Everyone is safe an accounted for in South Africa. The following system, and players to fit those roles, I think will produce the results required for the United States’ departure from the beautiful bottom of the world being at a later date than mine.
On June 12, I expect Bob Bradley’s team to deploy either a 4-5-1 system or a 4-4-1-1 system. Regardless, I expect the players to be the same in both as either Clint Dempsey or Landon Donovan would be in the supporting role behind Jozy Altidore.
My starting XI, and reasons for their inclusion.
Goalkeeper, Tim Howard *: This is a no-brainer. Howard’s athleticism and ability to “communicate” with defenders is why he has won this role. He will save the Americans skin at least once during the group stage—it remains to be seen which game said occurrence will take place.
Left back, Carlos Bocanegra *: A year ago, it appeared a foolish move to me to transition the captain from the central defense to the left. It turns out he has solidified a spot that has not had a consistent starter for years.
Center back, Oguchi Onyewu */Clarence Goodson: If “Gooch” is totally healthy the spot is his. Goodson is a very good American understudy who, like Onyewu, can get forward to win set pieces with his head.
Center back, Jay DeMerit *: His play in major Confederations Cup matches allowed Bocanegra to move out wide. He is not the prototypical anchor one may think of, but he links up with Onyewu well. He will have to provide better cover when the outside backs are roaming forward.
Right back, Steve Cherundolo: Watch how few opportunities opponents have from their left side of the field when he is on the field. That is not by mistake as Cherundolo is the epitome of a pesky defender.
Left midfield, Landon Donovan *: Donovan is versatile enough to play anywhere in the midfield. It’s also why he is the best option in this spot because he is a creative player out wide who will apply pressure to defenses.
Holding/defensive midfielder, Michael Bradley *: The best box-to-box player the Americans have. He will have to provide more cover for the four defenders than he did during the May 29 exhibition against Turkey. However, he has proven that he is up to the task and has the potential, tenacity and creativity to be a bigger Claudio Reyna.
Central midfielder, Jose Torres: He has the creativity to unlock defenses as well as the skill to possess the ball. Torres may not be someone who plays for 90 minutes, but he is the type of player that may be the difference in against the Slovenians, who allowed just six goals in 12 qualifying matches.
Right midfield, Stuart Holden: Arguably the best service provider on the team. He is not afraid to run at defenders or whip in an accurate cross. Deployed primarily on the right, he has spent some time on the left flank—albeit against MLS competition.
Center forward, Clint Dempsey *: He is cocky enough to be quiet for 80 minutes of a match then go out and scoring the game-winning goal. Whether it’s the Confederations Cup, World Cup qualifying or the 2006 World Cup Dempsey has always been the one who has scored some of the American’s biggest goals.
Striker, Jozy Altidore *: It would be humorous to say he is the only option. What’s not humorous — for opponents — is when Altidore scores in a full international contest, the United States is undefeated.
Just because these men would be my starting XI does not mean they will remain that way during the first round as prescient suggests.
In 2006 and 2002 only six men started each contest. Donovan and Brian McBride were the only two who started all eight games in those two tournaments. If form is to hold Donovan, Cherundolo and Onyewu would be my three mainstays from the 2006 World Cup.
It’s not like the men Bob Bradley sends onto the field this summer will haphazardly be thrown together and had little training together.
Had Charlie Davies been healthy enough to make the American team my starting XI and formation from the June 24 upset over the Spanish in Bloemfontein to this June likely would not have changed.
Nevertheless, eight of those men, if Onyewu is healthy, from that Confederations Cup semifinal victory are still in my lineup -- marked with an asterisk -- and have the experience of beating the 21st century version of the Spanish Armada on South African soil.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
An appetite for Turkish Delight
Soccer is a sport where there are not time outs or opportunities to regroup after one’s gameplan is shredded—and quite easily.
Thinking must be done on the fly, or during half time, and adjustments must be made just as fast. Some teams are adept at this without too many tactical changes, while others need an infusion from the bench to get the winning concoction.
The United States victory over Turkey was an example of the latter as the Americans recovered from a 27th minute goal to win 2-1 in the last match played in the States before the team travels for South Africa May 30.
Throughout the first 45 minutes the Turks used the counterattack to deploy the counterattack and exploit the lack of American pressure. Using a 4-4-1-1 formation the Americans allowed too much space for midfielders Tuncay, Hamit Altintop and Arda Turan to possess the ball and run at defenders.
American captain Carlos Bocanegra and right back Jonathan Spector could only do so much to keep those three from getting opportunities on goal. In truth Turan and Tuncay missed golden opportunities in the fifth minute, and the 14th before the Galatasaray man put the ball past Tim Howard on the counterattack.
Spector went forward with a heavy touch only to be disposed at the box. A couple touches and Turan was off to the races in the space Spector voided. The goal was a deserved and one that likely grabbed the attention of the Americans that they had to track back defensively.
The pressure improved dramatically in the second half, thanks in part to the speed and skill brought on in the second half.
Second half goals from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey secured the victory. Both men started the contest, but it was the four substitutes introduced at halftime that changed the balance of the contest.
