FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 - Page 9 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

valo403 · 06-25-2009, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrusaderPi

Still, it has to be the pinnacle of American soccer achievement (women's team notwithstanding). Off the top of my head I can't think of a better result for them in a bigger spot.

I'd say that there progress at WC 2002 was a much bigger deal. Beating Spain is a great accomplishment, but it was still the Confederations Cup. I place much more value on results in matches that matter.

JohnnyFlame · 06-25-2009, 08:30 AM

To the the USA winning is a very, very good thing. Anything that raises the profile of soccer in North America is a good thing. Anything that could have a positive rub off effect on Canadian soccer is a good thing. I'd like to see the USA win and keep right on winning.

FlamingLonghorn · 06-25-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valo403

I'd say that there progress at WC 2002 was a much bigger deal. Beating Spain is a great accomplishment, but it was still the Confederations Cup. I place much more value on results in matches that matter.

I know that it's a match that didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. But, I guarantee you that Spain didn't see it that way as if they had won they would have broken Brazil's winning streak record.

valo403 · 06-25-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sowa

I know that it's a match that didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. But, I guarantee you that Spain didn't see it that way as if they had won they would have broken Brazil's winning streak record.

I don't know that players really care about things like winning streak records. They want to win every game, so there's no doubt the Spanish players wanted that game, but I'm not convinced that the presence of a potential record matters that much in the whole scheme of things.

My reason for elevating WC matches is simply the stakes involved. In a WC match the pressure is at its highest, the consequences are elevated, everyone is watching, and it's just generally harder to win. This was a match that lacked any real pressure, and while a good performance I give more credit to the games where there is more demanded of a team overall.

It'll be interesting how this effects the US going forward. If they pull off a win in the final the expectations in the US will be that they'll win, or at least come close, at the WC. The general american sports fan doesn't have any idea about the differences between these tournaments or any different line-ups etc. The thought process will be 'we beat two top 5 teams, we should win it all'. It'll be interesting to see how the team handles having that kind of expectation placed upon them.

I actually think a loss to Brazil might be good for the US in the long run, it would allow them to remain in the underdog role and potentially have some of the powers overlook them.

troutman · 06-25-2009, 11:16 AM

"The Miracle On Grass"

Sounds like the title for Snoop Dog's next record.

GirlySports · 06-25-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlame

To the the USA winning is a very, very good thing. Anything that raises the profile of soccer in North America is a good thing. Anything that could have a positive rub off effect on Canadian soccer is a good thing. I'd like to see the USA win and keep right on winning.

Quote:

Originally Posted by valo403

I don't know that players really care about things like winning streak records. They want to win every game, so there's no doubt the Spanish players wanted that game, but I'm not convinced that the presence of a potential record matters that much in the whole scheme of things.

My reason for elevating WC matches is simply the stakes involved. In a WC match the pressure is at its highest, the consequences are elevated, everyone is watching, and it's just generally harder to win. This was a match that lacked any real pressure, and while a good performance I give more credit to the games where there is more demanded of a team overall.

It'll be interesting how this effects the US going forward. If they pull off a win in the final the expectations in the US will be that they'll win, or at least come close, at the WC. The general american sports fan doesn't have any idea about the differences between these tournaments or any different line-ups etc. The thought process will be 'we beat two top 5 teams, we should win it all'. It'll be interesting to see how the team handles having that kind of expectation placed upon them.

I actually think a loss to Brazil might be good for the US in the long run, it would allow them to remain in the underdog role and potentially have some of the powers overlook them.

I think it's sort of the opposite in soccer. The more teams that are afriad of you the better. Teams often play scared these days and put 10 men behind the ball. I hope the US can get the respect.

Watching Brazil all my life sometimes I see Brazil beat teams by just wearing yellow and staring at them during the national anthem. There have been some overrated Brazillian teams over the years but their opponent is so scared that Brazil gets all of the ball and eventually gets a goal.

We'll see how South Africa play today. If they played scared and defend, they'll get slaughtered. They need to somehow control the midfield and keep the ball and attack.

valo403 · 06-25-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GirlySports

I think it's sort of the opposite in soccer. The more teams that are afriad of you the better. Teams often play scared these days and put 10 men behind the ball. I hope the US can get the respect.

Watching Brazil all my life sometimes I see Brazil beat teams by just wearing yellow and staring at them during the national anthem. There have been some overrated Brazillian teams over the years but their opponent is so scared that Brazil gets all of the ball and eventually gets a goal.

It takes years, if not decades, of dominance to have teams be so afraid of you that it has an impact on their approach to the game. The US would have to get to a point where no win comes as a surprise, and a loss is an upset, that's not happening for a long-long time.

And I don't think the fear of Brazil has to do with the color of the shirt, but the skill of the players wearing them. When you know a team has that much talent there's a tendency to focus on keeping them in front of you rather than playing your own game.

CrusaderPi · 06-28-2009, 12:44 PM

Anyone watching the final? (live on CBC NOW!) USA takes an early 1-0 lead.

GirlySports · 06-28-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrusaderPi

Anyone watching the final? (live on CBC NOW!) USA takes an early 1-0 lead.

YUP! US playing well.

atb · 06-28-2009, 01:01 PM

Wow 2-0 now, and on a really nice goal too

CrusaderPi · 06-28-2009, 01:01 PM

What the hell is this? Bizarro World? And why is the Rocky theme rattling around in my head?

2-0 US

GirlySports · 06-28-2009, 01:01 PM

That's an amazing counter-attack.

Goal of the tournament! 2-0 US

CrusaderPi · 06-28-2009, 01:04 PM

Does the Brazilian defense look afraid to anyone else?

The Goon · 06-28-2009, 01:13 PM

Great to see the USA kicking Brazil's ass - go for more!

Table 5 · 06-28-2009, 01:34 PM

Damn, this has to be too good to be true? Doesn't it? It looks way too easy.

GirlySports · 06-28-2009, 01:36 PM

Wow what a rocket. 2-1 now 40 seconds into the 2nd half.

Table 5 · 06-28-2009, 01:36 PM

Uh oh, here we go. 2-1 now.

flames_fan_down_under · 06-28-2009, 01:45 PM

The goalie (netkeeper?) for the USA seems to be keeping them in this game. Although I know absolutely nothing about soccer.

atb · 06-28-2009, 01:51 PM

Yikes, that was in

CrusaderPi · 06-28-2009, 01:52 PM

Goal? What goal? As you can tell with my smug finger wag, that ball was not in the net.