Your “Syndicate Hangover” is proudly presented by “Perrier”
Your friendly bookie remains more of a San Pellegrino man, but we’ll accord the hosts some respect for their second-rate club soda. Along with La Croix, it’s an acceptable option when the only other alternative happens to be Seltzer Water.
Day 10: Recap
Bookie’s Stats—
Spread: 14-15
Straight up: 20-6-3
Having not had a chance to review the tape of Uruguayan rout of Ecuador yet, this day belongs to my sand swains. Hells to the yes. Were it not for the deplorable officiating, the Paraguayan theatrics, and a few unlucky breaks they would have beat the spread. Told you cats to watch out for my boy Almoez Abdullah Ali! Again!
Qatarrrrrrr! Beautiful football from the maroons from the dunes.
What an electrifying match!
S.S.S. Tactical Breakdown 
Not the most captivating matches today on the girl’s side, but we’ll have a look at this year’s Blaugults and document the U.S. reserve squad.
Lineup—Sweden—PROJECTED (4-3-3) (6/3/2019)
Fridolina Rolfö Stina Blackstenius
|
Sofia Jakobsson
|
Kosovare Asllani Lina Hurtig
|
Caroline Seger
|
J. Andersson N. Fischer L. Sembrant M. Eriksson
|
Hedvig Lindahl
|
Lineup—Sweden—Match One (4-3-3) (6/11/2019)
Fridolina Rolfö Stina Blackstenius
|
Sofia Jakobsson
|
Kosovare Asllani Elin Rubensson
|
Caroline Seger
|
M. Eriksson N. Fischer L. Sembrant H. Glas
|
Hedvig Lindahl
|
Lineup—Sweden—Match Two (4-4-2) (6/16/2019)
Fridolina Rolfö Anna Anvegard
|
Kosovare Asllani Lina Hurtig
|
Caroline Seger Elin Rubensson
|
Magdelena Eriksson Hanna Glas
|
Nilla Fischer Linda Sembrant
|
Hedvig Lindahl
|
Honestly not seeing much that can threaten the U.S. here. There were few surprises in the initial lineup. As expected, they play a very narrow shape with Jakobsson, Asllani and Rubensson taking turns as the number 10. Seger functions more as a fifth centerback than a flight director. Virtually all the attacks are up the gut. Stubborn, stupid, boring Swedes.
Knowing that he was facing a weak opponent today, Gerhardsson tried to put together something that looked a little more menacing. Bookie didn’t see it. The first three goals were soft. More worryingly, Asllani and Rolfö miffed some wide open chances in front of goal. Those girls can’t finish!
Hurtig and Angevard put together a few combos that would have been noteworthy against a more formidable opponent. Janogy and Schough were sadly total busts in relief. There doesn’t appear to be a solution in store for the U.S. match. Against the tiny Thais they could only manage one legitimate goal. Of course they won the aerial duels. It’s Thailand! They won’t win many duels at all come Thursday.
Lineup—USA—Match One (4-3-3) (6/11/2019)
Megan Rapinoe Alex Morgan Tobin Heath
|
Sam Mewis
|
Lindsey Horan Rose Lavelle
|
Crystal Dunn Kelley O’Hara
|
Julie Ertz Abby Dahlkemper
|
Alyssa Naeher
|
Lineup—USA—Match Two (4-3-3) (6/16/2019)
Mallory Pugh Carli Lloyd Christen Press
|
Julie Ertz
|
Lindsey Horan Morgan Brian
|
Tierna Davidson Ali Krieger
|
Becky Sauerbrunn Abby Dahlkemper
|
Alyssa Naeher
|
Nothing much interesting to report on here either. Different players. Slightly different formation as Horan and Brian played more centrally in midfield. Ellis simply ensured that everyone got some playing time in. Subs Jessica McDonald, Allie Long, and Emily Sonnet came in to ensure that all players excluding the backup keepers have gotten some minutes. None of them factored in.
Great to see Ali Krieger for what may be the last time. She actually played much better than I expected. She could absolutely step in if O’Hara re-aggravates her injury. Wonderful match from Christian Press. She got robbed of a sure goal on three separate occasions. Pretty medicore stuff from Mallory Pugh and Morgan Brian, but none of it matters.
This team needs a real opponent. It’s beginning to feel like the 1996 Olympic men’s basketball team.
“Riffs of the Day”—Day Ten
Reader: Where’s the American girl on the Thai team?
Vicey: You can’t miss her. She’s the tall….er…..“properly nourished” one.
Reader: They’re playing Katy Perry again!
Vicey: I know! First we heard “Roar” and now it’s “firework”. We need some better “girl anthems” pronto.
Reader: Ertz gives good head indeed.
Vicey: That’s copyrighted material form my preview section, so we’ll give it a “one-quarter zing”, 36-M. That was a sickly slick header, though. “Goal of the tournament” candidate.
Reader: I’m not messing with Christiane Endler!
Vicey: Strapping German girl she is! Looks like the love child of Mario Luis Kreutzberger and Kerstin Garefreckas. Big time bookie crush developing.
Reader: Fucking arrogant ass Carli Lloyd! That’s not how you take a penalty.
Vicey: Don’t you ever dis to St. Carli like that again, 135-M. I swear I’ll go fucking Jersey on your ass. She broke the record. She didn’t need that penalty.
Reader: Some of these Copa America matches have the attendance of frolfing friendlies.
Vicey: Bwahahahaha. And….ZING..33-M!
DAY ELEVEN—PREVIEW
Full analysis of the “Blitz Phase” in the lines that are about to drop.
Deutschland vs. South Africa
vs. 
Bring it, gentlemen. It’s high for a reason.
THE LINE: Deutschland +2 Goals (debuting)
Spain vs. China PR
vs. 
Solid reasoning behind this one too. See next post.
THE LINE: China PR +1 Goal (debuting)
France vs. Nigeria
vs. 
Wouldn’t be disappointed to see this one break the other way. It won’t.
THE LINE: France +2 Goals (debuting)
South Korea vs. Norway
vs. 
Lisa Karlsen Utland’s non-braided hair shall not betray me again! Mark my words!
THE LINE: Pick em’ (debuting)
Japan vs. Chile
vs. 
We’ll keep it as a pick, betting that the Japanese Junior Side will still fight hard.
THE LINE: Pick em’ (holding)
GENTLEMEN, ENTER YOUR WAGERS
