Dave Benson

Host

World Cup: Does USA Have a Chance?

Jun 30, 2014·8,071 visitors

Alan Abrahamson

Cohost

Stage· 220 messages

Jun 30, 2014

USA advances to the Quarterfinals of the World Cup. What kind of chance do they have at advancing, and who are the favorites now that we've reached the knockout round?

Dave Benson · 6:00 PM

Welcome! It's SOCCER TIME! The World Cup is upon us and I'm lucky enough to Tawk with someone who knows tons about it. Award-Winning journalist, Alan Abrahamson.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:00 PM

It is still morning here in beautiful SoCal. Hey, everyone.

Dave Benson · 6:01 PM

Just to paint a picture, Alan is the soccer expert and the perpetual realist whereas I am a true soccer fan and patriotic American.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:01 PM

Look, I grew up in southwestern Ohio. I know red, white and blue. Hot dogs on the Fourth of July. Apple pie. Being polite to my elders. All of that.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:01 PM

But let's be real.

Dave Benson · 6:02 PM

First off, were you one of the experts who picked the US to finish at the bottom of the group?

Alan Abrahamson · 6:02 PM

I wrote two weeks ago: do not sleep on Belgium.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:02 PM

I said it would be unexpected for them to get out of the group.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:02 PM

So -- kudos to Klinsmann.

Dave Benson · 6:02 PM

I think Belgium is maybe the worst team left, but still, I won't sleep on them because you said so...

Alan Abrahamson · 6:03 PM

He has been a master of the great principle of business management, and for this I want to say we should all be paying attention

Alan Abrahamson · 6:03 PM

He has done what Peter Ueberroth showed every one of us in the sports world in 1984

Dave Benson · 6:03 PM

I agree. He's the right coach for this team

Alan Abrahamson · 6:03 PM

Under-promise and over-deliver

Dave Benson · 6:03 PM

I've forgiven him for leaving Lando at home

Dave Benson · 6:04 PM

So do you think the US has any kind of chance of advancing past Belgium?

Alan Abrahamson · 6:04 PM

Oh, for sure. Donovan deserved to stay home.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:04 PM

It would be a masterstroke of coaching for the Americans to get by Belgium. Could happen. But should not.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:04 PM

For one thing, the US has no offense.

Dave Benson · 6:04 PM

Did you see Klinsman's excuse note? That was one of my favorite things so far. "Please excuse x from work, he has to watch the World Cup..."

Alan Abrahamson · 6:05 PM

Loved the excuse note.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:05 PM

He has been a great rallier of the troops.

Dave Benson · 6:05 PM

I think our offense is definitely not our biggest strength, but a good defense can win this thing

Alan Abrahamson · 6:05 PM

His team, and the bigger, broader American team

Dave Benson · 6:05 PM

I know Germany wasn't on the all-out attack, but our boys looked really solid defensively.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:06 PM

Good defense always wins. But at some point, even in soccer, you have to score.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:06 PM

You see how badly they miss Altidore

Alan Abrahamson · 6:06 PM

Speaking of which ...

Dave Benson · 6:06 PM

In this tournament, where one goal can win it, I kind of like our scrappy, workman style

Dave Benson · 6:06 PM

But a couple of goals would be nice...

Alan Abrahamson · 6:06 PM

Under-promise/over-deliver

Alan Abrahamson · 6:06 PM

Klinsmann announced just moments ago that Altidore could play Tuesday v Belgium.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:07 PM

Coyly, he did not say how much Jozy could/would play.

Dave Benson · 6:07 PM

Saw that. Loved it. He also told the players' families to plan on staying through the finals.

Dave Benson · 6:07 PM

German Swagger. I think they call it Schwagger.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:07 PM

Planning on staying through the finals: I think they call that picking a bad week to stop sniffing glue.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:07 PM

But it's great stuff nonetheless.

Dave Benson · 6:08 PM

HAHA

Dave Benson · 6:08 PM

Sports (or as the Europeans say, "sport") are/is a funny thing. The best team isn't always the one that wins. We can be that not-best team.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:08 PM

The best thing the Americans have going for them Tuesday is that the Belgian captain, Vincent Kompany, who tends to get hurt a lot, is hurt.

Dave Benson · 6:08 PM

And the other dude got that red card

Alan Abrahamson · 6:09 PM

For sure.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:09 PM

Even so, the issue is ... can the Americans generate even a hint of offense?

