It was as I feared. The US team allowed an early goal and had to play catch-up again. They were able to equalize, but made the same mistake in over-time play and could not muster another come back. Although it makes for great drama and great TV, I knew that would eventually fail. The problem this cycle was with our defense and our inability to finish the ball well.
Many are saying that Coach Bob Bradley is to blame for the loss, but I don’t think that is the case. I have a great respect for the man – he recognized the mistakes in lineup against Ghana and corrected it early instead of letting it continue to hinder the US team’s ability to play well. His adjustments immediately impacted the game and you could easily argue that his decision to make that adjustment caused the US to take more control of the game. Believe me Ghana was worried that the US would come back on them, and for good reason. The problem for the US is that coming from behind gets harder with each game (especially the further you go in the tournament). The failures were going to cause a loss at some point.
I was impressed by Michael Bradley the most during the games. He played consistently well and made good decisions throughout. His passes were sharp, his movement good and his goal to bring the US level with Slovenia was superb. I’ve often said that scoring is more about being in the right place at the right time than any other factor. A good goal-scorer puts themselves in advantageous places not by chance. Bradley was impressive, even without the goal. Donovan also impressed, but I expected him to do so, and he needed to in order for the US to have a chance. Donovan was the unspoken leader of the team whether he was wearing the captain’s armband or not. Dempsey, Edu, DeMerit and Feilhaber all played good soccer as well.
So if not the coach, who is to blame for the US loss? Is it Clark, who coughed up the ball that led to the first goal? Is it Howard, who was out of position on the shot? Was it Bocanegra, who failed to shut down the dribble by the opposing player? Was it Findley, who failed to convert an easy goal? Was it Altidore, who was suspiciously quiet most of the game? It was a collective effort that ultimately was no one player’s fault. The US team just wasn’t at a high enough level yet. I think we sent our best squad – unlike Argentina, who are missing several world class players – we sent our best. Ultimately, I’d say it was all of America’s fault for not supporting our team as we do in other sports/events. I hope the support gets better as the team improves.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Knockout stage
The US charged into the knockout stage by beating Algeria with a goal in the 91st minute of play. Yes, Landon Donovan scored a great goal in stoppage time to put the US through to the next round. Not only did the US make it through, but they finished at the top of the group – thanks to England playing under expectations. This puts the US in better position, theoretically for the next round.
By drawing against England, coming back to tie Slovenia from two goals down (should have been a win) and defeating Algeria we have gained some respect in the sport. We did finish atop of the group, unexpectedly. We also played harder and deserved our results (and then some). That is more than I can say for many of the big name countries, especially France and Italy.
I have to say though that I feel a game against Ghana is more threatening than a game against Germany. Germany is a solid team, but they lack creativity and leadership. Ghana is very creative and they have the home continent advantage. Germany is a good team, yes, but the US knows how to play against teams like that – they did beat Spain. Ghana plays more like Brazil, a team we have struggled to handle. We barely beat Algeria, another African team. We seem to play better against the teams from Europe for whatever reason.
I think we can, and will, beat Ghana, but it will be a nail biter. One thing is for sure, we cannot afford to go down a goal – we have to score first and play hard for 90 minutes. We cannot allow them to score first and then fight back to tie the game. We need a decisive win.
After that we would face the winner of Uruguay vs. South Korea, which is actually in our favor. We won’t see a major player until the semi-finals. Uruguay is no push over though. They finished second in their region, behind Brazil. South Korea is to be respected as well. They are a very physically fit team and showed they can play by winning against France and Greece.
Still, it is realistic that the US could be playing for 3rd place this World Cup. I don’t see us making the finals, but it is possible and I still hold out hope. Realistically though, we will face a powerhouse in the semi-finals. That powerhouse will likely be the Netherlands, Portugal, Brazil or Spain. Those are pretty much the top four teams of this tournament, with Argentina, Germany and England falling just behind them. Of all those teams though, Portugal is the only one I’ve seen play up to potential. Everyone else has seemed to be on cruise control. I think that will change in the knockout stage and we will have to give everything we have to make it far.
