The 2010 South Africa World Cup: Watching From CT

Wanted: Contributing Writers

2010-03-15T01:22:00.003-04:00

Quite frankly (Jim Calhoun shout-out), I don't pretend to know it all about soccer. I know enough to write freely about what I see and hear, but the more eyes and ears getting their say, the better this blog can be. With this in mind I am looking for those writers that wish to contribute their writing. Posts can be op-ed and informational to outlandish just as long as it is loosely based on the beautiful game. Perhaps you caught a local game on the weekend and it sparked a thought. Maybe you heard something from a family member in Germany. If you have a thought about soccer and wish to share it with a few others, or at least me, please send an email by going to my profile on the main page.

Soccer Brings the World Together (and North Korea needs money)

2010-03-15T00:40:00.001-04:00

I thought this latest news story from South Africa was interesting if nothing else.
From the AP, (Not me):
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)—North Korean laborers are working on football stadiums across South Africa, including the venue where their national team will play Ivory Coast in June in its first World Cup appearance since 1966.
Some 1,000 construction workers from reclusive North Korea, which maintains strict control on its citizens’ travels, have been sent to help renovate stadiums across South Africa, the Seoul-based JoongAng Ilbo newspaper reported Monday, citing unidentified sources.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry confirmed that North Koreans were working in South Africa. Spokeswoman Lee Jong-joo said she had no information about how many were helping with World Cup construction.
North Korea has been exporting workers to Russia, the Middle East and Mongolia as part of efforts to earn much-needed foreign currency, she said. The impoverished nation has faced tightened international sanctions in the wake of nuclear and missile activities over the past year.
Among the World Cup venues utilizing North Korean labor are Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, site of the opening and closing ceremonies and final match, and Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, the JoongAng Ilbo reported.
North Korea takes on Ivory Coast at Mbombela Stadium on June 25, after matches against Brazil and Portugal.
North Korea has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since its surprising run to the quarterfinals in 1966.

Above is a picture taken by Sarah Schneider, a UConn junior studying abroad in Cape Town, SA. From Cape Town's famed Table Mountain, you can see the completed World Cup venue below. The bowl is noted for its beautiful location by the water's edge.
World Cup and city officials held a contest to help in naming the stadium. The result, Green Point Stadium. Brand new, the capacity is 66, 005 (my bet is the last 5 seats are for VIPs). Green Point will play host to 8 games this summer.
FYI, those games are:
Group A , June 11 - Uruguay v France
Group F, June 14 - Italy v Paraguay
Group C, June 18 - England v Algeria
Group G, June 21 - Portgual v Korea DPR
Group E, June 24 - Cameroon v Netherlands
Round of 16, June 29 - Teams TBD
Quarterfinal, July 3 - Teams TBD
Semi-final, July 6 - Teams TBD

Bad Blow for Beckham and Boss Capello

2010-03-14T21:35:00.001-04:00

England's marquee man, in name, will be out of this summer's World Cup. Beckham blew out his achilles tendon in Milan's league match before going down in a heap without a single touch from another player. All the frenzy surrounding the match-up between the former colonial counterparts and the pitting of Donovan vs. Beckham is out the door. The injury takes about half a year to recover and this could even be a career finisher for the 34 year old Becks. Although the former England captain had been used as a reserve in recent international friendlies for England manager Fabio Capello, Beckham brought with him experience that saw him on the verge of being the only England international to make 4 World Cup appearances.
Say what you want about Beckham, a lot do. But, the World Cup is THE place for stars and Beckham is a star. He has played for the biggest clubs in the world's three biggest leagues (Manchester United in England, Real Madrid in Spain, and now A.C. Milan in Italy). He has won wherever he's been and you hate to see anyone go down with an injury, especially one as painful as a torn achilles.

News From HQ

2010-03-12T21:53:00.001-05:00

UConn Honors students in Cape Town continue their semester abroad with a week long journey to Johannesburg and a safari until the end of March. In the weeks preceding this some of the college students have firmly entrenched themselves in the area schools where they are interning. An after-school book club at Thanokhulu High School, outside the city, has taken off with hundreds of students showing enthusiasm for reading. It is great to hear that the South African students know where priorities lie and that some home grown Nutmeggers are helping in their education.

The same sort of fervor, however, is admittedly shown for sport, most notably soccer. Through discussion with Cape Town citizens and students that follow the game within the country, Sarah Schneider, a UConn junior, says, "The national team is beloved for all South Africans, because of the work Mandela was able to do in bringing the country together." Her students at THS point at that the South African Premier Soccer League (National Soccer League) produces some quality top flight soccer and is a top destination for African continental players with its sustained financial backing. Further investigation into the PSL shows that an influx of European coaching has helped progress top flight football in the country since the league's inception in 1996. The league is three years younger than MLS and is still seen as a minnow on the world stage. However, there is an obvious historical Dutch link that has attracted financing of brother clubs from Europe such as Ajax Cape Town. Ajax Cape Town is part of a growing attempt of major European clubs to find talent from all corners of the world. Ajax CT was the starting ground for Steven Pienaar, current national team superstar who plays professionally in England with the Premiership side, Everton.
A look at the some of the 16 club names from the PSL give an indication of outward thinking from elsewhere in the globe. Vasco Da Gama and Santos pay homage to famed Brazilian teams of the same name (Pele started with Santos) and Bloemfontein Celtic tips their cap to the 42 times Scottish champions out of Glasgow.
Notable former players from the PSL include:
              -Doctor Khumalo (played for MLS Columbus Crew 1996-1997)
              -Benni McCarthy (currently with English Premiership side, West Ham United)
              -Aaron Mokoena (captain of South African national team, currently plays with embattled English Prem side Portsmouth)
              -Benjani Mwaruwari (currently with English Prem side Manchester City on-loan to fellow
top flight club, Sunderland)
              -Lucas Radebe (former Leeds United player in England, retired 2005)
              -Steven Pienaar (currently with English Prem side Everton)

