Brazil vs. USA Open Thread
Soccer June 28th. 2009, 2:25pm
If today’s USA-Brazil showdown can somehow match the intensity of a regular season home game for the Atlanta Hawks, I think we’re all in for a treat. From Duffy’s preview on Friday:
The Americans did lose 3-0 in this tournament to Brazil, but the first two goals came from a set piece and a mistake, not from submission in open play. If they can mark effectively and minimize vulnerabilities, they have a chance. If they can show some composure and not have a player red-carded, they have a chance. It may take a Herculean performance like Kasey Keller gave in 1998, but they have chance.
If you’ve managed to find a live stream of the game, post away in the comments. Ah, Brazil.
125 Responses to “Brazil vs. USA Open Thread”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
June 28th, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Yes, Probably, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes
June 28th, 2009 at 2:32 PM
game is on espn, isn’t it?
June 28th, 2009 at 2:37 PM
ESPN=Yes.
It seems like every country settles the ball better than we do.
June 28th, 2009 at 2:43 PM
HOLY FUCK
June 28th, 2009 at 2:43 PM
GGGOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL
June 28th, 2009 at 2:43 PM
THAT WAS FUCKING AWESOME!!!!!
June 28th, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Gollllllllllllllllll!
June 28th, 2009 at 2:44 PM
WOOOOOO!!!!!
Dempsey AGAIN!
June 28th, 2009 at 2:45 PM
This play by play announcer has the lack of excitement on a big play you’d expect from Mike Breen. That was one of the biggest goals in USA history right? You wouldn’t know it from Breen’s call (or whoever this guy is).
Just as bad as Breen’s call of Kobe’s historic circus shot against the Magic.
June 28th, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Terrible missed opportunity on that play there by Brazil.
which play?
/why soccer won’t catch on
June 28th, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Cursed- Dellacamera is usually pretty good (he is over the top when he calls Atlanta Thrasher games. Yes I’ve watched them) but I think they get a pass because they’re not even in South Africa. Its hard getting excited when you’re in a studio watching the game. No atmosphere.
June 28th, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Fantastic save!
June 28th, 2009 at 2:59 PM
The US is going to try win this game 1-0? Good luck with that.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:00 PM
I TAKE IT BACK! DONOVAN! THAT WAS AWESOME!
June 28th, 2009 at 3:00 PM
GOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL.
that was awesome
June 28th, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Is this happening? Donavan!
June 28th, 2009 at 3:00 PM
how bout 2-0
June 28th, 2009 at 3:01 PM
Dempsey goes down faster than a pornstar.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:01 PM
WOOOO!!!
June 28th, 2009 at 3:06 PM
.
Totally forgot that. Wow.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:06 PM
I can’t believe this is happening right now… up 2-0 on a team that made us look like a bunch of amateur players only a week ago. I hope they play this well in the World Cup!
June 28th, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Howard standing on his head.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Anybody following Bill Simmon’s twitter feed? said the same thing about the announcers. Why can’t they be at the game, is this a FIFA thing or an ESPN thing?
June 28th, 2009 at 3:09 PM
question for someone with soccer knowledge: why does the US always have good keepers but have trouble producing the other positions? are keepers mostly just good athletes, but the other positions are more technical/nuanced in the skill set?
June 28th, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Sir – it’s more of a numbers game than anything else. There’s less to pick from so good American goalies have an easier time making Premier League teams.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:13 PM
From Grant Wahl’s Twitter yesterday.
“Asked my old pal Dunga if any US player(s) had impressed him. He said he doesn’t think in terms of individuals. I.e., doesn’t know US names.”
Whoops.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Sir…keeping is pretty much all fast twitch muscle…there’s some positioning and tactics involved, but bottom line, fast reflexes and fast recovery is what it’s all about.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:14 PM
announcers in studio is an espn thing – $$$$$$. in fairness, it does happen more frequently in soccer, not unique to espn
June 28th, 2009 at 3:16 PM
I’m pretty sure its ESPN. I think the issue is also that ESPN can’t broadcast the games because FIFA only shows one feed and has control over it. So why would you have announcers there when you can’t even broadcast the game? I guess it makes sense but its annoying.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:17 PM
U.S looks good today. Great intensity and passion goin on here. Not a big Donovan fan but he earned all of that goal in the first half. Nice to see the American team taking advantage of Brazilian miscues
/Howard is still keeping this team in the game and will have to as well in the 2nd half.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:17 PM
They can afford people to watch Brett Favre around the clock, but they won’t pay for two airline tickets to South Africa?
June 28th, 2009 at 3:18 PM
US looks exhausted. 45th minute needs to get here.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:18 PM
thanks guys. that’s what i assumed tallguy, the feel for the game isn’t as important for the position as pure athleticism.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:19 PM
you could put harkes and jp in the center circle and the quality of the announcing wouldn’t be any better!
