Comet

Toss Spain into that large pile of nations without a good striker. *Cries in David Silva*

Only took 12 minutes

Vini made it look like easy

Yeah PKs have never left me feeling satisfied, but I can't think of a better alternative. I've used the example of playoff hockey with 6OT leading to worn down bodies ugly ugly hockey. But it's also kinda fun in a weird way. Maybe the 90s MLS was right? edit - Golden goal is great but still more often than not leads to PKs anyway. Maybe considering the regular season hockey overtime would make it fun. Go from 11 man rosters down to 6 and first one to score wins lol.

So glad I'm a neutral right now.

I'm favoring Japan here.

I think I live in Bora Bora

Yeah I can't wait to see the tactics behind this one.

Speed and physicality is the strength the Americans had over the Dutch. The Dutch let the US keep possession since it slowed down the game and forced them to have to pass their way through that stout defense. The answer was making those dangerous runs on the right wing. Dest discovered this but it wasn't leaned into enough. Berhalter did see this which is why he went with the 3 subs of Aaronson, Gio and Yedlin since they're as good as it gets for this team in terms of making those runs. This is why you saw a bit more effective attack in the second half. If Gregg came out from the start with that lineup I think the US would have stood a better chance - but to your point, the gap in talent is still there and the Dutch likely would have still won. But it would have frazzled them a bit more. It was a mental game and the Dutch were chill as a cucumber. When you get rattled, shit starts to happen.

As a fan of club football, please never again. We're going to run into a plethora of injuries after this.

p.s. all that said, given where this team was 4 years ago and seeing them fight this well and possess so much European style of playing all while being the youngest US team ever at a WC - Fucking love it. Now just have to find a few good 9's for 2026.

Absolutely a genius move and I just sat there within the first 15 minutes and knowing that was it. US has hit a wall they won't be able to play themselves out of. Credit to Gregg though for trying to change it up with Gio, Aaronson and Yedlin since they're all really good at dribbling at opposition. LVG is coaching his heart out.

Nah I'm gonna disagree with you all talking about the tactics and strategy. LVG totally made Berhalter look like a pedestrian. They knew their midfield couldn't keep pace with the likes of McKennie and Musah so what do they do? They let the US take possession and force the US to beat them via ball handing and passing. Guess what the US isn't great at? And as soon as those inevitable turn over happens you see De Jong and co. just apply pressure right down the middle of the US. Over... and over... again. Their game plan was perfect. This isn't just the US not having the same caliber of player as other Euro nations, it's the coaching too.

Neither side looks easy lol

I'm enjoying this drama.

2-2!

But Brazil! I agree.

That was so tight

These morning games are going to "slap," as the kids say these days.

Will Japan hold on?

Damn it Costa Rica

LOL

I'm sorry but this is Germany getting CONCACAF'd LOL

Or after his United stint, maybe United just poisoned him.