The 2006 World Cup in Germany the USA couldn't even get out of the group stage, so I suppose that making it to the second round, winning their group over England via goals scored should be considered an improvement. In truth, during the group stage, they were a much better team than they were four years ago... well, at least in the second half.
At this very moment ESPN Classic is repeating the USA's 2-1, overtime loss to Ghana in the second round. Yes, I could have, perhaps should have written about this yesterday, but I've been working a lot of overtime of late, and as much as I'd like to post daily reports on what has happened at the Cup I just haven't had the energy.
Ghana should have been beatable. They dumped the US out in 2006, so the US had every reason to go out and play with conviction to win. Instead, their old weaknesses come back to haunt them, along with their new weakness of giving up goals early. Yes, if the USA could play a full 90 the way they have played every 2nd half they've played in South Africa they could well have gone a lot further than the 2nd round, despite still making too many passes directly to the feet of their intended target (who stands there waiting for the ball, flatfooted,) a lack of a solid finisher up front (Charlie Davies surely was missed, but even he isn't exactly what I'd call a goal poacher,) two players playing wide in midfield who don't have the kind of speed that is needed there.
Yes, Landon Donovan is the USA's best player, but, in my opinion, he'd be better off playing as a central attacking midfielder with the freedom to roam the width of the pitch. Even then, he appears to have developed a fear of physical contact. Every time he had the ball against on a dribble and was confronted by an opposing defender, he'd turn away from the challenge rather than try and dribble past his man. With a bit more backbone Landon could have gotten past the defender, or possibly drawn a foul.
Clint Dempsey would serve the team better as a striker. Just look at his track record, just about every time he's been moved up to the front line he's found the back of the net. He is, again, this is my opinion, the only US player with a true understanding of the game. The game isn't just being sound tactically and technically, it isn't the physical conditioning. Yes, all these things are needed, but what Dempsey has that the rest of the USA's attacking forces lack is a bit of flare, the instinct to try something a little different, something unexpected. It was this trait that earned the US a draw against first round opponents England, and it was a Dempsey run into the box that earned the USA a penalty.
Personally, I think Dempsey should have been given the nod to take the spot kick, but Donovan converted to level the score, so I can't complain too much.
Looking forward, there is reason to be optimistic if your a fan of the US team. The team has only a few players over thirty, and so the core of the team should still be around for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Problems that need to be addressed is an aging defense that is perhaps the weakest part of the team, developing at least one of their young forwards into a true goal scorer, and finding some speed on the wings.
Meanwhile, it's Ghana pushing on into the quarterfinals to play yesterday's other 2nd round winners Uruguay.
Now it's almost time for Germany vs England, which should be an interesting match up. Later on it's Argentina vs Mexico. Can I possibly hope for another magical goal from Maxi Rodriguez?
And I promise to try to post something on both of these matches after they have concluded. (Crossing my fingers, already feeling the need for a nap.)
Showing posts with label US National Team. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US National Team. Show all posts
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Vuvuzelas Be Damned...
By the end of this World Cup I may end up completely out of my mind, along with millions of others who are watching as many, if not more of the matches than I am.
It's to the futbol that's doing it, there's been some good, Argentina running over South Korea 4-1, and some bad, USA being robbed of a come from behind victory by a dubious call, but all that's to be expected. No, the culprit here isn't the players, it isn't the referees, it's the damn African fans and their accursed vuvuzelas. It's been hours sense had the Ghana/Australia replay on, and I still have the damn sound that they make going off in my head... I can only pray that they don't become any more popular outside of Africa than they already have.
Not only are they annoying me, but they've created some problems on the pitch. During the first few games I saw a number of players take yellow cards for continuing to play the ball after the whistle had blown, and when they referee confronted them with the booking, they pointed to there ears in the universal sign for "come on, I didn't your over the sound of the swarm of hornets buzzing in my head." (OK, I am using a bit of poetic license in that description, but it isn't far off the truth.)
There had been talk of banning them before the Cup started, but FIFA decided against that idea. If I could go back in time and convince them of going through with it, I would. Even better, if I could go back and keep the damn things from being invented, I'd do whatever it'd take to do so.
At the very least, let's keep them in their natural habitat in Africa. Anyone bringing these horns home from the World Cup should have them confiscated as instruments of torture.
It's to the futbol that's doing it, there's been some good, Argentina running over South Korea 4-1, and some bad, USA being robbed of a come from behind victory by a dubious call, but all that's to be expected. No, the culprit here isn't the players, it isn't the referees, it's the damn African fans and their accursed vuvuzelas. It's been hours sense had the Ghana/Australia replay on, and I still have the damn sound that they make going off in my head... I can only pray that they don't become any more popular outside of Africa than they already have.
Not only are they annoying me, but they've created some problems on the pitch. During the first few games I saw a number of players take yellow cards for continuing to play the ball after the whistle had blown, and when they referee confronted them with the booking, they pointed to there ears in the universal sign for "come on, I didn't your over the sound of the swarm of hornets buzzing in my head." (OK, I am using a bit of poetic license in that description, but it isn't far off the truth.)
There had been talk of banning them before the Cup started, but FIFA decided against that idea. If I could go back in time and convince them of going through with it, I would. Even better, if I could go back and keep the damn things from being invented, I'd do whatever it'd take to do so.
At the very least, let's keep them in their natural habitat in Africa. Anyone bringing these horns home from the World Cup should have them confiscated as instruments of torture.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
You've Heard Of The Hand Of God...
Now, thanks to News Of The World, we have:
Yes, it's only the first weekend of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but so far I'm happy with the results. Four of the five teams I care about have played their first matches, and the USA vs England counts for two of them. In no way did I expect the USA to win this game, and fully expected that England would walk away with three points. Player per player, England have the better team, except, as the match proved, in goal. Here's all the proof we need:
It's not the best clip on Youtube as far as quality, but I had to use it as it's the only one that shows it in slow motion, and rewind, clearly showing Robert Green's blunder. Mr Green, you can't collect the ball with closed fists. As a USA fan I thank you, as an Argentina football fan I'm rolling on the floor laughing at your fists of stone.
Now, I would have been happier with a US win, but the single point should give Bradley's men confidence going into their next match against Slovenia, who just polished off Algeria 1-0 as I write this.
Meanwhile, Maradona's Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 off a Gabriel Heinze header. Lionel Messi played well, but still seems to try too hard when he's dressed for La Albiceleste. Yes, Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyeama came up with the match of his life, but Messi had the one chance that he could have easily chipped over the on rushing keeper, as I've seen him do plenty of times for Barcelona. Instead, he let loose a blast, which failed to burn a hole through Enyeama. La Pulga needs to relax and play as if the weight of Argentina's hopes and dreams didn't rest on his shoulders. It's only then that he will be able to bare that burden.
Of the four a fore mentioned team, that leaves Mexico, who had the honor of playing in the first match of the tournament against hosts South Africa. Mexico went into the game heavy favorites, but the South African's held their nerve and managed to hold on for a 1-1 draw. As a USA fan, I'll celebrate every point that Mexico drops, especially when their playing perceived lesser opponents.
