Confederations Cup Preview Time!
by Fire Starkey on Jun 25, 2009 2:58 PM PDT
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Depressed by the summer sports doldrums? Is watching nothing but baseball making your soul die a slow, horrible death? Don't worry boys and girls, it's Confederations Cup time! Eight national soccer teams will gather in South Africa and battle to the death in a preview of next year's World Cup 2010. The tournament is held from June 14-28 and all matches will be televised on one of the ESPN network channels (see schedule at the bottom).
I've included tons of links on key players so if interested, click on them to see amazing feats of skill, brilliant goals and a lot of really cheesy music that was added on by the dorks who posted the video.
Also, the formatting is a little goofy. I would blame myself for my lack of FanPost polish, however it's a lot easier to blame Twist and SB Nation. You guys can suck it!
What is the Confederations Cup?: The Confederations Cup is a FIFA sponsored competition held in the World Cup host country the year before the finals. The participants are the host country, the most recent World Cup winner and the winners of the six continental championships. In recent editions, it has come to be considered as a trial run for the logistics needed to successfully run a World Cup in the host country.
Who’s playing?:
Group A
This looks to be Spain’s group to win and win big. This group contains the 6th, 7th and 8th best teams in the tournament and Spain is currently riding high as the world’s best team. Anything less than 3 wins, 10+ goals scored and 0 goals allowed during the group phase would be shocking. Spain’s first real test should come in the Semi Final round. Of the other teams, Iraq looks to be 2nd best although South Africa may use the home soil advantage to overtake them. New Zealand is horrible and is only here because Australia recently moved from Oceania to the Asian zone for better competition and easier qualification for the World Cup.
Iraq- Shocking winners of the Asian zone. Who needs a home field? World Rank: 77
Players to watch for: Nashat Akram, Younis Mahmoud, Hawar Mulla Mohammed
Analysis: This team came out of nowhere to shock the Asian footy universe by winning the Asian Cup in 2007. Traditional powerhouses Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan and Iran all fell by the wayside as the team without a home field stormed its way to the title in shocking fashion. Not much is known about their players as they all play in Middle Eastern leagues that get little to no exposure in the West. One exception is Nashat Akram, a recent purchase of FC Twente in Holland who should be their star in midfield. Other players of quality are striker Younis Mahmoud and midfielder Hawar Mulla Mohammed. I think they’ll win 2nd place in group A but have shown themselves to be inconsistent and could lose out to South Africa for a spot in the semi finals if they can’t take care of business.
New Zealand- Oceania champs after beating up on soccer powerhouses such as Vanuatu and Samoa. Proudly holds the distinction of “Most crap team at the Confed Cup 2009”. World Rank: 82
Players to watch for: Shane Smeltz, Chris Killen, Chris Wood
Analysis: The Kiwis have never earned a point in 2 previous Confederations Cup appearances and the chances don’t look good in this competition either. The majority of their team plays in Australia’s A-League, a league considered at best to be third tier. A couple of their players do play overseas and the best of them is probably Chris Killen, a reserve forward for Celtic in Scotland. Shane Smeltz did get 12 goals in the A-League last season so could be a threat if he gets any service and 17 year old Chris Wood looks to be the hope for the future as he has played in the English Premiership for West Bromwich Albion. Still, there isn’t much hope for the All Whites as a recent 2-1 friendly loss to African non-entity Tanzania proved. 4th place in Group A looms.
Go to the 2:13 mark to see:
Spain- European champs. World Rank: 1
Players to watch for: David Villa, Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres
Analysis: I think this clip best describes Spain’s footy prowess.
Unbeaten in their last 32 matches, Spain boasts 2 of the worlds 10 best strikers in goal machine David Villa of Valencia and striker prototype Fernando Torres of Liverpool. Their midfield is equally powerful with Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool) and Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) creating a powerful attack that supplies many of the goals to Villa and Torres. Missing are injured stars Andres Iniesta and Marcos Senna and they may miss both these players immensely in the later stages of the tournament. Their defense is good but not top class, perhaps only Carlos Puyol is considered one of the world’s best although Sergio Ramos is quite good as well. Iker Casillias in goal is better than average and won’t make any tragic mistakes. Having won Euro 2008 to break their hoodoo curse of being the biggest underachievers in the universe, Spain is confident and seriously en fuego at the moment. They’ll obliterate Group A and should have enough to win this tournament.
South Africa- Host and likely red headed stepchild of the tourney. World Rank: 72
Players to watch for: Steven Pienaar, Aaron Mokoena, Bernard Parker
Analysis: The host team is thanking the footy gods for making sure that New Zealand was drawn in their group as they look to be a team on the downswing. Recent years have not been kind to the Bafana Bafana and they embarrassingly crashed out of the qualifying rounds of the upcoming African Nations Cup in Angola. The squad has few top level players, with Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar being the class of the squad. Portsmouth’s Aaron Mokoena is another quality player but he’ll need a lot of help in defense for South Africa to do much. Red Star Belgrade’s Bernard Parker will likely need to carry the scoring load as superstar Benni McCarthy of Blackburn Rovers has been shockingly left off the team after skipping recent friendlies “to recover from injuries”. It appears McCarthy has played his last game for his home country which is bad news for a team that will struggle to make any impact in this tournament. 3rd place in Group A looks likely unless they can channel some magic on their home turf.
Group B
It seems like every major international tournament has its version of the “Group of Death”. I first heard the term used in the 1994 World Cup for the group containing Italy, Ireland, Mexico and Norway, all top level teams at the time. All 4 teams finished with an identical record and goal difference and Norway got the shaft because it scored the fewest goals. Group B is definitely the more difficult of the 2 groups at the ’09 Confederations Cup with what I see as the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th best teams. Italy and Brazil are the easy choices to advance in theory due to their talent and long history of footy brilliance. In reality however, any of these 4 teams could win through given a couple of good performances.
Brazil- Gods of South America. They told the Argies to suck it in the 2007 Copa America. World Rank: 5
Players to watch for: Robinho, Kaka, Alexandre Pato
Analysis: Many people feel that if Brazil was allowed to field 4 national teams, all 4 would qualify among the 32 teams of the World Cup. Supremely talented individually, Brazil’s downfall is usually that of the tactics employed by their coaches or failures in team chemistry. They currently lead South American qualifying for next year’s World Cup but aren’t winning “the Brazil way” enough to suit their rabid fans. Peculiar draws with bottom feeders Peru and Bolivia have been balanced out by a recent 4-0 smashing of their long time bogeyman, Uruguay. Brazil appears to be using the Confederations Cup as a means of introducing some new players to international play so I wonder how seriously they are taking this competition when qualifying is so much more important. Strikers Alexandre Pato (AC Milan- rumored to be headed to Chelsea) and Robinho (Manchester City) should lead the way for Brazil although I think this could be a breakout tournament for Nilmar (Internacional of Porto Alegre). Midfield man god Kaka has just completed a world record $92 million transfer to Real Madrid and is likely the best midfielder on the planet. Julio Baptista and Elano could add goals from the midfield and Gilberto Silva should add toughness as well. In defense, Maicon, Lucio, Juan and Dani Alves are a solid back 4 and if any goalkeeper will challenge Italy’s Buffon as the world’s best, it is Julio Cesar. Capable of destroying any team in the world, I think Brazil is off its game currently and will finish 2nd to Italy in Group B.
Egypt- African Champions. World Rank: 40
Players to watch for: Amr Zaki, Mohamed Zidan, Mohamed Aboutrika
Analysis: Another team that not many know much about is Egypt. The 2 time defending African Nations Cup champion boast an extremely powerful attack but is questionable at best in defense and goal. The majority of their squad is drawn from African club superpowers Al-Ahly and Zamalek although European teams have started to snap up some of Egypts best players at bargain prices. Up front, the supremely talented Amr Zaki moved to Wigan in England last year and took the Premiership by storm in the first half of the season. Sadly, he seemed to lose his way a bit and did not score in the 2nd half of the year amid accusations of unprofessionalism by Wigan’s coaching staff. Another talented striker is Mohamed Zidan of Borussia Dortmund in Germany. A 3rd Egyptian striker of real ability, Mido, has been left off the squad after numerous squabbles between himself and the Egyptian coaches. That could cost this team as Mido is the one player on a real run of form recently. In midfield, it’s all Mohamed Aboutrika all the time. Complementary players Ahmed Hassan and Hosny Abd Rabo will provide support but Al-Ahly’s Aboutrika is a goal machine from the middle of the field. As mentioned, Egypt’s defense will likely be its undoing in this tournament and a recent 3-1 loss in Algeria has put their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1990 in some jeopardy. I think they’ll finish last in Group B but that might be influenced by my unfamiliarity with them and my American homerism. If they beat out the USA for 3rd, I wouldn’t be surprised at all.