...and the list goes on. The PSL is a success and a positive feeder program to the national team. The depth of the league is of concern as organized talent pools all over the continent are tough to tap. Lack of money and resources prevents athletes from reaching their full potential as many places in Africa outside of the cities have more pressing concerns besides their beloved "football."
The PSL looks like it is as firmly entrenched as the MLS in America (pre-potential-player strike). When Sarah grilled some of her students on who their favorite team was, most students unsurprisingly opted with the Orlando Pirates over home team Ajax Cape Town. The Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are the two biggest clubs in the PSL and mark the best rivalry game in the annual fixtures. The scene isn't the Old Firm (Rangers v. Celtic in Scotland; don't wear the wrong colors), but there are enough Vuvuzelas and drums in the stands to equal the energy of the game... see for yourself (excuse the Dutch, and the vuvuzelas, (ha))

Welcome back Deuce!

2010-03-12T01:34:00.000-05:00

Clint Dempsey, the rapping, fleet footed Texan, nicknamed Deuce has returned from injury. Dempsey returned from nearly 2 months on the sidelines in the first leg of Europa League action Thursday against the famed Italian outfit Juventus. Unfortunately, Dempsey was not able to help erase a two goal deficit when he entered the game as a second half substitute as his Fulham Cottagers lost 3-1.
Despite the scoreline, this is great news for U.S. fans, because Dempsey has plenty of time to return to full fitness through European and domestic action with his club side. Fulham is in the upper half of the Premiership table and Dempsey will look to re-insert himself into Roy Hodgson's starting lineup sooner than later. Likely World Cup roster players Oguchi Onyewu, Stuart Holden, and Charlie Davies are still working back to health with Onyewu almost a certainty, Holden a doubt, and Davies in need of another miracle to reach fitness in time for Cup selection. Here's rooting hard for Holden and Davies!

Thoughts on U.S. men, the Premiership, continental League races and Champions League action

2010-03-10T23:52:00.006-05:00

Boy, today's post title is a mouthful, but not nearly as much as this-->
I wanted to gloss over some of the weekend action from the leagues in Europe, touch base on some domestic league issues here in the States and wrap up with my thoughts on the midweek Champions League action which culminated in Man U's advancement and Madrid's departure from the competition. A lot to get to, but I suppose we can do it. Sorry again for the absence the past few days. The weather here in Connecticut has been spring-like and coming out of the winter my legs felt a bit sprightly. So, I took some days to enjoy the balmy temps for this time of year. I was even able to dust off my cleats and get 'em stuck in the mud. Which reminds me, just cause the grass is clear of snow doesn't mean a few slips and slides aren't waiting to happen (with injuries to follow).
For full training make sure you wait for the ground to harden up a bit before a full on 5-a-side game with your friends...That bit of advice was on the house, because my hamstrings have paid in the past for lack of patience with New England ground.

Okay, away we go. I'll start with league action in the Premiership.

In the Prem, Man U reigns supreme. The titleholders clipped Wolves at Molineaux 1-0. Paul Scholes, the ginger one, scored his 100th goal for United. United were without the services of Rooney, but the 30 million pound Berbatov stepped into his customary role to make others around him better. I know Berba has a lot of detractors at the club, because of his goal scoring form, but the man is sublime and generally helps in United being a better offensive threat with him on the pitch. United; two points clear of Chelsea and Arsenal in a three horse race. Chelsea has a game in hand.

The fight for the fourth place spot and the coveted final Champions League birth is a toss-up. Manchester City, Liverpool, and Leo the late bloomer Tottenham are definitely in the mix. Aston Villa and BIRMINGHAM CITY? are currently just off pace for the fourth place spot. Cheers to Alex McLeish with what he's done with Birmingham. Everton and Fulham still remain strong in the top half despite some injury concerns to both sides, but who doesn't this time of year.

The other game I want to focus on concerns three of the most important Americans playing abroad. These three are arguably the key to American success in South Africa. Relegation zone Hull City (featuring Jozy Altidore) at Everton (featuring Tim Howard and Landon Donovan) was a match-up Donovan will never forget, but left City manager Phil Brown wondering how he can rescue his troops from the grasps of tier 2 football next season. Everton gave a virtuoso performance at home to rout a defenseless Hull 5-1.
Howard was Howard, veteran, solid, and commanding. This is just what the national team backline needs when they face England, Algeria and Slovenia.
Donovan, a man whose underwhelming stints in the German Bundesliga had left Europe laughing at the best player we've ever produced and other Yanks in their ranks. Well, he came on as a sub and did alright. By "alright" I mean Donovan told the ne-sayers to LOCK IT UP. The only people left yelling and screaming at Everton's Goodison Park were the thousands of Blues supporters singing for LD to stay. Donovan came on around the 60th minute in what looks to be his last home game during this stirringly successful loan spell from LA Galaxy. What LD did from there was add to a 3-1 scoreline in favor of the Blues. A technical show of brilliance made a difficult shot look simple, and simultaneously untouchable by the Hull keeper; goal for Donovan. Minutes later, LD showed his pace, which he's still in abundance of at age 28, to race down the right flank and pick out Everton starlet (and rumored Manchester United transfer target) Jack Rodwell for a classy finish.
30 minutes, 1 goal, 1 assist in your last home game, perfect ending to a loan spell in the world's toughest league (playing against Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea and winning 2 of the 3), and being voted player of the month at a top ten Premiere league club....priceless.
Also of note, Steven Pienaar, South Africa's best player, contributed his usual high paced performance on the left flank for Everton. Unfortunately, his week included being found guilty in British court for drunk driving after the Blues' win over Man United. The mistake will cost him the ire of Everton boss Moyes, disappointment from a nation back home, and a suspended license for 6 months as he was found to be twice the legal limit. Pienaar must clean up his act if he is to be the star of the host nation this summer.
The last thing I want to include about this fixture is the pain I feel for Altidore. The boy is still young and is learning to create his own shot in top flight football where finding a bit of space can be difficult for the best of forwards on any given day. Hull manager Phil Brown has worked well with him and given him the necessary opportunity to come along, but in-game Altidore is left with service that amounts to nothing more than 50/50s. At a top flight club Altidore could be learning the tactics, honing his technical side of the game, but for Hull he must be a workhorse which I don't think suits the physically gifted youngster.
As a fellow striker, I sympathize with his predicament. It is one of the most difficult things in soccer to be a good/great striker on a poor team, because you are pushing against a mountain in the form of having to win balls on your own, dribble at 2, 3, or 4 defenders AND finish all by your onesies. Easier said than done in top flight football against disciplined defenses...Anyways, Match Highlights for you loyal readers... ;) (LD goal and assist from 10 minutes on)