Veteran Steve Cheruldolo provided better cover at right back for the United States. His performance was the type that showed why he has started in 56 of his 59 caps.
Oguchi Onyewu still did not look completely healthy, but he was not asked to do much in defense. It was also a nice sight to see he could recover 96 hours after playing 65 minutes Tuesday.
Jose Torres provided the flair starting left midfielder Benny Feilhaber could not in the midfield. Though he came on for holding midfielder Ricardo Clark the Texan was someone who kept the ball and allowed Michael Bradley and others to get forward.
Robbie Findley, the man so many people—at least in the soccer circles I hang out in—thought did not show enough to deserve a place on the final 23-man roster showed his worth. The Real Salt Lake forward allowed the US to revert to a 4-4-2 and threaten the Turkish defense with his speed.
Findley’s delicious chip to Landon Donovan in the 58th minute set up Altidore’s goal, which left most of the 55,000 fans in Philadelphia hoarse. The most encouraging factor about the goal was that it came from the run of play, the first time in three games the US scored outside of a set piece.
The defensive pressure allowed the US to play a very high back line. Turkey was not able to exploit that, gaping hole between Howard and central defenders Onyewu and Jay DeMerit, but other teams may.
There was the presumption that the 11 who took the field in Philly would largely be those who take the field in two weeks. Saturday’s victory, the first against Turkey in three meetings, proves there are a lot of questions to answer in the fortnight before kickoff in Rustenburg.
Thinking must be done on the fly, or during half time, and adjustments must be made just as fast. Some teams are adept at this without too many tactical changes, while others need an infusion from the bench to get the winning concoction.
The United States victory over Turkey was an example of the latter as the Americans recovered from a 27th minute goal to win 2-1 in the last match played in the States before the team travels for South Africa May 30.
Throughout the first 45 minutes the Turks used the counterattack to deploy the counterattack and exploit the lack of American pressure. Using a 4-4-1-1 formation the Americans allowed too much space for midfielders Tuncay, Hamit Altintop and Arda Turan to possess the ball and run at defenders.
American captain Carlos Bocanegra and right back Jonathan Spector could only do so much to keep those three from getting opportunities on goal. In truth Turan and Tuncay missed golden opportunities in the fifth minute, and the 14th before the Galatasaray man put the ball past Tim Howard on the counterattack.
Spector went forward with a heavy touch only to be disposed at the box. A couple touches and Turan was off to the races in the space Spector voided. The goal was a deserved and one that likely grabbed the attention of the Americans that they had to track back defensively.
The pressure improved dramatically in the second half, thanks in part to the speed and skill brought on in the second half.
Second half goals from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey secured the victory. Both men started the contest, but it was the four substitutes introduced at halftime that changed the balance of the contest.
Veteran Steve Cheruldolo provided better cover at right back for the United States. His performance was the type that showed why he has started in 56 of his 59 caps.
Oguchi Onyewu still did not look completely healthy, but he was not asked to do much in defense. It was also a nice sight to see he could recover 96 hours after playing 65 minutes Tuesday.
Jose Torres provided the flair starting left midfielder Benny Feilhaber could not in the midfield. Though he came on for holding midfielder Ricardo Clark the Texan was someone who kept the ball and allowed Michael Bradley and others to get forward.
Robbie Findley, the man so many people—at least in the soccer circles I hang out in—thought did not show enough to deserve a place on the final 23-man roster showed his worth. The Real Salt Lake forward allowed the US to revert to a 4-4-2 and threaten the Turkish defense with his speed.
Findley’s delicious chip to Landon Donovan in the 58th minute set up Altidore’s goal, which left most of the 55,000 fans in Philadelphia hoarse. The most encouraging factor about the goal was that it came from the run of play, the first time in three games the US scored outside of a set piece.
The defensive pressure allowed the US to play a very high back line. Turkey was not able to exploit that, gaping hole between Howard and central defenders Onyewu and Jay DeMerit, but other teams may.
There was the presumption that the 11 who took the field in Philly would largely be those who take the field in two weeks. Saturday’s victory, the first against Turkey in three meetings, proves there are a lot of questions to answer in the fortnight before kickoff in Rustenburg.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Making the grade, and the plane
The United States announced its final World Cup roster Wednesday.
While there were some positions up for grabs, primarily depth roles and the second striker along with Jozy Altidore, most of this team won their seats on the plan to South Africa during the qualifying round.
It was a given the likes of Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Altidore were locks to make the team. Still there were a few surprises, pleasant and otherwise, that made the final roster. A full breakdown can be found here.
My first thought when looking at the roster is the US may employ a 4-5-1 system for periods of the World Cup, leaving Altidore up front with either Dempsey or Donovan playing in the hole between the midfield and the 20-year old.
Based upon the form Edson Buddle and Herculez Gomez have shown with their respective club teams they deserved a spot on the team. Whether they deserve on the field June 12 when the Americans play England remains to be seen.
“As we move toward the World Cup, players that are on a roll come in handy,” Bradley told ESPN about taking Buddle and Gomez.
