Justice Served; Peace Marta and Brazil

The United States pulls off an improbably comeback against all odds.

Yes, two Women’s World Cup posts in two days and we have a good reason to.  Just when I thought I saw perhaps the best soccer game of the year thus far yesterday, the United States v. Brazil matchup just topped it.   After going up one nil in the first 75 seconds, thanks to an own goal by Brazil, nothing went right for the United States.  When I mean nothing, I mean zilch.  It looked like everything was going Brazil’s way once the referee awarded a very controversial penalty (…..wait, two penalties kicks) and sending off of Buehler.  IMO, this is the worst f’n call I have ever seen in my entire life of watching soccer.  Yeah, Marta pulled a sick flick over two US defenders, but she didn’t have full control of the ball afterwards.  She went airborne in an attempted shot which resulted in her and Buehler’s legs getting tangled.  Buehler was just in the wrong place in the wrong time and no malicious intent was involved.  For a referee to award a penalty, let alone a red card, is absolutely ridiculous.  What’s even worse was the lovely Hope Solo (I want to marry you now) made a magnificent save on the penalty kick attempt, only to be retaken due to her “moving off of the lateral line”.   I’ve seen so many goal keepers take 2-3 steps forward and never get called.  Solo did nothing wrong and moved laterally instead of in a forward direction.   This is clearly a legal move by all FIFA standards.  Some may argue that a US player may have run into the box early, but what kind of ref seriously calls that?  That is a kind of call you see in my recreational soccer league here in San Antonio.  This referee crew was inconsistent throughout the entire match and has no business ever stepping field in any World Cup.  This wasn’t the only huge call the crew missed, but Marta’s second goal was assisted in an offside possession.   I don’t know how much Brazil paid these refs, but their officiating was absolutely pathetic in all soccer standards.

Abby with the equalizer.

The United States was not only competing against Brazil, but also had a duel with the referees.  Thank goodness justice was served.  In the final seconds of stoppage time of the second extra time, the United States finally made an opportunity count.  After having a few unlucky possessions, Rapinoe kept her cool and made a beautiful cross towards the back post to connect with Wambach.  Abby showed her composure and provided the States with a world class finishing, tying the game in dramatic fashion.  With the Brazilians stunning, thinking they had won the game, it was all set it done in penalties.  The United States showed why they are ranked the number one team and finished all of their penalties with ease, also getting another big save from Hope Solo.  How many legal saves does she have to make in one game?   The United States, like Japan, showed heart and resiliency.  Not only were they down a player but they were down a goal.  They never gave up and showed strong mentality throughout the match even when things aren’t going their way.  Many teams would have faltered in that situation, after going down a man (or should I say woman).  Team USA showed the heart of a champion.  This game could not have ended in a more dramatic fashion, especially on the anniversary of their 99’ World Cup winning shootout.  I am proud to call myself a US national soccer fan, no thanks to the men’s team.  This couldn’t have been scripted any better.  Congrats to our US women’s team.  Into the semi’s we go.

Final: USA 2-2 Brazil (5-3 PKs)

Player of the Match: Hope Solo, GK

Photos courtesy of Yahoo Sports.

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Has Been of the Month: Ronaldinho

 

Barcelona 2005-06 Champions League Winners

Remember this guy?  At one point, he was arguably the best soccer player on the planet.  Ronaldinho “Gaucho “was one of the biggest names in soccer.  Key word being was.  Ronaldinho started his career as a teenager for the Brazilian club Gremio before making a move to the French club Paris-Saint Germain.  He flourished with the club as he led his side to the 2002-03 Coupe de France finals (losing 1-2 to Auxerre), scoring both goals in the semis over Bordeaux (2-0).  He earned his way onto the Brazilian national squad in the 2002 Japan/South Korea World Cup which they won, defeating Germany 2-0 in the finals.  In 2003, Ronaldinho left his French side for the giants of Barcelona.  This is where he established himself among the best.  Ronaldinho won World Player of the Year back to back times in 2004 and 2005, leading Barcelona to a Champions League title in 2005-06.  His style of play, “joga bonito”, made soccer more exciting.  There were many times in which I would YouTube Ronaldinho and attempt to copy his step-overs.  His technique and creativity was something special to see.  At the time, there was nobody in soccer who came close to the footwork and ball-control he possessed.   He had the total offensive arsenal.  The buck-toothed footballer was the guy everyone wanted to see.

