If you haven't seen, here is Nike's follow up to its Write the Future ad campaign, which famously debuted to much hype and is now infamous for its stars failing said hype. This new ad features a variety of American youths thanking the USMNT for playing hard, attacking, never diving, and scoring that goal. Short and to the point, kinda cool I think.
Showing posts with label US soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US soccer. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Sports Guy: "We will always have the Algeria game. Always."
I love it when Bill Simmons writes about soccer, as he did again today. Is anyone better at creating or addressing sports/cultural talking points?
Now, everyone who knows soccer knows that Simmons doesn't know soccer well, at least yet. Whereas before he either admitted as much or made really obviously stupid comments, he's slowly getting better.
For instance, he's gotten good enough to immediately know that starting Clark over Edu was a huge mistake before the game started (he even tweeted about it at the time), and he makes the occasional smart analogy - this time comparing Jozy Altidore to an NBA center by questioning whether he has a little too much Dwight Howard and not enough Pau Gasol and needing a striker with speed and innate goalscoring ability (Gasol = Klose). Of course he still gives it away with comments like "How can you screw up a team with superstuds like Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez on it?" (easier than you think) and "The theory that soccer would never catch on until we found our own Pelé or launched our own successful pro league was dead wrong."
The first half of the latter comment is true, but his dismissing of the importance of a pro league is wrong. Maybe he's right insofar as he's probably thinking of a "successful" league being on par with the NHL or NBA or NFL. But having a league was important because it creates a culture where soccer is at least there, even if not everyone is watching it. More importantly, you can't advance the US team without there being a domestic league for players to start in, to change the youth system, and to give kids a thought about playing pro realistically. Only six players on the roster never played in MLS at some point.
Reading Simmons singing the praises of not just the World Cup but just soccer in general is encouraging, and his article really takes off in the last couple paragraphs where he talks about the US team being one of the few things nowadays that all Americans can get behind. In particular, there's a somewhat stable cast of players you can grow with and there are ongoing games between cycles (unlike the Olympics). He compared the US-Algeria game, that collective moment really, with nothing we've been given since Lake Placid (before I was born). While not quite that level, it was impressive nonetheless, and he's right -- those YouTube clips don't lie and we'll always have Donovan's goal against Algeria. Even the ongoing sting of the lost opportunity last Saturday can't take that away.
Now, everyone who knows soccer knows that Simmons doesn't know soccer well, at least yet. Whereas before he either admitted as much or made really obviously stupid comments, he's slowly getting better.
For instance, he's gotten good enough to immediately know that starting Clark over Edu was a huge mistake before the game started (he even tweeted about it at the time), and he makes the occasional smart analogy - this time comparing Jozy Altidore to an NBA center by questioning whether he has a little too much Dwight Howard and not enough Pau Gasol and needing a striker with speed and innate goalscoring ability (Gasol = Klose). Of course he still gives it away with comments like "How can you screw up a team with superstuds like Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez on it?" (easier than you think) and "The theory that soccer would never catch on until we found our own Pelé or launched our own successful pro league was dead wrong."
The first half of the latter comment is true, but his dismissing of the importance of a pro league is wrong. Maybe he's right insofar as he's probably thinking of a "successful" league being on par with the NHL or NBA or NFL. But having a league was important because it creates a culture where soccer is at least there, even if not everyone is watching it. More importantly, you can't advance the US team without there being a domestic league for players to start in, to change the youth system, and to give kids a thought about playing pro realistically. Only six players on the roster never played in MLS at some point.
Reading Simmons singing the praises of not just the World Cup but just soccer in general is encouraging, and his article really takes off in the last couple paragraphs where he talks about the US team being one of the few things nowadays that all Americans can get behind. In particular, there's a somewhat stable cast of players you can grow with and there are ongoing games between cycles (unlike the Olympics). He compared the US-Algeria game, that collective moment really, with nothing we've been given since Lake Placid (before I was born). While not quite that level, it was impressive nonetheless, and he's right -- those YouTube clips don't lie and we'll always have Donovan's goal against Algeria. Even the ongoing sting of the lost opportunity last Saturday can't take that away.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Highlighting Youth Development in the US
As the World Cup draws ever nearer, major new outlets are increasing their soccer coverage, ranging from your basic US Men's National Team news to full World Cup team profiles, historical profiles, general interest stories, and other new, fresh takes on the sport.
One topic I've noticed creeping around the landscape recently is the major difference between the development of soccer players across the globe and here in the US. For those interested, the New York Times Magazine is running a feature on the famed Ajax youth academy. The article is fairly comprehensive and easily understandable for those who don't know the sport well (or don't know about the famed Ajax training method), as well as having enough interesting reporting and interviews to be worthwhile for those more knowledgeable.
There are a couple basic differences that the article highlights between the US and European approach, all well recognized by us in the soccer community in the USA. Youth players in the US "pay to play," whereas the European academies are basically free. US youth teams focus on winning, European academies focus on developing individual skill. US teams play tons of matches and tournaments. European academies limit the number of games played and focus more on training sessions.
Certainly in other places across the world (South America, Africa) players develop on their own playing pickup matches, "sandlot soccer" if you will. Of course Europeans expect their best players to be doing that as well, but doing it on their free time. Which is key, because as a kid you still need your free time. You're just a kid after all.
The NYT Magazine article notes that some of this is changing the US, and MLS's youth academies are gradually transitioning to the European model. The article highlights the DC United youth academy, including 17-year old breakout star in the making, Andy Najar. Coincidentally enough, ESPN just highlighted the growing MLS academies, in particular Andy Najar, as the future model for US youth development.
The articles detail the debates about the Ajax model in the US, particularly how cultural differences regarding college education for athletes and the wariness of seeing clubs exploiting youths will take time for the US system to evolve into something that produces world class players. I won't go into further detail, but it's certainly true that the US model needs to shift and that DC United gives a great example (its youth teams are very good both locally and nationally, and it is producing quality pros like Najar and DCU's starting 19-year old keeper Bill Hamid).
The NYT Magazine piece might overstate the nature of the stars Ajax currently produces, but it's worth a look and reading the perspective from scouts, coaches and players involved in the Ajax system.
As a little bonus, check out the highlight of Andy Najar's Open Cup winner last night against Salt Lake. Too bad he's Honduran, but if the DC academy, or other academies in the US system, can produce more of this, the US National Team will be better off in future World Cups.
One topic I've noticed creeping around the landscape recently is the major difference between the development of soccer players across the globe and here in the US. For those interested, the New York Times Magazine is running a feature on the famed Ajax youth academy. The article is fairly comprehensive and easily understandable for those who don't know the sport well (or don't know about the famed Ajax training method), as well as having enough interesting reporting and interviews to be worthwhile for those more knowledgeable.
There are a couple basic differences that the article highlights between the US and European approach, all well recognized by us in the soccer community in the USA. Youth players in the US "pay to play," whereas the European academies are basically free. US youth teams focus on winning, European academies focus on developing individual skill. US teams play tons of matches and tournaments. European academies limit the number of games played and focus more on training sessions.
Certainly in other places across the world (South America, Africa) players develop on their own playing pickup matches, "sandlot soccer" if you will. Of course Europeans expect their best players to be doing that as well, but doing it on their free time. Which is key, because as a kid you still need your free time. You're just a kid after all.
The NYT Magazine article notes that some of this is changing the US, and MLS's youth academies are gradually transitioning to the European model. The article highlights the DC United youth academy, including 17-year old breakout star in the making, Andy Najar. Coincidentally enough, ESPN just highlighted the growing MLS academies, in particular Andy Najar, as the future model for US youth development.
The articles detail the debates about the Ajax model in the US, particularly how cultural differences regarding college education for athletes and the wariness of seeing clubs exploiting youths will take time for the US system to evolve into something that produces world class players. I won't go into further detail, but it's certainly true that the US model needs to shift and that DC United gives a great example (its youth teams are very good both locally and nationally, and it is producing quality pros like Najar and DCU's starting 19-year old keeper Bill Hamid).
The NYT Magazine piece might overstate the nature of the stars Ajax currently produces, but it's worth a look and reading the perspective from scouts, coaches and players involved in the Ajax system.
As a little bonus, check out the highlight of Andy Najar's Open Cup winner last night against Salt Lake. Too bad he's Honduran, but if the DC academy, or other academies in the US system, can produce more of this, the US National Team will be better off in future World Cups.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
USA, World Cup Readings
Before getting to the Champions League Final pairing of Bayern Munich and Inter Milan at another date, here are some links and discussion of some reading on the US team and the World Cup to be found on ESPN Soccernet and elsewhere.
They’ve been running a series of features, one series called “World Cup 101 – 101 features in 101 days.”
ESPN’s been using a lot of statistical analysis in its pieces, such as today’s piece on the percentage likelihood of each team’s advancement from the USA-England group.
Maybe what surprised me the most from the article was finding out that according to ESPN’s Soccer Power Index (SPI), the US has the 9th rated attack, whereas only the 34th rated defense. I’m pretty sure it would take you all of 1.2 seconds to name 10 teams with better attacks than the US. I don't even need to list them.
The weaker defense however actually shouldn’t be too surprising. Aside from goalie, the left back spot is always shaky, while injuries and inconsistency among the center back pairings haven’t helped either.
Still, some of the statistical analyses can be interesting, such as an examination of how the goals per game in the European leagues the year of a World Cup predict an increase or decrease in goals per game during the World Cup from previous years. (This year… look for more goal scoring than in past low years, but nothing close to historical highs. Old school defending just not exactly high quality.) Other articles range from highlighting players that could see a post-World Cup boost in transfer value, and why the cooler weather could lead to a more exciting Cup.
Another interesting series of reads has been a best XI of position players. Always fodder to argue who the top 11 attacking or defensive midfielders have been.
Lastly, as time is running out for players to make their way onto the World Cup, there are a few questionable spots left on the potential US roster and there have been a variety of articles from experts on those who are in or out. Unfortunately there aren’t many forwards worthy of being in.
If there was something close to a consensus on the roster, it would look like this:
Goalkeeper (3): Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Brad Guzan
Defense (8): Jonathan Spector, Steve Cherundolo, Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit, Clarence Goodson, Jonathan Bornstein , Heath Pearce
Midfield (9): Clint Dempsey, Stuart Holden, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber Landon Donovan, Jose Torres, Alejandro Bedoya
Forwards (3): Jozy Altidore and two of Brian Ching, Herculez Gomes, Charlie Davies or Edson Buddle
As you can see, picking Bedoya as the midfield wild card over DaMarcus Beasley is the only non-forward tough choice, and even then that spot is available only because Robbie Rogers hasn’t improved and there’s room for an extra midfielder because Dempsey and Donovan can play up top. I won’t presume between picking the forwards because there’s still a lot to be seen in terms of Ching’s and Davies’ injury recoveries.
Also, I’d like to remind everyone clamoring for Gomez, who was joint top scoring in the Mexican first division, that he was the top scorer in the Mexican first division, not exactly the Serie A of tactical defenses. Nonetheless I’d still take him because he’s on form and confident, something in short supply in the US camp. Here’s where I start praying that Davies can return to a semblance of his former self…
They’ve been running a series of features, one series called “World Cup 101 – 101 features in 101 days.”
ESPN’s been using a lot of statistical analysis in its pieces, such as today’s piece on the percentage likelihood of each team’s advancement from the USA-England group.
Maybe what surprised me the most from the article was finding out that according to ESPN’s Soccer Power Index (SPI), the US has the 9th rated attack, whereas only the 34th rated defense. I’m pretty sure it would take you all of 1.2 seconds to name 10 teams with better attacks than the US. I don't even need to list them.
The weaker defense however actually shouldn’t be too surprising. Aside from goalie, the left back spot is always shaky, while injuries and inconsistency among the center back pairings haven’t helped either.
Still, some of the statistical analyses can be interesting, such as an examination of how the goals per game in the European leagues the year of a World Cup predict an increase or decrease in goals per game during the World Cup from previous years. (This year… look for more goal scoring than in past low years, but nothing close to historical highs. Old school defending just not exactly high quality.) Other articles range from highlighting players that could see a post-World Cup boost in transfer value, and why the cooler weather could lead to a more exciting Cup.
Another interesting series of reads has been a best XI of position players. Always fodder to argue who the top 11 attacking or defensive midfielders have been.
Lastly, as time is running out for players to make their way onto the World Cup, there are a few questionable spots left on the potential US roster and there have been a variety of articles from experts on those who are in or out. Unfortunately there aren’t many forwards worthy of being in.
If there was something close to a consensus on the roster, it would look like this:
Goalkeeper (3): Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Brad Guzan
Defense (8): Jonathan Spector, Steve Cherundolo, Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit, Clarence Goodson, Jonathan Bornstein , Heath Pearce
Midfield (9): Clint Dempsey, Stuart Holden, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber Landon Donovan, Jose Torres, Alejandro Bedoya
Forwards (3): Jozy Altidore and two of Brian Ching, Herculez Gomes, Charlie Davies or Edson Buddle
As you can see, picking Bedoya as the midfield wild card over DaMarcus Beasley is the only non-forward tough choice, and even then that spot is available only because Robbie Rogers hasn’t improved and there’s room for an extra midfielder because Dempsey and Donovan can play up top. I won’t presume between picking the forwards because there’s still a lot to be seen in terms of Ching’s and Davies’ injury recoveries.
Also, I’d like to remind everyone clamoring for Gomez, who was joint top scoring in the Mexican first division, that he was the top scorer in the Mexican first division, not exactly the Serie A of tactical defenses. Nonetheless I’d still take him because he’s on form and confident, something in short supply in the US camp. Here’s where I start praying that Davies can return to a semblance of his former self…
Thursday, October 15, 2009
An Emotional Release
Sometimes a rare or unusual confluence of things make what should be an ordinary event become something greater. Well, last night at RFK Stadium was surely one such event. From events happening before the game to the progression of events during the game, it all lead to a rather gratifying and joyous last-second 2-2 draw.
The USA already qualified for the World Cup, so technically this game was meaningless. The players wanted to win to finish first in the hexagonal and possibly get a seed for the World Cup draw. But let's face it, that seed is not happening, just forget it, so the match was meaningless from the standpoint of being absolutely necessary.
Yet Tuesday morning's accident that left Charlie Davies seriously injured and another person dead altered everything.
The US has never really gotten a hold of what type of team it is in terms of formation and attacking style, and you can tell it has somewhat bothered the team in the past, and certainly bothered fans for a long time. Sometimes it's two deep defensive midfielders, maybe one defensive midfielder and an attacking mid, sometimes attacking through the wings, sometimes trying to force it through the middle, you never really know. But with a shortage of World Class talent to build around an attacking style that can dictate a set style or pace no matter the opponent, the US team has formed one hard and true identity- the classic never-say-die attitude, always fighting and lots of heart. They showed resilience in the Confederations Cup, and time and again during World Cup qualifying when fighting back from deficits, such as the improbable comeback against a Honduran side previously unbeaten at home.
Well, fighting on behalf of a fallen comrade was certainly another motivator to just fight for everything until the last whistle, to do whatever it takes to get a result and honor their friend and teammate.
Costa Rica, on the other hand, was still playing for it's World Cup life. And they brought their game in the first half. They withstood early US pressure, including a laughable, inexplicable misfire by Saturday's USA hero Connor Casey (at 9 minutes nonetheless, when we were honoring ChuckDeez! RFK might have literally combusted had Casey scored). Then came Bryan Ruiz tooling Oguchi, who looked increasingly off key since his summer move to the AC Milan bench. Then came Michael Bradley failing to track Ruiz before he unleashed an unstoppable shot that must have sent an entire country into delirium.