Their selection means Floridian Eddie Johnson did not make the final roster. The Flagler County product was a long shot after sustaining a hamstring injury during training camp then being ineffective in a May 25 appearance against the Czech Republic.
Not only did the Americans take just four forwards, but Bob Bradley selected nine midfielders. But with the choices available to him at forward, it’s hard to begrudge the coach with a 35-19-6 record as head coach of the national team.
What may be of bigger concern for the team is the defense. Despite three of the probable starters having World Cup experience, injury and ineffectiveness, or a combination of the two, may keep the U.S. from advancing past the group stage.
Captain Carlos Bocanegra is coming off a hernia injury. Right back Steve Cherundolo made his first appearance for the national team Tuesday after sustaining a shoulder injury in January. Then there is towering centerback Oguchi “Gooch” Onyewu who is returning from a knee injury suffered in the last qualifying match back in October.
Cherundolo and Gooch both played against the Czechs, turning in performances that may have left some fans wanting.
Cherundolo got forward well from the right and partnered with Stuart Holden to provide width and an offensive option going forward. Though he punted the ball in the air a little too much for my liking, Cherundolo was far better than the two men the Americans lined up at left back during the match.
It was mentioned during the telecast Onyewu only had 60 minutes of action for AC Milan before suffering his injury on Oct. 14. That said he was getting back into shape and adjusting to the physicality and speed of a game that cannot be replicated in practice.
Though Onyewu was beaten in the air for the Czech’s first goal in the 44th minute, he provided an otherwise solid performance for the 65 minutes he was on the field. The American defense was a lot rockier in the final 25 minutes—in part because midfielder Maurice Edu was at center back, but moreso because the 6’4” Onyewu was on the bench.
Once again the United States kicked off its “send-off series” with a loss. However, there are caveats to Tuesday’s 4-2 loss.
First, at least six starters were not on the field for the Americans, including Donovan, Dempsey, Altidore, Bocanegra and midfield bulldog Michael Bradley. Secondly, the Czechs are a much better team, and sparring partner for lack of a better term, than Morocco was in 2006. Finally, and it cannot be understated, the Czechs were trying to erase the sting of losing 2-1 to Turkey over the weekend.
Saturday the Americans will have their own crack at the Turks in the final match on U.S. soil before the team leaves for South Africa May 30.
Bradley told ussoccer.com that the team features a blend of World Cup experience as well as newcomers, all of whom have proven they deserve to wear the red, white and blue.
Now the bigger question is whether this team can win in South Africa.
While there were some positions up for grabs, primarily depth roles and the second striker along with Jozy Altidore, most of this team won their seats on the plan to South Africa during the qualifying round.
It was a given the likes of Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Altidore were locks to make the team. Still there were a few surprises, pleasant and otherwise, that made the final roster. A full breakdown can be found here.
My first thought when looking at the roster is the US may employ a 4-5-1 system for periods of the World Cup, leaving Altidore up front with either Dempsey or Donovan playing in the hole between the midfield and the 20-year old.
Based upon the form Edson Buddle and Herculez Gomez have shown with their respective club teams they deserved a spot on the team. Whether they deserve on the field June 12 when the Americans play England remains to be seen.
“As we move toward the World Cup, players that are on a roll come in handy,” Bradley told ESPN about taking Buddle and Gomez.
Their selection means Floridian Eddie Johnson did not make the final roster. The Flagler County product was a long shot after sustaining a hamstring injury during training camp then being ineffective in a May 25 appearance against the Czech Republic.
Not only did the Americans take just four forwards, but Bob Bradley selected nine midfielders. But with the choices available to him at forward, it’s hard to begrudge the coach with a 35-19-6 record as head coach of the national team.
What may be of bigger concern for the team is the defense. Despite three of the probable starters having World Cup experience, injury and ineffectiveness, or a combination of the two, may keep the U.S. from advancing past the group stage.
Captain Carlos Bocanegra is coming off a hernia injury. Right back Steve Cherundolo made his first appearance for the national team Tuesday after sustaining a shoulder injury in January. Then there is towering centerback Oguchi “Gooch” Onyewu who is returning from a knee injury suffered in the last qualifying match back in October.
Cherundolo and Gooch both played against the Czechs, turning in performances that may have left some fans wanting.
Cherundolo got forward well from the right and partnered with Stuart Holden to provide width and an offensive option going forward. Though he punted the ball in the air a little too much for my liking, Cherundolo was far better than the two men the Americans lined up at left back during the match.
It was mentioned during the telecast Onyewu only had 60 minutes of action for AC Milan before suffering his injury on Oct. 14. That said he was getting back into shape and adjusting to the physicality and speed of a game that cannot be replicated in practice.
Though Onyewu was beaten in the air for the Czech’s first goal in the 44th minute, he provided an otherwise solid performance for the 65 minutes he was on the field. The American defense was a lot rockier in the final 25 minutes—in part because midfielder Maurice Edu was at center back, but moreso because the 6’4” Onyewu was on the bench.
Once again the United States kicked off its “send-off series” with a loss. However, there are caveats to Tuesday’s 4-2 loss.
