Meant to post this earlier...
6.30.2010
6.28.2010
MH Player Evaluations
At Janus, we use the following five point rating scale for our performance reviews. On a percentage basis, 80% of employees/players should be 3’s or 4’s. Your starters and best players should be 4’s. There should be very few 1’s and 5’s.
1 Needs Immediate Improvement - Performance is unacceptable and needs improvement
Bornstein (1’s generally do not have the potential or ability to maintain employment.)
2 – Below Target - Performance does not consistently meet expectations
Gooch (Was he replaced due to injury or performance – either way he was missing), Clark (has potential, but was by far the weakest starter, needs significant experience before returning to this level)
3 - Meets & sometimes exceeds target - Performance meets and sometimes exceeds expectations
Timmy (Although having more talent, he was not as sensational as previous American Goalies in the World Cup), Altidore (we are in a results oriented business and our biggest threat scored no goals in four games), Findley/Gomez/Buddle (Findley creates opportunities for himself and Buddle can finish, but Findley can’t finish, and Buddle can’t get open. Gomez has the most potential.)
4 – Exceeds target - Performance consistently exceeds expectations
Clint Dempsey (great player, scored loan goal against England), Maurice Edu (confident, massive presence, game-winner against Slovenia), Bocanegra/Demerit (strong, great in the air, we would have been in big trouble if either of these two could not play), Cherundolo/Felihaber (my biggest surprises, both created chances and played better than they are), Michael Bradley (significant leadership qualities for such a young player, future captain, learned from Confederations Cup experience (no cards), great goal against Slovenia, very close to a 5 performance).
5 – Significantly exceeds target - Performance consistently far exceeds expectations
Landon Donovan (Threatening, fit, determined, scored three of the team’s five goals)
1 Needs Immediate Improvement - Performance is unacceptable and needs improvement
Bornstein (1’s generally do not have the potential or ability to maintain employment.)
2 – Below Target - Performance does not consistently meet expectations
Gooch (Was he replaced due to injury or performance – either way he was missing), Clark (has potential, but was by far the weakest starter, needs significant experience before returning to this level)
3 - Meets & sometimes exceeds target - Performance meets and sometimes exceeds expectations
Timmy (Although having more talent, he was not as sensational as previous American Goalies in the World Cup), Altidore (we are in a results oriented business and our biggest threat scored no goals in four games), Findley/Gomez/Buddle (Findley creates opportunities for himself and Buddle can finish, but Findley can’t finish, and Buddle can’t get open. Gomez has the most potential.)
4 – Exceeds target - Performance consistently exceeds expectations
Clint Dempsey (great player, scored loan goal against England), Maurice Edu (confident, massive presence, game-winner against Slovenia), Bocanegra/Demerit (strong, great in the air, we would have been in big trouble if either of these two could not play), Cherundolo/Felihaber (my biggest surprises, both created chances and played better than they are), Michael Bradley (significant leadership qualities for such a young player, future captain, learned from Confederations Cup experience (no cards), great goal against Slovenia, very close to a 5 performance).
5 – Significantly exceeds target - Performance consistently far exceeds expectations
Landon Donovan (Threatening, fit, determined, scored three of the team’s five goals)
US vs Ghana (MH)
I believe that Joe Gibbs said this in the press conference immediately following every Redskins loss. "They made plays and we didn't." I'm still bitter and hope to watch every quarterfinal. Except Ghana and Uruguay. When I look back at the US Ghana match, I only need to read this article, because it was this simple: Four shots, Ghana made their two, and the US missed their two.
Conversation with Sunil
From the Washington Post. Interesting highlights:
The first goal has to be to get through the first round; we did that ... with two minutes to spare.
It is also a missed opportunity to stay in the American public's eyes for another four, five six days, maybe 10 days, when interest is at an all-time high.*Gulati said the USA has no plans to participate in the 2011 Copa America in Argentina.
6.27.2010
US player grades for WC
Howard= C+ Didn't really have a great tournament in my opinion for how great a keeper he is. I'm still glad he's our guy but needed one or two more spectacular saves for us to have a chance.
Cherundalo= B We need more creative backs like this in our system. But his physical deficiencies were abused against Ghana. I look forward to the days when we have his skills in a Maurice Edu body.
Bornstein= C I've never been a fan, but he played pretty well when called upon. I'm hoping we never need him again.
Guch= C Had good moments but definitely had some bad moments. If he's playing centerback in OT, I think he wins that long ball that resulted in Ghana's winning goal.
Bocanegra/Demerit= C All the heart in the world, but showed their weakness in conceding that last goal. For us to really make the next step, our defenders either need to be physically dominant (Edu) or more skilled (Cherundalo) and hopefully a blend of both.
Dempsey= B- Was typical Dempsey in this tourney= flashes of genius and times of absenteeism. Was a handful in many games when we moved him up top.
Bradley= B One of our best players and he had a great tournament. Bradley and Edu need to be center midfield from here on out.
Clarke= F This better be the last time I see him in a US jersey in any meaning game. Ever.
Donovan= B- I'm happy his demons were exorcised. He too was absent for long periods of time though. Regardless, the Algeria goal should make him a national hero.
Gomez/Buddle/Findley= D Our biggest question mark up from the beginning still went unanswered. Neither of these guys could do anything and we were a better team when dempsey was up top.
Altidore= B- No goals but was crucial in setting up a couple. There were many times he was too much for defenders to handle which resulted in many chances and free kicks.
Bob Bradley= B He's done a great job improving us from 4 years ago. I'm not sure he can do anymore for us though. Klinsmann sounds like he wants to be our coach, lets grab him quick.
Cherundalo= B We need more creative backs like this in our system. But his physical deficiencies were abused against Ghana. I look forward to the days when we have his skills in a Maurice Edu body.
Bornstein= C I've never been a fan, but he played pretty well when called upon. I'm hoping we never need him again.
Guch= C Had good moments but definitely had some bad moments. If he's playing centerback in OT, I think he wins that long ball that resulted in Ghana's winning goal.
Bocanegra/Demerit= C All the heart in the world, but showed their weakness in conceding that last goal. For us to really make the next step, our defenders either need to be physically dominant (Edu) or more skilled (Cherundalo) and hopefully a blend of both.
Dempsey= B- Was typical Dempsey in this tourney= flashes of genius and times of absenteeism. Was a handful in many games when we moved him up top.
Bradley= B One of our best players and he had a great tournament. Bradley and Edu need to be center midfield from here on out.
Clarke= F This better be the last time I see him in a US jersey in any meaning game. Ever.
Donovan= B- I'm happy his demons were exorcised. He too was absent for long periods of time though. Regardless, the Algeria goal should make him a national hero.
Gomez/Buddle/Findley= D Our biggest question mark up from the beginning still went unanswered. Neither of these guys could do anything and we were a better team when dempsey was up top.
Altidore= B- No goals but was crucial in setting up a couple. There were many times he was too much for defenders to handle which resulted in many chances and free kicks.
Bob Bradley= B He's done a great job improving us from 4 years ago. I'm not sure he can do anymore for us though. Klinsmann sounds like he wants to be our coach, lets grab him quick.
6.25.2010
Purple & Orange
It's clear this is a male-dominated blog because there has been no discussion about the shoes in this World Cup (til now).
From an article on Yahoo.
40% of all players across the competition (around 294 total) are wearing these (Mercurial Vapor Superfly II) including Franck Ribery, Carlos Tevez, Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and 14 other US players.
According to Nike:
From an article on Yahoo.
40% of all players across the competition (around 294 total) are wearing these (Mercurial Vapor Superfly II) including Franck Ribery, Carlos Tevez, Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and 14 other US players.
According to Nike:
An average person's vision is 99 percent peripheral. Less than 1 percent is considered foveal, or focused vision. To spark increased focus of peripheral vision Nike designers analyzed the color spectrum to identify two high-contrast colors, so that when a player is running with these boots the colors trigger a stimulus to rapidly tune peripheral vision. Mach Purple and Total Orange provided the perfect blend to create this effect and performance advantage.Oh and they look pretty on TV.
6.24.2010
Just another Landon Donovan Goal
Things I've done since 12:00 yesterday:
- Watched a replay of THE GOAL at least 20 times.
- Watched the ENTIRE MATCH a 2nd time last night.
- Watched countless youtube videos of reactions from bars across the country.
- Cried/Hugged/Yelled/Screamed
Also, please know that I'm watching the last 5 minutes of the match as I write this (3rd time I've done that tonight.)
I try not to overdo it with sporting events. The odd football win in October, the extra innings win in June, the OT winner in a hockey game in February - those are fun events that should be enjoyed. A stoppage time winner to stay in the World Cup - that's an event that NEEDS to be celebrated and remembered. My buddy sent me a text a few minutes afterward saying "this is why we follow sports." Well yes, this is exactly why we follow sports - it's for moments like these where it's quite alright to high-five/hug people you've never seen before, you will never see again, but whom you'll never forget.
So, we move on to Saturday. This is a game I will be missing since I will be reffing a professional game that no one in the world will care about (including, possibly, the players themselves.) So, I'm really f'in hoping that we win on Saturday because I want to see this team play again. I want to see what we can do at our second crack at a WC Quarterfinal. So, let's go on and beat Ghana, get a little revenge for 2006, and let's get to the quarterfinals.
- Watched a replay of THE GOAL at least 20 times.
- Watched the ENTIRE MATCH a 2nd time last night.
- Watched countless youtube videos of reactions from bars across the country.
- Cried/Hugged/Yelled/Screamed
Also, please know that I'm watching the last 5 minutes of the match as I write this (3rd time I've done that tonight.)