Practice?

What about now?  When I think of soccer, I rarely think of Ronaldinho’s name anymore.  Some people probably forgot he still even played soccer.  What went wrong?  The partying, fame, and women slowly affected Ronaldinho‘s career.  He even began to miss or be tardy for some of his team meetings due to partying.  There were accusations that Ronaldinho was involved in multiple orgies and linked to a sex hotel.   Many off-the-field issues began to pile up against him.  He began to show disinterest in the game and lacked dedication.  He eventually developed a drinking problem which resulted to him becoming out of shape.  He hasn’t been able to get back into form and regain the quickness we were used to seeing.   He slowly worked his way out of Barcelona and the Brazilian national team.

Is the match finished yet? I'm ready to party!

Where has Ronaldinho been since his departure from Barcelona?  Good question.  In 2008, Ronaldinho joined AC Milan on a three-year contact.  He had a very good first season, but he later found himself on the bench as he had problems with his fitness the following season.  He fell in and out of first team rotation and had trouble getting consistent playing time. He has also had problems staying healthy all season.  His stint at AC Milan turned out to be a short one as Ronaldinho announced that he will be leaving Milan to return to his old Brazilian club, Gremio this month.  Ronaldinho hasn’t been in the same form in years and has clearly lost a step.  It is quite amazing how quickly this guy has fallen off the map.  The Brazilian is only 30 years old!  He clearly paid the toll for his over-partying lifestyle.  Gaucho still has hopes of making Brazilian World Cup squad for 2014, but in my opinion, that’s going to be a long shot.  Way to cut your soccer career short with your selfish lifestyle.  Ronaldinho, you are now our Has Been of the Month.

My World Cup Winning XI Team

As the World Cup comes to a close on Sunday, I have decided to pick my eleven players I would want representing my team.  The biggest headline out of all of this is that not many of your superstars are on my list.  In fact, most of them had disappointing tournaments, yeah I’m talking to you, Anelka,  Rooney and Ribery.  It’s funny how Nike spent all that money for this great World Cup commercial to see all those superstars fall flat on their face.  Well here’s my starting eleven.

Goalkeeper– Iker Casillas, Spain

Iker Casillas

I picked him to be the goalkeeper of the tournament and he hasn’t disappointed yet.  He’s done a great job positioning himself making sure of cutting off angles to prevent good looks.  He is yet to give up a goal in the knock out stage which is outstanding. Not to mention that huge penalty save against Paraguay.  Hell, he shouldn’t have given up any goals, the Swiss got lucky with that gaff of a goal and Chile scored off a deflection.  Either way, Casillas has met all expectations from me.  Now he has the biggest game of his life left.  The Final.

Defenders– Philipp Lahm (Germany), Yuji Nakazawa (Japan), Carles Puyol (Spain), Maicon (Brazil)

Philipp Lahm

Many were writing Germany off once their captain Ballack went down, but Lahm has taken over the reigns with authority.  His unaccounted leadership has been crucial as he lead Germany to  back to back semi-final appearances.  Germany has given up very few goals thanks to Lahm, but they have also scored the many goals thanks to Lahm as well.  The ability for Lahm to push up and deliver deadly crosses to Klose or Podolski has been crucial to their attacking success.  Lahm expressed his desire to take over Germany’s captaincy and is making a strong case for it.

Yuji Nakazawa

Nakazawa is only one of three Japanese players to have over a hundred caps for their national team, and he has shown his experience all throughout the World Cup.  He led Japan’s stingy defense into reaching the knockout round on foreign soil for the first time in their nation’s history.  This vet was all over the place on defense.  His ability to read the passing lanes is outstanding , not to mention his ability to win balls in the air.  Look for him to go down as one of Japan’s best central defenders ever.