So, of the four teams, two got favorable results in my favor, and two were disappointed, but still in my favor...
Oh, and the fifth team I care about in this World Cup? That would be Brazil, who with be playing Korea DPR (North Korea) on Tuesday. I'm really hoping for a draw here. I'd be routing for a Korean upset, but, as a US Citizen, that could almost be considered treason.
So, for those of you keeping track, that's the USA and Argentina I'm pulling for to do well, and Mexico, England, and Brazil I'm hoping get knocked out in the first round.
Edit:
Here's the picture of "Clemente" that Juan provided the link to:
Looks just like Robert Green...
It's not the best clip on Youtube as far as quality, but I had to use it as it's the only one that shows it in slow motion, and rewind, clearly showing Robert Green's blunder. Mr Green, you can't collect the ball with closed fists. As a USA fan I thank you, as an Argentina football fan I'm rolling on the floor laughing at your fists of stone.
Now, I would have been happier with a US win, but the single point should give Bradley's men confidence going into their next match against Slovenia, who just polished off Algeria 1-0 as I write this.
Meanwhile, Maradona's Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 off a Gabriel Heinze header. Lionel Messi played well, but still seems to try too hard when he's dressed for La Albiceleste. Yes, Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyeama came up with the match of his life, but Messi had the one chance that he could have easily chipped over the on rushing keeper, as I've seen him do plenty of times for Barcelona. Instead, he let loose a blast, which failed to burn a hole through Enyeama. La Pulga needs to relax and play as if the weight of Argentina's hopes and dreams didn't rest on his shoulders. It's only then that he will be able to bare that burden.
Of the four a fore mentioned team, that leaves Mexico, who had the honor of playing in the first match of the tournament against hosts South Africa. Mexico went into the game heavy favorites, but the South African's held their nerve and managed to hold on for a 1-1 draw. As a USA fan, I'll celebrate every point that Mexico drops, especially when their playing perceived lesser opponents.
So, of the four teams, two got favorable results in my favor, and two were disappointed, but still in my favor...
Oh, and the fifth team I care about in this World Cup? That would be Brazil, who with be playing Korea DPR (North Korea) on Tuesday. I'm really hoping for a draw here. I'd be routing for a Korean upset, but, as a US Citizen, that could almost be considered treason.
So, for those of you keeping track, that's the USA and Argentina I'm pulling for to do well, and Mexico, England, and Brazil I'm hoping get knocked out in the first round.
Edit:
Here's the picture of "Clemente" that Juan provided the link to:
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Thoughts On A Tuesday
Damn, what a weekend, World Cup Qualifiers won by both the USA over Honduras, and Argentina over Peru. I didn't get to see either game, as I just had one of those weekends from hell.
First, on Saturday morning I took my car in to the shop... nothing serious, just had to get the belts on the engines replaced as they were squeaking loud enough to hear from the driver's seat with the windows up (and the radio off.) Not a big deal, should have only taken half an hour once they got it in, right? Wrong. There's a brace on the bottom that had to be taken off to get them off, and the bolt that held it had rusted through, and the brace it's self had started to bend.
So, 3 1/2 hours later, I finally get out of the shop, and head home to do the week's laundry and take a nap. I got one load in, and my nap, when I got a call from a friend who's been with out a car for some time calls. Where normally I see him 3-4 times a week, it's now only when I can go and pick him up... which has boiled down to once a week. So, I throw the washing that was in the washer in the dryer, load up the washer, and go pick him up.
Long story short, it meant I didn't finish up my laundry until the next day, so I've had little or no time to post my thoughts on the weekend's results, and a few other stray thoughts. Well, better late than never, right?
First up, USSF President Sunil 'Kumar' Gulati opened his mouth and made the proclamation that the USA team could win the World Cup in South Africa next year. He based this on the fact that during the Confederation's Cup they beat Spain, as well as having led Brazil 2-0 at half time during that tournament's final. Sunil, did you miss the fact that your team barely made it out of the first round?
As it was, the USA barely managed to beat Honduras 3-2 over the weekend. Granted, the game was in Honduras, but to even remotely be considered a true contender to win the World Cup, they should be sweeping aside teams of Honduras' quality with ease.
On the same day, a team that should be knocking off such teams, Argentina, also barely came away with a win over such a team, Peru. For we Lepra, we can take pride in the fact that Schiavi played the full 90 in this game, but how does one take pride as a fan of the Albicelestes when they only beat Peru by a 2-1 scoreline, a game barely won when Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors) score a game during second half injury time that could have been called back on for offsides?
With the USA, the win qualified them directly for next year's World Cup, so there is some reason for celebration in the victory. For Argentina, not so much. The win put them into 4th place in the South American qualifying table, but they could still end up dropping back out of the picture entirely should they lose to Uruguay, and Ecuador wins against Chile this Wednesday.
Yes, the goal by Palermo stood. Maradona was so happy he took a belly slide on the rain drenched pitch in celebration. But, looking back at the win the day before the final qualifying game? All I can see the win over Peru as is a sigh of relief that Diego's team isn't eliminated already... and hope that they can pull together tomorrow and take their fate into their own hands (or should I say feet?) and actually take Uruguay to task.
If they don't, we may just see something that we haven't seen sense 1970. A World Cup with out Argentina.
Meanwhile, the news that Charlie Davies (USMNT & Sochaux in France) is in hospital due to a 3 AM car accident just outside of Washington DC has rocked USA fans. There were 4 people in the vehicle when the driver (not Davies from all reports) lost control, and the vehicle was described as having been torn in half. A 22 year old woman in the car died, and two others are in serious condition. No specifics on Davies' injuries have been made available, but he was in surgery for three hours.
While I wish him a speedy recovery, and pray his injuries will not effect his career, I'm also a little pissed off about this. Nothing has been said, but my guts tells me this was an accident that could have been avoided. I've a suspicion that young Mr Davies was out partying with friends, and whomever was behind the wheel had a little too much drink for any of them to be on the road. This is, of course, just speculation, but why else would four young 20somethings be out on the road at such an ungodly hour?
A final note, I've created a page on Facebook for Newell's fans through out the world. Any Newell's fans interested in join up, log into your Facebook account and search for "Lepers In Strange Lands - Worldwide Fans of Newell's Old Boys." While the page name does lend it's name from this blog, it's intent is as a gathering place for Lepra through out the world. I've placed two links in the description of the group, one to this blog, and one to Jeremy's over at offside.com. I encourage anyone else with a Newell's related blog to introduce yourselves and post a link to your blog there, no matter what language it's in. No SINAS need apply.
First, on Saturday morning I took my car in to the shop... nothing serious, just had to get the belts on the engines replaced as they were squeaking loud enough to hear from the driver's seat with the windows up (and the radio off.) Not a big deal, should have only taken half an hour once they got it in, right? Wrong. There's a brace on the bottom that had to be taken off to get them off, and the bolt that held it had rusted through, and the brace it's self had started to bend.