Donovan, Altidore, Bradley and Dempsey will all be key, but so will our defensive play as a whole. If Howard can keep a clean sheet we should do decently well. I look forward to more good games in the coming days/weeks even if the US doesn't go far.
By drawing against England, coming back to tie Slovenia from two goals down (should have been a win) and defeating Algeria we have gained some respect in the sport. We did finish atop of the group, unexpectedly. We also played harder and deserved our results (and then some). That is more than I can say for many of the big name countries, especially France and Italy.
I have to say though that I feel a game against Ghana is more threatening than a game against Germany. Germany is a solid team, but they lack creativity and leadership. Ghana is very creative and they have the home continent advantage. Germany is a good team, yes, but the US knows how to play against teams like that – they did beat Spain. Ghana plays more like Brazil, a team we have struggled to handle. We barely beat Algeria, another African team. We seem to play better against the teams from Europe for whatever reason.
I think we can, and will, beat Ghana, but it will be a nail biter. One thing is for sure, we cannot afford to go down a goal – we have to score first and play hard for 90 minutes. We cannot allow them to score first and then fight back to tie the game. We need a decisive win.
After that we would face the winner of Uruguay vs. South Korea, which is actually in our favor. We won’t see a major player until the semi-finals. Uruguay is no push over though. They finished second in their region, behind Brazil. South Korea is to be respected as well. They are a very physically fit team and showed they can play by winning against France and Greece.
Still, it is realistic that the US could be playing for 3rd place this World Cup. I don’t see us making the finals, but it is possible and I still hold out hope. Realistically though, we will face a powerhouse in the semi-finals. That powerhouse will likely be the Netherlands, Portugal, Brazil or Spain. Those are pretty much the top four teams of this tournament, with Argentina, Germany and England falling just behind them. Of all those teams though, Portugal is the only one I’ve seen play up to potential. Everyone else has seemed to be on cruise control. I think that will change in the knockout stage and we will have to give everything we have to make it far.
Donovan, Altidore, Bradley and Dempsey will all be key, but so will our defensive play as a whole. If Howard can keep a clean sheet we should do decently well. I look forward to more good games in the coming days/weeks even if the US doesn't go far.
Monday, June 21, 2010
USA
Team USA looks like a decent squad this cup and we have been given an easy chance to make it to the knock-out phase (compared to other groups). Have we finally arrived? Well, I would argue that we arrived eight years ago when we made it to the quarterfinals against Germany. We didn’t earn advancement to the second phase as much as South Korea put us through that year, but our performance in the second round was world-class. We beat Mexico and we deserved to win as much as Germany.
Flash forward to the current tournament and we find ourselves in a good position to make a name for ourselves internationally. We didn’t do so well in our first two games, but we can redeem ourselves. While it is true we haven’t lost a match yet, we really should have done better. England gifted us a draw and we really should have beaten them – England has looked terrible their first two games. The US also should have beaten the Slovenia team, but we played lazy football during the first half and were luckily able to come back on them in the second 45 minutes of play. We should have also gotten the win there because of the disallowed goal, but that’s another topic altogether (refereeing has been inconsistent, but overall poor).
The team is OK and I must admit I’m learning to like some of the guys I’m less familiar with. I’m still not sure about Onyewu though. I think he still makes bad decisions at times, but he is a solid presence in the back that no one else on the team can fill. I’m impressed by the solid play of Michael Bradley, who I really didn’t know well. I continue to be impressed by Altidore and felt he and Donovan were the best field players for the US so far. Tim Howard has been great in goal and continues the history of world-class American keepers. Clint Dempsey, Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit and Maurice Edu are all playing well – as I expected they would. I wish Charlie Davies hadn’t been in that car wreck because I think he would have been another solid player for the US to draw upon.
