WORLD CUP
Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa
Referee: Carlos Batres | Attendance: 30325
* Local time based on your geographic location.
Watch Live on: ESPN, ESPN3.com, MobileTV
COMPLETE TEAM
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Goal
Shot
Video
Goal
Shot
Video
Shots (on goal)
tackles
Fouls
possession
Algeria
-
48%
52%
Slovenia
Algeria
| Line-up | ||
|---|---|---|
| POS | No | Name |
G |
16 | Faouzi Chaouchi |
D |
2 | Madjid Bougherra |
D |
3 | Nadir Belhadj |
D |
4 | Antar Yahia |
D |
5 | Rafik Halliche |
M |
8 | Medhi Lacen |
M |
13 | Karim Matmour |
| M | 10 | Rafik Saifi |
M |
15 | Karim Ziani |
M |
19 | Hassan Yebda |
M |
21 | Foued Kadir |
| M | 17 | Adlene Guedioura |
F |
11 | Rafik Djebbour |
| F | 9 | Abdelkader Ghezzal |
| Substitutes | ||
| POS | No | Name |
| G | 23 | Rais M'Bolhi |
| G | 1 | Lounés Gaouaoui |
| D | 12 | Habib Bellaid |
| D | 14 | Abdelkader Laifaoui |
| D | 18 | Carl Medjani |
| D | 20 | Djamel Mesbah |
| M | 6 | Yazid Mansouri |
| M | 7 | Ryad Boudebouz |
| M | 10 | Rafik Saifi |
| M | 17 | Adlene Guedioura |
| M | 22 | Djamel Abdoun |
| F | 9 | Abdelkader Ghezzal |
Slovenia
| Line-up | ||
|---|---|---|
| POS | No | Name |
G |
1 | Samir Handanovic |
D |
2 | Miso Brecko |
D |
4 | Marko Suler |
D |
5 | Bostjan Cesar |
D |
13 | Bojan Jokic |
M |
8 | Robert Koren |
M |
10 | Valter Birsa |
| F | 7 | Nejc Pecnik |
M |
17 | Andraz Kirm |
M |
18 | Aleksandar Radosavljevic |
| M | 20 | Andrej Komac |
F |
11 | Milivoje Novakovic |
F |
14 | Zlatko Dedic |
| F | 9 | Zlatan Ljubijankic |
| Substitutes | ||
| POS | No | Name |
| G | 16 | Aleksander Seliga |
| G | 12 | Jasmin Handanovic |
| D | 3 | Elvedin Dzinic |
| D | 6 | Branko Ilic |
| D | 19 | Suad Filekovic |
| D | 22 | Matej Mavric |
| M | 15 | Rene Krhin |
| M | 20 | Andrej Komac |
| M | 21 | Dalibor Stevanovic |
| F | 7 | Nejc Pecnik |
| F | 9 | Zlatan Ljubijankic |
| F | 23 | Tim Matavz |
Match Stats
- Algeria
- Slovenia
| 11(2) | Shots (on goal) | 7(4) |
| 17 | Fouls | 10 |
| 4 | Corner kicks | 3 |
| 2 | Offsides | 3 |
| 48% | Time of Possession | 52% |
| 1 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
| 1 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 2 | Saves | 2 |
Leander Schaerlaeckens: And I too will bid you goodbye and head to my next assignment.
For all your earthly needs there's ESPN.com/WorldCup, which has loads of good stuff updated many times a day.
Jeff Bradley: Good bye folks
Jeff Bradley: US came out in a must-score goals mentality and found themselves down 2-0
Jeff Bradley: It's a tough situation, because you go to offensive and a team like Slovenia can burn you on a counter. Many of us remember US-Iran in 98
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'll let Jeff go on his merry way, as there'll be lots more flowing from his fingers, into his keyboard and onto your screens in the coming weeks.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Agreed, Doug. The U.S. will have to bring some more creative players on, that can keep possession and distribute play. The U.S. absolutely has to dominate possession to stand a chance to win.
[Comment from Doug]
We'll need Torres for these guys.
[Comment from Goodz]
The result is fine. England will crush both teams. A US draw against Slovenia is fine as long as they beat Algeria.
[Comment from matt]
I blame it on those haircuts
Leander Schaerlaeckens: This means the U.S. will really have to take the game to their opponents and break them down, not their strongest suit.
Jeff Bradley: It would be easy to blame Ghezzal for the two yellows...and that was dumb...but Chaouchi has to make that save
Jeff Bradley: Three points for Slovenia is going to make them sit back and counter. U.S. is going to have to play smart, with patience
Jeff Bradley: worst possible result for US
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Game.
[Comment from USAFANBOYwhoeatsHOTDOGS]
Jeff Bradley what is your oppinion on this game?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Another foul by Yebda on Pecnik.
Jeff Bradley: They'll be rocking at the Garden Court Hotel tonight
Jeff Bradley: All over but the shouting
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Seconds to go now.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bad tackle by Komac on Belhadj, who came on for Radosavljevic a few minutes ago. Yellow card.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Two minutes remaining.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A cross made it into the box and was cleared poorly. Bougherra get a shot off, but it flew over.
Jeff Bradley: Africa will remain winless
Leander Schaerlaeckens: So close for Algeria!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Just a few minutes of added time to play.