Italy- Reigning World Cup champions. World Rank: 4
Players to watch for: Luca Toni, Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo
Analysis: One world describes the current Azzurri squad. OLD. The current World Cup champs average age is about 276 so this World Cup cycle may be their last chance for honors for the next generation or so. While Italy always produces a large number of good players, they usually have at least a couple players of true World Class ability. Unfortunately for Italian fans everywhere, there does not appear to be a true world class player among in their youth ranks. Only American born Giuseppe Rossi looks like he might have that potential and there at least 10 other strikers under the age of 25 that I would take before him right now. That said, this team still has plenty of quality throughout the team even if they are all aged 30+. In my opinion, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is the best in the world right now and he can keep his team competitive in any game. In defense, Fabio Cannovaro and Gianluca Zambrotta are still very strong despite their near geriatric condition. Their midfield is strong as well with the bulldog Gennaro Gattuso, the talented Daniele De Rossi and free kick assassin Andrea Pirlo running things. Up front, man mountain Luca Toni is still their best striker with the aforementioned Rossi probably the next best choice despite his inexperience (Alberto Gilardino might be pissed off by this opinion). I have a feeling this could be the last hurrah for the Italians and with Brazil struggling a bit, I can see them squeaking out of Group B in 1st place and an eventual Finals appearance against Spain.
United States- Champs of the North America, Central America and Caribbean region. World Rank: 14
Players to watch for: Michael Bradley, Josy Altidore, Landon Donovan
Analysis: Ahhhh, Estatos Unitos. The US limps into the Confederations Cup on the heels of a 3-1 thrashing at Costa Rica and a somewhat fortunate 2-1 win at home against Honduras. Injuries are currently hampering the squad with forward Brian Ching, midfielder Maurice Edu and defenders Steve Cherundulo and Frankie Hejduk out injured. The result leaves the US with some significant holes to fill and with superpowers Brazil and Italy up first, I would be shocked if the team doesn’t deploy a 4-5-1 system that errs on the defensive side. Josy Altidore will probably be on his own up front although Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Charlie Davies and Conor Casey may see some time there as well. The midfield is manned by Michael Bradley, an emerging star and he’ll likely be paired with Ricardo Clark as holding midfielders. The Honduras match saw a promising return from Benny Feilhaber who had a disasterous move to Derby County in England which saw his form vanish. If he can get his confidence back, Feilhaber is an interesting choice in midfield. Both Donovan and Dempsey are better suited to the wings at the international level and former wonderkid Freddy Adu as well as intriguing new play Jose Francisco Torres provide additional options. Neither play much defense though so may only be seen as late subs if some offensive punch is needed. The defense is led by captain Carlos Bocanegra (hopefully recovered from an injury suffered in the Honduras match) and man mountain Oguchi Onyewu, both of who are solid at this level. One wonders if a nuclear explosion will occur if Onyewu (6’4”, 210lbs) and Italy’s Luca Toni (6’5”) collide during the USA-Italy match. The outside of defense is problematic however with injured starters Cherundulo and Hejduk both unavailable. Hopefully Jonathan Spector and Jonathan Bornstein will get the starts over Marvell Wynne and Heath Pearce but stranger things have happened. In goal, Tim Howard is above average and could keep the US in games they might not normally be in. The US team has traditionally played Italy and Brazil very tough (the US-Italy 2006 World Cup match was by far the best game in that tourney) but I don’t see anywhere close to enough quality to get the team into the semi finals. They should battle Egypt for 3rd place in Group B, a battle that could go either way but hopefully the US will be able to put some goals past Egypt’s porous defense.
Predictions:
Group A: 1. Spain 2. Iraq 3. South Africa 4. New Zealand
Group B: 1. Italy 2. Brazil 3. USA 4. Egypt
Semi Finals- Italy def. Iraq; Spain def. Brazil
3rd place- Brazil def. Iraq
Finals- Spain def. Italy
Actual:
Group A: 1 Spain 2 South Africa 3 Iraq 4 New Zealand
Group B: 1 Brazil 2 USA 3 Italy 4 Egypt
Television schedule:
2009 Confederations Cup TV SCHEDULE on ESPN
All times EASTERN
Schedule is subject to change
Date Time (ET) Networks Match
Group Phase
Su 6/14
9:55 a.m. E2/360/Mo. TV South Africa vs. Iraq
2:25 p.m. E2/360 New Zealand vs. Spain
Mo 6/15
9:55 a.m. E2/360/Mo. TV Brazil vs. Egypt
2:25 p.m. E1/360/Mo. TV USA vs. Italy
We 6/17
9:55 a.m. E2/360/Mo. TV Spain vs. Iraq
2:25 p.m. E2/360/Mo. TV South Africa vs. New Zealand
Th 6/18
9:55 a.m. E2/360 USA vs. Brazil
2:25 p.m. E2/360/Mo. TV Egypt vs. Italy
Sa 6/20
2:25 p.m. E2/360/Mo. TV Spain vs. South Africa
Su 6/21
1:00 a.m. E2/360* Iraq vs. New Zealand
*(Game will air live on ESPN360 on Saturday, June 20, at 2:25 p.m.)
Su 6/21
2:25 p.m. E1/360/Mo. TV
2:25 p.m. E2/360/Mo. TV Egypt vs. USA
2:25 p.m. E1/360 Italy vs. Brazil
Semifinals Stage
We 6/24
Th 6/25
2:25 p.m. E1/360/Mo. TV
Confederations Cup 3rd Place Match and Final on ESPN2
Su 6/28
8:55 a.m. E2/360/Mo. TV 3rd Place Match
2:25 p.m. E2/360/Mo. TV Final
E1 – ESPN
E2 – ESPN2
360 – ESPN360.com
Mo-TV – ESPN Mobile TV
The opinions expressed in a FanPost are, in every way, reflective of the opinions of every California Golden Blogs Marshawnthusiast. Moreover, they are reflective of every employee of SBNation, including Tyler "Blez" Bleszinski.
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Hmm
I’m not sure, but will there be recordings of these games available online the week after? I unfortunately will be gone next week, and I wanted to watch these. Maybe a torrent or something?
Insanity is just a state of mind.
Not sure
You don’t have DVR/Tivo? Also, I imagine they’ll be available somewhere online.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 11, 2009 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Nice work Fire Starkey
Feel free to edit the timestamp before any of the games start, if you want this to be an open thread for the games (sort of like what I did for the NBA).
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 10, 2009 3:06 PM PDT reply actions
Thanks!
While I agree with your assessment of the aging Italy squad, I think you dramatically undersestimate the talent of the Azzurrini. We’ll have a better idea after this summer’s European U-21 championships, but the “next generation” of great Italians is not far off—at least by most iindications from the just-completed season in Serie A. I personally concur with the recent assessment by Steve Wilson that “Italy’s Got Talent”. Balotelli, Giovinco, and Acquafresca, among others, provide optimism for the attack, and young backs such as Genoa’s superb duo of Criscito and Bocchetti suggest that Italy’s defense will remain as solid as ever for many years to come.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 10, 2009 4:56 PM PDT reply actions
Maybe so, I certainly think Balotelli has the potential to be a world class player as does Giovinco. The others I think will eventually slot into that “very good” player category that Italy produces so many of.
What I was really referring to was was the “Lost Generation”, i.e. Italian players currently in their 20’s on the national team. Of that batch, really only Rossi at 22 and De Rossi at 25 I think can be real impact players on the world stage and even they I am not convinced of completely. Gilardino, Pepe, Montolvio, Chiellini are nice players but nothing that other nations dont have. Italy has not produced a megastar in 10+ years, a huge drought by their standards.
Next year’s World Cup will be the last hurrah for Cannovaro, Zambrotta, Gattuso, Toni, Grosso, Camoronesi and probably Pirlo and Iaquinta. Outside of Buffon who should be ok to be in goal in 2014 at 36, thats the entire spine of their team. Even if all the current 18-21 year old starlets come through, that is a huge gap to fill and I think a drop off in 2014 is almost certain. They’ve got round of 16 written all over them (how’s that for a way too early prediction??? Italy out in the 2nd round!). Any World Cup where Italy doesn’t make at least the Semi Finals is considered a failure by them.
One final note on Italy, I am kind of surprised they are using more of their roster to bring in the youth players. Only Santon (“the next Maldini”) at age 18 is on the roster. Since the Confederations Cup isn’t that big a deal to the Italians, I would have thought they would have more room for a Giovinco or an Acquafresca just for the experience. They are cruising in qualifying with only the Irish as a slight threat…
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 11, 2009 6:46 AM PDT up reply actions
You very well may be right about 2012, and I couldn’t agree more about the roster selection for the Confederations Cup. The Yanks just might be able to pull off the upset.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 11, 2009 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Great post
I hate the seeding. The hypothetical worst team in Group B (Egypt) would be the 2nd best team in Group A. So lame.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Yeah the draw was a bit dicey. In theory it was completely random with South Africa and Italy being in seperate groups (I think). Frankly, it wouldn’t surprise me if FIFA managed to give the hosts a favorable draw to keep interest in SA high.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 11, 2009 6:47 AM PDT up reply actions
C. Ronaldo to Real Madrid for $131 million
Crazyness
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
that's like
what 3 days after getting Kaka for 59 million pounds.
Epic midfield, but the last version of Los Galaticos only resulted in, what, one La Liga title for Madrid? and nothing in Europe?
I know ManU is pretty excited – even losing a player of C. Ronaldo’s class – since with that 80 million pounds, they can turn around and get a player 90% as good, 100% less whiny and selfish for 50% of the cost.
Yeah, not a fan of the Galacticos system
It did dick all for RM back in the day. Valencia, Sevilla and Barca were all better than them pretty much the entire period. Still, looks like a monster midfield but they need to buy some super defenders because their D kind of sucks (Casillias aside)
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 11, 2009 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Difference between football and basketball
I think basketball is the sport which allows one player to change a team’s fortunes immensely.