But a not-so-predictable thing happened. Costa Rica backed off, trying to defend the lead with 10 men, the US took complete control, and despite blowing way too many chances, showed heart to rescue a point, an undefeated home campaign, and first place bragging rights in CONCACAF.
Of course, it never should have come down to the last second. Connor Casey blew that early chance, showed a lack of killer striker instinct by deferring to Landon Donovan on a clear chance later, and then pretty much didn't do anything aside from two or three decent flicks/lay-offs. The man is something of a hero after his Honduras performance, yet he gets no slack from USA fans, and his performance didn't help.
His strike partner was also wasteful, though no one can doubt Jozy Altidore's otherwise immense performance. He was all over the place, winning tackles, setting up teammates, and probably should have scored twice (though his first half chance saved by Navas was good agressive goalkeeping). He clearly wanted to play well for his good friend and his comments after the game about always leaving everything on the field because you never know when it's your last are heartening for US fans and scary for opposing defenses.
Landon Donovan may be even more guilty of profligacy than Casey, and he may have even been a little tired for once. He usually can be counted to attack defenders and push the ball forward when a game gets stretched end to end late in the second half, but he tended to hold back somewhat, though that did help retain possession.
The keys were the introduction of Jose Francisco Torres and Robbie Rogers. Benny Feilhaber was ineffective because he was coming far too deep to receive the ball from his defenders, while Bradley was playing above him. Something seems backwards about that scenario. Torres on the other hand played the part perfectly, and his distribution was great, throwing in a key tackle as well. Rogers also came in and missed some chances, though they are more excusable since you wouldn't expect him to finish with his right foot or head anyway. Still, both Torres and Rogers may merit more playing time after last night.
Still, after all these performances, the US was down late, and the air in the stadium was entirely sucked out after Oguchi went down with a serious injury. By the way, I'm going to send a big F You to AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani, who wants compensation from the USSF for Gooch's injury.
Additionally, the Costa Ricans were continuing with absolutely ridiculous time wasting. It began in the first half! At one point an "injured" player was getting up and the Costa Rican medical staffer dumped the entire contents of his cooler on the field. Seriously?! For this egregious poor sportsmanship, the karma gods struck them with what I can only imagine is a horrible, gut-punching twist of fate.
While part of me is upset that we couldn't sell out the final home qualifier and only 26,000 people were in attendance (though that was 75-80% USA fans, filling the entire lower bowl with US fans), at the game the crowd was simply amazing, a great atmosphere around the entire stadium, not just the usual loud side of RFK. And you can't discount the effect and atmosphere of those classic RFK stands bouncing up and down like its glory days. As the game was dying and it seemed like we couldn't get the point, and the disappointment of DC United's season at RFK was bleeding over to the USMNT, well the fans decided the heck with it and jumped and cheered for one last attack, trying to will a goal. And when Jonathan Bornstein came unmarked and buried his header, well we might have celebrated harder than when the US clinched qualification on Saturday. It was an affirmation of the US's heart, getting a point for Davies, bragging rights over Mexico in the CONCACAF standings, and sticking it to the Costa Ricans for their antics all at once (while also benefiting the Hondurans, who I must say the US felt good helping after their country was so respectful of the USA on Saturday, a rarity in Central America). All those emotions were released at once, a necessary outpouring from both the team and its fans.
There's probably more to add (what does Gooch's injury mean for the team, Bornstein's continued good play, the marked improvement of Central American goalkeepers recently - Navas was very good last night, the ongoing central midfield question, who steps in up top next to Altidore, etc.), and I'm sure we'll go over that at some point. But to finish things off, here's the video of the final seconds, with the US crowd, the corner kick and goal, US celebrations, and Costa Rican heartbreak:
(For a sound clip of how important this was to Honduras, listen to the Honduran radio call from El Salvador when the US scores)
The USA already qualified for the World Cup, so technically this game was meaningless. The players wanted to win to finish first in the hexagonal and possibly get a seed for the World Cup draw. But let's face it, that seed is not happening, just forget it, so the match was meaningless from the standpoint of being absolutely necessary.
Yet Tuesday morning's accident that left Charlie Davies seriously injured and another person dead altered everything.
The US has never really gotten a hold of what type of team it is in terms of formation and attacking style, and you can tell it has somewhat bothered the team in the past, and certainly bothered fans for a long time. Sometimes it's two deep defensive midfielders, maybe one defensive midfielder and an attacking mid, sometimes attacking through the wings, sometimes trying to force it through the middle, you never really know. But with a shortage of World Class talent to build around an attacking style that can dictate a set style or pace no matter the opponent, the US team has formed one hard and true identity- the classic never-say-die attitude, always fighting and lots of heart. They showed resilience in the Confederations Cup, and time and again during World Cup qualifying when fighting back from deficits, such as the improbable comeback against a Honduran side previously unbeaten at home.
Well, fighting on behalf of a fallen comrade was certainly another motivator to just fight for everything until the last whistle, to do whatever it takes to get a result and honor their friend and teammate.
Costa Rica, on the other hand, was still playing for it's World Cup life. And they brought their game in the first half. They withstood early US pressure, including a laughable, inexplicable misfire by Saturday's USA hero Connor Casey (at 9 minutes nonetheless, when we were honoring ChuckDeez! RFK might have literally combusted had Casey scored). Then came Bryan Ruiz tooling Oguchi, who looked increasingly off key since his summer move to the AC Milan bench. Then came Michael Bradley failing to track Ruiz before he unleashed an unstoppable shot that must have sent an entire country into delirium.
But a not-so-predictable thing happened. Costa Rica backed off, trying to defend the lead with 10 men, the US took complete control, and despite blowing way too many chances, showed heart to rescue a point, an undefeated home campaign, and first place bragging rights in CONCACAF.
Of course, it never should have come down to the last second. Connor Casey blew that early chance, showed a lack of killer striker instinct by deferring to Landon Donovan on a clear chance later, and then pretty much didn't do anything aside from two or three decent flicks/lay-offs. The man is something of a hero after his Honduras performance, yet he gets no slack from USA fans, and his performance didn't help.
His strike partner was also wasteful, though no one can doubt Jozy Altidore's otherwise immense performance. He was all over the place, winning tackles, setting up teammates, and probably should have scored twice (though his first half chance saved by Navas was good agressive goalkeeping). He clearly wanted to play well for his good friend and his comments after the game about always leaving everything on the field because you never know when it's your last are heartening for US fans and scary for opposing defenses.
Landon Donovan may be even more guilty of profligacy than Casey, and he may have even been a little tired for once. He usually can be counted to attack defenders and push the ball forward when a game gets stretched end to end late in the second half, but he tended to hold back somewhat, though that did help retain possession.
The keys were the introduction of Jose Francisco Torres and Robbie Rogers. Benny Feilhaber was ineffective because he was coming far too deep to receive the ball from his defenders, while Bradley was playing above him. Something seems backwards about that scenario. Torres on the other hand played the part perfectly, and his distribution was great, throwing in a key tackle as well. Rogers also came in and missed some chances, though they are more excusable since you wouldn't expect him to finish with his right foot or head anyway. Still, both Torres and Rogers may merit more playing time after last night.
Still, after all these performances, the US was down late, and the air in the stadium was entirely sucked out after Oguchi went down with a serious injury. By the way, I'm going to send a big F You to AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani, who wants compensation from the USSF for Gooch's injury.
Additionally, the Costa Ricans were continuing with absolutely ridiculous time wasting. It began in the first half! At one point an "injured" player was getting up and the Costa Rican medical staffer dumped the entire contents of his cooler on the field. Seriously?! For this egregious poor sportsmanship, the karma gods struck them with what I can only imagine is a horrible, gut-punching twist of fate.
While part of me is upset that we couldn't sell out the final home qualifier and only 26,000 people were in attendance (though that was 75-80% USA fans, filling the entire lower bowl with US fans), at the game the crowd was simply amazing, a great atmosphere around the entire stadium, not just the usual loud side of RFK. And you can't discount the effect and atmosphere of those classic RFK stands bouncing up and down like its glory days. As the game was dying and it seemed like we couldn't get the point, and the disappointment of DC United's season at RFK was bleeding over to the USMNT, well the fans decided the heck with it and jumped and cheered for one last attack, trying to will a goal. And when Jonathan Bornstein came unmarked and buried his header, well we might have celebrated harder than when the US clinched qualification on Saturday. It was an affirmation of the US's heart, getting a point for Davies, bragging rights over Mexico in the CONCACAF standings, and sticking it to the Costa Ricans for their antics all at once (while also benefiting the Hondurans, who I must say the US felt good helping after their country was so respectful of the USA on Saturday, a rarity in Central America). All those emotions were released at once, a necessary outpouring from both the team and its fans.
There's probably more to add (what does Gooch's injury mean for the team, Bornstein's continued good play, the marked improvement of Central American goalkeepers recently - Navas was very good last night, the ongoing central midfield question, who steps in up top next to Altidore, etc.), and I'm sure we'll go over that at some point. But to finish things off, here's the video of the final seconds, with the US crowd, the corner kick and goal, US celebrations, and Costa Rican heartbreak:
(For a sound clip of how important this was to Honduras, listen to the Honduran radio call from El Salvador when the US scores)
Friday, October 9, 2009
USA Hitting the Stretch Run
Massive five days coming up for the US Men's National Team. San Pedro Sula. Honduras unbeaten at home. Costa Rica. No second chances.
Before going into my own thoughts. There's obviously an abundance out there to read up on to prep for the game. Stating the obvious, Jeff Carlisle says the US is wary of los Catrachos' home form, having gone 8-0 during this qualifying cycle. He says watch out for the Honduras midfield (Wilson Palacios is dangerous), the absence of Dempsey (no matter his form, he's scored big goals for the US), and the glut of players with yellow cards who could miss a potentially all or nothing final game.
This second ESPN observer mentions other obvious things, like the Honduras home crowd advantage, lack of playing time for US players in Europe (I guess he doesn't count Charlie Davies, Benny Feilhaber, Michael Bradley, Steve Cherundolo, and Carlos Bocanegra... great reporting buddy) and the general unappealing style Bob Bradley prefers. This guy just repeats that the Honduras midfield is dangerous and that the constant switching of the US starting lineup is unsettling.
In an actual piece of analysis, someone named Leander Schaerlaeckens writes that the US has a big problem - a lack of a world class defensive midfielder. Interesting because most people consider this the deepest position in the US player pool. It may be disingenuous to speak of the US lacking a world class player at any position, because let's face it, other than Tim Howard the only players who could argue for world class status are Landon Donovan and hopefully Jozy Altidore in the future. But his point is still valid. All the great teams have those rocks that cover the back four and sit behind the attacking players. In recent years that has been personified by payers such as Makelele, Gattusso, Marcos Senna, Javier Mascherano, and Felipe Melo. Going back further, all the great teams had the hard man in the middle - France in 98 had plenty of those players (Deschamps, Vieira, Petit), Brazil has had them (Gilberto Silva, Dunga), and even those total football Dutch teams from the 70s needed their hard men to cover for Cryuff and co. For the US, Bradley doesn't count as a pure defensive mid, because he likes to roam forward and is given the license to do so. Clark is serviceable, but still needs fine tuning in holding his position and eliminating certain reckless fouls and tackles from his game. Jermaine Jones is the obvious candidate, but he recently suffered another injury set back which means he probably won't play again until 2010. Maurice Edu has potential, more so than Clark and Bradley, but he's also been injured for so long now, he has a lot of question marks. Let's hope he can return to action and get on the field for Rangers during the second half of the SPL.
It's curious to question US defensive midfield talent, because even though the US seemingly has more central midfielders than any other position (considering that Feilhaber, Jose Francisco Torres, and even Landon Donovan and Stuart Holden can all play center mid, not to mention the players Bradley has given caps to who won't be in South Africa), but in reality the reason it's often so hard to choose between the players is because there's so little difference between them and no one player stands out. Feilhaber has the best vision and passing, Torres the most calm and experience in big time club matches, Bradley the most two-way ability, Clark the most bite, and Donovan the best overall, but there's really no pair from those players that you would consider scary for opposing teams, even in CONCACAF.
Another unique take on the game is Grant Wahl, who thinks this could be a back-and-forth shootout type of game since a tie doesn't really help either team and both need victories to prevent big worries ahead of Wednesday's final games. I agree that we could see some open play, with the midfields getting stretched and some dangerous counterattacking, but I don't think that necessarily means lots of goals. Lots of heart attacks maybe.
The question everyone keeps wanting to talk about it the Holden v. Feilhaber debate for the starting lineup. While I usually advocate for Feilhaber to start no matter what, if he's put on the wing, I'm not sure I like it as much. So my view is that Holden should start, giving more energy and defensive presence up and down the wing. Feilhaber will remain the first man off the bench to bring in extra presence and that final bit of quality in the midfield as the game enters the final third.
The other issue that needs addressing is the constant reporting of the large number of players who carry yellow cards and could miss the final match against Costa Rica, and how that could affect team selection or how people play. Put simply, that's just stupid to even consider. The US needs to go out and try to qualify tonight. As confident as I am that the US can get it done at home against any CONCACAF team, you never want your automatic qualification going down to a single match, where anything can happen or go wrong. Also, I hate to break it to people, as much as I love RFK and think it can bring a good US crowd, if Costa Rica needs something from that last game, every Costa Rican in the United States with the means and wherewithal will most certainly converge on the venerable stadium, home to many great US performances, but also home to a few instances of "home away from home" for Central American or Caribbean teams. It's the nature of the country, and the Nation's Capital in particular, so I think all focus should be on making that game nothing more than a fond send-off. I'll be there screaming my ass off, but I don't want to have to sweat out that game.
Finally, we couldn't go over today's game without the on-the-ground view. My favorite US soccer reporter, from the Washington Post, reports on the scene in Honduras, where the country is in the midst of some political turmoil in the capital, but in San Pedro Sula things have been calm and all Hondurans are united in hopes of a big victory and a huge step toward South Africa. Good to know the US players don't need constant armed guards to protect them from protesters. Maybe there's something to this Obama Nobel Prize and the international community loving the US again...well, maybe not for one night.
One final thing - check out the US Soccer scenario generator to see what the CONCACAF table will look like after you plug in possible results from every match, including how goal differential would play out.
Before going into my own thoughts. There's obviously an abundance out there to read up on to prep for the game. Stating the obvious, Jeff Carlisle says the US is wary of los Catrachos' home form, having gone 8-0 during this qualifying cycle. He says watch out for the Honduras midfield (Wilson Palacios is dangerous), the absence of Dempsey (no matter his form, he's scored big goals for the US), and the glut of players with yellow cards who could miss a potentially all or nothing final game.
This second ESPN observer mentions other obvious things, like the Honduras home crowd advantage, lack of playing time for US players in Europe (I guess he doesn't count Charlie Davies, Benny Feilhaber, Michael Bradley, Steve Cherundolo, and Carlos Bocanegra... great reporting buddy) and the general unappealing style Bob Bradley prefers. This guy just repeats that the Honduras midfield is dangerous and that the constant switching of the US starting lineup is unsettling.
