Official Group E Prediction thread

knowwonnose · 05-26-2006, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AreliusIV

Someone has to keep all you high-fliers grounded... 🙂

That was your attitude about RSL earlier and it seems more now like the "highfliers" in that areas might have been more right than the "realists". Of course, RSL has many games to play and the USMNT has at least 3 chances to prove their ranking. Good thing the game is played on the field.

AreliusIV · 05-26-2006, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knowwonnose

That was your attitude about RSL earlier and it seems more now like the "highfliers" in that areas might have been more right than the "realists". Of course, RSL has many games to play and the USMNT has at least 3 chances to prove their ranking. Good thing the game is played on the field.

I'll concede that the high-fliers were "more right" when we have a winning record. At present, our record stands at 2-5-1.

AreliusIV · 05-26-2006, 08:56 AM

My biggest concern with the US Nat team is the forwards. Other than "Bake" I think we have a group of guys who are largely untested internationally.

knowwonnose · 05-26-2006, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AreliusIV

I'll concede that the high-fliers were "more right" when we have a winning record. At present, our record stands at 2-5-1.

Wow. In the begining of the season even the toughest fans claimed that RSL's second season would be a success with less than a winning season. Heck, a good number of teams get to the playoffs with fewer wins than losses. I guess you don't think the USMNT will have any success unless they win it all? That's what they're going there for right?

AreliusIV · 05-26-2006, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knowwonnose

Wow. In the begining of the season even the toughest fans claimed that RSL's second season would be a success with less than a winning season. Heck, a good number of teams get to the playoffs with fewer wins than losses. I guess you don't think the USMNT will have any success unless they win it all? That's what they're going there for right?

OK, then I'll concede if RSL gets into the playoffs...

But, if RSL loses the next couple of games at home, then I might have to whip out a few "woe is me" threads...

rslfutbolfan · 05-26-2006, 09:19 AM

I think USA and Czech....I think Italy has bad karma and wont perform as normal (although they are one of my favorites) and Buffon might not be allowed to play. So there is this crazy chicks prediction...LOL :P

AreliusIV · 05-26-2006, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knowwonnose

Wow. In the begining of the season even the toughest fans claimed that RSL's second season would be a success with less than a winning season. Heck, a good number of teams get to the playoffs with fewer wins than losses. I guess you don't think the USMNT will have any success unless they win it all? That's what they're going there for right?

Asking for a winning record isn't as unreasonable as you might think. In fact, it could be equated with qualifying for the playoffs.

All the teams that presently qualify for the playoffs have .500 records or better. The only reason RSL currently qualifies for the playoffs is because of LA's pitiful performances.

soccerman · 05-26-2006, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AreliusIV

I'll concede that the high-fliers were "more right" when we have a winning record. At present, our record stands at 2-5-1.

And the 2 wins were against heavily depleted teams.

knowwonnose · 05-26-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AreliusIV

Asking for a winning record isn't as unreasonable as you might think. In fact, it could be equated with qualifying for the playoffs.

All the teams that presently qualify for the playoffs have .500 records or better. The only reason RSL currently qualifies for the playoffs is because of LA's pitiful performances.

LA won the Champoinship without a winning reacord last year.

2004 3 teams make the playoff without winning records. Same for the previous year....

But that's no the important thing here. What's important is that just as Ellinger is developing young tallent into a good team, the US does have a chance in the World Cup. At least, while Czech and Italy are favored to pass to the next stage, it doesn't take but one slip by either of those teams and the US could go through. I think we have a lot to be hopeful for. I couldn't imagine watching the WC with the expectation that my team was there for 3 games. I doubt that is how the real underdog teams feel. I would doubt T&T, Togo, Iran, and Angolo fans are so pessimistic as to expect that they are not going through. They might not have high expectations, but they are hopeful. US fans should be just as hopeful or more. In history how many underdogs have made the second rounds? I'd guess a lot. Heck most odds makers have all but 2 European teams (Angola and S&M) going through, and you and I should be able to agree that that's not going to happen.

Go ahead and be "realistic." I'm going to be optimistic when I watch the cup. It's alright with me if you don't think their going through; I hope you're wrong.

soccerman · 05-26-2006, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knowwonnose

Wow. In the begining of the season even the toughest fans claimed that RSL's second season would be a success with less than a winning season. Heck, a good number of teams get to the playoffs with fewer wins than losses. I guess you don't think the USMNT will have any success unless they win it all? That's what they're going there for right?

The fact that you are willing to call the season a success after 2 wins says a lot about you. It's stuff we already knew, but it's nice to have a confirmation.