge fan of the blue kits, they looked really sharp in-game

Thankfully this small circus is behind us. If they play with this intensity in the next two games, that's 7 points and a shot at winning the group. The next challenge is mastering that power. High flat plane

[PhoenixSupreme]

Huge fan of the blue kits, they looked really sharp in-game



I didn't like the blue kits. It made me feel like they were in a beauty pageant with the faux sash look on the front

[PaladinFan]

I'll take the point and a goal scored from a former Paladin. I used to watch Dempsey back in his days when Furman was carving up the Southern Conference. guy was a great player then, great player now.

USA's back line, what I thought was their biggest weakness, played well. Didn't start off well, but Cherundelo, Onyewu, and Howard played superbly.

I'm interested to read the English media's take on the game. I expect that the keeper and the manager will be heavily criticized. One for his play, the other for his lineup.

as an aside, I will never get used to the term "pace" instead of "speed"

[tribe_pride]

FINAL WHISTLE

USA 1, ENGLAND 1

What an amazing game. Man of match? Onyewu. Answered every question made of him, made countless huge tackles and almost completely neutralized Rooney.

I give Man of Match to Howard. Had to make a number of huge saves. Most other pro keepers give up at least 2-3.

[NHwildEcat]

I give Man of Match to Howard. Had to make a number of huge saves. Most other pro keepers give up at least 2-3.

I have to agree with you on Howard as Mann of the Match. He played extremely well and was able to neutralize those mistakes by the back line.

[LacesOut]

I didn't like the blue kits. It made me feel like they were in a beauty pageant with the faux sash look on the front

LOL

I loved them! I get so sick and tired of seeing them in their all whites.

I can't really comment on the match, as I only saw a few minutes of each half. But this result is a very good one. Hopefully they take some confidence from this and win their next two.

[ngineer]

What little I know of soccer, I was impressed with the goalie, Howard. Took a hell of a shot to the chest by the cleats of the Brit. The English goalie will now have the nickname of "hands of stone". That was unbelieveable. Still I dozed through a good portion of the game, but really, I am trying...:o

[TexasTerror]

WORLD CUP - GROUP C
United States, England, Algeria, Slovenia

STANDINGS
SVN 1-0-0, 3 pts, +1
USA 0-0-1, 1 pts, 0
ENG 0-0-1, 1 pts, 0
ALG 0-1-0, 0 pts, -1


SCHEDULE

June 12, 2010
United States 1-1 England FINAL

June 13, 2010
Slovenia 1-0 Algeria FINAL

June 18, 2010
Slovenia vs United States, 10 a.m. EST (Ellis Park) - ESPN, ESPN3.com
England vs Algeria, 2:30 p.m. EST (Cape Town) - ESPN2, ESPN3.com.

June 23, 2010
Slovenia vs England, 10 a.m. EST (N. Mandela Bay) - ESPN2, ESPN3.com
United States vs Algeria, 10 a.m. EST (Loftus Versfeld) - ESPN, ESPN3.com

SECOND ROUND CONTESTS FOR GROUP C

June 26, 2010
1C vs. 2D, 2:30 p.m. EST - ABC

June 27, 2010
1D vs 2C, 10 a.m. EST - ESPN, ESPN3.com[/QUOTE]

[TheValleyRaider]

Slovenia didn't look too bad, though the US is a better team. Probably going to be similar to a game against Costa Rica or another Central American team; lots of effort needed to break through a disciplined and determined defense

Algeria, well, there's some skill and nerve there, but nothing terribly impressive. Even without the botched goal, their keeper did not look particularly sound, lots of flopping around. I could see England feeling much better after their 2nd game...

[NHwildEcat]

A win in their next game will launch them into the Round of 16. I would like to see them win by 2 or 3 goals so they can hopefully stay ahead of England in the all important goal differential.

[PaladinFan]

Slovenia didn't look too bad, though the US is a better team. Probably going to be similar to a game against Costa Rica or another Central American team; lots of effort needed to break through a disciplined and determined defense

Algeria, well, there's some skill and nerve there, but nothing terribly impressive. Even without the botched goal, their keeper did not look particularly sound, lots of flopping around. I could see England feeling much better after their 2nd game...

Watching the commentary, it seemed the pundits were not impressed with either Slovenia or Algeria. Makes for a decent game against one another, but neither should match the Americans or the English.

Granted, its the World Cup. US has to first make sure it gets three points, and then worry about goal differential.

[TheValleyRaider]

Watching the commentary, it seemed the pundits were not impressed with either Slovenia or Algeria. Makes for a decent game against one another, but neither should match the Americans or the English.

Granted, its the World Cup. US has to first make sure it gets three points, and then worry about goal differential.

Algeria will be the key to GD. I don't think they have anyone who can adequately shut down Rooney or our offense, nor are they disciplined enough to hold a shell. Push comes to shove, England has more firepower and should win if that's the tiebreaker, but I love that we have a shot

Slovenia, on the other hand, impressed me insofar as their poise and discipline. Granted, Algeria doesn't quite have the dynamic ability of either England or USA, but the Slovenes remained calm and composed throughout. I really do see this as a Central America-style matchup, with our guys fighting through a shell and avoiding counter-attacks

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Algeria will be the key to GD. I don't think they have anyone who can adequately shut down Rooney or our offense, nor are they disciplined enough to hold a shell. Push comes to shove, England has more firepower and should win if that's the tiebreaker, but I love that we have a shot

Slovenia, on the other hand, impressed me insofar as their poise and discipline. Granted, Algeria doesn't quite have the dynamic ability of either England or USA, but the Slovenes remained calm and composed throughout. I really do see this as a Central America-style matchup, with our guys fighting through a shell and avoiding counter-attacks

The key, though, is the order of the games. If England beats Algeria (say, 4-1) and the US beats Slovenia (say, 1-0), the U.S. will face a beaten-down Algerian team and England and Slovenia will have everything to play for. The U.S. will be able to relentlessly pile on the goals to get goal differential while the Slovenia/England chess match worms its way to conclusion. As great as England's offense is, I can't see them getting a two goal win over Slovenia - they could draw or lose that game.

That shows how crucial, too, it is for the US to get that result against Slovenia. Assuming an England win over Algeria, a win puts us in great shape:

England 4
U.S. 4
Slovenia 3
Algeria 0

A tie is not insurmountable:

England 4
Slovenia 4
U.S. 2
Algeria 0

But a loss would be disaster:

Slovenia 6
England 4
U.S. 1
Algeria 0

Slovenia would be GUARANTEED passage, and we'd need them to either beat England or tie and we get the GD. Not a good situation at all.