With one game to go in the first round we hold our future in our hands. If we win the game against Algeria then we are through to the next stage. If we tie the game, we might get through. If we lose the game though, we are done in South Africa. Once again we have been helped by the play of the other teams in our group, but now it is up to us to make the next stage happen. We have to come out playing like we did the second 45 minutes against Slovenia, and not like the first 45 minutes. If we can get an early goal from Altidore (or even Donovan) I think that will spark the team to victory. We need to play hard for 90 minutes though and punch our ticket to round two. One thing is for sure, we can't keep letting the other team score first.
I’ve already said that I will quit cheering for the US team if we don’t make it out of this group stage and I meant it. I don't want that to happen. So, Go Team USA!
Flash forward to the current tournament and we find ourselves in a good position to make a name for ourselves internationally. We didn’t do so well in our first two games, but we can redeem ourselves. While it is true we haven’t lost a match yet, we really should have done better. England gifted us a draw and we really should have beaten them – England has looked terrible their first two games. The US also should have beaten the Slovenia team, but we played lazy football during the first half and were luckily able to come back on them in the second 45 minutes of play. We should have also gotten the win there because of the disallowed goal, but that’s another topic altogether (refereeing has been inconsistent, but overall poor).
The team is OK and I must admit I’m learning to like some of the guys I’m less familiar with. I’m still not sure about Onyewu though. I think he still makes bad decisions at times, but he is a solid presence in the back that no one else on the team can fill. I’m impressed by the solid play of Michael Bradley, who I really didn’t know well. I continue to be impressed by Altidore and felt he and Donovan were the best field players for the US so far. Tim Howard has been great in goal and continues the history of world-class American keepers. Clint Dempsey, Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit and Maurice Edu are all playing well – as I expected they would. I wish Charlie Davies hadn’t been in that car wreck because I think he would have been another solid player for the US to draw upon.
With one game to go in the first round we hold our future in our hands. If we win the game against Algeria then we are through to the next stage. If we tie the game, we might get through. If we lose the game though, we are done in South Africa. Once again we have been helped by the play of the other teams in our group, but now it is up to us to make the next stage happen. We have to come out playing like we did the second 45 minutes against Slovenia, and not like the first 45 minutes. If we can get an early goal from Altidore (or even Donovan) I think that will spark the team to victory. We need to play hard for 90 minutes though and punch our ticket to round two. One thing is for sure, we can't keep letting the other team score first.
I’ve already said that I will quit cheering for the US team if we don’t make it out of this group stage and I meant it. I don't want that to happen. So, Go Team USA!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Argentina squad
I've now watched most of their first two games - both victories. They looked good during the first game, although the score was low. I didn't see as much of the second game, but they lit up South Korea.
The team overall seems to be playing decently - not well. They are doing well enough to get through the first stage (a relatively easy bracket for them - no group of death here) but I seriously question their ability to bring home the trophy. They are a little disorganized at times, but show flare up front. That seems typical of the modern game from South America.
The offense is the one part of the team that has been radiant, as expected with the firepower they have brought to the games. They are attacking well and penetrating the defense with a mixture of dribbling skills and good passing. They have been getting a decent number of looks on goal as a result. Messi has been deft on the ball, but has been unable to find the net thus far. He was denied by some wonderful saves against Nigeria. Tevez didn't seem very effective from what I've seen, but he may shine later with his stronger, less finesse, more powerful playing style. Higuaine looked impressive, and has put some balls in the net (a hat trick in the second game).
The mid-field is doing its job, but not standing out. There is no Riquelme to ignite that spark in mid-field. Half of the players have faded into the background. I liked Veron in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, but he is past his prime and never returned to form after his season with Manchester United. Imagine the difference Riquelme and Cambiasso alongside Mascherano and Rodríguez would make for the mid-field performance. Mascherano is a great mid-field player, but not the leader Riquelme was in the last World Cup. With Riquelme as marshal Cambiasso played phenomenally in mid-field and there was a clear leader. Gutiérrez is a good mid-field choice as well, but has been assigned an outside back position for the first two games.
