Posted on 06/22/2014 2:21:13 PM PDT by 1rudeboy
Today’s contest with Portugal is only the second match of the World Cup for the United States, but it is likely to be the Americans’ defining moment of this tournament. If the Americans win, they will qualify for the knockout round. Lose, and both Portugal and Ghana move ahead of the United States in the race for second place in Group G.
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A draw would be a strong result, as it would give the United States four points in the group. Four is the maximum number of points that either Portugal or Ghana could achieve after a draw in the U.S.-Portugal match. This means the United States could only be eliminated on tiebreakers. Because the first tiebreaker is goal difference, and Portugal’s goal difference is probably unsalvageable following its 4-0 drubbing by Germany, this would give the United States a huge advantage over Portugal.
But before American fans start counting out goal-difference scenarios, the United States needs to get a result against Portugal. It will not be easy, but fate and questionable decision-making have opened a door for an upset. Portuguese star left back Fabio Coentrao injured his thigh in the Germany match and has been ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup. Center back Pepe determined that a head butt would be a reasonable response to Thomas Müller exaggerating contact midway through the first half. For that he will be banned for today’s match. The Portuguese back line will thus be lacking its two best players, and their likely replacements, Ricardo Costa and Andre Almeida, are not of same quality. The United States should have opportunities to attack this weakened defense.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
In my mind getting out of the first round will be a victory!
It’s been a World Cup of surprises...so anything is possible.
I saw it, too many people whining about how soccer is boring.
I remember when the US beat them in 2002; it is certainly possible. Living in an area inundated with Portuguese, I appreciated the five years of relative silence from them after that one...
Yea, well...............soccer is boring!
But it’s oh, so “International”, and trendy and the “in” thing for the “IN” crowd and not so all fired brutal as US football.
Game to get underway in 8 minutes on ESPN.
National Anthem in 2 minutes or so. Goosebumps here.
US national anthem
Portuguese national anthem
Referee makes coin toss. Awards opening shot to Portugal.
International, in the sense that your national team is playing at the moment. If you can’t bring yourself to cheer for the USA, then . . . .
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!
Portugal
Well that’s not a good start.
Wow, more Live threads than the average goal total in W/C matches .......
Yeah, it’s too hard to score in this game. I suppose that is un-American.
Half time - Portugal leads 1-0.
USA had a lot of scoring opportunities but failed to take advantage of them.
They need to turn things around in the second half. They weren’t bringing their “A” game to the stadium in Manaus tonight.
Good luck USA...Hope you’ll win.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!
USA!!!
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