Alan Abrahamson · 6:09 PM

Belgium won its group, and like the old Chicago White Sox, did it winning ugly.

Dave Benson · 6:09 PM

I also think the Belgians funny defense is designed for teams with serious offenses. I think they might be overcompensating with us and we might do some weird thing like score a pair on them

Alan Abrahamson · 6:09 PM

That is serious optimism.

Dave Benson · 6:10 PM

my dad told me this saying about the best fencer in the world having nothing to fear from the second best, but from a total amateur. We're that guy.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:10 PM

Don't forget the Belgians crushed the US in a friendly, 4-2

Dave Benson · 6:11 PM

I wouldn't bet money on the US to go all the way through, but didn't you see Miracle? Same basic sport...

Alan Abrahamson · 6:11 PM

We in the United States are so conditioned by the 1980 Miracle on Ice.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:11 PM

Never say never.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:11 PM

But -- really.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:11 PM

Let me tell you how this really works. I know.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:11 PM

I went to Northwestern. We lost 34 football games in a row.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:11 PM

There is a reason good teams beat teams that aren't as good.

Dave Benson · 6:12 PM

★ Spotlighted from Stuart Nadler

“Who do you guys predict would be the "Man of the Match" if the US were to win?”

Alan Abrahamson · 6:12 PM

If the Americans win, Michael Bradley has to play much, much better.

Dave Benson · 6:12 PM

That's football. In a game that's often decided by one goal (or fewer) strange things can happen

Dave Benson · 6:12 PM

Bradley needs to step up, for sure

Alan Abrahamson · 6:13 PM

No. Disagree, gently. That is the way sports, all sports, are. The better team wins. Almost always.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:13 PM

That's why we celebrate the 1980 team. And rightfully so.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:13 PM

The Americans for sure have a chance against Belgium. And against everybody. But they are not the best team left in this tournament. Not by a long shot.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:13 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jeff Rose

“Do you guys think they'll use Omar Gonzalez more in this match?”

Dave Benson · 6:13 PM

Thanks for being gentle. All I'm saying is, there can be an own-goal, a slip-up or a bomb from 30 yards out and that's that. Also, Belgium is not Germany (even though their flags are similar)

Alan Abrahamson · 6:14 PM

Great question, Jeff. The LA Times had a feature about Omar today. He was, like, hey, I'm getting to play, like, five minutes!

Alan Abrahamson · 6:14 PM

To me BTW the most impactful player I have seen -- every game -- has been Zusi. Anyone want to take a different position?

Dave Benson · 6:14 PM

Jeff- the backups in this World Cup have had an unprecedented impact. I would love to see some Gonzo in there

Alan Abrahamson · 6:15 PM

Not to dismiss J Jones, and that wicked goal. And of course Dempsey. I am just saying that Zusi has been bringing it.

Dave Benson · 6:15 PM

Zusi is one of those guys who seems to be everywhere the action is. But Dempsey's the most important guy out there. I know it's a popular opinion...

Dave Benson · 6:16 PM

Zusi has been playing out of his mind, for sure

Dave Benson · 6:16 PM

If Bradley steps it up, Zusi keeps it up and Jones shows up...

Alan Abrahamson · 6:16 PM

OK, Mr. Optimist, I have a question for you. Let's say the Americans win. How far do you think they go?

Dave Benson · 6:17 PM

So Alan, because you're the smart one here, will the return of Jozy be a big deal?

Alan Abrahamson · 6:17 PM

I will answer your question first on the condition you then answer mine

Dave Benson · 6:17 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jeff Rose

“That's a lot of IFs, Dave”

Dave Benson · 6:18 PM

It's only three, Jeff! But I get you....

Alan Abrahamson · 6:18 PM

Jozy: depends if his hamstring can hold up. That is a huge if. I think Klinsmann puts him in late, to see if the US can get a late goal.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:18 PM

★ Spotlighted from Stuart Nadler

“I keep thinking Beasley's too old to be there, but he still looks great. Will he be important if the US moves forward?”

Alan Abrahamson · 6:18 PM

Stuart: I totally agree, and I think Beasley has been a chronic weak link.

Dave Benson · 6:18 PM

What's his weak link?

Dave Benson · 6:18 PM

I mean, why do you say that?