First, at least six starters were not on the field for the Americans, including Donovan, Dempsey, Altidore, Bocanegra and midfield bulldog Michael Bradley. Secondly, the Czechs are a much better team, and sparring partner for lack of a better term, than Morocco was in 2006. Finally, and it cannot be understated, the Czechs were trying to erase the sting of losing 2-1 to Turkey over the weekend.
Saturday the Americans will have their own crack at the Turks in the final match on U.S. soil before the team leaves for South Africa May 30.
Bradley told ussoccer.com that the team features a blend of World Cup experience as well as newcomers, all of whom have proven they deserve to wear the red, white and blue.
Now the bigger question is whether this team can win in South Africa.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The proper send-off
The vacuum the closure of the club season left will now be replaced by scores of international friendlies featuring countries that are making the last tweaks before the June 1 deadline to glean 23 players from a 30-man preliminary roster.
The United States joins the party this evening as it will prepare to face the Czech Republic in the first of three games that are being dubbed the “send-off series”. Of course completing the 90 minutes unscathed on the injury front will be the primary concern for head coach Bob Bradley.
For players on the fringe of that 30-man roster — this means you Eddie Johnson, Robbie Findley, Heath Pearce and Sacha Kljestan — the contest represents a final opportunity to impress head coach Bob Bradley and the U.S. coaching staff that they are fit for the final 23-man roster. Bradley is slated to announce the team on ESPN Wednesday afternoon.
Unlike the 2006 send-off series the results may not matter as much this time around. Most of the core of the American team has played in big international matches, including previous World Cups, so the atmosphere surrounding the event should not be overwhelming.
Also, the competition in this year’s edition of the series is much better than what the Americans faced in 2006.
Morocco, Venezuela and Latvia were teams that were not close to qualifying for the Germany 2006, yet the Americans found a way to be unimpressive in all three contests.
Losing to Morocco on home soil was dispiriting enough, but to watch winger Bobby Convey utterly gassed after 65 minutes less than a month before a World Cup should have been a sign the U.S. was not going to make a return to the quarterfinals four years ago.
This time Bob Bradley’s team will face a quality opponent in the Czechs, Turkey, a semifinalist in Euro 2008 and an Australian team that qualified for South Africa and has the talent to make the quarterfinals.
Of the six combined matches against the Czech Republic—which includes a match as Czechoslovakia at the 1990 World Cup—Turkey and Australia the Americans have never won a contest. Granted, the 3-0 blowout to the Czechs at the 2006 World Cup was the only game that has been contested within the past five years.
“We expect a very good challenge,” U.S. midfielder Landon Donovan said during a recent press conference. “If you can’t play one of the teams that have qualified for the World Cup, there’s not many better teams that you can pick that the Czech Republic.”
However, for the American public to no longer consider events like the 2009 Confederations Cup run a surprise, as Donovan himself once noted when accepting an ESPY award, playing teams like the Czech Republic should evolve from a challenge to a tune-up for bigger conquests.
The United States joins the party this evening as it will prepare to face the Czech Republic in the first of three games that are being dubbed the “send-off series”. Of course completing the 90 minutes unscathed on the injury front will be the primary concern for head coach Bob Bradley.
For players on the fringe of that 30-man roster — this means you Eddie Johnson, Robbie Findley, Heath Pearce and Sacha Kljestan — the contest represents a final opportunity to impress head coach Bob Bradley and the U.S. coaching staff that they are fit for the final 23-man roster. Bradley is slated to announce the team on ESPN Wednesday afternoon.
Unlike the 2006 send-off series the results may not matter as much this time around. Most of the core of the American team has played in big international matches, including previous World Cups, so the atmosphere surrounding the event should not be overwhelming.
Also, the competition in this year’s edition of the series is much better than what the Americans faced in 2006.
Morocco, Venezuela and Latvia were teams that were not close to qualifying for the Germany 2006, yet the Americans found a way to be unimpressive in all three contests.
Losing to Morocco on home soil was dispiriting enough, but to watch winger Bobby Convey utterly gassed after 65 minutes less than a month before a World Cup should have been a sign the U.S. was not going to make a return to the quarterfinals four years ago.
This time Bob Bradley’s team will face a quality opponent in the Czechs, Turkey, a semifinalist in Euro 2008 and an Australian team that qualified for South Africa and has the talent to make the quarterfinals.
Of the six combined matches against the Czech Republic—which includes a match as Czechoslovakia at the 1990 World Cup—Turkey and Australia the Americans have never won a contest. Granted, the 3-0 blowout to the Czechs at the 2006 World Cup was the only game that has been contested within the past five years.
“We expect a very good challenge,” U.S. midfielder Landon Donovan said during a recent press conference. “If you can’t play one of the teams that have qualified for the World Cup, there’s not many better teams that you can pick that the Czech Republic.”
However, for the American public to no longer consider events like the 2009 Confederations Cup run a surprise, as Donovan himself once noted when accepting an ESPY award, playing teams like the Czech Republic should evolve from a challenge to a tune-up for bigger conquests.