But if you added, say a circa 1970 Pele to the Galaxy, they probably still wouldn’t win the MLS (although they’d certainly move up to about 2nd place)
Actually, the MLS is bad enough (and 1970 Pele is good enough) to render my argument moot.
But still, just adding two super midfielders together wouldn’t change the team the way, that say adding LeBron and Chris Paul to the Grizzlies would make them instant contenders.
Apparently they are trying to buy David Villa as well
for about $60 million. Valencia has to sell due to their financial woes but turned down Chelsea because “negotiations with Real Madrid are at an advanced state.” Christ.
Buy
some
defenders
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 11, 2009 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions
Interesting, just looked at Real Madrids roster
Youd think their D would be better with Pepe, Heinze, Ramos and Metzelder there. Salgado is 200 years old and Marcelo is more of a wingback.
With Kaka and Ronaldo coming into the midfield I think Van der Vaart and Guti need to consider their options as Diarra, Gago and Sneijder will likely fight for the other 2 spots.
Raul and van Nistelrooy are being put out to pasture and Saviola is on his way out. With Higuain, Robben and Huntelaar in place, Villa would make this team pretty nasty on paper.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 11, 2009 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions
adding LeBron and Chris Paul to the Grizzlies would make them instantcontenderschampions
Fixed.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 11, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Aren’t they thinking about putting a bunch of it into their debt?
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
They dont know yet. Their transfer pot was only about $35 million before this so theoretically they could use a big chunk of this on players. It also makes it more likely they re-sign Tevez. That said, they don’t need that much to continue to be a Euro power at close to the same level.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 11, 2009 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions
I think a good chunk of that transfer fee is probably going to go into debt service. The usual unnamed sources around Tevez are claiming that he wouldn’t stay despite Sir Alex Ferguson whispering sweet nothings into his ear, but I’ll believe all of that when I see it.
If they’re smart they’ll do that. Fan pressure will be high to buy a big name replacement I suspect. And if they pay $60+ million for Ribery they are crazy.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 11, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m not sure about the appeal of Ribery – I mean, he’s incredibly fast and I think he plays the sort of all-out attacking game that Ferguson seems to favor, but he’s very like Rooney. I can see buying Ribery if Man U didn’t retain Tevez though, assuming that Bayern Munich want to sell… but there are stories circulating now that Real Madrid is about to bid for Ribery as well.
The sources I've seen
(admittedly a bunch of internet arguments) are suggesting that Bayern really isn’t looking to sell Ribery.
I also heard that Real Madrid is going to try to buy Kobe Bryant to play up front. You know he’d be good in the air.
Rubbish!
Kobe is a Barca fan. He and Gasol give Vujacic shit all the time about being a Madrid fan.
We all dream of being a child again, even the worst of us, the worst... perhaps... most of all.
Yeah
I should’ve remembered that. He even has a pair of Kobe IVs in Barca colors.
I went to Camp Nou over Christmas and in the Barca museum, they have a bunch of photos of Pau and Marc (and Juan Carlos Navarro) winning basketball titles for Barca. It’s really odd to see the vertical stripes in red, blue and yellow on a basketball jersey.
Holy crap man
awesome post.
Also makes me SO anxious for WC 2010, and even more so 2014 (as I will be going).
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
Oi vey
the World Cup in Brazil in ’14 is going to be absolutely insane. Take a spare liver with you in case your current one explodes mid Cup.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 11, 2009 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m torn between trying to go to 2010 (which I can’t afford) and 2014 (which my liver may not be able to afford).
Flights to S Africa are SO expensive
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 11, 2009 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
WOW!
German Jermaine Jones (Father was an American soldier based in Germany) has decided to play for the US National Team. Jones represented Germany at all the youth levels and has 3 caps with the full German NT but because they were friendlies, he is still eligible to change to the US. A 27 yr old midfielder with a nasty temper was an honorable mention all 11 Bundesliga selection last season at Shalke.
This is massive news. Jones will immediately become the one of the 2 or 3 best players on the US. He’s not eligible to play until Aug 1 though. Huge, huge news.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
Great Post Fire! Thanks!
Some random thoughts:
Spain is the favorite. But they will probably find a way to choke, just as they always do on the big stage (European Champions excluded). And Torres has yet to reach his hype on the national team, as opposed to his club play which is pretty darn good.
South Africa is a mess. I think this can’t be overstated. They promise to be one of the worst Confed Cup and WC hosts in recent history. Even worse than the 1994 USWC Squad. Their team is in shambles and is probably not even in the top 7 of Africa.
Italy is old . . . but they always find a way to play well on the world int’l stage. Don’t be surprised if they knock off Spain – the eternal chokers. And I agree with the other post that stated their next generation is close. Even with all the mob infestation of their soccer league, Italy manages to get it done on big stages. Now if they can only get Malidini to play again!
U.S. is struggling right now. I’d be surprised to see this team play Brazil and Italy well. I’m not convinced anyone in the CONCACAF is all that good right now and U.S. ability to suck away from home is almost as bad as Mexico’s ability to suck worse away from home.
Brazil could easily win this thing. Brazil is like a family in disarray all the time, but when Christmas comes around everyone manages to be nice to each other and it’s another great family event. That’s how Brazil and int’l competitions are. Don’t be surprised if they win it.
As for your comment that “US-Italy 2006 World Cup match was by far the best game in that tourney” – I’m not even sure I can put this game in the top 10! Yea it was a good game, but there were by far better. Argentina Germany., Italy Germany, and Mexico Argentina were all much better games. Maybe it was cuz you were more invested in that game, but I just don’t see it as a great game.
"Stanford has no fear of losing versus Cal, as they have done so every year but one for the last 20 years. They are, however, very afraid to get injured and indeed fear for their safety." - Furd Rugby Coach on forfeiting 2001 Rugby game vs. Cal
Hmmm, maybe my memory has faded over time but that US-Italy game was borderline epic. 3 ejections, both teams having disallowed goals, the Italians trying and failing to score with a man up for 45 solid minutes, end to end actions, great saves galore…
I’ll grant you Mexico-Argies was also brilliant but the other 2 you mention don’t stick out in my memory.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 12, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Can a game be the best of the tourney if it ends in a tie? There’s no payoff.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 12, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Don’t be surprised if they knock off Spain – the eternal chokers.
I’ve never really agreed with the “Country X are a bunch of chokers” argument. Teams always choke – unless they don’t. If anything, Spain should be playing full of confidence after being the clearly best team in Euro 2008.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Looks like Amr Zaki is out for the tourney with an injury. Egypt will lose 2-0 today I think
Also Cannovaro will miss the US game today and his backup is doubtful. Will Italy’s usually solid defense be vulnerable? Not enough, Italy 2-1 over the US.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
Yesterday went about as expected
Spain 5-0 over New Zealand (whose defense was absolutely atrocious).
South Africa 0-0 Iraq. SA should have won this game, Iraq looked pretty tame.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
Lots of action early on
1-1 Brazil Egypt 8 minutes in.
Kaka just walked in for the first goal, I thought it was going to be a Brazil onslaught, but then the Egyptians scored really easily (some very slack defending from Brazil) on a counter. Lots of action early.
Spoke too soon again. 2-1 Brazil 11 minutes in.
This might be
one of the worst defended football games I’ve ever seen. Everyone is just walking goals in.
HOLY SHIT
back to back Egypt goals on counters 30 seconds apart. The Brazilian transition defense is horrible.
I'm following online
and I thought it was a typo. Christ
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Brazil is better
But Egypt is playing from the football upset handbook. Attack, run all day, counter counter counter and keep pushing the ball.
Not like there is a drop off there. I think Pato might be a better player.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions
A friend of mine
just called me before the game and he said he thinks he they just picked up 11 street kids from the falava, they’d be ranked around 75th in the world.
I don’t think I would argue that too strenously either. Look at SA, Iraq and NZ form the other group. 72, 77 and 82 in the world. They were complete dogshit yesterday.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions
I Once Heard a Stat About Brazillian President's
The single most influential event/action/decision regarding their re-election is whether or not Brazil wins the World Cup.
We all dream of being a child again, even the worst of us, the worst... perhaps... most of all.
you would think
a team with Dunga as its manager would be a tougher minded defensive side. But Brazil is pretty content to let Egypt pass it around without harassment.
Nice attack by Fabiano, but it goes nowhere
Supposedly Brazil under Dunga has lost its flair a bit. They’ve been grinding out results that have been dreadful to watch apparently. I suspect today’s match, regardless fo the final outcome, is either a) Brazil doesn’t give a fuck about this tournament or b) they totally and completely did not take Egypt seriously.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 8:30 AM PDT up reply actions
#3 on Egypt
Just gave the Brazilian defender “The Hawk” that DeSean used to score against Oregon. Earned a corner.
BRILLIANT
run by Kaka – nice defending by the Egyptians. Now they’re attacking again
My local annoucers (who are usually horrible at all sports) mention a point which is relevant. Brazil is not trying to pass out of the back – they’re just trying to clear the ball. Kaka is coming all the way back to get the ball. They’re really disorganized.