To Spain we go as Real Madrid and Barca continue to battle for supremacy. No other teams will challenge and although the Spanish Primera is chalk-full of classy talent, the defenses are often porous leaving offensive juggernauts like Madrid and Barcelona free with their fat bank accounts and incredible squad depth to grasp for the title as they please. Barcelona is not as dominant as they were last year. This, coupled with Madrid's early exit from the Champions League will leave their domestic duties as top priority to salvage a season for the "reciente"-Galacticos. Barcelona has a dogfight.

In Germany, Bayern Munich and Bayern Leverkusen are stuck in a three horse lead with Schalke 04. In a league with all parts bruising, technical and tactically demanding, I think the bookies would throw their money on Munich with their experience and depth. Louis Van Gaal brings his Dutch approach to light up both wings with pace thanks to Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. Simply put, these two, if injury free will make the difference in this title race.
Elsewhere in Rhineland, Americans Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, and Ricardo Clark find it difficult to make impact beyond squad players for their respective Bundesliga sides while gaining valuable experience for this summer.

Lastly, in Italy, the Scudetto is Internazionale's to lose. The Blue and Black of San Siro has bested its rivals A.C. Milan head to head, but has stalled in the league since. Will the "Special One" Mourinho manage his team to a Scudetto and a defeat of his former club, Chelsea, in Champions League play? The thought makes white haired Milanese men cry tears of joy at the thought. Scudettos have been easy to come by for Inter the past few years (they are 4 pts ahead of A.C. at the moment), but the continent's cup has been another story.

I want to take a moment to write a disclaimer to MLS.

SORT OUT YOUR CONTRACT DISPUTE!

The fact that we are mere months away from the World Cup with the start date for this year's domestic campaign in doubt is comical. Owners, pony up! Franchises are building their own soccer specific stadiums for those teams that already haven't. The league is over a decade old and is here to stay. It is time that all soccer professionals in this country can make a living playing the game year round while progressing the national team forward on the global stage.
On another note, the Galaxy's handling of Donovan's loan deal is wrong. The MLS has too much power over player personnel, contracts, and transfer negotiations. We saw this a few years back when Taylor Twellman was unable to secure an agreed fee with a side across the pond in Britain, because of MLS asking ridiculous prices for Twellman's services. Disclaimer number 2 to the league and its front offices:
If MLS players are sought overseas or abroad, negotiate a fair asking price and let the players go!
It is in the league's best interest to allow their top players to advance their careers when they have moved past the confines of domestic soccer and are wanted elsewhere. It happens everywhere in the world and it makes leagues in South America and smaller leagues in Europe, Asia, and Africa thrive. It is okay for the MLS to become a stepping stone to Europe. European club football is the holy grail and the MLS being a stepping stone is a desirable trait. It's a trait for successful smaller leagues worldwide. Join the world Major League Soccer. Don't let your name fool you, you're not that Major.

For Donovan, he has said that he'd like to stay in England. Everton's boss, Moyes, and the club's fans want him. Why not allow LD to play another month and then bring him back? The MLS regular season will not be won or lost in the first month and a player that has done everything back home should not be forced back if he does not want to be.
Unfortunately, this is the business side of soccer nobody wants to see. It happens almost everywhere. The Galaxy has marketed Donovan and Becks and if they don't have their stars they apparently don't have a soccer team. Nice message to the rest of the locker room and the league as a whole. Donovan can't play forever. Let America's best player continue to shine against the world's best competition...again, it's a testament to MLS when this happens. (ME BANGING HEAD AGAINST WALL)

FINALLY, we are at the end. Thanks to those that have stuck through it with me, I'd like to thank my butt-pad for allowing me to sit comfortably this past hour, Mrs. Malario, my PM Kindergarten teacher and my...wait, wait, this isn't the Oscars? Okay, I'll just finish my epically long post and call it a night.

Champions League football. The zenith of European club football saw Arsenal, Manchester United, Lyon, and Bayern Munich advance to the quarters this week.
Arsenal thrashed Porto as Nicklas Bendtner showed his boss what having an out and out striker can do for a side's scoring threat. Bendtner delivered a hat-trick as Arsenal won the second leg at home at the Emirates 5-0. Final tally was 6-2 on aggregate, erasing a 2-1 disadvantage entering Tuesday's encounter. Arsenal stepped up to the plate for the first time all season in a big game (they were foiled in their league encounters with Chelsea and Manchester United). Arsene Wenger's elation got the best of him post-game as he hinted at wanting to draw an English side in the next round to seek revenge. Be careful what you wish for Wenger.

