Scholarship table
Pause the replay at 25 seconds. Look at where the ball is(from Howard's perspective he can know the trajectory) where Valera is and where Howard is. Howard has 5 yards to cover in the same time Valera has at least 10...yes Valera is at speed but Howard has 4 steps, his entire length and his hands. The ball was flat vertically and driven(to get the pace) which means Howard doesn't have to jump on it. Plus his instinct was to go, that was his first step but then he backed off. We may just have to agree to disagree.
I am terrified of Karma: The Panamanian witch-doctors caused the stoppage time Portugal goal, hopefully their powers are used up. http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2014/05/08/13/10/mnt-vs-panama-highlights--oct-15-2013
Man if he just handles that first touch better...
I remember the announcers saying 4 minutes of stoppage time yesterday, then all of a sudden they made it 5. Not sure what changed, perhaps that last substitution at around the 90 minute mark? Would have liked it to be 4.
I think the added minute was due to Zusi taking (at least) 45 seconds to get off the field @ 90'
Didn't miss an open net, was blocked by a defender(by definition not an open net). Bradley struck a one time shot to the heart of the goal on a bouncing ball 10 yards from the goal that came off a deflection and a diving defend managed to get his knee cap on that ball. Could he have done better, yes, but it was a good effort.I'm not going to defend the crap out of Bradley, he's played below his standards but you have to look at the game in total. Go back and watch his distribution. He was absolutely feeding Fabian Johnson and Dempsey to stretch the defense and Portugal had to make a defensive substitution (Williams) to try and limit Bradley's and Jones' possession and creativity. Again if Bradley's give-away happens in the 65th minute this laser focus isn't there.
Lost in the draw is a point I've seen a few folks make. Yesterday was arguably the best performance the US has ever had in a world cup.Sure, the late equalizer is a stomach punch. But screw it... the team played in a way that made me feel proud yesterday.I'm excited to watch the US play against Germany. I'm confident the team is going to play well.
That was my guess as well.
The Portugal win in 1994 was better and eliminating Mexico to get to the round of 16 cannot be overlooked. And, US was playing a weak Portugal yesterday beset with injuries and missing players.
TV ratings were massive... 18.2 million on ESPN, and another 6.5 million on Univision.http://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2014/06/usa-portugal-most-viewed-soccer-match-ever-in-u-s/
It's all about the yanks, and always will be. Leave for Manaus on Thursday. Can't wait.
I know they are our sworn enemies, rivals, etc. - but I am really enjoying watching Mexico. Great energy, great crowd, great goal celebrations today.
Twellman confirms (I guess)https://twitter.com/TaylorTwellman/status/480871079968505856
So it was Zusi who walked off slowly (probably to waste time) or his sub walking on the pitch slowly?
Luis Suarez is back to biting people again.