Agreed on Croatia being tough, but aging. Really there were only maybe two teams that anyone could call even close to slouches in the tournament. It's 32 teams that all (except one) had to qualify through a lot of decent play.
Even given the competition we face, I am hopeful we can score a goal or two, but these are good teams. It is hard to judge Morocco. They didn't play anyone of note in qualifying (Congo DR at 67 was their highest ranked opponent.) It's all relative though. I know so little of the African Association and how crazy their games and atmospheres may be.
I don't know that we need a result against Belgium, but we need to be competitive. If we don't assert some pressure than I'm with elly63 that it may be 1986 type result overall. I'd still be proud of the team though. I am impressed we qualified through CONCACAF and looked like we belonged doing it. The last two rather unfortunate losses show how slim the margin for error really is. It is a beautiful, but often terrible game at times.
__________________
-- “We heal each other with kindness, gentleness and respect.” -- Richard Wagamese
-- “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not.” -- Dr. Seuss
|
Threaded Mode