In an actual piece of analysis, someone named Leander Schaerlaeckens writes that the US has a big problem - a lack of a world class defensive midfielder. Interesting because most people consider this the deepest position in the US player pool. It may be disingenuous to speak of the US lacking a world class player at any position, because let's face it, other than Tim Howard the only players who could argue for world class status are Landon Donovan and hopefully Jozy Altidore in the future. But his point is still valid. All the great teams have those rocks that cover the back four and sit behind the attacking players. In recent years that has been personified by payers such as Makelele, Gattusso, Marcos Senna, Javier Mascherano, and Felipe Melo. Going back further, all the great teams had the hard man in the middle - France in 98 had plenty of those players (Deschamps, Vieira, Petit), Brazil has had them (Gilberto Silva, Dunga), and even those total football Dutch teams from the 70s needed their hard men to cover for Cryuff and co. For the US, Bradley doesn't count as a pure defensive mid, because he likes to roam forward and is given the license to do so. Clark is serviceable, but still needs fine tuning in holding his position and eliminating certain reckless fouls and tackles from his game. Jermaine Jones is the obvious candidate, but he recently suffered another injury set back which means he probably won't play again until 2010. Maurice Edu has potential, more so than Clark and Bradley, but he's also been injured for so long now, he has a lot of question marks. Let's hope he can return to action and get on the field for Rangers during the second half of the SPL.
It's curious to question US defensive midfield talent, because even though the US seemingly has more central midfielders than any other position (considering that Feilhaber, Jose Francisco Torres, and even Landon Donovan and Stuart Holden can all play center mid, not to mention the players Bradley has given caps to who won't be in South Africa), but in reality the reason it's often so hard to choose between the players is because there's so little difference between them and no one player stands out. Feilhaber has the best vision and passing, Torres the most calm and experience in big time club matches, Bradley the most two-way ability, Clark the most bite, and Donovan the best overall, but there's really no pair from those players that you would consider scary for opposing teams, even in CONCACAF.
Another unique take on the game is Grant Wahl, who thinks this could be a back-and-forth shootout type of game since a tie doesn't really help either team and both need victories to prevent big worries ahead of Wednesday's final games. I agree that we could see some open play, with the midfields getting stretched and some dangerous counterattacking, but I don't think that necessarily means lots of goals. Lots of heart attacks maybe.
The question everyone keeps wanting to talk about it the Holden v. Feilhaber debate for the starting lineup. While I usually advocate for Feilhaber to start no matter what, if he's put on the wing, I'm not sure I like it as much. So my view is that Holden should start, giving more energy and defensive presence up and down the wing. Feilhaber will remain the first man off the bench to bring in extra presence and that final bit of quality in the midfield as the game enters the final third.
The other issue that needs addressing is the constant reporting of the large number of players who carry yellow cards and could miss the final match against Costa Rica, and how that could affect team selection or how people play. Put simply, that's just stupid to even consider. The US needs to go out and try to qualify tonight. As confident as I am that the US can get it done at home against any CONCACAF team, you never want your automatic qualification going down to a single match, where anything can happen or go wrong. Also, I hate to break it to people, as much as I love RFK and think it can bring a good US crowd, if Costa Rica needs something from that last game, every Costa Rican in the United States with the means and wherewithal will most certainly converge on the venerable stadium, home to many great US performances, but also home to a few instances of "home away from home" for Central American or Caribbean teams. It's the nature of the country, and the Nation's Capital in particular, so I think all focus should be on making that game nothing more than a fond send-off. I'll be there screaming my ass off, but I don't want to have to sweat out that game.
Finally, we couldn't go over today's game without the on-the-ground view. My favorite US soccer reporter, from the Washington Post, reports on the scene in Honduras, where the country is in the midst of some political turmoil in the capital, but in San Pedro Sula things have been calm and all Hondurans are united in hopes of a big victory and a huge step toward South Africa. Good to know the US players don't need constant armed guards to protect them from protesters. Maybe there's something to this Obama Nobel Prize and the international community loving the US again...well, maybe not for one night.
One final thing - check out the US Soccer scenario generator to see what the CONCACAF table will look like after you plug in possible results from every match, including how goal differential would play out.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
So Much Futbol!
We keep hearing and reading these arguments, as HalaMadrid so dutifully pointed out, that this league is better than that one, no this other one is better, and that other league is pulling the Plax Burress and shooting itself into irrelevancy, etc. etc. etc. Of course we here never stoke those infernos. (Hala's post on La Liga is a must read to get you caught up on the current status of La Liga.)
What of course is fabulous about all this is the mere fact that here in the USA we can actually keep track of all these leagues, not just on the internets, but on real live TV, with matches seemingly all day every day. Just this morning I already watched Tim Howard and the crossbar steal three points for Everton against a lively but unfortunate Portsmouth team that is breaking records for futility. I'm now flipping back and forth between the USA-Germany U-20 match (can't tell if the US is playing badly or if the team is just rather underwhelming), Hull City-Liverpool (shockingly Torres is ripping Hull apart), and Wolfsburg-Hanover (another goalfest typical of Wolfsburg), not to mention watching an internet stream of Man U leading at Stoke, which as the pundits keep repeating ad nauseam is a tricky away tie (Ryan Giggs is simply amazing and his introduction turned the match). More games are to come, with Barca-Malaga particularly set for must viewing.
What of course is fabulous about all this is the mere fact that here in the USA we can actually keep track of all these leagues, not just on the internets, but on real live TV, with matches seemingly all day every day. Just this morning I already watched Tim Howard and the crossbar steal three points for Everton against a lively but unfortunate Portsmouth team that is breaking records for futility. I'm now flipping back and forth between the USA-Germany U-20 match (can't tell if the US is playing badly or if the team is just rather underwhelming), Hull City-Liverpool (shockingly Torres is ripping Hull apart), and Wolfsburg-Hanover (another goalfest typical of Wolfsburg), not to mention watching an internet stream of Man U leading at Stoke, which as the pundits keep repeating ad nauseam is a tricky away tie (Ryan Giggs is simply amazing and his introduction turned the match). More games are to come, with Barca-Malaga particularly set for must viewing.
Unsurprisingly, Jamie Trecker got into the discussion, weighing in on the boom of available matches. Mr. Trecker focuses on how top level European football is spearheading the boom, while MLS and local matches are falling behind dangerously. Of course, unsurprising again, Jamie is a little behind the curve on reaching his conclusion, as even ESPN's Sports Guy has been claiming this in written columns and podcasts for some time now. In fact, it's not like this argument hasn't been made since MLS was founded and the contrarians claimed it was doomed to failure because as Americans we are used to and expect the best product and MLS would never be the best on-field product for soccer in the world.
So, is this going to be the case? With the glut of high quality games on TV now (and isn't watching the games that are available on HD just beautiful?), the US team being competitive with the better teams in the world and usually getting great coverage from ESPN, the MLS is often an afterthought for both the hardcore fans who follow their favorite teams or leagues overseas, and the casual fan who only wants to watch the big or important games. Just this Thursday I was one of a handful of people who bothered showing up for a CONCACAF Champions League match between DC United and CD Marathon. It's unfortunate because it was actually a good performance by DC United, among its best all season, and it would have been a good showing for the casual fan to see that an MLS side can play good soccer. I have numerous friends who aren't regular soccer fans, but I do hear from them when it comes to big time international or European matches. When USA was beating Spain and playing Mexico, or when the big teams meet in the UEFA Champions League, I often get messages from friends who usually only devote their time to fantasy football (the NFL kind) or Yankees-Red Sox or Kobe v. Lebron. But I am encouraged by the simple fact that they are watching or following those events, whereas they probably would not have before. I even had a conversation with a friend over the Champions League draw, something I usually reserved for my brother or friends like HalaMadrid or my fellow DC United season ticket holders and the guys on my men's league team.
Nonetheless, the concern is still there that the quality of MLS soccer is too inconsistent. You can see some pretty good soccer played, but for every match of high quality, there's another two that simply aren't worth watching. The big problem is the crowds and atmospheres. Games at Toronto and Seattle are almost always entertaining because the crowds are great. DC United games used to be like that, but RFK stadium's ongoing erosion and collapse combined with a disappointing DC team has taken the luster off things. LA and Chicago also get good crowds and can play exciting soccer. Wait, let me correct that. LA can play exciting soccer, Chicago, well, they are successful generally. Other teams can get good crowds for certain matches against rivals.
On the other hand, a number of teams just bring down the rest of the league with them when it comes to their stadia and fan support. Kansas City simply shouldn't have a team, and FC Dallas has little support. NY Red Bulls, well, I'm not even sure what's the right adjective for them. Pathetic? Inept? Wretched? Abhorrent? Odious? I could go on. NY has been so bad for so long and stuck at Giants Stadium that it's hard to imagine them ever improving. As much as I dislike them, I do want them draw more than 5,000 people to a game, and I hope the new stadium will greatly improve their situation. And Red Bull Arena looks like it's going to be an unbelievable stadium, so I can't wait to make a trip there to see DC United win in such stylish new digs. With a new stadium, let's see if the Red Bull management team can bring in a marquee player who won't be a bust to play with Jaun Pablo Angel, who continues to chug along as one of the best players in the league despite playing with 10 other players wearing those ugly Red Bull uniforms.
Much like in Italy and the Serie A, stadiums will play a key part in building the league. The stadiums will give teams much needed revenue streams, which eventually can help grow the league and bring in better players with better salaries. And it goes without saying that smaller, soccer-specific stadiums will help improve atmospheres. Yet I'm given pause by soccer specific stadiums that haven't done that. FC Dallas hasn't worked out, and even Columbus hasn't had great attendance despite having a good team defending their MLS Cup championship. They have the original soccer specific stadium, although upon seeing it, it's amazing how from the outside it is one ugly building, just a big concrete warehouse looking thing. But the inside is still nice and can produce good atmospheres if the fans just show up.
Part of me is very wary of MLS expanding too much, too quickly because it will just dilute the currently super thin talent pool, and if some of the bad MLS teams get any worse, well things could get quite bleak. However, expansion is still good when it's done in key places and MLS is right to make sure new teams bring with them guarantees of soccer specific stadiums. Toronto is the best model for this, and despite the artificial turf, the stadium experience is great. Seattle is upping the stakes for fan enthusiasm, which makes up for the fact that they play in a football stadium. At least they're filling out the lower bowl. When Philly enters the league in 2010, with their new stadium coming, I hope they can match Toronto and Seattle. Portland is also set to join in 2011 along with Vancouver, and I have no doubt they will equal Seattle's enthusiasm and create a great Northwest rivalry.
Still, many people are throwing out drastic ideas about how to get MLS to get more fans who are otherwise turning to European football. Going to a single table would be nice, but I doubt that's going to do much for bringing in new fans. I guess the hope is that bringing in a single table would increase the importance of the Supporters Shield winner as the regular season champion. Unfortunately it's too ingrained in US sporting culture to focus on winners of a postseason tournament, and as long as there is an MLS Cup and playoffs, the Supporters Shield will get the short shrift. Relegation is simply a non-starter in MLS for the foreseeable future, so why waste time even discussing it. Relocation might be a good idea for those teams that are struggling, for instance moving Kansas City to St. Louis seems like a no brainer. Yet moving teams would just reinforce the idea among the non-MLS observer that the league is struggling and second rate. Switching the schedule to mirror the European season? I'm not sure it's a great idea, more competition with other US sports will not be beneficial, and one of the benefits of MLS's current format is that late Spring, Summer, and early Fall weather is conducive to bringing in casual fans who just want to be out in the nice weather.
I do think that European and international soccer will hit a little bit of a boon, particularly with all the World Cup coverage on the way this summer. Can it be sustained? I think it's possible. And I disagree with those who argue that the long held belief that the young generation of kids who populated so many youth leagues and would grow up to fill the on-field talent pool and fill the stands is falling short. I'm really part of the first US-born generation that grew up playing so much youth soccer and watched the growth of the sport on TV and the internet, and I'm only 27. This is only MLS's 14th season. I was 14 when MLS started. The generation growing up with MLS is just reaching adulthood. As it gets older, and start having kids who grow up with the sport in it's more advanced state than when I was a kid, that's when soccer in the US should gain a better foothold. (As an example here's an interesting article on how Chivas USA has slowly won over many Hispanic fans and created it's own culture and identity among fans separate from Chivas de Guadalajara.) Additionally, all those kids are producing new and better talent. First Landon Donovan, and now Charlie Davies and Jozy Altidore anyone?
Boosting viewership of European soccer helps deepen the ties between Americans and the sport generally, and the more roots and stronger foundations in place for the sport will eventually help MLS grow as well.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Three Points Is Three Points
After the Trinidad and Tobago-United States match was completed, Alexi Lalas was asked in post-game wrap-up about the poor play despite the win. He said, "Doesn't matter." That sums it up for me.
Obviously, the US did not play well. The first half in particular, it looked like T&T might actually be the better side. They were more cohesive in the midfield and strung passes together better than the Americans. They also would have taken the lead if not for wonderful play from Tim Howard and a chip that hit the crossbar. The second half was better if not overwhelming. But one terrific strike from Ricardo Clark, just as he was scheduled to head to the bench, made the difference. From that point the United States played out the victory, if not totally comfortably.
Any list of players that played well tonight has to start with Tim Howard. He made key stops and was terrific all night. Similiarly, Landon Donovan, who is on the verge of no longer being underappreciated, set up Clark's goal and was dangerous all night going forward. Even Bornstein, who ARF rightfully suggested sending to Sasha Kljestan purgatory, was acceptable tonight. The backline held up decently with Demerit's continued absence. Or at least, there were no clearances directly down the center of the pitch. It's not a high standard.
Any list of players that played poorly has to start with Dempsey, who was horrific. John Harkes openly called him out several times during the broadcast, speculated he was coasting on his one goal against El Salvador (out of three great chances) from last match, then wondered if he might be sick. That's a possible (though charitable with no evidence) explanation. Dempsey gave the ball away easily all night, was lazy defensively and generally created little. He was then moved up front, where at least he didn't have to defend, before finally coming off. If ARF was bold enough to say that perhaps Bradley should be an automatic in the starting eleven, which is an thought worth considering, my suggestion is that perhaps Dempsey shouldn't be so automatic if this is his current form. No matter where he plays his club football. Otherwise Davies was a touch off tonight as well, though given his previous play it's hard to hold one match against him.
It's job well done for the US this week, even if it wasn't really that well done. But they did get all six necessary points and now sit atop the table. Unfortunately they are still nowhere near secure in the race to avoid the playoff, despite getting some help from El Salvador tonight, who defeated Costa Rica at home. On the missed opportunity front, El Salvador must be kicking themselves for their lost World Cup chances. They've played decently against the rest of the group (beat Costa Rica and Mexico at home, draw with US), but managed only one point against Trinidad and Tobago, drawing at home and losing on the road. If they'd managed a home win, they'd have ten points and be in the mix. If they'd found all six points against the group's worst team, they'd be tied for third with Honduras. Anyway, the current table with two matches to play is:
United States: 16 points
Mexico: 15 points
Honduras: 13 points
Costa Rica: 12 points
However, things are not as rosy for the United States as they look, even though they just have to avoid finishing fourth. Costa Rica hosts T&T next, and Mexico hosts El Salvador; both teams will certainly expect to win. Meanwhile, the Americans must travel to Honduras, where no one in the group has won. A loss there and the table could look like this:
Mexico: 18 points
Honduras: 16 points
United States: 16 points
Costa Rica: 15 points
Honduras would actually qualify for South Africa with that win due to their goal difference advantage over both the US and Costa Rica. Mexico would also qualify. The US would then need a home draw against Costa Rica to avoid a potentially disasterous playoff with a South American side. Like against Argentina, who fell to Paraguay today and are now in the playoff spot in fifth place in CONMEBOL. But it could have been even worse without the six points this week; the Americans could have needed a home win, or with a truly awful week could have relegated themselves to the playoff in advance of that match. So mission accomplished for the moment. Now comes a difficult match against Honduras, with a win taking the drama out of the match with Costa Rica. A final match without drama sounds pretty good.