Speaking of Gutiérrez, he had a terrible game as outside back. He did look good late in the game against Nigeria when moved into mid-field after a substitution. Samuel and Heinze both looked great in the back, but Demichelis was a little shaky. Nigeria was foolish to not take advantage of the weaker side (Gutiérrez & Demichelis) to attack and possibly equalize. Demichelis’ shakiness proved to be the opportunity South Korea needed to get on the board in a lost cause. His mistake gifted South Korea an opportunity that they were able to capitalize on nicely. Move Gutiérrez into mid-field and put a defender in that outside back role instead.
The keeper has played fine, but been somewhat untested. I really can't say if he's very good or not. It has been sometime since Argentina had a truly world-class keeper on the national squad. I’m sure he’s decent, but decent keepers haven’t been doing too well in this year’s tournament (maybe it’s the ball like everyone is claiming).
And finally, there is the coach, Diego Maradona. One of the greatest players ever to grace the pitch, no doubt, but I question his ability to coach. He used over 70 different players during qualifying, which I feel didn’t allow for any cohesion on the field. It also hindered their qualifying campaign – they barely made it in. His final roster excluded players that should have been no brainers – Riquelme, Cambiasso and Zanetti are the ones in my mind. To be fair, Riquelme said he wouldn’t play for the man and so he wasn’t a choice anyway, but the other two are world class players coming off of good years in their respective leagues. Zanetti would have helped solidify the back line and provide an older, experienced player to be captain (without Riquelme to fill that role) to lead the team in a way I don’t feel Mascherano will be able to do – despite his skills as a player. So far the starting line-up has included two mid-fielders as backs in both games – despite there being 6 defenders listed on the roster. He didn’t recognize and correct the awful defense on the right side in the first game despite it being present from minute one. This weakness was less pronounced against South Korea, but that could just have been that they weren’t able to expose it like the South Africans did. Ultimately, I think this is what will fail them – the defense – and Maradona will not recognize it in time. If he hasn’t identified it after two games, I fear he never will.
Overall, I don’t see Argentina making it past the Quarterfinals. I just don’t see the teamwork and cohesion needed to beat the other favorites in this tournament. I also don’t see the defense needed to keep other offenses at bay. It comes down to Argentina scoring more goals than their opponents and that might be easy in a light group stage, but they have their work cut out for them in the knock out phase. I’ll cheer for them all the same and hope for the best. If Messi rises to the occasion though…they…could…go…all…the…way.
The team overall seems to be playing decently - not well. They are doing well enough to get through the first stage (a relatively easy bracket for them - no group of death here) but I seriously question their ability to bring home the trophy. They are a little disorganized at times, but show flare up front. That seems typical of the modern game from South America.
The offense is the one part of the team that has been radiant, as expected with the firepower they have brought to the games. They are attacking well and penetrating the defense with a mixture of dribbling skills and good passing. They have been getting a decent number of looks on goal as a result. Messi has been deft on the ball, but has been unable to find the net thus far. He was denied by some wonderful saves against Nigeria. Tevez didn't seem very effective from what I've seen, but he may shine later with his stronger, less finesse, more powerful playing style. Higuaine looked impressive, and has put some balls in the net (a hat trick in the second game).
The mid-field is doing its job, but not standing out. There is no Riquelme to ignite that spark in mid-field. Half of the players have faded into the background. I liked Veron in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, but he is past his prime and never returned to form after his season with Manchester United. Imagine the difference Riquelme and Cambiasso alongside Mascherano and Rodríguez would make for the mid-field performance. Mascherano is a great mid-field player, but not the leader Riquelme was in the last World Cup. With Riquelme as marshal Cambiasso played phenomenally in mid-field and there was a clear leader. Gutiérrez is a good mid-field choice as well, but has been assigned an outside back position for the first two games.
