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!

Only watch soccer every 4 years? Here is a list of rules that should help you follow the game!

USMNT Pep Rally in Times Square!!!

Good Times in Times Square!

It is a beautiful sunny afternoon in Manhattan and the fans were in great spirits to celebrate the US National Team on their way to Brazil!!  Sunday the USMNT will take on Turkey at the Red Bull Arena @ 2pm. 

Tomorrow the team will be training from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

Lets go USA!!

Thoughts on the USA's First Send of Game

USA vs Azerbaijan 

The starting line- up:

Howard

Johnson- Cameron-Besler-Beasley

Bedoya-Jones-Bradley-Zusi

Altidore-Wondolowski

      That line-up sounds impressive, but the team looked even better once the subs entered the game!  Just a recap of some of the players that stood out to me, for good and for bad.

      Wondolowski got the last minute start in the game due to Captain Clint Dempsey feeling a strain in his groin during warm-ups.  Wondo did not disappoint in the first half by having all of the USA's chances on goal.  It easily could have been 2-0 if the ball dropped a few inches left or right on his attempts, but no such luck.

      Jozy Altidore played the roll of target forward, often coming back to receive the ball at his feet to lay it off and turn and go forward.  He was able to hold his own physically, but his lack of a quality first touch and poor off the ball decision making left his playing much to be desired.  Klinsmann has often spoke that Jozy is a key component to the success of the team and has asked the fans to have continued patience but I am done with that!  90 mins at forward and zero shots on goal...not a great combination.  Time is up, World Cup in 2 weeks, we need to move on. 

      I was disappointed that Jermaine Jones played a full 90mins, and when I say he played, I really just mean he was on the field.  I am not sure what he accomplished other than kicking the ball out of bounds and to the other team.  I wish I kept official stats on his ability to keep possession of the ball but I am pretty sure he completed roughly 3 passes.  Bradley therefore had less of an impact of the offense because he had to do double duty with Jones behind him.  Beckerman, on the other hand is efficient and smart, and allows freedom for Bradley to go forward.  Every soccer analyst who watched the last USA vs Mexico game saw it clear as day!    PLEASE WAKE UP KLINSMANN!  I mean if he can't see it, one of his 4 assistants sure as hell should see it and speak up!  Playing with Jones, is like playing with 10 men, and with Jones and Altidore....Ugh, don't get me started.

      Bedoya had the start which was actually the biggest surprise to me, I had Mix with the start. In the end Mix provided great spark off the bench and had the game winner!  Even with the energy from Mix, I did like the effort and play from Bedoya to start, in my opinion though, he is just lacking the crazy passion that Mix plays with.

      Howard was not super busy but he did have to make a couple big saves, and of course he made them look easy.  I was actually happy that Azerbaijan had as many corners as they did just for the USA to practice, some of them were defended poorly and we won't get away with that against Group G.


      Overall, I thought the back 4 did a good job, and loved how Johnson got forward into the attack, that is the perfect way to utilize the outside players in a 4 back.  With all of the debate surrounding our back 4 they did not disappoint me.  Gonzalez and Chandler came in and were okay, nothing they did pushed them beyond the starting 4 in my book.  Yedlin is quickly becoming my new favorite player :) and I would love to see him man mark Ronaldo in game two, he is SO damn quick and youthful that running for 90mins is no big deal for him haha!!   

      Last but not least, Johannsson subbed in up in the second half and he didn't waste any time showing Klinsmann that he can be of use in Brazil.  His technically perfect header off a corner late in the second half sealed the deal for the US victory.  

      Can't wait for USA vs. Turkey 2:00pm Sunday June 1!  I will be there screaming my heart out, and hope to see an amazing game.

The Final 23...Road to Brazil

Sooooo, Klinsmann and I were not exactly on the same page but we were close.  Yesterday's announcement came as a shock to me for several reasons and I had a very difficult time sleeping last night.  Apparently, I am also a member of the coaching staff deciding what to do with the 23 man roster :)   

1) I was happy that he made the call before the send off games so that the starting team could start to gel as a unit. 

2) For lack of a better word, I thought it was such a crappy way for Donovan's National Team career to come to an end, assuming it is over, because I just heard Klinsmann say that he hopes his career continues after Brazil because a new cycle begins...so apparently he isn't good enough now but he might be later?

3) I wanted Goodson & Donovan on the roster but I have been in agreement with all other dismissals.  

4) All the players cut have handled it WAY better than I would, especially Brad Evans...keeping it classy

 
I realize that I am not in the locker room or training sessions every day, and I realize that I don't come remotely close to the level of experience of Klinsmann, but I find it hard to believe that there are 10 people on the bench who would have more impact than Landon, even as a sub.  I know that there is a concerted effort to improve the development of the US National Team as a whole, and the team needs to think for the future, I just wish they would focus on 2018 after July 13th!

Is Donovan one of the older players? Yes.  Does he compete at the highest level for 12 days in a row? Apparently not.  Could he keep up with Ronaldo on the flank for at least 60 mins during a World Cup? Absolutely!  Even with the disappointment, Donovan has been a great professional about it all and has stated that he is ready to go should they need an alternate.  Here's to you Donovan thanks for being a great player for our country both in the National Team and in the MLS.

Leaving Donavan off the roster is such big news that the other final 6 cuts did not get much attention in the headlines.  However, I don't think the other 6 are actually that much of a shock. There have a been a number of different players that had big moments back in the Gold Cup and World Cup Qualifiers but didn't have lstaying power.  And of course the opposite situation with Green, where he has little to no experience but must be killin it in training?! Otherwise Klinsmann will have a lot of explaining to do. Here's hoping that he has some tricks up his sleeve come June!

In the end, this breaking news has brought more attention to the USA National Team than I have seen in a long time, if ever.  So thanks to you again Landon, even non-soccer fans know your name and that is a tremendous gift you have given to this sport in the USA...you are a household name and we appreciate all that you gave to get US Soccer to where it is today!  But I don't want to speak too soon, three send off games, who knows what could happen. 

LET'S GO USA!!