That's not even mentioning that the second placed team in our group will probably play Germany in the knockout rounds.

[UNHWildCats]

A win in their next game will launch them into the Round of 16. I would like to see them win by 2 or 3 goals so they can hopefully stay ahead of England in the all important goal differential.
Well I'm not sure a win guarantees a round of 16 spot.

Say USA beats Slovenia 2-0 and England beats Algeria 2-0

USA 4 +2
England 4 +2
Slovenia 3 -1
Algeria 0 -3

Now Algeria stuns the USA 2-0 and Slovenia stuns England 2-0

Slovenia 6 +1
USA 4 0
England 4 0
Algeria 3 -1

Granted its unlikely but in this scenario USA isnt guaranteed a round of 16 spot.

[PaladinFan]

I'm not sure what the strategy needs to be. The hard luck of this is that the #2 team in this group likely gets the privilege of facing the Germans.

[TexasTerror]

I hope the 'average Joe' media realizes how important that the US match against Slovenia is. There was plenty of hype surrounding the contest against England, but if the Americans want to make it to the next round - a strong result against Slovenia is just about needed (as the scenarios above suggest).

Can't rely on England for much help - was not impressed with their showing against the Americans and I'm sure their goalie is a mental case!

[bkrownd]

Slovenia...that's an NAIA school, isn't it? :D

[TexasTerror]

Slovenia...that's an NAIA school, isn't it? :D

Not sure - but they do have at least one outspoken player! xsmileyclapx

Guess the big 1-0 win over Algeria is getting to someone's head...


JOHANNESBURG -- Andrej Komac probably never has heard of Joe Namath, even though he sure can imitate the Hall of Fame quarterback.

The Slovenia midfielder is so confident about the tiny country's chances against the United States in their World Cup match on Friday that he guaranteed victory.

"We are going to win this match," Komac said after practice Tuesday.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/5288995/ce/us/slovenia-andrej-komac-guarantees-victory-vs-united-states?cc=5901&ver=us

[TexasTerror]

Any score predictions or Howard predictions before tomorrow's game?

Mine - Howard plays, US 2-0.

[NHwildEcat]

I would have to say US 2-0 tomorrow...goals by Donovan & Dempsey!

[PhoenixSupreme]

US 3-2...goals by Dempsey, Altidore, and Herculez Gomez (cuz I wanted to throw that name in)

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I'm picking 2-0 US. Dempsey and Altidore.

[bkrownd]

I hope I can stay awake for it. The first game starts at 1AM here. I've been sacked out on the couch every night, snoozing through most of game 1 and the first half of game 2 all week.

[biggie]

And we are losing.

[PhoenixSupreme]

Anyone else think that Slovenia is wearing white Charlie Brown t-shirts?

[Franks Tanks]

US&A sucks at soccer

[biggie]

Charlie brown is kicking our ***.

[SonuvaHenx2]

Fire Bob Bradley

[TexasTerror]

Wow...down 2-0 at the break.

Do not think this was the result anyone was expecting and now we must at least try to get a tie OR it'll be the USMNT really hard pressed to make the round of 16.

[NHwildEcat]

Wow...down 2-0 at the break.

Do not think this was the result anyone was expecting and now we must at least try to get a tie OR it'll be the USMNT really hard pressed to make the round of 16.

If they don't tie, it is a 99% chance that the game against Algeria will be the final game of their World Cup. A tie...and we have to hope England trips themselves up again...really it looks quite bad.

[biggie]

Wow...down 2-0 at the break.

Do not think this was the result anyone was expecting and now we must at least try to get a tie OR it'll be the USMNT really hard pressed to make the round of 16.
I expected it actually, US soccer chokes at the moments where they are supposed to have an easy go of it.

[NHwildEcat]

I expected it actually, US soccer chokes at the moments where they are supposed to have an easy go of it.

It is true...I saw them play Haiti...and they nearly lost that game. It look extra time for them to tie it up.

[TexasTerror]

DONOVAN SCORES!

USA DOWN 2-1!

Way to come out in the second half and respond right away...got to keep up the pressure and create opportunities!

[biggie]

Ok that from Donovan was impressive. But going to take more.

[NHwildEcat]

YES!!! Donovan!!! Now, they need to keep up the pressure.

[TexasTerror]

THE EQUALIZER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2-2! Wow...how about them Americans? Let's try to win this one!

[biggie]

Very good to get equal, hope they don't allow anything. I'd say keep the pressure on, don't try to drop back.

[NHwildEcat]

The coach's son with the tying goal in the 82nd minute! Finish strong now...this is the time!

[NHwildEcat]

For those watching on TV...was Adu offsides? Radio says blown call?

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

was Adu offsidesl?

No.

[biggie]

Horrible call. Announcers are bashing the ref for multiple things. There was no offsides and the only foul would have been a PK.

Game over, tie 2-2.

[TexasTerror]

Through today's first game...

WORLD CUP - GROUP C
United States, England, Algeria, Slovenia

STANDINGS
SVN 1-0-1, 4 pts, +1
USA 0-0-2, 2 pts, 0
ENG 0-0-1, 1 pts, 0
ALG 0-1-0, 0 pts, -1


SCHEDULE

June 12, 2010
United States 1-1 England FINAL

June 13, 2010
Slovenia 1-0 Algeria FINAL

June 18, 2010
Slovenia 2-2 United States FINAL
England vs Algeria, 2:30 p.m. EST (Cape Town) - ESPN2, ESPN3.com.

June 23, 2010
Slovenia vs England, 10 a.m. EST (N. Mandela Bay) - ESPN2, ESPN3.com
United States vs Algeria, 10 a.m. EST (Loftus Versfeld) - ESPN, ESPN3.com

SECOND ROUND CONTESTS FOR GROUP C

June 26, 2010
1C vs. 2D, 2:30 p.m. EST - ABC

June 27, 2010
1D vs 2C, 10 a.m. EST - ESPN, ESPN3.com

[bkrownd]

The price of playing catch-up...

[PhoenixSupreme]

Ashamed to say I feel asleep for the whole 2nd half. Bummer :(

[bkrownd]

Ashamed to say I feel asleep for the whole 2nd half. Bummer :(


No worries - I covered for ya ;)

This new quoting format sucks eggs

[PaladinFan]

So, now we hope for England to draw with Algeria (not likely). What's our easiest route to the second round?