I try not to overdo it with sporting events. The odd football win in October, the extra innings win in June, the OT winner in a hockey game in February - those are fun events that should be enjoyed. A stoppage time winner to stay in the World Cup - that's an event that NEEDS to be celebrated and remembered. My buddy sent me a text a few minutes afterward saying "this is why we follow sports." Well yes, this is exactly why we follow sports - it's for moments like these where it's quite alright to high-five/hug people you've never seen before, you will never see again, but whom you'll never forget.
So, we move on to Saturday. This is a game I will be missing since I will be reffing a professional game that no one in the world will care about (including, possibly, the players themselves.) So, I'm really f'in hoping that we win on Saturday because I want to see this team play again. I want to see what we can do at our second crack at a WC Quarterfinal. So, let's go on and beat Ghana, get a little revenge for 2006, and let's get to the quarterfinals.
Compilation of live reactions US v Algeria
http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/23/across-the-u-s-an-explosion-of-joy/
6.23.2010
USA > England, Slovenia, Algeria
"Did that really just happen?" is what I said to Dad/Uncle Den/Barbara's Guardian after the hugs died down following our game winner. He assured me that it did.
After Dempsey's shot rang off the post middle of the second half, I started to prepare myself (much like Julie commented) that this just wasn't our day and we would be going home without losing a game in this World Cup.
As injury time began, I started to think that there's no way the soccer gods could let this happen to our team. There's no question we've been screwed throughout our trip to SA, and the soccer universe must find a way to correct itself.
"Donovan, go long!" it what I envision Howard saying in the 91st minute as he threw a pass Joe Montana would have been proud of. The USMNT's version of the hail mary would set the scales of soccer justice back to level.
Ghana thinks its lucky to be playing the USA instead of England in the next round, they are mistaken.
Howard
Cherundalo Gooch DeMerit Boca
Donovan Bradley Edu Dempsey
Altidore Findley
After Dempsey's shot rang off the post middle of the second half, I started to prepare myself (much like Julie commented) that this just wasn't our day and we would be going home without losing a game in this World Cup.
As injury time began, I started to think that there's no way the soccer gods could let this happen to our team. There's no question we've been screwed throughout our trip to SA, and the soccer universe must find a way to correct itself.
"Donovan, go long!" it what I envision Howard saying in the 91st minute as he threw a pass Joe Montana would have been proud of. The USMNT's version of the hail mary would set the scales of soccer justice back to level.
Ghana thinks its lucky to be playing the USA instead of England in the next round, they are mistaken.
Howard
Cherundalo Gooch DeMerit Boca
Donovan Bradley Edu Dempsey
Altidore Findley
From around the internets...
There is sooo much great stuff recapping this victory:
1) Wonderfully written NYT article (gave Joe Scarborough chills)
2) Teared up reading this NPR story - reminded me this was about way more than soccer.
3) My work buddy who was at the game:
5) More terrific photos.
6) I rag on Donovan a lot for his PR skills. I take it all back:
Basically the next time someone says they don't like or follow soccer, I'll say, that's too bad.
1) Wonderfully written NYT article (gave Joe Scarborough chills)
2) Teared up reading this NPR story - reminded me this was about way more than soccer.
3) My work buddy who was at the game:
We may never leave this stadium. And I may never have a voice again. There may be no better place on earth. #worldcup #uswins4) Tribute to #9:
5) More terrific photos.
6) I rag on Donovan a lot for his PR skills. I take it all back:
Basically the next time someone says they don't like or follow soccer, I'll say, that's too bad.
Group C: #1 US #2 England
This game took years off my life. Years and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
There was a point late in the game- our captain Boc was completing another great tackle...I was preparing myself mentally and emotionally for the fact that we weren't going to make it through...when all I could think was, "we played our hearts out." That's what this team does and it's tough to beat that. And if/when you do, there's no way US fans won't be proud of their team.
When you think about our team today, there were soo many who had standout performances:
Bradley- so solid, so much poise, so proud I have his jersey. I loved all of our players' approaches to free kicks. On each kick, one of our guys would step up and tell the others, "I got this." Demps did it, Landon did it and Bradley did it and he took one heck of a strike.
Edu & Feilhalber- If they were one player, they'd be the greatest midfielder on the planet.
Jozy & Gomez & Buddle- never feared having the ball, brought so much energy and life to the team. They were unlucky at times and blew chances at others, but man, for not having heard of 2 of them before 3 months ago, they brought it.
Our D- each one came up with at least one monumental play- Boc's world class clearance late in the game comes to mind.
Howard- clean sheet and his throw was effectively an assist.
I learned that I really do like Beasley. There was this one lady at the Draft House who was obnoxious throughout the game but once Beasley came in, whenever he touched the ball would yell, "Beasley, you suck!" I realize people were tense and she obviously followed the team, but she got into a screaming match with another lady. And I didn't remember how much I liked the Beas until I noticed that it was very nearly me.
But none of that mattered once stoppage time hit.
The moment Donovan scored was the best sports experience I've ever had and is something I'll remember for the rest of my life. Mark, to answer your question, yes I had tears in my eyes. It was a roaring explosion of joy. I hugged my dad, Keith, and Ashley for probably 2 minutes in individual and group hugs. We went from being on the brink of elimination to winning our group... in 12 seconds. That's how long it was between Howard's (phenomenal) throw and Donovan burying the biggest goal in US soccer history (so far). To quote Pete's text: I have no words.
Bring on Ghana...
Timmy
Dolo Demerit Boc Spector
Donovan Edu Bradley Benny Demps
Jozy
US vs Algeria
Watched the first half at home. Very, very frustrating. Lucky they hit the bar, we couldn't finish, and there was another goal disallowed due to poor refereeing (I agree with my Dad on this one - there is bias, and corruption, and the world's not as perfect as some would like to believe).
Left for work at halftime. Listened to the first 20 of the second in the car. It was more frustration. By 75 minutes I made my way into the waiting area outside the Board room. There were three others watching the match live waiting for our meeting to start. One guy didn't know we were playing Algeria. One guy was biting his nails. I couldn't sit, but I did.
At the 88th minute we were called in. I couldn't be more upset, at the loss, at the England win, at the refereeing, at the fact I was being removed from a television at this specific time. Waiting for the meeting to start, we explained to some Board members what was happening, that we were about to be eliminated, and they promptly exited for a quick water break to catch the end. They could do that. I could not.
And then it happened, the noise I was listening and secretly praying for, it happened: a loud, unified, I don't care there's a board meeting going on next door scream.
It was awesome, the rest of us left the room, ran (in suits) the 20 feet to the TV, and got there in time to see a pile of Americans celebrating next to a corner flag. It was awesome. We watched the end. I high-fived the Board's attorney. It was awesome.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts. I wonder if some of you had tears in your eyes as I did Friday when Bradley tied the match against Slovenia. I am so happy the US won, but I'm disappointed in today's work life balance. I would have given anything to be in South Africa, the Arlington Draft House, or some Baltimore pub with friends. I surely would have enjoyed the Bulldog.
But it's all good. Just unbelievably, magical, hollywood, good.
Left for work at halftime. Listened to the first 20 of the second in the car. It was more frustration. By 75 minutes I made my way into the waiting area outside the Board room. There were three others watching the match live waiting for our meeting to start. One guy didn't know we were playing Algeria. One guy was biting his nails. I couldn't sit, but I did.
At the 88th minute we were called in. I couldn't be more upset, at the loss, at the England win, at the refereeing, at the fact I was being removed from a television at this specific time. Waiting for the meeting to start, we explained to some Board members what was happening, that we were about to be eliminated, and they promptly exited for a quick water break to catch the end. They could do that. I could not.
And then it happened, the noise I was listening and secretly praying for, it happened: a loud, unified, I don't care there's a board meeting going on next door scream.
It was awesome, the rest of us left the room, ran (in suits) the 20 feet to the TV, and got there in time to see a pile of Americans celebrating next to a corner flag. It was awesome. We watched the end. I high-fived the Board's attorney. It was awesome.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts. I wonder if some of you had tears in your eyes as I did Friday when Bradley tied the match against Slovenia. I am so happy the US won, but I'm disappointed in today's work life balance. I would have given anything to be in South Africa, the Arlington Draft House, or some Baltimore pub with friends. I surely would have enjoyed the Bulldog.
But it's all good. Just unbelievably, magical, hollywood, good.
6.22.2010
Another WC thought: FIFA = FAIL
Dear FIFA,
No more granting World Cup hosts based on political correctness. While noble in your efforts, hosting the World Cup isn't going to cure Africa of its ills any more than the US hosting the World Cup is going to make soccer its most important sport.
Not sure if you guys were aware that no Non-African nation was even allowed to be in the final 4 bids.
Here was the final 4:
Egypt
Morocco
South Africa
Libya (yes, that Libya)
Some debacles so far:
-10,000 ticket holders of the Algeria/Slovenia game couldn't make it to the game because of such poor transportation
-10's of thousands of fans were stranded in the middle of the night after the US/England match because of similar poor tranportation infrastructure.
-Vuvulelas= completely takes away from the atmosphere of an international soccer match
-One of the fields is artifical turf for goodness sakes
Sincerely,
A soccer fan
No more granting World Cup hosts based on political correctness. While noble in your efforts, hosting the World Cup isn't going to cure Africa of its ills any more than the US hosting the World Cup is going to make soccer its most important sport.
Not sure if you guys were aware that no Non-African nation was even allowed to be in the final 4 bids.
Here was the final 4:
Egypt
Morocco
South Africa
Libya (yes, that Libya)
Some debacles so far:
-10,000 ticket holders of the Algeria/Slovenia game couldn't make it to the game because of such poor transportation
-10's of thousands of fans were stranded in the middle of the night after the US/England match because of similar poor tranportation infrastructure.
