Archive for May, 2010

The Continent, World Cup 2010

South Africa Romp, Suggest They’re No Pushover

BRENT LATHAM – In the past few months, I’ve done my share of bashing the South African national team. They’re in a tough group, they would never have made the tournament on their own merits, and well, their results have not been very good. Most pundits have agreed with the negative assessment.

But I think it’s gotten to the point where Bafana Bafana is underrated, as they began to show Monday against a completely over-matched Guatemalan side that got paid some FIFA money to come on over and play.

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News in brief

MON May 31 (PM) – Capello, Mourinho, Cesc, and Scoring Goals

What’s the one thing England can’t afford as they prepare for the World Cup? Distractions. Yet questions about manager Fabio Capello’s future could interfere with preparations for South Africa.

According to Republic of Ireland head Giovanni Trapattoni, Capello wants the Inter Malin job vacated by Jose Mourinho.

“Knowing Fabio, he is very focused but his situation is very difficult and he is followed by everyone,” Trapattoni said. “Ahead of a World Cup, a false step could create problems for him.” Capello has a deal that runs through Euro 2012.

Barcelona Not Giving Up on Cesc Fabregas
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News in brief

MON May 31 (AM): On MLS Saturday, Mexico, England, and the US

A Buddle-and-Donovan-less LA Galaxy made a statement against a Columbus Crew side featuring returning US hopefuls Robbie Rogers and Chad Marshall.

Once again, it was a story of defense for the Galaxy, who allowed four shots on goal in preserving their ninth shutout through 11 league matches. An early goal from Michael Stephens, the first of his career, staked LA to an early lead.

The Crew threatened, with several excellent chances, but Tristan Bowan comfortably slotted in a Chris Klein pass in the 87th minute to put the game out of reach. The victory, at Columbus Crew Stadium, leaves no remaining doubt as to the best team in MLS. The Galaxy, through 11 matches, have allowed a remarkable two goals, and haven’t allowed an MLS opponent to find the back of the net in over 480 minutes.

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United States

You May Have Missed It: Portland Beats Boca Juniors

BRENT LATHAM – What with the national team, the World Cup coming up, and all, you might not have been honed in on the Portland Timbers’ match this weekend.

I had seen a Portland game myself, nor really been too interested in seeing one, but I happened to catch the replay of their international friendly on Fox Sports yesterday.

That’s right, international friendly. Who knew? It seems Portland is ahead of the curve in terms of joining up with MLS, and they managed to get Boca Juniors to visit for the third and final game of their U.S. tour.

Now, it turns out, Portland has got some really cool things going on soccer-wise. Like that guy in the picture (it seems he slices off a piece of a log for each goal, then the player gets it after the game, or something like that). But more than that, and a good crowd, Portland actually managed to beat Boca, 3-2.

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United States, World Cup 2010

The X-Factor – Which New Additions Can Help the Nats?

BRENT LATHAM – It’s late May, and we’re just about out of time for the 2010 World Cup cycle. This might or might not be Bob Bradley’s last month as coach, but whoever is in charge come August, there’s an important lesson that should be learned from this cycle he should not overlook.

You can’t figure out who can help out if he doesn’t play with the big boys.

In recent weeks, Herculez Gomez, Edson Buddle, and Robbie Findley have all joined the team for the duration. Jose Torres and Clarence Goodson have stepped up, and others like Heath Pearce and Jonathan Bornstein have pretty much proved once more that they’re no-gos.

Some look good, some don’t. One thing’s for certain: the verdict is still out on too many players. By this point in a cycle, a team should know what it can expect. Why is the U.S. in this situation?

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United States

Findley Rewards Bradley

WHITNEY WARREN – The uproar was as if someone had killed the team kitten…if, in fact, there is a team USA kitten. Findley on the roster? How could it be? This writer is the first to admit – and there’s plenty of words to prove it – that he was as incredulous as anyone about Bob Bradley’s decision to include the Real Salt Lake forward on the roster.

But in the second-half of Saturday’s match, Findley rewarded Bradley’s trust and confidence by helping turn a lackluster first-half team into a threatening, dangerous force, both offensively and defensively.

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United States, World Cup 2010

Breaking Down England 2-1 Japan

BRENT LATHAM – England had its hands full with Japan on Sunday in Austria, but a makeshift English team managed to see off the Samurai, who were playing with the intensity of a World Cup final.

Japan got out to an early lead off a cleverly orchestrated corner, and England had a hard time finishing despite a number of opportunities. The shaky performance doesn’t mean the sky is falling for the Three Lions, but may have given Bob Bradley, who was sure to be watching, further clues on a couple important factors for the June 12th matchup:

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United States, World Cup 2010

US 2-1 Turkey: Player Ratings and Analysis

BRENT LATHAM – What a difference a half can make. And six substitutions. Bob Bradley fielded a team without direction or purpose for the first 45 minutes of Saturday’s send-off match against Turkey, and the U.S. was lucky not to be down by more than one at the break. Some key subs and position adjustments changed the tune for the second half, and the U.S. dominated and won going away.

Where they’re going  away to is South Africa, and Bradley will have learned plenty from Saturday’s exhibition that he can employ at the World Cup. Here are some quick lessons, followed by player ratings:

Lesson #1 – The defense is almost set, by default. Carlos Bocanegra may not be a world class left back, but he’s the most stable the U.S. has got. Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu look comfortable together in the middle, and Clarence Goodson is an OK backup option. On the right, Steve Cherundolo is the man.

Lesson #2 – Stick to what got you here. The lineup Bradley trotted out to start was far too experimental. Too many ex-factors make it impossible to tell what’s gone wrong, and also who exactly is the problem.

I’ve never loved the Demspey to forward option, and the first half Saturday shows why. Moving Dempsey up separates him from the ball too much – it’s a self-neutralization of one of the U.S.’ most dangerous players. Play a 4-4-2 with Dempsey and Donovan on the wings, and find someone else to play up top alongside Altidore to finish the chances Dempsey and Donovan can’t themselves. Any of the forwards on the roster will do. (more…)

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United States

U.S. Starting Lineup vs. Turkey

The U.S. Starters are up, and it looks like Bob Bradley will try Clint Dempsey up front with Jozy. Goodson is in the middle of defense with DeMerit, Boca on the left and Spector on the right. This means the final lineup vs. England is still to be determined.

1 Tim Howard (G),

2 Jonathan Spector (D), 3 Carlos Bocanegra (D)15 Jay DeMerit (D), 21 Clarence Goodson (D), 4 Michael Bradley (M),

16 Benny Feilhaber (M), 13 Ricardo Clark (M), 10 Landon Donovan (M),

8 Clint Dempsey (F) 17 Jozy Altidore (F)

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