Monday, May 24, 2010
World Cup stimulus package
People can be motivated by the most innocent things.
As excited as I have been about my upcoming trip to South Africa, this weekend added another bit of spice to a trip that has quickly encompassed so much of my thinking. In southwest Florida to visit family before I head 7,000 miles away for the adventure of a lifetime, I anxiously chatted about the pending trip and gave an outline of my itinerary.
It was neither the commercials touting the event, the Champions League final that made me realize that in three weeks I will be in Johannesburg, nor my family’s genuine concern for my safety.
It was a video game, a simulation of all the things I hope to see when I am a world away. My cousin, Zsan, challenged me to play 2010 FIFA World Cup on his Xbox.
The play was so realistic I could see the vibrancy of Durban and Cape Town from the comfort of my cousin’s new living room. Player attributes were so genuine, the color commentary sounded like something one will hear when the matches kickoff.
Though not consciously thinking about it, some of the teams I selected from the United States, to England to the Ivory Coast to reigning European champions Spain are teams I will likely watch during my fortnight on the motherland.
A week of praying that my mustard seed of faith that everything would go well concluded with a weekend where just about everything I needed to happen did.
It would be the folly of a fool to think that my 36 hours promising others I would be safe would not have been possible without the faith that my entire South African adventure is the personification of my favorite biblical verse. “For I know the plans I have for you, plans for to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
As excited as I have been about my upcoming trip to South Africa, this weekend added another bit of spice to a trip that has quickly encompassed so much of my thinking. In southwest Florida to visit family before I head 7,000 miles away for the adventure of a lifetime, I anxiously chatted about the pending trip and gave an outline of my itinerary.
It was neither the commercials touting the event, the Champions League final that made me realize that in three weeks I will be in Johannesburg, nor my family’s genuine concern for my safety.
It was a video game, a simulation of all the things I hope to see when I am a world away. My cousin, Zsan, challenged me to play 2010 FIFA World Cup on his Xbox.
The play was so realistic I could see the vibrancy of Durban and Cape Town from the comfort of my cousin’s new living room. Player attributes were so genuine, the color commentary sounded like something one will hear when the matches kickoff.
Though not consciously thinking about it, some of the teams I selected from the United States, to England to the Ivory Coast to reigning European champions Spain are teams I will likely watch during my fortnight on the motherland.
A week of praying that my mustard seed of faith that everything would go well concluded with a weekend where just about everything I needed to happen did.
It would be the folly of a fool to think that my 36 hours promising others I would be safe would not have been possible without the faith that my entire South African adventure is the personification of my favorite biblical verse. “For I know the plans I have for you, plans for to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
There are no “easy” games at a World Cup
A former journalism professor posted a link on his Facebook page about German captain Michael Ballack missing the World Cup due to tearing ligaments in his ankle during the May 16 FA Cup Final.
Professor Joe Ritchie is fluent in German so he almost undoubtedly read Kicker magazine or Bild or some other publication to get more insight about how much the midfielder’s presence will be missed this summer. Within moments of linking an article to his profile, I was online providing my thoughts about Ballack’s importance.
In my haste, I noted: “He will be missed, but not until the knockout phases, because Group D should be easy.”
That is what happens when one does not pay full attention. When I browsed the FIFA website, I thought the Germans were playing Ghana, Serbia and Austria. I confused “AUS” with Austria, one of the worst teams in Europe, with an experienced and gritty Australian team.
Australia have a lot to prove after a 2006 World Cup where shoddy refereeing led to their elimination in the Round of 16 against eventual champions Italy and nearly cost the Socceroos their place in the knockout phase in a victory over Croatia.
Of course Professor Ritchie got me right together noting there are no easy contests in the World Cup. Every team, including the Bafana Bafana has proven they deserve to be in South Africa at some point over the last two years.
Prof. Ritchie went as far to say he thinks Ballack’s injury makes Ghana the favorites to advance from this group. I’m not so confident.
Nothing against Ghana or Australia, but Germany has qualified for the quarterfinals in the five World Cups since the fall of the Berlin Wall, including winning the 1990 tournament. No other team can boast such a record, not the Brazilians, the Italians, the Argentines, not the arrogant English or anyone else.
However, it’s not just the history of this team that leads me to believe Die Mannschaft will at least make the Round of 16 this summer.
With seven players on the preliminary roster from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich including likes of Holger Badstuber and Philipp Lahm in defense, 2006 revelation Bastian Schweinsteiger in midfield and World Cup poacher Miroslav Klose this team has the steeliness to advance.
I did not have the fortune of seeing Cacau play on television this year, but from what I have read and seen about the Stuttgart forward he will dovetail nicely into this team that was a finalist in the 2008 European championships.
My only question of this team would be goalkeeping. It’s incredibly sad that likely No. 1 Robert Enke committed suicide last year. But in truth, before Enke took his life this position was one that made me raise an eyebrow.
German soccer is famous for a lot of things, and the reliable goalkeeping Die Mannschaft have been able to rely upon over the past two decades certainly qualifies.
