Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, and then zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, which will make fans forget zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz a good tournament overall but for zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Fearless Forecast:
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Showing posts with label belgium. Show all posts
Showing posts with label belgium. Show all posts
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Monday, July 2, 2018
World Cup Today: Knockout round Day 3
Johnny's got limited time but luckily not limited enthusiasm for today's matches.
Brazil vs Mexico
No work is getting done in the tri-state (el-Tri state?) between 10-12 today as two very very popular teams around these parts clash. Johnny would imagine the Ironbound neighborhood in Newark was up all night before this one.
It's be easier to think Mexico was going to give Brazil a run today if they hadn't looked so BAD vs Sweden (3-0 loss) in the group stage. They'd been playing so well, it looked like a completely different team than had won the first two matches including against Germany, though that win looks tempered now with Germanys crash out. So, has Mexico righted the ship? Can they take on an unconvincing side that still has five stars over their team crest.? To win Mexico will have to do the unthinkable, challenge Brazil to a horse race. Marcelo, a player who always seems to have a hand in Brazil's goals and a steadying hand on the till at others, is on the bench to start. Neymar Jr. seems to have physical issues beyond what is being reported. If Brazil is going to win, Coutinho is going to have to be the big player for Brazil. He'll have to pick up the slack. A lot is being asked of him. Can Mexico's Chicarito have an impact? He does it in two ways, on the attack and being the conscience of the team on the pitch, pulling them forward and leading by example.
Johnny's thinking upset here, he truly is, he thinks Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa keeps it close and Mexico win late. Upset special!
Mexico 2
Brazil 1
Belgium vs Japan
A mismatch on paper but Belgium should not expect to throw their jerseys on the field and win. Sure Hazard and Lukaku should run riot through and over the Japanese defenses. However Japan is a ball possession team. Belgium isn't going to always have the ball and will probably see 20% less possession than they usually do meaning they'll have to take advantage of their opportunities. Teams like Japan that don't beat themselves with rash play and stupid challenges are very tough come knockout stages. In order to win Japan must score first. They can't chase this game around or they'll be ripped apart by Hazard's incisive passing. Johnny thinks this one starts slowly but over the full 90 minutes Belgium's class will carry them through,
Belgium 2
Japan 0
Brazil vs Mexico
No work is getting done in the tri-state (el-Tri state?) between 10-12 today as two very very popular teams around these parts clash. Johnny would imagine the Ironbound neighborhood in Newark was up all night before this one.
It's be easier to think Mexico was going to give Brazil a run today if they hadn't looked so BAD vs Sweden (3-0 loss) in the group stage. They'd been playing so well, it looked like a completely different team than had won the first two matches including against Germany, though that win looks tempered now with Germanys crash out. So, has Mexico righted the ship? Can they take on an unconvincing side that still has five stars over their team crest.? To win Mexico will have to do the unthinkable, challenge Brazil to a horse race. Marcelo, a player who always seems to have a hand in Brazil's goals and a steadying hand on the till at others, is on the bench to start. Neymar Jr. seems to have physical issues beyond what is being reported. If Brazil is going to win, Coutinho is going to have to be the big player for Brazil. He'll have to pick up the slack. A lot is being asked of him. Can Mexico's Chicarito have an impact? He does it in two ways, on the attack and being the conscience of the team on the pitch, pulling them forward and leading by example.
Johnny's thinking upset here, he truly is, he thinks Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa keeps it close and Mexico win late. Upset special!
Mexico 2
Brazil 1
Belgium vs Japan
A mismatch on paper but Belgium should not expect to throw their jerseys on the field and win. Sure Hazard and Lukaku should run riot through and over the Japanese defenses. However Japan is a ball possession team. Belgium isn't going to always have the ball and will probably see 20% less possession than they usually do meaning they'll have to take advantage of their opportunities. Teams like Japan that don't beat themselves with rash play and stupid challenges are very tough come knockout stages. In order to win Japan must score first. They can't chase this game around or they'll be ripped apart by Hazard's incisive passing. Johnny thinks this one starts slowly but over the full 90 minutes Belgium's class will carry them through,
Belgium 2
Japan 0
Saturday, July 5, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 24
After yesterday's 0-2 record in predictions Johnny's back for more! First off though, since this might be the only post of today, what a morning in Jersey City! There may have been some really nice mornings on July 5th in the history of this place but none better than this morning with the cool temps, the steady cooling breeze and a sun giving just enough warmth but not too much. Lovely.