-Vuvulelas= completely takes away from the atmosphere of an international soccer match
-One of the fields is artifical turf for goodness sakes
Sincerely,
A soccer fan
US vs Slovenia (MH)
I apologize for not providing a detailed account of the US Slovenia match. I agree with basically all of your comments and just want to add (one final time) that I predicted a 3-2 US win with Landon Donovan being man of the match. Absent the most unexplainable, awful call by a referee, I was right.
Reading this great link from Tim Howard that Jules posted made me realize what I want to remember from this match. I only needed to change two words.
“The crowd was great for the Slovenia match. I’ve watched 50-something times for the (United States) and not once do I remember a whole, entire national anthem sung by the whole bar. When they played the anthem and we were singing, it was being sung back at us, and it was a pretty incredible moment.”
Goosebumps….MH
Reading this great link from Tim Howard that Jules posted made me realize what I want to remember from this match. I only needed to change two words.
“The crowd was great for the Slovenia match. I’ve watched 50-something times for the (United States) and not once do I remember a whole, entire national anthem sung by the whole bar. When they played the anthem and we were singing, it was being sung back at us, and it was a pretty incredible moment.”
Goosebumps….MH
How each team qualifies
If the permutations of who can go through are all getting a bit too much, you might want to keep this guide handy as to how each team can qualify in the final round of matches.
6.21.2010
Thoughts so far on this WC
Europe sinking, Americas rising
- One of the biggest stories so far is the collapse of Europe: Germany= loss, Spain= loss, England=2 ties (1 total goal), France= yikes
- The Americas, so far, are the better teams: US= nuff said, Mexico= thumped france, Brazil= Brazil, Argentina= Argentina, Chile/Paraguay/Uruguay are all solid squads.
-Africa: still irrelevant even with home continent advantage
A solid defensive team will knock Spain out
-I see Spain as this tournament's Washington Capitals, the most talented team but won't do well in the playoffs. Yes, I know they won the Euros, but see comment A.
Don't get too excited about Portugal
- it was against North Korea: teams ranked higher than them= Jamaica/Oman/Macedonia
- One of the biggest stories so far is the collapse of Europe: Germany= loss, Spain= loss, England=2 ties (1 total goal), France= yikes
- The Americas, so far, are the better teams: US= nuff said, Mexico= thumped france, Brazil= Brazil, Argentina= Argentina, Chile/Paraguay/Uruguay are all solid squads.
-Africa: still irrelevant even with home continent advantage
A solid defensive team will knock Spain out
-I see Spain as this tournament's Washington Capitals, the most talented team but won't do well in the playoffs. Yes, I know they won the Euros, but see comment A.
Don't get too excited about Portugal
- it was against North Korea: teams ranked higher than them= Jamaica/Oman/Macedonia
Can we talk about those horns?
From a gchat with my college roommate:
Nina: also, CAN WE TALK ABOUT THOSE HORNS?
me: sure
Nina: are you a fan?
me: nope
Nina: good, me either. we had a game on saturday morning and i was convinced that the hotel room was infested with flies.
Nina: giant, invisible, very loud midwestern flies.
There's an app for that:
Some fun photos compiled by the Huffington Post:
Finally, link to a good article from The Onion:
South African Vuvuzela Philharmonic Angered By Soccer Games Breaking Out During Concerts
Nina: also, CAN WE TALK ABOUT THOSE HORNS?
me: sure
Nina: are you a fan?
me: nope
Nina: good, me either. we had a game on saturday morning and i was convinced that the hotel room was infested with flies.
Nina: giant, invisible, very loud midwestern flies.
There's an app for that:
Some fun photos compiled by the Huffington Post:
Finally, link to a good article from The Onion:
South African Vuvuzela Philharmonic Angered By Soccer Games Breaking Out During Concerts
Wide play will be key for U.S. against Algeria in World Cup - Jonathan Wilson - SI.com
Wide play will be key for U.S. against Algeria in World Cup - Jonathan Wilson - SI.com
This article looks like a good one, even though I have not yet read it.
This article looks like a good one, even though I have not yet read it.
US v. Slovenia
One of the Best Tweets from the game: [Sometime after we went down 2-0] “Be careful Slovenia, we’ve invaded countries for less.”
“Landon. Donovan. Period.”
That’s the text I sent to Pete and Mark following his world class and powerful goal. It wasn’t powerful just with its velocity but the fashion and the timing of it told his teammates, Slovenia and the world, “the US team wasn’t going anywhere.” Not yet. I credit his time at Everton for his performance these last two games. As Pete mentioned, he’s a different player now than he was 4 years ago. I would say he’s a different player than he was a year ago. He’s always been fast and talented and a goal scorer but this quality (that’s spread through the US team) should be reckoned with and, as Keith said, makes us an incredibly dangerous team.
First half
They had 2 good chances and scored twice where we had 4 – 5 and didn’t. Our defense looked awry and the fact that no one on our team trusted Torres with the ball resulted in the first half’s long ball fest.
Bradley’s coaching
In hindsight, Torres’ inclusion was a monumental mistake, but the subs he made at half time were brilliant. Demps wasn’t doing anything on the wing and Findley was pretty hopeless up top. Benny and Edu had an immediate impact on the team’s confidence with possessing the ball. It seemed like the team, led by Bradley and Donovan, made the decision that we can’t afford to play scared. The first 10 minutes of the 2nd half were probably some of the best I’ve ever seen from a US team. Also, these subs allowed flexibility so Gooch could come out, we could score and then Edu could be dropped back into the defense.
Second half: This team.
Hunter FC pretty much was able to watch this team qualify in person.
Of course, we had already qualified for the World Cup at this point. This goal was scored simply for Charlie Davies. This team knows how to use emotion (not to mention pressure) to its advantage. Be careful, Slovenia, we’ve come back from 2 down for less.
Bring on Algeria
Timmy
Cherundolo, Gooch, Demerit, Boc
Donovan, Edu, Bradley, Demps
Buddle, Altidore
And then the crazy line-up
Timmy
Cherundolo, Edu, Demerit, Spector
Donovan, Holden, Bradley, Demps
Buddle, Gomez
I wouldn’t mind seeing Spector in for Boc- he got worked all over the place vs. Slovenia.
Curious how Holden and Bradley would do together for longer than 15 min.
Buddle deserves his shot. It seems downright silly to bench a striker on a scoring streak.
“Landon. Donovan. Period.”
That’s the text I sent to Pete and Mark following his world class and powerful goal. It wasn’t powerful just with its velocity but the fashion and the timing of it told his teammates, Slovenia and the world, “the US team wasn’t going anywhere.” Not yet. I credit his time at Everton for his performance these last two games. As Pete mentioned, he’s a different player now than he was 4 years ago. I would say he’s a different player than he was a year ago. He’s always been fast and talented and a goal scorer but this quality (that’s spread through the US team) should be reckoned with and, as Keith said, makes us an incredibly dangerous team.
First half
They had 2 good chances and scored twice where we had 4 – 5 and didn’t. Our defense looked awry and the fact that no one on our team trusted Torres with the ball resulted in the first half’s long ball fest.
Bradley’s coaching
In hindsight, Torres’ inclusion was a monumental mistake, but the subs he made at half time were brilliant. Demps wasn’t doing anything on the wing and Findley was pretty hopeless up top. Benny and Edu had an immediate impact on the team’s confidence with possessing the ball. It seemed like the team, led by Bradley and Donovan, made the decision that we can’t afford to play scared. The first 10 minutes of the 2nd half were probably some of the best I’ve ever seen from a US team. Also, these subs allowed flexibility so Gooch could come out, we could score and then Edu could be dropped back into the defense.
Second half: This team.
Hunter FC pretty much was able to watch this team qualify in person.
Of course, we had already qualified for the World Cup at this point. This goal was scored simply for Charlie Davies. This team knows how to use emotion (not to mention pressure) to its advantage. Be careful, Slovenia, we’ve come back from 2 down for less.
Bring on Algeria
Timmy
Cherundolo, Gooch, Demerit, Boc
Donovan, Edu, Bradley, Demps
Buddle, Altidore
And then the crazy line-up
Timmy
Cherundolo, Edu, Demerit, Spector
Donovan, Holden, Bradley, Demps
Buddle, Gomez
I wouldn’t mind seeing Spector in for Boc- he got worked all over the place vs. Slovenia.
Curious how Holden and Bradley would do together for longer than 15 min.
Buddle deserves his shot. It seems downright silly to bench a striker on a scoring streak.
6.20.2010
Donovan goal vs Slovenia at National AO in Lincoln Nebraska
Not as crazy as the tying goal, but I like the double reaction... first to when Donovan is moving in and second when he puts the ball into the net.
6.19.2010
US v Slovenia
Easily the best game of the tourney, with the US showing it was a much better team in the end. I was embarrassed after being down 2-0 at halftime, but then yanks did what the yanks do best. The question remains which is the most talented team in the WC, maybe Argentina, Holland, or Brazil. But there is no question which team has the most heart, and that's the yanks. I don't think its possible to be more proud of a team that represents America. So many teams would and have fallen apart after being down 1 or 2 goals, but not the US. Should the US manage to make into the next round, they are one of the last teams anyone would want to play.
"The Call" -the second worst call in WC history, right behind the maradona hand of God call. Bottom line is that our squad needs to get over it and realize the difference between things you can control and things you cannot. We cannot control the refs, but we can control not going down 1-0 early in every game.
One of the worst parts about "the call' is that it takes away from such a brilliantly designed and even more brilliantly executed set piece. -the fact that the Americans can execute such a high level play has teams shaking in their boots.
"The Call" -the second worst call in WC history, right behind the maradona hand of God call. Bottom line is that our squad needs to get over it and realize the difference between things you can control and things you cannot. We cannot control the refs, but we can control not going down 1-0 early in every game.
One of the worst parts about "the call' is that it takes away from such a brilliantly designed and even more brilliantly executed set piece. -the fact that the Americans can execute such a high level play has teams shaking in their boots.
