Paraguay

[Unregistered]

The US lost to Paraguay......I stand by my prediction that an African nation will win the World Cup before the US ever does.

[Unregistered]

The US lost to Paraguay......I stand by my prediction that an African nation will win the World Cup before the US ever does.

You do know that Paraquay is in South America?

[Unregistered]

The US lost to Paraguay......I stand by my prediction that an African nation will win the World Cup before the US ever does.

As long as your kid wins the U13 State Cup, what do you care? That pursuit of state cup glory at the young ages is what drives you parents. You don't care about clubs or coaches who teach the kids the proper skills, technique, and comfort on the ball that kids in Europe, Central & South America, and Africa get taught in their youth clubs.

If you want a more competitive national team, then start advocating for a better youth system so that our best players are developed to their fullest potential.

[Unregistered]

Did any of you actually watch the game? The US looked pretty fluid in possession and were on the front foot for much of the game - but they lost because they lacked some bite in the final end. Meanwhile, they earned a draw in a game against Argentina that they were under pressure throughout and had no business being in. These are friendly games, and the more often we play strong teams in friendlies, the better we will be in the long run.

[Unregistered]

Did any of you actually watch the game? The US looked pretty fluid in possession and were on the front foot for much of the game - but they lost because they lacked some bite in the final end. Meanwhile, they earned a draw in a game against Argentina that they were under pressure throughout and had no business being in. These are friendly games, and the more often we play strong teams in friendlies, the better we will be in the long run.

Yes because guys like Messi Cambiasso DiMaria want so badly to play VS the US or any other low ranked team in the heart of the Biz end of their own seasons and CLs .. reality check!

[Unregistered]

As long as your kid wins the U13 State Cup, what do you care? That pursuit of state cup glory at the young ages is what drives you parents. You don't care about clubs or coaches who teach the kids the proper skills, technique, and comfort on the ball that kids in Europe, Central & South America, and Africa get taught in their youth clubs.

If you want a more competitive national team, then start advocating for a better youth system so that our best players are developed to their fullest potential.

I don't see how you jump from some comment about the US in world cup to U13 state cup - talk about beating a horse to death..

[Unregistered]

Did any of you actually watch the game? The US looked pretty fluid in possession and were on the front foot for much of the game - but they lost because they lacked some bite in the final end. Meanwhile, they earned a draw in a game against Argentina that they were under pressure throughout and had no business being in. These are friendly games, and the more often we play strong teams in friendlies, the better we will be in the long run.

Good analysis. Thought we were too quick to play the ball back, even when up in their end. We possessed well, but alot of it was lateral. Hjack (spelling-late sub) opened up the game on the right nicely, but you're right; we desperately need help up front.

[Unregistered]

The poster is right. dempsey is one of the best US players, yet he is easily marked by opposition players because he seldom uses his left foot. He had a goal against Argentina had he struck the ball with his left, rather than pull it back to his right. Paraguay smothered him and played his right foot continually. Bradley has speed and quickness limitations, but because he has two feet he is able to play himself out of many situations and link with teammates. By the time players get a sniff of the NT it is too late to change their skills and technique. The US has to improve skills at the youth levels, and our kids need the ball at their feet a whole lot more, if we are ever to have a chance of competing consistently against the big dogs. Heart and effort and getting "stuck in" only goes so far. Just ask England.

[Unregistered]

Did any of you actually watch the game? The US looked pretty fluid in possession and were on the front foot for much of the game - but they lost because they lacked some bite in the final end. Meanwhile, they earned a draw in a game against Argentina that they were under pressure throughout and had no business being in. These are friendly games, and the more often we play strong teams in friendlies, the better we will be in the long run.

I agree. Despite the loss, and some newer players out there, I thought this was one of the best games I've seen the US team play. Overwhelming possession against a strong team. Respectfully disagree with above poster on Dempsey, thought he was really sharp. Agree we really need help up front, which is sort of strange given that the youth system is clogged with flashy forwards, isn't it?! That 18-yr old is pretty good though, can't wait to see him in a few years. Defense looked a lot better, although boy we need a solid, consistent back line that doesn't make mistakes.

[Unregistered]

The poster is right. dempsey is one of the best US players, yet he is easily marked by opposition players because he seldom uses his left foot.