So, 3 1/2 hours later, I finally get out of the shop, and head home to do the week's laundry and take a nap. I got one load in, and my nap, when I got a call from a friend who's been with out a car for some time calls. Where normally I see him 3-4 times a week, it's now only when I can go and pick him up... which has boiled down to once a week. So, I throw the washing that was in the washer in the dryer, load up the washer, and go pick him up.
Long story short, it meant I didn't finish up my laundry until the next day, so I've had little or no time to post my thoughts on the weekend's results, and a few other stray thoughts. Well, better late than never, right?
First up, USSF President Sunil 'Kumar' Gulati opened his mouth and made the proclamation that the USA team could win the World Cup in South Africa next year. He based this on the fact that during the Confederation's Cup they beat Spain, as well as having led Brazil 2-0 at half time during that tournament's final. Sunil, did you miss the fact that your team barely made it out of the first round?
As it was, the USA barely managed to beat Honduras 3-2 over the weekend. Granted, the game was in Honduras, but to even remotely be considered a true contender to win the World Cup, they should be sweeping aside teams of Honduras' quality with ease.
On the same day, a team that should be knocking off such teams, Argentina, also barely came away with a win over such a team, Peru. For we Lepra, we can take pride in the fact that Schiavi played the full 90 in this game, but how does one take pride as a fan of the Albicelestes when they only beat Peru by a 2-1 scoreline, a game barely won when Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors) score a game during second half injury time that could have been called back on for offsides?
With the USA, the win qualified them directly for next year's World Cup, so there is some reason for celebration in the victory. For Argentina, not so much. The win put them into 4th place in the South American qualifying table, but they could still end up dropping back out of the picture entirely should they lose to Uruguay, and Ecuador wins against Chile this Wednesday.
Yes, the goal by Palermo stood. Maradona was so happy he took a belly slide on the rain drenched pitch in celebration. But, looking back at the win the day before the final qualifying game? All I can see the win over Peru as is a sigh of relief that Diego's team isn't eliminated already... and hope that they can pull together tomorrow and take their fate into their own hands (or should I say feet?) and actually take Uruguay to task.
If they don't, we may just see something that we haven't seen sense 1970. A World Cup with out Argentina.
Meanwhile, the news that Charlie Davies (USMNT & Sochaux in France) is in hospital due to a 3 AM car accident just outside of Washington DC has rocked USA fans. There were 4 people in the vehicle when the driver (not Davies from all reports) lost control, and the vehicle was described as having been torn in half. A 22 year old woman in the car died, and two others are in serious condition. No specifics on Davies' injuries have been made available, but he was in surgery for three hours.
While I wish him a speedy recovery, and pray his injuries will not effect his career, I'm also a little pissed off about this. Nothing has been said, but my guts tells me this was an accident that could have been avoided. I've a suspicion that young Mr Davies was out partying with friends, and whomever was behind the wheel had a little too much drink for any of them to be on the road. This is, of course, just speculation, but why else would four young 20somethings be out on the road at such an ungodly hour?
A final note, I've created a page on Facebook for Newell's fans through out the world. Any Newell's fans interested in join up, log into your Facebook account and search for "Lepers In Strange Lands - Worldwide Fans of Newell's Old Boys." While the page name does lend it's name from this blog, it's intent is as a gathering place for Lepra through out the world. I've placed two links in the description of the group, one to this blog, and one to Jeremy's over at offside.com. I encourage anyone else with a Newell's related blog to introduce yourselves and post a link to your blog there, no matter what language it's in. No SINAS need apply.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Confederations Cup 2009 Champions: Brazil
Was there any real doubt about the outcome? Well, perhaps, when the US took a 2-0 lead during the first half there was a chance that the US could pull of just one more upset. The first goal was Dempsey's in the 10th minute, followed by a wonderful strike from Landon Donovan in the 27th... and this time he scored from the run of play.
Thing is, a 2 goal lead isn't a safe against a team like Brazil.
Yes, we beat the top ranked team in the world, Spain, to get to this final by that score, but as good as Spain is, Brazil has always done well in tournaments where they weren't considered the out right favorites. Spain, on the other hand, the 2008 European Cup the exception, have a reputation of going into tournaments with high hopes, only to fall well short of lifting a trophy.
Taking a 2-0 lead into the half was amazing. Expecting to hold off the Brazilian's for another 45+ minutes is another. With 3 second half goals, Brazil came storming back in the second half. The US played well, but, let's face facts, Brazil were the better team over all. If not for some fine saves by Tim Howard the score could well have been 3-2 in the first half. Losing at the end of 90 by that score isn't such a bad thing.
Look at it this way, this is the highest finish for the USA in a tournament out side of CONCACAF ever. And considering the way they started in their first two group games, it can be argued that if they HAD pulled off this miracle there would be those who would have screamed that some how the rest of there matches were some how fixed, that bribes had been made, or that FIFA officials had swayed the other teams for the results to go in the USA's favor, all in an attempt to give futbol/soccer higher visibility in a country that has so many sports higher on their agenda than most countries even bother playing.
At the end of this day, the US team has nothing to be ashamed of. They played well against both Spain and Brazil, two of the very best teams in the world today. Now they just have to build on this and gear up to having a strong showing at next year's World Cup.
If they don't qualify for South Africa 2010, or get knocked out in the first round, then everything they've accomplished in this tournament becomes so much water under the bridge.
Spain picked up the third place metals, beating host South Africa in what turned out to be a thriller. Final score was 3-2 as well, but this match required extra time to complete.
Thing is, a 2 goal lead isn't a safe against a team like Brazil.
Yes, we beat the top ranked team in the world, Spain, to get to this final by that score, but as good as Spain is, Brazil has always done well in tournaments where they weren't considered the out right favorites. Spain, on the other hand, the 2008 European Cup the exception, have a reputation of going into tournaments with high hopes, only to fall well short of lifting a trophy.
Taking a 2-0 lead into the half was amazing. Expecting to hold off the Brazilian's for another 45+ minutes is another. With 3 second half goals, Brazil came storming back in the second half. The US played well, but, let's face facts, Brazil were the better team over all. If not for some fine saves by Tim Howard the score could well have been 3-2 in the first half. Losing at the end of 90 by that score isn't such a bad thing.
Look at it this way, this is the highest finish for the USA in a tournament out side of CONCACAF ever. And considering the way they started in their first two group games, it can be argued that if they HAD pulled off this miracle there would be those who would have screamed that some how the rest of there matches were some how fixed, that bribes had been made, or that FIFA officials had swayed the other teams for the results to go in the USA's favor, all in an attempt to give futbol/soccer higher visibility in a country that has so many sports higher on their agenda than most countries even bother playing.
At the end of this day, the US team has nothing to be ashamed of. They played well against both Spain and Brazil, two of the very best teams in the world today. Now they just have to build on this and gear up to having a strong showing at next year's World Cup.
