Today the United States takes on Trinidad and Tobago in Round 4 of the CONCACAF 2010 World Cup qualification. A victory against El Salvador on Saturday has the US tied with Honduras at the top of the standings, though qualification for the World Cup can't come under any combination of wins and losses until a match in October against Honduras at the earliest. As a side note, twenty years ago the United States qualified for the 1990 World Cup with a 1-0 victory in Trinidad and Tobago, the first World Cup for the United States since 1950. It's not overstating the case to say that victory, combined with the United States hosting of the 1994 World Cup, has resulted in the consistent success US soccer has enjoyed both at home and abroad.
Anyway, enjoy today's game. Next summer can't get here fast enough, in my humble opinion.
Showing posts with label US Soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US Soccer. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Soccer weekend!
My thoughts on the USA - El Salvador game are summed up by this Soccer Experts blog post title:
Couldn't agree more. My thoughts on the FC Dallas - DC United game tonight are summed up by this gentleman's comments:
Ha. Oh well. Maybe next season?
U.S. must kick sand in the face of CONCACAF weaklings
Couldn't agree more. My thoughts on the FC Dallas - DC United game tonight are summed up by this gentleman's comments:
Here is my lineup predictions.......
........aww who really gives a fukc
Ha. Oh well. Maybe next season?
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
American Soccer Is Fine, Thank You
Ken Silverstein, who I've been reading for awhile, went ninety degrees with an unusual (for him anyway) soccer-related post, in which he reveled in the U.S. defeat by Brazil on Sunday:
Now today he provides some context for his seemingly context-less hate; he lived in Brazil for some years and apparently fell in love with the quality of Brazilian soccer. So his oddly bitter comments about American soccer are motivated merely by the fact that he's a fan of the team that won the match, so there's nothing at all unusual there (read any of my comments about the Redkins or Eagles after a Cowboys victory over them; few things are as pleasurable as kicking someone you don't like when they're down.)
Anyway as you can see, success by the US men's soccer team prompts the oddest of reactions. Silverstein, and some of his readers, can't stand American soccer because of the dull and unimaginative play of American soccer players. Which is not really the team's fault, and anyway you really have to hold 98% of the soccer being played in the world in low esteem if Brazil is your favorite squad.
Then there's the over-selling of the team's success, and the over-disappointment in the team's failure. To both of these columnists I would like to say: the success of soccer in America does not necessarily rise and fall with the success of the US men's national team. In fact, the success of the US men's national team doesn't necessarily follow the success of the US men's national team. Now certainly it doesn't hurt. I think the case can be made that but for the success of the squad in the 1994 World Cup, Major League Soccer may not have been so quick to take off. But remember, MLS was already in the works when that tournament began; it was just a little bit of luck that the men's team did so well and put some extra butts in the seats those first few years. But it seems that sports journalists and other pundits are always looking for that "breakthrough" moment in soccer, that one victory (or string of victories) that will finally cement American soccer as a sport of eminence in our nation. But that just isn't how it works. No one victory can launch soccer onto the national stage in our country, to rival football, basketball, baseball (though maybe hockey...someday) and no one victory will "prove" to the world that the US is the equal of long-standing soccer powers like Italy, Germany, Brazil or Argentina. For one, witness the past success of US teams. In 1994 they upset Colombia to make it to the second round. What happened four years later in 1998? They lost all three first round matches and finished 32nd of 32 teams. But then in 2002 they defeated powerhouse Portugal, defeated Mexico in the second-round and went toe-to-toe with Germany in the quarterfinals. But then in 2006 they were clobbered by the Czech Republic, upset by Ghana, and left after the first round. As I stated earlier, success has not guaranteed success...at least from one tournament to the next. However, if you look back over the last twenty years, you can see a team that has gone from being an outsider on the international scene, to a team that can reliably be expected to qualify for the World Cup. That's progress, but of the gradual sort. So too is the progress of the popularity of soccer among Americans. Fifteen years ago there was no national professional soccer league. Now there is one that is expanding. Fifteen years ago only a handful of Americans were good enough to play soccer overseas. Now, dozens of Americans play for European soccer squads. A victory over Brazil would not suddenly see a dozen or more Americans starting with top-flight European clubs, and the loss does not mean that those players will be sent home and MLS will fold. If anything, the media attention is only an indication of how the non-soccer fans feel about the sport. It's nice to see the reaction, especially if it gets US, MLS or even European club games on ESPN or ESPN2, but it's not necessary to get their approval for soccer to advance in this country. Soccer's been growing in popularity for almost two decades now, and it looks to continue to do so...at a slow and steady pace, and that's fine by me.
All the hype in American newspapers about the national team’s second place finish obscures the fact that the U.S. team is mediocre and should never have been in the final to begin with. They lost three of their five games and stumbled into the second round by pure luck. Yes, they beat Spain, but upsets can happen on any given day, especially in a tournament where (after the first round) every match is an elimination game.
The U.S. got lucky early against Brazil, but showed its true colors by sitting back the rest of the way and being stomped into submission. It leaves me very hopeful for the team’s early exit from next year’s World Cup.