D. Alivia draws the free kick right outside the Egyptian box. Big opportunity here with 87 minutes.
Where are you located?
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions
TIANANMEN SQUARE MASSACRE 1989 CCP FASCIST TORTURE FREEDOM TIBET TAIWAN DEMOCRACY FOREVER
k I probably just got this page blocked for LeonPowe
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 15, 2009 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Flagged for giving aid and comfort to the Red Menace.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions
YOU LIVE IN MY PARENTS HOUSE!?!?!
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
US lineup as expected
4-5-1 with Demerit in for Bocanegra and Feilhaber in as an attacking mid in place of a striker.
Italy in a 4-3-3 with Legrottaglie in for Cannovaro and Camoronese and Gilardino supporting Iaquinta up top. No Luca Toni though, a small surprise but with Iaquinta on fire recently, I suppose it shouldn’t have been.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
I shall be watching the US-Italy game when I get home later tonight. The project to make me a soccer fan continues.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
Oi vey
Clark gets a red card in the 32nd minute. The distant sound of drums in approaching…
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
what a dill hole
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions
supposedly the challenge was only worthy of a yellow and the red was shit officiating. Damned Chileans. We’ll see when I watch tonight.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Haha, that was a pretty weak red card.
People complain about basketball refs all the time, but soccer refs are by far the worst.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Clumsy challenge. Definite yellow, but in no way was that a straight red card. Crap call.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 15, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions
ANNNNDDDDDDDDD
Bornstein promptly scores an own goal. Ugh, game over I suspect. Nobody kills a 1-0 lead better than the Italians. Nobody.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
Crap, my feed must be way behind yours
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm looking at a few different feeds and one of tham had Bornstein scoring an own goal.
Then it cleared and sjowed Donovan wioth a PK score. Sweet!!!!
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions
or not????????
no own goal and Donovan gets a PK?????
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
YES! 1-0 USA
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Wait, your feed must be way behind. It’s 1-0 US right now.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I'll happily be wrong on that one
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Ah ha! Mystery solved
Bornstein did score an own goal but it was ruled offside on the pass. Then Altidore got the penalty almost immediately and DOnovan converted
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh look, there's the traitor from Jersey (Rossi) subbing in.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 12:43 PM PDT reply actions
oh look, the traitor just scored on a bombzilla
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
And there's the traitor with the equalizer
The lesson as always: Fuck Jersey guidos.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh sweet, just picked up the insane Spanish announcer feed
This should be fun.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 12:56 PM PDT reply actions
soft goal to concede
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Can’t wait for the next fifteen minutes of the 1-0-10 zone.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions
why would they need to? The US hasn’t come within 30 yards of Buffon in the 2nd half
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions
The Italian went over the back of Donovan, elbowed him in the back, and headed the ball away
I hate soccer refs.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 1:08 PM PDT reply actions
how was that not another penalty????
Unbelievable
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Because apparently you can't call more than one penalty kick in a game
And the ref didn’t want to get killed by the Sicilian mobsters waiting outside.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Corner kick, last chance....
Too high…sigh.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 1:17 PM PDT reply actions
snd the traitor seals it
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions
What the hell are the FIFA rules for playing for another country—just having to be born there? This is just as bad as Ben Gordon being able to play for Britain.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, but he lived there only for a few weeks after he was born! Dirk Nowitzki and Yao Ming are more American than Ben Gordon is British.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions
I think a goal of any elite athlete is to play in the Olympics (exempt: pussy USA basketball players during 02-04. Way to support your country guys), and I think the Olympics would be a life-changing experience. If a player wants to find a loophole to play in the Olympics, I am fine with it. Unless it is someone who just does it because they want to be on a better team. If a loophole is your only way to play your sport on an international level, go for it.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 15, 2009 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I think a goal of any elite athlete is to play in the Olympics
Sorry, but that’s just wrong. Elite athletes are risking millions of dollars to compete in the Olympics and it’s by no means an obligation for them to participate in what is in essence an amateur exhibition. You could say constant international basketball could severely impact the careers of prominent international players like Manu Ginobili and Yao Ming.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s not an obligation, but it’s not unreasonable to expect them to represent their country in high-profile competitions.
That is true for most sports, but it’s not the same for the most popular team sports. The NBA Finals is more important than Olympic basketball. The World Cup is more important than Olympic futbol. Eventually, someone’s going to realize this and put the same limits on Olympic hoops that they do with soccer. The Olympics should be for NBDL players or college types.
I was ultimately taking issue with his discussion of 2002-2004 NBA players like KG, Vince, Bibby & Kobe sitting out in Athens as ‘pussy behavior’, as if somehow playing 110 game, 8 month seasons and dealing with a multitude didn’t give them a free pass.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions
The world cup point nobody is going to argue. But I am sure many people feel Olympic basketball is more important then the NBA Finals. Would I stay up until 3 to watch an NBA Finals game? Hell no. But I threw off my sleep cycle for like a week by watching the gold medal game this year. And it was completely worth it.
Why do those athletes get a pass when plenty of other people before had done it. I am just bitter about those 2004 Olympics. Because (with the exception of Timmy and AI) that was our B team. Plus we had the perfectly wrong coach for that team. Hmmmm… we have a team full of budding youngsters with a lot of potential. Who should we hire as coach… I KNOW! A COACH WHO IS NOTORIOUS FOR GIVING NO PLAYING TIME TO YOUNG PLAYERS! PERFECT
In contrast, the 2008 team was perfect. I don’t think they could have done it better. They had a very young team, and they get one of the most respected college coaches ever to deal with the youth. Plus it was just a great roster.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 15, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Before 2004, no team came close to knocking off Team USA; they sent twelve players and they romped the house. It was an exhibition tour to sell jerseys and raise awareness for their athletes. It still is that way to an extent; just a way to build global brand.
Anyway, I don’t lose much sleep if the Americans lose in the Olympics, because it doesn’t mean as much to me and most basketball fans as the Finals do. I treat it more as free hoops, and if the game is great (like Spain-USA was), sweetness. I don’t feel American ballers are under any obligation; they do enough all season. No one remembers how badly Dwight Howard played in the Olympics, but they will remember everything about how he was smothered in the Finals this year (and vice versa for Kobe & Gasol; their Olympic confrontation is an afterthought).
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Well
Except for the 2000 Olympics where Lithuania had a wide open 3 point shot at the buzzer for the win, and it hit the back of the rim.
Oh…shit. I forgot about that. Wasn’t the star of that game the dude who was jumping up and down on the Warriors bench during the Mavs upset?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Šarūnas Jasikevičius
A HELL Of a basketball player – but some player’s games just don’t fit the NBA.
Oscar being another one.
Didn’t Big O average a triple double one season in the NBA?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 16, 2009 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions
That's Oscar Robertson.
I’m talking about Oscar Schmidt also known as Mão Santa (Holy Hand)
/Oscar%20Schmidt.jpg)
He once dropped 46 points on the US in the Pan American Games final as well as averaging 42ppg in the 88 Olympics.
LIthuania is the most hard luck international basketball team. They were absolutely the best team for three straight olympics, but they always got the bronze because they always drew the US in the semifinals and then won the bronze medal game. Lots of close games with the US, and they choked in 2004 and 2008 when they had chances to at least get silver.
On the bright side, they have awesome t-shirts:
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
This is my favorite one
The original from the 1992 Olympics. The artist and the Greatful Dead graphic company (Not Fade Away) have since had acrimonious relationships – but this t-shirt is still bad-ass.
I’ve got 6 or 7 of various designs. I wore one on campus while running the same day as a Grateful Dead tribute concert at the Greek on accident. One guy saw me and kept asking me, “Were you there man? Were you there?” I had no idea what he was talking about and just kept running.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
NBA = playing for money
Olympics = playing for your country
If money is more important to you, that’s fine. But call it what it is.
by HolmoePhobe on Jun 16, 2009 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Are you calling out American athletes for not being as nationalistic as their international counterparts?
And it seems rather shortsighted to say that NBA players fight for an NBA championship only because of their contracts. It’s part of it, but it’s more than that.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 16, 2009 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
There’s a difference between patriotism and nationalism.
And yes, I’m sure that in the era of free agency, players feel a deep personal connection with each of the 3953 franchises they play for during their careers.
by HolmoePhobe on Jun 16, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
For teams that win titles and contend for them, for players who like to compete and win, it means more. But sure, for some players who never win and gun for their own stats, it probably comes down to money. They are a minority in the league now.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 16, 2009 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh ok. It must be true because you say so.
by HolmoePhobe on Jun 16, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Did someone delete my comment?!
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 16, 2009 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions
The conversation your comment was involved in was hidden. It started with a stupid generalization and led to more dumb generalizations. CGB is better off without it.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 16, 2009 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Ruh roh.
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 16, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions
HolmoePhobe and me are arguing for the same point? What the hell is going on.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 16, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Well that is sad. I would do anything to be an Olympic athlete. I think it is fair to say that foreign countries take the Olympics a lot more seriously (and international competitions for that matter; Japan held a giant parade after they won the inaugural WBC. People in the U.S. would just shrug) so for an elite athlete growing up in a foreign country they are trained to think that the highest badge of honor is to be in the Olympics (this is the same for U.S. athletes in non big time sports). I think U.S. athletes should be trained that way. We need more crazy nationalism like there is in the rest of the world.