Obviously, the US did not play well. The first half in particular, it looked like T&T might actually be the better side. They were more cohesive in the midfield and strung passes together better than the Americans. They also would have taken the lead if not for wonderful play from Tim Howard and a chip that hit the crossbar. The second half was better if not overwhelming. But one terrific strike from Ricardo Clark, just as he was scheduled to head to the bench, made the difference. From that point the United States played out the victory, if not totally comfortably.
Any list of players that played well tonight has to start with Tim Howard. He made key stops and was terrific all night. Similiarly, Landon Donovan, who is on the verge of no longer being underappreciated, set up Clark's goal and was dangerous all night going forward. Even Bornstein, who ARF rightfully suggested sending to Sasha Kljestan purgatory, was acceptable tonight. The backline held up decently with Demerit's continued absence. Or at least, there were no clearances directly down the center of the pitch. It's not a high standard.
Any list of players that played poorly has to start with Dempsey, who was horrific. John Harkes openly called him out several times during the broadcast, speculated he was coasting on his one goal against El Salvador (out of three great chances) from last match, then wondered if he might be sick. That's a possible (though charitable with no evidence) explanation. Dempsey gave the ball away easily all night, was lazy defensively and generally created little. He was then moved up front, where at least he didn't have to defend, before finally coming off. If ARF was bold enough to say that perhaps Bradley should be an automatic in the starting eleven, which is an thought worth considering, my suggestion is that perhaps Dempsey shouldn't be so automatic if this is his current form. No matter where he plays his club football. Otherwise Davies was a touch off tonight as well, though given his previous play it's hard to hold one match against him.
It's job well done for the US this week, even if it wasn't really that well done. But they did get all six necessary points and now sit atop the table. Unfortunately they are still nowhere near secure in the race to avoid the playoff, despite getting some help from El Salvador tonight, who defeated Costa Rica at home. On the missed opportunity front, El Salvador must be kicking themselves for their lost World Cup chances. They've played decently against the rest of the group (beat Costa Rica and Mexico at home, draw with US), but managed only one point against Trinidad and Tobago, drawing at home and losing on the road. If they'd managed a home win, they'd have ten points and be in the mix. If they'd found all six points against the group's worst team, they'd be tied for third with Honduras. Anyway, the current table with two matches to play is:
United States: 16 points
Mexico: 15 points
Honduras: 13 points
Costa Rica: 12 points
However, things are not as rosy for the United States as they look, even though they just have to avoid finishing fourth. Costa Rica hosts T&T next, and Mexico hosts El Salvador; both teams will certainly expect to win. Meanwhile, the Americans must travel to Honduras, where no one in the group has won. A loss there and the table could look like this:
Mexico: 18 points
Honduras: 16 points
United States: 16 points
Costa Rica: 15 points
Honduras would actually qualify for South Africa with that win due to their goal difference advantage over both the US and Costa Rica. Mexico would also qualify. The US would then need a home draw against Costa Rica to avoid a potentially disasterous playoff with a South American side. Like against Argentina, who fell to Paraguay today and are now in the playoff spot in fifth place in CONMEBOL. But it could have been even worse without the six points this week; the Americans could have needed a home win, or with a truly awful week could have relegated themselves to the playoff in advance of that match. So mission accomplished for the moment. Now comes a difficult match against Honduras, with a win taking the drama out of the match with Costa Rica. A final match without drama sounds pretty good.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
USA Finds Necessary Three Points
The Americans again fell behind at home, but in the end the United States were clearly the better side and got the needed and deserved three points. But the US allowed things to remain interesting until the end, though that was partially due to a truly baffling referee's decision.
With Onyewu out due to yellow cards and Demerit out due to injury, it was a makeshift back four yesterday with Chad Marshall and Bocanegra starting centrally and Bornstein and Spector on the wings. It was at best a mixed bag in the back. Neither Spector nor Bornstein impressed. Anytime Bornstein is in there, I'm afraid. As if to prove my point, Bornstein's truly awful clearance back into the middle of the field set up the Hondruas goal. Clearances were a problem for the whole match. On the goal, Howard looked to be anticipating the ball getting through to the back post, and will probably feel he could have done better in his positioning.
The "mixed bag" phrase certainly applies to the performance of Clint Dempsey as well. Dempsey scored the first goal when Honduras attempted to run an offside trap. While most of the team was offside, Dempsey was rightfully ruled on and headed the ball into the net. Dempsey also had a gorgeous through-ball to Altidore for the third goal...er, what? No goal? Altidore buried in the back of the net, but the referee disallowed it, apparently for a foul on Dempsey for having won the ball and having an opposing player who didn't get near the ball fall over him. One of the worst decisions I've ever seen. If El Salvador had managed a draw, I'm sure Bradley and US Soccer would have a lot more to say about that call.
On the down side for Dempsey, he probably should have had a hat trick. He missed a free header from six yards that he bounced up over the bar. And after a wonderful long run he had a free strike from eighteen yards and hit it directly (and meekly) at the keeper. Either of those strikes would have provided some needed breathing space in the 3-1, um, 2-1 victory.
Altidore again impressed with his clinical finishing on his header at the end of the first half to give the United States the lead, as well as on the goal that was disallowed. Watching Altidore play was yet another reminder how inexplicable it was that he wasn't in the starting lineup against Mexico. But I digress. Donovan also had a good game as a creator, providing service on Altidore's goal and playing quite a few other very dangerous balls. Frankly, between the goal that was disallowed, Dempsey's chances, and the header from substitute Torres that forced a terrific save from the Honduran keeper, the game should have finished much more comfortably.
The Americans aren't out of the woods in terms of must-win matches, as Wednesday's clash with Trinidad and Tobago also falls in that category. A road win wouldn't see them through to South Africa just yet, but would put them in a very good position. Currently, Honduras and the US sit with 13 points, with Mexico and Costa Rica at 12. Mexico's 3-0 victory in Costa Rica announces the return to form of El Tri, and Mexico is probably one more victory away from being beyond peril. If Mexico defeats Honduras on Wednesday the Mexicans will be practically, if not mathematically, qualified due to their easy remaining schedule. The Americans would then have a chance to ensure their spot in South Africa with a win in Honduras on October 10th, which would thankfully take any meaning out of the last match against Costa Rica. Winning in Honduras will be no easy task though as no one in the group has managed even a point in Honduras, and most of those matches have not been close. If Mexico does beat Honduras, even a draw in Honduras would be enough to put the US in the catbird's seat for qualification. But first things first - the Americans must win Wednesday.
With Onyewu out due to yellow cards and Demerit out due to injury, it was a makeshift back four yesterday with Chad Marshall and Bocanegra starting centrally and Bornstein and Spector on the wings. It was at best a mixed bag in the back. Neither Spector nor Bornstein impressed. Anytime Bornstein is in there, I'm afraid. As if to prove my point, Bornstein's truly awful clearance back into the middle of the field set up the Hondruas goal. Clearances were a problem for the whole match. On the goal, Howard looked to be anticipating the ball getting through to the back post, and will probably feel he could have done better in his positioning.
The "mixed bag" phrase certainly applies to the performance of Clint Dempsey as well. Dempsey scored the first goal when Honduras attempted to run an offside trap. While most of the team was offside, Dempsey was rightfully ruled on and headed the ball into the net. Dempsey also had a gorgeous through-ball to Altidore for the third goal...er, what? No goal? Altidore buried in the back of the net, but the referee disallowed it, apparently for a foul on Dempsey for having won the ball and having an opposing player who didn't get near the ball fall over him. One of the worst decisions I've ever seen. If El Salvador had managed a draw, I'm sure Bradley and US Soccer would have a lot more to say about that call.
On the down side for Dempsey, he probably should have had a hat trick. He missed a free header from six yards that he bounced up over the bar. And after a wonderful long run he had a free strike from eighteen yards and hit it directly (and meekly) at the keeper. Either of those strikes would have provided some needed breathing space in the 3-1, um, 2-1 victory.
Altidore again impressed with his clinical finishing on his header at the end of the first half to give the United States the lead, as well as on the goal that was disallowed. Watching Altidore play was yet another reminder how inexplicable it was that he wasn't in the starting lineup against Mexico. But I digress. Donovan also had a good game as a creator, providing service on Altidore's goal and playing quite a few other very dangerous balls. Frankly, between the goal that was disallowed, Dempsey's chances, and the header from substitute Torres that forced a terrific save from the Honduran keeper, the game should have finished much more comfortably.
The Americans aren't out of the woods in terms of must-win matches, as Wednesday's clash with Trinidad and Tobago also falls in that category. A road win wouldn't see them through to South Africa just yet, but would put them in a very good position. Currently, Honduras and the US sit with 13 points, with Mexico and Costa Rica at 12. Mexico's 3-0 victory in Costa Rica announces the return to form of El Tri, and Mexico is probably one more victory away from being beyond peril. If Mexico defeats Honduras on Wednesday the Mexicans will be practically, if not mathematically, qualified due to their easy remaining schedule. The Americans would then have a chance to ensure their spot in South Africa with a win in Honduras on October 10th, which would thankfully take any meaning out of the last match against Costa Rica. Winning in Honduras will be no easy task though as no one in the group has managed even a point in Honduras, and most of those matches have not been close. If Mexico does beat Honduras, even a draw in Honduras would be enough to put the US in the catbird's seat for qualification. But first things first - the Americans must win Wednesday.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Sports Guys opines on Mexico, soccer in the US
For those of you who are fans of ESPN's Sports Guy, Bill Simmons, he recently took in and wrote about the USA-Mexico World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Azteca.
Even though Simmons is not a knowledgeable soccer fan, the sport has been growing on him this summer, and he brings a nice perspective regarding the sport's place in US sporting culture.
As far as the match itself, it's always interesting to read about the experience of the fan at the game, as well as a before and after, and the Sports Guy certainly gives you a feel for what it's like to be in the Estadio Azteca and how nothing in American sports compares to the atmosphere of a game there.
Despite not being that knowledgeable about soccer (his analysis of the game is not quite correct in my opinion, and he doesn't address Charlie Davies' athleticism), he makes some good points I want to hit on.
First, he rightfully notes the long-known fact that only in the United States do the country's best athletes not play soccer. That is, until now. We see Oguchi Onyewu, and more importantly Jozy Altidore, and we see athletes who wouldn't look out of place playing next to LeBron or Ray Lewis. Certainly this will be key as US soccer looks to level the playing field with established world powers. Once upon a time, Eric Wynalda was the greatest US striker. Brian McBride added a level of strength missing before from skilled US attackers. Now Jozy brings with him tantalizing possibilities as we watch the 19 year old post up Joan Capdevila like he was Dwight Howard shrugging off Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Charlie Davies also marries true striker instincts with blazing speed not before seen from a US player. Landon Donovan is fast and can run forever like a Kenyan marathoner, but Davies has that extra gear that makes the defense worry every time he's chasing down a 50/50 ball.
However, the big point I liked about the article was how Simmons analogizes between Mexico's methodical, short-passing possession game (for which I'd use Spain as the example of, rather than Mexico) as the means of "building something from within and trusting the process," rather than "launching those 70-yard kicks downfield and hoping something happens -- aka the Beckham signing."
This is something I absolutely agree with. Soccer supporters in the US should not try to force the game upon people, nor should we be constantly hoping some huge moment (i.e., an upset of Spain, a deep run in the World Cup) will somehow be the tipping point and from that moment on soccer will be on par with football, basketball and baseball.
Building something like a true soccer infrastructure within the US sporting landscape akin to that of the other major sports will take time. The current generation of young adults and their kids will have grown up with MLS, EPL on Fox Soccer and now ESPN, the World Cup, and importantly, a continuously improving US national team. The Jim Romes of the country have less impact than before, and much of their unabashed distaste for something foreign to them will not be passed on to future generations. Practical reasons will also boost the game's popularity, as HD TVs allow viewers to really see the game and appreciate the beauty of the teamwork and athleticism on display. Not to mention that like baskeball, soccer can easily promote not only teams (or in the case of the EPL, the league as a whole) but also its stars individually because the players are visible and recognizable on the field for the entire game, unlike football stars, who are hidden behind helmets and play only a percentage of the entire game time. Furthermore, MLS players are more akin to NHL players in being accessible and relating to the common fan.
Simmons notes that the "most interesting thing about last week's game wasn't whether the U.S. won or lost, but that so many Americans were furious that they couldn't see the game." We've come a long way to reach that point, and that's something we shouldn't lose sight of.
Even though Simmons is not a knowledgeable soccer fan, the sport has been growing on him this summer, and he brings a nice perspective regarding the sport's place in US sporting culture.
As far as the match itself, it's always interesting to read about the experience of the fan at the game, as well as a before and after, and the Sports Guy certainly gives you a feel for what it's like to be in the Estadio Azteca and how nothing in American sports compares to the atmosphere of a game there.
Despite not being that knowledgeable about soccer (his analysis of the game is not quite correct in my opinion, and he doesn't address Charlie Davies' athleticism), he makes some good points I want to hit on.
First, he rightfully notes the long-known fact that only in the United States do the country's best athletes not play soccer. That is, until now. We see Oguchi Onyewu, and more importantly Jozy Altidore, and we see athletes who wouldn't look out of place playing next to LeBron or Ray Lewis. Certainly this will be key as US soccer looks to level the playing field with established world powers. Once upon a time, Eric Wynalda was the greatest US striker. Brian McBride added a level of strength missing before from skilled US attackers. Now Jozy brings with him tantalizing possibilities as we watch the 19 year old post up Joan Capdevila like he was Dwight Howard shrugging off Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Charlie Davies also marries true striker instincts with blazing speed not before seen from a US player. Landon Donovan is fast and can run forever like a Kenyan marathoner, but Davies has that extra gear that makes the defense worry every time he's chasing down a 50/50 ball.
However, the big point I liked about the article was how Simmons analogizes between Mexico's methodical, short-passing possession game (for which I'd use Spain as the example of, rather than Mexico) as the means of "building something from within and trusting the process," rather than "launching those 70-yard kicks downfield and hoping something happens -- aka the Beckham signing."
This is something I absolutely agree with. Soccer supporters in the US should not try to force the game upon people, nor should we be constantly hoping some huge moment (i.e., an upset of Spain, a deep run in the World Cup) will somehow be the tipping point and from that moment on soccer will be on par with football, basketball and baseball.
Building something like a true soccer infrastructure within the US sporting landscape akin to that of the other major sports will take time. The current generation of young adults and their kids will have grown up with MLS, EPL on Fox Soccer and now ESPN, the World Cup, and importantly, a continuously improving US national team. The Jim Romes of the country have less impact than before, and much of their unabashed distaste for something foreign to them will not be passed on to future generations. Practical reasons will also boost the game's popularity, as HD TVs allow viewers to really see the game and appreciate the beauty of the teamwork and athleticism on display. Not to mention that like baskeball, soccer can easily promote not only teams (or in the case of the EPL, the league as a whole) but also its stars individually because the players are visible and recognizable on the field for the entire game, unlike football stars, who are hidden behind helmets and play only a percentage of the entire game time. Furthermore, MLS players are more akin to NHL players in being accessible and relating to the common fan.