Bodo Illgner was the first goalie to keep a shutout in a World Cup Final. Andreas Koepke was instrumental in the Germans winning Euro 96 and was not culpable for the Croatian debacle two years later in France. Oliver Kahn is a legend. While Jens Lehmann may have his eccentricities, but was a very good shot stopper for Arsenal and Stuttgart at the club level as well as the German national team at the 2006 World Cup — as the Argentines found out the hard way.
Group D is not as easy as I originally surmised, but the key to the qualifiers from this group may be: goalkeeping.
Ghana and Australia have goalies that have led their teams out the tunnel in a World Cup. Many Germans only wish the same could be said of Hans Joerg Butt, Manuel Neuer or Tim Wiese, one of whom will have his work cut out for them this summer.
Professor Joe Ritchie is fluent in German so he almost undoubtedly read Kicker magazine or Bild or some other publication to get more insight about how much the midfielder’s presence will be missed this summer. Within moments of linking an article to his profile, I was online providing my thoughts about Ballack’s importance.
In my haste, I noted: “He will be missed, but not until the knockout phases, because Group D should be easy.”
That is what happens when one does not pay full attention. When I browsed the FIFA website, I thought the Germans were playing Ghana, Serbia and Austria. I confused “AUS” with Austria, one of the worst teams in Europe, with an experienced and gritty Australian team.
Australia have a lot to prove after a 2006 World Cup where shoddy refereeing led to their elimination in the Round of 16 against eventual champions Italy and nearly cost the Socceroos their place in the knockout phase in a victory over Croatia.
Of course Professor Ritchie got me right together noting there are no easy contests in the World Cup. Every team, including the Bafana Bafana has proven they deserve to be in South Africa at some point over the last two years.
Prof. Ritchie went as far to say he thinks Ballack’s injury makes Ghana the favorites to advance from this group. I’m not so confident.
Nothing against Ghana or Australia, but Germany has qualified for the quarterfinals in the five World Cups since the fall of the Berlin Wall, including winning the 1990 tournament. No other team can boast such a record, not the Brazilians, the Italians, the Argentines, not the arrogant English or anyone else.
However, it’s not just the history of this team that leads me to believe Die Mannschaft will at least make the Round of 16 this summer.
With seven players on the preliminary roster from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich including likes of Holger Badstuber and Philipp Lahm in defense, 2006 revelation Bastian Schweinsteiger in midfield and World Cup poacher Miroslav Klose this team has the steeliness to advance.
I did not have the fortune of seeing Cacau play on television this year, but from what I have read and seen about the Stuttgart forward he will dovetail nicely into this team that was a finalist in the 2008 European championships.
My only question of this team would be goalkeeping. It’s incredibly sad that likely No. 1 Robert Enke committed suicide last year. But in truth, before Enke took his life this position was one that made me raise an eyebrow.
German soccer is famous for a lot of things, and the reliable goalkeeping Die Mannschaft have been able to rely upon over the past two decades certainly qualifies.
Bodo Illgner was the first goalie to keep a shutout in a World Cup Final. Andreas Koepke was instrumental in the Germans winning Euro 96 and was not culpable for the Croatian debacle two years later in France. Oliver Kahn is a legend. While Jens Lehmann may have his eccentricities, but was a very good shot stopper for Arsenal and Stuttgart at the club level as well as the German national team at the 2006 World Cup — as the Argentines found out the hard way.
Group D is not as easy as I originally surmised, but the key to the qualifiers from this group may be: goalkeeping.
Ghana and Australia have goalies that have led their teams out the tunnel in a World Cup. Many Germans only wish the same could be said of Hans Joerg Butt, Manuel Neuer or Tim Wiese, one of whom will have his work cut out for them this summer.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
There are no bailouts for soccer mismanagement
Sunday morning Greek Prime Minister George Papandreau said his country is a proud one determined to set things right.
He was referring to the 750 billion euro bailout package that his country was loaned to keep its financial system going earlier this month. As important as that may be, this is a blog dedicated to the upcoming World Cup.
If the Greeks are to recall some of their pride, it may begin June 12 when they play Nigeria. The surprise winners of Euro 2004, who are currently 12th in the FIFA World Rankings, will have their work cut out for them in Group B if they are to advance to the Round of 16.
Greece, Nigeria and South Korea will all likely look up to Argentina and their gold mine of attacking options in the group stages. Interestingly in their only other World Cup appearance Greece was paired with Nigeria and Argentina, losing those contests 2-0 and 4-0 respectively.
The Greeks may have the advantage in playing Argentina last, which by then Diego Maradona’s team may have sewn up qualification.
Papandreau made international news with his comments about American banks betting against the Greek government and the country’s desire to rein spending, while also raising taxes. In reference to taking the country’s gross domestic product from -13% to 3% internationally respected journalist Fareed Zakaria asked Papandreau “can it be done.”
That question will be answered in time. However, the same question can be posed to Otto Rehhagel’s team which has size and four people from that 2004 team on the provisional roster.
