leviramsey Posted June 11, 2014 VT Supporter Share Posted June 11, 2014 The USA may do all right: the players will be more used to the climate and travel distances than at least the Germans and Portuguese. There's not an MLS player that hasn't experienced, say, Seattle on Saturday, D.C. on Thursday, and Chicago on Sunday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heid3ster Posted June 12, 2014 Share Posted June 12, 2014 While I think the USA could theoretically surprise people, I have to say Jurgen's right -- we're not ready. Germany and Portugal to advance. I would love for Jurgen to be wrong, of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVFCforever1991 Posted June 12, 2014 Share Posted June 12, 2014 Can see the US finishing bottom tbh.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonLax Posted June 12, 2014 Share Posted June 12, 2014 I find this group pretty difficult to pick. Besides maybe Germany finishing bottom I think any other combination of results is possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villaajax Posted June 12, 2014 Share Posted June 12, 2014 I would love it if USA and Ghana went through 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_eristic Posted June 12, 2014 Share Posted June 12, 2014 I would love it if USA and Ghana went through Bias aside, this would be the best result possible, as it would most definitely maximize the amount of global butthurt. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andykeenan Posted June 12, 2014 Share Posted June 12, 2014 Think USA gonna find it difficult against likes of Ronaldo & the Germans who will run rings round em Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leviramsey Posted June 12, 2014 VT Supporter Share Posted June 12, 2014 In a similar vein, the USA-Portugal game is in Manaus where the climate's not that different from, the southeastern US, and the turf condition looks likely to favor the less-skilled side. Klinsmann could decide to play McLeish or Lambert football for the first half and soak up pressure and tire out Portugal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarewsEyebrowDesigner Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Fancy Ghana and Portugal (depending on Ronaldo's fitness) to get through. I guess we'll know more about Germany after the first game, but their reliance on an old Klose and Podolski is a concern. Too many midfielders and not enough clinical players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rino8 Posted June 14, 2014 Visiting Supporter Share Posted June 14, 2014 The USA may do all right: the players will be more used to the climate and travel distances than at least the Germans and Portuguese. There's not an MLS player that hasn't experienced, say, Seattle on Saturday, D.C. on Thursday, and Chicago on Sunday. I don't quite understand the travel thing. Are the european based players going to get on a plane between matches and totally forget how to play football? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVFCforever1991 Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 The Dutch seemed to adapt pretty quick... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurtsimonw Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I think Ghana have a better chance than the US unfortunately. Americans back 4 is awful and Altidore is still the main man up front, he might be able to do it against poor sides in friendlies, but he's a pretty awful player and not cut out for the World Cup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leviramsey Posted June 14, 2014 VT Supporter Share Posted June 14, 2014 Time spent on airplanes decreases athletic performance for a few days after, unless one's body is used to it. You're not going to see these effects in the opening games, but as we go further into the tournament, players who have played in leagues where you're regularly flying for hours between games (e.g. USA, Russia, Australia) are going to have an advantage, especially late in games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rovers13 Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 The USA may do all right: the players will be more used to the climate and travel distances than at least the Germans and Portuguese. There's not an MLS player that hasn't experienced, say, Seattle on Saturday, D.C. on Thursday, and Chicago on Sunday. I don't quite understand the travel thing. Are the european based players going to get on a plane between matches and totally forget how to play football? This type of logic could also apply to homefield advantage as a whole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samjp26 Posted June 16, 2014 Share Posted June 16, 2014 Massive game today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omariqy Posted June 16, 2014 Share Posted June 16, 2014 How will the USA line up do you think people? Looking forward to Germany v Portugal. Going to have do make my escape from the office around 4.30! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozvillafan Posted June 16, 2014 VT Supporter Share Posted June 16, 2014 Time spent on airplanes decreases athletic performance for a few days after, unless one's body is used to it. You're not going to see these effects in the opening games, but as we go further into the tournament, players who have played in leagues where you're regularly flying for hours between games (e.g. USA, Russia, Australia) are going to have an advantage, especially late in games. On top of that, you are playing at differing latitudes. Stinking hot one game, freezing cold the next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulC Posted June 16, 2014 Share Posted June 16, 2014 How fit will Ronaldo be? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Czechlad Posted June 16, 2014 Share Posted June 16, 2014 I will be flying across the united states today and going to an oil plant so I will be missing the matches Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voinjama Posted June 16, 2014 Share Posted June 16, 2014 Will be at work for the first half of the Portugal game, and will be in the bed for the night game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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