Now today he provides some context for his seemingly context-less hate; he lived in Brazil for some years and apparently fell in love with the quality of Brazilian soccer. So his oddly bitter comments about American soccer are motivated merely by the fact that he's a fan of the team that won the match, so there's nothing at all unusual there (read any of my comments about the Redkins or Eagles after a Cowboys victory over them; few things are as pleasurable as kicking someone you don't like when they're down.)
Anyway as you can see, success by the US men's soccer team prompts the oddest of reactions. Silverstein, and some of his readers, can't stand American soccer because of the dull and unimaginative play of American soccer players. Which is not really the team's fault, and anyway you really have to hold 98% of the soccer being played in the world in low esteem if Brazil is your favorite squad.
Then there's the over-selling of the team's success, and the over-disappointment in the team's failure. To both of these columnists I would like to say: the success of soccer in America does not necessarily rise and fall with the success of the US men's national team. In fact, the success of the US men's national team doesn't necessarily follow the success of the US men's national team. Now certainly it doesn't hurt. I think the case can be made that but for the success of the squad in the 1994 World Cup, Major League Soccer may not have been so quick to take off. But remember, MLS was already in the works when that tournament began; it was just a little bit of luck that the men's team did so well and put some extra butts in the seats those first few years. But it seems that sports journalists and other pundits are always looking for that "breakthrough" moment in soccer, that one victory (or string of victories) that will finally cement American soccer as a sport of eminence in our nation. But that just isn't how it works. No one victory can launch soccer onto the national stage in our country, to rival football, basketball, baseball (though maybe hockey...someday) and no one victory will "prove" to the world that the US is the equal of long-standing soccer powers like Italy, Germany, Brazil or Argentina. For one, witness the past success of US teams. In 1994 they upset Colombia to make it to the second round. What happened four years later in 1998? They lost all three first round matches and finished 32nd of 32 teams. But then in 2002 they defeated powerhouse Portugal, defeated Mexico in the second-round and went toe-to-toe with Germany in the quarterfinals. But then in 2006 they were clobbered by the Czech Republic, upset by Ghana, and left after the first round. As I stated earlier, success has not guaranteed success...at least from one tournament to the next. However, if you look back over the last twenty years, you can see a team that has gone from being an outsider on the international scene, to a team that can reliably be expected to qualify for the World Cup. That's progress, but of the gradual sort. So too is the progress of the popularity of soccer among Americans. Fifteen years ago there was no national professional soccer league. Now there is one that is expanding. Fifteen years ago only a handful of Americans were good enough to play soccer overseas. Now, dozens of Americans play for European soccer squads. A victory over Brazil would not suddenly see a dozen or more Americans starting with top-flight European clubs, and the loss does not mean that those players will be sent home and MLS will fold. If anything, the media attention is only an indication of how the non-soccer fans feel about the sport. It's nice to see the reaction, especially if it gets US, MLS or even European club games on ESPN or ESPN2, but it's not necessary to get their approval for soccer to advance in this country. Soccer's been growing in popularity for almost two decades now, and it looks to continue to do so...at a slow and steady pace, and that's fine by me.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Saturday Morning Round-Up
1. A story in yesterday's Washington Post reveals that the Obama administration is considering drafting an executive order asserting the President's authority to detain terrorist suspects indefinitely without any judicial process. The White House denies that a draft order exists (via John Cole) thought there is no denial that they are considering such a move. I found this quote from the Post article to be particularly odd:
First of all, I would like this official to find me one civil liberties group that has argued for such a thing. Perhaps what he/she meant is that they'd rather have an executive order than a Bush-like assertion of authority that merely cites the Constitution, but there's essentially no difference between the two approaches legally. Also, they are arguing that such an order would permit them to get Congress' acquiescence in the closing of Guantanamo, an effort stymied by the various Democratic and Republican bed-wetters on the Hill. Which basically would amount to Obama saying to Congress "I double-pledge to hold terrorists forever if you will please let me shut down Guantanamo." But it seems to me like sending them Bermuda an the South Pacific was working out alright.
2. Gays and Lesbiasn are-rightly-angered as well at the Obama administration's shuffling approach towards gay rights. Don't Ask, Don't Tell, remains in place, the Obama DOJ is arguing before the courts to retain DOMA, and Obama's decision to extend federal benefits to domestic partners was praised until advocates realized that those benefits didn't include health care (doubly ironic, considering the President's present political battle over a national health care plan.) Arnold King, while not citing specifically to the administration's approach to gay rights, makes the point that the Obama administration has many agendas, but appears satisfied to half-ass meeting their goals on any of them.
3. For some conservative Christians, Sanford's weeping and rending of garments is enough for them to get over his infidelity and bizarre behavior. I'm sure the fact that he's a Republican politician has absolutely no bearing on their attitudes. But stories like this make it clear that for all of Sanford's talk, he was determined to continuing playing his own staff, his own state, and especially his own wife, until he got caught. Politically connected religious leaders and politicians may be quick to forgive, but other conservatives? Not so much.
4. Bob Herbert takes a look at the economy and calls a spade (a jobless recovery) a spade (no recovery at all.)
5. The Iranian government appears to be gaining the upper-hand against the protesters, though it also seems clear that the massive protests have revealed divisions in the leadership that may indicate long-term change.