Alan Abrahamson · 6:19 PM

I wish we had video ability here -- to call up rushes down the pitch in group play. You would see how many came down Beasley's side. It's no accident, believe me.

Dave Benson · 6:20 PM

They're going after him? Well, he strikes me as the type of guy with those "intangibles" we hear about. He might have a lousy tourney, but then he'll do something awesome and be a hero and then the Governor of wherever he's from, subsequently.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:20 PM

Alan Abrahamson · 6:21 PM

Awesome answer, my friend

Alan Abrahamson · 6:21 PM

This is a little like the Northwestern athletic department reminding everyone what high GPAs the team had. Lolz.

Dave Benson · 6:21 PM

haha

Dave Benson · 6:22 PM

So let's look past Belgium (!) at our side of the bracket. If the US ever were going to make a run, this would be the year, right?

Alan Abrahamson · 6:22 PM

For sure.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:22 PM

The bracket is absolutely wide open.

Dave Benson · 6:22 PM

No Germany, No Brazil

Dave Benson · 6:22 PM

I actually like Chile, btw, but...

Alan Abrahamson · 6:22 PM

And, as I have said many times, if soccer is ever going to make major inroads in the United States, the one thing that would truly accelerate it is a deep run into the World Cup by the men's national team.

Dave Benson · 6:22 PM

*Costa Rica

Alan Abrahamson · 6:23 PM

The Ticos must be thrilled not to be playing in snow in Colorado!

Dave Benson · 6:23 PM

See? THIS IS OUR YEAR! I'll see you on line for Galaxy season tickets!

Dave Benson · 6:23 PM

But I'm a Cosmos fan...now and forever.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:23 PM

Ha. Chivas USA tix are readily available. About 4k people "turned out" to watch over the weekend for their game.

Dave Benson · 6:24 PM

Well, that's another area in which you and I don't quite see eye-to-eye. I think soccer is about to catch fire in the US. Lots of people care. And if you live where I live (Queens, NY) TONS of people care

Alan Abrahamson · 6:24 PM

I will reiterate: lots of people pay attention during the World Cup. The day it's over, it's back to the NFL.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:25 PM

If you want to sink your money into a women's pro soccer league, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I would like to sell you. You and I might wish it were different but, alas, it's not.

Dave Benson · 6:26 PM

I worked for MLB for a little while and it's ALWAYS back to the NFL. Nothing will ever overshadow Big Daddy Football, but soccer can at least overtake hockey, right?

Dave Benson · 6:26 PM

Hockey, by the way, often loses ratings wars to reruns of NCAA hoops.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:27 PM

Well, this brings to mind the old joke: the same 18,000 people traveling from city to city.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:27 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jeff Rose

“The Pacific Northwest has a big following, especially for their MLS teams”

Dave Benson · 6:27 PM

haha. Nonetheless, this could be a team of destiny. And even if it isn't, this has been a blast to watch so far. Bars in Midtown Manhattan are packed in the middle of the day, cars are honking for reasons other than the usual nonsense...

Alan Abrahamson · 6:27 PM

Jeff: For sure. But see http://mlsattendance.blogspot.com

Alan Abrahamson · 6:28 PM

You will see that attendance in Seattle is down nearly 9 percent from last year. And in Portland it is essentially flat. And this in a World Cup year?

Dave Benson · 6:28 PM

People are saving their energy...

Dave Benson · 6:29 PM

So Nate Silver (of the incredibly accurate predictions) gives the US something like a 40 percent chance of beating Belgium. What do you think?

Alan Abrahamson · 6:29 PM

1. The World Cup absolutely is a big deal. This is because Americans love the spectacle of big events. This is just fact.

Dave Benson · 6:29 PM

★ Spotlighted from Stuart Nadler

“How come neither of you guys mentioned Tim Howard yet? He doesn't deserve a shout-out? :)”

Alan Abrahamson · 6:29 PM

2. New York City is not the center of the world. This is also fact. Sorry.

Dave Benson · 6:29 PM

I agree with the first point, but not the second...

Alan Abrahamson · 6:30 PM

For sure Howard deserves a shout-out. Shout-out to Tim Howard!

Alan Abrahamson · 6:30 PM

This is because you are in New York, and thus blinded to reality :)

Dave Benson · 6:30 PM

I love Tim Howard. He's an American hero, He's one of the few American players that gets spoken about in the premiership with reverence and respect.