Speaking of Gutiérrez, he had a terrible game as outside back. He did look good late in the game against Nigeria when moved into mid-field after a substitution. Samuel and Heinze both looked great in the back, but Demichelis was a little shaky. Nigeria was foolish to not take advantage of the weaker side (Gutiérrez & Demichelis) to attack and possibly equalize. Demichelis’ shakiness proved to be the opportunity South Korea needed to get on the board in a lost cause. His mistake gifted South Korea an opportunity that they were able to capitalize on nicely. Move Gutiérrez into mid-field and put a defender in that outside back role instead.
The keeper has played fine, but been somewhat untested. I really can't say if he's very good or not. It has been sometime since Argentina had a truly world-class keeper on the national squad. I’m sure he’s decent, but decent keepers haven’t been doing too well in this year’s tournament (maybe it’s the ball like everyone is claiming).
And finally, there is the coach, Diego Maradona. One of the greatest players ever to grace the pitch, no doubt, but I question his ability to coach. He used over 70 different players during qualifying, which I feel didn’t allow for any cohesion on the field. It also hindered their qualifying campaign – they barely made it in. His final roster excluded players that should have been no brainers – Riquelme, Cambiasso and Zanetti are the ones in my mind. To be fair, Riquelme said he wouldn’t play for the man and so he wasn’t a choice anyway, but the other two are world class players coming off of good years in their respective leagues. Zanetti would have helped solidify the back line and provide an older, experienced player to be captain (without Riquelme to fill that role) to lead the team in a way I don’t feel Mascherano will be able to do – despite his skills as a player. So far the starting line-up has included two mid-fielders as backs in both games – despite there being 6 defenders listed on the roster. He didn’t recognize and correct the awful defense on the right side in the first game despite it being present from minute one. This weakness was less pronounced against South Korea, but that could just have been that they weren’t able to expose it like the South Africans did. Ultimately, I think this is what will fail them – the defense – and Maradona will not recognize it in time. If he hasn’t identified it after two games, I fear he never will.
Overall, I don’t see Argentina making it past the Quarterfinals. I just don’t see the teamwork and cohesion needed to beat the other favorites in this tournament. I also don’t see the defense needed to keep other offenses at bay. It comes down to Argentina scoring more goals than their opponents and that might be easy in a light group stage, but they have their work cut out for them in the knock out phase. I’ll cheer for them all the same and hope for the best. If Messi rises to the occasion though…they…could…go…all…the…way.
Friday, June 11, 2010
World Cup 2010
It has started and I'm glad to watch the greatest (my opinion) and the single largest (fact) sporting event in the world. I will make my usual predictions now and see if I am right. I've already filled out my bracket and I'm curious to see how I do.
As always I cheer for the US and Argentina. I've always liked the Argentine side and I have to cheer for the hometown boys. I must say though, I will give up cheering for the US if we don't make it past the first round this year. We have as good a draw as we could hope for in a World Cup - definitely easier than 2002 when we faced Portugal, Poland and South Korea (and we made it out of that group).
Spain looks good, but I think they will choke as usual, although this time in the final game.
Brazil looks the same as last time - leaderless - and will fall short to a better lead team (maybe Holland).
England and Germany are both overrated and missing some key players.
Holland has a lot of talent and I think will finally pull it together to hoist the trophy after a disappointing recent history in The Cup.
No Africans have a chance of making the final, though a couple teams may get through the first round. Their best hope was Ivory Coast, but without Drogba they will have a difficult time in the Group of Death. I think Nigeria and Cameroon both have good chances of advancing to the knock out round.
I think Argentina could have won the whole thing with a better coach. As they are they will likely play in the third place match (at best). They have players past their prime, like Veron and are missing players in their prime, like Cambiasso, Riquelme and Zanetti. Maradona was one of the greatest players of all time, but he's bullheaded and not a great coach. It's sad because the coaching did them in during the 2006 Cup as well. They still have the firepower to put points on the board, but "Will they be able to score more than their opponents?" is the question.
