Well we're just under 3 hours before kick off...well I think just under 3, hopefully I have my time conversions correct. The US's next task in this U20 World Cup is the alpine republic of Austria, who overcame Gambia 2-1 to earn their date with the US. The US comes off a gritty performance against Uruguay coming back from 1-0 down with under 15 minutes to play to win 2-1 in overtime off of a Michael Bradley goal.
Austria came out as the runner-up in their group of Chile, Canada, and Congo. The Europeans began their venture with a tie against Congo, then another tie against a very strong Chilean side, and finally a victory over the hosts Canada. I've not seen them play personally, but from everything I have heard they appear to be another typical central European team- organized, tactical, athletic. They will be lead by leading scorer Erwin Hoffer, who hopped off the bench to score the game winner against Gambia, and Rubin Okotie son of a Nigerian father and Austrian mother.
I have to like the young 'Nat's chances though. They've already played one other central European nation, Poland, which they easily disposed of. Poland and Austria I imagine play very similarly. The US's athletic ability will easily match themselves up with their counterparts, they have been tactically astute all tournament, have shown the ability to play some incredible football, and as seen against Uruguay, have the heart and grit to battle out a win as well. All of these combined, I believe will make for an American victory.
If Freddy, Jozy (who appears to have recovered), Seitz (who appears to have recovered as well) and Co. show up to play, I can't see the Austrians providing too much of a problem. But this is football, and stranger things have happened. The US can't afford to take them lightly, and need to match the Austrians off the starting blocks.
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2 comments:
Hi Jon!I like your blog I have to say. It's very refreshing to read thoughts from a player's point of view for once. The blogosphere and the forums tend to fill up with the thoughts of fans and fans alike so keep up the good work,please!
Congrats for the US U20's who have apparently worked their way to the last 8. Soccer for sure lacks media coverage in the States, but this coinciding with the arrival of Beckham ain't bad news at all.
On to tomorrow's game against JJK..How do you reckon your chances ?JJK have beaten two good Veikkausliiga teams in the Finnish cup and they seem to have influential striking force in Babatunde Wusu and Tommi Kari. Of 20 goals JJK have scored in Ykkönen, they have scored 17 goals between them.
Adding to this a bit shaky RoPS-defence, which due to injuries and suspensions changes a lot from game to game. Also keeping in mind that RoPS have been scoring lots of goals lately and we should be in for a free-scoring game..?Mweetwa has 4 goals in 4 games and Zeddy seems to score all-important goals from game to game.
Perhaps the 120 minutes played by JJK on Wednesday and a long bus journey up north will work on your favour though..
Chanda Mwaba is suspended, so hopefully we'll see Dejan Godar in a more offensive role in the middle of the park working his magic.
P.S.
I posted one comment earlier, but I wasn't sure if it came through. If it did, I'm sorry for double-posting, but I did add something to this second one to spice it up a bit ; )
No problem about the double post. Look for my preview for our match with JJK tomorrow. I'll give some more of my thoughts on that match then! Thanks for reading!
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