Manchester United similarly drubbed A.C. Milan at home at Old Trafford 4-0 in their second leg, winning 7-2 on total aggregate. Rooney took his season tally to 30 after scoring two goals and missing the Premiership weekend game at Wolves. He's in the world's best form. There is no arguing, I'm telling you.

Munich bested Fiorentina in a back and forth tilt that saw Munich through on away goals. Munich won the first leg at home 2-1, but was able to catch a second goal in Italy after going down 3-1. At the end of both legs the score was 4-4 on aggregate. Fiorentina could not sure up it's defense to stop the high flying Arjen Robben's long range blast to secure Bayern's second goal in the 3-2 defeat. Smashing game, surprisingly, from an Italian and German encounter. I must remember these aren't the national teams where defense and caution would have ruled the day, but Munich Manager Van Gaal did promise a "spectacle."

Sadly, to Madrid supporters, but glee to the rest of the world's Madrid detractors, Ronaldo, Kaka and the rest of the 340 million dollar transfer teammates were upended by Lyon. A late goal snatched a 1-1 draw for Lyon in Spain for Madrid's return leg. Cristiano Ronaldo popped up in the 6th minute to put Real even on aggregate (then promptly disappeared for the rest of the game) and the fixture was destined for extra time (1-1 on aggregate until late in the second half). Miralem Pjanic's late strike stole the show and the tie. Santiago Bernabeu Stadium faithful were stunned as Madrid stayed 6 years running without a Champions League quarterfinal appearance. Perhaps it is time for Real Madrid President (yea, when you are the world's biggest club you have your own El Presidente) Florentino Perez to splash some serious cash in the next transfer market, OUCH!

And so, I'm out of information and zingers. Good chance I haven't written that much even for my Masters program this past year. Ah, the things we do for love! Until next time, keep your eyes on the prize and feet on the ground.

"Friendly" Reminder (get it? sorry.)

2010-03-10T12:00:00.001-05:00

Remember, tickets for the Czech Republic Send-Off Series game on May 25th 8pm at Rentschler Field, East Hartford, CT go on sale tomorrow 10am. Easier breakdown to read:

What: Send-Off Series Friendly against Czech Republic
When: May 25th, 8pm
Where: Rentschler Field, East Hartford, CT
How: Tickets, on sale tomorrow March 11, starting at 10am.
Tickets and pricing can be found by going here... or, you can visit the main page of U.S. Soccer by clicking the link to the right.

Spring Break layover.

2010-03-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the break in action. I'm on my Spring Break and have taken the time to enjoy some of the sun that has head our way. Unfortunately, it's Connecticut sun as opposed to some Cali or Florida sun which would be more in accordance with a week of from my Masters program. Good news is, the world of soccer never sleeps and I caught all the action over the weekend. There is plenty to get to. I will be posting like it's my job (hobby, blogging doesn't pay) later today with a weekend roundup of Europe and some of the Champion's League action from yesterday and this afternoon. 'Til then!

D'you Know Landon?

2010-03-07T11:15:00.002-05:00

The excitement for "TwentyTen," as the locals refer to the Cup in South Africa, is at a fever pitch. UConn Honors students are soaking up much more than the sun during their stay in Cape Town. They just got back from a long weekend trip 8 hours southeast of their house in CT to a township and area near Plattenburg/Plattenburg Bay. Along their travels they were able to brush elbows with more South Africans that live a different pace than the hustle and bustle of city life. When introduced as an American student the first question Sarah Schneider always faced was, "Do you know Landon?"
Every team has their star and no star is shining brighter for the Americans than LD. Donovan will hopefully get a strike partner in Dempsey upon his expected return to fitness within the coming weeks. Dempsey is rumored to be touching a ball again at Fulham and should have plenty of time to be fully fit before the Americans take the field in Rustenberg June 12th.

So, Sarah nor any of the UConn students "know" Landon, but D'you know Zlatan?

Do you know Zlatan?
Uploaded by jdsa. - Basketball, baseball, pro wrestling and more sports videos.
...a shame we'll miss his talents this summer.

Feeling the Bleus

2010-03-05T08:27:00.003-05:00

France, former world champions and once world powers are oddly part of the second tier of teams looking to raise the Cup this summer. Everyone knows how France famously limped into the final 32 teams with solid goalkeeping from their famed forward. What most in France cannot conceive is how Raymond Domenech has been allowed to keep his job as manager of Les Bleus.

Domenech has arguably the most athletic domestic league in all of Europe to help in fielding a side. He has youth, he has veterans, he has class in an abundance of players. Thanks to France's once lofty goals of world domination he virtually has all of north and central Africa to choose from as well (the riches of Colonialism). So, why, then are Les Bleus feeling the blues...
Short answer. No identity. After the fallout of Zidane's headbutt in the 2006 finale, France never transitioned well from that older generation to this new crop of talent where Ribery is the leader. In fact, Henry, in his twilight, is the only major holdover from the last golden generation of French football. For whatever reason, the new crop hasn't stepped up. We have seen this too many times in all sports. The lack of identity and leadership has killed teams of all levels. Too much power in the lockeroom, on the pitch, in the media with one guy versus another... End result? Team chemistry is ruined.
You can't oust the players who have the obvious ability to take France as far as they want to go. The buck stops with Domenech. He is responsible for the lack of identity and confidence in his younger talent, because he is the ultimate power in the dressing room, on the sideline and has final say with the media.
His communicative skills are lacking. I can't understand a word he's saying!