June 28th, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Jay, I’m just glad they show as much soccer as they do!
Howard’s getting his workout today
June 28th, 2009 at 3:20 PM
I’m no communications major Jay, but something is telling me that a little more might go into the coverage of a confederations cup final than 2 airplane tickets.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:20 PM
It’s meltdown mode over at the Brazilian message boards. Hasn’t been this bad since Matt Hughes annihilated Royce Gracie.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Cursed…you really started trolling brazilian msg boards? You hard core…hard core
June 28th, 2009 at 3:22 PM
gotta pay for hotel rooms in Johannesburg. the guys just sleep on hay bales in Brett’s barn for all of the Favre reports.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:23 PM
you speak portugese cursed?
June 28th, 2009 at 3:23 PM
WOO! Something I actually know something about! That was a ratings fight. Gracie wouldn’t tap when Hughes almost broke his arm. Gracie so far past his prime and Matt in the middle of his.
As for the footie, it’s entertaining because they’re winning. But I’ve definitely watched more of Cubs/Sox than the soccer. Missed the Donovan goal.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:25 PM
did they call it axis cam in the match against italy? seems anti-semitic
June 28th, 2009 at 3:36 PM
that was well below average
June 28th, 2009 at 3:37 PM
bleh
June 28th, 2009 at 3:38 PM
wham bam what the fuck just happened
June 28th, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Let me tell you – i am thrilled to have missed the greatest first half in us soccer history. nothing like getting off a flight, gunning 90 on the highway and fielding texts and phone calls while reading twitter.
tears? close.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Brazil is fast, smart and deft. The US is slow, smart and club footed.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:48 PM
tears? close
TBL: When the Bills lost a Super Bowl because of “wide right”, I was Tears? close. Missing the 1st half of a soccer match: tears? not EVEN close
June 28th, 2009 at 3:49 PM
This is a completely different game than from the half. If I didn’t have the score up top (brought to you by Budweiser!) I’d think the score was reversed.
Howard has been a beast! Where’s his help? He’s like a top QB w/ no line… constantly getting shelled buy making plays
June 28th, 2009 at 3:49 PM
howard again!!!
June 28th, 2009 at 3:49 PM
That went in I believe…
/runs
June 28th, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Howard!!!
June 28th, 2009 at 3:51 PM
attack US attack!!!!!
June 28th, 2009 at 3:51 PM
hate to say it but that was in…expect a make up call soon
June 28th, 2009 at 3:51 PM
We should continue to position the goalie in the goal. It seems effective.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Definitely went in.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:52 PM
these commentators are fucking ridiculous.
how was that hard to tell if it was in? fuck that. so biased its crazy.
June 28th, 2009 at 3:52 PM
USA = frauds.
/someone had to say it
June 28th, 2009 at 3:53 PM
replay in soccer, only on goals, doesn’t sound like a bad idea. glad it wasn’t in play today …
June 28th, 2009 at 3:54 PM
in honor of nickP commenting tim howard must be lebron james to get a call like that
June 28th, 2009 at 3:54 PM
landy cakes, nice effort there
June 28th, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Whats with this lets hang back and let Brazil shallack us gameplan?
June 28th, 2009 at 3:55 PM
what a series from the US, dempsey shot on target, great save
June 28th, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Oh shit, the Closer just got subbed on for Brazil
June 28th, 2009 at 3:59 PM
maybe NOW Sepp Blatter will get off flabby ass and approve replay for goals?!?!
June 28th, 2009 at 4:00 PM
tim howard, again.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:00 PM
HOWARD!
June 28th, 2009 at 4:01 PM
once again, Howard comes up big. How can you give the ball away that terribly in the back? Onyewu is wearing gloves, what a pussy
June 28th, 2009 at 4:01 PM
tim howard is a fuckin monster
June 28th, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Was that a Tourette Syndrome outburst or is he just really pissed?
/that’s a bannin’
June 28th, 2009 at 4:02 PM
is that guy wearing a black turtle neck for brazil?
June 28th, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Howard says I’M A BOSS
June 28th, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Bastard Brazilians.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:03 PM
luck’s running out
June 28th, 2009 at 4:03 PM
fucking taco. an assault on the goal and we’re tied at 2
June 28th, 2009 at 4:03 PM
rut-roh
June 28th, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Now Brazil puts their foot on our necks, good effort USA, but we are now finished.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Howard cant do it all by himself
June 28th, 2009 at 4:04 PM
This is the shit that makes me mental. How the fuck do you think you’re going to beat a team as good as Brazil by only playing defense? They’ve been on their heels the whole second half.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:04 PM
can you spell OVER boys and girls? i knew you could.