Jeff Bradley: and we just saw a very bad tackle here. No foul called
Jeff Bradley: Carragher killed Findley last night with his studs
Jeff Bradley: let me say, this is not the Confederations Cup when it comes to red cards for suspect challenges
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria is trying to punch holes into the Slovenian resistance, but to no avail. Slovenia is good at this.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Slovenia is pressuring well, trying to ride out the game.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: 90th minute has begun.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria is now throwing it all out there, with 2 minutes and 30 seconds of regulation left.
Jeff Bradley: Slovenia will be a tough team for the US to break down, and them having three points will make them even more defensive minded
[Comment from Dan]
i'm waiting for the slovenia goalkeeper to make a mistake
Jeff Bradley: or as ESPN says, "One Game Changes Everything"
Jeff Bradley: I'm going to sound like a coach (or a coach's brother), but you just have to play all three games
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Slovenia winning could be bad news. If the U.S. draws with Slovenia and beats Algeria, and Slovenia ties with England, it would come down to goal difference.
[Comment from Adam]
I still can't see how either one of these teams will advance to the round of 16.
Jeff Bradley: and silent
Jeff Bradley: Yes, I'd say the white-clad Algerian fans are stunned
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Pecnik on for Birsa for Slovenia.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: How's the atmosphere, Jeff? Subdued?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: As STATS pointed out, that would make it the first Slovenian win at a World Cup.
[Comment from Yunny]
Wow, how many passes was in that build up to Koren's goal? Good play if you ask me, even if the goal was fortuitous.
Jeff Bradley: This will be a crazy three points for Slovenia if they hold on
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria has no more subs to burn on this one.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: An Algerian corner is scrambled behind for a goalkick.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: 81 minutes gone.
[Comment from Kevin]
Group C goalkeeping ... gotta love it
[Comment from Aaron W]
Can't be worse than green
Jeff Bradley: we said it up top. Chaouchi is not good
[Comment from Kevin]
Has Chaouchi had a worse go at it than robert green? He's looked terrible
[Comment from FQ17]
Another terrible spout of goalkeeping.
Jeff Bradley: Not Green, but really really bad
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Really very bad goalkeeping. It skipped up and kissed Chaouchi's upper arm before bouncing in.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Curls it into the far corner.
Jeff Bradley: Koren...and Chaouchi whiffed on it
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robert Koren takes a shot from the edge of the box which Chaouchi does very poorly on!!!
ESPN Stats and Info: FROM OPTA SPORTS DATA: Abdelkader Ghezzal's yellow card in the 59th minute was the 3rd fastest yellow for a sub in World Cup history. The fastest was Du-Ri Cha for South Korea vs Poland on June 4, 2002 - 28 seconds.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: GOAL!!!
[Comment from FIFA]
We will rescind that red card so he can play against England
Jeff Bradley: Algeria were playing with one striker and trying to run midfielders into the attack
[Comment from The Slurm]
How casual is Slovenia? You'd think they were protecting a 4 goal lead!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's been all Algeria, since they went down to ten men, interestingly.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Slovenia is not exactly helping its case here.
Jeff Bradley: did not move for the ball
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Suler waits too long to get the ball from Handanovic and the ball is intercepted by Ziani who was one-on-one with Handanovic but played it too far out in front of him.
Jeff Bradley: Slovenian defender Suler couldn't hear
Jeff Bradley: Near catastrophe for Slovenia there
Leander Schaerlaeckens: OOH!
Jeff Bradley: They can kill 15 minutes easily
Leander Schaerlaeckens: At last Belhadj surges up the left flank but loses it on a close goal. Goal kick.
Jeff Bradley: Slovenia needs to press. Algeria are good possession team when they don't have to penetrate
Jeff Bradley: Algeria goes into the Four Corners
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Is Slovenia built for breaking down a defensive opponent?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Fifteen minutes of regular time remains. Will they play at last?
Jeff Bradley: Well, time for Algeria to play for zeroes
[Comment from sjf]
not harsh at all. fully intentional.
[Comment from Roy Keane]
Was that Thierry Henry?
Jeff Bradley: and i rate him as Algeria's best striker
[Comment from Eric]
Ghezzal: two worst yellow cards ever? Both cards were pointless and unnecessary...way to help your team
Jeff Bradley: or insanity
Jeff Bradley: that's a moment of instanity
[Comment from James]
He tried to flag it down like an outfielder.
[Comment from Throwin64]
What an incredibly stupid play by Ghezzal!!!
[Comment from Brian Case]
Red for Ghezzal! He was he only player tying to score!
Jeff Bradley: dumb play
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Harsh.
Jeff Bradley: on the replay, it's not harsh
[Comment from Kevin]
worthy of a second yellow?
[Comment from James]
GOODBYE!
[Comment from Yunny]
Hand of God from Ghezzal. Now that's a 2nd for him.
Jeff Bradley: Oh my, shades of Marco Etcheverry in 1994
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yes, what Jeff said on the handball.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Could Slovenia capitalize?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He only came on 14 minutes ago!!!
Jeff Bradley: called for an intentional handball...harsh!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He's booked for diving and gets a second yellow already!!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ghezzal makes it into the box and goes down!
