Posted on 06/03/2014 1:05:26 AM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
Iran may not be on the same level as traditional Asian powers like Japan, South Korea or Australia, but the side looks poised to make some waves in Brazil.
Iran will head to the World Cup for just the fourth time looking to put in some better performances as the nation has never gotten past the group stage of the competition in three previous attempts.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
That movie was highly dramatized while the central theme of the story itself, USA defeating England in Bello Horizonte by itself is heroic, I believe the directors of the film embellished it quite a bit. I read the book as well.
We also were defeating Spain until the 81st minute and then, gave up 3 goals in those last 9 minutes.
http://www.thesoccerworldcups.com/games/1950_spain_usa.php
Germany and Spain have both thoroughly whipped opponents in the World Cup group stages. Of course, we played Germany very close in 2002 and many USA fans will point to the NationalMannschaft player Frings blocking the ball in what would have probably been a goal on a freekick with his hand. But I do perceive a slight chance that Germany could give us a good whipping if we are not careful. But seeing how it is our last game of the group stage: http://us.soccerway.com/international/world/world-cup/2014-brazil/group-stage/group-g/g4841/ , I think a draw is more likely. USA winning is possible but now, in not taking Donovan, it kind of throws a lot of people’s predictions off.
For upset teams on the theme of the first post, our CONCACAF neighbor Honduras is in a group with Ecuador, France and Switzerland.
http://us.soccerway.com/international/world/world-cup/2014-brazil/group-stage/group-e/g4839/
There recent friendlies are not too good, lost to Israel 4-2 stateside. http://eloratings.net/Honduras.htm
Point being, Honduras probably has never advanced in the World Cup either but they played reasonably well in 2010, they played reasonably well in 1982.
I probably wouldn’t pick them to advance out of their group but I’m sure, they will put up a decent display. They will be no pushovers. France has shown it has problems with small teams like having to beat Togo rather late in 2006 to advance out of their group.
Last World Cup, Honduras lost to Chile 1-0, Spain 2-0, drew Switzerland 0-0.
‘82, Honduras drew Spain, drew Northern Ireland, lost 1-0 to Yugoslavia.
So with a bit of fortune, you never know. The Catrachos (Honduras’ nickname).
Actually Klinsman picked a record amount of MLS players, which was a surprise. However, we did not look good as you said, especially on defense. Left back is a gaping hole.
For the record, I believe people even say Spain received some friendly officiating at the 1982 World Cup which was held in Spain in the match against Honduras. Northern Ireland actually defeated Spain: http://www.thesoccerworldcups.com/games/1982_northern_ireland_spain.php So the “Catrachos” again I think have a chance, I’m just saying all this because often people will usually call teams like Honduras one of the “minnows” in regards to countries playing.
If Spain wins again, it’ll be a bit of a minor upset considering that Brazil has finally figured out how to get their national team to play well and Argentina has figured out how to incorporate Lionel Messi’s skills.
Yeah, but in 1950 WE HAD THE SASH!
Bosnia downs Mexico in Chicago tonight. 1-0
Good result for BiH
Greece Nigeria draw. 0-0
Tomorrow, Ecuador England, Italy Luxembourg, Netherlands Wales, Algeria Romania too.
LoL!
I hadn’t considered the impact of schedule... but if Germany is 2-0-0 after two matches, I can them being quite happy with a 3rd match draw, especially if they can rest (or at least minimize injury risk to) key personnel. If the US beats Ghana (a must-win, though by no means a sure thing), a draw against Germany might well be enough to advance, and a sure thing to advance if they have drawn or beaten Portugal.
Did I say we can get a draw with the Germans? Oh dear....
I do see last time in 2010, Germany actually lost their 2nd game to Serbia and they did have to win their 3rd game. (See the 2010 results: http://eloratings.net/Germany.htm )
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