If they don't qualify for South Africa 2010, or get knocked out in the first round, then everything they've accomplished in this tournament becomes so much water under the bridge.
Spain picked up the third place metals, beating host South Africa in what turned out to be a thriller. Final score was 3-2 as well, but this match required extra time to complete.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Lightning Strikes Twice
WTF? Did the two teams today switch kits while no one was looking? Certainly that wasn't Spain going down to the US Nats 2-0, couldn't have been. We're talking about a team that had gone 15-0-0 before this game. A team that hadn't been beaten for 35 straight. A team that features players that are possible considered worth more on the world market individually than the entire US roster put together... well, at least until today, that is.
Josimer Altidore, who's future for the US I'd always considered to be bright sense I first became aware of him, has served notice that his future starts now with 2 goal in the last two games. The way he plays it's hard to believe that he's still only 19 years old.
Sure, his goal today wasn't a thing of beauty, but he used his strength in holding his position, and then powered the ball in off of Iker Casillas' glove as the keeper was caught leaning the wrong way. Young Jozy then earned a yellow card taking his jersey off during his goal celebration, reveling nothing more than a plain white, long sleeved undershirt. It's a rather silly rule, if you ask me, but that's FIFA for you.
Clint Dempsey joined Altidore in the 2 for 2 run when, for the second game in a row, he was moved up to join Jozy up front in the second half and put the ball to the back of the net himself, stripping Gerard Pique of the ball before the Spanish defender could clear a deflected pass from Landon Donovan.
What was truly amazing is that both Donovan and Dempsey took their respective defensive responsibilities seriously today, and showed that they can actually handle that part of the job. Until today even announcer, and former US National Team, captain John Harkes had blasted them for their lack of effectiveness in the defensive end of the pitch.
The only real negative to come out of the game today was that Michael Bradley saw a direct red card late in the second half. Honestly, I don't think that it deserved more than a yellow, but young Bradley has earned a reputation for rough tackles, and as any Newell's fan can tell you, once you have that rep, the referees will tend to be that much quicker in booking you.
So now it's on to the final on Sunday, sans Bradley who will have to sit it out. Tomorrow we'll know who they play, though between Brazil and South Africa I'm fairly certain of the out come... but then this morning while I was breakfasting at a Coney I had a brief discussion with one of the cooks as to what we thought might happen today. Neither of us had any expectations beyond Spain making it past the US with ease.
Spain played with skill, the US with their heart, grit, and determination. Some times all the skill in the world amounts to nothing. Maybe, just maybe, the South Africans can pull off that kind of miracle against Brazil.
Until then, if I come across a pig I'm going to have to take some time to check it over to see if maybe, just maybe, there's signs of it growing wings.
Josimer Altidore, who's future for the US I'd always considered to be bright sense I first became aware of him, has served notice that his future starts now with 2 goal in the last two games. The way he plays it's hard to believe that he's still only 19 years old.
Sure, his goal today wasn't a thing of beauty, but he used his strength in holding his position, and then powered the ball in off of Iker Casillas' glove as the keeper was caught leaning the wrong way. Young Jozy then earned a yellow card taking his jersey off during his goal celebration, reveling nothing more than a plain white, long sleeved undershirt. It's a rather silly rule, if you ask me, but that's FIFA for you.
Clint Dempsey joined Altidore in the 2 for 2 run when, for the second game in a row, he was moved up to join Jozy up front in the second half and put the ball to the back of the net himself, stripping Gerard Pique of the ball before the Spanish defender could clear a deflected pass from Landon Donovan.
What was truly amazing is that both Donovan and Dempsey took their respective defensive responsibilities seriously today, and showed that they can actually handle that part of the job. Until today even announcer, and former US National Team, captain John Harkes had blasted them for their lack of effectiveness in the defensive end of the pitch.
The only real negative to come out of the game today was that Michael Bradley saw a direct red card late in the second half. Honestly, I don't think that it deserved more than a yellow, but young Bradley has earned a reputation for rough tackles, and as any Newell's fan can tell you, once you have that rep, the referees will tend to be that much quicker in booking you.
So now it's on to the final on Sunday, sans Bradley who will have to sit it out. Tomorrow we'll know who they play, though between Brazil and South Africa I'm fairly certain of the out come... but then this morning while I was breakfasting at a Coney I had a brief discussion with one of the cooks as to what we thought might happen today. Neither of us had any expectations beyond Spain making it past the US with ease.
Spain played with skill, the US with their heart, grit, and determination. Some times all the skill in the world amounts to nothing. Maybe, just maybe, the South Africans can pull off that kind of miracle against Brazil.
Until then, if I come across a pig I'm going to have to take some time to check it over to see if maybe, just maybe, there's signs of it growing wings.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Hell Freezes Over: USA Advances
Thanks to a 3-0 victory over Egypt, and Brazil's win over Italy by the same score, the US Nats have squeezed their way through to the second round of the Confederations Cup. Brazil topped the group with three wins, while US, Italy and Egypt each ended with one win and two loses.
With three teams tied on points for second, we, of course, go to goal difference. On that score, the US and Italy were tied at -2... the USA advanced by the fact that they'd scored a total of four goals to Italy's total of 3. Ironically Italy scored all three of their goals against the US.
Yes, it was a cold day in Hell.
As badly as the US team had played in their first two games, I doubt that anyone was expecting them to play as well as they did today. In fact I'd say that they played better today that then have sense 2005 when they rolled through their World Cup 2006 Qualifiers.
Even Landon Donovan, whom I seldom have had kind words for over the past 3 years, had an outstanding game. There were a couple of plays where he should have tried to shot but elected to try and pass instead, but that could be down to coach Bob Bradley's instructions.
Below are the goals, accompanied by an appropriately inspired sound track:
Now the USA only has to face Spain in the second round. They're only on a run of 15 straight wins... shouldn't be anything to worry about. Well, if you believe in miracles.
With three teams tied on points for second, we, of course, go to goal difference. On that score, the US and Italy were tied at -2... the USA advanced by the fact that they'd scored a total of four goals to Italy's total of 3. Ironically Italy scored all three of their goals against the US.
Yes, it was a cold day in Hell.
As badly as the US team had played in their first two games, I doubt that anyone was expecting them to play as well as they did today. In fact I'd say that they played better today that then have sense 2005 when they rolled through their World Cup 2006 Qualifiers.
Even Landon Donovan, whom I seldom have had kind words for over the past 3 years, had an outstanding game. There were a couple of plays where he should have tried to shot but elected to try and pass instead, but that could be down to coach Bob Bradley's instructions.
Below are the goals, accompanied by an appropriately inspired sound track:
Now the USA only has to face Spain in the second round. They're only on a run of 15 straight wins... shouldn't be anything to worry about. Well, if you believe in miracles.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Week From Hell
Newell's lost to San Martin (Tucumán) yesterday by a score of 1-0. I didn't see much of the game, by the time I'd gotten home there was only 10 minutes left. What little I did see was not pretty. San Martin were a man down, yet still Newell's were playing long ball futbol... during the first two games of the Clausura we were playing short pass, keep the ball on the ground, and it paid off with wins over Gimnasia LP 3-0, and Boca Jrs 2-0.