You can get away with using one foot if you're fast, like left-footed Arjen Robben. But Dempsey isn't particularly fast. On the other hand, you can't score 10 goals in the EPL if you are "easily marked."

[Unregistered]

Exactly. If you are fast enough one foot works fine, but top level competition is just as fast, and competitors defend as a team with backup. Dempsey is a great player, my favorite on the US team, yet he'd be much, much better if he had a reliable, strong left.

And many of the flashy, US forwards I've witnessed over the years are over-reliant on their physical attributes and lacking in the technical and mental aspects. They lack a fully developed soccer brain. Their shortcomings becomes evident as the competitive level of play increases.

[Unregistered]

And many of the flashy, US forwards I've witnessed over the years are over-reliant on their physical attributes and lacking in the technical and mental aspects. They lack a fully developed soccer brain. Their shortcomings becomes evident as the competitive level of play increases.

Altidore is a prime example. He could physically dominate in MLS, but not on the international stage.

[Unregistered]

I don't see how you jump from some comment about the US in world cup to U13 state cup - talk about beating a horse to death..

The fact that you don't even see the correlation is the root cause of the prblem.

[Unregistered]

Exactly. If you are fast enough one foot works fine, but top level competition is just as fast, and competitors defend as a team with backup. Dempsey is a great player, my favorite on the US team, yet he'd be much, much better if he had a reliable, strong left.

And many of the flashy, US forwards I've witnessed over the years are over-reliant on their physical attributes and lacking in the technical and mental aspects. They lack a fully developed soccer brain. Their shortcomings becomes evident as the competitive level of play increases.

Playing in England is the best thing to happen to Dempsey; it has pushed his thought process to the next level. He had a very good game yesterday. As for dangerous forwards, they are few and far between, even on the international scene. I believe that a great deal of indivual creativity, a hallmark of the previous generation of forwards, has been coached out of the game, particularly in the US. It is a treat to watch a Saurez or the Spanish lads, work their tricky feet back into the game. Sorely lacking here.

[Unregistered]

I only saw the second half, but what I saw reminded me of the game the US women tended to play - kick the ball long to no one. The ball seemed in the air more then on the ground and the US's ability to connect their passes was pretty poor. I saw lots of mistakes with player who were not under pressure that I made me think I was watching youth soccer and not so good youth soccer at that.

[Unregistered]

You do know that Paraquay is in South America?

funny how the thread lept right past this one! what a bunch of yanks

[Unregistered]

funny how the thread lept right past this one! what a bunch of yanks

No, just a bunch of dopes reading this forum who know very little about the game.

- signed a Yank that knows a little something about the game.

[Unregistered]

The USA's 1-0 loss to Paraguay on Tuesday in Nashville, Tenn., extended one of its longest periods of futility in the modern era. It's scored only three goals in its last five games, the fewest over that stretch since the period around the 1998 World Cup, one of the low points in its history. Its six-game winless streak at home is also the longest since 1998.

USA GOALS (2010-11)
0-0 vs. Colombia
1-0 at South Africa
1-1 vs. Chile
1-1 vs. Argentina
0-1 vs. Paraguay
Total: 3 goals:

USA GOALS (1998)
0-0 vs. Scotland
0-2 vs. Germany
1-2 vs. Iran
0-1 vs. Yugoslavia
0-0 vs. Australia
Total: 1 goal

USA AT HOME (2010-11)
0-2 vs. Brazil
2-2 vs. Poland
0-0 vs. Colombia
1-1 vs. Chile
1-1 vs. Argentina
0-1 vs. Paraguay
Total: 6 games

USA GOALS (1998)
0-1 vs. Mexico
0-2 vs. Netherlands
2-2 vs. Paraguay
0-0 vs. Macedonia
0-0 vs. Scotland
0-0 vs. Australia
Total: 6 games

[Unregistered]

This Yank saw Ghana make England look silly for most of the match yesterday….