Believe me, this stuff matters. For Les Bleus to have any chance of making a run this summer they need to make some sweeping changes, and fast. First and foremost for Domenech, OFF WITH HIS HEAD!

Hold(en) the phone! Stuart update.

2010-03-05T01:15:00.001-05:00

Tests confirmed Bolton and American midfielder Stuart Holden broke his right fibula. He is out at least 6 weeks. This is just another concerning injury added to a list of American internationals rehabbing to get back to fitness before June (Dempsey, Onyewu, Cherundulo, Davies). Final rosters are submitted June 1. A rundown of this blogger's take on who should be in, out, and who's on the bubble will be forthcoming in the following weeks. A little March Madness for ya'll. Until then, do you think De Jong's foul on Holden was cardable? Worthy of el rojo? Me too. Nothing for his troubles, sadly.

A look in at other scores from Wednesday's action

2010-03-04T18:49:00.004-05:00

As we walk through some of the other games from friendly action on Wednesday, one score stands out the most (and makes Irishmen smile everywhere). Spain throttled France 2-0 in Paris. The European champions look every bit a favorite for this summer's World Cup. Will they try on the dress instead of always being the bridesmaid? We shall see; apart from the last Euros Spain has had a habit of fizzling out in major competitions with major talent. Not so...so far, with this crop of Spanish matadors.

Argentina beat Germany in a match-up that was always going to be separated by a goal. Maradona continues to get the best of the Germans (see 1990 World Cup finals), but can he get the best out of Messi for the national team (the pint sized pinnacle of football seems to lace them up best for Barcelona).
Brazil trumped a spirited Irish squad that was a bit unlucky not to score. Had it not been for heroics in the net by (perhaps the world's best at the moment) Julio Cesar, Brazil looked shaky enough to tie as a fair result. Alas, it is Brazil and they found a way to win comfortably with what amounted to many second and third team players getting loads of time.

Defending champions Italy failed to impress against Cameroon. They failed to impress all of last World Cup and won the thing. Go figure!

Portugal, in the so-called Group of Death with Brazil and the Ivory Coast dispatched China with ease, 2-0, without their talisman Ronaldo netting a goal. In other GOD action (Group of Death, not Him, evangelists out there), Ivory Coast was felled by the always dangerous Asian powerhouse, South Korea.

Mexico beat up on fellow WC participant New Zealand. Mexico has the chance to do some things in Group A if their media doesn't take down the team themselves. Too many times we've seen the pressure from fans and media alike be too much for the underdog, but talented nation.

Hosts South Africa were held to a 1-1 draw against Namibia. It could be a painful first few weeks for the hosts come tournament kick-off on June 12th. Claps all around for getting on the score sheet though.

Uruguay continued their form from South America qualifying in dispatching of a clever and young Swiss team, 3-1.

Norway beat WC participant Slovakia 1-0 in what I imagine to be a contest of which squad had more mass (they grow 'em big in those parts).

Ghana was upset by Bosnia and Herzegovina...this is a surprise, many experts have the Black Stars as the most hopeful African candidate to go far in the tourney. Perhaps if they were playing just a Bosnia side, or Herzegovina...no, no, NO more fighting.

In U.S.'s group to be, England did mightily well to trump Champions of Africa (but failure to qualify for the more important tournament) Egypt, 3-1, after falling behind early.
Algeria was walloped 3-0 by Serbia in a scoreline that should make American fans happy. And finally, Slovenia beat Qatar 4-1. However, your local high school side, wherever it may be, could maybe nip a full strength Qatar on a good day so that scoreline is a throwaway.

Full day's action, quite a bit of intrigue. Still 3 months to go, we'll see how it all shapes up.

Karma's a....

2010-03-04T18:19:00.002-05:00

It's been a day since the U.S. lost to the Netherlands 2-1 on a late goal by Bocanegra. Since then, I have been in a car accident. No major injuries, thank you, but I was the victim of a tailgater and for once the accident wasn't my fault. At the moment of collision I thought to myself...should I have been so harsh on some of our national team members? Should I have given Bradley an easier ride (seeing as mine got all messed up)?

The simple answer is NO. Too often American fans and media play paddy-cake with our national team and the style/level of play in MLS. After the Confederations Cup final, everyone was pleased that the U.S. lost a 2 goal first half lead to lose 3-2 to Brazil. Granted it was Brazil, but there is no excuse for such a result against any side. Let it be known I'm not just a hater, I'll give credit where credit is due (hence Bradley's decision to include Torres in his side), but I will also call people out when their performances are shoddy (hence Bornstein and my calls for his resignation from international duty). So, in my perpetual state of "the world is out to get me," in the moments following my accident, I decided...it ain't my fault.

On the most upbeat of notes...I'm still as excited as any for this summer's main event. LESS THAN 100 days! And I do think the Americans have what it takes to step up in the spotlight against teams they "should" beat.
They need to get the right guys healthy...Dempsey, Onyweu and hopefully a miraculous recovery for Davies, who should be proud no matter what the end result of his rehab. The men need to come together. For the first time in men's national team history we will field a squad that will have faced some of the best clubs in Europe when away on club duty. There will be egos and confidence that Bradley must mold into a machine toward one goal. Thirdly, that machine must all be on the same page for style and tactics. I gave my suggestion of playing to our strengths and not attempt to play a homeless man's Barcelona style. We should have a real shot against England, Algeria and Slovenia if we play high pressure defense with our forwards, purposeful possession (one twos on the wing) and get the ball into dangerous positions through route 1 or 2 soccer. The purists and Arsenal's Wenger may disagree, but we'll see. Every team has a style...certainly the Americans must capitalize on their hunger and athleticism. When I say "Brazilian soccer" you envision a style of play that looks something like this...