Simmons notes that the "most interesting thing about last week's game wasn't whether the U.S. won or lost, but that so many Americans were furious that they couldn't see the game." We've come a long way to reach that point, and that's something we shouldn't lose sight of.
Friday, August 14, 2009
More USA-Mexico; CONCACAF Breakdown
A couple of thoughts on what ARF posted:
-Agree about Spector not starting. It makes no sense. During the Confederations Cup, found a back four that worked well together, only to alter it in the match that mattered most. I don't get it.
-Harsh on Howard. Does any goalkeeper in the world stop either of those strikes? If not, what else could he have done?
-I didn't even comment on the Mexican fans, because I didn't see anything I didn't expect. Going to play at Azteca is what it is. Opposing teams will get things thrown at them. They will not get any calls. Actually, since I expected the Mexicans would get every call (and the referee didn't disappoint), I wasn't really that upset about it. At least no one got a red card and there wasn't an egregiously bad penalty. Expectations are low for the referee and for the Mexican fans. Both were par for the course.
Going forward, Bradley does have legitimate selection problems, not just self-created ones. Dempsey and Donovan are obviously two of the best eleven for the United States and have to be in the lineup. But neither has a natural position on the international level. Or at the very least, Donovan doesn't. He can exist as a forward in MLS, but not in international play. So playing him on the right as a midfielder is a natural choice. But that requires he maintain width, and therefore he won't have the ball at his feet as much as the Americans would like. Or Bradley can give Donovan freedom to wander, but Donovan also needs to be able to get back and help his rightside defender. Dempsey is a different case; his natural position is probably an off or deep set striker role. But assuming Bradley isn't going to play three strikers, this would move either Jozy or Davies to the bench. And then who would play on the left wing? The Americans have no competent true left wingers (Robbie Rogers is closest, but proved again in the Gold Cup he's not international quality). So I also understand Dempsey playing on the left. It gets all the best Americans players on the pitch. But they are also playing no true wing players. If both Dempsey and Donovan are free to wander, the team will have severe trouble maintaining width and playing with balance. Not to mention I don't have lots of faith in either backtracking and helping defensively. Not questioning the effort of either; it's just not the type of players they are.
With their loss and Honduras' victory over Costa Rica, the Americans still have plenty of work to do in CONCACAF. It's a four team race at this point after El Salvador lost to Trinidad and Tobago; it's difficult to imagine either team climbing to fourth in the table. Between the US, Mexico, Costa Rica and Honduras, three will qualify directly for South Africa, and one team will get the dreaded home-and-home playoff with fifth place from South America. The current table and remaining fixtures:
Costa Rica: 12
Honduras: 10
United States: 10
Mexico: 9
Costa Rica: Mex, at ElSal, Tri, at US
Honduras: Tri, at Mex, US, at ElSal
United States: ElSal, at Tri, at Hon, CR
Mexico: at CR, Hon, ElSal, at Tri
Both Honduras and the US will be heavy favorites in Round 7. The Mexico-Costa Rica match will go a long way in determining the composition of the rest of the group. If Costa Rica were to win, they would be six points clear of Mexico with only three matches left and would likely be safe. Meanwhile Mexico would be four points back of third if the favorites win, and could be back in danger despite a very manageable final three matches. If Mexico were to win in San Jose, Honduras and the US could sit with 13 points and Mexico and Costa Rica would have 12. Mexico would likely be safe with their schedule, while current group leaders Costa Rica would suddenly be in danger of the playoff. Both because of their schedule and current point level, Honduras are still the most likely squad to end up in the playoff. But they've certainly announced their intentions with Wednesday's 4-0 thrashing of the group leaders.
Of course, the Americans can't control the rest of these factors. They can only win. And they must. Six points from the next two matches should put them in decent position heading into the final two matches against Hondruas and Costa Rica. And El Salvador at home and Trinidad and Tobago on the road are very winnable matches. Anything besides two victories could land the United States in South America for World Cup qualification. I probably don't need to comment on what a disaster that could be.
-Agree about Spector not starting. It makes no sense. During the Confederations Cup, found a back four that worked well together, only to alter it in the match that mattered most. I don't get it.
-Harsh on Howard. Does any goalkeeper in the world stop either of those strikes? If not, what else could he have done?
-I didn't even comment on the Mexican fans, because I didn't see anything I didn't expect. Going to play at Azteca is what it is. Opposing teams will get things thrown at them. They will not get any calls. Actually, since I expected the Mexicans would get every call (and the referee didn't disappoint), I wasn't really that upset about it. At least no one got a red card and there wasn't an egregiously bad penalty. Expectations are low for the referee and for the Mexican fans. Both were par for the course.
Going forward, Bradley does have legitimate selection problems, not just self-created ones. Dempsey and Donovan are obviously two of the best eleven for the United States and have to be in the lineup. But neither has a natural position on the international level. Or at the very least, Donovan doesn't. He can exist as a forward in MLS, but not in international play. So playing him on the right as a midfielder is a natural choice. But that requires he maintain width, and therefore he won't have the ball at his feet as much as the Americans would like. Or Bradley can give Donovan freedom to wander, but Donovan also needs to be able to get back and help his rightside defender. Dempsey is a different case; his natural position is probably an off or deep set striker role. But assuming Bradley isn't going to play three strikers, this would move either Jozy or Davies to the bench. And then who would play on the left wing? The Americans have no competent true left wingers (Robbie Rogers is closest, but proved again in the Gold Cup he's not international quality). So I also understand Dempsey playing on the left. It gets all the best Americans players on the pitch. But they are also playing no true wing players. If both Dempsey and Donovan are free to wander, the team will have severe trouble maintaining width and playing with balance. Not to mention I don't have lots of faith in either backtracking and helping defensively. Not questioning the effort of either; it's just not the type of players they are.
With their loss and Honduras' victory over Costa Rica, the Americans still have plenty of work to do in CONCACAF. It's a four team race at this point after El Salvador lost to Trinidad and Tobago; it's difficult to imagine either team climbing to fourth in the table. Between the US, Mexico, Costa Rica and Honduras, three will qualify directly for South Africa, and one team will get the dreaded home-and-home playoff with fifth place from South America. The current table and remaining fixtures:
Costa Rica: 12
Honduras: 10
United States: 10
Mexico: 9
Costa Rica: Mex, at ElSal, Tri, at US
Honduras: Tri, at Mex, US, at ElSal
United States: ElSal, at Tri, at Hon, CR
Mexico: at CR, Hon, ElSal, at Tri
Both Honduras and the US will be heavy favorites in Round 7. The Mexico-Costa Rica match will go a long way in determining the composition of the rest of the group. If Costa Rica were to win, they would be six points clear of Mexico with only three matches left and would likely be safe. Meanwhile Mexico would be four points back of third if the favorites win, and could be back in danger despite a very manageable final three matches. If Mexico were to win in San Jose, Honduras and the US could sit with 13 points and Mexico and Costa Rica would have 12. Mexico would likely be safe with their schedule, while current group leaders Costa Rica would suddenly be in danger of the playoff. Both because of their schedule and current point level, Honduras are still the most likely squad to end up in the playoff. But they've certainly announced their intentions with Wednesday's 4-0 thrashing of the group leaders.
Of course, the Americans can't control the rest of these factors. They can only win. And they must. Six points from the next two matches should put them in decent position heading into the final two matches against Hondruas and Costa Rica. And El Salvador at home and Trinidad and Tobago on the road are very winnable matches. Anything besides two victories could land the United States in South America for World Cup qualification. I probably don't need to comment on what a disaster that could be.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
An (un)biased take on USA-Mexico
I'm going to start by prefacing my remarks with this thought: Mexico deserved to win, but the US should have won. I'm in the business of making important distinctions, and to me this is a big one.
I'll also put it another way: right now, the US is superior to Mexico. Let me repeat that nice and clearly - the US is a superior football team to Mexico, and it's not even a question in my mind. However, the US will still have trouble winning on the road. Have these two teams play on a neutral field and I think the US wins comfortably. Mexico was playing at home and only managed to win on a goal set up by a fortuitous bounce and some very poor decisions by Bob Bradley.
Let's start with the positives:
-Charlie Davies is turning into a very good striker. He's young and developing still, but he was a handful for the Mexican defense. He looked like he was going to get a second, but was hurt playing as the lone striker for most of the game (see below on why he was the lone striker).
-Oguchi Onyewu is a beast. Played great in my estimation. Not just his typical clearances but smooth interventions and retaining possession with neat footwork. Very pleased.
-Stuart Holden and Benny Feilhaber drastically improved US possession in the second half. It was nice neither (Holden in particular, being more inexperienced) were intimidated. Feilhaber should have started.
-Donovan's assist was great. However, I don't have a great read on Donovan's game. He was asked to play on the right to neutralize Guardado's speed, but that forced Dempsey to the left with Bocanegra, and those two had zero chemistry.
Now to the negatives:
-Bob Bradley failed the US team. His decisions were horrible. The specifics of why will be evident in the bullets below. I'm sure everyone pretty much knows what those poor decisions were. This isn't an overly reactionary call for his head or anything, but it just goes to show that coaching goes a long way in soccer, and Bradley often gets things wrong and it backfires badly for the US when it does.
-Brian Ching is not an international caliber forward. He was invisible out there. In fact, probably worse than invisible because he usually had a detrimental affect on play (losing the ball, and does he know how to not wipe out defenders when chasing the ball defensively?).
-Related to the above, there is absolutely no reason Jozy Altidore shouldn't start every single game from now until the foreseeable future, unless some faster, stronger, better goal scorer comes along. I don't care if he hasn't played a lot and he's young. You play your best striker.
-The Michael Bradley-Rico Clark midfield duo was completely ineffective. They weren't winning the ball, nor keeping possesion in the first half. Guardado was Mexico's best player, and he often forced the US midfield to chase wildly and then Blanco or others could fill in to the open gaps. This resulted in Mexico's first goal. It's hard to argue against this duo because they have played well before, but the potential for two defensive midfielders to get sucked in too deep, negating an attack.
-Steve Cherundolo is rusty. Why didn't Spector start? This is almost as incomprehensible as Ching starting over Altidore. If the idea was that Cherundolo has more speed, well that certainly didn't do anything.
-Speaking of lacking speed, Bocanegra will always be open to attack by speedy flank players if he's the left back. I'm not saying Boca isn't the best bet at left back (at least over Bornstein), but that's just a compromise that has to be made. I still think Spector should play on the left and a healthy Cherundolo on the right.
-The ref sucked. No surprise there. And he wasn't at fault for any of the goals. But like Tim Howard said, it's tough to play against that extra man when he's always making calls for the home team.
-On to Howard, he disappointed me. That sounds harsh, because he didn't play poorly at all. But as soon as I tout him as one of the best in the world, he has an average game. Neither of the goals were his fault, but he also didn't really make any great saves. It might have been asking too much, but sometimes you need the amazing from your keeper, and saving the second goal preserves a point for the US.
-Mexico's once bright future isn't as great as some think. What happened to Nery Castillo? He was a terror in the 2007 Copa America, but no playing time at the club level has greatly reduced his effectiveness. The bright young Mexican star Giovanni Dos Santos still has time, so no one can write him off, but I think he will always fail to live up to expectations. He has skill and flair, but can't put it all together. And per usual, he got into dangerous spots but missed clear chances.
-Mexican fans. You are a disgrace. A DISGRACE. For example, when Donovan was taking corner kicks. It's no surprise the Mexican team rarely shows any class when the fans don't. Oh, and chanting cinco a cero is like me cheering for the Redskins winning a preseason football game because the Skins starters crushed the Cowboys third stringers. It's stupid.
I'll also put it another way: right now, the US is superior to Mexico. Let me repeat that nice and clearly - the US is a superior football team to Mexico, and it's not even a question in my mind. However, the US will still have trouble winning on the road. Have these two teams play on a neutral field and I think the US wins comfortably. Mexico was playing at home and only managed to win on a goal set up by a fortuitous bounce and some very poor decisions by Bob Bradley.
Let's start with the positives:
-Charlie Davies is turning into a very good striker. He's young and developing still, but he was a handful for the Mexican defense. He looked like he was going to get a second, but was hurt playing as the lone striker for most of the game (see below on why he was the lone striker).
-Oguchi Onyewu is a beast. Played great in my estimation. Not just his typical clearances but smooth interventions and retaining possession with neat footwork. Very pleased.
-Stuart Holden and Benny Feilhaber drastically improved US possession in the second half. It was nice neither (Holden in particular, being more inexperienced) were intimidated. Feilhaber should have started.
-Donovan's assist was great. However, I don't have a great read on Donovan's game. He was asked to play on the right to neutralize Guardado's speed, but that forced Dempsey to the left with Bocanegra, and those two had zero chemistry.
Now to the negatives:
-Bob Bradley failed the US team. His decisions were horrible. The specifics of why will be evident in the bullets below. I'm sure everyone pretty much knows what those poor decisions were. This isn't an overly reactionary call for his head or anything, but it just goes to show that coaching goes a long way in soccer, and Bradley often gets things wrong and it backfires badly for the US when it does.
-Brian Ching is not an international caliber forward. He was invisible out there. In fact, probably worse than invisible because he usually had a detrimental affect on play (losing the ball, and does he know how to not wipe out defenders when chasing the ball defensively?).
-Related to the above, there is absolutely no reason Jozy Altidore shouldn't start every single game from now until the foreseeable future, unless some faster, stronger, better goal scorer comes along. I don't care if he hasn't played a lot and he's young. You play your best striker.
-The Michael Bradley-Rico Clark midfield duo was completely ineffective. They weren't winning the ball, nor keeping possesion in the first half. Guardado was Mexico's best player, and he often forced the US midfield to chase wildly and then Blanco or others could fill in to the open gaps. This resulted in Mexico's first goal. It's hard to argue against this duo because they have played well before, but the potential for two defensive midfielders to get sucked in too deep, negating an attack.
-Steve Cherundolo is rusty. Why didn't Spector start? This is almost as incomprehensible as Ching starting over Altidore. If the idea was that Cherundolo has more speed, well that certainly didn't do anything.
-Speaking of lacking speed, Bocanegra will always be open to attack by speedy flank players if he's the left back. I'm not saying Boca isn't the best bet at left back (at least over Bornstein), but that's just a compromise that has to be made. I still think Spector should play on the left and a healthy Cherundolo on the right.
-The ref sucked. No surprise there. And he wasn't at fault for any of the goals. But like Tim Howard said, it's tough to play against that extra man when he's always making calls for the home team.
-On to Howard, he disappointed me. That sounds harsh, because he didn't play poorly at all. But as soon as I tout him as one of the best in the world, he has an average game. Neither of the goals were his fault, but he also didn't really make any great saves. It might have been asking too much, but sometimes you need the amazing from your keeper, and saving the second goal preserves a point for the US.
-Mexico's once bright future isn't as great as some think. What happened to Nery Castillo? He was a terror in the 2007 Copa America, but no playing time at the club level has greatly reduced his effectiveness. The bright young Mexican star Giovanni Dos Santos still has time, so no one can write him off, but I think he will always fail to live up to expectations. He has skill and flair, but can't put it all together. And per usual, he got into dangerous spots but missed clear chances.
-Mexican fans. You are a disgrace. A DISGRACE. For example, when Donovan was taking corner kicks. It's no surprise the Mexican team rarely shows any class when the fans don't. Oh, and chanting cinco a cero is like me cheering for the Redskins winning a preseason football game because the Skins starters crushed the Cowboys third stringers. It's stupid.