Jeff Bradley: wow
Jeff Bradley: Ghezzal, second yellow
[Comment from Jason]
aaron, i doubt they are mind control devices or you know mexico never would have scored
[Comment from Matt T]
This banter is really top notch. Making this game watchable.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Quite right, Jeff. Some action at long last. With 71 minutes gone, Algeria put another cross on Ghezzal, who is very strong in the air. But he can't get it between the sticks.
Jeff Bradley: Algeria is the better team at the moment
Jeff Bradley: Ghezzal on the end of another cross. Can't make good contact
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Nope.
[Comment from Jason]
leander, not looking to good for you is it, day 3 and still only 7 goals total scored
[Comment from Adam]
Hey, something mildly exciting just happened
[Comment from Aaron]
The vuvuzelas are actually mind control devices that tell teams not to score, luckily the South Koreans were wearing earplugs the whole match.
Jeff Bradley: Algeria surging here
[Comment from Yunny]
@Beau, what do you suggest? "Two teams enter, one team leaves"?
[Comment from Ed in Memphis]
Does a 0-0 draw REALLY help the USA that much?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: An Algerian cross makes it to Ghezzal's head, but his flicking header flies over.
Jeff Bradley: Ghezzal with a header over the bar
Leander Schaerlaeckens: You're panicking, Beau? I wrote a piece predicting more goals than any World Cup since 1994!
[Comment from Aaron]
What they are not at Walmart? I thought all things made in china with cadium were sold at Walmart?
[Comment from Adam]
"How's this for banter, Ghezzal has the same hairdo as Butthead " Quote of the day, Jeff. Algeria haircuts make me feel like I'm watching World Cup '98
Jeff Bradley: Alexi Lalas wanted bigger goals, so...
[Comment from Beau Dure]
Is this World Cup going to be enough to make FIFA ponder rules changes, or am I panicking early?
Jeff Bradley: I rate the vuvuzela as slightly more annoying than the recorder my son learned to play in 3rd grad. Hot cross buns
[Comment from Beau Dure]
I'm so broken down I have two sore Achilles this morning from playing Wii table tennis
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Why in the world would you want to? I offered to bring family and friends vuvuzelas as souvenirs. But nobody seems to want one. (There goes my cheapo solution to the gift problem...)
Jeff Bradley: My man Belhadj trying to make me look good, flying into attack to shoot. Blocked
[Comment from The Slurm]
Shockingly, you cannot buy a vuvuzela at walmart!
Jeff Bradley: How's this for banter, Ghezzal has the same hairdo as Butthead
[Comment from Matt T]
Agreed with KM
[Comment from KM]
Is anyone complaining? Without the banter I would've fallen asleep sometime around minute 40.
[Comment from Adam]
Really dull? Leander, stop giving compliments to this dud of a game
Jeff Bradley: But the vuvuzelas liven it up when you're in the stadium
Leander Schaerlaeckens: To all those of you complaining that we're spending more time on banter than describing the game, that's because this is a really dull game.
[Comment from Liambrasil]
do they really have to play all 90 minutes of this match...show some mercy
[Comment from Charlie Brown]
I'm getting ready to come on for Slovenia. They already have my shirt on.
[Comment from kyle mandrews]
pass forward, lose it, and theyr back the other way
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He actually works out after putting in super long days.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Jeff is in better shape than I am though.
Jeff Bradley: at 46
Jeff Bradley: I'm all about the tight shirt
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A year or two ago, I would have been a tighter shirt-type. But since I've been out of school, I've stopped playing sports, so I've slid towards the retro.
Jeff Bradley: for Slovenia
Jeff Bradley: Koren had a look from 25 but blew it way over
[Comment from South African Guy]
Leander, are you more of an Algerian fitted shirt guy or an Slovenian retro?
[Comment from KM]
I'm sorry, Jeff, I couldn't hear you over the noise of the horns
Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're in the 62nd minute.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Thanks, Matt. Not easy to monitor your comments on the laptop on a low desk and look high above my head to see the game.
[Comment from Matt T]
forgot the yellow card again for ghezzal leander
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Of course, we are all a bit torn about this one. We'd like to see a decent game here, but the U.S. would benefit significantly from a 0-0 draw.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bad touch on the finish. Shame.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Kirm goes one-on-one with the goalie from a tightish angle but curls it straight at the goalie.
Jeff Bradley: Good chance for Slovenia as you type that
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I think Algeria is making the mistake of letting Slovenia dictate the style and pace. Slovenia might steal a win in the dying moments.
Jeff Bradley: Been here a week. Still don't get the vuvuzela
[Comment from Aaron]
BORING!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff Bradley: Choppy and even, if Algeria can get Belhadj forward more on the left, they could score.
[Comment from KM]
is there a grade below F?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: How are you grading this game out thus far, Jeff?
Jeff Bradley: He'll be a handful for Slovenia
Jeff Bradley: This guy is good
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Djebbour is off for Abdelkader Ghezzal.
Jeff Bradley: Ghezzal in
Jeff Bradley: OK, here's the sub I was looking for
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria is making a change.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Of course, just as I wrote that, the momentum shifted again, as Brecko gets into the box.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria is now the dominant side with 55 minutes gone.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A shot from Lacen floats to the goalie.
