re: Official World Cup discussion thread - USA Eliminated

I really liked Johnson in the Portugal game, and we need to move Beasley to midfield or something. He is way, way, way too much of a liability on the back wing. He's too quick to give the cross, and we've been terrible at marking.

It's been a fricking open gate back there.

I agree we need to shore that hole up.

Whatever change Klinsman made early in the first half today seemed to help Beasley on the back line. I had it on in the background so really wasn't watching that closely to see what he did.

It helped but Germany worked him all day. Everybody has. We aren't getting much farther if we keep at it with Beasley.

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Beasley seems to be pretty good at times though. Is that just not his natural position or what?

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I think he's a natural midfielder, but at this point we seriously need to move him or figure something out. We have time now.

And he does do well sometimes, but he's been physically abused on that side of the ball.

And not in a good way.

It's not. He used to be a winger. He's lost some speed in his old age. He's serviceable against lesser teams and has uses on the attack. We're just too vulnerable on the edges against our likely next (two) opponents.

I do think it's better than leaving so much over the middle via Straws explaination. I prefer playing jumpballs.

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Argentina would be even tougher in South America. Messi is playing fantastic. They're defense looks a little shakey though. It's not unthinkable we could shock them.

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Messi is always dangerous but I have not been otherwise overly impressed with Argentina's play. They barely skated by in a group that wasn't exactly stacked. Frankly, Bosnia played, if not outplayed them and Argentina got a bit lucky with an own goal. They dominated Iran but only managed a 1-0 win. While Nigeria played well, they don't exactly scare anyone. I think Argentina has tons of talent, but right now, its just the Messi show. Stop/slow him down and you have a good chance.

I actually think Beasley has done an admirable job considering how often he's been targeted. The only goal that has come from his side against us was Portugal's on a stellar cross and finish. I agree we're maybe playing with fire a little, but I think he's done a fine job.

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I actually think Beasley has done an admirable job considering how often he's been targeted. The only goal that has come from his side against us was Portugal's on a stellar cross and finish. I agree we're maybe playing with fire a little, but I think he's done a fine job.

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This isn't because Beasley has been doing a good job, this is because Howard is an unbelievable goalkeeper. Beasley has been the victim of several crosses and got violated today.