In the third game we saw the return of Salcedo to the line up, and ever sense the team has been going more and more to long balls and counter attacks. And what is the reward for the change of tactics? Well, 2 wins and 9 ties out of 16 games.
Now I'm not saying that Newell's would be on top of the standings if Salcedo had stayed out of the line up, but I do think that they'd be further up the standings than they are now. I also think they would have been better off taking Mauro Rosales from River in the exchange for Fabbiani rather than Salcedo. Rosales may not be in top form, but at least he is a player who came from Newell's youth ranks, and a return to La Lepra might just be the cure for what's been ailing him.
For those who did not see it, or those who can stomach watching it again, I present you the goal from Friday's game:
Meanwhile, over in South Africa, the USA are participating in the Confederations Cup. Really, they may as well have stayed at home. They lost to Italy 3-1, and Brazil 3-0, and had a player shown a red card in both games.
Now the fact that they lost isn't so bad, I mean both of the opponents they faced are traditional world powers, honestly I expected them to lose. What made this the week from hell is that I tried to tape both these games, and both times failed.
The surprise is that going into the game tomorrow the USA still has a chance to make it to the second round. They will need to beat Egypt, and Brazil will need to beat Italy. After that, it would be a matter of goal difference... they may as well go try storming a castle.
In the third game we saw the return of Salcedo to the line up, and ever sense the team has been going more and more to long balls and counter attacks. And what is the reward for the change of tactics? Well, 2 wins and 9 ties out of 16 games.
Now I'm not saying that Newell's would be on top of the standings if Salcedo had stayed out of the line up, but I do think that they'd be further up the standings than they are now. I also think they would have been better off taking Mauro Rosales from River in the exchange for Fabbiani rather than Salcedo. Rosales may not be in top form, but at least he is a player who came from Newell's youth ranks, and a return to La Lepra might just be the cure for what's been ailing him.
For those who did not see it, or those who can stomach watching it again, I present you the goal from Friday's game:
Meanwhile, over in South Africa, the USA are participating in the Confederations Cup. Really, they may as well have stayed at home. They lost to Italy 3-1, and Brazil 3-0, and had a player shown a red card in both games.
Now the fact that they lost isn't so bad, I mean both of the opponents they faced are traditional world powers, honestly I expected them to lose. What made this the week from hell is that I tried to tape both these games, and both times failed.
The surprise is that going into the game tomorrow the USA still has a chance to make it to the second round. They will need to beat Egypt, and Brazil will need to beat Italy. After that, it would be a matter of goal difference... they may as well go try storming a castle.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
USA 2 Honduras 1, Argentina 1 Colombia 0 (and the goals from Costa Rica vs USA)
First, let's get the video from Costa Rica's humiliation of the USA from Wednesday out of the way:
In Buenos Aires, Argentina bounced back after having lost to Bolivia in their last World Cup Qualifier 6-1 by beating Colombia 1-0. From all reports this was not the prettiest of games, and while they won, Los Albicelestes were not all that convincing. In fact, coach Maradona had some harsh words for his players regarding their play in the first half.
Defender Daniel Diaz scored the lone goal early in the second half. Amazingly, there's already a video of the goal available. While the video from the Costa Rica/USA game was in Spanish, this one's in English. Go figure...
The US also rebounded from losing their previous game by beating Honduras 2-1 in Chicago. Early on it looked like it might be a repeat of the Costa Rica debacle when Carlos Costly scored during the 5th minute after Clint Dempsey gave the ball away. In fact, I'd say that if Honduras had a better team we could well have seen just that, but the US held on during the first half, playing slightly better than they did in Costa Rica, but not much. There were plenty of mistakes that I'd expect from a High School team, but not a National side.
The worst was the freekick that landed right on the feet of a wide open Bocanegra in side the box, only for him to stand there looking like a deer with headlights shining in his eyes while the ball bounced harmlessly off his legs.
During the dieing moments of the first half Honduras' Mario Besta handled the ball in his area to give the USA a penalty. Noel Valladares dove the right way, but Landon Donovan placed a hard shot into the top of the net.
During the second half the USA played better, their passes were better, into space rather than directly at the feet of their intended target... well, for the most part anyway. They are still a far way from being a team that, in my opinion, deserve to be a part of the biggest stage that futbol has to offer.
The winning goal came off a Donovan corner that went to Dempsey, who then headed the ball towards the middle where Bocanegra made no mistake with a diving header. The win gave the USA a record of 43 wins 10 draws in it's last 53 home World Cup Qualifiers.
Up next for the USA is Mexico, at the Azteca. Normally Mexico are nearly unbeatable in the Mexico City stadium, but considering the way they're playing at the moment there might just be a chance, provided the US team can start playing as well as they are capable of.
Mexico are 1-0-3 after losing to El Salvador 2-1 tonight.
Costa Rica are the team of the moment, leading the final group standings with 12 points from 5 games after defeating Trinidad and Tobago 3-2. USA are second with 10 points.
No league games in Argentina this week, as they don't play during International dates. Next week Newell's faces Velez Sarsfield away. Hopefully we can give Huracán the chance to pass them in the race for the Clausura.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina bounced back after having lost to Bolivia in their last World Cup Qualifier 6-1 by beating Colombia 1-0. From all reports this was not the prettiest of games, and while they won, Los Albicelestes were not all that convincing. In fact, coach Maradona had some harsh words for his players regarding their play in the first half.
Defender Daniel Diaz scored the lone goal early in the second half. Amazingly, there's already a video of the goal available. While the video from the Costa Rica/USA game was in Spanish, this one's in English. Go figure...
The US also rebounded from losing their previous game by beating Honduras 2-1 in Chicago. Early on it looked like it might be a repeat of the Costa Rica debacle when Carlos Costly scored during the 5th minute after Clint Dempsey gave the ball away. In fact, I'd say that if Honduras had a better team we could well have seen just that, but the US held on during the first half, playing slightly better than they did in Costa Rica, but not much. There were plenty of mistakes that I'd expect from a High School team, but not a National side.
The worst was the freekick that landed right on the feet of a wide open Bocanegra in side the box, only for him to stand there looking like a deer with headlights shining in his eyes while the ball bounced harmlessly off his legs.
During the dieing moments of the first half Honduras' Mario Besta handled the ball in his area to give the USA a penalty. Noel Valladares dove the right way, but Landon Donovan placed a hard shot into the top of the net.
During the second half the USA played better, their passes were better, into space rather than directly at the feet of their intended target... well, for the most part anyway. They are still a far way from being a team that, in my opinion, deserve to be a part of the biggest stage that futbol has to offer.