[Franks Tanks]

So, now we hope for England to draw with Algeria (not likely). What's our easiest route to the second round?



Well England needs to beat Algeria(very likley), and we need to beat Algeria (pretty likley).

As long as someone wins between Slovenia-England we will be good to go!(pretty likley)

If England and Slovenia tie (***uming England beats Algeria), and we beat Algeria... England the US and Slovenia will all end up with 5 points.

[Franks Tanks]

I am trying to type ***uming and it gets blocked out--seriously

Cl***
M***
Gr***


HAHA

[biggie]

Yes, no more *** allowed in here apparently.

[NHwildEcat]

Well England needs to beat Algeria(very likley), and we need to beat Algeria (pretty likley).

As long as someone wins between Slovenia-England we will be good to go!(pretty likley)

If England and Slovenia tie (***uming England beats Algeria), and we beat Algeria... England the US and Slovenia will all end up with 5 points.

Which means the US needs to score some **** goals in their final game or else we will be on the outside looking in during the Round of 16. Because Slovenia is a +1.

[tribe_pride]

Could be wrong but if we beat Algeria by 2, and I think we are in no matter what.

Also, to the person that was asking about Adu. It's actually Edu. Adu did not make the team.

[Frosty The Snowbuff]

Well England needs to beat Algeria(very likley), and we need to beat Algeria (pretty likley).

As long as someone wins between Slovenia-England we will be good to go!(pretty likley)

If England and Slovenia tie (***uming England beats Algeria), and we beat Algeria... England the US and Slovenia will all end up with 5 points.



Ok I see a problem with the above senario....Say England and Slovenia have a 0-0 Tie and we beat Algeria 1-0...If I counted the goal differential correctly both Slovenia and USA would be tied with 1 win and 2 ties with 4 goals and +1 in goal differential....What would be the 3rd tiebreaker???

If I miscounted....My bad in advance....

[tribe_pride]

Ok I see a problem with the above senario....Say England and Slovenia have a 0-0 Tie and we beat Algeria 1-0...If I counted the goal differential correctly both Slovenia and USA would be tied with 1 win and 2 ties with 4 goals and +1 in goal differential....What would be the 3rd tiebreaker???

If I miscounted....My bad in advance....
----
QUOTE IS NOT WORKING FOR SOME REASON. GO FROM ALL BELOW THIS

In your scenario, we have England, Solvenia, and US at 5 points.

If England won 1-0 over Algeria, then US and SLovenia advance because all have 5 pts and are +1. Next is goals scored. US and Slovenia would have 4 and England 3 so US and Slovenia advances (draw straws for 1 and 2 place)

If England won > 2-1 over Algeria, then all are +1 and all have 4 goals in the tourney. US and Slovenia advance based on 3 goals scored in games between each other while only 2 for England. (draw straws for 1 and 2 place)

If England won other than 1-0 or 2-1, England advances as 1st team for any of a number of reasons and (ouch) draw straws between Slovenia and US for team 2 in.

All that said, let's wait until after the England game to figure out what may happen. We win by 2 over Algeria and we advance unless I figured things out wrong.

Tiebreaker below:

a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;
b) goal difference in all group matches;
c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.

If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings will be determined as follows:
d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
e) goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
f) greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned;
g) drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee.

[AggieFinn]

We just need to play 94 mintues of full pace football. The jitters have got to be gone now, I think this US Team now has nothing to lose in game 3, it's win or go home, period.

[NHwildEcat]

We just need to play 94 mintues of full pace football. The jitters have got to be gone now, I think this US Team now has nothing to lose in game 3, it's win or go home, period.

Correct! None of this tie break stuff will matter unless the US wins their final game! Let's just hope for a 0-0, 1-1 tie in this afternoon's contest.

[PaladinFan]

I'm not much of a soccer strategist, but outside of the obvious issues with being able to run that long, why not try to keep a high tempo against Algeria? We seem to play better at a quicker pace than playing the possession game.

Our defensive marking is atrocious and has been the direct result of two, if not all three, goals this tournament.

[Rekdiver]

Bad coaching decisions in the 1st half. We got screwed in the 2nd half and the players and coach handled themselves with cl*** after the fact.

We can't continue to come from behind and wewill have to run it up on Algeria.....

[bkrownd]

Also, to the person that was asking about Adu. It's actually Edu. Adu did not make the team.


What's up with that? They were pumping him up as the next Pele a number of years ago.

For the moment, Go Go Calamity James!

[PaladinFan]

Bad coaching decisions in the 1st half. We got screwed in the 2nd half and the players and coach handled themselves with cl*** after the fact.

We can't continue to come from behind and wewill have to run it up on Algeria.....


Any time you pull a former Paladin from the starting lineup its a poor decision :)

[tribe_pride]

Adu got hyped too much too early. He has some skills but has never been consistently on a team to prove them. That said, he is only 21, younger most likely than anyone on the team now. Hopefully he'll be there in 4 years

[bkrownd]

giggle

[tribe_pride]

So here we go
Slovenia 4 pts +1 3 goals scored
USA 2 pts 0 3 goals scored
England 2 pts 0 1 goal scored
Algeria 1 pt -1 0 goals scored

If Slovenia wins, USA needs to tie or win and USA and Slovenia are in

If Slovenia and England tie, USA wins and we are in.

If Slovenia and England tie, USA ties, we are in if we score within 1 goal of what England scores in the Slovenia game (example England ties 3-3 with Slovenia - if US ties 2-2 we are in because we have scored more goals than England)

If Slovenia and England tie, draw lots against England if we tie with 2 goals less than what England scores in the Slovenia game (example England ties 3-3 with Slovenia - if US ties 1-1, all tiebreakers are even with England because both teams will have 3 pts, 0 goal differential, and the same amount of goals scored. Since we tied each other, the other tiebreakers cancel each other out)

If Slovenia and England tie, USA ties and we are in if we tie with more than 2 goals fewer than what England scores in the Slovenia game (example England ties 3-3 with Slovenia - if US ties 0-0 England is in because we have scored fewer goals than England)

If England wins, USA needs to win to be in

WIN AND WE ARE IN.

[TexasTerror]

Through today's games...