Heartbreak at Azteca
It didn't matter that the Americans scored first. Or that the Americans beat Spain. Or that Mexico isn't quite Mexico right now. At full-time, the Mexicans were once against victorious at Azteca.
For eight minutes, the Americans came out and attacked. They looked poised and confident. Their reward was an eighth-minute tally from Charlie Davies, courtesy of a beautiful through ball from Landon Donovan from midfield. But that was mostly the end of the attacking for the Americans, and nearly the end of the possession. Time and time, when the United States established possession, the backline gave possession away cheaply and allowed the Mexicans to go on the offensive again. Eventually they paid the price.
Getting toward the end of time, it looked as though the United States might be able to escape with a draw. But nearly as soon as he came on, late substitute Miguel Sabah found himself all alone ten yards from goal with a deflected ball at his feet. He rifled the ball past a helpless Tim Howard as a sense of relief spread throughout the nation to the south.
Bob Bradley will have a couple of questions to answer following this defeat. Did the United States pack it in too early? After the first goal they essentially stopped playing any offensive football at all. Worse was that, they failed to consistently close down space in midfield by applying pressure. The first goal was a direct result of this lack of pressure. Also puzzling was Brian Ching's appearance in the starting lineup, particularly after his medicore showing in the Gold Cup. Bradley evidently went with experience rather than the youth of Altidore, and surely also hoped Ching would help the United States hold possession in order to ease pressure from the Mexican attack. Instead Ching did the opposite, giving the ball away repeatedly. Raw as Altidore is, he's simply too talented not to have in the lineup, especially if he is held out in favor of Ching. Let's hope that doesn't happen any more. Altidore did finally come in in the 76th minute. The introduction Stuart Holden was also a surprise.
The next two matches in CONCACAF are now must win for the Americans. Gooch picked up a yellow and will miss the match with Trinidad and Tobago. Honduras' thrashing of Costa Rica has busted the race to not finish fourth wide open.
For eight minutes, the Americans came out and attacked. They looked poised and confident. Their reward was an eighth-minute tally from Charlie Davies, courtesy of a beautiful through ball from Landon Donovan from midfield. But that was mostly the end of the attacking for the Americans, and nearly the end of the possession. Time and time, when the United States established possession, the backline gave possession away cheaply and allowed the Mexicans to go on the offensive again. Eventually they paid the price.
Getting toward the end of time, it looked as though the United States might be able to escape with a draw. But nearly as soon as he came on, late substitute Miguel Sabah found himself all alone ten yards from goal with a deflected ball at his feet. He rifled the ball past a helpless Tim Howard as a sense of relief spread throughout the nation to the south.
Bob Bradley will have a couple of questions to answer following this defeat. Did the United States pack it in too early? After the first goal they essentially stopped playing any offensive football at all. Worse was that, they failed to consistently close down space in midfield by applying pressure. The first goal was a direct result of this lack of pressure. Also puzzling was Brian Ching's appearance in the starting lineup, particularly after his medicore showing in the Gold Cup. Bradley evidently went with experience rather than the youth of Altidore, and surely also hoped Ching would help the United States hold possession in order to ease pressure from the Mexican attack. Instead Ching did the opposite, giving the ball away repeatedly. Raw as Altidore is, he's simply too talented not to have in the lineup, especially if he is held out in favor of Ching. Let's hope that doesn't happen any more. Altidore did finally come in in the 76th minute. The introduction Stuart Holden was also a surprise.
The next two matches in CONCACAF are now must win for the Americans. Gooch picked up a yellow and will miss the match with Trinidad and Tobago. Honduras' thrashing of Costa Rica has busted the race to not finish fourth wide open.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
USA-Mexico: 24 Hours To Kickoff
So much is unknown heading into this latest battle between the two giants of CONCACAF. Mostly, no one knows what to make of either of the sides. Who is the real United States team anyway? The team that was embarrassed for the first half of the Confederations Cup? The team that thumped Egypt, toppled Spain, and nearly beat Brazil? The team that never stood a chance in Costa Rica? The team that laid down for their biggest rival on home soil? Because of those inconsistencies, it is impossible to know what kind of performance the Americans will give. Perhaps the Confederations Cup was a turning point. Perhaps not. The answer will be on display tomorrow.
The Mexicans hope to have found their own turning point in the 5-0 Gold Cup thrashing of the Americans, ending a decade of frustration on American soil. This is likely to boost Mexican confidence in front of kickoff, but will it make any difference against a totally different lineup once the whistle is blown? The Mexicans have been ghastly so far in World Cup qualifying, finishing tied with Jamaica and advancing on goal difference in the third round of CONCACAF qualifying. Their poor performance has already cost Sven-Goran Erikkson his job, leading to the return of Javier Aguirre. A record of two wins and three losses so far in the final stage of qualifying does not bode well for one of the two CONCACAF superpowers.
This match is about pressure, but there are different kinds of pressure for the two sides. For the Americans, there is the pressure of the atmosphere itself. Azteca is terrible. The altitude, the smog, the lunatic fans: there's a reason no one wins there. Because this is an isolated one game World Cup qualifier rather than a back to back, the US will have exactly one day to get used to the atmosphere in Mexico City. Perfect. But there's also a different kind of pressure on Bob Bradley and the US players. Two decades ago there were few football fans born here in the States, and they were heard from even less. But the growth of the sport over the last two decades, as well as the growth of the internet as a way for football fans to communicate, has created expectations for the USMNT. Much was made of how surprised the team was to the hostile reaction back home to the listless 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the group stage. For most of its history, the team has never really had outside expectations. Now they do. There are fans that care passionately about American football, and that has to be a good thing. But it also means that for every failure, there will be criticism and even anger. If the United States lose in Gold Cup-esque fashion, expect some more of that anger to be aimed at Bradley in particular.
For Mexico, there is a different kind of pressure. They are playing at home against their hated rival, and they are expected to win. Nothing else is good enough. If the scoreline is unflattering getting on in the second half, will the Mexicans press and make a mistake? Take out their frustrations with an untimely tackle and red card (though no Marquez to do it)? One counterattack or opening could be just the opportunity the Americans need. Along with the pressure of an entire nation expecting a win, there is the larger World Cup picture. At the moment, Mexico sits fourth in the CONCACAF qualification table, and would play a home-and-away playoff with the fifth place team from CONMEBOL. The Mexicans surely want no part of that, as there would be a genuine possibility they would not qualify for the World Cup. For Mexico to not qualify (in CONCACAF no less!) would be completely humiliating. In the worst case scenario, if Mexico lost to the United States, Honduras defeated Costa Rica at home, and El Salvador won in Trinidad, the table would look like this after six matches:
United States: 13
Costa Rica: 12
Honduras: 10
El Salvador: 8
Mexico: 6
Trinidad and Tobago: 2
Mexico would then have only four matches to make up the necessary points and qualify for South Africa. Mexico do have a fairly favorable schedule from here on out, getting Honduras and El Salvador at home and traveling to Trinidad and Costa Rica. The Mexicans would be substantial favorites in all but the Costa Rica match. So a win against the United States and everything is likely fine as far as qualification goes. Lose, and they may well be watching the World Cup and television. And surely the Mexican players know it.
Plan on heading out to the bar for the match tomorrow, because that's always the liveliest way to go. I'll be at Chicago's finest football bar. Or you can watch it from home on...mun2?! ESPN was not able to acquire the rights to this game, so the only English broadcast of the game is on mun2, owned by Telemundo (which is owned by NBC). What is mun2? I'm so glad you asked. Thanks to this press release, I know now that mun2 is "the lifestyle cable network for bicultural Latinos 18-34...and offers popular series that include 'The Chicas Project,' '18 and Over,' and 'Reventon Countdown.'” Some of my favorites. Mun2 is also "culturally-grounded and reflects the best of both worlds – mun2 is uniquely American." I'm so glad I have press releases to tell me these things. Mun2 apparently reaches 30 million households, including my own, though I never knew I had it. For everyone else...find a football bar. This is still an improvement over the last USA-Mexico qualifier at Azteca, which had no English language broadcast at all.
Other previews: Landon Donovan is a leader. The Americans, perhaps rightfully for the first time ever, like their chances. World Cup positioning, not just qualification, is at stake. The United States looks to make history. Grant Wahl re-lives memorable US-Mexico moments. A glance at the physical and psychological toll that is Azteca. Five reasons the US can win. And in case anybody forgot, we stole Texas, which I guess is reason enough for chanting "Osama" at the US National Team.
The Mexicans hope to have found their own turning point in the 5-0 Gold Cup thrashing of the Americans, ending a decade of frustration on American soil. This is likely to boost Mexican confidence in front of kickoff, but will it make any difference against a totally different lineup once the whistle is blown? The Mexicans have been ghastly so far in World Cup qualifying, finishing tied with Jamaica and advancing on goal difference in the third round of CONCACAF qualifying. Their poor performance has already cost Sven-Goran Erikkson his job, leading to the return of Javier Aguirre. A record of two wins and three losses so far in the final stage of qualifying does not bode well for one of the two CONCACAF superpowers.
This match is about pressure, but there are different kinds of pressure for the two sides. For the Americans, there is the pressure of the atmosphere itself. Azteca is terrible. The altitude, the smog, the lunatic fans: there's a reason no one wins there. Because this is an isolated one game World Cup qualifier rather than a back to back, the US will have exactly one day to get used to the atmosphere in Mexico City. Perfect. But there's also a different kind of pressure on Bob Bradley and the US players. Two decades ago there were few football fans born here in the States, and they were heard from even less. But the growth of the sport over the last two decades, as well as the growth of the internet as a way for football fans to communicate, has created expectations for the USMNT. Much was made of how surprised the team was to the hostile reaction back home to the listless 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the group stage. For most of its history, the team has never really had outside expectations. Now they do. There are fans that care passionately about American football, and that has to be a good thing. But it also means that for every failure, there will be criticism and even anger. If the United States lose in Gold Cup-esque fashion, expect some more of that anger to be aimed at Bradley in particular.
For Mexico, there is a different kind of pressure. They are playing at home against their hated rival, and they are expected to win. Nothing else is good enough. If the scoreline is unflattering getting on in the second half, will the Mexicans press and make a mistake? Take out their frustrations with an untimely tackle and red card (though no Marquez to do it)? One counterattack or opening could be just the opportunity the Americans need. Along with the pressure of an entire nation expecting a win, there is the larger World Cup picture. At the moment, Mexico sits fourth in the CONCACAF qualification table, and would play a home-and-away playoff with the fifth place team from CONMEBOL. The Mexicans surely want no part of that, as there would be a genuine possibility they would not qualify for the World Cup. For Mexico to not qualify (in CONCACAF no less!) would be completely humiliating. In the worst case scenario, if Mexico lost to the United States, Honduras defeated Costa Rica at home, and El Salvador won in Trinidad, the table would look like this after six matches:
United States: 13
Costa Rica: 12
Honduras: 10
El Salvador: 8
Mexico: 6
Trinidad and Tobago: 2
Mexico would then have only four matches to make up the necessary points and qualify for South Africa. Mexico do have a fairly favorable schedule from here on out, getting Honduras and El Salvador at home and traveling to Trinidad and Costa Rica. The Mexicans would be substantial favorites in all but the Costa Rica match. So a win against the United States and everything is likely fine as far as qualification goes. Lose, and they may well be watching the World Cup and television. And surely the Mexican players know it.
Plan on heading out to the bar for the match tomorrow, because that's always the liveliest way to go. I'll be at Chicago's finest football bar. Or you can watch it from home on...mun2?! ESPN was not able to acquire the rights to this game, so the only English broadcast of the game is on mun2, owned by Telemundo (which is owned by NBC). What is mun2? I'm so glad you asked. Thanks to this press release, I know now that mun2 is "the lifestyle cable network for bicultural Latinos 18-34...and offers popular series that include 'The Chicas Project,' '18 and Over,' and 'Reventon Countdown.'” Some of my favorites. Mun2 is also "culturally-grounded and reflects the best of both worlds – mun2 is uniquely American." I'm so glad I have press releases to tell me these things. Mun2 apparently reaches 30 million households, including my own, though I never knew I had it. For everyone else...find a football bar. This is still an improvement over the last USA-Mexico qualifier at Azteca, which had no English language broadcast at all.
Other previews: Landon Donovan is a leader. The Americans, perhaps rightfully for the first time ever, like their chances. World Cup positioning, not just qualification, is at stake. The United States looks to make history. Grant Wahl re-lives memorable US-Mexico moments. A glance at the physical and psychological toll that is Azteca. Five reasons the US can win. And in case anybody forgot, we stole Texas, which I guess is reason enough for chanting "Osama" at the US National Team.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Follow the US Outside the Lines
For those following the US team this summer, it's been quite a ride. Beginning with the loss at Costa Rica, reaching the high point of humbling Spain, and finally seeing the B and C squads perform admirably at the Gold Cup before capitulating against Mexico. And of course the big one is yet to come, August 12 at Estadio Azteca. ESPN Outside the Lines has followed the US boys this summer and you can read all about it here. The article includes photos and videos at each stop, including a separate multimedia page where you can find all the game recaps, full game video on ESPN 360, game highlights, back scene videos, and photos covering all the same all in one place.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures:
US players playing poker the night before the Costa Rica match. Credit: Wayne Drehs/ESPN.com
The security escort in Costa Rica. Credit: Wayne Drehs/ESPN.com
Donovan's PK against Honduras. Credit: Greg M. Cooper/US Presswire
The US Team huddling up before the task of beating Egypt 3-0. Credit: Vladimir Rys/Bongarts/Getty Images
US fans celebrating Santino Quaranta's goal at RFK Stadium. Credit: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images
Here are a few of my favorite pictures:
US players playing poker the night before the Costa Rica match. Credit: Wayne Drehs/ESPN.com
The security escort in Costa Rica. Credit: Wayne Drehs/ESPN.com
Donovan's PK against Honduras. Credit: Greg M. Cooper/US Presswire
The US Team huddling up before the task of beating Egypt 3-0. Credit: Vladimir Rys/Bongarts/Getty Images
US fans celebrating Santino Quaranta's goal at RFK Stadium. Credit: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty ImagesMonday, July 27, 2009
Mexico Thrashes USA
Headline says it all really. 5-0. Wow.
What's worse is that it was hard to see that coming. The United States outshot Mexico in the first half, though the play was probably about even, as Mexico often looked enterprising with possession, particularly when they counterattacked with pace. That was perhaps the only omen of the debacle to come.
The Americans even had the first great chance of the second half, when Robbie Rogers found himself behind his defender and managed to bring the ball down with his thigh to his feet. Unfortunately for the US, Rogers thumped the shot over the bar with his preferred left foot. Rogers has to hit the target from there. And frankly, he has to score. The game permanently changed when Jay Heaps fouled Giovani Dos Santos by getting elbowed in the head and then having Santos fall down on top of him. The penalty call was abysmal, no question about it. It's worth wondering if the US did something in their soccer history to upset the referees for all karmic time, like going all Drogba or something. At least Heaps didn't get a red card. Dos Santos after the game said about the penalty: "That's soccer. Afterward, you must still do your job." Coy.
Of course, the awful penalty would not be the story of the game, but rather what happened after. The United States essentially crawled into the fetal position for the remaining 35 minutes, unable to maintain posession, basic defensive responsibilities or even hustle when beat. Mexico scored five goals, but it easily could have been eight or nine. Bob Bradley said after the game that "the area where we didn’t do well enough was our response to the first goal." Take a moment to absorb that quote and rank it in the pantheon of the world's greatest understatements.