I expect everyone will take their turn to shoot down this comment after I post it.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 15, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Pro football, basketball and baseball players make millions trying to win championships for their professional leagues. NFL players have no international equivalent. American NBA players generally play in one, maybe two Olympics, and even then it takes a huge toll on their bodies to sacrifice three summers to get ready for it. MLB players play for six months nonstop; the WBC is an awkward tournament right in the middle of spring training and doesn’t really make any sense at all.
The Olympics is for most of the obscure sports (swimming, track, gymnastics, rowing, biking, etc.) that no one would give a damn about to watch for more than two weeks. And we do fairly well. Why do we need ‘crazy nationalism’? We still won the most medals in Beijing. Apparently, US amateur athletes do pretty well on their own to motivate themselves. And let’s not forget how terribly Olympic athletes get treated overseas in some countries if they don’t win. Give me casual interest from American sports fans over crazed nationalism anyday.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm just curious
Where exactly are these countries where non-winning Olympic athletes are treated “horribly”? Can you cite me some specific examples? Preferably from regimes which don’t treat everyone horribly? (I.e. not China.)
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
I was mostly thinking about China and East Europe, where the government ran most of the sports programs, but you’re right, I did exaggerate on ‘horrible treatment’
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions
As a current resident
of a country purported to give “horrible treatment” to non-winning athletes . .. your media is lying to you.
Sure its not all wine and roses – but its not any sort of horrible treatment.
Are they lying to us? Or are they just lazy as fuck?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions
So, they DONT bill the bullet to the athletes family?
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Uh….our media >> >>>>>> >> >>> Xinhua
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 16, 2009 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Absolutely
But that doesn’t mean US media is right about China.
(Because aside from a few . . . it ain’t)
Fair enough
I wasn’t sure if I had missed some scandal or something. “Sports machines” were a really horrible deal (and still are, see eg Chinese gymnastics) but I’ve really never heard of any system that’s even close to that arising in a democracy.
There was that soccer player who was killed for scoring an own goal a while back, but that was a World Cup thing… and apparently implicated organized crime.
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
In essence an amateur exhibition?
What is this? 1988? Seoul?
Tennis, Football, Basketball, Beach/Sand Volleyball, are all professional athletes.
And the goals of most elite international athletes is to compete in the Olympics. I’d be willing to be bet that Yao would choose to play in the Olympics over playing in the NBA. Luckily he can do both.
Not sure why tennis is at the Olympics. Is it because we can never keep track of who’s winning the Davis Cup?
I don’t have a big problem with beach/sand volleyball because it’s a relatively minor sport. But I’ve never been comfortable with international basketball because the hoops season is seven months long, and the rest time you usually need during the off-season to recover from the grind isn’t available to you. Numerous Olympic hoops players have come back the next season slow, injured, or hobbled.
And I’d be pissed if I were the Rockets; all that added international play has not done any good for Yao’s body, he hasn’t finished four of the last five seasons. Ditto the Spurs with Ginobili, who might never be the same again.
And soccer has a limit, right? Only three World Cup players allowed on the Olympic teams? They’re discussing right now whether to eliminate them entirely.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions
There are two Olympic sports where the rules still specifically prevent teams' fielding their best athletes
Men’s soccer and boxing. Olympic boxing is horseshit (to an even greater degree than the entire sport of boxing is horseshit, which is saying a lot). Soccer is held back by FIFA command to protect the World Cup’s brand integrity.
Trying to draw analogies from those sports to any other Olympic sport is nonsense. Essentially every other sport is now professionalized (at least at the levels at which people have any serious shot at winning medals).
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
Yeah
I think the main contention I had was something about NBA athletes skipping the athletes being ‘pussies’, which I totally disagreed with, and then I veered off course into whether pro athletes should be allowed in the Olympics. An interesting discussion for another time.
But it isn’t just two sports is it? Aren’t gymnasts also supposed to be amateurs?
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Don't think so
although women’s gymnastics is a sport which by its very nature makes having a truly “professional” tour semi-impossible, because by the time people are out of school, they’re generally not good enough anymore.
It obviously varies from sport to sport. Skiing’s World Cup provides enough prize money for 25-50 elite athletes to be pure pros and another 100-200 to be semi-pros. Pro beach volleyball tourneys typically take 32 teams or so, but some of those aren’t making enough money to really be called true “pros.” Really, though, virtually every Olympic sport has a serious professional tour on which the top competitors make somewhere between a good living and an elite one— maybe not here, but somewhere in the world.
One of the ironic storylines of the last Olympics was the resurgence of the American indoor volleyball team, which has returned to elite status now that the best American players can play professionally overseas in places like Russia. We’re actually starting to export athletes in some sports.
I’m hoping that process accelerates for soccer so that we can finally start developing some elite players (since MLS has failed to do so).
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
What about Olympic trampoline?
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Basically, you have to have citizenship
and not played in a tournament or qualifier for another country. It used to be that you declared at age 21 who you played for but FIFA just changed that, hence the Jones defection to the US.
Rossi lived in the US until he was 13 then joined Parma to play footy. Both parents are Italian born and he always was clear who it was he wanted to play for.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I think you can get away with switching provided that you’ve only showed out at under-21 / friendly matches. Once you’ve been in senior competition, that’s it. Generally.
Also, I think it’s enough to have parents from the country you’re turning out for.
That rule can vary from sport to sport – in rugby union, having a grandparent is enough, which is why you see fourth-rate New Zealanders turning out for Scotland (in lieu of fifth late Scots).
How else would you do it? It makes total sense – if you’re a citizen of both countries, you should get to choose which one you want to play for.
I’d prefer NBA players not play at all, but you should play for the country you grew up in. How many British sports fans know who Ben Gordon is?
The FIFA rules seem ok. Not sure.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Rossi’s parents are Italian, and he’s lived a third of his life in Italy—effectively the entirety of his professional soccer apprenticeship. So how, exactly, does his choosing to play for Italy make him a traitor?
Nice effort today by the Yanks. It’s just unfortunate that the ref dug them an unfair early hole. And then he compounded the matter by not awarding an obvious second penalty in the late going.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 15, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Too much common sense CaliPete
I prefer just yelling “TRAITOR!!!”
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 15, 2009 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Agree
I don’t have a problem with it but its nice to think of what might have been, i.e. Rossi becoming the greatest player ever for the US. The guy has a ginormous future.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 15, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I share your frustration. Those were two world-class finishes my the Jersey-Italian, the likes of which we rarely (ever?) see from the U.S..
Question: South Africa 2010 was penciled in by many of us, 3-4 years ago, as the great coming-out party for Freddy Adu. That doesn’t look likely now that it’s 2009. Should we give up on Freddy, or is his time still yet to come?
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 15, 2009 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Its not like he has been bad, he just hasn’t been revolutionary. And he is still pretty damn young.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 15, 2009 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Freddy
Is still one of our better offensive midfielders – the problem is he’s not much better than someone like Maurice Edu – who plays both ways (wheras Freddy only goes forward)
Two big problems for Freddy are his size and his lack of playing time at a high level league (he couldn’t get off the bench – even for his second tier Portugal side)
Adu was at Monaco this past season, a mid table first division French team.
Adu is still only 19 or 20 but has made some bad choices on the teams he has gone too. Benfica still holds his registration but I would think he’ll move again this year. If he’s smart, it’ll be to somewhere he knows he can play all the time, if only to get his match sharpness back and showcase his talent to bigger teams.
I haven’t written him off but unless he gets smarter about his professional career, he’ll be a bust.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 16, 2009 6:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Yes you're right.
Clearly I don’t spend enough time on yanks-abroad.com
But he didn’t play much there either.
Agreed
Hence my comment about being smarter. He needs to find the right team for him otherwise he’ll fade into oblivion.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 16, 2009 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions
A creditable performance
but 10v 11 for almost 60 minutes was never going to end well.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
I tried to read through this. I really did. I try to get into soccer. I even rock a jersey from time to time. And in 2002 I did the faux-hawk in World Cup Solidarity. But I just cant. I just cant!
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
More on Rossi
The Euro sports media are great, as they are never shy of launching baldly nationalistic attacks against their rivals. This time it’s the Spanish daily AS, which apparently ripped into Italy’s performance yesterday, including accusations of Beppo Rossi as a “traitor” and describing his goals against the Yanks as an act of “patricide”.
I’ve got some time to waste this morning, so I thought I’d use it to practice my Italian. Here’s my best effort to translate some of the highlights of an interview with Rossi in La Gazzetta dello Sport, “Rossi and his American Dream”:
“Here’s the story: when I was 18 years old, Bruce Arena wanted me to play for the U.S. in the 2006 World Cup, but my dream was to play for Italy. … ‘American Dream’? Of course it’s the mentality that I have. I want to realize my dreams and always do more.”
“I’ve always dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player, and it’s easier to realize that dream in Italy. You can also do that in the United States, but it’s easier in Europe.”
“My family is happy, because they remain fans of Italy. And I’m happy to have their support.”
“America is home, because my family is there. We lived there until I was 13 years old. But I was in Italy for 5-6 years, and I grew up there as a soccer player; therefore, Italy is an important part of me.