Johnny loves Lionel Messi. He's a Barcelona fan and Messi is admiral of that ship. His game is just plain fun to watch. Barry Sanders with a soccer ball. Johnny would very much like to see Messi win a World Cup title in his era. That's why today's game against Belgium and their incredibly talented midfield led by one of the Weasley boys from the Harry Potter books is such a danger to Argentinian hopes. Johnny fears the defensive prowess of Belgium may deny a lot of link-ups between Argentina's midfield and their front line strikers. This game could be a slog for Messi & Company. Hazard and Mertens can plug things up in Argentina's odd formation and then Belgium has the advantage of bringing in two playmakers as needed in Miralles and or Lukaku, the very guys that did the USA in. If Argentina can make the link up to Messi he may well start yellowing the Belgian backline as they are all big centerbacks, and lack speed. As badly as Johnny wants Messi to win he sees a Belgian win today.
The later match has a David vs. Goliath look to it with the Netherlands, three times runners-up in the World Cup vs. Los Ticos (The Minnows) of Costa Rica and last member of CONCACAF still playing. The Netherlands likes playing offense and Costa Rica sure likes playing offense so this could well be an attractive game. No doubt Arjen Robben will dive and get another penalty call for his team because nobody seems to have the nards to card him. In the end class normally wills out in these last few games and every indicator is that the Dutch are onto the semi-final but that's why they play the game on the field (but pick Holland).
Argentina vs Belgium noon
Costa Rica vs Netherlands 4pm
Johnny loves Lionel Messi. He's a Barcelona fan and Messi is admiral of that ship. His game is just plain fun to watch. Barry Sanders with a soccer ball. Johnny would very much like to see Messi win a World Cup title in his era. That's why today's game against Belgium and their incredibly talented midfield led by one of the Weasley boys from the Harry Potter books is such a danger to Argentinian hopes. Johnny fears the defensive prowess of Belgium may deny a lot of link-ups between Argentina's midfield and their front line strikers. This game could be a slog for Messi & Company. Hazard and Mertens can plug things up in Argentina's odd formation and then Belgium has the advantage of bringing in two playmakers as needed in Miralles and or Lukaku, the very guys that did the USA in. If Argentina can make the link up to Messi he may well start yellowing the Belgian backline as they are all big centerbacks, and lack speed. As badly as Johnny wants Messi to win he sees a Belgian win today.
The later match has a David vs. Goliath look to it with the Netherlands, three times runners-up in the World Cup vs. Los Ticos (The Minnows) of Costa Rica and last member of CONCACAF still playing. The Netherlands likes playing offense and Costa Rica sure likes playing offense so this could well be an attractive game. No doubt Arjen Robben will dive and get another penalty call for his team because nobody seems to have the nards to card him. In the end class normally wills out in these last few games and every indicator is that the Dutch are onto the semi-final but that's why they play the game on the field (but pick Holland).
Argentina vs Belgium noon
Costa Rica vs Netherlands 4pm
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 21
Well, the USA has bowed out. It might have hurt more if as a nation we felt the USA was a better team than Belgium which clearly wasn't the case. The USA had chances to WIN this match and win it late to boot but alas, we wait until 2018 in Russia for our next chance. Heroic effort by Tim Howard yesterday. Legendary effort.
So, the USA went out by the same score at the same point giving up a goal in early extra added time like they did to Ghana in 2010. Make no mistake this is a MUCH better team four years on with a MUCH better head coach. Every kid after yesterday who wants to play soccer will pretend to be the wall known as Tim Howard, diving right and left and jumping to put balls over the crossbar. What the USA needs is midfielders. You kids grow up to be ball control midfielders. That's what the USA needs most. They need the Zusi's and Beckerman's and guys coming up behind them to pass and control play. The defense was pretty good, better than Johnny had planned for. They had a much better link up on offense and scored 5 goals in 4 games, respectable. AND they competed against MUCH tougher competition this world cup than last, and looked pretty good in doing so.