WORLD CUP - GROUP C
United States, England, Algeria, Slovenia

STANDINGS
SVN 1-0-1, 4 pts, +1 GD, 3 goals scored
USA 0-0-2, 2 pts, 0 GD, 3 goals scored
ENG 0-0-3, 2 pts, 0 GD, 1 goal scored
ALG 0-1-1, 1 pts, -1 GD, 0 goals scored


SCHEDULE

June 12, 2010
United States 1-1 England FINAL

June 13, 2010
Slovenia 1-0 Algeria FINAL

June 18, 2010
Slovenia 2-2 United States FINAL
England 0-0 Algeria FINAL

June 23, 2010
Slovenia vs England, 10 a.m. EST (N. Mandela Bay) - ESPN2, ESPN3.com
United States vs Algeria, 10 a.m. EST (Loftus Versfeld) - ESPN, ESPN3.com

SECOND ROUND CONTESTS FOR GROUP C

June 26, 2010
1C vs. 2D, 2:30 p.m. EST - ABC

June 27, 2010
1D vs 2C, 10 a.m. EST - ESPN, ESPN3.com

[bkrownd]

I propose a new rule for the group stage - scoreless ties should earn zero points

[Lehigh Football Nation]

What a day. I went through every conceivable emotion during today's Group C games.

Sadness (0-1). Depression (0-2). Determination (1-2, after Donovan's strike, BY FAR the best goal of the ENTIRE WORLD CUP SO FAR), Exhilaration (2-2, just an awesome goal by Michael Bradley), and abject anger (after the blown call).

It would be an absolute tragedy if team USA did not at least make it to the knockout rounds. They work harder and attack better than many of the other teams in the tournament. They are a positive joy to watch, and Donovan is finally fulfilling the vast potential folks have been saying about him for years. No question he was the man of the match vs. Slovenia. He got around the defender, dribbled right up to a goalkeeper that gave up a grand total of four goals in WC qualifying, and fired it right at the ****ed guy's head and dared him to stop it. No making six passes or crossing to a streaking player. He took the game by the balls, and made the game his own. Just a transcendental goal - that hopefully carries over against Algeria and makes for a comfortable qualification. I hope.

Considering we got the tie vs. Slovenia, the 0-0 draw with Algeria and England was the absolute dream result. As tribe_pride detailed, win and we advance - possibly at the top of Group C.

I never thought I'd say "if only France or England had a Landon Donovan". But if find myself saying it now. Not a single player on both of those teams have one player that is willing to take a game by the balls. Not one. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with Donovan today.

[PaladinFan]

What a day. I went through every conceivable emotion during today's Group C games.

Sadness (0-1). Depression (0-2). Determination (1-2, after Donovan's strike, BY FAR the best goal of the ENTIRE WORLD CUP SO FAR), Exhilaration (2-2, just an awesome goal by Michael Bradley), and abject anger (after the blown call).

It would be an absolute tragedy if team USA did not at least make it to the knockout rounds. They work harder and attack better than many of the other teams in the tournament. They are a positive joy to watch, and Donovan is finally fulfilling the vast potential folks have been saying about him for years. No question he was the man of the match vs. Slovenia. He got around the defender, dribbled right up to a goalkeeper that gave up a grand total of four goals in WC qualifying, and fired it right at the ****ed guy's head and dared him to stop it. No making six passes or crossing to a streaking player. He took the game by the balls, and made the game his own. Just a transcendental goal - that hopefully carries over against Algeria and makes for a comfortable qualification. I hope.

Considering we got the tie vs. Slovenia, the 0-0 draw with Algeria and England was the absolute dream result. As tribe_pride detailed, win and we advance - possibly at the top of Group C.

I never thought I'd say "if only France or England had a Landon Donovan". But if find myself saying it now. Not a single player on both of those teams have one player that is willing to take a game by the balls. Not one. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with Donovan today.

London Free Press article called the game the first classic game of the world cup this year.

[Franks Tanks]

What a day. I went through every conceivable emotion during today's Group C games.

Sadness (0-1). Depression (0-2). Determination (1-2, after Donovan's strike, BY FAR the best goal of the ENTIRE WORLD CUP SO FAR), Exhilaration (2-2, just an awesome goal by Michael Bradley), and abject anger (after the blown call).

It would be an absolute tragedy if team USA did not at least make it to the knockout rounds. They work harder and attack better than many of the other teams in the tournament. They are a positive joy to watch, and Donovan is finally fulfilling the vast potential folks have been saying about him for years. No question he was the man of the match vs. Slovenia. He got around the defender, dribbled right up to a goalkeeper that gave up a grand total of four goals in WC qualifying, and fired it right at the ****ed guy's head and dared him to stop it. No making six passes or crossing to a streaking player. He took the game by the balls, and made the game his own. Just a transcendental goal - that hopefully carries over against Algeria and makes for a comfortable qualification. I hope.

Considering we got the tie vs. Slovenia, the 0-0 draw with Algeria and England was the absolute dream result. As tribe_pride detailed, win and we advance - possibly at the top of Group C.

I never thought I'd say "if only France or England had a Landon Donovan". But if find myself saying it now. Not a single player on both of those teams have one player that is willing to take a game by the balls. Not one. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with Donovan today.


Whats up with England? I keep hearing about Rooney like he is the second coming, but so far he just looks like a short, medicore and over hyped media creation.

[tribe_pride]

Whats up with England? I keep hearing about Rooney like he is the second coming, but so far he just looks like a short, medicore and over hyped media creation.

He certainly isn't having much of a World Cup but he is the reigning player of the year in Premier League so he is not a media hype guy.

[TexasTerror]

I know we do not want to look ahead, but our group is paired with Group D in the playoffs. If Australia holds on to win (they currently lead 1-0 in the 14'), there would be FOUR teams tied at 1-0-1 and 3 pts! Would make for a very interesting June 23rd...which happens to be the day of the next duo of games in our group too...

[OxSoxUNH05]

WIN AND WE ARE IN.

This! That simple. Glad I have the 23rd off, will be an interesting day. :D

[tribe_pride]

I know we do not want to look ahead, but our group is paired with Group D in the playoffs. If Australia holds on to win (they currently lead 1-0 in the 14'), there would be FOUR teams tied at 1-0-1 and 3 pts! Would make for a very interesting June 23rd...which happens to be the day of the next duo of games in our group too...

Even more interesting now that Ghana tied it up and Aussies are down a man and if things stay as they are or Ghana wins, Germany will have to beat Ghana to advance out of the group assuming Serbia at least can tie the Aussies. And Germany will be without Ballack and Klose.