My impression of the Greeks has been a team that will dull the pace of the game and are opportunistic scorers, to say it kindly. Rather than getting run out the park with obscene scorelines — as was the case at World Cup 94 — they will plod along in search of capitalizing on a mistake.
With the collection of talented and organized teams in Group B that philosophy may not be feasible.
Nigeria is African’s version of the Spanish. The Super Eagles always have enough talent to tantalize people into thinking they will advance, but usually fall beneath the bar that a team of such quality should achieve.
The South Koreans, from my knowledge of them, are a defensively sound team that will fight and fight for an opening. Once the South Koreans see a lead, they almost never relinquish it. In the four matches South Korea has won in the FIFA World Cup, they have never lost the lead.
As for Argentina, well they are one of the tournament favorites. Even with a coach who was a genius on the field and the antithesis of it in the manager’s box.
This is only the second World Cup Greece has qualified for, but the expectations are much higher from the 1994 team that failed to score a goal when the tournament was held in the United States. Unlike the country’s financial system there will not be a bailout package waiting this team should they fail.
He was referring to the 750 billion euro bailout package that his country was loaned to keep its financial system going earlier this month. As important as that may be, this is a blog dedicated to the upcoming World Cup.
If the Greeks are to recall some of their pride, it may begin June 12 when they play Nigeria. The surprise winners of Euro 2004, who are currently 12th in the FIFA World Rankings, will have their work cut out for them in Group B if they are to advance to the Round of 16.
Greece, Nigeria and South Korea will all likely look up to Argentina and their gold mine of attacking options in the group stages. Interestingly in their only other World Cup appearance Greece was paired with Nigeria and Argentina, losing those contests 2-0 and 4-0 respectively.
The Greeks may have the advantage in playing Argentina last, which by then Diego Maradona’s team may have sewn up qualification.
Papandreau made international news with his comments about American banks betting against the Greek government and the country’s desire to rein spending, while also raising taxes. In reference to taking the country’s gross domestic product from -13% to 3% internationally respected journalist Fareed Zakaria asked Papandreau “can it be done.”
That question will be answered in time. However, the same question can be posed to Otto Rehhagel’s team which has size and four people from that 2004 team on the provisional roster.
My impression of the Greeks has been a team that will dull the pace of the game and are opportunistic scorers, to say it kindly. Rather than getting run out the park with obscene scorelines — as was the case at World Cup 94 — they will plod along in search of capitalizing on a mistake.
With the collection of talented and organized teams in Group B that philosophy may not be feasible.
Nigeria is African’s version of the Spanish. The Super Eagles always have enough talent to tantalize people into thinking they will advance, but usually fall beneath the bar that a team of such quality should achieve.
The South Koreans, from my knowledge of them, are a defensively sound team that will fight and fight for an opening. Once the South Koreans see a lead, they almost never relinquish it. In the four matches South Korea has won in the FIFA World Cup, they have never lost the lead.
As for Argentina, well they are one of the tournament favorites. Even with a coach who was a genius on the field and the antithesis of it in the manager’s box.
This is only the second World Cup Greece has qualified for, but the expectations are much higher from the 1994 team that failed to score a goal when the tournament was held in the United States. Unlike the country’s financial system there will not be a bailout package waiting this team should they fail.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Americans hamstrung at forward without Ching
I don’t know why I have never been a fan of Brian Ching, but there has just been something about the first Hawaiian to suit up for the U.S. National team that never endeared him to me.
But watching the forward play for the Houston Dynamo Thursday night, Ching showed the skills that will make him a very vital piece to the U.S. National team as they prepare for the World Cup.
Houston may have lost 3-1 to Real Salt Lake, but Ching showed me more than fellow U.S. roster invitee Robbie Findley, who scored for Salt Lake.
Ching may not score as much as people would like against elite international competition, but he does hold the ball up well allowing the United States to get options forward. It’s an attribute that will serve the Americans well in their first game against England that will probably feature a pair of world-class central defenders.
Ching, who has been injured with a hamstring issue, entered the last 28 minutes of the contest and voila the Dynamo looked more fluid in attack. Granted, by that time the Dynamo were down three goals and had very little to lose.
Meanwhile, Findley, who started the match, scored in the third minute but also had an unconscionable miss in the 65th. It’s misses like this (fast forward to the 4:01 mark) that may mean the difference in a group where the Americans, Algeria and Slovenia will likely battle for second spot in Group C.
Also, notice how Salt Lake’s squandered opportunities were primarily from their No. 10. Then again, one may not have to take note as only 23 of the 30 men invited to the training camp, and likely one or more of the inexperienced forwards, will make the final U.S. team.
The more soccer I watch, the more I have come to appreciate players like Ching. He may not be the flashiest forward, but he can score, and his teams have a penchant for winning games, as evidenced by the Americans 32-4-8 record in matches he has earned caps and the two MLS Cups he has won with the Dynamo.
With the dearth of proven forwards invited to the U.S. camp a player like Ching may become more comforting to see in the starting lineup in South Africa.
But watching the forward play for the Houston Dynamo Thursday night, Ching showed the skills that will make him a very vital piece to the U.S. National team as they prepare for the World Cup.
