Actually, as a Barca fan I can say from the CL games I saw that Ronaldinho hasn't been at his best for a while - certainly not in the final or semis. He was still doing some good things, but he didn't look like he was going to take on the whole defence and make them look stupid like he had been earlier in the season.

Now that they've played Australia, I hope he gets some of that form back From what I've seen it looks like they're missing that real creative and running spark from midfield that would increase the whole team's tempo (and maybe play Ronaldo into some form as you say)

Well, to put it another way, as a fan, for most of that game I wasn't having heart palpitations as if we were going to concede goals. It was only really at the end when the attacking subs were made that left us a bit exposed at the back that I had some nervous moments leading up to the second goal.

Even though we did defend a lot, I felt we defended well (mostly), and were pushing forward to put pressure on them.

I can't say we were helped by the foul count. That whole beat up about us being an overly physical team has had its intended effect methinks. At least none of the players already on yellows got another one so we should be at full strength depending on what happens with Kewell.

Hey I thought the Aussies played great. I just think they (and everyone else) are overmatched

Don't get me wrong, I know you're not saying we were crap. Was just explaining my position as to why I thought we played well, and might have got out of that with a draw if our finishing had been better.

Do you really think Brazil are going to be able to match Argentina though? Even if Brazil do improve, people like Cafu and Roberto Carlos aren't going to be able to keep up with the Argi strikers. If we were finding space back there, you can be sure that Messi, Tevez and co. are going to find it and do a lot more with it.

I am convinced that a 'clicking' Brazilian squad outscores any other team. I was a little surprised by the holes in the defense that a more skilled team likely would have capitalized on, but I also think that no team is as offensively talented as Brazil (even with a worthless Ronaldo)

Even at their best... I think Spain and Argentina look capable of beating Brazil. Not favored in a final perhaps, but entirely capable.

He was awful in game 1...a lot better in game 2 but nowhere near his peak performance. But to call him awful in game 2 is ridiculous. He was 100X more active in game 2 than in game 1. He was certainly better than any offensive player that USA has and everyone seems to want to suck their collective dicks.

I don't see them making Ronaldo a sub unless his play drops off from game 2. I could probably be convinced though that Brazil is better off without him and Adriano on the field at the same time. Their style of play is too similar and they are probably better off with Robinho on the field than both of them at the same time. And having either a fresh Ronaldo or Adriano at the end of the game when the defenders are getting tired would be a pretty great weapon.

i've not been keeping up with this thread, but, given that no one paid much attention i have to say that. . .

. . .was brilliant! bravo.

and i'll say that i'm stilltrying to figure out a way that the czechs and the us can go through because i want the czech rep to go far but i find it hard to look for the us to lose in order for that to happen.

1. No one can say he is playing even as a shadow of what he was.
2. He may be the greatest player of all time... at his prime. Don't think I ever saw a whole game of Pele (except at the end in the US when he was old) or Eusebio. Did see Maradona a lot. No one had the power and the overwhelming skill of Ronaldo. For this reason, for respect for his history, he's gotta stay on the pitch as long as he chooses. I agree.

Let me ask this of all the americans talking shit about ronaldo, at the conclusion of the world cup who do you think will have more points: The entire US team or Ronaldo? How close will it be and how confident are you in your answer?

can i talk shit about ronaldo?

my country is nowhere to be found in the world cup

Ronaldo has three goals and breaks the WC record.
US moves through scoring three goals against Ghana... plays Braziil in the knock-out round and doesn't score.

Ronaldo 3
USA 3

Italy's own goal pushes US over the top.

I really don't have an opinion about Ronaldo, as I only saw Brazil's first match.

yes he tore shit up at inter etc

that doesnt mean he shouldnt be benched for robinho tho

the usa sucks

Ronaldo will only score one goal and be pulled from his starting position. I've read alot of commentary stating his coach would like to see him tie Pele and even end up breaking the record, but I think the fans and the rest of the Brazilian Soccer Federation will probably want him pulled for the good of the team once he ties Pele. I could see him subbed in after tying Pele and possibly scoring another goal.

I'd actually take a draw with Ronaldo, but I see the US scoring at least one goal and beating Ghana without two of their best players. I'll say US 2-Ronaldo 2.
I'm also boldly stating now that if the USA advances to play Brazil, they lose by no more than 1-0.

playin him just for tying with pele? nothin in soccer works like that

whatever said and done, he still can be lethal when he fires (for instance, he created all of that goal against australia)

coach says he needs more matchplay, we'll see

i mean, in 2002 he was not at all in best form (and sleepwalkin some games) and ended up with 8 goals

In my opinion you don't have to go back to Pele to find a better Brazilian player, you just have to go back 10 years to Romario.

If I was picking a World XI over the last 20 years or so it would be Romario and Van Basten up front and Ronaldo could go hang.

Hristo Stoitchkov.

yeah i love romario

he's a fuckin TITANIC

Germany 1-0 on a goal by Klose in the 4th minute.

Germany continues to look strong.

People have been talkign about how well Ecuador has been playing, but this contest ins't even close to close...thanks to Klose.

Miroslav Klose with 4 goals so far, I wish that man was an American.

3-0 now.

Podolski scored for a change.

Ecuador dropped a lot of their first choice players to keep them fresh for the knock out stages when they play Sweden. Hur, hur, hur.

Why you....

How you can believe that when we have Hargreaves in the team for tonight.