Jeff Bradley: Matmour rolls the ball with the bottom of his foot more than a Brazilian futsal player
[Comment from Kim Jong Il]
My players only get fed if they win. Starvation is the ultimate motivation.
Jeff Bradley: Slovenia keeper in the baseball cap
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I can confirm that Beau has since emailed me on my private email. We've got the real Beau Dure on our hands.
Jeff Bradley: Halliche just misses getting on the end of that one!!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Swings in and inches over a few fellow heads but into the hands of Handanovic.
Jeff Bradley: Free kick for Algeria here, last chance to shoot a sun in eyes ball
[Comment from Roy Keane]
When does Ireland play?
[Comment from FQ17]
@ Beau, Indeed. Classic German shennanigans
Jeff Bradley: The L-man
Leander Schaerlaeckens: *Ljubijankic
Jeff Bradley: Thanks for that Leander
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ljubijonkic on for Dedic for Slovenia.
Jeff Bradley: first sub
[Comment from Beau Dure]
That's why they now play group finales at the same time.
[Comment from Beau Dure]
Hey, Algeria was robbed in '82
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Both teams now have gotten four shots off. Algeria had one on target and Slovenia two.
[Comment from Throwin64]
That was a Findlay quality trap by Djebbour there....
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria has the upper hand in this opening sequence. Ziani took another long shot that just kept rising forever.
[Comment from sjf]
Algeria in 1982 was much more interesting than this.
[Comment from Doug]
With the ball, seemingly full of helium, I don't see anyone scoring in this game.
ESPN Stats and Info: Look for some scoring this half, as 13 of the 17 goals that both Algeria and Slovenia have allowed all-time in the World Cup have come in the 2nd half.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: 50 minutes gone.
Jeff Bradley: Djebbour was just fed a nice dish in front but couldn't quite handle it
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Kaddir tries to connect with Djebbour in the box but it skips off his chest too hard and goes behind.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Birsa does beautifully to get out of a pinch and then sends a terrible pass.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: This is my work, South African Guy.
[Comment from Roger]
1982 called and wants its soccer back.
[Comment from South African Guy]
Leander, how can you work when my fellow volunteers won't leave you alone?
[Comment from Yunny]
Jeff: You owe it to yourself to watch Beckham's shockface in HD. Do it.
Jeff Bradley: Not a lot of ideas flowing here
Jeff Bradley: If there's a goal in this game, you got to think it's coming off a set piece
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria, by the way, has already committed nine fouls, to Slovenia's five.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Rooney, hands down. Maradona is only semi-ugly. His problem is fat, which won't afflict Rooney for another decade or two.
[Comment from Quack]
uglier mug...Rooney or Maradona?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're underway for the second half.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Pretty much call that a wash...
[Comment from FQ17]
Rooney's face may be a punishment from God, but his soccer skills are a gift.
[Comment from Matt T]
WOOOO GO ZIDANE! EAT THAT HOT DOG! infinitely more exciting then this game
Jeff Bradley: I watched US-England on a state of the art 13-inch TV
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Jeff is. I'm at the International Broadcasting Center. Dashed in minutes before the game, after returning from Rustenburg for USA-England.
Jeff Bradley: me, I'm in Polokwane
[Comment from kyle mandrews]
Is anyone in this room actually at a cup location?
[Comment from Aaron]
Thanks for everything Robert. We couldn't've done it without you
Jeff Bradley: The Situation is offended
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm convinced Ronaldo escaped from a Jersey Shore taping.
[Comment from FQ17]
Would you rather look at pretty boy Ronaldo's face Leander?
[Comment from kyle mandrews]
Where? My wife is obsessed
Jeff Bradley: I'm going to talk to him and see if I can convince him to play for the Philly Union, be right back
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Zidane's parents are from Algeria. Meghni, who is injured is often referred to as "little Zidane".
Jeff Bradley: Zidane, not at the hot dog stand, btw
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I was stuck looking at Rooney's ugly mug yesterday.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Jealous!
Jeff Bradley: he's here for Algeria, folks
Jeff Bradley: Zinedine Zidane sighting
[Comment from Clint Dempsey]
Hey Rob, thanks. How much do I owe you for becoming a national embarassment?
Jeff Bradley: contemplating my first South African hot dog
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Exactly...
[Comment from Jude]
"Beau"can just google the book title. He could still be a fake...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: At this point, we've plugged your stuff too much for it not to be you. Either that, or the real Beau Dure will wake up to sky-rocketing sales figures and hit counts.
[Comment from Beau Dure]
Sure, but you could e-mail me if you need to know it was me
Leander Schaerlaeckens: LOL.
[Comment from Robert Green]
Hey guys, I just woke up. Did yesterday really happen or was it a dream?
[Comment from Beau Dure]
The book is called "Long-Range Goals: The Success Story of Major League Soccer," and it's now shipping from Amazon and available in bookstores.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Tried. Yanked it every which way. Hopeless.
[Comment from FQ17]
@Leander, get your butt off the seat then try again
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yes, but this is not coming via email. I can't see it in my feed.
[Comment from Beau Dure]
You have my e-mail address!