Dave Benson · 6:30 PM

★ Spotlighted from Brian Powers

“I'm actually a hockey fan, and have been enjoying the World Cup cause the games strangely remind me of the nhl, but with much better looking players. But, w/ the USA vs Belgium tomorrow, how important is it for the Americans to contain Eden Hazard?”

Alan Abrahamson · 6:31 PM

So for those who don't know who Eden Hazard is: he is a superbly creative midfielder.

Dave Benson · 6:32 PM

I think Hazard has been one of Belgium's most important players. I think he's worrisome because he's atypical and non-traditional as a set-up guy and our boys might not have seen someone like him

Alan Abrahamson · 6:32 PM

For all those who don't know much about Belgium: they are filled with a bunch of guys who almost nobody over on this side of the pond knows much about.

Dave Benson · 6:32 PM

BINGO Alan! His creativity is frightening.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:32 PM

With maybe the exception of Vincent Kompany, and that's because he has been at Manchester City.

Dave Benson · 6:33 PM

Also, their people are mostly Flemish.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:33 PM

Brian -- BTW -- I live in the part of LA by the beach that is Kings country -- the Stanley Cup went first to the bar that is literally across the street from the house I lived in for 14 years. Viva los Kings!

Alan Abrahamson · 6:33 PM

Now back to soccer.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:34 PM

A little more about the Belgian team.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:35 PM

It is an amazingly unifying force in a country that is split between those who speak Flemish and those who speak French. Everyone knows this, yes?

Dave Benson · 6:35 PM

oui

Alan Abrahamson · 6:35 PM

The country essentially had no government a few years back because they literally could not agree ...

Dave Benson · 6:37 PM

Soccer is a unifying force almost everywhere. One of my favorite soccer anecdotes is about the Arab player who's on the Israeli team. All the Israelis cheer for him as if he were one of their own.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:37 PM

The team is no collection of aging stars, like Spain.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:37 PM

This is a bunch of young guys spread across the best teams in Europe.

Dave Benson · 6:37 PM

and it's not a one-man team like Portugal

Alan Abrahamson · 6:37 PM

The coach, Marc Wilmot, is tactically very, very shrewd.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:38 PM

As I said earlier, Belgium won its group ugly.

Dave Benson · 6:38 PM

So, realistically, what chance does the US have of beating them? Give me a number.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:38 PM

The issue to me is whether it finally breaks out against the United States or, again, wins ugly.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:38 PM

20 percent max.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:39 PM

But, you know, that's why they play.

Dave Benson · 6:39 PM

WHOA! Just to beat Belgium? I'm not even talking about the next game yet!

Dave Benson · 6:39 PM

I think your computer is broken

Alan Abrahamson · 6:39 PM

20 percent max.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:40 PM

But that's cool.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:40 PM

Again, that's why they play the game.

Dave Benson · 6:40 PM

Well, you heard it here first, I guess. I know we;re the underdogs, but I'd like to think it;s going to be close

Dave Benson · 6:40 PM

Do you think they're going to get smoked?

Alan Abrahamson · 6:40 PM

Almost all soccer games are close!

Dave Benson · 6:40 PM

fair point

Dave Benson · 6:41 PM

I think Tim Howard is going to be awesome (again) and something good will happen on the offensive side of the ball

Dave Benson · 6:41 PM

But relying on a spectacular goalie didn't work for Mexico...

Alan Abrahamson · 6:41 PM

Look, it's really fun to be all USA-ish. I get that.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:42 PM

But that is not what being a professional sportswriter is all about, and that is what I am trying to be here.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:42 PM

When you line it up, it's all in Belgium's favor.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:42 PM

Can the Americans win? Yes.

Dave Benson · 6:42 PM

You are a professional. I'm not.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:42 PM

Should the Americans win? No.

Dave Benson · 6:42 PM

That's why I can make fun of Belgium and say that I think their waffles are overrated AND that I don't care for Moules-Frites

Dave Benson · 6:43 PM

I hope that's all Belgian stuff.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:43 PM

Moules-frites are awesome. And so is their chocolate.

Dave Benson · 6:43 PM

I won;t disagree about the chocolate because it;s chocolate and anyone who dislikes chocolate should move back to Russia

Alan Abrahamson · 6:43 PM

Lolz

Dave Benson · 6:43 PM

But we're getting sidetracked. We were talking about waffles?