The winning goal came off a Donovan corner that went to Dempsey, who then headed the ball towards the middle where Bocanegra made no mistake with a diving header. The win gave the USA a record of 43 wins 10 draws in it's last 53 home World Cup Qualifiers.
Up next for the USA is Mexico, at the Azteca. Normally Mexico are nearly unbeatable in the Mexico City stadium, but considering the way they're playing at the moment there might just be a chance, provided the US team can start playing as well as they are capable of.
Mexico are 1-0-3 after losing to El Salvador 2-1 tonight.
Costa Rica are the team of the moment, leading the final group standings with 12 points from 5 games after defeating Trinidad and Tobago 3-2. USA are second with 10 points.
No league games in Argentina this week, as they don't play during International dates. Next week Newell's faces Velez Sarsfield away. Hopefully we can give Huracán the chance to pass them in the race for the Clausura.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Costa Rica 3 USA 1
Marvell Wynne getting the start at rightback? On the road? Beasley playing left back again? Shear madness is what I say.
Wynne is good going forward, but is a liability defensively. Unless they had players to cover for him, it isn't worth the risk. Same can be said for Beasley on the left. Playing both of them? Fah...
Once again the US suffered from playing direct passes and waiting for the ball to come to them, rather than passing into space and moving to the ball. It hurts me to say that, because in recent games they'd shown signs of breaking that habit.
CR, on the other hand, passed into open spaces, and took advantage of the US defensive weaknesses. Where the US players tried to dribble through defenders, CR dribbled around the US defense.
The only player on the field to show any kind of quality play for the US was Michael Bradley, and now, with that yellow he saw in the second half, he'll miss the next game against Honduras.
Howard played well enough, but with the lack of support from his defense... he may as well have had his back to a brick wall, facing a firing squad. Simply put, the US played flatfooted, and deserved to lose this game.
Funny thing is, I enjoyed watching the US team get taken apart while watching the game, but writing about it after words has me pissed off... yes, deep down I'd like to see the US team become a true power in the world of futbol. So long as they play games like they did tonight, it isn't going to happen.
Once I find video highlights, I will of course post them as per usual.
Wynne is good going forward, but is a liability defensively. Unless they had players to cover for him, it isn't worth the risk. Same can be said for Beasley on the left. Playing both of them? Fah...
Once again the US suffered from playing direct passes and waiting for the ball to come to them, rather than passing into space and moving to the ball. It hurts me to say that, because in recent games they'd shown signs of breaking that habit.
CR, on the other hand, passed into open spaces, and took advantage of the US defensive weaknesses. Where the US players tried to dribble through defenders, CR dribbled around the US defense.
The only player on the field to show any kind of quality play for the US was Michael Bradley, and now, with that yellow he saw in the second half, he'll miss the next game against Honduras.
Howard played well enough, but with the lack of support from his defense... he may as well have had his back to a brick wall, facing a firing squad. Simply put, the US played flatfooted, and deserved to lose this game.
Funny thing is, I enjoyed watching the US team get taken apart while watching the game, but writing about it after words has me pissed off... yes, deep down I'd like to see the US team become a true power in the world of futbol. So long as they play games like they did tonight, it isn't going to happen.
Once I find video highlights, I will of course post them as per usual.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
The Maradona Experiment
In the first competitive game with Maradona in charge, Argentina bombed Venezuela 4-0 on goals from Tevez, Messi, Maxi Rodriguez, and Aguero.
(Messi and Maxi both had their starts with Newell's, Messi going to Spain's Barcelona at 13 due to Newell's not being able to provide him with needed medication at the time, while Maxi has played 56 games for La Lepra, scoring 20 times in those games. Maxi still considers himself a part of the Newell's family, visiting the club during the winter break while the seats at El Coloso were being worked on.)
Weeks before this World Cup Qualifier the headlines were all about a spat between the team's playmaker, Riquelme, and coach Maradona. Maradona basically stated that he needed Riquelme to play up to his top form, something that the player has been criticized for drifting in and out of in the past (sometimes even during a single game.)
Riquelme then proceeded to quit la Albiceleste for the second time (the first time he claimed was due to fear over his mother's health.) Of all those I know of who follow the Argentine League and National side the only ones who were not happy to see Román go are fans of Boca Jrs, Riquelme's team in Argentina.
Due to there being no fit and willing playmaker available, El D10s (Maradona) chose to take the time he had with his players before this game to work at playing in a 3-4-3 formation, with Messi, Tevez, and son in law Aguero as the attacking trio.
In this game, the experiment worked, but it is only Venezuela after all, where Baseball is the favored sport. Maradona down played that, saying that Venezuela has improved (true,) and that scoring 4 goals against them wasn't easy (sure, Diego, anything you say.)
Here's the best video highlights I could find for the game. Don't ask me what language it's in...
I wasn't able to see the Argentina game, but I did watch the USA play in El Salvador. The US team does finally appear to be grasping a concept that I've bitched about at length about them. In this game they did at least try to make passes into space with the receiving player then running onto the ball.
Unfortunately with all the crowd noise they were having trouble communicating, and often times the intended target was unaware that they should be moving until the saw the ball passed. If anyone can relay a message to Bradley and his boys tell 'em they have to work on keeping on their toes. It does no good to be out their flatfooted when the pass is intended for you, or rely on hearing your teammate call your name as the pass is being made. Do you think the crowds in South Africa are going to be quite?
All and all, they did well to come back from a 2-0 defect taken by El Salvador in the first half to end in a 2-2 draw. Keeper Tim Howard had to sit out the game due to accumulation of yellow cards in previous games, which makes one wonder if this game would have ended differently had he been able to play. Guzman, at 24, is still young as a goalie, and may eventually develop into a fine stopper. During this game all he show was that he was adequate.
Here's the goals from the USA's draw at El Salvador... along with far too much post game commentary from the announcers:
(Messi and Maxi both had their starts with Newell's, Messi going to Spain's Barcelona at 13 due to Newell's not being able to provide him with needed medication at the time, while Maxi has played 56 games for La Lepra, scoring 20 times in those games. Maxi still considers himself a part of the Newell's family, visiting the club during the winter break while the seats at El Coloso were being worked on.)
Weeks before this World Cup Qualifier the headlines were all about a spat between the team's playmaker, Riquelme, and coach Maradona. Maradona basically stated that he needed Riquelme to play up to his top form, something that the player has been criticized for drifting in and out of in the past (sometimes even during a single game.)
Riquelme then proceeded to quit la Albiceleste for the second time (the first time he claimed was due to fear over his mother's health.) Of all those I know of who follow the Argentine League and National side the only ones who were not happy to see Román go are fans of Boca Jrs, Riquelme's team in Argentina.
Due to there being no fit and willing playmaker available, El D10s (Maradona) chose to take the time he had with his players before this game to work at playing in a 3-4-3 formation, with Messi, Tevez, and son in law Aguero as the attacking trio.
In this game, the experiment worked, but it is only Venezuela after all, where Baseball is the favored sport. Maradona down played that, saying that Venezuela has improved (true,) and that scoring 4 goals against them wasn't easy (sure, Diego, anything you say.)