6. Upon the news of Michael Jackson's death, I found myself wondering what condition his estate was in and upon whom would fall the unfortunate task of trying to sort it out. It appears he had at least one will, though no one knows it's contents yet. I predict there will be a gargantuan battle over his estate given the value still attached to his name and his music and the massive debt attached to much of his property, but I doubt it will interest the public as much as Anna Nicole Smith's highly publicized probate did, what with the absence of a childhood custody dispute. There can be no doubt though of Jackson's status as a mega-star, as the reaction to his death was almost more than the internet could bear.
7. You might've missed this news, but Wednesday the United States pulled off a shocking upset and defeated the number one team in the world 2-0 to advance to the final game of the Confederations Cup. Spain is praised for their ability to possess the ball, and it was expected that the U.S. would entrench upon defense and wait for their opportunities to counter. Instead, Spain committed uncharacteristic errors as the U.S. went with a strategy of heavily pressuring the ball and looking for quick counters, and remaining incredibly well-organized (and frankly, a little lucky) on defense. The strategy paid off with huge dividends; quick movement up the field led to a goal by Jozy Altidore, and a Spanish turnover led to a goal by Clint Dempsey. Altidore (after keeper Brad Guzan) was clearly man of the match. No telling if his outstanding play makes him the future of American soccer or another Eddie Johnson, but American soccer fans will take what they can get. The United States plays Brazil tomorrow, a team they already lost to in the first round, but against whom they might have a better chance if they play as decisively as they did against Spain.
8. I thought this article about Grandparents University at UNT was interesting. Grandparents and their grand-children apparently spend a weekend at the school's dorm and taking classes together, in a program designed to give young teenagers and tweeners a taste of college life, and some bonding time with their grand-parents.
UPDATE: Spencer Ackerman finds at least one civil libertarian to whom the Obama administration official might be referring with the above quote from the Post story; Kate Martin of the Center for National Security Studies:
So Martin supports it, but only to the extent that something from Congress might be worse. Given the way Congress has handled the possible closing of Gitmo this may be true, though I happen to think that Congress should be forced to craft an indefinite detention policy if that's what they want in exchange for closing Gitmo.
Glenn Greenwald has more though, as I've pointed out once before, he has a tendency to criticize the "many defenders" of Obama on various issues where Obama replicates Bush doctrines, without actually linking to or naming any of these defenders. Greenwald is a very thorough blogger, which is why I don't understand why he so eagerly reaches for the "some say" approach to blogging.
"...one administration official suggested that the White House is already trying to build support for an order. "Civil liberties groups have encouraged the administration, that if a prolonged detention system were to be sought, to do it through executive order," the official said.
First of all, I would like this official to find me one civil liberties group that has argued for such a thing. Perhaps what he/she meant is that they'd rather have an executive order than a Bush-like assertion of authority that merely cites the Constitution, but there's essentially no difference between the two approaches legally. Also, they are arguing that such an order would permit them to get Congress' acquiescence in the closing of Guantanamo, an effort stymied by the various Democratic and Republican bed-wetters on the Hill. Which basically would amount to Obama saying to Congress "I double-pledge to hold terrorists forever if you will please let me shut down Guantanamo." But it seems to me like sending them Bermuda an the South Pacific was working out alright.
2. Gays and Lesbiasn are-rightly-angered as well at the Obama administration's shuffling approach towards gay rights. Don't Ask, Don't Tell, remains in place, the Obama DOJ is arguing before the courts to retain DOMA, and Obama's decision to extend federal benefits to domestic partners was praised until advocates realized that those benefits didn't include health care (doubly ironic, considering the President's present political battle over a national health care plan.) Arnold King, while not citing specifically to the administration's approach to gay rights, makes the point that the Obama administration has many agendas, but appears satisfied to half-ass meeting their goals on any of them.
3. For some conservative Christians, Sanford's weeping and rending of garments is enough for them to get over his infidelity and bizarre behavior. I'm sure the fact that he's a Republican politician has absolutely no bearing on their attitudes. But stories like this make it clear that for all of Sanford's talk, he was determined to continuing playing his own staff, his own state, and especially his own wife, until he got caught. Politically connected religious leaders and politicians may be quick to forgive, but other conservatives? Not so much.
4. Bob Herbert takes a look at the economy and calls a spade (a jobless recovery) a spade (no recovery at all.)
5. The Iranian government appears to be gaining the upper-hand against the protesters, though it also seems clear that the massive protests have revealed divisions in the leadership that may indicate long-term change.
6. Upon the news of Michael Jackson's death, I found myself wondering what condition his estate was in and upon whom would fall the unfortunate task of trying to sort it out. It appears he had at least one will, though no one knows it's contents yet. I predict there will be a gargantuan battle over his estate given the value still attached to his name and his music and the massive debt attached to much of his property, but I doubt it will interest the public as much as Anna Nicole Smith's highly publicized probate did, what with the absence of a childhood custody dispute. There can be no doubt though of Jackson's status as a mega-star, as the reaction to his death was almost more than the internet could bear.
