2014-2015 OFFICIAL FOOTY THREAD (+ Brazil 2014) - Football, Soccer, Calcio, Voetball, Fútbol, Futebo

[El Argentino]

So, tournament starts in about 10 days. How are people dealing? So many injuries seem to be cropping up all of a sudden and squads will definitely need to be reselected for many of the 32 teams.

 

[Lionheart Biker]

If we don`t win our group by a landslide, I`ll go crazy.

 

[HRoi]

Who's gonna be in Brazil?

 

[archibaldleach]

Looking forward to a great World Cup. Just hope they finish the stadiums in time.

 

[Jabonator]

You guys doing a fantasy league?

 

[ManofKent]



You guys doing a fantasy league?

I was planning on running one - The McDonalds/FIFA one looks the most straightforward, but whilst you can register, you can't pick players yet.

 

[El Argentino]



I was planning on running one - The McDonalds/FIFA one looks the most straightforward, but whilst you can register, you can't pick players yet.

Probably won't be able to until all the 23-man squads are finalized. And maybe even after with all of the last minute injuries popping up.

 

[rms340]

Hoping the US pull off some miraculous goals because a string of miracles are what we'll need to get out of the group stage

 

[ManofKent]



Probably won't be able to until all the 23-man squads are finalized. And maybe even after with all of the last minute injuries popping up.

I think it goes live in 4-5 days.

 

[Stugotes]

Hoping the US pull off some miraculous goals because a string of miracles are what we'll need to get out of the group stage

I'd really be happy for you guys to reach the round of 16 I agree it's a killer group, though...

 

[El Argentino]



Hoping the US pull off some miraculous goals because a string of miracles are what we'll need to get out of the group stage

I'd really be happy for you guys to reach the round of 16 I agree it's a killer group, though...

Here's the ElArg analysis of this situation:

US is in a tough group no doubt. But, I can see them making it out of group stage too, and here's why.

Game 1) Ghana - Ghana have worsened in the last four years, while the US squad has gotten better. 4 years ago we tied and went out on crap refereeing and OT. I think we beat Ghana, if not soundly then with a bit of room. 3 points.

Game 2) Portugal - Portugal wouldn't be in the WC w/o Ronaldo's last minute heroics. It's a lot to ask, but you contain CR7, you contain Portugal. Mark Ronaldo out of the game, and I can see a draw happening. 1 point.

Game 3) Germany - At this point, Germany is an injury hampered squad. I don't predict Germany losing either of their first two games, so assume they're on 6 points. They rest a decent portion of their lineup, thus equalizing things a bit - even if we lose, we're still likely 2nd in the group at this point. A draw w/ a tapped German team resting their starters is also not outside the realm of possibility. No win here, ever, but a draw is possible.

5 points max, and US advance easy.

EDIT:

And Lionheart - yes, anything less than a clean sweep of the group (even w/ Dzeko on fire for Bosnia) would be a bit of a letdown.

 

[HRoi]

I'm not as optimistic

 

[rms340]

ElArg - great break down. After watching the match vs Turkey yesterday, it seems like our defense is weak and lackluster. Missed clearances and lazy man-marking on a subpar team like Turkey has me worried against a better Portugal. Only time will tell.

On another note, David Villa signed as the first NYC FC player and Frank Lampard supposedly will also be signed soon.

 

[El Argentino]



I'm not as optimistic

CR7 still struggling w/ that thigh injury. He was largely ineffective in the CL final (barring his last penalty...). Not completely out there to say he won't be 100% by the USA game.

 

[HRoi]

Fair enough, although I too was concerned about how they played vs Turkey. We need a better nickname than "USMNT" btw.

On another note, David Villa signed as the first NYC FC player and Frank Lampard supposedly will also be signed soon.

Orly?! I'm a big fan of Villa, although he's not quite the player he was in SA anymore