GK has been fantastic. It reinforces to me- a start goal keeper has been a very very big miss for the US for about 8 years now. We've not had this to help us get through tight defensive games.
@pragidealist.bsky.social
I'm seeing all of these things saying US soccer wants to tear down the pay to play system. I'm like. "sure?" I'm all for it if they can figure out how but... about 5 billion. I don't see how they do it. Around it, over it, through it - I can see.
I applaud the French player’s work life balance. If they make you come in on a weekend you half-ass it, that’s right
France came out to play an easy friendly and England didn't get that memo
All tactics come around. Tiki tak, high press.. now back to direct. Would it be ironic if England gets back to the WC final bc direct play became a go to tactic? After England worked hard to move away from direct play and a whole development process to be more skilled?
My cynical brain says Tuchel and England are a good match. Winning over style. Don't care if the game is ugly or dirty- just win. It's a shame with the talent they have now- but its not off brand. Tuchel bringing direct play back is a little funny.
Just to come back to the Pepi stuff — check the xG chart. This team played without Balogun for 30 minutes, and down a man, and still generated equivalent xG to their opponents (and scored a goal). The offense can still cook without Balo.
That was really really good. Everyone will talk about Balo but the US set a pressing trap perfectly and that is what got the US the ball right in that transitional spot. Adams flick is underrated. That was really nice, Poch ball.
Pepi and Balo starting is interesting. I didn't expect that but it makes sense in retrospect. I dont think it will be the 3421 .. With Australia expected to play deep.. i would guess Pepi and Balogun starting its going to be a 3142 look.
So I just spoiled the WC. I asked claude - assume every team win according to their fifa rankings except the US. US wins all their games. What is their path to the WC? So now I've spoiled it for everyone. ;-D
Just for the record. Poch is not a tactical genius. He's not a tactical genius. He's a brilliant coach. i get tired of the tactical heroism. Tactics in the sport are not magic. Berhalter's tactics were actually pretty great.
Balogun became the first USMNT player to score 2 goals in a game since Bert Patenaude accomplished the feat in the 1930 World Cup in a 3-0 win over Paraguay
Bill Gates, George Lucas.. camera finding them is just telling the world the type of money you needed to go to one of the games.
Finishing 4th out of 4 in a Nations League tournament on home soil is an impressive feat #usmnt
I love the USMNT and want them to win. I can't also help but be a little ok with them losing to Panama and Canada in today's climate. Not fair to the players maybe but.. they'll be fine
I think we can say with confidence now that Berhalter was a good manager.
I haven't been as engaged with US Soccer mostly bc so little has changed (despite the coaching change). There are some tactical nuances & some different personnel selections but all they've done is demonstrate what many of us knew. Tactics, squad selection and coachig have not been the core problem
Panama determined not to lose. Winning- not that important. They have 35% possession and 0 shots on target after 81 mintues.
I like these subs. Particularly McGlynn. I've been wanting him for these games for awhile.
I can't help but think a McGlyn could help them crack this game more....
USMNT with the ball: 3-2-5, with Weah wide left, Musah wide right, Adams-Tessmann double pivot, McKennie and Pulisic in halfspaces. USMNT without the ball: 4-4-2, with Musah at RB, Scally LB, McKennie RM, Weah LM, Sargent and Pulisic leading press
The dominance has been clear. I have to say- they look like a Brazil team playing an old US team. Outclassing - best chances- dominating on the ball. The game could easily be 3-0 now. Feels like they just need to keep going. - no crazy defensive mistakes
Armchair Analyst: T-100 minutes til the USMNT take the field in the Nations League semis. I came up with a list of what I want to see from Poch's group over the next two games, and unpacked some assumptions I'd made in the wake of Qatar. tacticsfreezone.substack.com/p/what-the-u...
We are so back. I’m speaking of my unrealistic expectations for the USMNT.
Douglas Reyes-CeroÑ@dreyesceron.bsky.social · 2y agoA Tim Weah to Weston McKennie goal against Manchester City like this is 🤌🏽