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2014 FIFA World Cup - Brazil

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Like many have said, the "American Spirit" that has been discussed and pointed to as the main reason for the USMNT success the past few WC's is really just an indictment on the overall skill level of the program. The US has to "outwork" other teams in order to have a fighter's chance, but that work rate and mentality should be expected, not glorified. At some point, the USMNT needs to become a program known for their technical ability and talent level, along with that "never say die" attitude they've always had. I don't always agree with Alexi Lalas, but I think he was hitting the nail on the head in the discussions after the match yesterday.

A guy like Julian Green steps on the pitch, and the skill level just immediately changes. You could sense it. He's doing triple step-overs the second he comes into the game, while other guys are struggling to complete two or three consecutive passes. Yedlin has one huge weapon with his speed, but he's got to continue to mature his skill level as well. Put that athleticism and speed to use with world-class skill and you've got something.

The youth teams in the US programs right now are dripping with talent, but much of that is due to the recruiting game. Not all, but most of the highly respected young players were developed outside the US system.

I'm hopeful we'll see many of these younger prospects right away when the next set of friendlies begin. Give Green a chance to go 90 minutes. Let Gil have a run. Give Aguedelo a shot from the first whistle. Hopefully Nagbe and Zelalem become eligible, and then get them engrained in the system right from the start.
 
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I'm hopeful as well that Jurgen continues to schedule tough opponents in the friendlies. Continue to develop a deep pool of players so the competition for selection is fierce, and guys feel it is their duty to test themselves professionally so that it could put them over the hump and onto the squad over others. There is an outside chance the US, with a tough schedule that can still yield good results, could find themselves on the right side of the FIFA rankings when the 2018 seeding process begins.
 
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Bucklion said:
Part of the high praise from stodgy Europeans is doubtless an ESPN/ABC directive for tastings and to "help grow the game" in the US and all that...I wonder what some of the Euros say when the cameras and mics are off. But I agree, we are risers in the world game, much as it looked after our performance in 2002...now we need to get that next generation of players into their international prime by 2018.
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I listened to the the talkSPORT Network (no affiliation with espn) out of England last night. They had nothing but praise for the USMNT. Both the hosts and experts wished the English team showed as much heart and determination as we did. They even went as far as to wonder if they should offer the England job to Jürgan.
 
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Thursby said:
I listened to the the talkSPORT Network (no affiliation with espn) out of England last night. They had nothing but praise for the USMNT. Both the hosts and experts wished the English team showed as much heart and determination as we did. They even went as far as to wonder if they should offer the England job to Jürgan.
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That's because the English hate themselves. :lol:
 
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As I said before, it's painstakingly obvious that Eric Wynalda has a grudge against Jurgen Klinsmann and/or wants his job (which he will never get).

It's also obvious he's trolling for attention.

If he's FOX's lead analyst, I need to brush up on my Spanish and watch Univision.

Here is Wednesday's rant on the Dan Patrick Show (in which he also cursed). Painful how hard he's trolling.

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/...almost-un-american-act-in-weird-rant/related/
 
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I will be seriously disappointed if Wynalda is the analyst with Gus Johnson for Russia 2018. I find it hard to believe FOX would keep him on-board if he continues to show his dislike for Jurgen on his sleeve. This is FOX's opportunity to develop an even greater American interest in the sport, the team, and the WC to generate better ratings. How do you do that if your lead analyst continually rips the USMNT manager?
 
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Bulls-Eye said:
I will be seriously disappointed if Wynalda is the analyst with Gus Johnson for Russia 2018. I find it hard to believe FOX would keep him on-board if he continues to show his dislike for Jurgen on his sleeve. This is FOX's opportunity to develop an even greater American interest in the sport, the team, and the WC to generate better ratings. How do you do that if your lead analyst continually rips the USMNT manager?
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Agreed. They already have someone who is better at it already.

warrenbarton.jpg
 
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Wish I knew why I get so worked up by FIFA's somewhat 'humoring" of the United States in relation to bidding for the World Cup, in this case FIFA was speaking of the 2026 World Cup.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9369302/fifa-usa-could-bid-to-host-the-2026-world-cup

It's almost like just ignore everything in regards to the 2022 World Cup, in which Qatar could've wrote its presentation on a napkin and still would've won.

And the person/body in charge of investigating FIFA and the 2022 World Cup bid is FIFA (also funny).
 
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