Payback's a...

2010-03-04T11:51:00.003-05:00

This just in! Tickets for the U.S. versus Czech Republic World Cup sendoff series game at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT go on sale March 11 for 25$ a piece. Make sure you grab them while they're hot...again, that's USA v Czech Rep. May 25 at 8pm....(Ample time for a tailgate).
Tickets go on sale this March 11 at 10am... 25 bucks for the endlines... Let's send our guys off in style! More ticket information at the U.S. soccer website, linked to the right.--->

Ranting and Raving

2010-03-03T20:48:00.005-05:00

Phew. I'm back. I flipped the switch on the UConn men's basketball game with three to go. They're that bad. There are two things I rarely do... a.) flip the switch on a movie b.) flip the switch on a UConn men's basketball game. However, much like the painstaking "All About Steve," UConn is abysmal.

Their game, however, did shed some light on the soccer side of things today. The U.S. lost 2-1 away to the Netherlands. Plenty to get to there so let's break it down...
UConn men are an example of inefficiency. Let's talk Efficiency to start.

It is quite clear, following the second part of our performance at last year's Confederation's Cup, that the men's national team can play with any team in the world. In fact, today against the high powered and more talented Dutch, I thought a 1-0 scoreline at the half was a bit harsh (although I have no problem with the penalty by another immature defensive play). Between the two 18s we looked "fine," shall I say. I wasn't wholly displeased with our passing, because quite frankly, any possession the Americans keep is meaningless.

The only possession that matters in footie is the kind that leads to a goal. Meaning, passing the ball doesn't really do anything unless it can change the scoreline. Possession in the attacking third is a coach's dream, but even then you have to do something with it (See Arsenal v. Chelsea and Manchester United in this year's premiership. Of course, I could be eating my words if somehow the Blues and Reds fall and the Young Gunners steal the title.)

At any rate, the U.S. is not a class footballing power. We have no maestros on our squad. We don't have a midfield made up of brilliant minds, on field tacticians or technical wizards. The reality is that only a handful of teams do, they're called world class players and you can find them on the squads of the world's powers...Argentina, Spain, Brazil, Germany, England, Italy, the Netherlands and dare I say Portugal and France...(hope I didn't anger any Irish)
So, what should the U.S. do to be more efficient?

Although the Americans are now predominantly comprised of footballers that ply their trade in Europe, the U.S. would do well to cease all attempts at playing like a European squad. Bob Bradley has at his fingertips some of the best goalkeepers in the world, he has top flight athletes with amazing stamina (I promise you that LD can run Italy's Andrea Pirlo into the ground, as can America's third choice midfielders), and once upon a time, Bradley and the Americans had tenacity... A friend of mine commented on the game earlier to me, "loved the last ten minutes of the game." I did too, we were down 2-0, fair or unfair, and we showed some fight. Americans loved the last three games last year in the Confederations Cup...our backs were against the wall and we showed some fight.

The most efficient style of play for the Americans is to pass in spurts, because we can do that in sporadic triangles around the field. But, possession from the back is abhorred and scary for most die hard American fans. We remember the days of Reyna losing the ball to Ghana 25 yards from goal or Thomas Dooley and others playing keep-ball only to lose it to an opposing striker. Trying to create goals from a string of 20 passes is a migraine, because we don't have a Xavi, Lampard, Pirlo, Kaka, etc. Attempting long balls to the feet or head of lone strikers is futile, because we don't have a world class out and out striker a la Torres and Drogba (and Brian McBride is too old). The most efficient brand of American soccer is to put the ball in dangerous positions in the opposing team's eighteen through territorial long balls over the top or to the feet of wing players. From there we can use our team speed and defensive tenacity to keep the ball in the attacking third. Any other style is not ours, because it does not play to our strengths and we find ourselves second best at another's game.

Efficiency. If we have any hope of getting out of group play we should realize our strengths and play to them! We will score goals from set pieces like today (brilliant ball from Beasley, who in my opinion played himself onto the team). We will score goals from swift counterattacks. And we will score goals off of errors. In fact, any other goals are those moments of brilliance you DO NOT rely on as a coach. If Bob Bradley gets a wonder strike like the one he saw from Feilhaber to win the Gold Cup a few year's back, GREAT. But the U.S. has to stop pretending to be something it's not. We saw where that got us last World Cup against the Czechs as they comfortably sat back with strong numbers as we aimlessly tried to break them down. The Czechs hit us aerially and in counter attacks to rip us apart and shatter our World Cup dreams in the process.

So, that is my rant on the game and our future as a whole, a long one at that!