Right now, #9 France (with help), #8 England, and #6 Germany will have plenty of work to do (need to win) in their game 3 to even qualify. And that doesn't even count #5 Italy who tied the easy New Zealand and #2 Spain who lost in their first game who need to play better in their 2nd games.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

Right now the World Cup reminds me of the Olympics! Ice Skating and the French judge immediately comes to mind! As well as the giving the Russians multiple chances until they finally score a basket to beat the US for the first time.

There are no signals by the referee to signify the infraction? Did he call a foul and if so what was it? Did he call offside? And he doesn't have to talk to the press until next week? What a crock of manure! And this is supposed to be the biggest sporting event on the planet? I don't begin to understand all the rules of soccer, but in the replays I've seen and the reports I've read, it sure looked like the US should have had a penalty kick for all the holding committed by Slovenia! But that's just another reason why I dislike soccer -- one such penalty has way too much impact on the game. Is that why they don't call it?

No thanks, I'll keep watching MLB Baseball, the College World Series, whatever golf is televised, California HS Football State Championship re-runs, recordings of last season's UNH games, etc. And I'll take American Football where the referee has to give a hand signal to designate the infraction then look at a TV camera and announce to the crowd and viewing audience what infraction was called. xeekx

[tribe_pride]

Right now the World Cup reminds me of the Olympics! Ice Skating and the French judge immediately comes to mind! As well as the giving the Russians multiple chances until they finally score a basket to beat the US for the first time.

There are no signals by the referee to signify the infraction? Did he call a foul and if so what was it? Did he call offside? And he doesn't have to talk to the press until next week? What a crock of manure! And this is supposed to be the biggest sporting event on the planet? I don't begin to understand all the rules of soccer, but in the replays I've seen and the reports I've read, it sure looked like the US should have had a penalty kick for all the holding committed by Slovenia! But that's just another reason why I dislike soccer -- one such penalty has way too much impact on the game. Is that why they don't call it?

No thanks, I'll keep watching MLB Baseball, the College World Series, whatever golf is televised, California HS Football State Championship re-runs, recordings of last season's UNH games, etc. And I'll take American Football where the referee has to give a hand signal to designate the infraction then look at a TV camera and announce to the crowd and viewing audience what infraction was called. xeekx


Agreed that it is BS that the officials don't need to say what the call is. Generally, in the box on set plays, there is holding, pushing etc. by both teams and a foul could be called on every play (like holding on the line in football). Usually it gets called on the offense if it is called. This time, the official blew it (and just officiated a horrible game both ways). Not official yet but he will not be allowed to officiate another game

In reality, no PK should have been called for the US on that play because they scored. Soccer has an advantage rule where if your team has been fouled but you are controlling the ball or have some sort of advantage with the ball, they ignore the foul because you have possession already and stopping allows the defense to set up (though they would probably call the PK if there is not an instantaeous goal like happened here). If someone on the other team should have gotten a yellow or red card, they will still give the card but will wait until the next stoppage in play.

[TexasTerror]

Our friend may be gone...


Malian referee Koman Coulibaly, criticized for disallowing a potentially U.S.-winning goal off a free kick in Friday's U.S.-Slovenia World Cup clash, may be dropped by FIFA for the rest of the World Cup, according to a Yahoo! Sports report.

Citing a FIFA source, the report says Coulibaly is poised to face an expedited performance review from the refereeing committee of world football's governing body. Officials plan to review footage on Saturday from the Group C, 2-2 draw to evaluate Coulibaly's performance after several U.S. players blasted his handling of the match, Yahoo said.

Second-half sub Maurice Edu appeared to put the U.S. ahead in the 86th minute, poking in a close-range shot after Landon Donovan's free kick to him. But the goal was waved off by Couilibaly, though it was not clear on whom the foul was called or what the foul was.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/5304289/ce/us/fifa-ax-us-slovenia-ref-wc?cc=5901&ver=us

[PaladinFan]

Our friend may be gone...



http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/5304289/ce/us/fifa-ax-us-slovenia-ref-wc?cc=5901&ver=us

Still. Don't need that third goal if the team plays up to par in the first half. I dislike poor calls as much as the next guy, but I think the griping is a little less convincing after you put yourself in the bad position to begin with.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Whats up with England? I keep hearing about Rooney like he is the second coming, but so far he just looks like a short, medicore and over hyped media creation.


He certainly isn't having much of a World Cup but he is the reigning player of the year in Premier League so he is not a media hype guy.

After watching Rooney in two games, I got the distinct impression that he believed just a wee bit too much in his press clippings that he was God's gift to English soccer. He frankly wasn't that dangerous yesterday and repeatedly chose to bang it from outside rather than try to score in other ways.

He also has no chemistry with Heskey and Crouch. None are real playmakers - they're all scorers. You know that Altidore header to Bradley to tie the game 2-2 for the US? Good luck finding any teamwork like that from the British.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Right now, #9 France (with help), #8 England, and #6 Germany will have plenty of work to do (need to win) in their game 3 to even qualify. And that doesn't even count #5 Italy who tied the easy New Zealand and #2 Spain who lost in their first game who need to play better in their 2nd games.

France basically has zero shot. All Uruguay and Mexico need to do is tie and they're both through. If Uruguay wins, they're finished because Mexico beat them head-to-head. France's hope is that Mexico pounds Uruguay and they pound Bafana Bafana to make up for goal differential. Considering they haven't scored a single goal yet, I don't like their chances.

England/Slovenia is ripe for an upset, though. Slovenia is a very patient team. As for Italy and Spain, it's too early to say, but Spain is the one I'm the least worried about. They will throttle Honduras.

[LacesOut]

The US better play their next game like their hair is on fire!! No more conceding the first goal, please!! Christ almighty, just come out of the locker room and pretend you're already losing.

[PaladinFan]

The US better play their next game like their hair is on fire!! No more conceding the first goal, please!! Christ almighty, just come out of the locker room and pretend you're already losing.

The US, I think, does not play as well until they are in "attack" mode. Even last year against Brazil, they scored two goals and tried to defend the entire second half and lost. The Americans are dangerous when they push the ball up field and try to create as many chances as possible.

I think if the US can keep the pace of the game high and finally mark some men on defense, we can come away with three points.