[Comment from Jason]
leander, kids are fun I have an 18 mo old son myself, they just tend to ruin things (namely the sex life)
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Pop question: what's your upcoming book on the history of MLS called?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: So how do we know it's you? And how do we know THIS is you?
[Comment from Beau Dure]
(And I did not send in the "gotta love it" comment)
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Speaking of things keeping you from watching soccer. I tried to elevate my swivel chair and it sank all the way to the bottom and won't go back up. This does now speak well for South African chairs...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That's why I don't have kids.
[Comment from Beau Dure]
Hey guys -- trying to catch up because the kids aren't letting me watch anything
Jeff Bradley: Here's my recap in a nutshell. Both teams came out with good ambition. But the game was flying too fast. Players too juiced. When it calmed down a bit, there wasn't nearly the end to end feel. Became stagnant the last 20 minutes
[Comment from James]
Not everyone works at an office. I'm stuck woking on a Sunday too.
[Comment from Beau Dure]
gotta love it
[Comment from Quack]
Taylor Swift = fairy
[Comment from Andrew]
Unfortunately I am in the office but the comments are giving the game some context. Much appreciated.
ESPN Stats and Info: FROM OPTA SPORTS DATA: Slovenia's only previous World Cup appearance in 2002 saw them lose all three games.
[Comment from Craig]
I'm at the office right now, Baba. We can't all have the weekend off
[Comment from Beau Dure]
Who's working at the office? Journalists.
[Comment from Jason]
your welcome jeff, it's my pleasure, but i still want your job (it's actually in fact my dream to become a broadcaster)
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Beau, dear folks, was USA Today's long-time soccer correspondent. He now runs www.sportsmyriad.com. So go check that out.
ESPN Stats and Info: FROM OPTA SPORTS DATA: Algeria is the only team to have won two group stage matches at a World Cup and still failed to make it to the next round, doing so in 1982 (since two teams qualified from each group).
[Comment from ER-Suze]
Yes, Thank you Jason
[Comment from BabaCHUSA]
touche; Jeff, bravo
Jeff Bradley: and, Beau, "We get to meet the players!"
Jeff Bradley: Hey Beau!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Hey, Beau, how's life?
[Comment from Beau Dure]
Ah yes, the old "you get paid to watch sports" line. If only they knew!
Jeff Bradley: Maybe we see Ghezzal for Algeria in the second half. I think he's Algeria's biggest threat up top
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Some comments, like FQ17s are simply too valuable not to be used. Whether they're relevant or not.
Jeff Bradley: but he's got to commit more to the attack, which is risky
[Comment from FQ17]
Taylor Swift is an ugly child.
[Comment from Jason]
nethanial, not in an office, in a tent "relaxing" after working all night
Jeff Bradley: I think Belhadj on the left is the guy who can make it happen for Algeria
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Whatever you do, don't watch the France-Uruguay game. Because that gun will go off...
[Comment from ray]
ok gun to the head. watch the next half?or dvr of uruguay france?
Jeff Bradley: hard to see where a goal is going to come from, but as Joaquin Andujar used to say "yaneverknow"
[Comment from Throwin64]
Dull affair. The Starbucks was a better wake-up than this snooze-fest.
Jeff Bradley: Started with promise, fizzled with so many errant longballs
[Comment from BabaCHUSA]
its sunday, who is working at the office?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Thoughts on the first half, Jeff?
Jeff Bradley: Thank you for your service, Jason
Jeff Bradley: Your job is way more important than mine
[Comment from Jason]
in the army (deployed to afghanistan) jeff, not nearly enough, but i thought it was worth a try anyway
[Comment from Chetlain]
Bring in Brandon Webb
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Not a terribly impressive half. Some long Slovenian shots on the Algerian goal; a few dangerous charges by Algeria. Not too much to write home about. Neither team has had a proper chance.
Jeff Bradley: Yes, I'm a child of the 70s, with my NASL and PBS soccer references, thank you...still trying to get this internet thing figured out
Jeff Bradley: Halftime News Break, as they used to say on PBS Soccer Made in Germany
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Half-time, folks.
[Comment from nathaniel]
your job does't seem so bad either, Jason. I mean, you are sittin' around making comments from the office!! :P
Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're into extra time of the first half.
[Comment from Yunny]
Birsa's shots are surprisingly fierce with little backlift.
Jeff Bradley: Nice, Leander...Webb did a side workout yesterday, btw
[Comment from Gator]
grateful for you guys making my job go by quicker
[Comment from Matt T]
HAHAHHAA @ Jeff
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That shot by Birsa had some wicked movement on it. Sort of like a Brandon Webb sinker.
Jeff Bradley: I do think Algeria is sponsored by Peroxide with all these platinum blondes
Jeff Bradley: Depends on how much you make Jason
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's not as easy as it looks. But trade? No.
[Comment from Jason]
your guys job has to be easy, get paid to watch WC games, and do play by play online, wanna trade jobs?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good observation.
[Comment from kyle mandrews]
Thanks...that was observant...not insightful
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Headed away.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner to Slovenia.
Jeff Bradley: Chaouchi did well
Leander Schaerlaeckens: OOF! A torrid shot from Birsa from just outside the box is tapped over by Chaouchi.