7. You might've missed this news, but Wednesday the United States pulled off a shocking upset and defeated the number one team in the world 2-0 to advance to the final game of the Confederations Cup. Spain is praised for their ability to possess the ball, and it was expected that the U.S. would entrench upon defense and wait for their opportunities to counter. Instead, Spain committed uncharacteristic errors as the U.S. went with a strategy of heavily pressuring the ball and looking for quick counters, and remaining incredibly well-organized (and frankly, a little lucky) on defense. The strategy paid off with huge dividends; quick movement up the field led to a goal by Jozy Altidore, and a Spanish turnover led to a goal by Clint Dempsey. Altidore (after keeper Brad Guzan) was clearly man of the match. No telling if his outstanding play makes him the future of American soccer or another Eddie Johnson, but American soccer fans will take what they can get. The United States plays Brazil tomorrow, a team they already lost to in the first round, but against whom they might have a better chance if they play as decisively as they did against Spain.
8. I thought this article about Grandparents University at UNT was interesting. Grandparents and their grand-children apparently spend a weekend at the school's dorm and taking classes together, in a program designed to give young teenagers and tweeners a taste of college life, and some bonding time with their grand-parents.
UPDATE: Spencer Ackerman finds at least one civil libertarian to whom the Obama administration official might be referring with the above quote from the Post story; Kate Martin of the Center for National Security Studies:
Martin thinks that established law holds that the administration doesn't require any additional legal authorization to hold anyone captured on the battlefields of Afghanistan without charge until the end of hostilities -- that comes from the September 2001 Authorization to Use Military Force, as does dispensation for the 9/11 plotters -- but would need to charge or release any detainee picked up outside either Afghanistan or Iraq. Martin thinks the reported executive order might be the only thing standing in the way of an even broader congressional effort of the sort seen in the war supplemental that Daphne critiqued yesterday. Martin has expressed her organization's longstanding perspective on detainee matters to the administration's detentions task force.
So Martin supports it, but only to the extent that something from Congress might be worse. Given the way Congress has handled the possible closing of Gitmo this may be true, though I happen to think that Congress should be forced to craft an indefinite detention policy if that's what they want in exchange for closing Gitmo.
Glenn Greenwald has more though, as I've pointed out once before, he has a tendency to criticize the "many defenders" of Obama on various issues where Obama replicates Bush doctrines, without actually linking to or naming any of these defenders. Greenwald is a very thorough blogger, which is why I don't understand why he so eagerly reaches for the "some say" approach to blogging.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Soccer Notes
Some interesting soccer news in the last few days:
1. The Confederations Cup kicked off in South Africa on Sunday. The Confederations Cup is a tournament that pits the winners of the various regional soccer confederations against each other in what's regarded as a "dress rehearsal" for next year's World Cup (also in South Africa.) The US, as the winner of the Gold Cup, is representing CONCACAF this time around. Unfortunately the US got stomped by Italy and the traitorous Giussepi Rossi, an American born Italian citizen who happens to be very, very, good and also, uninterested in playing for the United States. Such are the pleasures of dual citizenship. The US plays Brazil tomorrow morning and though Brazil struggled somewhat with Egypt on Monday, that game is likely a loss as well. Still, some new faces played well against Italy and getting solid players playing time against giants like Italy is always a plus.
2. Iraq also joins in the US in the Confederations Cup, courtesy of their win in the 2007 Asian Cup. The faced off bravely against Spain today, and lost by the respectable score of 1-0. This is especially noteworthy given that Spain had obliterated New Zealand 5-0 only three days before.
3. Speaking of dual citizenship, Jermaine Jones, a high quality mid-fielder for the Bundesliga's Schalke 04, has indicated that he'd like to suit up for the United States thanks to a recent FIFA rule change. He makes no effort to disguise the fact that he's doing so because he can't get on the German national team (Jones is a German and American citizen courtesy of his German mother, and was born in America before moving to Germany at a young age.) He isn't Rossi, but he's quite a good player and shouldn't have much trouble getting on the national team later this summer and in time for plenty of practice before next year's World Cup.
4. Iran's national soccer team wore green armbands in their World Cup qualifcation match against South Korea today, to signal their support for the dissident supporters of Moussavi. Unfortunately they were only able to manage a tie on the road against South Korea, and will miss next year's World Cup in favor of...North Korea, who drew against Saudi Arabia in Riyadh today. The win leaves Saudi Arabia in a playoff Bahrain in a playoff for the chance to play New Zealand for a slot in the World Cup, and it leaves Iran on the outside looking in.
1. The Confederations Cup kicked off in South Africa on Sunday. The Confederations Cup is a tournament that pits the winners of the various regional soccer confederations against each other in what's regarded as a "dress rehearsal" for next year's World Cup (also in South Africa.) The US, as the winner of the Gold Cup, is representing CONCACAF this time around. Unfortunately the US got stomped by Italy and the traitorous Giussepi Rossi, an American born Italian citizen who happens to be very, very, good and also, uninterested in playing for the United States. Such are the pleasures of dual citizenship. The US plays Brazil tomorrow morning and though Brazil struggled somewhat with Egypt on Monday, that game is likely a loss as well. Still, some new faces played well against Italy and getting solid players playing time against giants like Italy is always a plus.