Ruthless
"I decided to take a touch and aim high, and aim at his head," Donovan said. "I don't think he wanted to get hit."
6.18.2010
A little match in Jo'Burg
So, I watched a soccer match today and it was fun. Well, it was actually pretty stressful for 15 minutes, then depressing for 20 minutes, then uplifting for 5, then really depressing for another 5. This was followed by 15 minutes of confusion and anger and more confusion and more anger. Then 3 minutes of yelling and 1 solid minute of jumping around and more yelling and slapping the #10 on my Donovan shirt (he's the man). Then, a solid 35 minutes of angst - mucho grande angst my friends. Oh then another minute or two of yelling and jumping and falling into a table and knocking over beers and yelling and jumping. And cheering, much cheering. Yes, there was that time where there was another 3 seconds of more of that... followed by 10 minutes of cursing and wondering. Then, it was over and I was confused as to how to feel about all of those emotions. I decided, in the end, that it was fun.
Let's set the scene at Slainte pub in Fells Point (Uncle Den!) in Baltimore, MD. I got there at about 7:45 and it was already buzzing and getting full. We saw some German fans and they were confident. Then I saw a Spanish referee handing out yellow cards like it was Christmas. Let me tell you, he's a merry man because he kept giving them out. However, he gave a German a red card and no one really wants to get a red card. After that, the Serbians scored, a German missed a penalty (never happens), and the Serbians won. That opened up our brother-sister group and started conversations such as "well, maybe finishing second in our group is better now that Germany lost" which was followed up by "but I don't want to face Argentina in the quarterfinals." I was listening to all of this and I got a little concerned. We're the USoA, we're not allowed to speculate on whom we would like to face in the quarterfinals when we've only played one group match.
So, the match started and me and my 12 friends (and the rest of a very full bar, plus the local CBS affiliate) started to watch. We never looked comfortable in the first phase of the match - it all seemed haphazard and without much control. Then the Slovenia dagger through the heart. It was a great shot by our Slovenian friend - quite unstoppable and probably the best goal from distance in the tournament thus far. It literally took us 20 minutes to do anything of note which was quite disappointing. I don't think Slovenia sucks, but we're better than them and we should have not have struggled that much. Did we even have possession until the 35th minute?
Anyway, the free kick from Torres was dangerous and well struck - the handball by Findley's head capped a set of pressure and then LD almost scored off a nice build up from Findley and Dempsey. Things were looking good for the first time all match. Then, in one minute's time, we forgot how to either a) run an offside trap or b) mark and it cost us big time. Talk about a slap in the face coupled with a kick in the teeth and a punch in the gut. I wanted to go home and watch the rest by myself (unless you call Landshark beer a friend, I did want to watch with Landshark as well.)
At half-time, Slainte resembled a crowded red, white, and blue morgue. It was depressing and full of much anger. It was a tough place to be. Thankfully we have the aforementioned Landon Donovan who the the game by the scruff of it's neck and pile-drove a ball into the top of the net and gave us all some hope. He must have hit that ball 165 MPH from 6 yards out. As Uncle Den said, I don't think that option was one any of us were considering. I will say that the closer he got, the more likely it seemed that he was going to have to shoot, but I never thought he would put it where he eventually did.
Anyway, we had possession and chances throughout the half and I felt a goal was coming at some point. However, time was running out and we were running low on thoughts. Then LD played a long ball to Jozy who expertly played the ball into the path of Michael Bradley who did oh so well by finishing with the sole of his foot and sending Slainte into raptures. We lost a lot of beer in that celebration and a chair was lost (possibly broken as well.) No seemed to mind about the beer or the chair since it was now 2-2 and thoughts of winning creeped into the minds of many. I will admit that one of my first thoughts was, "oh boy, we are quite open at the back right now". We only had 3 defenders on the field at that point, so I think my concern was legitimate. However, we were still in the ascendency and we had the free kick that was turned into a goal which was cruelly taken away from us and then the game ended. I can't remember anything from the last 8 minutes, so I can't write anything about it.
At first, I thought they called offside because that's what the graphic said on the TV and well, imagine my anger when I saw the highlight and saw that there was nothing close to offside. I texted a friend who was watching at home and he said that a foul had been called. I did not see a foul, I have yet to see a foul, and I doubt I'll ever see a foul. In the end, it might not better for us in terms of group play, but it's very unfortunate that one of the greatest moments in US soccer history was taken from us. I was in an electric mood and ready to celebrate as were the hundreds at the bar. It would have been awesome, it would have been the best bar atmosphere I have ever been in, and I would have remembered it forever. Oh well, maybe we'll win a quarterfinal and none of this will have mattered.
So, that was the best game of the tournament thus far - it featured goals, controversy, balls to the wall play, a great fightback, an underdog performing very well, and some quality and memorable plays. I'm glad the US was a part of it. I'm glad we got a result and I'm glad we have all to play for on Wednesday morning.
Let's set the scene at Slainte pub in Fells Point (Uncle Den!) in Baltimore, MD. I got there at about 7:45 and it was already buzzing and getting full. We saw some German fans and they were confident. Then I saw a Spanish referee handing out yellow cards like it was Christmas. Let me tell you, he's a merry man because he kept giving them out. However, he gave a German a red card and no one really wants to get a red card. After that, the Serbians scored, a German missed a penalty (never happens), and the Serbians won. That opened up our brother-sister group and started conversations such as "well, maybe finishing second in our group is better now that Germany lost" which was followed up by "but I don't want to face Argentina in the quarterfinals." I was listening to all of this and I got a little concerned. We're the USoA, we're not allowed to speculate on whom we would like to face in the quarterfinals when we've only played one group match.
So, the match started and me and my 12 friends (and the rest of a very full bar, plus the local CBS affiliate) started to watch. We never looked comfortable in the first phase of the match - it all seemed haphazard and without much control. Then the Slovenia dagger through the heart. It was a great shot by our Slovenian friend - quite unstoppable and probably the best goal from distance in the tournament thus far. It literally took us 20 minutes to do anything of note which was quite disappointing. I don't think Slovenia sucks, but we're better than them and we should have not have struggled that much. Did we even have possession until the 35th minute?
Anyway, the free kick from Torres was dangerous and well struck - the handball by Findley's head capped a set of pressure and then LD almost scored off a nice build up from Findley and Dempsey. Things were looking good for the first time all match. Then, in one minute's time, we forgot how to either a) run an offside trap or b) mark and it cost us big time. Talk about a slap in the face coupled with a kick in the teeth and a punch in the gut. I wanted to go home and watch the rest by myself (unless you call Landshark beer a friend, I did want to watch with Landshark as well.)
At half-time, Slainte resembled a crowded red, white, and blue morgue. It was depressing and full of much anger. It was a tough place to be. Thankfully we have the aforementioned Landon Donovan who the the game by the scruff of it's neck and pile-drove a ball into the top of the net and gave us all some hope. He must have hit that ball 165 MPH from 6 yards out. As Uncle Den said, I don't think that option was one any of us were considering. I will say that the closer he got, the more likely it seemed that he was going to have to shoot, but I never thought he would put it where he eventually did.
Anyway, we had possession and chances throughout the half and I felt a goal was coming at some point. However, time was running out and we were running low on thoughts. Then LD played a long ball to Jozy who expertly played the ball into the path of Michael Bradley who did oh so well by finishing with the sole of his foot and sending Slainte into raptures. We lost a lot of beer in that celebration and a chair was lost (possibly broken as well.) No seemed to mind about the beer or the chair since it was now 2-2 and thoughts of winning creeped into the minds of many. I will admit that one of my first thoughts was, "oh boy, we are quite open at the back right now". We only had 3 defenders on the field at that point, so I think my concern was legitimate. However, we were still in the ascendency and we had the free kick that was turned into a goal which was cruelly taken away from us and then the game ended. I can't remember anything from the last 8 minutes, so I can't write anything about it.
At first, I thought they called offside because that's what the graphic said on the TV and well, imagine my anger when I saw the highlight and saw that there was nothing close to offside. I texted a friend who was watching at home and he said that a foul had been called. I did not see a foul, I have yet to see a foul, and I doubt I'll ever see a foul. In the end, it might not better for us in terms of group play, but it's very unfortunate that one of the greatest moments in US soccer history was taken from us. I was in an electric mood and ready to celebrate as were the hundreds at the bar. It would have been awesome, it would have been the best bar atmosphere I have ever been in, and I would have remembered it forever. Oh well, maybe we'll win a quarterfinal and none of this will have mattered.
So, that was the best game of the tournament thus far - it featured goals, controversy, balls to the wall play, a great fightback, an underdog performing very well, and some quality and memorable plays. I'm glad the US was a part of it. I'm glad we got a result and I'm glad we have all to play for on Wednesday morning.
US v Slovenia
Today's match showed how far the US team has come and just how far behind FIFA has fallen.
First the good part, Landon Donovan has changed US soccer forever. Too many times in the past the US teams have fallen behind and once they trailed an opponent the gig was up; for them and for their fans. The goal to start the second half changed the way US fans will view being behind, forever. Everyone saw the Slovenian defender fall but the goal still seemed defended by a well positioned goalie.
Who saw that the roof of the goal was open? Not I, and I don't think many others did either. I have checked, there is nothing in US coaching doctrine that tells players to shoot for the roof of the goal, nothing. But that is why we have players and how we separate great players from the rest, the great ones create something from nothing when their team (and their fans and their country) most need it. Congrats to Donovan for seeing something no one else saw and doing something when we needed it the most.
