How Will the USMNT Do Against Italy?

[AreliusIV]

How Will the USMNT Do Against Italy?

[beaveman]

Why does the draw say Italy plays a lackluster match? Another option should be US plays inspired, but cannot overcome a strong Italian team, only a draw.

[AreliusIV]

Originally Posted by beaveman

Why does the draw say Italy plays a lackluster match? Another option should be US plays inspired, but cannot overcome a strong Italian team, only a draw.

Good point. To achieve a draw, the USMNT most likely they will have to play inspired...

[montgjules]

Originally Posted by AreliusIV

Good point. To achieve a draw, the USMNT most likely they will have to play inspired...

...So start praying for inspiration, everyone...

I predict we lose by two, but I'm hoping we win by 6.

[dysko]

I think that the US side is capable of a draw without prayers and miracles. However, if they are to get the win the need, they will need to play inspired and get a good bounce or two.

I voted US by one, but any of the scenario's presented seems plausable to me with the exception of US by 2.

[Aerick]

Originally Posted by dysko

I think that the US side is capable of a draw without prayers and miracles. However, if they are to get the win the need, they will need to play inspired and get a good bounce or two.

I voted US by one, but any of the scenario's presented seems plausable to me with the exception of US by 2.

...Which is the one I voted for! YEAH BABY!!!! 😁

[I_Believe_In_Kreis]

The U.S. has always had a lack of quality finishers, and this year is no different. Even in 2002 we couldn't really hang big numbers on anybody (except Portugal) - we tend to play for those 1-0 wins by scoring an opportunistic goal and then relying on strong defense and good goalkeeping to close out. Just last night I listened to Utah's ODP coach (who's also a USSF staff coach) lamenting that same thing.

We have McBride who's an average international finisher, but who else? Wolff? Ching? Johnson? Which of those guys has done anything? Remember, we're not playing a CONCACAF team here. I think the U.S. plays with good effort but can't break down Italy's defense or Buffon. As the second half wears on and the U.S. starts getting desperate for a goal, we start throwing more and more people forward. Italy scores on a counter, so we have to press forward even more. Another counter goal for Italy, final score Italy 2-0.

[Jose Luis Luviano]

Didn't he hear the announcement not to drop the brown acid?

I’m going to go with 2-0, U.S.

[Real Supporter]

Has anyone else noticed that the USA is 0-3 in their blue kits in the World Cups 2002-2006 (Poland, Germany, Czech Rep), while they are 2-0-1 in their white kits (Portugal, Korea, Mexico). I think Italy will want their blue, so hopefully the US are wearing White!

[Jose Luis Luviano]

Originally Posted by Real Supporter

Has anyone else noticed that the USA is 0-3 in their blue kits in the World Cups 2002-2006 (Poland, Germany, Czech Rep), while they are 2-0-1 in their white kits (Portugal, Korea, Mexico). I think Italy will want their blue, so hopefully the US are wearing White!

I noticed!