Jeff Bradley: I stayed in Polokwane last night, it's a town, not a city, by US standards
[Comment from ray]
I don't like chaouchi, his stupid hair, or his lacking keeper skills
[Comment from BabaCHUSA]
they had to relocate 20,000 locals to ensure that the stadiums would be surrounded "by a tranquil and safe environment"
[Comment from Daniel]
Ziani looks pretty jacked.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Now that's that insight I was talking about, Kyle.
Jeff Bradley: That's the Moenchengladbach fan in me speaking folks
[Comment from kyle mandrews]
Leander is typing... how could he see the game?
Jeff Bradley: Matmour is a bit of enigma, speedy and talented, but often frustrating
Jeff Bradley: There's Belhadj again, with a nice ball to Matmour, who lets it fly, way over the bar from 25
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I forgot that darn scoreboard again!
Jeff Bradley: stadium is 7/8 full, I'd say
Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're in the 38th minute. And I somehow missed a yellow for Radosavljevic too.
Jeff Bradley: That's the first frisky play we've seen so far from Belhadj, the attack-minded left back
[Comment from Kyle]
Press the LIVE button on your DVR
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He isn't. Hasn't been for a little while now.
[Comment from Yunny]
I don't think Jan Vennegor of Hesselink (sp?) is with the Dutch squad even.
[Comment from FQ17]
Fix your TV Terry.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dangerous chance for Algeria as Halliche connects with a corner and misses by a foot or two.
Jeff Bradley: on the header
Jeff Bradley: Near miss for Halliche
Jeff Bradley: As Mario Machado used to say, "corner kick from the corner"
Leander Schaerlaeckens: You can't define awesomeness.
[Comment from Terry]
I come on here to read the comments while watching, but you guys are a full minute and a half ahead of the actual HD TV feed...how is that?
[Comment from Kevin]
Does Jan Vennegoer of Hesselink still play? He wins
Jeff Bradley: another ball out of the sun
Jeff Bradley: Scary moment in the Slovenia box, Leander
Jeff Bradley: and i just botched the spelling, d'oh!
Jeff Bradley: Preki would say, "Radosavljevi", spelled the traditional way
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dedic gets deep into the box but slips on the cross.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I think that price goes to me, Matt.
[Comment from Matt T]
does Radosavljevic win the prize for longest name?
Jeff Bradley: But I may start calling him Aleks, because I can't keep checking the name spelling
[Comment from Monkey]
good at least someone else does
Jeff Bradley: Not Preki's son, btw
Jeff Bradley: Radosavljevic just got smoked in the face with a ball
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Do something other than ask how to get your comments on. Say something insightful, or fun.
[Comment from kyle mandrews]
what do i have to do to get my comments on here?
Jeff Bradley: Game is very choppy now
[Comment from Throwin64]
Nice WWE elbow there. @Monkey, I've got Slovenia too
[Comment from StevenM]
By my count, 5 1/3 Matches, 7 goals, 3 by defenders, 4 by midfielders, 0 by forwards
[Comment from ray]
here a vote for slovenia
[Comment from FQ17]
What a cross! Just like the Rowdies used to do!
[Comment from chris]
at least there is a good flow to the game........not a lot of whistles despite all the bad long balls
[Comment from soccernut]
This is shaping up to be worse than Uruguay-France
Jeff Bradley: I've seen him a lot for Wolfsburg and he's a quality playmaker. The US is well aware of him
[Comment from Bruce]
at work here too.......at adidas...no more complaints about the ball please... :)
[Comment from Monkey]
Am I he only one going for slovenia?
Jeff Bradley: Ziani is fun to watch
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A lovely outside-of-the-foot cross from Ziani is gallumped away by Slovenia. Good attacking possession for Algeria here.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yebbour gets a promising cross into the box but nobody's at the other end of it... again.
Jeff Bradley: all aerial passes are just flying
Jeff Bradley: You're right Yunny
[Comment from Yunny]
Good passing from Algeria. Couple of zippy passes and nice touches with which to receive them.
[Comment from Yunny]
I think the ball boys have the most possession so far considering all the over-hit passes. ;)
Jeff Bradley: They were dominating the foosball table after the US-England game
[Comment from ray]
i prefer slovenia's set pieces against algeria's GK's fear of catching
Jeff Bradley: I was at the same hotel as the Slovenians
[Comment from Louay]
I hoped for a better play from Algeria ..
Leander Schaerlaeckens: All compliments will be published!
[Comment from STEVIE]
at work here too! these updates are getting me thru my day!!
Jeff Bradley: I think old NASL fans will agree, this looks like Rowdies-Cosmos, uniforms-wise anyway
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A very even game here thus far -- with Algeria looking ever so slightly better, if you forced me to pick a side.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Possession is 52-48 in Slovenia's favor.
Jeff Bradley: players will adjust
Jeff Bradley: I honestly think the altitude is affecting the passes a lot here
[Comment from Josh]
Agreed. I'm in the keeper Union, so I'm supposed to blame the ball. But he wasn't square to the hop at all.
[Comment from ray]
the balls still round right? whats the problem?