2. Iraq also joins in the US in the Confederations Cup, courtesy of their win in the 2007 Asian Cup. The faced off bravely against Spain today, and lost by the respectable score of 1-0. This is especially noteworthy given that Spain had obliterated New Zealand 5-0 only three days before.
3. Speaking of dual citizenship, Jermaine Jones, a high quality mid-fielder for the Bundesliga's Schalke 04, has indicated that he'd like to suit up for the United States thanks to a recent FIFA rule change. He makes no effort to disguise the fact that he's doing so because he can't get on the German national team (Jones is a German and American citizen courtesy of his German mother, and was born in America before moving to Germany at a young age.) He isn't Rossi, but he's quite a good player and shouldn't have much trouble getting on the national team later this summer and in time for plenty of practice before next year's World Cup.
4. Iran's national soccer team wore green armbands in their World Cup qualifcation match against South Korea today, to signal their support for the dissident supporters of Moussavi. Unfortunately they were only able to manage a tie on the road against South Korea, and will miss next year's World Cup in favor of...North Korea, who drew against Saudi Arabia in Riyadh today. The win leaves Saudi Arabia in a playoff Bahrain in a playoff for the chance to play New Zealand for a slot in the World Cup, and it leaves Iran on the outside looking in.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Friends in High Places
President Obama is throwing his not inconsiderable weight behind a World Cup bid for U.S. Soccer. One of those games might even be at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Friday Links
For your edification:
1. Via Volokh, Congress takes on the issue of cyber security.
2. A federal judge rules that some detainees being held at Bagram in Afghanistan can challenge their detention in court.
3. Social Security is clogged with a backlog of disability cases. In my law school's legal clinic, I was very bluntly informed by the senior attorneys working there that the Social Security Administration always denies an initial application for disability, regardless of the merits. And that they will fight tooth and nail to deny benefits to all but those who are most clearly disabled (such as with blindness, paralysis, loss of limb, etc.) The SSA's role should be to to fairly dispense entitlement benefits, but they seem to regard themselves as the government's moneysavers.
4. Speaking of government malfeasance, immigrants die in custody and not only does nobody care, but nobody even bothers to report it. I understand the need to enforce immigration laws in our country, but we treat detained immigrants worse than we treat terrorist being held at Guantanamo Bay.
5. The Iowa Supreme Court unanimously strikes down the state's ban on gay marriage finding that it violates the Iowa State Constitution forbidding . According to Maggie Gallagher, teenagers will now begin fornicating left and right (more than they already do, I presume.)
6. Photographs from the day Martin Luther King Jr. died.
7. The U.S. Men's soccer team beat Trinidad and Tobago the other night, 3-0. The score probably should've been worse for T&T, who looked out of sync and discombobulated all night. All three goals came from the feet of Jozy Altidore, who's put in two phenomenal performances for the national team. But nobody should declare him the great American hope yet, as we've seen this sort of thing before (Eddie Johnson, anyone?)
8. The Mavericks cling to the hope that they can grab the 7th seed and avoid a first round match-up against L.A. They're getting a little help from Utah, but they need to win out to have a chance.
1. Via Volokh, Congress takes on the issue of cyber security.
2. A federal judge rules that some detainees being held at Bagram in Afghanistan can challenge their detention in court.
3. Social Security is clogged with a backlog of disability cases. In my law school's legal clinic, I was very bluntly informed by the senior attorneys working there that the Social Security Administration always denies an initial application for disability, regardless of the merits. And that they will fight tooth and nail to deny benefits to all but those who are most clearly disabled (such as with blindness, paralysis, loss of limb, etc.) The SSA's role should be to to fairly dispense entitlement benefits, but they seem to regard themselves as the government's moneysavers.
4. Speaking of government malfeasance, immigrants die in custody and not only does nobody care, but nobody even bothers to report it. I understand the need to enforce immigration laws in our country, but we treat detained immigrants worse than we treat terrorist being held at Guantanamo Bay.
5. The Iowa Supreme Court unanimously strikes down the state's ban on gay marriage finding that it violates the Iowa State Constitution forbidding . According to Maggie Gallagher, teenagers will now begin fornicating left and right (more than they already do, I presume.)
6. Photographs from the day Martin Luther King Jr. died.
7. The U.S. Men's soccer team beat Trinidad and Tobago the other night, 3-0. The score probably should've been worse for T&T, who looked out of sync and discombobulated all night. All three goals came from the feet of Jozy Altidore, who's put in two phenomenal performances for the national team. But nobody should declare him the great American hope yet, as we've seen this sort of thing before (Eddie Johnson, anyone?)
8. The Mavericks cling to the hope that they can grab the 7th seed and avoid a first round match-up against L.A. They're getting a little help from Utah, but they need to win out to have a chance.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
U.S. v. T&T
The United States plays Trinidad and Tobago in their third game of the fourth round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in about...oh, 10 minutes or so. A win will give the U.S. a nine point total and an formidable (though not indomitable) lead in their group. The U.S. salvaged a tie against El Salvador on Saturday, and is hoping for a better performance against a T&T team that they defeated 3-0 the last time they met in the U.S. in September of last year, but who they lost to in T&T the next month. T&T has two draws thus far in this round of qualification, against Honduras and El Salvador, and will be hunting for a prized away victory tonight.