Big positives going forward, if you're a soccer fan you'll see the growth over the next four years. If you just follow the Wold Cup you should be already excited by the USA's chances in Russia.
No games today, not until Friday.
So, the USA went out by the same score at the same point giving up a goal in early extra added time like they did to Ghana in 2010. Make no mistake this is a MUCH better team four years on with a MUCH better head coach. Every kid after yesterday who wants to play soccer will pretend to be the wall known as Tim Howard, diving right and left and jumping to put balls over the crossbar. What the USA needs is midfielders. You kids grow up to be ball control midfielders. That's what the USA needs most. They need the Zusi's and Beckerman's and guys coming up behind them to pass and control play. The defense was pretty good, better than Johnny had planned for. They had a much better link up on offense and scored 5 goals in 4 games, respectable. AND they competed against MUCH tougher competition this world cup than last, and looked pretty good in doing so.
Big positives going forward, if you're a soccer fan you'll see the growth over the next four years. If you just follow the Wold Cup you should be already excited by the USA's chances in Russia.
No games today, not until Friday.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 20
So we arrive at the BIG moment. The USA will take the field against the "Red Devils" of Belgium at 4pm today. As more than one analyst has said though, has this World Cup come one year too late for Belgium?
First off though we have the Argentina vs. Switzerland match at noon. Both France and Germany got by yesterday but not by much, especially in Germany's case. Could Switzerland, who upset champs-to-be Spain in their first 2010 World Cup game. The Swiss know the routine, they know how to lock teams down. It is one of their stronger aspects to their game. Can Argentina score without have to wait for Messi to save them? Will someone other than Messi score for the Argentines? If the South Americans get a goal from Higuain or DiMaria or anyone else to take the pressure off of Messi they sand a good chance. If they get a lead and force Switzerland to open up a bit they should be fine. If Switzerland should score first, look out. Johnny sees this as a 2-1 Argentine victory.
Which brings us to the biggest US soccer game probably not in 1950. Belgium, tactically excellent, and even more devastating on set pieces, ire free kicks and corner kicks. However the Belgians were playing at a much higher level at this time last year, in fact beating team USA 2-0. If the USA can keep Belgium off the scoreboard on set pieces their chances improve markedly. Jozy Altidore who stretched his hamstring 20 minutes in the USA's first game against Ghana has been declared "available" today. Johnny doesn't see Altidore starting but he could come on with his great speed and size and power late in the match when Belgian legs are tired and go all out for 15-20 minutes and maybe make a difference. The USA will most likely have to attack from the wide spaces as Belgium may pack it in tightly on defense with the many injuries their central defense have. Manchester City's Vincent Kompany has a groin pull, Anthony Vanden Borre with a broken fibula and an abductor strain for Laurent Ciman. Americans may also thank whatever god you pray to that the best ball header on earth, Christian Benteke who plays for Aston Villa, is not playing for Belgium today either. The USA will want more possession in this match to slow down the Red Devils attack so players like Graham Zusi and or Justin Bedoya must be sharp in service in the middle of the park. Cheap giveaways and poor possession will send wave after wave of Belgians forward. Slow and steady wins the race today. So, again, if the Belgians don't score on set pieces good things can happen. The USA cannot keep a clean sheet to save their lives (ie get a shutout) so we're going to say moxie and conditioning win the day. Nobody better at that than the USA. Belgium wins their games late. Today the USA will turn that trick back on them. 2-1 USA with a goal by Michael Bradley late in extra time.
Argentina vs Switzerland noon
USA vs Belgium 4pm
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Word Cup Today -- Day 15
Here we are, it has come to this. Back when the groups were drawn back in December, everyone looked at the USA draw in Group G, the "Group of Death" and said the ONLY way the USA gets out is with a win over Ghana (got that) a tie with Portugal (got that) and hold onto your ass vs. Germany. The ass holding begins at noon.
So, here's the long and the short of it. Johnny's not going into long winded tactical discussions because the Germans win most of those. The USA and Germany are tied on 4 points (Germany win any tie in the group currently on goal differential) while Ghana and Portugal each have 1. Best scenarios for the USA?