On his three languages and the celebration after his first goal: “I was thinking in Italian, but then it became ‘Vamos’ and then ’Let’s Go’.”
On his future: “A return to Italy? I’m focused now on the Confederations Cup, then we’ll see. But I like everything about Italian soccer. It is challenging, and I like the presure. I’ve always been a Milan fan, and my idols are Gullit and Van Basten. If Galliani calls me? I’ll answer, Ciao!”
On Manchester United: “If United wants me, I would meet with them. I spent three years with United. It was my first stop with a top-level club, and it was a great experience. The growth of English soccer is something that has been keeping me waiting. There are cycles, as in the ‘90s, Italian soccer was the best. There’s a continuous evolution.”
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 16, 2009 9:08 AM PDT reply actions
Eh
As a team that in the last 15 years has played Tom Dooley (Germany), Earnie Stewart (The Netherlands), David Regis (France), Freddy Adu (Ghana) and will soon play Jermaine Jones (Germany again), I have zero problems with Rossi playing for Italy.
Yeah, I’d like to see him wearing the red, white and blue, but I’d also like Megan Fox’s phone number (even with her club thumb) and a Specialized S-Works Tarmac Pro with SRAM Red gruppo, but you don’t see me whining over that either, do you?
by LeonPowe on Jun 16, 2009 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think anyone can seriously suggest that Rossi shouldn't be able to play for Italy
It’s more of a wistful, “how much better would this team be if he was playing for us?” kind of thing… sort of like wondering how good Cal would have been last year if Ryan Anderson had stuck around. There’s a big difference between asking that question and calling him a traitor for going to the NBA.
The Spanish papers are just being intentionally asinine to sell copy…
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
Clearly
You have wisely not spent much time reading the comments section at soccernet.com. Unwisely, I wasted 30 minutes of my life doing this.
(People were suggesting he get his citizenship revoked – granted only a few, but still . . .)
Can't have it both ways
Either you accept the concept of naturalization, or you don’t. Personally, I find the alternative (forcing people to support their “birth country,” no matter how much they dislike it) repulsive. And it’d be hard to argue that the US hasn’t benefitted more than it’s lost through sports-related immigration.
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
Rec’d for Specialized S-Works Tarmac Pro. Drooooooolll.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 16, 2009 11:18 AM PDT reply actions
Flag accepted. I do that all the damn time.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 16, 2009 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Good result for Iraq
With SA only beating NZ by 2, Iraq needs to beat NZ and SA to lose to Spain by a combination of 3 or more goals to advance to the semi finals.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
I am currently watching the U.S. game (just took me awhile to get around to it) and they were clearly the better team in the first half. I am about 60 minutes in right now. The first half was very very promising for a U.S. team that I hear has put up some stinkers recently.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
USA-Brazil under way
I see another 3-1 loss here at best for the US.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
Down by 1 already!
Gotta love it. Sigh.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 18, 2009 7:09 AM PDT up reply actions
11 minutes in
and Brazil has 3 corners already. It’s going to be a lonnnnnnnnnggggggggggg day
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd we're down 2 in the 19th minute
Historic beatdown in the offing?
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 18, 2009 7:29 AM PDT up reply actions
What's that thunderous flatulence sounding noise I hear?
Its the USA losing 3-0! Gold Cup! Gold Cup! Gold Cup!
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 18, 2009 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Too many mistakes. Pretty annoying to watch.
While the rides on the Pain Train and Brock Mansion Party Yacht have been fun, I think its time I hop on the BakBakcycle.
by rollonubears on Jun 18, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Yet a totally unsurprising result
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 18, 2009 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions
What the hell?
This smells like an awful idea.
FIFA removed television sets from sidelines for the remainder of the Confederations Cup to ensure there is no repeat of the controversy surrounding Brazil’s winning goal against Egypt.
Egypt protested referee Howard Webb’s decision to give a last-minute penalty kick to Brazil after appearing to consult with a match official who had watched a replay. Kaka converted the penalty kick for a 4-3 victory Monday.
"To make sure there is no more doubt about the television set, about the match officials at the line, as from yesterday on there is no more television sets there," FIFA president Sepp Blatter said. "It is away. It is finished, so nobody can say there is interference of videos."
Blatter said the events in Bloemfontein confirmed his opinion that replay technology was not suitable for soccer.
"I am still of the opinion that we should not use video for decisions in the field of play," Blatter said. "And this principle is not my principle: it has been confirmed and reconfirmed by the International Football Association Board, the guardians and custodians of the laws of the game."
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 18, 2009 9:33 AM PDT reply actions
They’re not supposed to use video, period. There was a similar fuss when Zinedine Zidane was sent off for head-butting Marco Materazzi in the last world cup – the referee had his back to the incident but saw it on the stadium jumbotron.
You’d have to look pretty hard to find people in favor of video for soccer decisions; about the most you’d see would be something to confirm whether the ball crossed the goal line.
Egypt!!!!!!!
Unbelieveable, the US actually has a chance to still go through. It would take some unlikely results but its possible.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
Italy would have to lose to Brazil, we’d have to beat Egypt, and we’d have to make up a 6 goal differential…is that right?
Something along those lines, yes. Distinctly improbable, especially considering the US’s level of play.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 19, 2009 6:43 AM PDT up reply actions
The US has to beat Egypt by 3 goals just to finish THIRD in the group...
It’s mathematically possible that we could make up a 6-goal differential on Italy as well, but you’re getting into Fresno-State-winning-the-College-World-Series levels of improbability at that point.
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
"Unlikely" doesn't even begin to describe this
I was trying to figure out what the odds of this happening were afterwards with a friend of mine, and the conservative number we came up with was something like 1 in 5000…
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
lol
CGB: Our points are reliable. Our logic is infallible. Our past records are illogical. And our ham is dynamite!
by Spazzy Mcgee on Jun 21, 2009 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions
great game vs. egypt
but it doesn’t erase our piss poor performances against Brazil and Italy. I’m not saying we should have beat those teams – but it would’ve been nice to have not looked like football neophytes out there.
The way we made a splash in 2002 was running at people, pressuring for 90 minutes and attacking on the counter. But I’m seeing a lot of standing around and walking from the USMNT – I think when we’re under talented (and compared to the top 20 teams we are) we can still make an impact by trying to force the action. Yeah we might lose, but we were going to probably anyways. Why not try to push the ball and try to get things caught up out of the run of play? Egypt caught Brazil on transition slopyness 3 times i nthe first game – I thin kwe could easily get one or two against the better teams in the world that way.
That being said, let’s go US! Beat Spain! (something which no one has done in 3 years!)
I dont think the Italy performance was that bad considering they were down a man for 60 minutes. I think Bradley deserves some criticism for the tactics there though. How about an adjustment at halftime to compensate fro Clark being off? No? Really?
Brazil, now that was ugly.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 22, 2009 6:59 AM PDT up reply actions
You're right
We weren’t so bad against Italy. But I just don’t like the way we’re playing. Non-aggressive, conservative football.
This Spain team
is clearly the class of FIFA right now (35 game unbeaten streak says something about that) but I totally love the way we’ve come out. We’re running hard and pressuring. Being very aggressive. I love the way Charlie Davis has come out to start the game. And this looks like the 2002 Donovan.
Keep it up and something good will happen.
GOOOL! GOOOOOOL! GOL! GOL! GOL! GOL!
Great hold-up play and then strike from AltidorE!!!!!!
by LeonPowe on Jun 24, 2009 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Holy Ass Crack Batman!
The US is playing really really well. Famous last words
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 24, 2009 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Like I said
Donovan is looking great, as is Davis. Defense has looked a little shaky on the wings, but we knew that. Gooch has held down the middle.
I can’t watch but from the liveblogs it sounds like Spain’s controlling the ball?
by HolmoePhobe on Jun 24, 2009 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Spain is controlling the ball
But we’re pressuring up front and counter attacking hard – standard playbook for a lesser talented team to pull off an upset. I like it – its much better than playing 11 behind the ball and trying not to make a mistake.
1-0 Half. Can’t complain about that.
Torres and Villa really look off today
US has really held their own and looked equally as dangerous as the Spaniards.
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 24, 2009 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions
We need to maintain
possession a little bit better. Spain is looking much better in the attack in the 2nd half. We can’t keep giving it away.
It feels
good to have Boca back there at left back at least.
Casillas is rocking the thin spanish mustache like Inigo Montya.
We're looking a little tired
perhaps its time for a sub?
God we’re giving Spain way too many chances to equalize.
Howard continues to stand up at the back.
he is playing a blinder
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 24, 2009 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
gol gol gol gol
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
dempsey!!!!!!!!!
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 24, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions
I just went
YEAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
really loudly in my living room at 4am, sitting shirtless in basketball shorts. Really loudly.
Let’s go boys! Keep it together!!!
by LeonPowe on Jun 24, 2009 1:02 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
only 56-44 possession?
it feels like so much more
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
I think Gooch is adding some zeros onto the end of that new contract he's getting
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
Game Bitches!!!!!
USA! USA! I am going to pay for this at work in 5 hours, but it was worth it baby.
Great great stuff
Even the infidels broadcasting my feed were impressed with the way the US played. Even though Spain had about 200 shots on goal I don’t think America could have played much better.