Now on to FIFA. FIFA has been headed by the same person for maybe a hundred years. During that time the national associations of which it is composed have done a remarkable job in developing this sport on every populated continent in the world. This has happened not because of FIFA but in spite of it. The game today was played between a country that exists only because the country it used to be a part of no longer does. It was officiated by a referee who lost control of the game immediately after the initial kick off and never regained it. The players who played for the country that did not exist consistently took dives, whined and committed egregious fouls with impunity. The system that put Slovenia into the World Cup was designed by FIFA and the system ensures a large number of teams arrive at the venue with nothing to hope for unless they "draw" an inept and probably corrupt referee so they come away with a tie instead of a richly deserved loss.
FIFA needs to go. The developed world and the sport should have an international governing body that has more interest in bring the game into the 21st century and less interest in cutting off YouTube videos.
First the good part, Landon Donovan has changed US soccer forever. Too many times in the past the US teams have fallen behind and once they trailed an opponent the gig was up; for them and for their fans. The goal to start the second half changed the way US fans will view being behind, forever. Everyone saw the Slovenian defender fall but the goal still seemed defended by a well positioned goalie.
Who saw that the roof of the goal was open? Not I, and I don't think many others did either. I have checked, there is nothing in US coaching doctrine that tells players to shoot for the roof of the goal, nothing. But that is why we have players and how we separate great players from the rest, the great ones create something from nothing when their team (and their fans and their country) most need it. Congrats to Donovan for seeing something no one else saw and doing something when we needed it the most.
Now on to FIFA. FIFA has been headed by the same person for maybe a hundred years. During that time the national associations of which it is composed have done a remarkable job in developing this sport on every populated continent in the world. This has happened not because of FIFA but in spite of it. The game today was played between a country that exists only because the country it used to be a part of no longer does. It was officiated by a referee who lost control of the game immediately after the initial kick off and never regained it. The players who played for the country that did not exist consistently took dives, whined and committed egregious fouls with impunity. The system that put Slovenia into the World Cup was designed by FIFA and the system ensures a large number of teams arrive at the venue with nothing to hope for unless they "draw" an inept and probably corrupt referee so they come away with a tie instead of a richly deserved loss.
FIFA needs to go. The developed world and the sport should have an international governing body that has more interest in bring the game into the 21st century and less interest in cutting off YouTube videos.
6.17.2010
Slovenia
This is the country we are playing tomorrow. Here are some snippets about their country:
- They gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1992.
- Their population is slightly over 2 million.
- They are a member of the EU and have been since May 2004.
- Their capital is Ljubljana.
- They largely are a Roman Catholic country.
- The highest paid Slovenian athlete is Anze Kopitar who plays for the Los Angeles Kings (he is really good.)
- Their per capital GDP is $24,417.
Here is some information on their soccer team:
- This is their second appearance at the World Cup. They also appeared at the 2002 World Cup where they finished with three losses.
- They have qualifed for one European Championship and that was in 1990.
- Slovenia's qualification group for the 2010 World Cup included Slovakia, Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, and Poland. They finished second in the group and then went on to defeat Russia in the playoff.
- Their captain is Robert Koren, #8 (scorer of the winner against Algeria on Sunday.) He is currently without a club after playing for West Brom for the past 3 seasons.
- They have players playing all across Europe - their starting keeper starts for Udinese in Italy.
- The current manager is Matjaz Kek who appeared in one match with Slovenia. He has been the national team manager since 2007.
As a side note, the Yugoslavian team would be pretty good these days as they would have been able to pick from what is now Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and others. Not a bad stable of players to choose from.
The Next "Big" One
So, we have a match tomorrow which we have discussed only in passing. After spending months dissecting our starting lineup against England, it's a little strange to actually have to worry about another game just six days later. That said, we have an equally important match tomorrow morning that I'm pretty excited for. There is some pressure on the US, which is not normal for a WC match. This is probably the first time we've been clear cut favorites in a World Cup match since we lost to Iran in 1998. We all know how that went. I suspect this will be different - 2-0 to the US is my prediction.
So, what are everyone's plans? I will be going to a different bar, Slainte, in Fells Point. I plan on getting there in time to watch Germany play Serbia at 7:30.
So, what are everyone's plans? I will be going to a different bar, Slainte, in Fells Point. I plan on getting there in time to watch Germany play Serbia at 7:30.
6.14.2010
Bernardo's US v England Thoughts
"A draw is a very fair result of that match." A quote from my British office mate today I think sums up the game.
Despite what the Brits (both players and fans) may say publically, I think they are relieved to escape Rustenburg with a 1-1 draw. I don't share some others' belief that the English side is a contender for this WC or even a top ten team. While the US went into the game with many unanswered questions it was England who came out of the game with more unsolved mysteries than the Yanks.
For the Yanks: Is our backline healthy= yes. Is Findley the our #2 striker= no. Should Clarke ever play again= I hope not.
For the Brits: Will their EPL all-star team ever mesh? How many World Cups are they going to try and get out of this aging squad? Do they have anyone who can get Rooney the ball? Should they just play with 11 field players?
Even with these questions, England should make it out of the group easily but then probably get beaten by Ghana in the next round.
But enough about the Brits and on to the Yanks:
My biggest fear going into this game was being humiliated. Maybe England was as good as some people said, and maybe we were no better than our 06 squad. Those fears were amplified when England scored without even breaking a sweat in the 3rd minute. Nightmarish images of Germany 06 flooded my hefewiesen soaked brain.
Looking back, that early goal might have been the best thing for the US. It foroced England to play possum the rest of the half and gave us a chance to get into a rythym. We owned the rest of the first half.
The second half, the Brits came to play and started creating chances. Though I would classify their game as completely uninspired. The US did play inspired and created as many chances as their counterparts ultimately ending in a tie which even Brits think was a fair result.
Changes I'd like to see for the Slovenia match:
Buddle for Findley
Torres for Clarke
Bernardo
Despite what the Brits (both players and fans) may say publically, I think they are relieved to escape Rustenburg with a 1-1 draw. I don't share some others' belief that the English side is a contender for this WC or even a top ten team. While the US went into the game with many unanswered questions it was England who came out of the game with more unsolved mysteries than the Yanks.
For the Yanks: Is our backline healthy= yes. Is Findley the our #2 striker= no. Should Clarke ever play again= I hope not.
For the Brits: Will their EPL all-star team ever mesh? How many World Cups are they going to try and get out of this aging squad? Do they have anyone who can get Rooney the ball? Should they just play with 11 field players?
Even with these questions, England should make it out of the group easily but then probably get beaten by Ghana in the next round.
But enough about the Brits and on to the Yanks:
My biggest fear going into this game was being humiliated. Maybe England was as good as some people said, and maybe we were no better than our 06 squad. Those fears were amplified when England scored without even breaking a sweat in the 3rd minute. Nightmarish images of Germany 06 flooded my hefewiesen soaked brain.
Looking back, that early goal might have been the best thing for the US. It foroced England to play possum the rest of the half and gave us a chance to get into a rythym. We owned the rest of the first half.
The second half, the Brits came to play and started creating chances. Though I would classify their game as completely uninspired. The US did play inspired and created as many chances as their counterparts ultimately ending in a tie which even Brits think was a fair result.
Changes I'd like to see for the Slovenia match:
Buddle for Findley
Torres for Clarke
Bernardo
Best of...Video/ Photos from 6/12
Video from Abbey Burger Bistro:
This was probably about 15 minutes before the actual national anthem and the start of the match. You'll notice there is a guy with an inside out shirt in the video. Poor fool came in wearing not only a Chelsea jersey but a Frank Lampard jersey. His friends set him straight. Warning: the audio is pretty loud.
Abbey Burger Bistro Fan Fest:
D.C. Fan Fest:
Denver Fan Fest:
Philly Fan Fest:
White House Fan Fest:
This was probably about 15 minutes before the actual national anthem and the start of the match. You'll notice there is a guy with an inside out shirt in the video. Poor fool came in wearing not only a Chelsea jersey but a Frank Lampard jersey. His friends set him straight. Warning: the audio is pretty loud.
Abbey Burger Bistro Fan Fest:
D.C. Fan Fest:
Denver Fan Fest:
Philly Fan Fest:
White House Fan Fest:
Mark's Account of US/England
I had been looking forward to June 12th since the draw in December. It was supposed to be the perfect day. I envisioned a sunny 85 degree day, watching the match at the British Bulldog, followed by U2 at Invesco Field in the evening. Unfortunately, none of those things happened. It was a cloudy rainy 55 degree day, I didn’t make it to the Bulldog (which looked awesome), and Bono’s back issues wiped out the 2010 North American Tour.
That’s not so say it wasn’t a great day. I woke up at 5:45am and smoked a pork shoulder resulting in some very well-received Carolina BBQ (think vinegar). And it was extremely convenient having Adam (Man U, Skins fan) from across the park show up at 12pm sharp and walk five minutes to Neil's house filled with 15 neighbors and friends. One guy, Scott, I never met before, is the same age as me, grew up here in Denver, but played college ball for American, had a great story playing against Alexi Lalas when he was at Rutgers, and get this, his second favorite team is Germany because he watched Toby Charles’ Soccer Made in Germany as a kid.
Despite being like a kid on Christmas morning, I didn’t touch a drink in the morning. I half-viewed Argentina/Nigeria, while adding wood chips to the grill, and watched Audrey while M & C did errands in the morning. I arrived at Neil’s house at 12:05pm MT and had knocked back three Coors light by the time the national anthem finished. Fortunately, there were plenty of apps and I started mixing in waters, or I would have been “that guy” crookedly walking back to the house carrying tongs and BBQ sauce at 3:30pm on a Saturday.
As I feared, the US played nervously from the start. Give the Brits credit for their early goal, it was a nice bang bang play and perfect finish by Gerrard. Yet, as most American supporters were no doubt thinking the worst, I was very relaxed. This was in part to the beers, but mostly because I had watched the Argentina/Nigeria match two hours earlier. Argentina started similarly, looking awesome, like they were much much better and would win easily. But despite numerous shots and scary attacks by Messi, it didn’t happen, in fact, the Nigerians had a few counters that could have secured a point. I may have been a little more nervous had I watched the Germany/Australia game beforehand.