1) Beat Germany win group
2) Tie Germany come in second in group
3) Have Portugal and Ghana tie, move through
4) Have Portugal beat Ghana because the USA has a +2 goal differential on Ghana but a +7 vs. Portugal
Worst things? Ghana starts kicking the hell out of an uninterested Portugal. Germany starts crushing the USA. That's when our +2 goal difference might go astray. Still the USA has a 74.6% chance to advance according to number crunchers.
BREAKING NEWS!!! -- Ghana has sent home TWO top players from their team, from ESPN:
Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari have been suspended "indefinitely" and sent home from Ghana's World Cup camp following alleged rows with their coach and and an official.
As Syrio Forel said to Arya Stark, "There is only one Group G, and its name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: 'Not today'.”
There are two other matches today, at 4pm if you're either hiding under blankets in a huge funk or so excited and happy you just want to watch all the soccer today.
Algeria and Russia will play to see who follows Belgium out of their group. This is the group by the way that the USA's Group G will start against in elimination rounds. The second place team in Group G will play Belgium while the winner in Group G will get either Algeria or Russia. The Desert Foxes of Algeria impressed last time out with a massive three goal surge. Fabio Capella was paid a LOT of do-re-mi by the Russian Soccer Federation to get into the knockout stages. Let's go Algeria!
USA vs Germany noon
Ghana vs Portugal noon
Belgium vs South Korea 4pm
Russia vs Algeria 4pm
So, here's the long and the short of it. Johnny's not going into long winded tactical discussions because the Germans win most of those. The USA and Germany are tied on 4 points (Germany win any tie in the group currently on goal differential) while Ghana and Portugal each have 1. Best scenarios for the USA?
1) Beat Germany win group
2) Tie Germany come in second in group
3) Have Portugal and Ghana tie, move through
4) Have Portugal beat Ghana because the USA has a +2 goal differential on Ghana but a +7 vs. Portugal
Worst things? Ghana starts kicking the hell out of an uninterested Portugal. Germany starts crushing the USA. That's when our +2 goal difference might go astray. Still the USA has a 74.6% chance to advance according to number crunchers.
BREAKING NEWS!!! -- Ghana has sent home TWO top players from their team, from ESPN:
Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari have been suspended "indefinitely" and sent home from Ghana's World Cup camp following alleged rows with their coach and and an official.
As Syrio Forel said to Arya Stark, "There is only one Group G, and its name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: 'Not today'.”
There are two other matches today, at 4pm if you're either hiding under blankets in a huge funk or so excited and happy you just want to watch all the soccer today.
Algeria and Russia will play to see who follows Belgium out of their group. This is the group by the way that the USA's Group G will start against in elimination rounds. The second place team in Group G will play Belgium while the winner in Group G will get either Algeria or Russia. The Desert Foxes of Algeria impressed last time out with a massive three goal surge. Fabio Capella was paid a LOT of do-re-mi by the Russian Soccer Federation to get into the knockout stages. Let's go Algeria!
USA vs Germany noon
Ghana vs Portugal noon
Belgium vs South Korea 4pm
Russia vs Algeria 4pm
Sunday, June 22, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 11
Thanks but no thanks Germany. If Germany hadn't gone to sleep after they scored first yesterday and let Ghana escape with a 2-2 tie the USA could have advanced with said tie today. But alas, they'll have to do it themselves. More on this epic USA match later.
The day starts out with Belgium and Russia at noon. A great mix of styles in this one as Belgium looks to rebound from a dicey start (albeit a win) and prove they are indeed a pre-tourney favorite. The second game today is the Desert Foxes of Algeria against South Korea. S. Korea had a rather dull 0-0 tie with Russia starting their tournament and need a win vs Algeria, who play everyone tough yet usually end up losing late. Tonight's dinnertime matchup is the "Big One" if you're an American. Here's the story as of press time. If the USA beats the depleted Portugal side (and Portugal is ranked #3 in the FIFA world rankings) they go through to the knockout rounds, an amazing feat for the lightly considered USA in this "Group of Death." If they tie and have 4 points they would be tied with Germany while Ghana and Portugal would have 1 point each with a game against each other left this upcoming week. The USA plays Germany (#2 in FIFA world rankings) this week in their final group game. Germany cannot advance from any USA vs. Portugal result today so that means against the USA, Germany will be forced to play their best players and perhaps get some points off the USA to advance themselves. That's a SCARY thought. The USA can end all speculation and all hand-wringing with one win. One game, 90 minutes of hell in the Amazon to become heroes. Ronaldo, Portugal's elite as elite comes striker is hobbled. Their top defensive payer, Pepe is supended. One of their top midfielders who plays for Real Madrid (as Ronaldo and Pepe do) Fabio Coentrau will not play. Other Portugal midfielders Hugo Almeida and Bruno Alves are not expected to play. So here's the thing, if the USA does not seize the opportunity before them today they may well regret it forever. Getting points off of Germany is certainly so sure thing. Win today and this World Cup will have been a HUGE success and the knockout rounds merely frosting on a red white and blue cake.