[ngineer]

Seems to me the US repeatedly plays 'down' to its competition, or plays 'up' when underdogs. I also agree about the 'non foul foul'. I don't understand alot about soccer rules--especially on the foul calls. However, as in othe sports, if you play lousy enough to let the game be decided by a bad call, then it's still your fault for allowing yourself to be in the position.

[tribe_pride]

France basically has zero shot. All Uruguay and Mexico need to do is tie and they're both through. If Uruguay wins, they're finished because Mexico beat them head-to-head. France's hope is that Mexico pounds Uruguay and they pound Bafana Bafana to make up for goal differential. Considering they haven't scored a single goal yet, I don't like their chances.

England/Slovenia is ripe for an upset, though. Slovenia is a very patient team. As for Italy and Spain, it's too early to say, but Spain is the one I'm the least worried about. They will throttle Honduras.

Agree with a lot of what you say but from what you said on this and another thread, I don't know if you have tie breakers right.

First obviously is most points (3 for win, 1 for tie and 0 for loss)
Next is Goal Differential in all games
Next is Goals scored in all games
Next is Goal differential in games between tied teams
Next is Goals scored in games between tied teams
Next is drawing of lots

So while has the head to head, it is the 4th place they look so the Mexico win over France is not as devastating as you make it seem for tiebreaker purposes. That said, I see Uruguay and Mexico having a tie game at 0-0 where the teams don't try that hard on offenceand both advance to the next round so I think you are right there.

[TheValleyRaider]

After watching Rooney in two games, I got the distinct impression that he believed just a wee bit too much in his press clippings that he was God's gift to English soccer. He frankly wasn't that dangerous yesterday and repeatedly chose to bang it from outside rather than try to score in other ways.

I actually think it's the other way, and his press clippings have drawn even more attention to him than usual. Yes he's dangerous, but he's getting shadowed and knocked around. Heskey and Crouch are not particularly impressive by themselves

After a great qualifying run, England are falling into the same traps as always. The unrelenting pressure (I saw some of it in the run-up to 2006...just unbelieveable and I left a month before the tournament began) gets to them, and in game they all take it upon themselves to try and win. They don't work well together and never have. Not really sure how to rectify that, but then again if I did, I'd be wearing Fabio's suit in South Africa (and probably have an otherwise-way-out-of-my-league wife and/or girlfriend xcoolx)


The US, I think, does not play as well until they are in "attack" mode. Even last year against Brazil, they scored two goals and tried to defend the entire second half and lost. The Americans are dangerous when they push the ball up field and try to create as many chances as possible.

Depending on the opponent, that's quite dangerous. Remember to the Spain match. The Americans did not relentlessly attack there (Spain outshot us heavily and dominated possession), but instead struck on the counterattack while otherwise minimizing the quality of Spanish shots. Same with the Brazilians. Both goals came on great counterattacks. Now, we were a bit too negative in the 2nd Half, but some of that was Brazil being Brazil. When they're on their game, we cannot hang with them, and Brazil was most certainly clicking in that 2nd half


I don't understand alot about soccer rules--especially on the foul calls.

Allow a former rec-league fullback to explain some basic rules of thumb xrulesx

On a challenge (attempted tackle), if the defender gets the ball, it's clean, no foul
If the defender gets the offensive player, it's a dive :D

Most calls you see will follow these basic lines. The ones that don't, well, it's either human error or something else involved that just watching more soccer will make clearer

[TheValleyRaider]

First obviously is most points (3 for win, 1 for tie and 0 for loss)
Next is Goal Differential in all games
Next is Goals scored in all games
Next is Points gained in games between tied teams
Next is Goal differential in games between tied teams
Next is Goals scored in games between tied teams
Next is drawing of lots

Missed a step there. Head-to-head results play a role too xthumbsupx

[Lehigh Football Nation]

First obviously is most points (3 for win, 1 for tie and 0 for loss)
Next is head-to-head
Next is Goal Differential in all games
Next is Goals scored in all games
Next is Goal differential in games between tied teams
Next is Goals scored in games between tied teams
Next is drawing of lots



Missed a step there. Head-to-head results play a role too xthumbsupx

That's what's so devastating to France. The best they can do is tie Uruguay or Mexico. If France wins and Mexico loses, Mexico wins because they won head-to-head. Making matters worse is France is -2 on goal differential (with, remember, zero goals scored) and Uruguay is what, +3? It would take a miracle.

[TheValleyRaider]

That's what's so devastating to France. The best they can do is tie Uruguay or Mexico. If France wins and Mexico loses, Mexico wins because they won head-to-head. Making matters worse is France is -2 on goal differential (with, remember, zero goals scored) and Uruguay is what, +3? It would take a miracle.

No, head to head is below overall goal differential

France has a shot if they blow out South Africa (plausible, but unlikely given the current state of the team) and one team wins big in the other game

Say it's France 3-0, Uruguay 3-1
That gives you:
Uruguay - 7 pts., +5
France - 4 pts., +1
Mexico - 4 pts., Even
South Africa, - 1 pts., 6

That puts France into the 2nd Round behind Uruguay for a probable date with Argentina. The fact that Uruguay is currently +3 to Mexico's +2 makes France likely to pull for the South Americans. That of course assumes the French even want to make the 2nd Round, which I'm not really 100% sure about anyway....

[PaladinFan]

I actually think it's the other way, and his press clippings have drawn even more attention to him than usual. Yes he's dangerous, but he's getting shadowed and knocked around. Heskey and Crouch are not particularly impressive by themselves

After a great qualifying run, England are falling into the same traps as always. The unrelenting pressure (I saw some of it in the run-up to 2006...just unbelieveable and I left a month before the tournament began) gets to them, and in game they all take it upon themselves to try and win. They don't work well together and never have. Not really sure how to rectify that, but then again if I did, I'd be wearing Fabio's suit in South Africa (and probably have an otherwise-way-out-of-my-league wife and/or girlfriend xcoolx)



Depending on the opponent, that's quite dangerous. Remember to the Spain match. The Americans did not relentlessly attack there (Spain outshot us heavily and dominated possession), but instead struck on the counterattack while otherwise minimizing the quality of Spanish shots. Same with the Brazilians. Both goals came on great counterattacks. Now, we were a bit too negative in the 2nd Half, but some of that was Brazil being Brazil. When they're on their game, we cannot hang with them, and Brazil was most certainly clicking in that 2nd half



Allow a former rec-league fullback to explain some basic rules of thumb xrulesx

On a challenge (attempted tackle), if the defender gets the ball, it's clean, no foul
If the defender gets the offensive player, it's a dive :D

Most calls you see will follow these basic lines. The ones that don't, well, it's either human error or something else involved that just watching more soccer will make clearer

True point. However, I dislike the strategy for the same reason I dislike the prevent defense. You give an opponent time, space, and an opportunity and you're giving them an opportunity to beat you.