Mexico did play champagne football in the second half, to give credit where it's earned. The introduction of Arsenal youngster Carlos Vela completely changed the game, and the precision of the Mexican attack was a joy to watch (at least for the El Tri fans and the neutrals). But the effort level and lack of resilience shown by the Americans was simply unacceptable. The second goal was a direct result of the United States central defenders waiting for an offside flag that was rightfully never coming. From there the rout was on, as the additions of Cooper and Quaranta predictably made no difference.
The United States is not the world's most talented squad, nor will they probably ever be. But American football has come a long way in the last two decades, both because the talent level has been raised, and because the Americans have shown resilience in the face of adversity. Finding a way to draw with Italy a man down. Picking themselves off the dirt and beating Egypt by three goals when all seemed lost. Dispatching an elite Spanish side. Nearly doing the same to Brazil. These are only a few of the most recent examples of an American side persevering against circumstances and superior sides. In this way, the Americans live up to their slogan: Don't Tread on Me. That slogan not only represents America's revolutionary roots, but a simple message to opponents of the USMNT: nothing is going to come easy. Yesterday, against their hated rival, those on the field allowed everything to come easy. And they should be embarassed.
Horrific as yesterday was, it's unclear what the long term implications of this match will be. For the individual American players on the pitch, there is not much good to say. Holden's stock went up for the tournament, and Beckerman's as well, though probably not enough for it to matter at the deepest American position. Rogers regressed throughout the tournament, as did Ching, whose inability to showcase himself as one of the best players on the "C" team was surprising. It would be surprising if Ching started at Estadio Azteca. Overall, the "C" team will remain just that.
More interesting is how this match will affect the confidence of the United States and Mexico. Mexico just won for the first time in the United States since August 1999. Will that matter come next month? Is this the beginning of a turnaround in form for the previously struggling El Tri? Or just a triumph over a depleted side? These questions are interesting to ponder, but unknowable for now. For now, there is just one more question: is it August 12 yet?
What's worse is that it was hard to see that coming. The United States outshot Mexico in the first half, though the play was probably about even, as Mexico often looked enterprising with possession, particularly when they counterattacked with pace. That was perhaps the only omen of the debacle to come.
The Americans even had the first great chance of the second half, when Robbie Rogers found himself behind his defender and managed to bring the ball down with his thigh to his feet. Unfortunately for the US, Rogers thumped the shot over the bar with his preferred left foot. Rogers has to hit the target from there. And frankly, he has to score. The game permanently changed when Jay Heaps fouled Giovani Dos Santos by getting elbowed in the head and then having Santos fall down on top of him. The penalty call was abysmal, no question about it. It's worth wondering if the US did something in their soccer history to upset the referees for all karmic time, like going all Drogba or something. At least Heaps didn't get a red card. Dos Santos after the game said about the penalty: "That's soccer. Afterward, you must still do your job." Coy.
Of course, the awful penalty would not be the story of the game, but rather what happened after. The United States essentially crawled into the fetal position for the remaining 35 minutes, unable to maintain posession, basic defensive responsibilities or even hustle when beat. Mexico scored five goals, but it easily could have been eight or nine. Bob Bradley said after the game that "the area where we didn’t do well enough was our response to the first goal." Take a moment to absorb that quote and rank it in the pantheon of the world's greatest understatements.
Mexico did play champagne football in the second half, to give credit where it's earned. The introduction of Arsenal youngster Carlos Vela completely changed the game, and the precision of the Mexican attack was a joy to watch (at least for the El Tri fans and the neutrals). But the effort level and lack of resilience shown by the Americans was simply unacceptable. The second goal was a direct result of the United States central defenders waiting for an offside flag that was rightfully never coming. From there the rout was on, as the additions of Cooper and Quaranta predictably made no difference.
The United States is not the world's most talented squad, nor will they probably ever be. But American football has come a long way in the last two decades, both because the talent level has been raised, and because the Americans have shown resilience in the face of adversity. Finding a way to draw with Italy a man down. Picking themselves off the dirt and beating Egypt by three goals when all seemed lost. Dispatching an elite Spanish side. Nearly doing the same to Brazil. These are only a few of the most recent examples of an American side persevering against circumstances and superior sides. In this way, the Americans live up to their slogan: Don't Tread on Me. That slogan not only represents America's revolutionary roots, but a simple message to opponents of the USMNT: nothing is going to come easy. Yesterday, against their hated rival, those on the field allowed everything to come easy. And they should be embarassed.
Horrific as yesterday was, it's unclear what the long term implications of this match will be. For the individual American players on the pitch, there is not much good to say. Holden's stock went up for the tournament, and Beckerman's as well, though probably not enough for it to matter at the deepest American position. Rogers regressed throughout the tournament, as did Ching, whose inability to showcase himself as one of the best players on the "C" team was surprising. It would be surprising if Ching started at Estadio Azteca. Overall, the "C" team will remain just that.
More interesting is how this match will affect the confidence of the United States and Mexico. Mexico just won for the first time in the United States since August 1999. Will that matter come next month? Is this the beginning of a turnaround in form for the previously struggling El Tri? Or just a triumph over a depleted side? These questions are interesting to ponder, but unknowable for now. For now, there is just one more question: is it August 12 yet?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Do the US Have Shape?
Just a couple quick thoughts on this piece by Jamie Trecker before kickoff.
Trecker's thesis, for those too lazy to click on the link, is that the US-Panama game was horrible to watch (probably overstating it), and the reason is that the United States don't play any "recognizable style" (surely true to a degree). Trecker then continues that this lack of discernable style makes it impossible to evaluate the players out there (another overstatement). And that players not having defined roles likely will cause problems in the future.
Trecker seems to enjoy his role as US soccer critic. Indeed, it would be a nice corrective if the other commentators on US soccer/football (such as those at ESPN, Grant Wahl of SI, etc.) were constantly too optimistic about the home town boys. But that's not really the case. Trecker just seems to always voice the most negative viewpoint on the USMNT. For instance, Trecker described the quality of play in the US-Honduras as "breathtakingly poor". That's no small statement; it's hard to imagine that a team could play worse than "breathtakingly poor", or at least that it could be adequately described as worse than that by the English language. If the United States had actually lost, perhaps new words would have to be invented for Trecker's article. No doubt that the play was poor in the first half, but it wasn't terrible in the second half when the US netted both goals. And that was the "B" squad anyway.
Still, Trecker's point about style isn't without merit. There is no defining US style akin to Dutch total football or the Italian catenaccio, Italian for "winning one-nil". But if part of that is a failure of the coaching staff, another reason is that the United States is young as a footballing nation, or at least as one that's any good.
Besides, diversity in means of attack isn't necessarily a bad thing. The United States rightfully abandoned the long ball against Panama after it was totally ineffective. But a large reason it was ineffective was because most of the service wasn't very good. Should the United States be possession side? The real answer is, sometimes. The United States have good central midfielders in Bradley and Feilhaber (or whoever ends up starting), but they are not Xavi and Iniesta either. Sometimes the United States will have to play over the top and attempt to win the ball deep. Using a combination of both doesn't mean that the Americans lack defined roles.
But regardless, making determinations about a lack of shape when watching this particular American side is folly. This team will struggle to play possession, long ball, or any other style because it's not very talented. After all, this is the United States' "C" team at this point, with the players that returned to Europe after the group stage. This team will take results, any way it can get them.
Time for the Gold Cup semis, assuming the start isn't delayed by lightning at Soldier Field.
Trecker's thesis, for those too lazy to click on the link, is that the US-Panama game was horrible to watch (probably overstating it), and the reason is that the United States don't play any "recognizable style" (surely true to a degree). Trecker then continues that this lack of discernable style makes it impossible to evaluate the players out there (another overstatement). And that players not having defined roles likely will cause problems in the future.
Trecker seems to enjoy his role as US soccer critic. Indeed, it would be a nice corrective if the other commentators on US soccer/football (such as those at ESPN, Grant Wahl of SI, etc.) were constantly too optimistic about the home town boys. But that's not really the case. Trecker just seems to always voice the most negative viewpoint on the USMNT. For instance, Trecker described the quality of play in the US-Honduras as "breathtakingly poor". That's no small statement; it's hard to imagine that a team could play worse than "breathtakingly poor", or at least that it could be adequately described as worse than that by the English language. If the United States had actually lost, perhaps new words would have to be invented for Trecker's article. No doubt that the play was poor in the first half, but it wasn't terrible in the second half when the US netted both goals. And that was the "B" squad anyway.
Still, Trecker's point about style isn't without merit. There is no defining US style akin to Dutch total football or the Italian catenaccio, Italian for "winning one-nil". But if part of that is a failure of the coaching staff, another reason is that the United States is young as a footballing nation, or at least as one that's any good.
Besides, diversity in means of attack isn't necessarily a bad thing. The United States rightfully abandoned the long ball against Panama after it was totally ineffective. But a large reason it was ineffective was because most of the service wasn't very good. Should the United States be possession side? The real answer is, sometimes. The United States have good central midfielders in Bradley and Feilhaber (or whoever ends up starting), but they are not Xavi and Iniesta either. Sometimes the United States will have to play over the top and attempt to win the ball deep. Using a combination of both doesn't mean that the Americans lack defined roles.
But regardless, making determinations about a lack of shape when watching this particular American side is folly. This team will struggle to play possession, long ball, or any other style because it's not very talented. After all, this is the United States' "C" team at this point, with the players that returned to Europe after the group stage. This team will take results, any way it can get them.
Time for the Gold Cup semis, assuming the start isn't delayed by lightning at Soldier Field.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
USA-Mexico in Azteca: History
On the heels of the US Men's National Team's strong showing this summer at the Confederations Cup, and the ongoing success of the "B" team at the Gold Cup, a certain anticipation and fervor is building for the USA-Mexico World Cup qualifier on August 12 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Just because it's fun, let's take a look at some USMNT numbers against Mexico (according to the records on the US Soccer official site):
15-29-11 all-time record dating back to 1934
13-7-8 record since 1990
10-2-2 record in the last 14 meetings
9-0-2 undefeated streak on US soil
1-0 record in World Cup Finals matches (dos-a-cero!)
0-22-1 all-time record on Mexican soil
Hmm, let's take a look at that last record, shall we (or maybe not). Ouch.
Now obviously the old records don't mean much, and even the results of 1998 World Cup qualifiers have little meaning due to the vastly different teams. With that in mind, and in light of the divergent directions the two country's programs have been headed recently, many fans are readying themselves for the first victory on Mexican soil (certainly have heard that before).
Estadio Azteca has long been a house of horrors for the US, with its altitude, the smog, and the searing heat, just a wonderful place to play. Azteca opened in 1966 and the first US match there was a 1-3 loss, with the worst losses being a 1-5 World Cup qualifying loss in 1980 and a 0-4 beating in the 1993 Gold Cup before 120,000 fans. Let's take a closer look at the four most recent matches and see if anything can be gleaned from it:
March 27, 2005 - USA 1-Mexico 2. The last World Cup qualifier in Mexico was also met by anticipation among US fans that this could be the year the Yanks finally break through at the Azteca. The final score does not do justice to the gulf between the teams on the day, as the US simply did not come out to play, particularly in the first half. Starting in his first big road qualifier, Oguchi Onyewu showed some inexperience and lost striker Jared Borgetti, who headed open the scoring after 30 minutes. Naelson doubled the score, and Eddie Lewis got the US back into the game after 59 minutes, but the US never really threatened to find an equalizer. Players that featured on that roster who will likely play important roles this year included Landon Donovan, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi, Steve Cherundolo, and unused sub Clint Dempsey. Other current fringe players who were there included DaMarcus Beasley and Eddie Johnson. While Brian McBride was able to come off the bench that day, the lack of depth was evident when Bruce Arena's two attacking substitutions in search on an equalizer were Steve Ralston and Pat Noonan.
July 1, 2001 - USA 0-Mexico 1. Coming off a tie in the last WC qualifier at the Azteca, US had some thoughts toward getting another result. However, thorn in the US side Jared Borgetti headed home past Kasey Keller from Alberto Garcia Aspe's free kick for the only goal of the match only 16 minutes in. Keller played well and kept the Mexicans off the board for the rest of the game. This match featured a number of players bridging the 1998 WC debacle to the 2002 WC run (McBride, Tony Sanneh, Earnie Stewart, David Regis, ack, Joe-Max Moore, and that sexy beast and he of the awesome own goal, Jeff Agoos). Many of the key players from the 2002 WC did not play, including youngsters Donovan and Beasley, and veterans Claudio Reyna and John O'Brien (beach soccer superstar!). A young Cherundolo did feature, however.
August 1, 1999 - USA 0-Mexico 1 (OT). In a Confederations Cup semifinal, Mexico needed 97 minutes to break the US resistance. Keller again starred, only to be beaten after an unlucky bounce sent him the wrong way, opening the goal for that theatrical, diving humpback Cuauhtemoc Blanco. Tired US attackers rarely threatened the Mexican goal, playing on only two days rest.
November 2, 1997 - USA 0-Mexico 0. Before an estimated 114,600, the US manages its lone tie on Mexican soil. A team that featured players bridging the squad that broke through to the second round at the 1994 World Cup with 1998 team held its own after injured star Tab Ramos predicted the US could hold out a 0-0 game and go for the tie. With monstrous Brad Friedel playing behind Eddie Pope, Agoos, Alexi Lalas, Cobi Jones, and John Harkes. Jeff Agoos continued to show why he should always be counted on in the big games, receiving a red card.
So what does this history lesson teach us? If nothing else, the US is likely to play it tight, more conservative, keeping the score close, and counter-attacking more than we've seen at the Gold Cup and Confederations Cup. The US will talk about needing to play their game, and trying to score early to take out the crowd and disrupting Mexico's rhythm, but that's been a constant refrain in past, unsuccessful away matches. The game probably won't be a blow-out, as its been 16 years since Mexico scored more than two goals in a game against the US. The US probably won't win without Tim Howard making a few game changing saves. The US probably won't put the Mexican goal under siege, and will need to capitalize on a small number of opportunities. And its very possible that a few key players in the 2010 WC won't even play a role (with Jermaine Jones already heading that list). Mexico appears desperate, changing the mid-week game to a mid-day game to gather any and all advantages playing at the Azteca. While I won't give a more thorough game preview and prediction until closer to game day and with knowledge of the rosters, I can say that the feeling leading up to this match is different, with less hopefulness and more confidence and impudence, and that can only be a good thing in the USA's attempt to break with history.
Just because it's fun, let's take a look at some USMNT numbers against Mexico (according to the records on the US Soccer official site):
15-29-11 all-time record dating back to 1934
13-7-8 record since 1990
10-2-2 record in the last 14 meetings
9-0-2 undefeated streak on US soil
1-0 record in World Cup Finals matches (dos-a-cero!)
0-22-1 all-time record on Mexican soil
Hmm, let's take a look at that last record, shall we (or maybe not). Ouch.
Now obviously the old records don't mean much, and even the results of 1998 World Cup qualifiers have little meaning due to the vastly different teams. With that in mind, and in light of the divergent directions the two country's programs have been headed recently, many fans are readying themselves for the first victory on Mexican soil (certainly have heard that before).