Here's the best video highlights I could find for the game. Don't ask me what language it's in...
I wasn't able to see the Argentina game, but I did watch the USA play in El Salvador. The US team does finally appear to be grasping a concept that I've bitched about at length about them. In this game they did at least try to make passes into space with the receiving player then running onto the ball.
Unfortunately with all the crowd noise they were having trouble communicating, and often times the intended target was unaware that they should be moving until the saw the ball passed. If anyone can relay a message to Bradley and his boys tell 'em they have to work on keeping on their toes. It does no good to be out their flatfooted when the pass is intended for you, or rely on hearing your teammate call your name as the pass is being made. Do you think the crowds in South Africa are going to be quite?
All and all, they did well to come back from a 2-0 defect taken by El Salvador in the first half to end in a 2-2 draw. Keeper Tim Howard had to sit out the game due to accumulation of yellow cards in previous games, which makes one wonder if this game would have ended differently had he been able to play. Guzman, at 24, is still young as a goalie, and may eventually develop into a fine stopper. During this game all he show was that he was adequate.
Here's the goals from the USA's draw at El Salvador... along with far too much post game commentary from the announcers:
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Just A Few Words
Well, I sort of promised I'd have a few things to say about last weeks internationals, Argentina over France, and the USA in a WC Qualifier beating Mexico. Both games were 2-0 wins, for Argentina and the USA that is.
For Argentina, it may have only been a friendly, but then it's been said that Argentina doesn't play friendlies. With the lineup Maradona threw at France that certainly rings true. The Albicelestes simply allowed the French to wear themselves out, and with a Gutiérrez goal late in the first half claimed a lead, and Messi, brilliant as ever, scoring in the second secured the victory. Could it be that Maradona has fought off all his demons and become a coach of note? Time will tell, as always.
The USA's win over Mexico was expected, they were playing in Columbus, OH after all. The only thing of note in this game is that, in my opinion, we have a new best player on the USA National Team. Yes, move over Landon Donovan, 'cause here comes Michael Bradley.
It wasn't that long ago that some were questioning his inclusion on the team, saying he was only getting games because his father was coach. With his two solid goals against Mexico, I believe we can put that sort of talk to rest.
It's also interesting that when now retired Claudio Reyna was young, he was labeled as the next great (should really have been talk about first great, but...) attacking US player. Instead he became a solid defensive midfielder. Now we have Bradley, who came into the team as a defensive midfielder, but has developed into a player like we have never had on a US side, a true all arounder, excelling defensively, and offensively. At that, he's still only 21.
Imagine if he manages to do what Donovan failed to do... continue to improve beyond the age of 23!
For Argentina, it may have only been a friendly, but then it's been said that Argentina doesn't play friendlies. With the lineup Maradona threw at France that certainly rings true. The Albicelestes simply allowed the French to wear themselves out, and with a Gutiérrez goal late in the first half claimed a lead, and Messi, brilliant as ever, scoring in the second secured the victory. Could it be that Maradona has fought off all his demons and become a coach of note? Time will tell, as always.
The USA's win over Mexico was expected, they were playing in Columbus, OH after all. The only thing of note in this game is that, in my opinion, we have a new best player on the USA National Team. Yes, move over Landon Donovan, 'cause here comes Michael Bradley.
It wasn't that long ago that some were questioning his inclusion on the team, saying he was only getting games because his father was coach. With his two solid goals against Mexico, I believe we can put that sort of talk to rest.
It's also interesting that when now retired Claudio Reyna was young, he was labeled as the next great (should really have been talk about first great, but...) attacking US player. Instead he became a solid defensive midfielder. Now we have Bradley, who came into the team as a defensive midfielder, but has developed into a player like we have never had on a US side, a true all arounder, excelling defensively, and offensively. At that, he's still only 21.
Imagine if he manages to do what Donovan failed to do... continue to improve beyond the age of 23!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Sorry, To Busy Celebrating....
I know... I should find the time to write something about each of these games. Maybe tomorrow.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Adu's First National Senior Team Goal - and Maxi's goal vs Scotland
Here's a vid of Adu's freekick goal from the game last night. Usually I don't bother with vids that clearly show that they were recorded by pointing a camera at a TV, but this one is too good a goal not to post it.
Here's the goal from Argentina's win over Scotland. Pay close attention to the very end of the clip, as it shows one of Maradona's assistants nudging him as the goal is scored. Diego is slow to react these days... or was he napping?
Here's the goal from Argentina's win over Scotland. Pay close attention to the very end of the clip, as it shows one of Maradona's assistants nudging him as the goal is scored. Diego is slow to react these days... or was he napping?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Guatemala 0 USA 2.... Yawn
OK, I had this game on, and I kinda watched it, but truth be told, even though this was a World Cup Qualifier (of no real significance to the US team, they'd already qualified for the next round,) I would have rather been watching Argentina playing a friendly against Scotland. I could have, if I had ESPN Deportes, but it's simply not in my budget.
That said, the USA, for the number of young players Bradley put onto the pitch tonight, played well. They still haven't found a true goal scorer, but Kenny Cooper, who scored 18 during the MLS regular season, scored the first goal.
Brad Guzan played in goal for the US, and quite frankly, between the two keepers Guatemala had the advantage. Brad wasn't challenged very often, if at all, but there were a few shots he simply blocked that I feel he should have caught.
Guatemala's keeper did far more for his team, though he wasn't anything to write home about, either. Still, he did make a couple of key saves that could have easily gone if either the US players knew how to finish, or he hadn't been where he needed to be to make the stop. Kljestan's close range shot was a prime example... with a better finish the keeper could still have gotten his fingers to it in order to deflect the ball away for a corner kick... if he was lucky.
Adu scored the second on a nicely taken free kick from just outside the penalty area. It looked to me like Altidore wasn't happy with Adu taking charge of the freekick, but once the ball's in the back of the net, who's going to argue?
Oh, and the Argentina/Scotland game? Argentina won it 1-0 on a goal by Newell's Old Boy's alumni Maxi Rodriguez. Hopefully that convinces coach Maradona to keep finding room for him in the starting 11!
That said, the USA, for the number of young players Bradley put onto the pitch tonight, played well. They still haven't found a true goal scorer, but Kenny Cooper, who scored 18 during the MLS regular season, scored the first goal.
Brad Guzan played in goal for the US, and quite frankly, between the two keepers Guatemala had the advantage. Brad wasn't challenged very often, if at all, but there were a few shots he simply blocked that I feel he should have caught.
Guatemala's keeper did far more for his team, though he wasn't anything to write home about, either. Still, he did make a couple of key saves that could have easily gone if either the US players knew how to finish, or he hadn't been where he needed to be to make the stop. Kljestan's close range shot was a prime example... with a better finish the keeper could still have gotten his fingers to it in order to deflect the ball away for a corner kick... if he was lucky.
