World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

[Jimjamesak]

Re: World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

my guess is that both he and Green made the team simply because Klinsmann expects big things from them in 2018...which is disappointing to me because we don't have the luxury of using roster spots on unproven players like that.

To be honest, I'm just gonna trust Klinsmann on this one.

But holy overreaction Batman on the internet for the Donovan snub.

[joecct]

Re: World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

To be honest, I'm just gonna trust Klinsmann on this one.

But holy overreaction Batman on the internet for the Donovan snub.

Holy Cammi Granato, Batman!

[Jimjamesak]

Holy Cammi Granato, Batman!

Not even close Boy Wonder.

[Spartanforlife4]

Re: World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

How many people up in arms about Donovan do you think are mad because they only started watching soccer after the Algeria goal and think he's the best American player because of that?

[bronconick]

Re: World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

How many people up in arms about Donovan do you think are mad because they only started watching soccer after the Algeria goal and think he's the best American player because of that?

Probably. If (when?) this team crashes and burns because of the brutal group, he'll probably hear it for not taking him and having a contract through Russia '18.

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

How many people up in arms about Donovan do you think are mad because they only started watching soccer after the Algeria goal and think he's the best American player because of that?

Obviously we're not at training camp and Donovan's form hasn't been very great this year but I still think he offers alot to this team and I think it was a mistake to not include him. On the other hand, I understand that it's Klinsmann's call and he and Donovan have never really seen eye to eye on things. It certainly sets an example to the 23 that are going, I also think there is a small chance that Klinsmann did it simply because even if Donovan has something left in the tank, it isn't what it was and he can't have the other 10 guys on the field expecting Donovan to make something happen in the final 20 minutes of a game that he comes on for...in the past, we've seen the team feed the ball to Donovan and see what he does instead of doing what they can to win the game. This move is a much a mind game as anything telling the 23 going to Brazil that Klinsmann has faith in them enough not to bring Donovan along unless he's at his best, which he isn't right now.

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

Okay, so I'm fine with people wondering if Landon really should be on the team instead of Wondo or Brad Davis or some of the other weaker members of the team (or one of the superfluous right backs). But the hyperbole that's so abundant in the reactions to the LandySnub is getting pretty entertaining for me. It's not quite to the point where I'm reminded of how people reacted to Ted Thompson sticking with Aaron Rodgers instead of taking Brett Favre back, but it's getting there.

[J.D.]

Re: World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

i won't pretend that i follow this stuff like many of you but i am still a big soccer fan and am thinking that at 32, donovan isn't ancient. sure, a lot of tread on the tires but klinsmann doesn't see any value in bringing him as a bench player/late game sub? has donovan fallen off the map that much? and is there a personal thing going on between the two? i know neither side would admit to it.

def not killing klinsmann, but i can't say i still wasn't surprised.

anyway, to me the reason i would consider the reaction overblown is that for years now our biggest problem has been defending. how do you diehards feel about our defense going into this?

[Jimjamesak]

Re: World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

The biggest thing everybody is missing with LD is the attitude. He has stated that, at his age, he can't train as hard as he use to. He has lost his competitive edge and has said as such.

Going into a World Cup, where this team is gonna have to work their *es off and this player is saying he can't. Are you gonna take him?

To be honest, if he wasn't gonna start, he shouldn't be going. He's not a super sub, he doesn't have his speed as much anymore and his passing isn't better than Bradley's. He can fit into roles but there are better players for said roles. That's why he's not going, objectively there is just not a place for him.

[Slap Shot]

Re: World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

My only surprise is that he seemed to add some punch during the Hex, but beyond that I can't comment if he's in form or not and assume that the decision to leave him off was more in line with that than building for 2018.

[Jimjamesak]

My only surprise is that he seemed to add some punch during the Hex, but beyond that I can't comment if he's in form or not and assume that the decision to leave him off was more in line with that than building for 2018.

He's yet to score for LA this season and looks out of shape. He also got pulled off the starting lineup in the friendly versus Mexico.

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

So Mix Diskerud will wear the fabled #10 jersey for USA in Brazil...that seems crazy to me.

Ives reporting a likely lineup for tonights friendly is
-----------------Altidore----------------
Bedoya--------Dempsey----------Zusi
-------Jones-------------Bradley-------
Beasley--Besler--Cameron--Johnson
-----------------Howard----------------

Thoughts?

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

Not being too knowledgeable about our defenders, I can't say much about the selections there.

To me, it was always going to be curious where that 6th MF/FW spot was going to end up. Choosing Bedoya over another option (Johannsson or Diskerud) is really the only potential controversy here, but I'll reserve judgement until I've seen what Klinsmann plans on for the rest of the warm-up friendlies.

[JF_Gophers]

Re: World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

If the US tanks the first round and is sent home 0-3 the no Landon thing could hurt Klinsmann. Although it might not matter at that point. He could be gone anyways.

[Shirtless Guy]

Re: World Soccer XXV - the run up to the World Cup

If the US tanks the first round and is sent home 0-3 the no Landon thing could hurt Klinsmann. Although it might not matter at that point. He could be gone anyways.

If they go 0-3 and tank I'm pretty sure he's gone regardless of who he brought with him to Brazil. They are going to have to win a game for him to keep his job even with the extension...unless somehow its 3 really competitive games, but i can't see it.

As for the lineup, Bedoya and Beasley jump out at me as the most likely to not stay starters. We shall see.