I did get nervous, very nervous, when it appeared Timmy was injured. I believe he is the only player that directly impacts how far his team will go. He toughed it out, my heart started beating again, and my confidence resumed. Much has been made of Dempsey’s goal. But the grass was slick, the ball was new, Green’s form was poor, the spin was right, and the match was tied. It was brilliant. The keeper’s luck changed in the second half, when his arm moved just enough to knock Altidore’s shot off the post, so I feel the result was fair.
DeMerit did a fantastic job marking Rooney. Gooch is healthy and a beast in the back. You guys were right for starting Cherundolo in place of Bornstein. Bocanegra was great in the air, playing much bigger than his size. Michael Bradley also did well, had a great pass, which started Joze’s run. Dempsey and Donovan maintained possession and instilled confidence in the side. Joze had a great run and deserved a goal. Ricardo Clark was the only American that did not meet expectations. Playing against Gerrard/Lampard is no easy task, so if he’s fully fit, he may deserve another chance. I do think Holden or Torres may create more opportunities against Slovenia, so it’s a difficult decision for Bob Bradley. We missed Davies. In his Confederations Cup form, he’s better than Findley/Edsun.
Tim Howard was Man of the Match. As Alexi Lalas likes to say “he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he happens to be an American.” There were claims from British supporters he’s the only American that would start for England. They may be right. But that was also enough.
As texted by my sister, Bring on Slovenia!
That’s not so say it wasn’t a great day. I woke up at 5:45am and smoked a pork shoulder resulting in some very well-received Carolina BBQ (think vinegar). And it was extremely convenient having Adam (Man U, Skins fan) from across the park show up at 12pm sharp and walk five minutes to Neil's house filled with 15 neighbors and friends. One guy, Scott, I never met before, is the same age as me, grew up here in Denver, but played college ball for American, had a great story playing against Alexi Lalas when he was at Rutgers, and get this, his second favorite team is Germany because he watched Toby Charles’ Soccer Made in Germany as a kid.
Despite being like a kid on Christmas morning, I didn’t touch a drink in the morning. I half-viewed Argentina/Nigeria, while adding wood chips to the grill, and watched Audrey while M & C did errands in the morning. I arrived at Neil’s house at 12:05pm MT and had knocked back three Coors light by the time the national anthem finished. Fortunately, there were plenty of apps and I started mixing in waters, or I would have been “that guy” crookedly walking back to the house carrying tongs and BBQ sauce at 3:30pm on a Saturday.
As I feared, the US played nervously from the start. Give the Brits credit for their early goal, it was a nice bang bang play and perfect finish by Gerrard. Yet, as most American supporters were no doubt thinking the worst, I was very relaxed. This was in part to the beers, but mostly because I had watched the Argentina/Nigeria match two hours earlier. Argentina started similarly, looking awesome, like they were much much better and would win easily. But despite numerous shots and scary attacks by Messi, it didn’t happen, in fact, the Nigerians had a few counters that could have secured a point. I may have been a little more nervous had I watched the Germany/Australia game beforehand.
I did get nervous, very nervous, when it appeared Timmy was injured. I believe he is the only player that directly impacts how far his team will go. He toughed it out, my heart started beating again, and my confidence resumed. Much has been made of Dempsey’s goal. But the grass was slick, the ball was new, Green’s form was poor, the spin was right, and the match was tied. It was brilliant. The keeper’s luck changed in the second half, when his arm moved just enough to knock Altidore’s shot off the post, so I feel the result was fair.
DeMerit did a fantastic job marking Rooney. Gooch is healthy and a beast in the back. You guys were right for starting Cherundolo in place of Bornstein. Bocanegra was great in the air, playing much bigger than his size. Michael Bradley also did well, had a great pass, which started Joze’s run. Dempsey and Donovan maintained possession and instilled confidence in the side. Joze had a great run and deserved a goal. Ricardo Clark was the only American that did not meet expectations. Playing against Gerrard/Lampard is no easy task, so if he’s fully fit, he may deserve another chance. I do think Holden or Torres may create more opportunities against Slovenia, so it’s a difficult decision for Bob Bradley. We missed Davies. In his Confederations Cup form, he’s better than Findley/Edsun.
Tim Howard was Man of the Match. As Alexi Lalas likes to say “he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he happens to be an American.” There were claims from British supporters he’s the only American that would start for England. They may be right. But that was also enough.
As texted by my sister, Bring on Slovenia!
Tim Howard cleared to play for USA in World Cup
Good news for Friday.
Tim Howard cleared to play for USA in World Cup: "Exhale, American supporters, for goalkeeper Tim Howard is just fine and should be in the starting lineup against Slovenia on Friday at Johannesburg's Ellis Park. According to the U.S. Soccer Federation: 'After a physical examination this morning, the medical staff has determined there is no need to conduct additional testing on Tim Howard. He continues to make substantial improvement and is expected to be available for the match against Slovenia.' X-rays and an MRI exam were not necessary to further evaluate his rib injury suffered in the first half of the England match, and barring late complications, he will resume training with his U.S. teammates Tuesday in Pretoria.
Tim Howard cleared to play for USA in World Cup: "Exhale, American supporters, for goalkeeper Tim Howard is just fine and should be in the starting lineup against Slovenia on Friday at Johannesburg's Ellis Park. According to the U.S. Soccer Federation: 'After a physical examination this morning, the medical staff has determined there is no need to conduct additional testing on Tim Howard. He continues to make substantial improvement and is expected to be available for the match against Slovenia.' X-rays and an MRI exam were not necessary to further evaluate his rib injury suffered in the first half of the England match, and barring late complications, he will resume training with his U.S. teammates Tuesday in Pretoria.
John Oliver (Daily Show) on the World Cup
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c |
| World Cup 2010: Into Africa - Two Teams, One Cup | |
He'll be reporting from the World Cup starting tonight. I think I'll just add the videos to this post from here on out. | |
6.13.2010
US vs. England
I think this match came down to two key differences:
I’ll just say it, England did not look like a team who would win this World Cup.
A journo argued that Capello got outcoached by starting players who weren’t ready physically (Milner and King) and having to use up subs for them. I feel like he got outcoached on the subs he made as well. How on earth does a player like Carragher play over Dawson? Dawson is my favorite Spurs player (when he’s not playing vs. Arsenal). He’s their captain, a tough and quick defender and more often then not scores by drilling headers in the back of the net off corners. He had a terrific season too. Ok, he doesn’t have much international experience but how do you change that if you don’t give him a shot? (Jozy, Holden, Findley). I heart Jozy, but there’s no way he works Dawson over like he worked over Carragher.
I’m shocked by their lack of depth and their unwillingness or inability to find new talent. How is their entire team pretty much the same as 4 years ago? There’s still nothing exciting about them and the one player who has improved and matured over these last 4 years (Rooney), didn’t really show up in a massive match. The fears about Rooney were unfounded. I don’t doubt that we did a terrific job containing him but there didn’t even seem to be a plan to utilize him by England.
US- Stand out performances galore
The Heart of our team- Donovan, Demps, Timmy, Boc. These were the only four players who didn’t look terrified/overwhelmed during the national anthem. Their leadership and performances kept the team together following the goal
Gooch- An absolute monster. Any fears I had about our defense are gone.
The future will be built around Demerit, Bradley and Jozy
Timmy
Cherundolo Demerit Gooch Boc
Donovan Bradley Holden Demps
Buddle Jozy
- The difference between having a goalie who can catch and one who can’t.
- The difference between a US squad who collapses after an early goal and a team who is mature, calms down, rebounds, and goes on to dominate an entire half.
I’ll just say it, England did not look like a team who would win this World Cup.
A journo argued that Capello got outcoached by starting players who weren’t ready physically (Milner and King) and having to use up subs for them. I feel like he got outcoached on the subs he made as well. How on earth does a player like Carragher play over Dawson? Dawson is my favorite Spurs player (when he’s not playing vs. Arsenal). He’s their captain, a tough and quick defender and more often then not scores by drilling headers in the back of the net off corners. He had a terrific season too. Ok, he doesn’t have much international experience but how do you change that if you don’t give him a shot? (Jozy, Holden, Findley). I heart Jozy, but there’s no way he works Dawson over like he worked over Carragher.
I’m shocked by their lack of depth and their unwillingness or inability to find new talent. How is their entire team pretty much the same as 4 years ago? There’s still nothing exciting about them and the one player who has improved and matured over these last 4 years (Rooney), didn’t really show up in a massive match. The fears about Rooney were unfounded. I don’t doubt that we did a terrific job containing him but there didn’t even seem to be a plan to utilize him by England.
US- Stand out performances galore
The Heart of our team- Donovan, Demps, Timmy, Boc. These were the only four players who didn’t look terrified/overwhelmed during the national anthem. Their leadership and performances kept the team together following the goal
- Donovan- his service on corner kicks and set plays was world class. As Pete mentioned after the game- our best attacks begin through him.
- Demps- brought real life to the team by stepping up and taking over the attacking midfield duties in the first half. Oh and he scored.
- Timmy- As one of my FB friends said, “Tim Howard, you are my hero.”
- Boc- Ok, he got worked by Lennon on occasion, but who wouldn’t have? He won a ridiculous amount of air balls in the box and I’m sure had a significant impact on organizing the defense.
Gooch- An absolute monster. Any fears I had about our defense are gone.
The future will be built around Demerit, Bradley and Jozy
- In their first World Cup game they all showed confidence and were solid throughout. The likes of Rooney, Gerrard, or Terry didn’t scare any of them nor did the pressure surrounding their debut on the world stage.
Timmy
Cherundolo Demerit Gooch Boc
Donovan Bradley Holden Demps
Buddle Jozy
Abbey Burger Bistro Redux/ USA v England
According to the rules of the blog, the USA v England game is not designed for comments but for original entries only.