Adu scored the second on a nicely taken free kick from just outside the penalty area. It looked to me like Altidore wasn't happy with Adu taking charge of the freekick, but once the ball's in the back of the net, who's going to argue?
Oh, and the Argentina/Scotland game? Argentina won it 1-0 on a goal by Newell's Old Boy's alumni Maxi Rodriguez. Hopefully that convinces coach Maradona to keep finding room for him in the starting 11!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Night Of The Upsets
First half saw no real chances for the US, and only one for Trinidad and Tobago (T&T.) It was fairly even, though T&T had an advantage on shots of 5-1. Considering the US played with 8 players who didn't appear in the earlier Qualifiers in this round, and that they are playing on the road, I guess I shouldn't complain. Got to toss a note to the US announcers, though... don't talk about how the US is doing well with their passes. As soon as you did that, they had a spell of a couple of minutes where they couldn't get a good pass off.
Altidore, Adu, and Torres all looked good, which gives one hope for the future. Frankie Hejduk needs to learn that there's more to crossing than just sending the ball into the opponent's penalty area... there needs to be someone on the end of it. Look up and see who's available, Frankie!
Torres found Altidore early in the second half, but it was called off sides in a very questionable call. Forget that, if it was off sides, my head is made of wax, and my brain is full of bees.
T&T scored in the 61st minute, which only proved that Guzman isn't up to the task. Sure, Scotland's cross was near perfect (hey, Frankie... did you notice how he looked up before he crossed? It only took a tenth of a second, but he did look,) but Latapy's shot hit the post only to go in off of Guzman's shoulder.
Davies came in for Adu in the 69th, and frankly it was about time. While he looked good in the first half, he started to fade in the second. He looked none to happy at being removed, but Freddie has always thought more of himself than he's shown on the field at senior level. The move paid off as moments later after a bit of a scramble in the T&T penalty area Altidore found Davies all alone with only the keeper to beat
to tie things up.
And then at the 77th minute mark, the US gets called for pulling on a jersey inside their own penalty area. Dwight Yorke stepped up and made no mistake, putting his shot to Guzman's right while the keeper dove left, the net breaking open from the shot. I didn't see the foul, not even after the replay.
82nd minute the US miss a great opportunity as Altidore couldn't get all of a sure goal header. And that was pretty much the game. Aggravating, really, but not more so than Argentina losing to Chile 1-0, Canada managing a draw with Mexico, and Cuba actually winning against Guatemala 2-1.
Rack the US loss up to playing on the road, with a group of their younger players that need a little more time playing together, one bad off sides call, and perhaps a bad call on the T&T penalty... I'll have to see if I can't watch that play again some time.
Altidore, Adu, and Torres all looked good, which gives one hope for the future. Frankie Hejduk needs to learn that there's more to crossing than just sending the ball into the opponent's penalty area... there needs to be someone on the end of it. Look up and see who's available, Frankie!
Torres found Altidore early in the second half, but it was called off sides in a very questionable call. Forget that, if it was off sides, my head is made of wax, and my brain is full of bees.
T&T scored in the 61st minute, which only proved that Guzman isn't up to the task. Sure, Scotland's cross was near perfect (hey, Frankie... did you notice how he looked up before he crossed? It only took a tenth of a second, but he did look,) but Latapy's shot hit the post only to go in off of Guzman's shoulder.
Davies came in for Adu in the 69th, and frankly it was about time. While he looked good in the first half, he started to fade in the second. He looked none to happy at being removed, but Freddie has always thought more of himself than he's shown on the field at senior level. The move paid off as moments later after a bit of a scramble in the T&T penalty area Altidore found Davies all alone with only the keeper to beat
to tie things up.
And then at the 77th minute mark, the US gets called for pulling on a jersey inside their own penalty area. Dwight Yorke stepped up and made no mistake, putting his shot to Guzman's right while the keeper dove left, the net breaking open from the shot. I didn't see the foul, not even after the replay.
82nd minute the US miss a great opportunity as Altidore couldn't get all of a sure goal header. And that was pretty much the game. Aggravating, really, but not more so than Argentina losing to Chile 1-0, Canada managing a draw with Mexico, and Cuba actually winning against Guatemala 2-1.
Rack the US loss up to playing on the road, with a group of their younger players that need a little more time playing together, one bad off sides call, and perhaps a bad call on the T&T penalty... I'll have to see if I can't watch that play again some time.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
World Cup Qualifiers... the bombing of Cuba
United States 6 - 1 Cuba
Just finished watching this game on tape, as I was over at a friend's last night watching the first two Saw movies. First thing I have to say is that the score tells us nothing about this US team, and having watched it tells little more. Cuba are a team of players with no professional league to hone their skills in, so beating them by 5 goals isn't something to get excited about, it's merely to be expected.
That said, the margin of victory could well have been greater. I saw far too many giveaways for the US team to be happy with their performance. I was, however, greatly pleased to see Altidore score the final goal of the match after coming on in the second half.
Beasley was also pleasing, as he seems to be regaining his form, but against a team like Cuba I'm not going to let his two goals go to my head. Let's see how he, and the rest of the team faces some real competition... say like when they finally have to face Mexico later on in the final stages of these Qualifiers. Until then, the wins should just be expected.
Argentina 2 - 1 Uruguay
I tried to watch this game over the internet, I really did. I just couldn't. The small screen, the constant delays in the feed... just wasn't worth it. From what I understand it was an ugly game with lots of fouls and yellow cards flying. Tevez and Riquelme will miss Wednesday's game against Chile due to yellow card accumulation.
Still, a win for Argentina, which puts them in second place in the Qualifying table, 4 points off the pace being set by Paraquay of all teams. With 9 more games to play, there's still a long way to go before things are decided.
Just finished watching this game on tape, as I was over at a friend's last night watching the first two Saw movies. First thing I have to say is that the score tells us nothing about this US team, and having watched it tells little more. Cuba are a team of players with no professional league to hone their skills in, so beating them by 5 goals isn't something to get excited about, it's merely to be expected.
That said, the margin of victory could well have been greater. I saw far too many giveaways for the US team to be happy with their performance. I was, however, greatly pleased to see Altidore score the final goal of the match after coming on in the second half.
Beasley was also pleasing, as he seems to be regaining his form, but against a team like Cuba I'm not going to let his two goals go to my head. Let's see how he, and the rest of the team faces some real competition... say like when they finally have to face Mexico later on in the final stages of these Qualifiers. Until then, the wins should just be expected.
Argentina 2 - 1 Uruguay
I tried to watch this game over the internet, I really did. I just couldn't. The small screen, the constant delays in the feed... just wasn't worth it. From what I understand it was an ugly game with lots of fouls and yellow cards flying. Tevez and Riquelme will miss Wednesday's game against Chile due to yellow card accumulation.
Still, a win for Argentina, which puts them in second place in the Qualifying table, 4 points off the pace being set by Paraquay of all teams. With 9 more games to play, there's still a long way to go before things are decided.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