Dave Benson · 6:44 PM

I get you, Alan. You're a realist and a journalist, but I still think the US is going to do something great

Alan Abrahamson · 6:44 PM

If you want waffles, come out here to LA. We will sojourn together to Roscoe's, for chicken and waffles. A culinary delight.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:44 PM

And I get you, Dave. I respect your red, white and blue passion. I respect everyone's red, white and blue rah-rah. I do!

Alan Abrahamson · 6:45 PM

Now, another question: what is to be done with Luis Suarez@

Alan Abrahamson · 6:45 PM

Oops -- ignore that @

Dave Benson · 6:45 PM

baseball players who bat .300 get a hit roughly three out of ten times, right? So it's big news when someone has an unreal streak that wins their team a post season series. Here, in soccer, all someone needs is one moment of brilliance (or luck) to

Dave Benson · 6:45 PM

change everything. Ask Maradona. Or homeboy who hit the crossbar the other day with his penalty kick

Dave Benson · 6:46 PM

Oh man, I'm so excited you asked about Suarez

Alan Abrahamson · 6:46 PM

You are making my argument for me, my friend. The better team wins. You are asking for a miracle.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:46 PM

Now on to Suarez.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:46 PM

★ Spotlighted from Stuart Nadler

“Suarez should be arrested, deported and banned for life. How is that up for debate?”

Alan Abrahamson · 6:46 PM

Awesome, Stuart.

Dave Benson · 6:47 PM

Yeah. I'm with Stuart. FIFA's toothless (!) punishment is embarrassing. He should never play international soccer again.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:47 PM

Reuters had a story today in which they went home to Uruguay and tried to psychoanalyze the guy. Was he a biter as a child or teen? Made me laugh.

Dave Benson · 6:47 PM

That's fantastic.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:48 PM

Consider this, Stuart and everyone: Michael Vick is playing in the NFL again. So ...

Dave Benson · 6:48 PM

Remember when Roberto Alomar spat in that ump's face? Certain things should be dealt with really harshly. This is one of them

Dave Benson · 6:48 PM

So vick's indiscretion is different

Dave Benson · 6:48 PM

I'm not a Vick apologist, despite being a Jets fan, but his crimes occurred off the field. Like Pete Rose

Dave Benson · 6:48 PM

and O.J. Simpson...

Dave Benson · 6:48 PM

Can we talk about chocolate again?

Alan Abrahamson · 6:49 PM

When Vick was first convicted, there were cries that he should never, ever play again.

Dave Benson · 6:49 PM

Suarez is a danger to other players and he's a disgrace to the game

Alan Abrahamson · 6:49 PM

Seems to me that Suarez needs to do the first thing, which is confront the problem and understand it.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:50 PM

He also, obviously, needs to apologize to everyone he has hurt.

Dave Benson · 6:50 PM

Vick was dealt with by the criminal justice system. He went to jail and paid his debt. Ex-cons are allowed to try to get jobs. If I were a team GM, I wouldn't hire him, but I don;t think you can ban him

Dave Benson · 6:50 PM

yeah

Dave Benson · 6:50 PM

Suarez' denial is absurd

Alan Abrahamson · 6:50 PM

Then maybe he can be at a fresh starting place

Dave Benson · 6:50 PM

He says he's the victim. He should ... something

Dave Benson · 6:51 PM

He should do what all famous people do when they get caught misbehaving: go to rehab or anger management

Dave Benson · 6:51 PM

declare "moral bankruptcy"

Dave Benson · 6:51 PM

FIFA should make him wear a muzzle

Alan Abrahamson · 6:51 PM

Agreed. He needs help understanding what is making him act out.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:52 PM

He said after the second episode that it would not happen again. And now comes Act Three.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:52 PM

Switching gears, if I might ...

Dave Benson · 6:52 PM

If some little kid bites his opponent on a pee-wee field in Uruguay, how can anyone be shocked? one of the most celebrated guys there is the role model

Dave Benson · 6:53 PM

yes

Dave Benson · 6:53 PM

switch away

Alan Abrahamson · 6:53 PM

Is James Rodriguez the newest star in the soccer constellation? Is that absurd goal he scored the goal of the tournament? Or is it still Van Persie's header?

