Posted on 06/09/2014 2:20:08 AM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
The U.S. headed to Brazil with boosted faith Sunday after going undefeated in its sendoff series for the first time.
Playing only its third match in nine months against a World Cup team, the U.S. defense appeared firmer in a 2-1 win over Nigeria after the decision to start both Jermaine Jones and Kyle Beckerman in midfield. And Jozy Altidore broke a six-month scoreless streak for club and country with a pair of goals, including a flashy effort when he cut inside Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo and slotted in a right-footed shot from 12 yards.
“This game gives us confidence, but the whole send-off series should give us confidence,” defender Matt Besler said Saturday night.
(Excerpt) Read more at journalgazette.net ...
Tomorrow:
June 10 in East Rutherford, N.J.
Portugal-Ireland
Thursday:
2014 FIFA World Cup Opening Match Preview: Brazil vs Croatia
"It seems they are expected not only to win all their games but also play entertaining football too and that is our chance. The longer we hold our own the more anxious they will get and we want to make it as difficult as possible for them.
"We certainly won't park the bus in our penalty box, we want to have a real go at them and are confident that we can get a result. They've won 15 of their last 16 games but I know what tactics to deploy."
GHANA!
Croatian media first reported there had been an anonymous tip-off about possible explosives on site.
But it was later claimed to be a routine check by security forces and that nothing had been found.
But the Real Madrid ace returned to training on Saturday with Paulo Bento's side, who have failed to sparkle in their captain's absence.
Portuguese officials were tight-lipped Sunday about Ronaldo's availability for the Ireland encounter, but forward Vieirinha told reporters: "If he is fit to train, he is fit to play the match."
Ribery was ruled out of the finals with a back injury but Les Bleus were eager to move on with Benzema netting twice and setting up three more goals while Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi (2), Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann (2) also scored.
“Nice atmosphere, it’s good for the confidence but it does not give us any guarantee for the first game against Honduras,” coach Didier Deschamps told TV channel TF1
The organisation said Cuban-American rapper Pitbull and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte will sing the official tune We Are One before Brazil takes on Croatia in Sao Paulo.
The song has let down many Brazilians who complain that it sounds too generic for the country's Bossa Nova fans and that it features foreign musicians singing mostly in English and Spanish. many Brazilians who complain that it sounds too generic for the country's Bossa Nova fans and that it features foreign musicians singing mostly in English and Spanish
.The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Song We Are One (One Big Lie - Ole Ola)
"If he doesn't score, he is assisting or creating or working hard for the team," said ex-England skipper Beckham.
"I think for opposing teams to see Wayne Rooney on a team sheet - that scares them."
There is something very American about a rah-rah speech to rally the troops. The German-born Klinsmann, though, turned that concept on its proverbial head with his reality based preview that raised just as many eyebrows as did his decision to cut Landon Donovan, the country’s most accomplished player, from the 23-man roster.
Maybe there is a method to Klinsmann’s madness, or perhaps he is just mad.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.