[Unregistered]

funny how the thread lept right past this one! what a bunch of yanks

origianl writer here....of course I freakin know that Paraguay is in South America....South America will probably win the next World Cup....What I was saying/thinking is that a South AFRICAN country , such as Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria..etc....will win the World Cup before the US of A will win a World Cup....Got it now, Tony ATLAS

[ForzaAzzurri]

origianl writer here....of course I freakin know that Paraguay is in South America....South America will probably win the next World Cup....What I was saying/thinking is that a South AFRICAN country , such as Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria..etc....will win the World Cup before the US of A will win a World Cup....Got it now, Tony ATLAS

It is too bad that you had to explain yourself, as it should have been clear to anyone with a clue that THAT is exactly what you meant. Cheers.

[Unregistered]

No, just a bunch of dopes reading this forum who know very little about the game.

- signed a Yank that knows a little something about the game.

so, how's your geography?

[Unregistered]

It is too bad that you had to explain yourself, as it should have been clear to anyone with a clue that THAT is exactly what you meant. Cheers.

yea right. Guy thought Paraguay was in Africa. What a hoot. T-S brilliance strikes again.

[Unregistered]

so, how's your geography?

My geography is just fine. How's yours?

I knew exactly what the OP meant. Apparently the dope who wrote post #2 didn't.

- signed a Yank that knows a little something about the game.

[Unregistered]

yea right. Guy thought Paraguay was in Africa. What a hoot. T-S brilliance strikes again.

No, the dope responsible for post #2 knows nothing about the game. Apparently you are in the same boat, but you are right, T-S brilliance strikes again and you just proved it. Most who post to this forum know next to nothing about the game.

- signed a Yank that knows a little something about the game.

[Unregistered]

It is too bad that you had to explain yourself, as it should have been clear to anyone with a clue that THAT is exactly what you meant. Cheers.

He didn't have to explain himself, most of us fully understood that Poster #2 is a jackass.

Having said that, the OP's prediction wasn't particularly bold since both Ghana and the IC typically field strong national teams.

And last comment - can we please dispense with the notion that simply because a nation is part of South America it also plays a nice brand of soccer? I saw Ecuador and Peru yesterday - wasn't impressed. Their version of the beautiful game was not so beautiful~

- Odie

[Unregistered]

Having said that, the OP's prediction wasn't particularly bold since both Ghana and the IC typically field strong national teams.

Exactly. Which is why one might also think the OP didn't have his location right either.

[Unregistered]

Exactly. Which is why one might also think the OP didn't have his location right either.

And how many of them have won a World Cup?

The point has always been that the African teams have great talent, but they have yet to win a WC.

[ForzaAzzurri]

Sorry, I have to defend the OP again.

If I may be so bold (like the pun?), the OP is synthesizing dozens of little data points with his prediction of an African team winning the WC before the US, something that on the surface would be counter-intuitive when you consider all that the U.S. represents, especially in comparison to the generally third-world nature of African countries...hence it being a bolder prediction than you give him credit for. For example, that the U.S. has 300 billion people, far and away the most riches and deepest financial pockets of any country in the world; that it has, whatever its shortcomings vs the European leagues, at least a legitimate pro league in the MLS; a huge youth soccer infrastructure all the way through college (despite the prevalence of competing sports)---think about it, over 800 men's college soccer programs alone---how many do you think even the "wealthiest" African nation has?; extreme millions spent on "development" through the national team programs; the benefit of immigrant populations from soccer-mad countries; etc, etc. These are just some "datapoints". Again, I can’t speak for the OP, but I'm sure these are some of the things that the OP had in mind, but even so I think the point should be clear.

Oh, and one other thing: Africa is made up dozens of countries…it is not like they join together and create one all-star team for the WC. For example, you mentioned Ghana and IC. These two countries have only recently emerged on the national stage, with both having made the WC finals only in the last two editions. Before them, it was countries such as Tunisia, Nigeria, Morocco and Cameroon that were the perennial powers from the continent. This "rotation" only underscores his point.

Final input: the US has made the WC finals for each of the last 6 editions, and also participated in the first one in 1930 (as well as the ones in 1934 and 1950). The most any single African country has made it is Cameroon with 5. You know, Cameroon, that country whose soccer league is regualrly featured on FOX Soccer...and whose NT players regualrly start for the likes of Man U, Real, Bayern, Inter, etc...and whose U-whatever aspiring players pay upwards of $2K per year to play "premier" soccer...