The USA seem confident going in. They are far more used to playing in the tremendous heat and humidity of the Rainforest site in Manaus. All the USA's MLS players play in that weather as they play through the summer, not the winter like European sides. While Ronaldo vacations the American players play in 110ยบ heat at places like Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City.
So here we go America, this is OUR day and OUR time. The United States Men's National Team WILL win tonight and they WILL make us proud.
USA 2 Ronaldo 1
Russia vs Belgium noon
Algeria vs South Korea 3pm
USA vs Portugal 6pm
You can never have too much America on days like this!
The day starts out with Belgium and Russia at noon. A great mix of styles in this one as Belgium looks to rebound from a dicey start (albeit a win) and prove they are indeed a pre-tourney favorite. The second game today is the Desert Foxes of Algeria against South Korea. S. Korea had a rather dull 0-0 tie with Russia starting their tournament and need a win vs Algeria, who play everyone tough yet usually end up losing late. Tonight's dinnertime matchup is the "Big One" if you're an American. Here's the story as of press time. If the USA beats the depleted Portugal side (and Portugal is ranked #3 in the FIFA world rankings) they go through to the knockout rounds, an amazing feat for the lightly considered USA in this "Group of Death." If they tie and have 4 points they would be tied with Germany while Ghana and Portugal would have 1 point each with a game against each other left this upcoming week. The USA plays Germany (#2 in FIFA world rankings) this week in their final group game. Germany cannot advance from any USA vs. Portugal result today so that means against the USA, Germany will be forced to play their best players and perhaps get some points off the USA to advance themselves. That's a SCARY thought. The USA can end all speculation and all hand-wringing with one win. One game, 90 minutes of hell in the Amazon to become heroes. Ronaldo, Portugal's elite as elite comes striker is hobbled. Their top defensive payer, Pepe is supended. One of their top midfielders who plays for Real Madrid (as Ronaldo and Pepe do) Fabio Coentrau will not play. Other Portugal midfielders Hugo Almeida and Bruno Alves are not expected to play. So here's the thing, if the USA does not seize the opportunity before them today they may well regret it forever. Getting points off of Germany is certainly so sure thing. Win today and this World Cup will have been a HUGE success and the knockout rounds merely frosting on a red white and blue cake.
The USA seem confident going in. They are far more used to playing in the tremendous heat and humidity of the Rainforest site in Manaus. All the USA's MLS players play in that weather as they play through the summer, not the winter like European sides. While Ronaldo vacations the American players play in 110ยบ heat at places like Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City.
So here we go America, this is OUR day and OUR time. The United States Men's National Team WILL win tonight and they WILL make us proud.
USA 2 Ronaldo 1
Russia vs Belgium noon
Algeria vs South Korea 3pm
USA vs Portugal 6pm
You can never have too much America on days like this!
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
World Cup Today -- Day 6
Well wasn't that USA win last night a good feeling to wake up to?
We've got three games today, with Group H starting today. Belgium is the favorite and shouldn't have too much trouble today against the Desert Foxes of Algeria. The middle game is Mexico and host Brazil, what a great afternoon matinee! Later South Korea will tangle with an up-tempo Russian side.
Belgium vs Algeria noon
Mexico vs Brazil 3pm
South Korea vs. Russia 6pm
We've got three games today, with Group H starting today. Belgium is the favorite and shouldn't have too much trouble today against the Desert Foxes of Algeria. The middle game is Mexico and host Brazil, what a great afternoon matinee! Later South Korea will tangle with an up-tempo Russian side.
Belgium vs Algeria noon
Mexico vs Brazil 3pm
South Korea vs. Russia 6pm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