[Comment from ER-Suze]
Jeff, keep up the like tidbit about the game. Im at work and they have blocked alot of my options. Even the radio breaks up. Stupid company policy. LOL
Jeff Bradley: Matmour starting to play more as expected, laying back a bit
Leander Schaerlaeckens: What if they'd not had him at their disposal.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: You're right, Jeff. He doesn't have the safest of hands on him.
Jeff Bradley: No sun from that side. Easier save
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Chaouchi punches it away, while challenged by Cesar, who is whistled for a foul.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Another Slovenian freekick here.
[Comment from Throwin64]
@Marc - Only the uninformed. The ball bounced twice, no Jabulani effect there.
Jeff Bradley: That wss smart of Birsa to shoot with the keeper looking into the sun
[Comment from FQ17]
Steven Gerrard did blame the ball a bit in a post-match interview. But of course, he was just being polite (the only polite Englishman at that time).
[Comment from Patrick]
Keepers dont know how to play the ball, but neither do players.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A Slovenian freekick emerges from the shadow and forces Chaouchi to awkwardly punch it away.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: It was just bad goalkeeping. He wasn't behind the ball on a short hop.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: No, Marc. In the mixed zone yesterday, Green refused to blame the ball when talking to reporters.
[Comment from Marc]
Has anybody blamed Green's howler on the ball yet? Any claims of a 'Jabulani goal?'
[Comment from ramy]
don't forget that algeria bet Egypt the best team in Africa today
[Comment from StevenM]
Neither of these teams look like they can play at a high tempo. Gonna be a problem for both against USA and England.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I think the new ball is very hard to use. Rather than deceive goalkeepers, I've seen shots that were on target swerve off it several times.
[Comment from Jeff R]
Whats with the low scoring? Isn't the Jabulani supposed to be the knucklepuck of soccer balls? So far only 7 goals in the tournament. Whats up with that?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm noticing, Jeff, that long balls that would ordinarily slow up after 50 or so yards just keep going forever. They hardly lose momentum.
Jeff Bradley: Another long pass flies beyond the end line
Jeff Bradley: Algeria is finding space wide on the right, but not taking advantage yet
Jeff Bradley: Algeria's starting lineup is all European based
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria has about as many players on solid European clubs as the U.S. does.
[Comment from STEVIE]
thankz leander, those guys play on good club teams?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: A horse that plays soccer.
Jeff Bradley: Yebda is a horse
[Comment from Jake]
though Algeria look good I believe the US and England will go through
Jeff Bradley: Yes, Ziani and Yebda
[Comment from The Slurm]
I miss the Rowdies!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I reckon it's Meghni, but he's out injured. As such, it has to be Ziani, a playmaker.
[Comment from STEVIE]
who's algeria's best player??
[Comment from soccernut]
They're probably so juiced since they know this game is the one that gives them the best chance to get a win.
[Comment from BabaCHUSA]
nervousness is always shown in opening matches
Jeff Bradley: Slovenia wearing Tampa Bay Rowdies replicas
[Comment from Smokey-Jones]
Any team can pose a threat to any team in this compitition
Jeff Bradley: I think ball+altitude
[Comment from Patrick]
could the poor passing also be due to the new ball??
[Comment from Throwin64]
English Tabloids were as unmerciful as expected. My favorite was "Hand of Clod" What was yours?
[Comment from Yunny]
The game looks stretched end to end but none of this back and forth has been threatening.
[Comment from BabaCHUSA]
Algeria will pose a definate threat
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I have nothing but respect for our posters, Aberdeeom. What I meant to convey is that we felt bad about not being able to use more of them, since all of you were so great at supporting us with your comments and engaging with our coverage.
Jeff Bradley: too much juice on a lot of these passes. Players need to calm down
[Comment from Aberdeeom]
Some respect LS ....you guys wouldn't have a job if it wasn't for the punters
Jeff Bradley: Completely even so far
Jeff Bradley: When you consider Greece, a team that has won the European championship in recent years, lost to South Korea. No easy games here.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Who do you think has the upper hand thus far, Jeff?
Jeff Bradley: Yes, Travis...most definitely
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'd say they both do. People were exciting about the Americans' draw. And it's true, it was favorable. But all of these games will have to be won the hard way. There are no walkovers here.
Jeff Bradley: I'm told this is the highest altitude in the WC. But I need a fact checker to verify
[Comment from Travis]
Do either of these teams pose a threat to the US?
Jeff Bradley: Pitch if fabulous, looks flawless from above. So far, all the fields are firm
[Comment from Matt T]
How does the pitch look? I heard its a mixed field. How is that going to change the game?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Chris Jones spent much of the game just scouring the comments. He barely got to see the game.
Jeff Bradley: I'm noticing the altitude takes some getting used to. Many long passes going too far
[Comment from ray]
with that many comments, im amazed you published any at all
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Especially that last one.
[Comment from Your Name]
none of my comments got posted and i had some brilliant ones
[Comment from Emma D]
We are hoping for Slovenia to come away with a tie here.
[Comment from Your Name]
slovenia will win
[Comment from Nyakeh]
I really think Algeria got this in the bag
[Comment from Ben Seufert]
Slovenia 1-0
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bradley, a nephew of ESPN The Magazine Senior Writer Jeff Bradley at New Jersey.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Indeed, Soccernut. But that leaves more room for comments! Yesterday we got 12,000 comments in 120 minutes... As grateful as we were for all of them, we couldn't possibly publish them all.
