Posted on 06/17/2006 8:05:31 AM PDT by soccer_maniac
Man, I was taken to the wood shed by my fellow coaches around the country for not knowing the rule on the Gahna goal. Funny, but not, I'm one of the guys that teach the off side rule at the ODP training camps.
Warning, just when you think you know it all, look out. I already appoligized to romanesq for my mystake.
It's not that big a deal. It's an evolving rule for offsides. Couldn't tell you when it started. They don't blow the whistle automatically for it now if the offside player remains passive on the progress.
It wasn't consequential and I don't expect the potential goal will be.
Just want to see one more grand effort from our guys.
(Watching the game again right now. It's sweeter the second time.)
C'mon you know this ain't the thread for compartive sports class.
Besides, the more in shape 300 pound plus steroid lineman doesn't always win the battle in the trenches.
Then you have the Denver Bronco shrimp linemen.
Please no more here. It's not relevant to The Game.
On the reffing today. Ho hum. Some days you get it some days you don't. Just the way it goes. Personally, I never argued with the reffs. That's a can't win situation. I have told my players over the years to say two words, "Yes Sir".
You brought it up, Dude. I love them both, and wish I could play either.
You give the best advice to your players. The refs must be quite an uneven lot here but I'm sure their egos are plenty large and they will make you pay if you slight them.
Usually I would agree with the ho hum aspect of refing. But not today.
Not when you throw out two guys who didn't draw blood. Not to be extreme, but from a realistic perspective, this was not defensible.
But from a coaching perspective I agree. You have to move on and deal with it as best you can.
Today, what the US did with 9 men is just incredible. That they did it against Italy is nothing short of amazing.
Let me put it this way. If it was Italy or another European team down 10 men to 9, do you think you would see the amount of risks and attacking the US did today. Hell no!
That's why I think people should temper any criticism of the US. They had to battle with fatigue and the strain of effort late in the game being down two men.
Not many people can say they've experienced that. On any level.
I'm still coming down from the game. Takes about 8 hours.
When I coached, the most important hours were the four hours after the game. It is fresh in your mind, you write stuff down, sleep on it, then make an evaluation.
The best thing to do after a game, win, lose or draw is to go home. Hey, they have to pee.
I would like to coach at some point as well, but I'm actually considering going back and playing in the adult leagues for outdoor & indoor soccer. I still play basketball frequently at the YMCAs and with my friends in pick-up games!
Wise advise, not always easy to follow though, regardless of what sport you are playing.
I was just thinking about the team as I finished watching the game again.
No matter what, whether Ben gets minutes or not, you know that he has played a role in the team as they have to practice and push each other to be better when they scrimage.
I've never been so emotional about the US team. It's thrilling that we are not an afterthought on the big stage. I never want to see the 98 disaster again.
Admitedly, I never thought the US could handle the physical play with Germany in the 2002 quarterfinal. Arena put out the right players and it was amazing.
So tonight you know what's great. We played Italy being on the brink and we live for one more day. Who could ask for more, considering being down to 9.
These guys are now history and nothing short of legends!
I think '94 was my favorite tournament. I got to see Brazil play the Netherlands in the quarterfinals in Dallas. That could have been the USA game...
You must remember the semifinal game that Italy played against Bulgaria then I imagine -probably my favorite game of all time. I still have that one on tape somewhere...I must have watched it two or three dozen times. There was a fifteen or twenty minute spell there - between the two Baggio goals - where the Italians looked like gods playing around with children. I still see the first goal as if it was yesterday - Baggio dribbling at the edge of the box, beating two defenders out of their shoes and then sending that curling shot around the Bulgarian defender, using him as a screen...Then there was that shot off the post, that beautiful chip that Mihaylov just got a fingertip to...Baggio's second goal...the atmosphere in the stands...the image of Baggio overwhelmed and in tears at the end of the game...that twenty minutes made me a diehard soccer fan for life. I can only imagine what it must have been like in the stands.
That's a good comparison.
Looking forward to the Ghana match. The US got Pope and Mostroeni suspended due to red cards.
I think John O'Brien will start instead of Matroeni so it's not a huge loss - just a different, softer style.
As for Pope, he used to be the best defender the USA had. But that was a long time ago. Nowaday's Arena's continuing reliance on him is questionable at best. I expect Conrad will start so, again, it's not a loss here - perhaps it's even a gain.
How come you are for Mexico getting kicked out?
And Christians are a rather small minority in iran, too.
816 replies · 8,464+ views
Wow! Just wow!
WOOOOOOW, I love your attitude. It is Soooooo good to see people that understand true football.
Oh, I'm sure it won't be in the Sunday newspapers. But what the US has accomplished in this game is nothing but amazing. Your down, 10-9 with 20 minutes or more remaining and can still stop the mighty Italians. Every sports reporter in the world would say, no way.
To be alive after two games in this bracket is an accomplishment.
I say one more time, "against Italy, you got to be kidding". 1-1. Proud, Proud, Proud of the USA Team.
I am so proud of the US Soccer Team tonight, I just might have another brew.
John O'Brien for Mastroeni isn't bad at all. I think in most situations I'd take O'Brien's creativeness and imagination anyway, but I think Arena decided to go with a more defensive lineup today. I really REALLY hope Johnson gets the nod against Ghana. Looks like we might just have to bite the bullet and beat them American style - by a touchdown - and Johnson's just the man to do it. I'm also hoping Dempsey starts again; what a game he had.
Can't wait 'til Thursday!!
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