Hopefully we hold steady against Brazil, lose by maybe a goal or two.
by Avinash Kunnath on Jun 24, 2009 1:37 PM PDT reply actions
Both Jen Chang of ESPN and Grant Wahl of SI.com do a good job. Yanks Abroad is also pretty good
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 24, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Keeping the dream alive
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
Sunday I believe.
Not as useful as Rated-R Superstar, but, hey!, I stick my Grease watching to once a weekend.
by rollonubears on Jun 26, 2009 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Sunday 11am Pacific on ESPN2
Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.
by Fire Starkey on Jun 26, 2009 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Important
With the U.S. in the final, they’ve switched the final over to ESPN (“the Ace”?).
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 28, 2009 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions
I can't believe
I’m going to stay up to watch another game at 2.30am.
I’m not asking for or expecting a win. But I am expecting the US to play hard, play aggressive and take some chances.
True dedication! The games on at like 1130 AM here and I’m too lazy to watch it. LeonPowe, you are a true fan!
Supreme Leader Ayatollah TwistNHook!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Its not hate, its laziness. Laziness is the most powerful force in the universe. Im so lazy, I dont have the energy to hate.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah TwistNHook!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Pics or you’re not lazy but actually going out to brunch.
Not as useful as Rated-R Superstar, but, hey!, I stick my Grease watching to once a weekend.
by rollonubears on Jun 28, 2009 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions
I've got the game on. Lurking around the web, but watching the game....
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Jun 28, 2009 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions
excellent
US already looking to be playing with more aggression and confidence than our last run in with Brazil
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
nicely placed ball there
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Jun 28, 2009 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions
I wonder if Dempsey made the touch on the cross intentionally, of if he was just trying to deflect it toward the goal in any way he could. Either way, a great play.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Both the cross and the shot were great
The cross gave Dempsey the ball on the net side, without any defenders nearby. He could have tipped it to either corner and gotten it in – the goalie could only stop something down the middle.
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Jun 28, 2009 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Tim Howard with a big save
Are you around Leon? Seems like the Americans are playing exactly how you hoped they would, strategically and emotionally.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I am at an Irish Pub. There’s a small crowd of about 20 here – about 15 Americans and 5 Brazilians.The Brazlians are in shock.
That seems a little extreme, since the US has scored on both of their good chances, but Brazil has controlled the ball
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Great first half
Brazil had few, if any clear shots. Defenders were all over the ball and never let it hang around in the box longer than necessary. Two counter goals and the US is in an unbelievable spot.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Indeed
Unlike the first time the US played Brazil, they actually look like they belong on the same field as the Brazilians. Great saves by Howard, and that Donovan goal was beautiful.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
Well crap, that was fast
DeMerit gets unlucky with the shot going through the 5 hole
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I wish the US would play more ball control and less long ball when they get possession in the midfield
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Brazil gets the tie
Come on USA! Don’t hold back – anything can happen in 15 minutes
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
It might not be the majority opinion, but I don’t think the Americans are playing any worse in the 2nd half – but they are more tired, which gives Brazil just a little more room. That, and Brazil is really good.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
The difference is
they bring on a player who would be the best player on the US (Daneil Alves) and we bring on friggin Bornstein and Kjlestien.
Agreed. His was a glaring absence today.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 28, 2009 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Altidore looked totally gassed in the second half
Missed multiple chances at balls that were closer to him than to the Brazilian defender. I agreed with the decision to sub him out… Feilhaber, not so much. Kjlestian was pretty terrible.
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
Game Over
A gutsy performance from the Americans, but Brazil was clearly the more talented side and it showed in the final score.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Aww shit. Eerily similar to the Italy game. Own the first half against a superior team, lose it in the 2nd. Disheartening, but not really a setback.
Not as useful as Rated-R Superstar, but, hey!, I stick my Grease watching to once a weekend.
The good news is that Brazil appears to be better than the current version of the Azzurri, and the US played much better in the 1st half against Brazil than their 1st half against Italy.
Fatigue, lack of depth, and superior Brazilian talent all conspired against the Americans.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Who do you think the MVP of the tournament for the U.S. is? I am going with Onyewu. He was a monster.
Not as useful as Rated-R Superstar, but, hey!, I stick my Grease watching to once a weekend.
by rollonubears on Jun 28, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Lot of heroes for the US
I’m going weasel out and pick 5:
Howard, Gooch, DeMerit, Ladon and Deuce.
Howard was awarded best GK of the tournament and Deuce got the bronze ball as the 3rd best player (behind Fabiano and Kaka)
Gooch=Onyewu? Deuce=Dempsey?
Not as useful as Rated-R Superstar, but, hey!, I stick my Grease watching to once a weekend.
by rollonubears on Jun 28, 2009 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Gooch = o-GOOCH-i on-YE-wu
Deuce = Clint. I think he grew up wearing 2 . .. and maybe wears #2 for Fulham. If youtube wasn’t blocked in this country, I’d link to his rap song (“Don’t Tread on Me”) from the 06 World Cup . . . with the now deceased Big Hawk.
(PAT! – Port Arthur Texas! Home of Deuce, SJax and UGK)
Tim Howard
Multiple spectacular saves, almost no mistakes.
Would have to go with Donovan among the position players, as he was very good against Brazil and totally apeshit crazy good against Spain.
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
Makes you wonder what the result would be if half the USA team wasn't missing due to injuries
Then again, you can only sub three players… there’s only so far “depth” can take you.
If anything, it’s more important to really develop a reliable, quality front 10 that you can lean on for consistent performances in 3 straight games. And outside of a couple of spots, it feels like the US did a good job of that here.
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
I still we probably lose
but it’d be nice to be able to bring Feilhaber, an in-form Beasley (not the current shell of a player he is now) or Ching off the bench. I was hoping Bradley would bring in Torres off the bench instead of Bornstein, Kjlestian or especially big lumbering Conor Casey.
The real positive – aside from the way we attacked the brazilians – is I think we have a solid back 4 for SA 2010 (Dolo or Spector, Gooch, DeMerit and Boca) and if Altidore and Donovan can continue to link up front .. . we’re not a bad squad.
The questions are who plays up front with Altidore (Davies created a lot of havoc with his speed, but his touches weren’t great in this game). In the midfield, I think Bradley proved that he’s not only playing because his dad is the coach. He’s no Harkes or Ramos or Reyna yet, but he’s getting there. Donovan of course plays wide one side. . . I think Jones will start where Ricardo Clark had been playing.
I actually have no problem with carrying specialist players on the roster
I mean, what’s the limit, 23? No way you need that many players for “active duties.”
The US needed a big body to kick to, so they inserted Casey. I’d much rather have a bench full of guys who are particularly good at one thing than a bunch of guys who are just worse versions of the starters.
Incidentally, and maybe this is just the hockey fan in me talking, but I would have pulled the goalie for that corner as well as inserting Casey. Different story in group play, but goal differential don’t matter none in a final.
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
I think
that’s supposed to be Brian Ching (as the target striker)
I hope that Adu gets a lot of playing time in the Gold Cup and over the next regular season – just to see if he’s really the offensive midfielder we need – either off the bench or playing wide with Landon. If he can play enough (and track back on defense) -that might allow us to move Dempsey upfront to partner with Altidore.
One thing I do like is the depth of our midfield – especially with Jones coming on-board in October.
I actually ended up watching the first half of this game. I was chilling with a friend in Oakland and he wanted to watch it.
Not going to lie, I enjoyedi t greatly. Too be fair, I did watch solely the first or aka GOOD half. But when the Usa scored their second point, I was screaming “yay for the team of america!” loudly.
Ok, I tried to sound snooty there int he last sentence, but the point is my bitter facade died a little today. I might enjoy more soccer in the future! GO AMERICAS!
Supreme Leader Ayatollah TwistNHook!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Even though I was rooting hard for the US, it’s fun to watch a great team like Brazil when they have to score. The way they can attack is amazing to watch.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Everytime
Robinho or Kaka came down the left side, I was scared. Really scared. And that turn and shoot by Fabiano was really pretty.
But on the other hand, Donovan’s goal was at least a top 5 US goal that I’ve seen – at least (top 3 – Feilhaber vs. Mexico in 07 Gold Cup, Donovan vs. Mexico in 02 World Cup, Perki vs. Brazil in 98 Gold Cup)
Agreed
The interplay between the two US players was a spectacular counter attack – as good as you’ll see in the world. A truly special goal and a shame that it didn’t end up winning the game.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
In the half that I watched, it seemed to me that we put ourselves in better attacking position, while, simultaneously keeping the Brazilians in worse attacking position.
For example, on both of our goals, the American player was directly in front of the goal. This might seem incredibly basic to soccer fans like you guys, but to me it seemed key to increase the goal available for the offensive player.
In comparison, in the first half, If elt that often the American defenders kept the Brazilian offensive players on the sides of th goal, so they had a worse angle. This minimizes the amount of space the goalie has to defend, helping him.
Further, the Americans seemed to always have a lot of bodies around to player goalie, too. The ball would bounce off of one of them before even the goalie could get involved. But the Americans had better chances. On the Donovan goal, it was him and one other defender. The other defender over-pursued, DOnovan slowed down, pushing the defender out of the way. then, it was just donovan and the goalie with the entirety of the goal in front of donovan. This is advantageous to Donovan, because he knows where he wants the ball to goal, which the goalie does not.
