FIFA 2009

[Baby Lee]

US short sided, and up 1-0 on freakin' Italy.

Are you kidding me?

[Ultra Peanut]

By the way, word is that Fulham are looking at Jozy. Altidore + Deuce up top for Fulhamerica, woop woop.

Also, how happy do you think Gooch and his agent are that he hasn't signed that Fenerbahce contract yet?

If some middle-rung EPL team doesn't snatch up DeMerit, I'll be stunned. Honestly, after what he did for Watford in the EPL I can't believe he didn't get snapped up then.

And Davies, holy shit, his value has to be skyrocketing.

http://yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=4841

The forward tandem of Davies and Jozy Altidore proved particularly dangerous for the European champions, who had troubles keeping up with their speed and aggressive mode of attack.

"They were talking Spanish about me the whole time," Davies continues. "Puyol and Pique about how fast I was, [to] be careful and play quickly, because I could steal the ball from them at times."

"It's good to hear that. When world class players are telling you they're afraid of you."

The pairing of Davies and Altidore in the attack has proven to be a revelation for Bob Bradley, with the duo providing an attacking bite against both Egypt and Spain which was seemingly lacking through their first two defeats in the group stage.

"I think me and Jozy really make a great partnership," the New Hampshire native explains. "It really helps that we're really great fiends off the field and then on to the field we bring that chemistry on to the field and really want to work for each other."

"I think we compliment each other very well."

Davies was quick to point out that the younger Altidore was a vital factor in the team's historic victory, not only for his on-field acumen but also for his leadership in preparing Davies to face many of the players which the Villarreal man has himself seen or faced in his own time in Spain.

"I thought Jozy was great," Davies effuses. "He really instilled a lot of confidence in me early, saying how dangerous of a player I am, to keep my head up and to know that I am a very good player."

"[Jozy] told me before the game they aren't that quick and we were just going to run at them."

"He knew all the players he played against, had a lot of confidence and knew he could get the job done."

While not finding his way onto the scoresheet for the Stars and Stripes against Spain, Davies speed and aggressive play was troublesome particularly in the early-going for the sunken Spanish armada, firing just wide on a spectacular bicycle attempt with only a few minutes gone, and generally pestering a slow Spanish defense that is not used to playing from their heel.

The 23-year old Hammarby player is indeed encouraged by his own ability to compete with the world's top teams, and looks forward to living up to his own potential in the coming years.

"For me it's definitely a confidence booster to go out and play with the best and really hold your own and know you can make an impact at any time."

[WoodDraw]

Jozy has to find a team that will get him off the bench. He's only 19 (!), but has to get regular minutes to improve.

[Ultra Peanut]

Originally Posted by WoodDraw

Jozy has to find a team that will get him off the bench. He's only 19 (!), but has to get regular minutes to improve.

The whole Xerez loan deal was a fiasco.

I'd love to see him break into the rotation for the Yellow Submarine, but he'd be a much better fit in England, I think.

[Silock]

That's the thing about these world-televised games... exposure. I fully expect US players' values to all go up. The same thing happened to the Russian players in Euro 2008.

[Ultra Peanut]

Originally Posted by Silock

That's the thing about these world-televised games... exposure. I fully expect US players' values to all go up. The same thing happened to the Russian players in Euro 2008.

Pavlyuchenko status: Still cuter than a newborn kitten.

[Silock]

Maybe I should order a jersey of the winning team before the next game. I ordered a Spanish Torres jersey before the US game.

I could be on to something, albeit a very expensive one.

[Ultra Peanut]

DOOOO ITTTTTT

By the way, I know there's a sliiiightly more important game coming up on Sunday, but I can't wait to see Davies run roughshod in the Gold Cup.

[Silock]

www.ioffer.com

Cheap jerseys, btw. I got my Arshavin jersey for $15 + $15 shipping. And it's authentic. It came from Thailand, so I think they just snatched it off of the assembly line that they use to funnel the same ones to stores to sell for $120.

So, I got my Torres jersey for $30, including shipping. <3 ioffer

[WoodDraw]

Originally Posted by Ultra Peanut

The whole Xerez loan deal was a fiasco.

I'd love to see him break into the rotation for the Yellow Submarine, but he'd be a much better fit in England, I think.

Do you know what Villareal plans for Jozy right now? I need catch up on my offseason talk.

England would be great (and I'd love Fulham, my adopted YA team), but didn't they turn down a loan to some Premiership team before loaning him to Xerez?


After yesterday's win, a lot of rumors are flying about Donovan to Spain. I think La Liga would be the best fit for him if he goes to Europe.

[Ultra Peanut]

There's some kind of hilarious Stockholm Syndrome in sports, isn't there? A guy kicks your ass and you either hate him or bizarrely love him.

Like DeMarre Carroll.

[Mr. Krab]

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

a small measure of self respect, and a chance to get whipped by Spain....

oops

[Old Dog]

OK, for those of you who follow soccer (I watch it once in a while but admittedly don't follow it closely) would you rather the US play #5 Brazil or #72 South Africa in the finals. It would seem to be a bigger win if they could take out Brazil, but with it being in South Africa they would have more support in front of their home crowd. Or does it really matter since the US is seemingly (to me anyway) playing with house money?

[Ultra Peanut]

Either one has its positives and drawbacks.

The chance to beat Brazil and hoist a trophy, though... man.

[Old Dog]

South Africa 0
Brazil 0

halftime

[WoodDraw]

Originally Posted by truebigdog

OK, for those of you who follow soccer (I watch it once in a while but admittedly don't follow it closely) would you rather the US play #5 Brazil or #72 South Africa in the finals. It would seem to be a bigger win if they could take out Brazil, but with it being in South Africa they would have more support in front of their home crowd. Or does it really matter since the US is seemingly (to me anyway) playing with house money?

Doesn't matter to me. Both provide the US with challenges they need to prepare for World Cup (and WCQ play for that matter).

Brazil: Better team, just killed us so we'll see how Bradley adjusts and prepares the team. You love getting the chance to play great teams ahead of WC play

South Africa: Play in the finals away against a hostile crowd.


Brazil is looking a bit flat. I haven't been able to watch all of it, but if SA could crisp up their passes and MF play. They've had a couple great set play chance.