[tribe_pride]

That's what's so devastating to France. The best they can do is tie Uruguay or Mexico. If France wins and Mexico loses, Mexico wins because they won head-to-head. Making matters worse is France is -2 on goal differential (with, remember, zero goals scored) and Uruguay is what, +3? It would take a miracle.

LFN - you are wrong with the Head to Head placement of the tiebreaker. See Valley Rider's explanation above.

As he pointed out though, I did miss Next is Points gained in games between tied teams (which essentially is head to head but its after goals scored in all matches)

[TexasTerror]

Okay...if it comes to it...how the heck are lots drawn? I keep seeing this and that about lots being drawn in the case of a tiebreaker.

How does this occur and what does it mean?

[PaladinFan]

Okay...if it comes to it...how the heck are lots drawn? I keep seeing this and that about lots being drawn in the case of a tiebreaker.

How does this occur and what does it mean?

You'd need a PhD in astrophysics to understand it completely. If all the complex formulas fail, a name gets drawn out of a hat, if you can believe it. Top competition in the world and they draw straws to see who moves on.

Short story for the US is they need to win. Should make for a compelling game. One goal might decide whether the Americans finish first in the group, or fourth.

[bkrownd]

If all the complex formulas fail, a name gets drawn out of a hat, if you can believe it. Top competition in the world and they draw straws to see who moves on.

It's very odd that they didn't pick some aspect of the head-to-head game to decide it. Time of possession, shots on goal, fewest cards...something!

[tribe_pride]

They should play a game of roshambo for it.

[TexasTerror]

It's very odd that they didn't pick some aspect of the head-to-head game to decide it. Time of possession, shots on goal, fewest cards...something!

Finally found an article that explains this one...pretty much, it is similar to the World Cup draw. Wonder when it takes place?

Maybe it will have a concert, a message from Nelson Mandela and some good looking South African model or celebrity plucking a ball out of a bowl!

[TexasTerror]

JUST ANNOUNCED...

Onweyu will NOT start. Jonathan Bornstein will start. Bocanegra will move to central defense. Maurice Edu will replace Torres. Gomez to replace Findlay.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

JUST ANNOUNCED...

Onweyu will NOT start. Jonathan Bornstein will start. Bocanegra will move to central defense. Maurice Edu will replace Torres. Gomez to replace Findlay.

Onyewu did not appear to be well vs. Slovenia, and he was the reason for conceding the first goal in that game. As much as I think Bornstein isn't that good, I think it's the right call.

Equally as interesting is the addition of Edu and Gomez in the starting lineup. Edu is getting a start from playing well in the second half vs. Slovenia, and Gomez offers fresh legs and maybe some goalscoring magic. Hopefully.

[biggie]

This is ugly early. Got lucky to not give up a goal there.

Steaming on espn is sucking.

[TexasTerror]

I've never had issues with the streaming on ESPN throughout the World Cup...

Watching the first half at home, driving to work at the break and then watching the second half at work... ;)

[biggie]

Believe its so many people steaming this that its hurt the quality. Its grainy and skipping.

[TexasTerror]

Another disallowed goal...no joke!

[biggie]

Its like they are cursed.

[biggie]

And England up 1-0.

[biggie]

Wow, replay he was not offside at all. Another disallowed that should not have been.

[biggie]

And now they can't get any more missed chances, one after another.

[NHwildEcat]

They need to finish one of these chances...cannot let this game slip away from them...

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

Should be up at least 2-0. As long as England is winning Algeria is effectively eliminated so the best they can do is play spoiler for us. It's going to be tought to break through.

[biggie]

Seriously, its a big net, hit it.

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

Another missed chance!!!

ARRRGH!!! xnonono2xxnonono2xxnonono2x

[TexasTerror]

Come on guys - finish it!

We've had way too many chances and too many blown opportunities. At this point, I am pulling for Slovenia to tie it up!

[biggie]

Yellow card when you don't touch the guy, he takes 3 more steps, then falls down holding his leg. I love soccer refs.

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

Double ARRGH!!!

[biggie]

It's clear, they are doomed.

[Franks Tanks]

What a pathetic Cup if the US cant pull this out. We cant get out of a group with Slovenia and Algeria--seriously.

When was the last time the US won a world cup match--2002?

[Franks Tanks]

Also a dont understand why both teams arent attacking like crazy. A tie is completely useless for both sides... go for the freakin win.

[NHwildEcat]

What a pathetic Cup if the US cant pull this out. We cant get out of a group with Slovenia and Algeria--seriously.

When was the last time the US won a world cup match--2002?

Yup...June 17, 2002. 2-0 win over Mexico.

[biggie]

Making new slogans.

YES Blood, NO Foul.

[NHwildEcat]

...tick...tick

[biggie]

Wow... soccer refs.

[biggie]

GOAL.

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

YESSSSS!!!!!!

[NHwildEcat]

DONOVAN!!!!!!!!!!

[Franks Tanks]

What a turn of events. Going from elimination to group winners in a matter of seconds. Donovan is the man!

[WestCoastAggie]

Finally!!!

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

xprost2xxprost2xxprost2xxhypedxxhypedxxhypedx

[TexasTerror]

Through today's games...

WORLD CUP - GROUP C
United States, England, Algeria, Slovenia

STANDINGS
USA 1-0-2, 5 pts, +1 GD, 4 goals scored
ENG 1-0-2, 5 pts, +1 GD, 2 goal scored
SVN 1-1-1, 4 pts, 0 GD, 3 goals scored
ALG 0-2-1, 1 pts, -2 GD, 0 goals scored


SCHEDULE

June 12, 2010
United States 1-1 England FINAL

June 13, 2010
Slovenia 1-0 Algeria FINAL

June 18, 2010
Slovenia 2-2 United States FINAL
England 0-0 Algeria FINAL

June 23, 2010
England 1-0 Slovenia FINAL
United States 1-0 Algeria FINAL

SECOND ROUND CONTESTS FOR GROUP C

June 26, 2010
United States vs. 2D, 2:30 p.m. EST - ABC (Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg)

June 27, 2010
1D vs England, 10 a.m. EST - ESPN, ESPN3.com (Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein)

[Lehigh Football Nation]

It would be an absolute tragedy if team USA did not at least make it to the knockout rounds. They work harder and attack better than many of the other teams in the tournament. They are a positive joy to watch, and Donovan is finally fulfilling the vast potential folks have been saying about him for years. No question he was the man of the match... He took the game by the balls, and made the game his own. Just a transcendental goal.

