International Royals

[Doyler]

http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-fan-jessica-charman-9718530

[stl_royal]

I'm just not sure why it was a major upset for the US to lose to Jamaica. If they go on past meetings then yes but on paper this Jamaican team were only slight under dogs if that.

It wasn't. I'm from the US and many of our national team supporters (and media) don't really understand the game, especially on the international level, and just assume that we are supposed to be the best at least in CONCACAF by a mile, and therefore should be able to win the Gold Cup blindfolded. In reality, the US fielded a questionable starting 11 throughout the tournament, left many recently consistent performers (including Williams) at home altogether, and had played poorly since the opening game...so no big shock that a talented Jamaica side on a roll was able to grab a win against them.

[Nameless]

http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-fan-jessica-charman-9718530

Surprised a certain HNA stalwart hadn't flagged this one earlier !!
Great game to be at....

[Libertine]

I'm just not sure why it was a major upset for the US to lose to Jamaica. If they go on past meetings then yes but on paper this Jamaican team were only slight under dogs if that.

It wasn't. I'm from the US and many of our national team supporters (and media) don't really understand the game, especially on the international level, and just assume that we are supposed to be the best at least in CONCACAF by a mile, and therefore should be able to win the Gold Cup blindfolded. In reality, the US fielded a questionable starting 11 throughout the tournament, left many recently consistent performers (including Williams) at home altogether, and had played poorly since the opening game...so no big shock that a talented Jamaica side on a roll was able to grab a win against them.

Good post.

I think the reason they are expected to win every Gold Cup is because the US hosts it. Think if Germany, Spain or Italy got to host every World Cup...England hosted it once and won it that year. Plus the US and Mexico really are a cut above everybody else in CONCACAF.

I wasn't surprised by the Jamaican victory though. The Reggae Boyz were just coming off playing in the Copa America where while not getting any results didn't play badly. And that run of time together helped their on-field cohesiveness in the Gold Cup. They've had an influx of English born players in the past few years, including 4 both current and former Royals (McCleary, Hector, Mariappa and McAnuff) and generally/gradually their play has improved. I am actually kinda happy for Jamaica. This really is an historic tournament for them (their first ever Gold Cup championship game) and I would not be surprised to see them beat Mexico whose play has been as underwhelming in this tournament as the US. And agree with you on Klinsmann and his squad selection. Left out some players I thought belonged including Bobby Wood, Jordan Morris and Danny Williams who all looked great in our recent victories in Germany and the Netherlands.

[JC]

Is anybody concerned that Hector and McCleary will come back just before the season starts having had no summer break at all. Or are we going to be without them for a while?

[Esteban]

Is anybody concerned that Hector and McCleary will come back just before the season starts having had no summer break at all. Or are we going to be without them for a while?

I don't think we'll see them until September.

[JC]

http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/footb ... th-9712012

Steve Clark says they could play against Birmingham

[Pepe the Horseman]

Steve Clarke says dogs can't look up.

[Green]

Steve Clarke says putting a teaspoon in an opened bottle of champagne helps keep the fizz

[Royal Ginger]

Steve Clarke says cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis.

[southsideroyal]

I'm just not sure why it was a major upset for the US to lose to Jamaica. If they go on past meetings then yes but on paper this Jamaican team were only slight under dogs if that.

It wasn't. I'm from the US and many of our national team supporters (and media) don't really understand the game, especially on the international level, and just assume that we are supposed to be the best at least in CONCACAF by a mile, and therefore should be able to win the Gold Cup blindfolded. In reality, the US fielded a questionable starting 11 throughout the tournament, left many recently consistent performers (including Williams) at home altogether, and had played poorly since the opening game...so no big shock that a talented Jamaica side on a roll was able to grab a win against them.

Good post.

I think the reason they are expected to win every Gold Cup is because the US hosts it. Think if Germany, Spain or Italy got to host every World Cup...England hosted it once and won it that year. Plus the US and Mexico really are a cut above everybody else in CONCACAF.

I wasn't surprised by the Jamaican victory though. The Reggae Boyz were just coming off playing in the Copa America where while not getting any results didn't play badly. And that run of time together helped their on-field cohesiveness in the Gold Cup. They've had an influx of English born players in the past few years, including 4 both current and former Royals (McCleary, Hector, Mariappa and McAnuff) and generally/gradually their play has improved. I am actually kinda happy for Jamaica. This really is an historic tournament for them (their first ever Gold Cup championship game) and I would not be surprised to see them beat Mexico whose play has been as underwhelming in this tournament as the US. And agree with you on Klinsmann and his squad selection. Left out some players I thought belonged including Bobby Wood, Jordan Morris and Danny Williams who all looked great in our recent victories in Germany and the Netherlands.

Agreed. Why Klinsmann went with Beckermann over Williams is beyond me.

[janesdaddy]

...Mexico will beat them in the final ...

With more crooked refereeing, Mexico will beat them in the final.
Fixed that for you. No, wait, someone else is fixing that.

The standard of officiating has been poor. Clearly, CONCACAF wanted the final to be between the United States and Mexico in order to maximize bums on seats and television advertising revenue, and influencing referees is an easy way to do that. The Spanish language commentators on Univision got it right when they said "Goooooool de Mark Geiger, árbitro de los Estados Unidos", instead of crediting it to the taker of the penalty. Geiger has made some very questionable calls in the past, so he was a perfect choice for the cabal running this tournament.

Our boyz (former and present) did well though.

Edit: I know, I'm mixing up the two different semi-finals, but the point still stands.

[Silver Fox]

Is anybody concerned that Hector and McCleary will come back just before the season starts having had no summer break at all. Or are we going to be without them for a while?

I'd imagine they'll be better prepared for the season ahead than most of their pals

[Nameless]

For a lot of lads their age a few weeks travelling round the Americas with a few mates, staying in top hotels, eating well, bit of adrenaline sport once a week, would be a dream holiday !

[WestRoyal]

I'm just not sure why it was a major upset for the US to lose to Jamaica. If they go on past meetings then yes but on paper this Jamaican team were only slight under dogs if that.

Probably because USA are ranked 34 and Jamaica 76 in the world

Fair enough, but I'm looking past that and looking at both teams on paper they seem well matched. Also a lot has changed since Schafer came in especially the defence. The only real standout for me is dempsey

[WestRoyal]

I'm just not sure why it was a major upset for the US to lose to Jamaica. If they go on past meetings then yes but on paper this Jamaican team were only slight under dogs if that.

It wasn't. I'm from the US and many of our national team supporters (and media) don't really understand the game, especially on the international level, and just assume that we are supposed to be the best at least in CONCACAF by a mile, and therefore should be able to win the Gold Cup blindfolded. In reality, the US fielded a questionable starting 11 throughout the tournament, left many recently consistent performers (including Williams) at home altogether, and had played poorly since the opening game...so no big shock that a talented Jamaica side on a roll was able to grab a win against them.

Thank you buddy, that's cleared things up. Its sort of what I was thinking

[harry]

Anyone watching the Final live?
BT Sport 2

[harry]

Jobi with a couple of crunching challenges early on

[Royal Ginger]

I'm watching, great first 10 from McCleary, really playing with confidence.

[harry]

Great link up by Mariappa, a.n.other & McCleary
Kind of glad that Hec hasn't seen much ball yet