Archive for June, 2010

United States, World Cup 2010

Reflections on the US World Cup

Isaac Heath - If you are an American soccer fan, the last couple weeks have been filled with emotional highs and lows. Highlighted by a couple great comebacks, heart stomping refereeing decisions, and of course, a few late game goals, the World Cup was a roller coaster ride.

I personally was devastated in the aftermath of the 2-1 overtime loss to Ghana this past weekend. Frankly I needed a few days to recover my spirits and also clear my mind before reflecting on the American World Cup performance.

While the opinions on the World Cup range from failure to great success depending on who you talk to, I tend to fall in the middle after taking some time to think about it. Winning our group was no small feat, yet another exit at the hands of a solid yet unspectacular Ghana team is extremely bitter.

There were several story lines throughout this World Cup for the Americans, but here our my top five reflections to take away from the tournament for the US:

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Africa, United Kingdom, World Cup 2010

WED June 30: On the Final Eight, Nigeria, and EPL Rumblings

And then there were eight. With Spain’s victory over Portugal, the quarterfinals have been set in South Africa. 552 players and 24 managers have been eliminated, leaving three European, four South American, and one African country left to determine a World Cup Champion. Of the eight teams that remain, four – Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Germany – have won the tournament before. A two day break gives each side a breather before matches resume on Friday, with Netherlands v Brazil (10 AM ET) and Uruguay v Ghana (2:30 PM ET). Saturday, Argentina v Germany (10 AM ET) will be followed by Spain v Paraguay (2:30 PM ET).

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United States

Back to the Future: Rongen Calls U-20 Camp

BRENT LATHAM – U.S. fans might as well get to dreaming about 2014. By then, several names most have never even heard will be on the U.S. roster for the World Cup in Brazil. After all, in 2006, who has ever heard of Charlie Davies, Jose Torres, or Maurice Edu, or dreamed of the role Michael Bradley or Jozy Altidore would play in this squad?

So Rongen’s work with this cycle is crucial in general. But it becomes even more crucial as the coach identifies dual nationals and brings them in to the U.S. system for a look. That’s what makes this upcoming camp so interesting. (more…)

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World Cup 2010

TUE June 28 (PM): Last of the 16, Euro Transfer Gossip

Today’s matches to determine the last quarterfinal pairings see the surprisingly pithy Japan up against a Paraguayan side who looked bland against New Zealand in their final group tie. Paraguay did set Italy on their way out of the tournament (and won their group, by the way), so they’re no cream-puffs, and though Man City striker Roque Santa Cruz has seen his mediocre club season follow him into the tournament, he’s still their best shot at unlocking the disciplined Japanese defense.

Anchoring the attack for Japan is the clever Keisuke Honda, whose free kick against Denmark is one of the top strikes of the tournament. His creative play and silky touch will be key in breaking down a Paraguayan side who conceded only one goal in group play.

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World Cup 2010

The Solution to the Reffing Problems is Simple

BRENT LATHAM – I don’t think you’ll find too many fans of bad refereeing. Really, it’s in everyone’s interest for the guys in the middle to get it right. They’ve got a tough job without the criticism that comes with a blown call, no doubt, and it’s so much better to have games resolved on merit rather than random, stupid refereeing errors.

That’s what makes FIFA’s position on technology so hard to understand. Why would FIFA want controversy over the refs? (more…)

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United Kingdom, United States, World Cup 2010

MON June 28 (AM): On FIFA, Donovan, Liverpool, and MLS

Following a number of controversial calls – or non-calls – through nearly three weeks of World Cup matches, FIFA is still refusing to specifically address the mistakes and potential technological solutions. American fans are acutely aware of how poor officiating can alter matches, but with two egregious errors affecting Sunday’s eliminees England and Mexico, the cry for technology has intensified. Sensing the increasing international pressure, FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot declined to address the issue directly by saying that it was “not the place” for this discussion.

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United States, World Cup 2010

Bradley on Bradley

Bob spoke about Michael at a press conference Sunday morning

“Like the team, I think he gives everything he has. There are different ways to size up players; I have all the ways. There are some players that you look at and you say, ‘This player’s good at this. He’s good at this. He’s good at this, but somehow when you put it all together and you put him on the field, you think, ‘Boy, it’s not quite enough.’ And Michael seems to be in the category – and please, he’s not the only one in this category that needs to be very clearly understood. He’s in the other category. You can see at times all the little things that you think he should be able to get better, but at the end of it all, when you put him on the field his commitment to try to do whatever is needed in a game to help is team, is pretty good. Again, one of the things I’ve always tried with players is to get them to understand that’s what the game is all about: that ability to put yourself on the line and try to do what it takes to help your team win. And so on that end, like a number of other players on our team, in four efforts, he pushed the limits.”

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United States, World Cup 2010

U.S. Loses – Some Analysis

BRENT LATHAM – Well, that was ridiculous. Again. The U.S. came out under inspired and chased the game – this time for 120 minutes. And frustratingly, was sent home for the second time in four years by a game Ghanaian side.

And it’s time to start asking questions.

I’m seeing reports all over about what a great effort this was in general. How well the World Cup went. How it means U.S. soccer is growing. Nonsense. (more…)

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United States, World Cup 2010

A Few More Thoughts Leading Up To The Match

First, let’s just enjoy this moment of pleasant anticipation. The U.S. is on the brink of something very special, but only if they show up to play tomorrow. Indications are they will.

- Expect to see the return of Rico Clark. The Ghanaians get forward in numbers and with pace, and Clark is just the right guy to clog up that middle ground above the American area. (Well actually Jermaine Jones, but we’ve crossed that bridge.)

- Expect Bornstein again on the left, as Gooch will be deemed to slow for all this pace. Also expect a horror show, (more…)

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