We gathered at the Bistro early Saturday morning and grabbed a table in a strategic corner before the 10 am game. There was a lively group on hand when we arrived to share Nigeria v Argentina but it was pretty obvious that like us, US v England was why most people were there.
At noon Abbey's upper floor opened but a reconnoiter by veteran bar goers Peter and Julie established that we had already secured the best area for our little contingent to watch THE Game. Immediately after the early game, we grabbed two additional chairs meaning we would have a table and six chairs in a protected corner of the first floor for our expected group of nine. Not ideal but a lot better than any other group was going to do.
The game itself was a series of games, there was the first ten minutes of the first half, the rest of the first half and then the second half.
The US team started the contest very tentatively resulting in an early England goal. But our guys settled down quickly and began playing much better, very quickly. The balance of the first half saw the US players show they are much faster, quicker and demonstrably more skilled with the ball at their feet than the overpaid English "stars". The equalizing goal was a testament to weaknesses in the English game: an open shot which spun off the hands of a poorly positioned goal keeper who shrugged off the encounter as if it had no meaning to the result.
The English played much better in the second half, generating pressure in the attacking third and even gaining some opportunities to score but all were skillfully parried by the US Goalkeeper and back line. The US had their chances as well and showed some talented one on one skills within the English penalty area. None were slotted though and the game ended 1-1. I had draw odds so I guess I was happy with the result but I think we should have won this one.
The US players are obviously much better than the world gives us credit for and sometimes, like in the first 10 minutes of this game even better then they themselves seem to believe. The English team was unable to execute their game plan (if they had one) under the one on one pressure of the US team. For a good portion of the game the English failed to win even a single air ball. Altidore, Donovan, Oguchi Onyewu, and Tim Howard are World Class players who can play for any team, I also thought Cherundolo played an inspired game, coming forward and providing depth to the US attack, something the England back line clearly could not do. I think Bradley made some fine selections but still has a few gliches. Finding a player to play next to Altidore with Davies hurt maybe the big problem yet to solve. Maybe dropping the second front line player and adding a midfielder would be the answer.
A great start to the tourney and I have my fingers crossed that Bradley will be able to sustain this beginning and get us to the knock out round.
We gathered at the Bistro early Saturday morning and grabbed a table in a strategic corner before the 10 am game. There was a lively group on hand when we arrived to share Nigeria v Argentina but it was pretty obvious that like us, US v England was why most people were there.
At noon Abbey's upper floor opened but a reconnoiter by veteran bar goers Peter and Julie established that we had already secured the best area for our little contingent to watch THE Game. Immediately after the early game, we grabbed two additional chairs meaning we would have a table and six chairs in a protected corner of the first floor for our expected group of nine. Not ideal but a lot better than any other group was going to do.
The game itself was a series of games, there was the first ten minutes of the first half, the rest of the first half and then the second half.
The US team started the contest very tentatively resulting in an early England goal. But our guys settled down quickly and began playing much better, very quickly. The balance of the first half saw the US players show they are much faster, quicker and demonstrably more skilled with the ball at their feet than the overpaid English "stars". The equalizing goal was a testament to weaknesses in the English game: an open shot which spun off the hands of a poorly positioned goal keeper who shrugged off the encounter as if it had no meaning to the result.
The English played much better in the second half, generating pressure in the attacking third and even gaining some opportunities to score but all were skillfully parried by the US Goalkeeper and back line. The US had their chances as well and showed some talented one on one skills within the English penalty area. None were slotted though and the game ended 1-1. I had draw odds so I guess I was happy with the result but I think we should have won this one.
The US players are obviously much better than the world gives us credit for and sometimes, like in the first 10 minutes of this game even better then they themselves seem to believe. The English team was unable to execute their game plan (if they had one) under the one on one pressure of the US team. For a good portion of the game the English failed to win even a single air ball. Altidore, Donovan, Oguchi Onyewu, and Tim Howard are World Class players who can play for any team, I also thought Cherundolo played an inspired game, coming forward and providing depth to the US attack, something the England back line clearly could not do. I think Bradley made some fine selections but still has a few gliches. Finding a player to play next to Altidore with Davies hurt maybe the big problem yet to solve. Maybe dropping the second front line player and adding a midfielder would be the answer.
A great start to the tourney and I have my fingers crossed that Bradley will be able to sustain this beginning and get us to the knock out round.
South Africa v Mexico
The opening game of the World Cup final is always a special day, promising a great month of new soccer games, new teams and players that we don't get to see during the usual televised fare, and sometimes even some new styles of play. While saying that I don't usually enjoy the opening game because they tend to be match ups with the host nation and those teams enter the tourney by virtue of their ability to host not necessarily their ability to play the game at a world class level.
RSA soccer is not a sport I can remember ever seeing before. While RSA has performed well within their continent and gained entry into the finals before, I could not remember ever watching them play. As a die hard fan of Brazil though and knowing that FIFA has a paternalistic way of shoring up the host nation's coaching staff I was interested to see if Parreira could translate his success with Brazilian players into a team with players of presumably lesser skill.
RSA's opening draw against Mexico, a team we see much of here in the USA, would be a good baseline to evaluate both the RSA players and maybe would be a glimpse as to the tourney itself.
The game was more entertaining than I hoped. The RSA team was able to generate dangerous counter attacks. They opened up gaps in the Mexican back line then exploited them by making telling diagonal passes to attackers making blind side runs, the old "split pass" drill for those of you familiar with coaching. The essence of Brazilian soccer is to exploit a small, almost invisible weakness of their opponent and the Mexican defenders who were much too square at the back turned out to be the RSA target. The first goal was well earned and a signal of good things to come for RSA. I desperately looked through my notes on which teams I had selected for the pool and discovered to my dismay I had ignored the possibility that the RSA team could advance. This became even more likely with the Uruguay v France scoreless tie.
RSA soccer is not a sport I can remember ever seeing before. While RSA has performed well within their continent and gained entry into the finals before, I could not remember ever watching them play. As a die hard fan of Brazil though and knowing that FIFA has a paternalistic way of shoring up the host nation's coaching staff I was interested to see if Parreira could translate his success with Brazilian players into a team with players of presumably lesser skill.
RSA's opening draw against Mexico, a team we see much of here in the USA, would be a good baseline to evaluate both the RSA players and maybe would be a glimpse as to the tourney itself.
The game was more entertaining than I hoped. The RSA team was able to generate dangerous counter attacks. They opened up gaps in the Mexican back line then exploited them by making telling diagonal passes to attackers making blind side runs, the old "split pass" drill for those of you familiar with coaching. The essence of Brazilian soccer is to exploit a small, almost invisible weakness of their opponent and the Mexican defenders who were much too square at the back turned out to be the RSA target. The first goal was well earned and a signal of good things to come for RSA. I desperately looked through my notes on which teams I had selected for the pool and discovered to my dismay I had ignored the possibility that the RSA team could advance. This became even more likely with the Uruguay v France scoreless tie.
6.12.2010
The Scene from the Abbey Burger Bistro and other random thoughts
Before the match started, every single one of us would have taken a 1-1 result. Now that the match is over, I think all of us are pretty happy with the result. All of that said the atmosphere at the Abbey Burger Bistro would have led one to believe that this was not the result that we wanted. I wonder if that’s because the American sports fan has yet to accept that draws are ok, or that we were all so stressed that relief was the actual emotion being shown, or if we have reached a level where we actually feel that we should have defeated England today. I’m not sure what the reasoning was for the lack of evident emotion, but I think it says a lot about where the program is that elation and glee are not automatic reactions after such an impressive result.
After going down 1-0, and following a brief explosion of expletive Ricardo Clark expletive, I turned to Julie and said “I believe I have seen this before” recalling our trip to Gelsenkirchen 4 years ago to the day against the Czechs. When Altidore missed his header from 7 yards out, I turned to Julie and compared that miss to Reyna hitting the post against the Czechs. When Shaun Wright Phillips lined up a shot from Tim Howard’s right and about 25 yards out, I thought to myself that this looks way too similar to Tomas Rocisky lining up his goal against us. However, SWP’s shot went wide and that was the end of the Czech comparison. A few minutes later, Dempsey let fly of a tremendous missile that Caroline would have stopped. Unfortunately for England, Caroline was not in goal and Robert Green was. Poor Robert Green, but happy days for us and the United States. It was a goal that was deserved based on the style of play if not for the shot that it came from. After the goal, I turned to Julie and gave a hug of elation (and high fives and hugs to everyone else around me.) The bar went crazy and the energy level ramped up a bit. Chants of USA started again – it was quite the scene.
Halftime came and I can honestly say that I wished halftime was about 30 minutes longer today. The bartender came over to us and asked what we wanted. We all said, “Water, a lot of water.” I felt like I had played 45 minutes. I didn’t even realize that the match had gotten underway until I heard Martin Tyler’s voice.
The 2nd half was just stressful, especially since we spent a good majority of it defending. That said we had the best chance of the half when Altidore worked Carragher (aka, the big slow disaster that is apparently England’s 4th best CB) and hit the bar after a save from Green. I can only imagine how the bar would have reacted had that one gone in…
In the end, we got the draw that we all craved and we are in a great position to move out of the group. We are the favorites on Friday and we need to find the ability to get a result in a match that we are supposed to win. I’m taping the game this evening so that I can watch it again and take in the commentators, the performances of specific players, and see what it looked like without the cloud of stress affecting my viewing.