[Unregistered]

origianl writer here....of course I freakin know that Paraguay is in South America....South America will probably win the next World Cup....What I was saying/thinking is that a South AFRICAN country , such as Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria..etc....will win the World Cup before the US of A will win a World Cup....Got it now, Tony ATLAS

you wrote

"The US lost to Paraguay......I stand by my prediction that an African nation will win the World Cup before the US ever does."

you definitely did not write what you were thinking.

[Unregistered]

Final input: the US has made the WC finals for each of the last 6 editions, and also participated in the first one in 1930 (as well as the ones in 1934 and 1950). The most any single African country has made it is Cameroon with 5. You know, Cameroon, that country whose soccer league is regualrly featured on FOX Soccer...and whose NT players regualrly start for the likes of Man U, Real, Bayern, Inter, etc...and whose U-whatever aspiring players pay upwards of $2K per year to play "premier" soccer...

I don't think you meant WC finals, did you?

[Unregistered]

you wrote

"The US lost to Paraguay......I stand by my prediction that an African nation will win the World Cup before the US ever does."

you definitely did not write what you were thinking.

Different poster defending the OP. Yes, he meant exactly what he wrote. I believe he didn't mean to say "South AFRICA" in his follow up explanation, but instead "What I was saying/thinking is that an AFRICAN country, such as Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria..etc..... will win the World Cup before the US of A"

Now if he said what poster #2 is trying to say he meant to say his original statement would read, "The US lost to Paraguay......I stand by my prediction that an South American nation will win the World Cup before the US ever does" which would make absolutely no sense since South American countries have won the World Cup 9 times since the WC started in 1930 (Brazil 5 times, Argentina 2 and Uruguay 2).

[Unregistered]

Did any of you actually watch the game? The US looked pretty fluid in possession and were on the front foot for much of the game - but they lost because they lacked some bite in the final end. Meanwhile, they earned a draw in a game against Argentina that they were under pressure throughout and had no business being in. These are friendly games, and the more often we play strong teams in friendlies, the better we will be in the long run.

Just to add to what you say. A lot of people watch games but really don't understand what they are seeing. If you look at the U.S. team from 3-4 years ago, we were basically a team that consistently made the type of defensive marking and judgement errors, such as letting players run freely into space, that allows high quality players to put the dagger into you. In some respects, we were just a team that you didn't even have to beat - you just had to wait for us to make a mistake.

The team to date is far superior to that same team 3-4 years ago. The team has a lot more progress to make, but clearly they are on a trajectory that is ascending. Maybe not fast enough for those that think we should already have won the world cup (though I can't magine why they think so). In my opinion, if the current trajectory continues, then one can legitimately expect that we are a regular visitor to the quarterfinals, and an occassional semi-finalist by 2022. It'll mosty be because it's just going to take that long to fill the pipeline with a sufficient number of quality players that we can legitimately take on countries at the World Cup who already are there.

In some respects, I think by 2022 we might actually reach a level of being a really dangerous team for anyone to have to play in that our players exhibit a certain degree of mental and physical toughness, a team spirit, and a gritiness that is lacking among even some of the most skilled teams - note how both Argentina and Brazil just "fell apart" in the World Cup. It wasn't lack of skill or talent or being outplayed that caused that.

PS - Paraguay is a really good team. They might be a small country. But, good soccer team.

[ForzaAzzurri]

I don't think you meant WC finals, did you?

Yes I did. I indeed meant "WC finals".

Again, your question only further demostrates how much "we" have yet to learn regarding soccer: to wit, when the 32 teams that qualified from their respective confederations gathered for the World Cup in S. Africa last June/July, they played in what is known as and called the "World Cup finals". That is, the month-long event is referred to as the "finals" in soccer circles.

As opposed to the championship match (which can also be referred to as the final) between Spain and Netherlands that I was obviosuly not referring to.

[Unregistered]

I agree that the US is now a side that can advance from group play regularly and even go an additional round or two. The NT has made massive strides in what I would consider a short period of time. If you can remember what the program looked like in 1990 compared to where things are now you have to admit that progress has been made and things continue to improve. I like that there is an expectation of winning, something that was only a dream 20 years ago.

[Unregistered]

Just to add to what you say. A lot of people watch games but really don't understand what they are seeing. If you look at the U.S. team from 3-4 years ago, we were basically a team that consistently made the type of defensive marking and judgement errors, such as letting players run freely into space, that allows high quality players to put the dagger into you. In some respects, we were just a team that you didn't even have to beat - you just had to wait for us to make a mistake.