As for individual performances...
Let's hope Stuart Holden is alright. A vicious tackle sent him to the bench early. The tackle received not a warning from the referee. Everywhere in the world officiating has gone down, but the respect we must show referees is mind boggling. If the players perform poorly they get benched or cut. Why not the referees? Regardless, if Holden is fit, he has clever feet, endeavor, and should be on the plane to South Africa.
Keeping...Nothing Howard could do on the goals. He is class and we are lucky to have him. Hopefully he sticks with international duty a bit longer than Friedel, that Brit-wannabe.
In defense...Spector and Cherundulo are going to duke it out for the right back spot and it is a battle Americans are lucky to have considering former outside backs we've had to endure in the past (Jeff Agoos ring a bell). In the Center back position, Demerit hung in against the speed of the Dutch and is resourceful in the air for not being tall. He should be a (possibly) good pairing with Gooch upon his return. At left back, Bornstein. That is all I want to write concerning our left back, because he has no business in an American uniform. Bob Bradley should be sacked for his repeated decision to name him for international duty. I get it Bob, he performed well for you at Chivas USA or wherever it was, but guess what, the World Cup ain't MLS. It's the big dance...is it too late to get a big time manager???
I march on...Bradley's son does well disrupting play, but is over-hyped for his ability to create in the midfield. He can spray a good long ball sparingly and makes good for his selection with hustle, but little else. Donovan was silent. I honestly don't fault him. In a team where he can actually get the ball with a smidgen of space he is dangerous (see his loan stint at Everton), but unfortunately, right now with the U.S. against the world's big boys, that isn't going to happen.
Up top...Our forwards are all we can expect at the moment. Jozy showed signs of maturity. He can hold the ball up about 50 percent of the time now and even shows patience to get others involved or wait for the defense to back off and find his own shot. Robbie Findley is fast. Make no mistake about it, he is the option up top as a sub if Davies can't make it back to form before our match with the Brits. Lastly, I want to actually applaud Bradley for fielding Jose Francisco Torres (this doesn't make up for Bonehead Bornstein. Seriously, I have to go off about this kid, I held my typing before. Bornstein is overmatched in speed. He has some lateral quickness, but his lack of strength and size has repeatedly shown that the quickness doesn't matter. Bornstein is a set piece goal waiting to happen..."my dead grandmother can jump higher." And lastly, Bornstein, like all the U.S. defenders at one point or another dig their own graves. How many times do we shoot ourselves in the foot with the penalty he gave away. If the ref hadn't called the obvious and nonsensical tug from behind, he would have called Bornstein's handball in the minutes that followed. These are mistakes we can ill afford in the World Cup.)
Okay, back to Torres...Torres was a canny selection, because he shows composure on the ball unlike any I've seen in an American midfielder since Reyna in his prime (or Dempsey when he's healthy). Torres booked his ticket to South Africa tonight. The subs showed some chops. Bedoya, out of Boston College, has the will to win and the naivete to run at defenders he shouldn't... I like that. Clarence Goodsen is a force in the air and against an opponent like England's Crouch he could be an asset defensively.

Okay, I've written a lot boys and girls. I'm upset at my 0-2 day with the U.S. and then UConn falling. I'm gonna go let out my steam on a glass of milk...chug that thing in less than 5 seconds. Yea, I said it, less than 5 seconds. Still not as cool as this guy....WHAT A FAN BASE!

Updates 'n UConn

2010-03-03T19:23:00.005-05:00

Short and sweet. The U.S. lost 2-1 at PSV stadium in Holland this afternoon. Game recap and thoughts against the Dutch are still to come. Sorry for the delay, but I am watching the huskies against Notre Dame in a monstrous "bubble" match-up. Hopefully I can get 1 of 2. Go Huskies!

Agree to Disagree

2010-03-01T21:56:00.004-05:00

So, it's been almost 4 years since this...

I'm pretty sure Zidane settled whatever the argument was right then and there by the looks of the headbutt, but Zidane and Materazzi are still going at it.
Materazzi had mentioned to the media a few months back that Zidane owes him an apology and that he's never gotten it.
Zidane? Apologizing? Unlikely. In fact, Zidane put the kibosh on any idea of him ever apologizing, EVER. Said Zidane, "Never, Never...It would dishonor me...I'd rather die." To the millions of kiddies reading this out there, I don't condone Zidane's actions (I repeat, I don't condone his actions), but Marco, you cost him the Cup on the world's biggest stage with over a billion watching. No apology, however, I'm sure he'd love to play bloody foreheads with you sometime if you were ever up to it...

Oh, and for some more gratuitous soccer violence you can try on Eric Cantona for size (somebody please get that joke) and revel in the ugly side of women's soccer.

Smorgasbord of Soccer

2010-03-01T17:44:00.002-05:00

This Wednesday will be a douzy! On the last international friendly date before the World Cup, much of the world's powers will be in mouth-watering fixtures sure to please any fan. 28 of the 32 nations competing at this summer's World Cup will be in action. For those unlucky nationalists left out in the cold this June/July, you can surely find a match to please the neutral viewer. The list is as follows in no certain order (World Cup teams in Bold)

Brazil v Ireland (March 2)
Argentina v Germany
France v Spain
England v Egypt
Italy v Cameroon
Serbia v Algeria
Ivory Coast v South Korea
Greece v Senegal
Nigeria v Congo
Slovakia v Norway
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Ghana
Turkey v Honduras
New Zealand v Mexico
Venezuela v North Korea (March 6)
Portugal v China
Slovenia v Qatar
Austria v Denmark
Switzerland v Uruguay
South Africa v Namibia
and of course... the U.S.A. v The Netherlands

And again, the U.S. game will be televised on ESPN2 and Galavision (or ESPN360 if your cable provider carries it) at 2:30 pm ET.

The Human Angle of South Africa

2010-03-01T11:48:00.006-05:00

South Africa has endured just about as much as any nation over the past 50 years. The world knows of Apartheid and Mandela serves as an icon for millions not just in Africa, but to the Western world as well. Despite the billions being spent to welcome the world for a month plus and to host Africa's all-time greatest party, there is still a nation of people living in horrible conditions. Townships still overrun the countryside and although political power has been given back to the majority, black African in South Africa, the money and infrastructure still lay with minority whites or the Western world abroad.
The end result? When the lights are turned off on the party mid-July this summer and the world is watching no more, students that want to read a book in a nearby high school will still have no book to read.