I'll break my thoughts down further in a few more posts to come. Until then, enjoy the beautiful game.
As always I cheer for the US and Argentina. I've always liked the Argentine side and I have to cheer for the hometown boys. I must say though, I will give up cheering for the US if we don't make it past the first round this year. We have as good a draw as we could hope for in a World Cup - definitely easier than 2002 when we faced Portugal, Poland and South Korea (and we made it out of that group).
Spain looks good, but I think they will choke as usual, although this time in the final game.
Brazil looks the same as last time - leaderless - and will fall short to a better lead team (maybe Holland).
England and Germany are both overrated and missing some key players.
Holland has a lot of talent and I think will finally pull it together to hoist the trophy after a disappointing recent history in The Cup.
No Africans have a chance of making the final, though a couple teams may get through the first round. Their best hope was Ivory Coast, but without Drogba they will have a difficult time in the Group of Death. I think Nigeria and Cameroon both have good chances of advancing to the knock out round.
I think Argentina could have won the whole thing with a better coach. As they are they will likely play in the third place match (at best). They have players past their prime, like Veron and are missing players in their prime, like Cambiasso, Riquelme and Zanetti. Maradona was one of the greatest players of all time, but he's bullheaded and not a great coach. It's sad because the coaching did them in during the 2006 Cup as well. They still have the firepower to put points on the board, but "Will they be able to score more than their opponents?" is the question.
I'll break my thoughts down further in a few more posts to come. Until then, enjoy the beautiful game.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Suck it up
“Cortney could move someplace cheaper than her current home city of San Francisco, but she worries about her job prospects, even with her N.Y.U. diploma.”
I’m sorry, but why is it she has to live in a large city with a high cost of living? When times are tight, you do what you have to do – I did. If that means living in less than ideal circumstances, then you do it. If that means you don’t buy a new car, you don’t. If that means you eat out once in a blue moon, so be it. If that means you get roommates, you find them. If that means you live without cable, high-speed internet, and other luxuries, you say bye-bye to them. Why is it that the youth and young adults in today’s America think they are entitled to a certain standard of living they had while living off mom’s and dad’s dime? Mom and dad earned the right to live at that level. What have you done to earn the right?
The quote comes from an article about a young lady with almost $100,000 in student loan debt for attaining her Bachelor’s Degree from a prestigious school. She has been unable to find a job that enables her to pay back the loans, so she is deferring them (which means the interest is still applied, but she doesn’t have to make payments on the balances). The problem is not that she isn’t finding a job – she isn’t taking responsibility. When bills are looming you have to make an effort – you have to take whatever job you can get to pay the bills and continue to look for something better. That’s how it works – that’s how it has always worked. You don’t get to cry about all the debt you took on to get your degree. She could have gone to a less expensive school. It doesn’t seem it would have made a difference in her job prospects (and I seriously doubt it would have, even in better economic times). However, it would have made a huge difference in the amount of the loans she took out, and her ability to repay them.
Let’s look into this story a little deeper and see what’s going on. She graduated “with an interdisciplinary degree in religious and women's studies.” Did she go into a field with prospects for high paying salaries upon graduation? That doesn’t sound like a medical or law degree, and it isn’t a business degree. So what exactly was she expecting upon graduation? Was she expecting some company to offer her a $50,000 per year managerial position, or a $45,000 per year entry level engineering job? It sounds to me like someone should have done a little better planning for the future and less worrying about which college to attend.
“Ms. Munna understands this tough love, buck up, buckle-down advice. But she also badly wants to call a do-over on the last decade. ‘I don't want to spend the rest of my life slaving away to pay for an education I got for four years and would happily give back,’ she said. ‘It feels wrong to me.’”
Well, you know what feels wrong to me? I repaid my student loans and don’t even have a degree to show for it. Why should you get a free pass? I at least had the intelligence to pick a field of study with some salary potential. Sometimes we learn lessons the hard way. So suck it up and start taking some responsibility. There’s no reset button in life.
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