The team to date is far superior to that same team 3-4 years ago. The team has a lot more progress to make, but clearly they are on a trajectory that is ascending. Maybe not fast enough for those that think we should already have won the world cup (though I can't magine why they think so). In my opinion, if the current trajectory continues, then one can legitimately expect that we are a regular visitor to the quarterfinals, and an occassional semi-finalist by 2022. It'll mosty be because it's just going to take that long to fill the pipeline with a sufficient number of quality players that we can legitimately take on countries at the World Cup who already are there.

In some respects, I think by 2022 we might actually reach a level of being a really dangerous team for anyone to have to play in that our players exhibit a certain degree of mental and physical toughness, a team spirit, and a gritiness that is lacking among even some of the most skilled teams - note how both Argentina and Brazil just "fell apart" in the World Cup. It wasn't lack of skill or talent or being outplayed that caused that.

PS - Paraguay is a really good team. They might be a small country. But, good soccer team.


I would argue that the US is already a dangerous team as evidenced by their recent result against Argentina not to mention their play in the 2009 Confederations Cup vis a vis Spain and Brazil. Having said that, one only needs to look at the quality of play they exhibited against England in their opening World Cup match to recognize that technically speaking, they still have a long way to go. Athletically (and from a mental toughness perspective), they're a match for anyone, but they are not yet a at point where they can consistently defeat high quality competition. That'll come though and 2022 is as good a prediction as any. For all the criticism and naysaying on these forums, the truth is, the US has improved significantly over the past couple of decades.

- Odie

[Unregistered]

Just to add to what you say. A lot of people watch games but really don't understand what they are seeing. If you look at the U.S. team from 3-4 years ago, we were basically a team that consistently made the type of defensive marking and judgement errors, such as letting players run freely into space, that allows high quality players to put the dagger into you. In some respects, we were just a team that you didn't even have to beat - you just had to wait for us to make a mistake.

The team to date is far superior to that same team 3-4 years ago. The team has a lot more progress to make, but clearly they are on a trajectory that is ascending. Maybe not fast enough for those that think we should already have won the world cup (though I can't magine why they think so). In my opinion, if the current trajectory continues, then one can legitimately expect that we are a regular visitor to the quarterfinals, and an occassional semi-finalist by 2022. It'll mosty be because it's just going to take that long to fill the pipeline with a sufficient number of quality players that we can legitimately take on countries at the World Cup who already are there.

In some respects, I think by 2022 we might actually reach a level of being a really dangerous team for anyone to have to play in that our players exhibit a certain degree of mental and physical toughness, a team spirit, and a gritiness that is lacking among even some of the most skilled teams - note how both Argentina and Brazil just "fell apart" in the World Cup. It wasn't lack of skill or talent or being outplayed that caused that.

PS - Paraguay is a really good team. They might be a small country. But, good soccer team.

OK Bob, but the stats certainly don't show that. And Paraguay is a really good team??? You can't be serious.

The USA's 1-0 loss to Paraguay on Tuesday in Nashville, Tenn., extended one of its longest periods of futility in the modern era. It's scored only three goals in its last five games, the fewest over that stretch since the period around the 1998 World Cup, one of the low points in its history. Its six-game winless streak at home is also the longest since 1998.

USA GOALS (2010-11)
0-0 vs. Colombia
1-0 at South Africa
1-1 vs. Chile
1-1 vs. Argentina
0-1 vs. Paraguay
Total: 3 goals:

USA GOALS (1998)
0-0 vs. Scotland
0-2 vs. Germany
1-2 vs. Iran
0-1 vs. Yugoslavia
0-0 vs. Australia
Total: 1 goal

USA AT HOME (2010-11)
0-2 vs. Brazil
2-2 vs. Poland
0-0 vs. Colombia
1-1 vs. Chile
1-1 vs. Argentina
0-1 vs. Paraguay
Total: 6 games

USA GOALS (1998)
0-1 vs. Mexico
0-2 vs. Netherlands
2-2 vs. Paraguay
0-0 vs. Macedonia
0-0 vs. Scotland
0-0 vs. Australia
Total: 6 games