Alan Abrahamson · 6:53 PM

★ Spotlighted from Stuart Nadler

“Alan - is anyone going to beat Germany?”

Dave Benson · 6:53 PM

that goal was gorgeous. I called my wife into the room and had her watch it

Dave Benson · 6:54 PM

VP's header was also great, but that Rodriguez one wins it for me

Alan Abrahamson · 6:54 PM

Stuart -- Germans look awesome and when you take into consideration Bayern Munich's run right now, you just wonder if it isn't their time

Dave Benson · 6:55 PM

But Klinsmann's boys are ripe to beat his old team...

Alan Abrahamson · 6:55 PM

I also wonder, too, if the Dutch, after somehow getting by in their last game, aren't also a real threat to win it al

Dave Benson · 6:55 PM

(*Just kidding Alan*)

Dave Benson · 6:55 PM

You're not looking at Brazil to win it?

Alan Abrahamson · 6:56 PM

Also, prediction: would not be surprised in the slightest if Colombia beats Brazil on Friday.

Dave Benson · 6:56 PM

OK Alan. In our remaining minutes, give me your safest prediction and your boldest.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:56 PM

Well, just gave you my boldest. Colombia over Brazil.

Alan Abrahamson · 6:56 PM

Safest: Belgium over USA.

Dave Benson · 6:57 PM

I like you alan, but you keep upsetting me...

Alan Abrahamson · 6:57 PM

The public-safety officer in me (!) would like to see Brazil keep winning. I fear for what might happen if the host nation is upset. But Colombia is on a roll and Brazil has not looked sharp.

Dave Benson · 6:58 PM

Thanks for the insight. I suspect you're right about most of it, but I hope you're wrong about my boys in red, white and blue! Thanks to everyone who joined us. Follow @alanabrahamson on Twitter if you like smart sports stuff! Until next time!

Alan Abrahamson · 6:58 PM

Thanks for this, Dave. A total pleasure. If the Americans win, it'll be great fun for everyone.

Dave Benson · 6:58 PM

USA! USA!

Forum · 14

Forum· 14 comments

8,071 visitors

Tawkers AdminJun 27, 2014, 3:07 AM

Welcome to the comment section of the Tawk, where audience members can share their thoughts about the main conversation happening on the left. Don't by shy! Entering questions and comments is the only way to get the attention of the two Hosts on stage!

Jeff RoseJun 30, 2014, 6:05 PM

Think he'll give me an excuse note for NEXT Tuesday. I have something going on and need to get out of work.

Stuart NadlerJun 30, 2014, 6:11 PM★ Spotlighted

Who do you guys predict would be the "Man of the Match" if the US were to win?

Jeff RoseJun 30, 2014, 6:13 PM★ Spotlighted

Do you guys think they'll use Omar Gonzalez more in this match?

Jeff RoseJun 30, 2014, 6:16 PM★ Spotlighted

That's a lot of IFs, Dave

Stuart NadlerJun 30, 2014, 6:17 PM★ Spotlighted

I keep thinking Beasley's too old to be there, but he still looks great. Will he be important if the US moves forward?

Stuart NadlerJun 30, 2014, 6:25 PM★ Spotlighted

How come neither of you guys mentioned Tim Howard yet? He doesn't deserve a shout-out? :)

Jeff RoseJun 30, 2014, 6:25 PM★ Spotlighted

The Pacific Northwest has a big following, especially for their MLS teams

Brian PowersJun 30, 2014, 6:29 PM★ Spotlighted

I'm actually a hockey fan, and have been enjoying the World Cup cause the games strangely remind me of the nhl, but with much better looking players. But, w/ the USA vs Belgium tomorrow, how important is it for the Americans to contain Eden Hazard?

Stuart NadlerJun 30, 2014, 6:34 PM

Yes please.

Stuart NadlerJun 30, 2014, 6:46 PM★ Spotlighted

Suarez should be arrested, deported and banned for life. How is that up for debate?

Jeff RoseJun 30, 2014, 6:47 PM

Whoa, Stuart. Slow down there.

Jeff RoseJun 30, 2014, 6:48 PM

Suarez does some stupid things, but, arrested? Nope. He got what he deserved, nothing more needs to be done.

Stuart NadlerJun 30, 2014, 6:53 PM★ Spotlighted

Alan - is anyone going to beat Germany?