My son, myself and about 50,000 Iran expatriates watched US tie Iran 1-1 at the Rose Bowl Sunday. Another "away" game for the U.S. in their own country.

A few observations: Ali Daei and Khodadad Azizi are terrific but entirely wasted on a team that is resigned to playing counter-attack soccer. Iran's keeper, Hadi Tabatabei, was brilliant. Who does he play for? He certainly isn't on the Iranian national team in F2K. I've seen the U.S. in the past and this is the most aggressive I've seen them, but their defense had moments of shocking ineptitude. The Iranian fans - boy, there were a lot of them - were very courteous to Americans, everyone around us (and we were surrounded) was nice. There are some unbelieveably beautiful Persian women in the world !!!!!!

Finally, Brad Friedel has nothing better to do sitting on the bench in Liverpool then to dye his hair a frightening yellow color?

Hey gmartinz,

Thanks for the comments. Here are a couple of my own:

I fully agree with you about Iran's counter-attacking tactics. Iran's talent level is high enough now to start going at opponents. Mahdi and Azzizi are so good on the ball!

Still, the U.S. has a greater shape and proficiency under Arena. I was very impressed with the ball-winning of the U.S. midfield and Hejduk and Olsen are just wild marauding wing players! The defense is still a bit slow and the strikers are horrific! If the U.S. team had Iran's strikers they would e an outstanding national side.

(Oh yeah, Freidel does look like a freak.)

Cheers.

I watched the game too. Being one of the few US supporters, I was very worried every time Azizi got the ball. Their counterattack is amazing.

I still feel that the US dominated though. Unfortunately, their problem of being able to finish is still there. This was the main problem in the last world cup. Arena is doing a much better job though, and they have really improved. We have beaten Germany twice, Argentina once, and got third place in the Confed Cup. We're going to do a lot better in the next World Cup.

No offense but the US' previous coach was awful. Prior to the World Cup I'd never seen a 3-6-1 formation but that's what he went with. I think the current coach is quite good. I was very impressed watching the Agrentina and Germany games a few months back.

Story is that Azizi has no obligations to any club and that the MLS is interested in him so they can send him to the Galaxy (since Hermosillo is playing in Mexico.) MLS fans, lets cross our fingers on this one http://www.soccergaming.com/ubb/smile.gif

The US has to build a competitve team and start winning tournaments if they want to play in front of a US supporting crowd. They look a lot better than the team they took to France in 98, but there defense is still soft.

I have a question, why is it that Lassiter doesn't shine in international competition?

Yes they said on tv Azizi was released from his German team and could now go anywhere, he could definitely still play.

Iran's best player though I think was Mahdevicia, Ali Daei though was a disappointment.

Overall it was a good game but no way did USA dominate, they almost got blown out in the first 20 minutes it could have been 3-0. US defense was pretty bad especially on the goal and the break-away opportunity. I think start of second half Iran's coach told them to stay back and it was bad mistake, as I was watching I said man they are pulling too far back to their own goal, and look what happens USA scores, if Iran played those first few minutes of 2nd half with more courage I think USA would have huge problem getting that equalizer.

Since this discussion is likely to get buried under "Your team @#$#@!s" topics and "Who cares about the !@@!% USA?" responses...

How about moving it over to the Soccer Forum?
I started a thread during the match.

Perhaps we can make an age or IQ requirement?
http://www.soccergaming.com/ubb/smile.gif

jsbach why put a negative spin on the topic?

i think its fine as it is....

Kewell, you're right about my comment being negative. It was made based on past experiences.

And already, if I wasn't responding to this right now, it would be off the page...
Buried by the likes of 'SOLUTION TO SHUT UP CANTONA FOR GOOD'!

Your actions betray your words.

I have enjoyed many discussions on this board, but lately it's gone too far and gotten too personal.
It's frustrating and annoying.
I then see topics posted by other people who are also annoyed by what has been going on...so I'm not the only one.
If it doesn't stop, I won't waste my time on it anymore. So you won't be bothered by anymore of my "negativity"!