England v. USA

[SlavikSvensk]

who wins?

[DannyBlack]

England. The USA are not strong enough a Team just yet.

[SlavikSvensk]

USA is a bit streaky. could lose 3-1 or win 3-1 against anyone and i wouldn't be shocked. i also think england is, once again, overrated. crashing out in the quarters to a familiar chorus of "how could this have happened" seems pretty predictable to me.

so i think the US will surprise england with their athleticism, fundametals and speed. BUT, i don't think the US have enough skill at the key positions to out and out win this one. so i'm guessing a 1-1 draw, just like what usually happens when england plays less talented but better conditioned sweden :lol:

[DannyBlack]

Perhaps. I don't know though, England seem to have a pretty strong team at the moment. I canit see a draw on this one at all. 1-0 to England.

[SlavikSvensk]

never a good idea to draw too many conclusions from friendlies, but...england looked horrid in its recent friendlies :lol:

i've no doubt they'll make it to the knockout stages, probably win the group, and i think they're unlikely to lose to the US.

but i don't think it's really that great of a team. the backbone is the same as before, only older and slower. i think early on, when everyone's cautious and uncertain, a young, athletic team like the US could steal a point from this match. of course, like i said, i wouldn't be shocked if the US lost 3-1 either. or won, even though i think that's the least likely scenario. a draw seems most plausible to me right now.

the problem is, it would do a fat lot of good over here. americans don't understand draws, and unless the US actually beats england, it's not likely to get people excited about the sport.

[drift9]

americans don't understand draws, and unless the US actually beats england, it's not likely to get people excited about the sport.

and even if they did win, it would be unlikely to get people interested in the sport here. frankly i want the us to lose. it will dramatically decrease the chances of my ass getting kicked by angry britts in amsterdam in a few weeks.

[DannyBlack]

and even if they did win, it would be unlikely to get people interested in the sport here. frankly i want the us to lose. it will dramatically decrease the chances of my ass getting kicked by angry britts in amsterdam in a few weeks.

You're going to Techno matey :-) No soccer thugs at Techno. Besides, you have a large Irish group going, stick to them and you'll be fine.

@Slav: I think experience will win out on this occasion. The USA, although they're fit, don't have the experience required for a win.

[djfase]

2-1 england but only just.

Will still have to get used to altitude

[DannyBlack]

And the new ball.

[force]

England generally play better against the 'better' teams imo.

0-0 at half time against Andorra a while back......WTF

And then go to Croatia and beat them 5-1

[SlavikSvensk]

so is the US one of the 'better' teams?

i'd put the US in the same category as sweden and denmark...very tough to play against, but not elite.

[C.O.Prodigy]

so is the US one of the 'better' teams?

i'd put the US in the same category as sweden and denmark...very tough to play against, but not elite.

Yes.

And it's getting better all the time.
I think power wise it's up there with Italy and France, not with the mentality cause it will never have that but with power certainly if not more powerful.
Power and stamina are a big part of today's game, and the USA has no shortage of football savvy plus they have developed their own style. Any lack of respect towards the US will result in a goal for the US.

Capello knows this, it will be a crucial game.
If I had to pick a winner it would be USA, if I had to pick a result it would be a draw.

ps.

England is capable of losing this game and still winning the tournament. Although I'm sad that Ashley Young isn't in the squad.

[SlavikSvensk]

US is definitely younger and more athletic, while england is older and slower. but england also has more skill at the key positions.

i think you're right on the playing style, C.O. it might throw the english for a loop. but i just don't see the US having enough firepower up front to finish the job against the english defense. but hey...it's the world cup, so you never know!

my prediction for this group is a draw here, but england win the group on goal differential.

[DannyBlack]

main thing is- SOMEONE- i dont care who, has to beat the shit out of them french wankers.

[C.O.Prodigy]

but i just don't see the US having enough firepower up front to finish the job against the english defense. but hey...it's the world cup, so you never know!

Good point.

I think that the US style doesn't require world class type strikers for their quality to show. They are very well capable of shooting from distance with power we talked about earlier. England always has a problem with goal keepers, especially with David James, everything is possible.

But If England dominate the midfield and control the ball and the game enough, then it's going to be that much tougher for the US, leaving only a counter attacking solution for them.
This is the world cup, every defense in the world will crumble before the elite strikers we have on show this cup. The trick is to be the team that concedes the least goals.

main thing is- SOMEONE- i dont care who, has to beat the shit out of them french wankers.

Don't worry about them Danny, the french coach will be their downfall.

[blistanbul]

2-1 England, with the US scoring first.

[DannyBlack]

Don't worry about them Danny, the french coach will be their downfall.

:-) heres to hoping my friend!

[SlavikSvensk]

well, some poor defending and great play from gerrard makes it 1-0 early. US looks good in the middle of the pitch though. hopefully can make something of that.

[SlavikSvensk]

US defense looks atrocious so far though.

but...

1-1!!!!!!!!!

[SlavikSvensk]

Ha! I was right, 1-1. Really exciting match. England dominated the second half, but the US had the best scoring chance...

of course, a draw against England is like a win for US.