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Originally Posted by demonrail666
I know this was meant for Suchfriends but I agree, any claims that Spain are over are talking bollocks. This particular side may be starting to show its age but the depth of young talent in Spain is ridiculous. I just see this as a bit of a transition for them.
In terms of the WC I think a lot will depend on if Brazil can continue to evolve and what Germany look like. I also think Argentina could have a decent shout, but either way, even this current Spain will be contenders, for sure.
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I don't think Spain is contending any more. Again, Championship fatigue is no joke, and human bodies can only be pushed so hard. Spain would have to reload like crazy, and I just don't see that happening, further, many teams now have years worth of footage to draw on for effective strategies. Spain is going to have to quite literally go back to the drawing board and evolve some new plays if they want to continue to dominate, because what they used to win before has become more predictable and therefore more easy to defend.
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Originally Posted by elix it
Timmy is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. That being said, this might be his last World Cup. He's getting up there in age.
Thankfully Brad Guzan is no slouch. He had a great season with Aston Villa and some good outings with the USMNT.
Goalkeeper position is not one the US usually needs to worry about. We're in good hands (pun intended).
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Tim Howard WAS one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but point blank, if he hadn't have made that gamble running out to get the stop in the Gold Cup final in 2011, US would have won that game. He makes A LOT of those bad decisions. Essentially, Tim Howard is like the Miami Heat of goal-keeping. He is uber-athletic, fast, and strong, but his entire strategy is predicated on risk taking relying on his athleticism. Smarter goal-keepers stay planted more near the box, Tim likes to run down field to get the stops, but IF or WHEN he misses, it leaves the goal WIDE THE FUCK OPEN. It is the double-edged sword that is Tim Howard. When its good, its solid gold stops, but when he misses? GAME OVER.
I think that when we finally let Tim go, we may just advance further than before, and this Gold Cup is our chance to prove that before the World Cup next year.