More than anything during his presidential years, Mandela inspired and taught a nation to pick itself up by its bootstraps and work toward a common future.
I'm lucky to be a graduate student at UConn and have eyes and ears on the ground in the form of UConn students that are part of an Honors study abroad program stationed out of Cape Town. These students are helping South Africans as interns at local schools. There is word of dire need for supplies in the classroom and for extracurricular activities. The book club after school at Thandokhulu High School needs help acquiring books for aspiring minds. If you want to help donate here is how..

Help Donate to Thandokhulu High School

If you already have books that you would like to donate you can ship them to the same address on the above link, same as the one directly below...

Erica Zane
127 Washington Ridge Road
New Milford, CT 06776
United States

Or you can also ship to the address below.

Sarah Schneider
494 Upper Grassy Hill Road
Woodbury, CT 06798
United States

Erica and Sarah are making a difference on the ground during one of Africa's biggest moments in contemporary history. Let's help ensure that these children have moments of their own for years to come by donating to better their education.

Sarah at an Elementary day school.

New Kits!

2010-02-28T23:48:00.010-05:00

Do you remember the movie The Big Green???? I know I do! If you need a refresher, lookie here:

I distinctly remember the clincher from this film: new uniforms = victory for The Big Green soccer team. It also meant victory for Steve Guttenberg in a film sans the Police Academy franchise. But I digress.

The word on the strasse is that Nike and sponsored national teams have revealed their own new uniforms. You can see the U.S. men in all their new glory this Wednesday at 2:30 pm ET on ESPN2 or Galavision (or ESPN360 for those unlucky few sitting in a graduate class, DARN!).
The new U.S. kits are supposed to be a sleek, remake of the retro 1950 World Cup kits. If 1950 rings a bell for you oficionados or old guys...yea, that's when the U.S. beat the mighty English 1-0 in probably the biggest upset in World Cup history. The upset was so unbelievable that British papers famously misprinted the scoreline the next day as 10-0 in favor of the English. Those cheeky buggers!
Check out the new kits here:
Home Jersey:
Away Jersey:
Third Jersey:

WAGs 'n Things

2010-02-28T20:10:00.004-05:00

Some thoughts about the U.S. men's national team and it's preparation for SA2010. First, hats off to the MLS based players for putting together a "W" against a feisty El Salvador. Realistically, the game meant nothing, but for a roster of players trying to impress for a ticket to the World Cup, the game meant everything. I think forward Brian Ching needs to be considered. He made an immediate impact upon his entrance into the lineup. His physicality could help as a substitute against European teams like England and Slovenia who the U.S. will definitely see in group play. I was not impressed with Casey, he looked slow and lethargic, the international game is too fast for him. As for the game winner, Sacha Klejstan, he has been in most of the national team's plan the past few years. Klejstan has been given his chance, he has scored some goals, but if El Salvador is any indicator, he likes to squander chances as well. Good thing for him, he managed to bury the injury time winner when it counted. When all is said and done, I think Klejstan makes the World Cup squad as a squad player.

Now, for the fun stuff, this Wednesday the U.S. has a major "friendly" against the Dutch on European soil. The Netherlands is no secret to winning as their lineup features a who's who of some of the continent's best club teams. The roster named by Bradley will include European based talent to match-up proper. Landycakes and the rest of the top drawer Americans will be on hand for a nice tune-up before they hit camp in May. More to come on this fixture.

Now, for some really fun stuff.

As the title of this post suggests, there will be some thoughts and information about WAGs (that's wives and girlfriends to the dummies out there.) Before I go any further, check this out... Dempsey did well for himself. <---- If you haven't checked out the link, stop reading, and click it.

Okay, now that we are focused again, it's time to talk WAGs and not just look at them. I'm thinking something along the lines of our famous friends from across the pond. Our brethren from West London. The Chelski cheaters! Yes, John Terry and Ashley Cole are single-handedly helping the U.S. gain in confidence ahead of the summer festivities. Landon didn't need any extra assurance in his abilities following his Everton's (and his own personal drubbing of Cole) drubbing of Chelsea a fortnight ago. At any rate, England offered us some concessions. Cole is injured, physically and emotionally (he cheated on his WAG, everyone knows it, so does she, it's splitsville for the famous pairing). Terry scared off the next best England replacement at left back. Wayne Bridge took his name out of consideration for international duties after scandal broke concerning Bridge's ex-WAG and Terry putting in some extra practice and I don't mean skill drills. What does this all mean? Donovan, Dempsey, and hopefully Davies (keep your fingers crossed) could be facing a depleted, possibly third choice left back. Even if Cole is back in time, there will certainly be those teammates that have lost faith in the former England captain, maybe his WAG will too!

In all seriousness, I hope England is able to field their best lineup, because that will make knocking them off come June 12 that much sweeter.

Wayne's the World's Best

2010-02-28T19:48:00.006-05:00

I do declare! It's Wayne's world. He is the best footballer at the moment. Honestly, if you begin a team, you start with Roon (he can play all positions, even goalkeeper! see this... Mr. Rooney continued his electrifying run of 12 goals in 9 games (in the toughest country to play in the world...and I mean TOUGH, if you don't believe me see this... Ramsey Tackle ). Rooney, who has emerged as the MAN at Manchester United since CR9's departure deposited a 74th minute Carling Cup final winner to dispatch Aston Villa 2-1 at Wembley. Wayne's season tally now stands at 28. I dare someone to argue about his class. I know this, the U.S. will have its hands full come June trying to stop England's golden boy (and I don't mean Becks!).