/mr. rogers’d
June 28th, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Well that was fun while it lasted
June 28th, 2009 at 4:06 PM
We can still pull this off, if we keep our head in the game
June 28th, 2009 at 4:08 PM
God Damn Kaka is fast as hell. His pace is off the charts.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:08 PM
kaka and ronaldo together is going to be disgusting
June 28th, 2009 at 4:09 PM
We can still pull this off if we get lucky and get to PK’s
June 28th, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Maybe we can bait number 5 into a second yellow.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Did you see how much space we just gave Kaka? Somebody get our guys some amphetamines …
June 28th, 2009 at 4:13 PM
dont score in the final 9 mins brazil, please
June 28th, 2009 at 4:13 PM
well, this is a comeback for the ages. crushing.
3-2 brazil
June 28th, 2009 at 4:14 PM
And there’s the US we all know and love
June 28th, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Well.
That’ll do it.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Is this considered a choke job since Brazil is definitely better?
June 28th, 2009 at 4:14 PM
well shit
June 28th, 2009 at 4:14 PM
This would be a five goal game if not for Howard. Relentless pressure from Brazil, plus apparently we still can’t defend set pieces.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Turn out the lights, the party’s over.
/Dandy Don’d
June 28th, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Damn.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Brazil has the heart of a champion
June 28th, 2009 at 4:16 PM
I think its obvious who’s to blame here.
TBL.
3 goals when he watches.
/I kid
// don’t ban me.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Everyone can blame TBL for this loss. He didn’t watch the first half and USA choked in epic fashion the minute he turned on the TV.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:17 PM
It’s all your fault TBL. We were winning until you started watching.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:18 PM
so devastating.
not a choke, just IMO
June 28th, 2009 at 4:18 PM
TBL = The Big Loser
June 28th, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Wait! The loveable underdog always wins! What the hell is going on here?
/Disney’d
June 28th, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Dude.
This is like a father toying with his son on the basketball court.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:18 PM
reasons it isn’t a choke:
- no bradley
- brazil heavily favored
- brazil much better
June 28th, 2009 at 4:19 PM
TBL, you started watching and we started losing
/stirring the pot
June 28th, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Who’s cock does Conner Casey suck to get into all of these games?
June 28th, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Does Dempsey always look like he’s wearing eye liner ?
June 28th, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Pull the goalie! Extra attacker!
June 28th, 2009 at 4:21 PM
reasons it isn’t a choke:
- no bradley
- brazil heavily favored
- brazil much better
Add three “much”es and I agree with you.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:21 PM
TBL, poor logic. The underdog can and often does choke in sports b/c they haven’t “been there before.” Not ready for prime time.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:22 PM
This is like a father toying with his son on the basketball court.
Nope, scoring 3 goals in one half of a confederation final to steal victory from the jaws of defeat shows something about Brazil and why they are world class every single year. 3 goals in 45 minutes against any team that is somewhat respected is impressive…..and the U.S sucks in the back
June 28th, 2009 at 4:22 PM
and htat’s it. damn.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:23 PM
does usa hold onto this game with michael bradley?
June 28th, 2009 at 4:24 PM
Sucks blowing a 2-0 lead, but a competitive game against Brazil is worth 20 wins over Trinidad & Tobago or Panama.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:25 PM
They wouldn’t have been up 2-0 with Bradley, his mistakes have cost them time and time again.
/haven’t watched a soccer game since the last world cup.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:26 PM
This will definitely make us better for the WC in ‘10.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Opie and Anthony have a better chance appearing on those shows this week!
June 28th, 2009 at 4:29 PM
The US Men — the Cleveland Indians of international soccer.
/wait’tillnextyear
June 28th, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Or, alternatively, it’s not a choke b/c they were playing way above their heads, and simply returned to that level in the second half. I think the term “choke” implies that they did not play as well as they should have. I think the U.S. showed they were ready for “prime time”, whatever that is.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:43 PM
It grossed $126 million in its first three days, making it the fourth highest-opening film of all time. Transformers’ five-day gross was behind only The Dark Knight’s $203.8 million. For the weekend, Transformers did $112 million.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-06-28-boxoffice28_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip
June 28th, 2009 at 4:44 PM
who are those guys?
June 28th, 2009 at 4:46 PM
agreed.
June 28th, 2009 at 5:43 PM
Goalkeeping is a lot about athleticism and reaction time. If you have the raw ability, you can be taught how to position yourself to be effective. It’s not easy, but it’s easier to teach.
June 28th, 2009 at 8:25 PM
I feel like quoting a certain someone’s disparaging remarks about Donovan over the past couple months when he is still one of our best 2 or 3 players, and was our best player in this tournament.