Estadio Azteca has long been a house of horrors for the US, with its altitude, the smog, and the searing heat, just a wonderful place to play. Azteca opened in 1966 and the first US match there was a 1-3 loss, with the worst losses being a 1-5 World Cup qualifying loss in 1980 and a 0-4 beating in the 1993 Gold Cup before 120,000 fans. Let's take a closer look at the four most recent matches and see if anything can be gleaned from it:
March 27, 2005 - USA 1-Mexico 2. The last World Cup qualifier in Mexico was also met by anticipation among US fans that this could be the year the Yanks finally break through at the Azteca. The final score does not do justice to the gulf between the teams on the day, as the US simply did not come out to play, particularly in the first half. Starting in his first big road qualifier, Oguchi Onyewu showed some inexperience and lost striker Jared Borgetti, who headed open the scoring after 30 minutes. Naelson doubled the score, and Eddie Lewis got the US back into the game after 59 minutes, but the US never really threatened to find an equalizer. Players that featured on that roster who will likely play important roles this year included Landon Donovan, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi, Steve Cherundolo, and unused sub Clint Dempsey. Other current fringe players who were there included DaMarcus Beasley and Eddie Johnson. While Brian McBride was able to come off the bench that day, the lack of depth was evident when Bruce Arena's two attacking substitutions in search on an equalizer were Steve Ralston and Pat Noonan.
July 1, 2001 - USA 0-Mexico 1. Coming off a tie in the last WC qualifier at the Azteca, US had some thoughts toward getting another result. However, thorn in the US side Jared Borgetti headed home past Kasey Keller from Alberto Garcia Aspe's free kick for the only goal of the match only 16 minutes in. Keller played well and kept the Mexicans off the board for the rest of the game. This match featured a number of players bridging the 1998 WC debacle to the 2002 WC run (McBride, Tony Sanneh, Earnie Stewart, David Regis, ack, Joe-Max Moore, and that sexy beast and he of the awesome own goal, Jeff Agoos). Many of the key players from the 2002 WC did not play, including youngsters Donovan and Beasley, and veterans Claudio Reyna and John O'Brien (beach soccer superstar!). A young Cherundolo did feature, however.
August 1, 1999 - USA 0-Mexico 1 (OT). In a Confederations Cup semifinal, Mexico needed 97 minutes to break the US resistance. Keller again starred, only to be beaten after an unlucky bounce sent him the wrong way, opening the goal for that theatrical, diving humpback Cuauhtemoc Blanco. Tired US attackers rarely threatened the Mexican goal, playing on only two days rest.
November 2, 1997 - USA 0-Mexico 0. Before an estimated 114,600, the US manages its lone tie on Mexican soil. A team that featured players bridging the squad that broke through to the second round at the 1994 World Cup with 1998 team held its own after injured star Tab Ramos predicted the US could hold out a 0-0 game and go for the tie. With monstrous Brad Friedel playing behind Eddie Pope, Agoos, Alexi Lalas, Cobi Jones, and John Harkes. Jeff Agoos continued to show why he should always be counted on in the big games, receiving a red card.
So what does this history lesson teach us? If nothing else, the US is likely to play it tight, more conservative, keeping the score close, and counter-attacking more than we've seen at the Gold Cup and Confederations Cup. The US will talk about needing to play their game, and trying to score early to take out the crowd and disrupting Mexico's rhythm, but that's been a constant refrain in past, unsuccessful away matches. The game probably won't be a blow-out, as its been 16 years since Mexico scored more than two goals in a game against the US. The US probably won't win without Tim Howard making a few game changing saves. The US probably won't put the Mexican goal under siege, and will need to capitalize on a small number of opportunities. And its very possible that a few key players in the 2010 WC won't even play a role (with Jermaine Jones already heading that list). Mexico appears desperate, changing the mid-week game to a mid-day game to gather any and all advantages playing at the Azteca. While I won't give a more thorough game preview and prediction until closer to game day and with knowledge of the rosters, I can say that the feeling leading up to this match is different, with less hopefulness and more confidence and impudence, and that can only be a good thing in the USA's attempt to break with history.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
USA Defeat Panama, Advance to Gold Cup Semis
The Americans survived. And in the end that matters above all else. But it was an uneven performance that sent the United States through to the semifinals, 2-1 in extra time.
That's not to say that the result was unjust. The US clearly fielded the better side, outshooting the Panamanians 15 to 5 while creating the superior chances. Kyle Beckerman's goal was cleanly created and beautifully struck, while Blaz Perez's tally at the end of the first half came on a corner scrum after the United States substituted defenders. Brian Ching had goalkeeper Jaime Penedo Cano thoroughly beaten on a first half header, but found the woodwork rather than the net. Stuart Holden likewise had Cano beaten and looked almost certain to score, but his attempt to guide the ball into the far post curled just wide. And though Panama nearly assaulted the referee after the match (more on that in a minute) in protest of the penalty, it was difficult to discern their complaint after Roman Torres' scissor kick to the chest of Kenny Cooper while the ball was at Cooper's feet. Frankly it was the kind of challenge that in recent American history would have seen, say, Michael Bradley sent off without a second thought.
Still, the American play was often unimpressive, particularly in the first half. The defenders in particular seemed to have no interest in playing through the midfield, sending long ball after long ball to Brian Ching warding off two defenders. This line of attack, to the shock of no one, was not particularly effective. Given that Kyle Beckerman has had a very good Gold Cup and has been an effective creator, it was all the more baffling. Disaster then struck at the end of the first half. First Jimmy Conrad bumped heads with a Panamanian defender and had to leave the game with a concussion. Then a dangerous flick header was not cleared by the US defenders, and was easily kicked home from six yards away by Perez.
The goal at the close of the first half seem to wake up the US side, as the United States came out of the locker room with a vengeance. Beckerman's tally came shortly after the half, and it looked certain that the United States would close out the match in the second half. But the second goal never came to pass, and the last ten minutes saw the momentum actually flow both ways. In extra time, the American side firmly reclaimed control and possession, but it was Torres' reckless challenge that eventually provided the opportunity to take the lead. Cooper took the penalty and rattled the inside of the post to provide the winning margin. This is often referred to as a well taken penalty, though I tend to think of it as six inches from missing the target and a total disaster.
Plenty of good and bad for the US after this game. For the second game in a row, with far from their best lineup on the field, the United States showed the character to come from behind. Individually Stuart Holden continues to impress, making good decisions on the ball and putting himself in dangerous positions. He once again cracked a dangerous volley, and it looked to be headed for the back corner before it was deflected from danger. Beckerman also continues to shine in midfield. But Robbie Rogers was individually very disappointing in this game. And it's still painful to watch any United States striker not named Altidore, Ching or Davies. Cooper did earn the penalty (through opposition stupidity) and convert (barely), but otherwise displayed little in the way of on the ball skill or ability to win the ball in the air with purpose.
It's hard not to comment on Panama's class or lack thereof. Clearly Panama intended to play very physical in order to make up for the deficiency in class on the field. The referee, World Cup veteran Benito Archundia, permitted far too much of this nonsense, not calling obvious fouls or meeting obvious cynicism with yellow cards. Worse yet, he awarded a yellow card to Jimmy Conrad during a dead ball exchange when Blas Perez reacted to a minor shove as though he'd been shot. This was par for the course for Perez, a talented player who seems to specialize in diving, arguing with the referee and committing fouls all over the pitch. The circus finally culminated after the final whistle with virtually the entire Panamanian roster attacking the referee and his assistants, including grabbing them and throwing the ball at one of the assistants. Forward Luis Tejada and defender/rugby player Felipe Baloy were each booked during the display, with Baloy getting a red for his second booking. Panama's loss removes them from the competition, and good riddance.
For the US, Honduras is next in the semifinals in Chicago. The depth of the United States will be severely tested. There are no plans at this writing to recall additional players that appeared in the Confederations Cup. And Charlie Davies, Freddy Adu, Steve Cherundolo, Michael Parkhurst and Benny Feilhaber have all been allowed to go back their European clubs. If Jimmy Conrad can't go, he will be replaced on the roster; even if he is replaced, losing Conrad would tax the bank line even further. It's hard to consider the defending champions the Gold Cup favorites with the current roster. Honduras will give the current squad all they can handle, especially now that Davies and Feilhaber are not with the squad. Those two swung the first match against Honduras to the Americans. If the US do get through, they get the winner of the Mexico/Costa Rica match, also on Thursday in Chicago. The Gold Cup semifinals should be very good viewing.
That's not to say that the result was unjust. The US clearly fielded the better side, outshooting the Panamanians 15 to 5 while creating the superior chances. Kyle Beckerman's goal was cleanly created and beautifully struck, while Blaz Perez's tally at the end of the first half came on a corner scrum after the United States substituted defenders. Brian Ching had goalkeeper Jaime Penedo Cano thoroughly beaten on a first half header, but found the woodwork rather than the net. Stuart Holden likewise had Cano beaten and looked almost certain to score, but his attempt to guide the ball into the far post curled just wide. And though Panama nearly assaulted the referee after the match (more on that in a minute) in protest of the penalty, it was difficult to discern their complaint after Roman Torres' scissor kick to the chest of Kenny Cooper while the ball was at Cooper's feet. Frankly it was the kind of challenge that in recent American history would have seen, say, Michael Bradley sent off without a second thought.
Still, the American play was often unimpressive, particularly in the first half. The defenders in particular seemed to have no interest in playing through the midfield, sending long ball after long ball to Brian Ching warding off two defenders. This line of attack, to the shock of no one, was not particularly effective. Given that Kyle Beckerman has had a very good Gold Cup and has been an effective creator, it was all the more baffling. Disaster then struck at the end of the first half. First Jimmy Conrad bumped heads with a Panamanian defender and had to leave the game with a concussion. Then a dangerous flick header was not cleared by the US defenders, and was easily kicked home from six yards away by Perez.
The goal at the close of the first half seem to wake up the US side, as the United States came out of the locker room with a vengeance. Beckerman's tally came shortly after the half, and it looked certain that the United States would close out the match in the second half. But the second goal never came to pass, and the last ten minutes saw the momentum actually flow both ways. In extra time, the American side firmly reclaimed control and possession, but it was Torres' reckless challenge that eventually provided the opportunity to take the lead. Cooper took the penalty and rattled the inside of the post to provide the winning margin. This is often referred to as a well taken penalty, though I tend to think of it as six inches from missing the target and a total disaster.
Plenty of good and bad for the US after this game. For the second game in a row, with far from their best lineup on the field, the United States showed the character to come from behind. Individually Stuart Holden continues to impress, making good decisions on the ball and putting himself in dangerous positions. He once again cracked a dangerous volley, and it looked to be headed for the back corner before it was deflected from danger. Beckerman also continues to shine in midfield. But Robbie Rogers was individually very disappointing in this game. And it's still painful to watch any United States striker not named Altidore, Ching or Davies. Cooper did earn the penalty (through opposition stupidity) and convert (barely), but otherwise displayed little in the way of on the ball skill or ability to win the ball in the air with purpose.
It's hard not to comment on Panama's class or lack thereof. Clearly Panama intended to play very physical in order to make up for the deficiency in class on the field. The referee, World Cup veteran Benito Archundia, permitted far too much of this nonsense, not calling obvious fouls or meeting obvious cynicism with yellow cards. Worse yet, he awarded a yellow card to Jimmy Conrad during a dead ball exchange when Blas Perez reacted to a minor shove as though he'd been shot. This was par for the course for Perez, a talented player who seems to specialize in diving, arguing with the referee and committing fouls all over the pitch. The circus finally culminated after the final whistle with virtually the entire Panamanian roster attacking the referee and his assistants, including grabbing them and throwing the ball at one of the assistants. Forward Luis Tejada and defender/rugby player Felipe Baloy were each booked during the display, with Baloy getting a red for his second booking. Panama's loss removes them from the competition, and good riddance.
For the US, Honduras is next in the semifinals in Chicago. The depth of the United States will be severely tested. There are no plans at this writing to recall additional players that appeared in the Confederations Cup. And Charlie Davies, Freddy Adu, Steve Cherundolo, Michael Parkhurst and Benny Feilhaber have all been allowed to go back their European clubs. If Jimmy Conrad can't go, he will be replaced on the roster; even if he is replaced, losing Conrad would tax the bank line even further. It's hard to consider the defending champions the Gold Cup favorites with the current roster. Honduras will give the current squad all they can handle, especially now that Davies and Feilhaber are not with the squad. Those two swung the first match against Honduras to the Americans. If the US do get through, they get the winner of the Mexico/Costa Rica match, also on Thursday in Chicago. The Gold Cup semifinals should be very good viewing.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Szetela to DC United?
In fairly big news by MLS/USA soccer standards, Danny Szetela appears headed for a return to MLS, and with the need to bolster its roster, DC United is the front runner to land him
Szetela began his career with the US residency program and then Columbus Crew. Playing in partnership with current US stalwart Michael Bradley in the US midfield at the 2007 U-20 World Cup, he had a breakout performance with three goals, earning him a tranfer to Racing de Santander in La Liga. He's since been playing on loan at Brescia in Italy's Serie B, where he's somewhat dropped from the broader US player pool consciousness.
I'm excited about the prospect of his return to MLS, and DC United specifically. Any playing time is good for developing young players, and Szetela is only 22 years old. Though DC United has some midfield depth, with players like Clyde Simms and Ben Olsen already playing defensive mid, they would be great professionals to learn the position from. Olsen also has ongoing injury concerns, what with his two decrepit ankles and all.
DC has three open roster spots, and under MLS's stupid and confusing allocation rules has second choice of claiming Szetala after FC Dallas (who does not appear to have interest). Olsen only has so many minutes left in that wild man's body, so hopefully Szetela could be a long-term replacement. It would also give DC United a very nice trio of young players, including Rodney Wallace and Chris Pontius (not to mention Canadian national team player Dejan Jakovic).
While I'm not going to start advocating that he can play himself back into consideration for a World Cup roster spot in light of the depth of US defensive midfielders, his combativeness and range make him a player to watch for the future. He always seemed to play better for the US than with Columbus from what I remember, so hopefully this time around he'll take the next step forward for DC or whichever team claims him.
Here's a video of the US thrashing Poland in the U-20 World Cup, including two goals from Szetela (at the :30 and 3:30 marks).
Szetela began his career with the US residency program and then Columbus Crew. Playing in partnership with current US stalwart Michael Bradley in the US midfield at the 2007 U-20 World Cup, he had a breakout performance with three goals, earning him a tranfer to Racing de Santander in La Liga. He's since been playing on loan at Brescia in Italy's Serie B, where he's somewhat dropped from the broader US player pool consciousness.
I'm excited about the prospect of his return to MLS, and DC United specifically. Any playing time is good for developing young players, and Szetela is only 22 years old. Though DC United has some midfield depth, with players like Clyde Simms and Ben Olsen already playing defensive mid, they would be great professionals to learn the position from. Olsen also has ongoing injury concerns, what with his two decrepit ankles and all.
DC has three open roster spots, and under MLS's stupid and confusing allocation rules has second choice of claiming Szetala after FC Dallas (who does not appear to have interest). Olsen only has so many minutes left in that wild man's body, so hopefully Szetela could be a long-term replacement. It would also give DC United a very nice trio of young players, including Rodney Wallace and Chris Pontius (not to mention Canadian national team player Dejan Jakovic).
While I'm not going to start advocating that he can play himself back into consideration for a World Cup roster spot in light of the depth of US defensive midfielders, his combativeness and range make him a player to watch for the future. He always seemed to play better for the US than with Columbus from what I remember, so hopefully this time around he'll take the next step forward for DC or whichever team claims him.
Here's a video of the US thrashing Poland in the U-20 World Cup, including two goals from Szetela (at the :30 and 3:30 marks).
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