Group G: Does it scare you more...

[121Josey]

that Germany has an extra day's rest vs. the USMNT or that Ghana has an extra day's rest against Portugal?

 

[Sarc Dawg]

Ghana

that Germany has an extra day's rest vs. the USMNT or that Ghana has an extra day's rest against Portugal?

I think Portugal is going to get steamrolled again. As much as I'd love to be wrong, the US is going to lose in a tight game but still go out on goal differential.

 

[hatfieldms]

I don't see Germany going all out to win...

...when they also only need a tie

 

[patdog]

Really, Germany is almost assured of advancing even with a loss. Ghana would have to make up a 5-goal disadvantage and Portugal would have to make up an 8-goal disadvantage for the Germans not to qualify. I think the Germans play cautiously, but do play for the win. Wouldn't be surprised to see them sit a few starters though.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

I think they kick the ball around and end in a draw.

 

[KurtRambis4]

I just don't

see Ghana not beating Portugal by at least two goals. Unfortunately, I don't see us losing to Germany by any less than two goals. We had our chance to wrap it up and blew it.

 

[PBRME]

I caught the end of a Verno interview yesterday and that's what the guest was suspecting. Our coach and Germany's are friends. It would be advantageous to both teams to take it easy this game, and avoid injury. Both teams go to the next round rested and they will not face each other.

 

[mcdawg22]

I laughed.

 

[seshomoru]

I don't like wishful thinking conspiracies, but I can see this.

It may be the most boring match in history. But hey... group stage is about 270 minutes of soccer and both of us are at a point where we can coast and advance in the same position as when the last 90 began. It may actually happen that way.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

Tommy Smythe said the same thing last night on Olbermann.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

Why? Both teams advance with a draw, the coaches are close friends, they won't meet each other unless they made it all the way. It's going to be a snoozer.

 

[Red87]

I think they go all out

I think they kick the ball around and end in a draw.

and here's why: whoever comes in 2nd in the group will then have to play Argentina (who has the best player in the world) Whoever comes in first plays either Algeria or Russia (we would be favored over both).

 

[121Josey]

Loser plays Belgium. Winner plays Algeria. Definitely an incentive to win the group, but few teams stand a chance against a rested German squad.

 

[mcdawg22]

I'm sorry, I read it as a sarcastic soccer is boring post.

 

[seshomoru]

2nd in our group will probably play Belgium.

Argentina would probably be there in the quarterfinals.

 

[seshomoru]

Also to avoid yellow cards.

Didn't they change up the rules so that the cards reset going into the semifinals (so the two teams in the finals will be at full strength)? But that makes five games you need to play without getting two yellows.

 

[Red87]

So we would have to beat Belgium and Argentina back-to-back?!?!? That's a tall order. Belgium has been straight up steam rolling teams. I just hope Germany comes into this thing not as focused as they would normally be. Do we know if Altidore will be back for the game?

 

[FallAmericanDawg]

Do we know if Altidore will be back for the game?

Altidore is out for this match

 

[AlCoDog]

Hopefully one thing Portugal has going for them is that Ranaldo hasn't scored. That has to end sometime. He's due.

 

[121Josey]

So we would have to beat Belgium and Argentina back-to-back?!?!? That's a tall order. Belgium has been straight up steam rolling teams.

1-0 W against Russia and a come from behind 2-1 W against Algeria (70' and 80') is not my definition of "straight up steam rolling teams."

Since Belgium plays South Korea - one of the worst teams - on Thursday, I fully expect them to be rested for the next round.

 

[patdog]

Yes. Yellow cards reset at the after the quarterfinals. Interestingly though, the US-Germany match will be between 2 of the cleanest teams at the World Cup so far. The US has just 1 yellow card and Germany doesn't have any.

 

[Seinfeld]

After you explained it, I laughed too

 

[Philly Dawg]

Belgium has a very high quality and deep roster, but really hasn't put it together in the world cup yet, although they may be a sleeping giant.

 

[seshomoru]

Are you by chance confusing Belgium with the Netherlands?

2nd in our group wouldn't possibly see the Netherlands until the semis. Same with the winner of our group and Brazil.

 

[KurtRambis4]

I'm not quite

sure I would use the phrase "steam rolling" to describe Beligium's play to this point.

 

[BiscuitEater]

Way too many times ....

I think they kick the ball around and end in a draw.

USMNT turns the ball over when they are just trying to play keep away. Biggest fear is that we hand the game over to Germany even if they don't want to attack.

 

[Red87]

1-0 W against Russia and a come from behind 2-1 W against Algeria (70' and 80') is not my definition of "straight up steam rolling teams."

Since Belgium plays South Korea - one of the worst teams - on Thursday, I fully expect them to be rested for the next round.

Thats my bad I actually was confusing Belgium with the Netherlands. It was the Netherlands that was steamrolling everyone they were playing.

 

[Sarc Dawg]

No one in that group....

...scares me. Belgium hasn't played up to their potential and I think the US has a good shot of beating them if given the chance. We are playing well for the most part.

Again it's not Germany I'm worried about I think they'll coast to a 1 goal win. The US is prone to making one stupid mistake a game and that's all they would need even at half speed. It's Ghana beating us on goal differential after they beat Portugal badly.

 

[Shamoan]

I think germany risk the most by not trying to score. the only way they possibly dont advance is not putting the ball in the back of the net...surrender one goal (late in a game) and that is jeopardized for their chances to advance. in other words, i agree. rest muller who got jacked up at the end of the ghana match, play to score early and put all doubt to bed. they are near locks due to goal differential.

 

[seshomoru]

He's scored two fantastic World Cup goals against...

Iran and North Korea. Maybe if they were playing Burma he'd be due a goal.

 

[Swampazz]

Pretty sure all Germany has to do is not lose to the US by 5 goals and they advance. Doubt they will risk injury by going full throttle the whole game. I expect them to rest players and not risk cards.

 

[AlCoDog]

Has not scored in this World Cup. If he's the best player in they world, he's due.

 

[Shamoan]

i agree. statistically, they have a 99% chance of going through no matter what. they will probably play for a goal then coast the rest of the way both halves. we might get 30 minutes of a threatening germany...thats my guess anyway.

 

[o_1984Dawg]

i agree. statistically, they have a 99% chance of going through no matter what. they will probably play for a goal then coast the rest of the way both halves. we might get 30 minutes of a threatening germany...thats my guess anyway.

i can't see Germany laying down completely, but if it's tied in the 2nd half they won't pester us too much while we pass the ball around harmlessly.

Even if they do get a lead, they're not going to be busting their *** to keep it late. We would be playing all out and have a good chance at getting an equalizer if we have to.