Houston may have lost 3-1 to Real Salt Lake, but Ching showed me more than fellow U.S. roster invitee Robbie Findley, who scored for Salt Lake.
Ching may not score as much as people would like against elite international competition, but he does hold the ball up well allowing the United States to get options forward. It’s an attribute that will serve the Americans well in their first game against England that will probably feature a pair of world-class central defenders.
Ching, who has been injured with a hamstring issue, entered the last 28 minutes of the contest and voila the Dynamo looked more fluid in attack. Granted, by that time the Dynamo were down three goals and had very little to lose.
Meanwhile, Findley, who started the match, scored in the third minute but also had an unconscionable miss in the 65th. It’s misses like this (fast forward to the 4:01 mark) that may mean the difference in a group where the Americans, Algeria and Slovenia will likely battle for second spot in Group C.
Also, notice how Salt Lake’s squandered opportunities were primarily from their No. 10. Then again, one may not have to take note as only 23 of the 30 men invited to the training camp, and likely one or more of the inexperienced forwards, will make the final U.S. team.
The more soccer I watch, the more I have come to appreciate players like Ching. He may not be the flashiest forward, but he can score, and his teams have a penchant for winning games, as evidenced by the Americans 32-4-8 record in matches he has earned caps and the two MLS Cups he has won with the Dynamo.
With the dearth of proven forwards invited to the U.S. camp a player like Ching may become more comforting to see in the starting lineup in South Africa.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Where are the goals coming from?
Before I went around to looking at the rest of the roster or trying to figure out who the starting XI would be for the United States opening match in next month’s World Cup, I asked myself one question: who is going to score for us?
It’s well known that FC Sochaux forward Charlie Davies was fighting not only for his life, but his place on the team following an October accident that left one person dead. It was also widely reported that Davies was one of America’s best options in the attack prior to the multiple injuries he sustained.
“Charlie has shown incredible heart and determination to reach this point in his recovery,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley Tuesday. “We have followed his progress extensively during the past several months through physical examinations and personal observation by our staff, and he remained in consideration for this training camp until (Monday). FC Sochaux notified us that at this point Charlie has not been given medical clearance, and that they would not grant his full release to join the camp."
Davies, along with 20-year old Jozy Altidore the two would have been a combination that would have been formidable against just about any pair of central defenders in the world.
Now the United States will prepare for South Africa with six forwards, three of whom have never scored for the stars and stripes. Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley and Herculez Gomez have a combined seven caps. If any of these three see the field in the World Cup opener against England, June 12, consider me surprised.
Meanwhile, retreads Brian Ching and Eddie Johnson will be asked to recall past glories and potentially partner with Altidore up front.
I have always been an Eddie Johnson fan, so it was good to see that his form has merited the U.S. coaching staff considering him fit for the team. It never hurts that the 26-year old Johnson is from Florida.
It’s possible Clint Dempsey or Landon Donovan will be deployed as the second striker, but the U.S. plays better when those two creators are in the midfield. Donovan and Dempsey have proven they can score big goals for the U.S. but that ability is not worth choking the service to the forwards.
Only 23 men will make the final roster, so it’s possible that that U.S. head coach Bob Bradley may have a few wrinkles to iron out to see which forwards make the trip to South Africa.
It’s well known that FC Sochaux forward Charlie Davies was fighting not only for his life, but his place on the team following an October accident that left one person dead. It was also widely reported that Davies was one of America’s best options in the attack prior to the multiple injuries he sustained.
“Charlie has shown incredible heart and determination to reach this point in his recovery,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley Tuesday. “We have followed his progress extensively during the past several months through physical examinations and personal observation by our staff, and he remained in consideration for this training camp until (Monday). FC Sochaux notified us that at this point Charlie has not been given medical clearance, and that they would not grant his full release to join the camp."
Davies, along with 20-year old Jozy Altidore the two would have been a combination that would have been formidable against just about any pair of central defenders in the world.
Now the United States will prepare for South Africa with six forwards, three of whom have never scored for the stars and stripes. Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley and Herculez Gomez have a combined seven caps. If any of these three see the field in the World Cup opener against England, June 12, consider me surprised.
Meanwhile, retreads Brian Ching and Eddie Johnson will be asked to recall past glories and potentially partner with Altidore up front.
I have always been an Eddie Johnson fan, so it was good to see that his form has merited the U.S. coaching staff considering him fit for the team. It never hurts that the 26-year old Johnson is from Florida.
It’s possible Clint Dempsey or Landon Donovan will be deployed as the second striker, but the U.S. plays better when those two creators are in the midfield. Donovan and Dempsey have proven they can score big goals for the U.S. but that ability is not worth choking the service to the forwards.
Only 23 men will make the final roster, so it’s possible that that U.S. head coach Bob Bradley may have a few wrinkles to iron out to see which forwards make the trip to South Africa.
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36 Hours in Cape Town
Safari Time
Ellis Park & Longest Friday Ever
A Day in Durban
Eastern Cape
United States vs. England
Opening Day 2010 World Cup
Photos from June 9-10