My words from after the Slovenia game... updated. Not really much more needs to be said. Donovan is the man.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Actually, there is one more thing. The US Soccer team tied or trailed their opposition for something like 276 out of 280 minutes of play, and for 91 minutes today were effectively eliminated from the World Cup. One Donovan goal later, we're on top of the group. Unbelievable. And that's not even counting the travesty of the two disallowed goals and the mysterious lack of red cards for Slovenia (tackling Altidore on a breakaway) or Algeria (punching Dempsey in the face, causing blood to stream out).

[CrackerRiley]

xhurrayxxhurrayxxsmileyclapxxsmileyclapxxbeerchugx
I'm still coming down from the high of that goal. Amazing game.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

So are we the biggest Germany fans in the world right now? If they're first place they get England, and we'd get Serbia, Ghana or Australia. Australia would suit me the best of that bunch.

[CrackerRiley]

So are we the biggest Germany fans in the world right now? If they're first place they get England, and we'd get Serbia, Ghana or Australia. Australia would suit me the best of that bunch.
Here are the possibilities....

- If both games end in draws, Ghana finish top and Germany second.

- If Germany beat Ghana and Serbia beat Australia, Germany finish top and Serbia second.*

- If Germany beat Ghana and Australia beat Serbia, Germany finish top and Ghana or Australia second.**

- If Ghana beat Germany and Serbia beat Australia, Ghana finish top and Serbia second.

- If Ghana beat Germany and Australia beat Serbia, Ghana finish top and Australia second.

- If Germany and Ghana draw and Serbia beat Australia, Serbia finish top and Ghana second.

- If Germany and Ghana draw and Australia beat Serbia, Ghana finish top and Germany or Australia second.**

- If Ghana beat Germany and Australia and Serbia draw, Ghana finish top and Serbia second.

- If Germany beat Ghana and Australia and Serbia draw, Germany finish top and Ghana or Serbia second.**

* First place will be determined by overall goal difference.
**Second place will be determined by overall goal difference.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/standings/group=249726/stateofplay.html

[CrackerRiley]

I very much prefer this one...

- If Ghana beat Germany and Australia beat Serbia, Ghana finish top and Australia second

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Here are the possibilities....

- If both games end in draws, Ghana finish top and Germany second.

- If Germany beat Ghana and Serbia beat Australia, Germany finish top and Serbia second.*

- If Germany beat Ghana and Australia beat Serbia, Germany finish top and Ghana or Australia second.**

- If Ghana beat Germany and Serbia beat Australia, Ghana finish top and Serbia second.

- If Ghana beat Germany and Australia beat Serbia, Ghana finish top and Australia second.

- If Germany and Ghana draw and Serbia beat Australia, Serbia finish top and Ghana second.

- If Germany and Ghana draw and Australia beat Serbia, Ghana finish top and Germany or Australia second.**

- If Ghana beat Germany and Australia and Serbia draw, Ghana finish top and Serbia second.

- If Germany beat Ghana and Australia and Serbia draw, Germany finish top and Ghana or Serbia second.**

* First place will be determined by overall goal difference.
**Second place will be determined by overall goal difference.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/standings/group=249726/stateofplay.html

Netted out, if Germany wins they finish in first and would play England. (Talk about a compelling first-round match.) So it looks like we're rooting for a Germany win, and seeing where all the chips fall in terms of who we play.

[bkrownd]

Free kicks...suck
Corner kicks...suck
Long Balls...suck
Long crosses...suck
3 forwards charging the goal and pounding the ball low creating chaos....WIN
I absolutely hate those stupid set peices. Huge time wasters. Just pass it around and smack that ***** in the net.

[biggie]

Both games 0-0 at half.

[biggie]

Germany scores 1-0.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Germany scores 1-0.

If this stands, Germany finishes at the top and would play England, while Ghana would be second and play the US. xhurrayx

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Looking even more likely now as Australia helps with a goal over Serbia! 1-0 Soceroos.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

2-0 Australia.... May start to get interesting... Serbia, though, is toast.

[biggie]

Serbia gets one.

Looking like Germany 1 and Ghana 2.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

And it's over. The USA will be playing Ghana in the round of 16 this Saturday.

And the winner of that game will be taking on the Uruguay/South Korea winner next Wednesday, I believe.

After all the drama, struggle and ups and downs, the USA is in the right bracket in the right spot. But most of all, the USA deserves this.

[TexasTerror]

Classless...


Algeria player Rafik Saifi slapped a female journalist across the face as the aftermath of the USA’s dramatic World Cup victory turned ugly at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night.

While walking through the interview zone, Saifi spotted writer Asma Halimi, who works for Algerian newspaper Competition, and struck her with his open hand in front of dozens of witnesses. Halimi responded by striking the player in the mouth.

Saifi then threw a sports drink bottle at a wall in the interview area, as Halimi was ushered away by security staff.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/23062010/58/world-cup-2010-algerian-slaps-female-reporter.html

[CrackerRiley]

Free kicks...suck
Corner kicks...suck
Long Balls...suck
Long crosses...suck
3 forwards charging the goal and pounding the ball low creating chaos....WIN
I absolutely hate those stupid set peices. Huge time wasters. Just pass it around and smack that ***** in the net.
Set pieces are the only part of the game I DO like. It's the only time I feel someone is actually going to score.

[bkrownd]

No way. It kills the offensive momentum and sets up the defense. Goals happen when the ball is moving and players are caught out of position. Set pieces are a tedious delay followed by an elbow-fest that ends with the ball sailing 15 feet over the crossbar..

[tribe_pride]

No way. It kills the offensive momentum and sets up the defense. Goals happen when the ball is moving and players are caught out of position. Set pieces are a tedious delay followed by an elbow-fest that ends with the ball sailing 15 feet over the crossbar..

With the new ball, you are right but that is not usually the case. There have been insanely few set piece goals this World Cup. Normally, a lot more.