Goals, Goals and more Goals

So there have been discussions that the European teams don't play well in South America, they can't handle the heat, but apparently France didn't get the memo.   They just continue to dominate.   In my mind, they are the strongest team to date.  And as much as it pains me to say, they are simply just fun to watch.  

Italy seems to think that their history will win games for them instead of actually working for it...  Ciao Italia, Costa Rica made you look like amateurs.

The media can put down Wayne Rooney all they want, but England struggles were not with him...their defense has more holes than the Swiss and their cheese heads...

What a show the France v. Switzerland game turned out to be!  The goals were all spectacular.  That is the kind of game you hope a lot of kids were watching to learn how to properly strike a ball, how to execute a perfect counter-attack, and how no matter what the score, don't ever give up...5-2! What a crazy score but those last two goals for the Swiss will help with the goal differential and keep their hopes alive.

Despite the fact that FIFA seemingly hates CONCACAF, we continue to get it done on the pitch (knock on wood).  So here we go USA, can't wait for Sunday night!

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!

What teams are looking good and not so good...

My thoughts after the first round of games (that I was able to watch):

Strongest Performances
1) Netherlands
2) France
3) Germany

Gutsiest Performances

1) USA
2) Belgium
(playing until the last minute)

Lucky/Unlucky Performance
1) Brazil
2) Croatia
(thanks Ref)

Surprising performance, and not in a good way
1) Spain
2) Portugal (fine with me hah)
3) Uruguay
4) England
5) Argentina

Surprising performance, in a good way!
1) Costa Rica
2) Mexico 
(way to represent CONCACAF)

Uneventful Performances
1) Australia
2) Nigeria
3) Iran
4) Ivory Coast
5) Honduras
6) Bosnia and Herzegovina (need an attacking CM badly)
7) Cameroon (no sense of urgency, no movement)

 

USA vs Ghana...best feeling ever!

There are no words to effectively explain how happy I am after USA's victory over Ghana.  Not just because we have lost to them in the last two World Cups, but because the first game in every knock out stage is excruciating...just ask Nigeria and Iran.  Oh wait, that was the most boring game in the history of the World Cup...and even worse, it is from two teams that will most likely not even advance.  The fact that they didn't score a goal vs. each other makes its entirely possible that they will go an entire World Cup without scoring at all...but we have seen the unthinkable so far, so I will just shut my mouth : )

Anyway, this was a gutsy performance from the USA and I expected nothing less...no one was more surprised than me to see the amazing play from Jermaine Jones.  He was an animal! I mean, talk about putting on your best performance at the most critical time.  I officially take back all of my previous comments about how lazy he played during qualifying, apparently he was just saving up for the actual tournament which is okay with me! haha  I mean just look at his picture, who do you think wants the ball more?  WOOHOO USA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Man of the Match- Jermaine Jones

Clint Dempsey put on a valiant effort for 90mins even though he could barely breathe through his broken nose.  Thanks Captain Clint!  Way to represent!  Geoff Cameron killed himself to the last minute despite cramping, hats off to you Cameron! Besler and Bedoya way to fight it out! Apparently Fabian Johnson is a super hero with no problem playing box to box in 90 degree weather but for the rest of you I hope that your legs are okay  : )  

In the last 20 mins of the game I wanted to run for you guys...I tried so hard to mentally push you through the final minutes by the end I was exhausted! haha Heart Rate up, inhaler was almost needed...

I was obsessed with Klinsmann's line up, I think he used his substitutions wisely based on unexpected injuries and I cannot wait for SUNDAY!   To the entire team, please eat a ton of bananas, no more cramping!  No Guts, No Glory! Bring it on Portugal!

The Novice Soccer Fans Guide to Watching the World Cup

Predictions and Opinions- How Media Presents the World Cup

I understand that each member of the soccer media, or any sport for that matter, has an opinion.  I understand that some members of the media actually have a "TV personality", and sometimes it is their job to fire up the viewers.  But as it turns out, I don't like to be negatively fired up about my National Team. 

Such was the situation when Alexi Lalas told the US National team (to their face) that they "won't get out of the group"...following it up with "prove me wrong".  Since 1994, my feelings for Lalas went from big fan to respectfully disagree to currently dislike.  I, along with many others, would love nothing more than to prove Lalas wrong.  I secretly hope this is his strange way of firing up the team, and also that this is just his TV personality.  I have USA and Germany leaving the group stage : )  

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!

American Outlaws at Red Bull Arena 2014

At the end of the day, members of the press can make all he predictions they want because there is no consequence if they are wrong.  They can easily say, "Argentina did not play they way I thought"...or "Chile should have switched to a 4-4-2", or "Mexico got lucky".  Members of the press are never even criticized for being wrong, after all it really is just a guess.  Which is why I loved to hear Timmy Howard's thoughts on Lalas' prediction "they are just words".  Simple as that.   