As an aside, Argentina was annihalted by Bolivia today in CONMEBOL qualification, losing 6-1, tying their worst result ever in World Cup qualification. Hopefully, their luck won't spread north.
Monday, February 16, 2009
New Cowboys Stadium to Host World Cup Games?
Sunil Gulati, President of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, thinks so:
The last time the World Cup was played in the U.S., it was the Cotton Bowl that hosted several first round games. The new stadium would be a vast improvement, and might be the highlight of any tournament. I'm intrigued by the latter paragraph as well. What games do they have in mind? The U.S. is already slated to play their home World Cup qualifying friendlies at Chicago, Utah and D.C. (and they don't play their qualifying matches around these parts anyway.) I have no idea who's visiting the U.S. later this year, so I'm very intrigued as to who they have lined up. Hopefully we'll hear more soon.
"It's a huge stadium," Gulati said in a teleconference in which he announced USSF has submitted a declaration of interest to host either World Cup. "It's a phenomenal new stadium and, frankly, it was built with soccer in mind. So the field capacity and size are perfect for the World Cup, and it's something we would certainly be interested in."
Cowboys spokesman Brett Daniels said it was too early to comment, but he did confirm there will be one or more international soccer games this fall in the new stadium, which has capacity to seat 100,000.
The last time the World Cup was played in the U.S., it was the Cotton Bowl that hosted several first round games. The new stadium would be a vast improvement, and might be the highlight of any tournament. I'm intrigued by the latter paragraph as well. What games do they have in mind? The U.S. is already slated to play their home World Cup qualifying friendlies at Chicago, Utah and D.C. (and they don't play their qualifying matches around these parts anyway.) I have no idea who's visiting the U.S. later this year, so I'm very intrigued as to who they have lined up. Hopefully we'll hear more soon.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
U.S. Wins
The U.S. kicked off the final round of qualifying with a win in Columbus tonight, continuing their decade long streak of going unbeaten against Mexico at home. Michael Bradley was the man of the match, scoring a goal late in the first, and then again in stoppage time to secure the victory. Overall I was impressed with what I saw; only a few mental lapses on defense, good organization on defense for the most part, solid passing to spread the ball around, and good individual play by the likes of Donovan, Bradley, Hedjuk, Onyewu, Ching, et al. I'd go so far as to say that nobody really had a poor game, which is not always the case with this team. They definitely tapped the breaks a little bit after Mexico went down a man on the red card, but in doing so they gave Mexico precious few opportunities to even the score. All in all it was a solid performance, and bodes well for their trip through this final round to South Africa.
U.S. vs. Mexico
Tonight the U.S. Men's National Team kicks off the fourth and final round of World Cup qualifying with a match against Mexico in Columbus. The U.S. plays in no games that are as intense as the contests against Mexico, with which the squad has a fierce and long-standing rivalry. After decades of dominance over the U.S. the rivalry between the two teams has evened out, and the U.S. hasn't lost at home to Mexico since 1999, and they hope to continue that trend against a Mexican team that is somewhat distracted. I have it from confidential sources that the game can be seen online here or here, if you're planning on being stuck at work like I am.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Season Begins with a Win
The Dallas Cowboys opened the season at Cleveland yesterday, and dominated the Browns winning 28-10. Alas I didn't get to actually see much of that game except the 4th, when most of the excitement was already over. But watching the recording later I was very impressed by Barber, Jones, Witten, T.O. and even Crayton (who's a fine player when he talks less.) And Romo of course, who is playing at about the highest level a quarterback can in the NFL. So all in all, a good start and with the injury to Brady likely to remove another roadblock to a championship, the season is shaping up very nicely. At least in Week 1. Week 2 may be slightly different, as the Cowboys will make their 69th appearance on Monday Night Football against an Eagles team that absolutely destroyed St. Louis yesterday. That will be a hell of a game my friends.
The U.S. Men's soccer team also got a win in Havana on Saturday, racking up six points total in the qualifying group they're in and giving themselves an excellent head start on making it to the next round with two victories on the road. The game wasn't pretty and coach Bob Bradley is still struggling to find players who can turn in consistent performances in key positions, but a win on the road is a win and as there's still two years between now and the next World Cup, still some time to find all the right pieces.
FC Dallas didn't play this weekend but they did play last Thursday, losing a "must-win" game at home to Colorado and demonstrating for something like the 10th year in a row that an inability to completely concentrate on defense can cost you a game. FC Dallas has fallen to next to last in the standings as the win permitted Colorado to leap-frog over them and at present they would fail to qualify for a playoff spot. With seven games left there's still plenty of time to undo that, but backwards movement in the standings in September is usually not a sign on imminent post-season success.