After going down 1-0, and following a brief explosion of expletive Ricardo Clark expletive, I turned to Julie and said “I believe I have seen this before” recalling our trip to Gelsenkirchen 4 years ago to the day against the Czechs. When Altidore missed his header from 7 yards out, I turned to Julie and compared that miss to Reyna hitting the post against the Czechs. When Shaun Wright Phillips lined up a shot from Tim Howard’s right and about 25 yards out, I thought to myself that this looks way too similar to Tomas Rocisky lining up his goal against us. However, SWP’s shot went wide and that was the end of the Czech comparison. A few minutes later, Dempsey let fly of a tremendous missile that Caroline would have stopped. Unfortunately for England, Caroline was not in goal and Robert Green was. Poor Robert Green, but happy days for us and the United States. It was a goal that was deserved based on the style of play if not for the shot that it came from. After the goal, I turned to Julie and gave a hug of elation (and high fives and hugs to everyone else around me.) The bar went crazy and the energy level ramped up a bit. Chants of USA started again – it was quite the scene.
Halftime came and I can honestly say that I wished halftime was about 30 minutes longer today. The bartender came over to us and asked what we wanted. We all said, “Water, a lot of water.” I felt like I had played 45 minutes. I didn’t even realize that the match had gotten underway until I heard Martin Tyler’s voice.
The 2nd half was just stressful, especially since we spent a good majority of it defending. That said we had the best chance of the half when Altidore worked Carragher (aka, the big slow disaster that is apparently England’s 4th best CB) and hit the bar after a save from Green. I can only imagine how the bar would have reacted had that one gone in…
In the end, we got the draw that we all craved and we are in a great position to move out of the group. We are the favorites on Friday and we need to find the ability to get a result in a match that we are supposed to win. I’m taping the game this evening so that I can watch it again and take in the commentators, the performances of specific players, and see what it looked like without the cloud of stress affecting my viewing.
6.11.2010
Offside Rule
A player is in an offside position if:
• he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than
both the ball and the second last opponent
The rule seemed unclear to some, I just wanted to make sure we were all on the same page.
• he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than
both the ball and the second last opponent
The rule seemed unclear to some, I just wanted to make sure we were all on the same page.
6.10.2010
American TV Coverage
It's been a long time coming. I'm sure we can all dig up e-mails where one of us was incensed by our television coverage dumbing the game down to talk to the average American (who's not watching, but instead camping, fishing or attending a baseball game). And surely, those around the World have had many a laugh at our expense.
But not anymore. ESPN's getting rid of the scores at the bottom, Martin Tyler's calling the game, and we got former Bristih, German, and Dutch footballers in the studio. Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, we are free at last.
But not anymore. ESPN's getting rid of the scores at the bottom, Martin Tyler's calling the game, and we got former Bristih, German, and Dutch footballers in the studio. Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, we are free at last.
6.09.2010
Random Fun
Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!
Tweet of the day:
Some of us are throwing a big soccer tourney in S Africa this wkd. Need 10,000 juice boxes and double that in orange wedges.
Good Lunch Time Read
I know Julie will enjoy this link. My favorite is South Korea as Sublime and North Korea as the Long Beach Dub All Stars.
6.08.2010
US/England lineup
Julie and I were talking about this yesterday. I keep changing my mind on what I want and what I think BB will do. However, that won't stop me from posting my Tuesday, June 8th predictions as to what I think the lineup will be and what I would want it to be.
My BB Prediction:
Howard
Cherundolo, DeMerit, Goodson, Bocanegra
Donovan, Bradley, Clark, Dempsey
Altidore, Buddle
My Desired lineup:
Everything above outside of taking Clark out and putting Edu in. I would like Onyewu to start too, but I'm not convinced that he is ready for 90 minutes just yet.
What would everyone else like to see?
My BB Prediction:
Howard
Cherundolo, DeMerit, Goodson, Bocanegra
Donovan, Bradley, Clark, Dempsey
Altidore, Buddle
My Desired lineup:
Everything above outside of taking Clark out and putting Edu in. I would like Onyewu to start too, but I'm not convinced that he is ready for 90 minutes just yet.
What would everyone else like to see?
Denver Showing Party
Out here in Denver, we do things a little slower, a little quieter, but we get there.
England vs. United States
When a video game simulation of a soccer match gives you goose bumps, you know this game is a big deal.
6.07.2010
A take from the Enemy
From the Guardian: England's Altitude Training will be tested against USA.
The one thing the US is world class at is being fit. I think we'll be just fine in this regard.
The one thing the US is world class at is being fit. I think we'll be just fine in this regard.
6.04.2010
6.03.2010
6.02.2010
Euro-Style outdoor soccer fest in Dupont for WC
This might be something to keep an eye on for viewing the World Cup games. They are trying to do a huge outside viewing in Dupont Circle like our European counterparts.
Check out the article here.
Check out the article here.
ESPN.com
Check out ESPN today if you can. My highlights are the Bill Simons podcast in which they have an interesting discussion about NBA guys playing soccer. I also enjoyed this twitter message from (apparently) Altidore to Freddy Adu:
@JozyAltidore17 @FreddyAdu11 Happy 21st...again! lol Happy bday brother!
Pretty funny - maybe we should have Jozy doing the Letterman interviews instead of Donovan.
@JozyAltidore17 @FreddyAdu11 Happy 21st...again! lol Happy bday brother!
Pretty funny - maybe we should have Jozy doing the Letterman interviews instead of Donovan.
American Born Rossi- cut from Italy's final 23
Maybe the Jersey State Team will still have you, Rossi.
Great article from SI
"IT DIDN'T HAPPEN THE WAY WE IMAGINED, BUT AMERICANS"
05.29.10 - SI Vault
05.29.10 - SI Vault
When he launched that grand but doomed soccer experiment known as the New York Cosmos in the early 1970s, Clive Toye made a symbolic decision. One of the local baseball teams was officially called the Metropolitans. O.K., Toye thought, we'll do the Mets one better. We'll be what soccer is, or at least what the NASL's flagship club aspires to be. We'll call ourselves the Cosmopolitans.
It has taken nearly half a century, but soccer, cosmopolitanism and the U.S. at last belong in the same sentence. We've always assumed that the answer to the abiding question Will Americans ever embrace soccer the way others do? hung on whether a homegrown league was a big success. Well, soccer in the U.S. is a big success, but instead of fashioning their own big-time soccer, Americans are flocking to the world's.
The evidence abounds. It's there in the tastes of under-35s, for whom having a favorite team in the English Premiership is a badge of cool. It's there in the sold-out stadiums that greet international sides when they tour the U.S. and in the record TV ratings Stateside for the finals of faraway competitions such as the Champions League and the Confederations Cup. It's there in the lines that form by 8 a.m. outside bars in U.S. cities, where people come as much for the on-the-terraces communion as for the televised matches from the Continent. It's there in the European club jackets and jerseys worn by young Americans. It's there in the cablecasts on Fox Soccer Channel, GolTV and ESPN's stable of networks, as well as in webcasts, pirated and legit, from the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, the Bundesliga and the Eredivisie. Most of all, it's there in the ratings for the last World Cup final, which outdrew the average World Series or NBA Finals game that year. As virtually every other sport's TV ratings sink, soccer's are climbing. The rights to televise the Cup are now worth more in the U.S. than in any other country, and as of early March, World Cup ticket sales outside South Africa were greater in the U.S. than anywhere else.
Gone are the days when Dick Young, the New York Daily News columnist who called soccer "a game for Commie pansies," heckled Pelé at his Cosmos introductory press conference. ESPN's cranky generational lodestar, Bill Simmons, loves the European game for the authentic passion of its crowds. SI's own Monday Morning Quarterback, Peter King, has his flights booked for South Africa. And ESPN's vice president for content, John Skipper, is a Tottenham Hotspur fan. In 2006 ESPN called about a third of the World Cup from its Bristol, Conn., studios; this time the company's various outlets, plus big brother ABC, will be on-site for every match, delivering action on TV, radio, the Web and mobile telephones, with nightly rebroadcasts on ESPN Classic for those philistines who don't skip work to watch live.
It's clear who many of these consumers will be. Spain doesn't have as many inhabitants as the U.S. has Hispanics, which helps explain why Univision paid three times as much for the U.S. rights to broadcast the 2010 and '14 World Cups in Spanish as ESPN did for the rights in English. But what's really driving the vogue for overseas soccer is the under-35 generation, which is digitally savvy and comfortable with multiculturalism. The U.S. is the only country in which the national team's World Cup matches don't draw the highest domestic ratings; in 2006 Americans preferred games involving Brazil, Italy and Mexico.
It's nonetheless worth wondering how convulsed the country might be if, as in last summer's Confederations Cup, the U.S. were to reach the final. There's the old joke about America's teeming youth soccer leagues: So many kids play so they don't have to watch. Today so many Americans watch so they can play—play, at long last, in the global sandbox.
6.01.2010
2010 World Cup Prediction Game
Here are the rules for the 2010 World Cup Prediction Game. In the comment section, everyone should post who they feel will finish in the Top 2 positions for each group. If you correctly name a team in the right spot, you get 3 points. If you correctly guess a team that advances, but in the wrong spot, you get 1 point. The person with the most points wins accolades. Does that sound good?
Here is how the groups break down (in ABC order):
Group A: France, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay
Group B: Argentina, Greece, Nigeria, South Korea
Group C: Algeria, England, Slovenia, United States
Group D: Australia, Germany, Ghana, Serbia
Group E: Cameroon, Denmark, Japan, Netherlands
Group F: Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, Ivory Coast, North Korea, Portugal
Group H: Chile, Honduras, Spain, Switzerland
Good luck!
Here is how the groups break down (in ABC order):
Group A: France, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay
Group B: Argentina, Greece, Nigeria, South Korea
Group C: Algeria, England, Slovenia, United States
Group D: Australia, Germany, Ghana, Serbia
Group E: Cameroon, Denmark, Japan, Netherlands
Group F: Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, Ivory Coast, North Korea, Portugal
Group H: Chile, Honduras, Spain, Switzerland
Good luck!
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