Jeff Bradley: Matmour, a teammate of US midfielder Michael Bradley at Borussia Moenchengladbach
Jeff Bradley: so far, it looks like a 4-4-2 from Algeria, which is not their norm. Matmour is playing as a striker
[Comment from soccernut]
Not so many people here as there were at England USA yesterday, I wonder why? :P
[Comment from john]
i hope 1 to 1 tie...
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm calling it 2-1 Algeria.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: If Algeria can impose its style of play on Slovenia, they should take this.
[Comment from Matt T]
Predictions on the outcome of this game?
[Comment from john]
who do u think will win algeria or slovenia???
[Comment from ken]
well i think the best chance is of they tie then england will most likely beat both teams and us just has to tie and win one
Leander Schaerlaeckens: This is already a very attractive game, with both teams aware that 3 points would be very welcome.
Jeff Bradley: fantastic start, very open play so far
Jeff Bradley: nice save, Handanovice parried over the par...I thought it was in
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That ball had serious swerve on it.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: OOH!!! It takes a good reflex from Handanovic to tap it over!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Not at all an unattractive spot.
Jeff Bradley: 27 yards out...
Jeff Bradley: cloudless sky, very sunny and bright...free kick coming up for the Desert Foxes
[Comment from Craig]
With the pace that the US has shown last night, I'd expect a 1 - 0 win. Perhaps holding out the first half and pushing for a goal in the 60-70min mark.
[Comment from ray]
As fan of soccer, i would like some goals
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Quite a few of the players seem to be battling a glare, Jeff. Can that be right?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: An early Slovenian freekick sails into Chaouchi's hands.
Jeff Bradley: It's sunny and very pleasant
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Can you shed some light on this, Jeff?
[Comment from ray]
who cares who's gonna win, how cold is it?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: This game is underway!
Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Algerians are no pushovers. But it's more important for them to play their own game, to play a quick, technical game and break down the defensive Slovenians.
Jeff Bradley: Algeria has good size...not a small team at all.
Jeff Bradley: in pre-game a few Algerian fans spilled onto the pitch and, amazingly, the players were hugging them!
Jeff Bradley: very pro Algerian crowd, looking to become the first African team to take 3 points in this World Cup
[Comment from Throwin64]
Big Question - Is Algeria physical enough to hang with Slovenia?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Certainly, if either team gets three points, that's a team the U.S. will have to overtake in the standings to advance, assuming that England doesn't drop any more points.
Jeff Bradley: yes, a 0-0 draw is what U.S. fans should be hoping for
Jeff Bradley: Agreed, Leander
[Comment from Ron Lyerly]
Is the best outcome for USA a tie?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Solid defensively, and well organized all over, they bounced Russia from the World Cup by winning on away goals in their home-and-away playoff. Given Russia's performance at the Euro and much bigger population, that was quite a feat.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Slovenia, is also a team not to be underestimated.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: That's the Algerian national anthem over with.
[Comment from neil mango]
i hope algeria wins
Leander Schaerlaeckens: He got sent off in the semifinals of the Africa Cup and should have been suspended for the first two games here.
Jeff Bradley: But, for U.S. fans, don't get cocky, Algeria is talented...if they get the ball moving well, they can pick up steam in a hurry...skillful with the ball all ove rhte field
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Chaouchi is actually here because FIFA showed him leniency.
Jeff Bradley: A BIG weakness for Algeria is goalkeeping
Jeff Bradley: Ziani plays the outside spot in a way that Dempsey or Donovan plays for the U.S. He'll come inside a lot
Jeff Bradley: Yebda, No. 19, is a very hard worker in the midfield and Ziani, No. 15, is crafty
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Jeff, dear reader, is our in-house Africa expert. He was at the Africa Cup of Nations in January and wrote the excellent cover story for the ESPN The Magazine World Cup issue, which depicts Samuel Eto'o.
Jeff Bradley: The striker that's been effective for Algeria as a lone striker is Ghezzal, and he's on the bench to start
Jeff Bradley: For Algeria, Djebbour will be alone up front, with Matmour joining out of midfield with caution
Leander Schaerlaeckens: What's the skinny on Algeria, Jeff?
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Slovenia:
Goalkeeper: Handanovic
Defenders: Brecko, Suler, Cesar and Jokic
Midfielders: Kirm, Koren, Radosavljevic and Birsa
Attackers: Dedic and Novakovic
Jeff Bradley: Expect Algeria's formation to play as a 4-5-1, maybe a 3-6-1
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Algeria:
Goalkeeper: Chaouchi
Defenders: Boughera, Belhadj, Yahia and Halliche
Midfielders: Lacen, Kadir, Ziani and Yebda
Attackers: Matmour and Djebbour
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Lineups are as follows:
Jeff Bradley: I can hardly hear myself think here...the music is blaring
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Always cater to your readers, young Jeffrey.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I do indeed.
Jeff Bradley: Good morning? You must mean in the U.S.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm joined from Polokwane by ESPN The Magazine Senior Writer Jeff Bradley.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're in South Africa to bring you Algeria-Slovenia, who will be be U.S. foes in later games in Group C.
Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good morning, everybody!