This might not seem advanced analysis to you, but this was one of the first soccer games I’d watched since probably 2002 World Cup. So, it was interesting to me.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah TwistNHook!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
In comparison, in the first half, If elt that often the American defenders kept the Brazilian offensive players on the sides of th goal, so they had a worse angle.
This is very true in terms of shooting. Brazil’s runs to the side of the goal started paying dividends in the 2nd half because they led to great crosses, which are difficult to defend. If one team can continually send balls sailing into the box without pressure, goals are almost certain to follow.
It seemed to me in the first half that the US defenders had the stamina to keep up with Brazil’s wing attacks, but not in the 2nd half.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Not bad, Twist, although I would say soccer doesn’t quite lend itself to the same sort of analysis that, say, American gridiron football does. Even for the best players in the world, executing a shot, pass, dribble, etc., is far from certain. Thus, soccer analysts spend less time commenting on strategy and more simply on the quality of the touches. So while we might comment on the good use of space out wide on the Americans’ first goal, or the well-conceived 2-man counter-attack on their second, it’s really the quality of the touches that most stands out. Spector’s cross and Dempsey’s delicate redirect. Donovan’s early and accurate pass to Davies followed by a perfect first-time return ball to Donovan just behind the Brazilian defense, with which Landon then showed world-class skill both in his first touch to control the pass and turn the defender and then a clinical finish inside the far post.
Soccer strategy is the easy part. It’s the skill (and, frankly, luck) required to pull off these plays that makes the difference between wild celebrations of “Goooollllll!!!” versus teammates’ appreciative feedback of “Good look” or “Unlucky.”
And I agree wholeheartedly with Nick. The U.S. midfield and outside backs simply ran out of gas in the second half, and they were unable to track their men, block shots, and deny crosses like they had during 90 minutes against Spain and the first 45 against Brazil—particularly after Brazil got that dose of energy with their opening goal. Remember how deflated Spain (and indeed Brazil, in the first half) were by the second U.S. goal? Today was just the opposite. And there just wasn’t anybody able to hold onto possession for the U.S. to let them catch their breath and regain their defensive shape. This, for me, remains the biggest weakness in Altidore’s game, as well as the most glaring need alongside Donovan in midfield.
Great, great effort by the boys. Hopefully they can file this one away and let it carry them through a year’s worth of grueling fitness preparation for their return trip to South Africa next year.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 28, 2009 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
One of the main issues for me
and I don’t know how much of this is Bradley vs. the players on the field, but it really seemed to me that we spent far too much time trying to pass forward in the air, as opposed to running at Brazil with the ball at our feet. I don’t remember one combination that worked from a long pass (in the air) – in fact Kjlestian gave the ball right back on four or five straight possessions trying for a hopeful ball to Davies or Altidore.
Yeah, that was killing me. Plenty of times through the whole game our defenders would kill a Brazil attack and instead of a short pass to the midfield or dribbling to space, they would try to launch a ball well upfield. Even if it found the head or feet of an American attacker he was surrounded by Brazilian defenders and had no real chance to do anything. There was very little upside to the long passes and they almost always resulted in Brazil going back on the attack very quickly.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I think that’s a normal tactic for inferior teams to take. The idea being that at least it allows the possibility of getting the ball by the goal, and prevents dangerous interceptions by the other team’s dominant midfield. I agree it is frustrating because of the frequent turnovers and I’m kind of curious how a shorter passing style would have played out for the US.
I think it was a fair tactic – they had Brazil playing well forward and scored the second goal on the break, there was no harm in taking a crack at it… and really, the medium passing game only seemed to be working if they were exceptionally fast on the counter. It’s not easy to pass your way through Brazil.
Launching hopeful long balls through the air is a staple of players who are tired and/or lack confidence. For much of the U.S. team in the second half, the former was most certainly the case. For Sacha, though, whose legs were fresh, it clearly was the latter—although, in his defense, he does need teammates moving into space in order to give him a simpler option.
This is where not having Bradley on Sunday really hurt. Against Spain, Feilhaber could be brought in off the bench and he really provided a dose of energy and stability to the U.S. midfield—creating, in fact, the game-icing second goal. But there was no Benny on the bench against Brazil. Of course, as good as Spain is, no team on the planet makes it harder to maintain possession than Brazil.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Jun 29, 2009 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions
One thing
Its really nice to be able to discuss the USMNT without the constant barrage of OMG WTF BRADLEY MUST BE FIRED that tends to populate the other discussions about the US national team.
I’m not the biggest fan of bradley, but I think he’s earned a go at the World Cup next year . . . I think our problems aren’t really formation or tactics (although I would have slight issues over substitutions) its player development, and we’re not getting enough guys who can play with the ball at their feet at the senior level. That and a world class finisher would be nice.
I am not so knowledgable about this, but it would seem to me that if USA was able to beat Spain and nearly knock off Brazil, while having (to my understanding) inferior talent on the field, then the coaching must be complimented.
PS DId you sleep last night????
Supreme Leader Ayatollah TwistNHook!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
I think the conventional wisdom
is that the US were able to stay on the field because they pressured the ball, waited for counter attacks and played amazing defense.
I think in this case, the CV is right. Gooch and DeMerit may have earned themselves new contracts with how they performed in the central midfield (I think DeMerit made one mistake from the start of the Egypt game through the end of the Brazil game – and I didn’t see Gooch lose one 50/50 ball.)
High pressure and counter-attack is what teams with inferior talent do – I think the big issue that most people have with Bradley are 1. Playing Michael so much (although I think he has proven that its not nepotism, but M. Bradley is one of our best options in the mid) 2. Substitution patterns 3. Not playing younger players (Adu, Jose Francisco Torres) 4. Not being Jurgen Klinnesman
I did sleep
from about 11pm till about 2am. Then again from 5am till about 9am . .. then made it to work about an hour late at 10am.
I watch a pretty decent amount of soccer, but I still don’t feel very confident in critiquing most tactics, particularly minor differences in formation. But from my limited perspective I had no real issues with how the US went about their last few games.
Much like baseball, I think managers are given too much credit for success and too much blame for losses. in the end the players make or miss the plays.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Well, let's not go too far overboard here
I don’t think there’s any team sport where the manager is less involved than baseball. Most of the “tactical” options (pinch-hitting, pitchouts, intentional walks, take signs) don’t make any sense in the vast majority of circumstances and are overused for precisely that reason.
That being said, coaches are of course given too much credit (and blame) in soccer, as they are in every sport.
Linda's in the cold ground, won't see her anymore
Somewhere out on the highway tonight, the drunken engines roar
It's just one of those things, one of those things
-- Al Stewart, "Accident on 3rd St."
In memory of Nick Adenhart and all victims of drunk driving
by PaulThomas on Jun 29, 2009 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
It seemed like the US went back to what works well under Bradley which is closing off the center of the field and holding their shape in defense. They just couldn’t take the constant barrage of crosses in the second half when Brazil went to the wings. I was a little surprised that they were so obviously running out of steam in the second half since US players are typically in better shape…
I think part of it
is the depth issue. Plus Dempsey had played a grueling season at Fulham. If we had one or two or three more first team players healthy, then we could bring in an in-form Beasley or Mastroeni or someone.
That may well be – I will admit to not following the national side enough to have a sense of who’s in shape and who isn’t. But I’ve generally thought that one characteristic of the US team is the fitness to run rings around the opposition, in lieu of equivalent talent. But if half the team had just finished a European season then no wonder they were a bit off peak.
It’s kind of an excuse though – since the other teams also had players (and playing more).
Now that I think about it – it might have to do with the style we were playing – high pressure, chase the ball everywhere. I saw on one of my the many soccer blogs I read last week (yanks-abroad? jen chang? grant wahl?) that FIFA was tracking total distance travelled by all of the players on the pitch during the Confed Cup – and 1, 2, and 3 were all Americans (Bradley, Dempsey, and Donovan?)
Soccer & California
The home town’s of the National Team:
Tim Howard – North Brunsick, New Jersey
Jonathan Bornstein – Los Alamitos, Ca
Carlos Bocanegra – Alta Loma, Ca
Casey Conor – Denver, Colorado
Oguchi Onyewu – Olney, Maryland
Heath Pearce – Modesto, Ca
DaMarcus Beasely – Ft. Wayne, Indiana
Clint Dempsey – Nacodoches, Texas
Charlie Davies – Manchester, New Hampshire
Landon Donovan – Redlands, Ca
Marvell Wynne – Poway, Ca
Michael Bradley – Manhattan Beach, Ca
Ricardo Clark – Jonesboro, Georgia
Danny Califf – Orange, Ca
Jay DeMerit – Green Bay, Wisconsin
Sacha Kljestan – Huntington Beach, Ca
Jozy Altidoe – Boca Raton, Florida
Brad Guzan – Homer Glen, Illinois
Freddy Adu – Potomac, Maryland
Jose Francisco Torres – Longview, Texas
Jonathan Spector – Arlington Heights, Illinois
Benny Feilhaber – Irvine, Ca
Luis Robles – Fort Huachuca, Arizona
9 of the 23 players on the Men’s National team are from California, that is roughly 40% of the team. Texas and Illinois are tied for second most with 2 a piece.
by chowder on Jun 29, 2009 4:10 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
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