The U.S. Men's soccer team also got a win in Havana on Saturday, racking up six points total in the qualifying group they're in and giving themselves an excellent head start on making it to the next round with two victories on the road. The game wasn't pretty and coach Bob Bradley is still struggling to find players who can turn in consistent performances in key positions, but a win on the road is a win and as there's still two years between now and the next World Cup, still some time to find all the right pieces.
FC Dallas didn't play this weekend but they did play last Thursday, losing a "must-win" game at home to Colorado and demonstrating for something like the 10th year in a row that an inability to completely concentrate on defense can cost you a game. FC Dallas has fallen to next to last in the standings as the win permitted Colorado to leap-frog over them and at present they would fail to qualify for a playoff spot. With seven games left there's still plenty of time to undo that, but backwards movement in the standings in September is usually not a sign on imminent post-season success.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
U.S. Men to Cuba
Having eked out a 1-0 win in a typically violent game in Gautemala, the U.S. Men's National soccer team now travels to Havana, Cuba for the first time since 1947 to take on the Cuban national team in World Cup Qualifying. Thanks to hostility between the U.S. and Cuba no American fans will be on hand for the game, but American soccer journalists are and one of them has his thoughts on Cuba here.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
World Cup Qualifying Begins
The United States began the long trek to the 2010 World Cup with a rout of Barbados, who I am now convinced is possibly one of the worst national soccer teams in the world. The U.S. won 8-0, scoring in the very first minute of the game and not letting up after that. The goals came with such frequency that U.S. players on the bench could hardly bring themselves to stand up and cheer after the 7th and 8th scores. I'm not at all convinced that the U.S. is suddenly a better team than the one that failed to score in three matches against England, Spain and Argentina, but as far as confidence building exercises go one could do worse than to rout a lowly opponent at home. And when it comes to World Cup qualifying, all that matters is getting to the tournament. They can worry about the big dogs once they've secured their berth. The U.S. will face Barbados again next Sunday in the second leg of the home-away match-up, but unless Barbados plans on scoring 9 goals and shutting out the U.S., the advancement of the U.S. to the third round of qualification in CONCACAF is a foregone conclusion.
FC Dallas also notched a win against the Chicago Fire today, blanking Cauhtemoc Blanco and his team 1-0 on a Kenny Cooper score. They looked composed and threatening, and if they can hold to form there's a chance that they can do something in the post-season. Of course, the coaching turmoil as well as FC Dallas' past history with summer slumps hardly suggests a surge to the top of the West, but a new coach may mean new opportunities.
FC Dallas also notched a win against the Chicago Fire today, blanking Cauhtemoc Blanco and his team 1-0 on a Kenny Cooper score. They looked composed and threatening, and if they can hold to form there's a chance that they can do something in the post-season. Of course, the coaching turmoil as well as FC Dallas' past history with summer slumps hardly suggests a surge to the top of the West, but a new coach may mean new opportunities.
Monday, June 09, 2008
U.S. Finishes Friendlies, on to WC Qualifying
Last night's exhibition against Argentina in front of a very enthusiastic crowd in the Meadowlands was the U.S. national team's best demonstration of soccer yet this year. Thanks to Tim Howard's incredible saves, vigorous and intelligent defense, and a willingness to attack Argentina, the U.S. came out of the game with a 0-0 tie against the number one soccer team in the world. But for a header from Onyechi Onyewu that glanced off the crossbar early in the second, the U.S. could've come out of the game with a win (though they were also saved by a non-call on Howard in the penalty box later that half.) Clearly Argentina was the better team, and they immediately began the game with the brand of sylish and quick-thinking attacking soccer that they are known for, repeatedly threatening the goal. They certainly would've gone up early and often but for Howard's world-class performance. But the second half was clearly a different story. Argentina's attacks would fizzle on uncharacteristic mistakes, and the U.S. would take advantage of quick counters to get shots on goal. There's no mistaking the difference in quality between the two teams, but the U.S. played exactly as they're supposed to play against a superior opponent; tireless defense, superior goal-keeping to cover up mistakes and opportunistic counters, and that nearly got them out of the game with a win. The last ten minutes of the game were marred by a bizarre red card against Pablo Mastroeni, and Argentina's captain was sent off in the 86th minute after a hard tackle, but the rest of the game was filled with exciting soccer. The play of Eddie Johnson up top still leaves much to be desired, and frankly I don't see how he hasn't played himself off of a starting spot on the squad. But others, like newbie Heath Pearce with his solid defense and his ability to get forward on the attack, and the gradual return to form by stalwards like DeMarcus Beasley, make it clear that this team should be more than capable of beating Barbados in World Cup qualifying next week. Overall, it looks like this team and it's new generation of younger players might just be the sort of thing that legitimate World Cup appearances are made of.
On a side note, Landon Donovan earned his 100th cap last night, the youngest American player to do so. And Kasey Keller, former U.S. goalkeeper extraordinaire (and in my opinion, one of the best goalkeepers in world soccer history) was honored before the game for his incredible achievements with the U.S. team throughout his long international career. Both players are representative of the best of American soccer, and one can only hope that their achievements presage greater achievement for the team as a whole in two years.