The site FiveThirtyEight.com, presents a mathematical prediction for the upcoming World Cup games.  As interesting as the numbers are, to me they are just numbers.  These stats don't include any variables such as: 

1) current player fitness, 

2) weather (they do mention weather but can't predict how even Brazil will handle it since 18 of the 23 players actually live in Europe)

3) food/hydration (South Korea already suffered from food poisoning in Miami this week), 

4) injuries, 

5) use of substitutions, 

6) time zone (sleeping challenges), 

7) travel during the tournament (USA has the longest travel between stadiums in this World Cup), and lastly

8) home field/ feeling of home field advantage (outside of Brazil the most tickets were sold in the USA).

With all these predictions, guesses, betting over/unders, and estimates, there is one thing that stands true.  All over the globe millions of fans are excited for the unpredictable games to begin!  I wish every team the best of luck.  I can't wait to see the many talents and new breakout stars!!  However, going forward my thoughts will all be biased : ) Cheering loud for the Red, White, and Blue!

Injuries- How will they change the outcome of the World Cup, if at all?

I have been very curious if anyone has done a study about how many more injuries professional soccer players have in the 6, 8, 12 months before a World Cup tournament, compared to the 3 years in between.  I am not sure if it is just the time of year when people pay more attention to the injured players, or if in fact, there are more injuries due to the pressure of making the World Cup squads.

The Netherlands, Germany, Mexico and England have been hit hard with injuries.  France just took a big blow with the loss of Ribery.  Portugal is broadcasting that Ronaldo has a nagging leg injury, and he has been sitting out of the send off games, but who knows if that is just to protect him from getting hurt in the first place.  I wouldn't blame them if that is what they were trying to do, except for the fitness factor, and of course the team working as a unit.

No doubt, the men from every country have been killing themselves for over a year to make it to the Cup, make the final roster, make it into the starting line up...and no matter how much I like the idea of non-USA rosters weakening down to a B squad level, its sad that the Cup won't have the top talent from every qualifying country.

Hopefully the USA get an injury free victory this evening vs. Nigeria, another World Cup bound team, sure to show how effective we can be against the best of the best.

KEEP THE TRAIN ROLLIN USA!!

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!

USA vs Turkey- LIVE

It has been awhile since I have seen a soccer game live that I wasn't playing in, or that wasn't played by 9 year old girls.  So, upon arriving to the Red Bull Arena on Sunday afternoon I was beside myself with anticipation! 

American Outlaws

The American Outlaws did not disappoint, singing, dancing, and playing the drums to the delight of the players and fans.  I literally only saw 5 Turkey fans, and their attempt at cheering was short lived based on all the Red, White, and Blue sitting around them. 
 
During the game, I realized more than ever, how much my thoughts of the game can be influenced by the way it is broadcasted.  The way the camera shows the game, the highlights they choose to replay, and the opinions of the actual announcers.  Together they all have a slight way of influencing the fans perception of the game and players.  I am SO glad that I saw this game at the stadium because I am sure I enjoyed it more than if I was on the couch listening to Taylor Twellman mention how Zusi didn't have the same impact he did against Azerbaijan.  However, there was one man who annoyed me at the game.  The man behind me who insisted that every time a US player lost the ball, he should be replaced with Landon Donovan.  Apparently Donovan never lost the ball when he was on the team? 

Overall, the game was a great deal of fun, and it felt wonderful to be around so many passionate fans.  But to be more brief, here is a handful of player insights for the guys that stood out for me, (as usual) for good and for bad.

I have been a doubter in Altidore's abilities, and specifically to score for us this World Cup but by the end of this game I found myself screaming and hoping so badly for him to get one! Just one!  It's as though you can tell, once he gets one, he will get 5.  Whether or not I think he should get the start is far from an issue, so since Klinsmann feels so strongly with him up there, here's hoping that he gets one this weekend vs. Nigeria.

Tim Howard, getting it done!

Tim Howard and Brad Guzan- Both had a good game by making a handful of big saves and benefited from the their friend the goal post.  You can never underestimate the friendship between a GK and the framework : )  

Jones showed A LOT more effort and discipline at the holding midfielder position than I am used to seeing.  And although I was thrilled to see Beckerman enter the game, nothing specifically stood out regarding his play. 

Apparently this is not a foul

Green was very aggressive getting into the box, and I believe that with any other ref, he could have been awarded at least 1 PK.   I look forward to him playing the same "go to goal" style, and predict that he could win some PK's for the team in the future.

I was very happy with Johnson and Chandler in the outside back positions.  Johnson had a WICKED goal...amazing assist from Bradley but just an OUTSTANDING shot by Johnson.  The two of them played the flank defender to perfection, making moves forward and tracking back.  The handball was unfortunate but at least he was back defending where he was supposed to. 

Altidore vs. Turkey

 
General weaknesses were with both offensive and defensive corner kicks.  Difficult to score a goal with one forward in the 6 yard box, and 4 running in.  Turkey defended all free kicks with 9-10 players, and you better believe that in the World Cup every team will be doing the same.  One goal can be the difference between getting out of the group stage and going back home...





I find myself so excited and nervous for this World Cup, you would think that I am actually playing in it.  Too bad Alexi Lalas doesn't feel the same way.  He continues to be the antagonist with the prediction that the USA won't get out of the group.  Why so bitter Alexi? You did you part in the 90's, time to move on and pass the torch to this group.  

Let's go USA!