On a side note, Landon Donovan earned his 100th cap last night, the youngest American player to do so. And Kasey Keller, former U.S. goalkeeper extraordinaire (and in my opinion, one of the best goalkeepers in world soccer history) was honored before the game for his incredible achievements with the U.S. team throughout his long international career. Both players are representative of the best of American soccer, and one can only hope that their achievements presage greater achievement for the team as a whole in two years.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
USA Loses
So the U.S. Men's national soccer team battled Spain in Setander yesterday and-predictably-lost, though only by a score of 1-0 (though it could've been worse, as two Spanish shots hit first the crossbar and then the right post.) Overall it was a much better outing than the game last week against England. The back line was much more organized (though they got caught napping a few times, moments which Spain failed to capitalize on.) There still is essentially no quality midfield game, at least not against superior opponents. The attacking game was both energizing and frustrating. Coach Bob Bradley went with Freddy Adu to start, and the decision paid huge dividends as Adu demonstrated an ability to move the ball with his feet in the face of Spanish defenders and make precision passes that put the U.S. in position to score. Adu turned 19 only three days ago; he has improved and matured as a player each year since he took the field for D.C. United at 14, and he gives the U.S. team incredible hope for the future. But it was frustrating also in that Eddie Johnson, who played the target forward position, was repeatedly unable to take advantage of solid chances in front of the Spanish goal, including a cross that he headed that should've been a goal but bounced harmlessly away (though he should be given credit for what would've been a goal had he not been offsides by a hair.) I don't see how it's possible that Eddie Johnson isn't steadily playing himself off of the starting squad, except that Bradley simply doesn't have any other better options to go to at striker. Bradley also turned to Wolff again, subbing him in for Johnson in the 69th minute. Perhaps the team was worn down by that point, but Wolff was a non-factor just as he was against England last week (and I'm with Jeffrey Marcus; where's some action for Kenny Cooper?) Overall though, this team should fare well against Barbados later this month. Argentina on the 8th? Well, that's a different story (even if Donovan and Adu take the field together.)
In other soccer news, Red Bulls forward and rising MLS star Jozy Altidore is being sold to the Spanish club Villareal, one of the La Liga's top clubs, for the largest transfer fee in MLS history (likely to pass $10 million, according to the NY Times.) He will join a slew of American soccer players playing overseas in Europe, a trend that will only bolster American soccer in the coming years.
In other soccer news, Red Bulls forward and rising MLS star Jozy Altidore is being sold to the Spanish club Villareal, one of the La Liga's top clubs, for the largest transfer fee in MLS history (likely to pass $10 million, according to the NY Times.) He will join a slew of American soccer players playing overseas in Europe, a trend that will only bolster American soccer in the coming years.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Eh
So yesterday was a great day for soccer fans, if you don't mind watching one of your two favorite teams give up a late goal and lose 3 points, and you don't mind watching the other indulge in lackluster and unimaginative play against one of the best teams in the world. First the US: the squad started off the game with solid play, but gradually conceded to England's midfield pressure, their own defensive gaffes, and an inability to create any decent chances up top. The latter is truly the worst problem this team faces, as there is simply no one on the US side that other teams should fear getting near the goal. Josh Wolff was once one of MLS' top players, but without decent service (Landon Donovan was out with a groin injury) he's simply a non-factor. Former Dallas Burn/FC Dallas striker Eddie Johnson was worse, whiffing on his only decent chances at goal but otherwise disappearing for long stretches, and helping to prove that he's simply incapable of playing at the international level (the 3-goal performance against Panama that I witnessed in 2004 being to this point the highlight of his professional career.) Freddy Adu, subbed in the 2nd, was better but not enough. Veteran Eddie Lewis had a decent run at the goal the ended in a great cross, but had no other opportunities to threaten England. With the retirement of players like Brian McBride (who is, incidentally, returning to the US after four seasons with Fulham FC) US soccer simply lacks the ability to reliably threaten the opposition's goal. An inability to score only magnifies the problems of inadequate midfield play and defensive errors, and it's hard to see how this team can threaten anyone on the world stage unless some attacking players emerge. A match against Spain is coming up on June 4th, and the US will have to play better than they did last night to avoid a shellacking in Santander.
FC Dallas does not lack for the ability to score (Kenny Cooper recorded his fifth goal of the season last night against Houston thanks to a beautiful first touch...maybe the US should consider calling him up again) but they have a frustrating inability to concentrate defensively at crucial moments of the game, allowing Dwayne DeRosario to score in the 93rd minute and giving up 3 key points at Pizza Hut Park. FC Dallas also got a player ejected for the third time in three matches, which is perhaps a sign of their own frustration with their play on the field. FC Dallas plays Colorado on Sunday.
FC Dallas does not lack for the ability to score (Kenny Cooper recorded his fifth goal of the season last night against Houston thanks to a beautiful first touch...maybe the US should consider calling him up again) but they have a frustrating inability to concentrate defensively at crucial moments of the game, allowing Dwayne DeRosario to score in the 93rd minute and giving up 3 key points at Pizza Hut Park. FC Dallas also got a player ejected for the third time in three matches, which is perhaps a sign of their own frustration with their play on the field. FC Dallas plays Colorado on Sunday.
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