Carles Puyol

The Barcelona captain has been nothing less than outstanding so far.  His experience and soccer intelligence has given other teams fits, as Spain earned four shutouts out of six matches thus far.  He also scored the game winning goal against Germany, earning Spain’s first World Cup final.  He makes a good case to be known as one of Spain’s best defenders in their history.

Maicon

Maicon picked up right where he left off, as he had a great season with Inter Milan.  That translated into the World Cup.  Not only is he a great defender, but he is a threat on the offensive end.  He has the speed and skill to push up and get back on defense.  Just ask the North Koreans what happened when they gave him too much room to operate.

Midfielders– Angel Di Maria (Argentina), Keisuke Honda (Japan), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands), Thomas Muller (Germany)

Angel Di Maria

With all the big names like Messi, Tevez, and Higuain many people overlooked Di Maria.  Di Maria, quietly, had a very solid tournament.  He has the skills to become a star player, but what I like the most about him, is his ability to possess the ball.  He holds the ball very well and is great whenever he has his back turned to his defenders.  Look for him to transfer from Benefica to a big name club sometime this summer.  He deserves it.

Keisuke Honda

Could Honda finally be the big Japanese star since Hidetoshi Nakata?  Sure looks like it.  Honda came through when Japan needed him to as they were able to reach the knock out stages.  Honda possess the savvy techniques  that you mainly see in South American players.  Just watch that dirty cut back he had when setting up the third goal against Denmark and that nasty 30 yard free kick.  Honda has all the raw skills to becoming a great football player.

Wesley Sneijder

Sneijder picked up right where he left off after having a great season for Inter Milan.  Many questioned whether he can perform like this in the big stages, well he proved y’all wrong.  We all knew he has the individual still to become a star, but his patience and composure have been the difference maker.  After going down early against Brazil, he was able to regroup and score both goals helping Netherlands advance to the semi’s and they would eventually reach the final.  Sneijder has really stepped up his game in the knock out stages, where he has netted four of his five goals.

Thomas Muller

This has been a coming out party for Muller as he has scored four goals for Germany, not to mention three assists.  Not many people knew who this youngster was but they do now, just ask the English national team.   He is excellent at attacking the open spaces in the midfield and knows how to pick its poison.   He also posses excellent vision in tight spaces.   Only if he were able to play against Spain.  It could have made a difference.   At only 20 years of age look for Muller to only get better.

Forwards– Diego Forlan (Uruguay), David Villa (Spain)

Diego Forlan

Forlan has been a goal scoring machine for the last couple of seasons at Atletico Madrid and hasn’t stopped at the World Cup.  What makes Forlan such a threat is his ability to shoot with both feet.  His left footed shots have just as much pace and accuracy as his right footed shots.  You don’t see many players who can shoot with such velocity with both feet.  Not only that, his ability to posses the ball, maneuver in space, and find open players has been a big factor in Uruguay’s success.  Uruguay did most of their damage off quick counter attacks, which started from Forlan’s possession and vision.  Ever since being rejected at Manchester United, Forlan has been one of the best strikers in the world.  I wonder how all those Man Utd fans feel now.  I would love to have Forlan over Berbatov any day.  Berbatov blows a big one.

David Villa

Villa was one of the big favorites to win the Golden Boot award and it is looking likely now.  Villa is tied with Sneijder for most goals with five a piece.  Villa is a threat to score in various of ways.  He has been huge for Spain as he hit the game winners in the round of 16 and quarterfinal.  Can he score in the biggest game of his life?  We’ll just have to wait until Sunday.

As for my World Cup final prediction between the Netherlands and Spain, I’m going to have to go for the Netherlands.  Even though Spain are favored something tell me it’s the Dutch’s time also I rather see the underdog win.   Sneijder and Van Persie get on the score sheet as Netherlands prevail 2-1 in extra-time.  Either way this final should be special as neither team has hoisted the trophy before.  Which team will hoist it for the first time on Sunday night?

Note: Paul the Octopus picked Spain so in other words, my predicion is once again going to be incorrect.  Damn you, Paul.

2010 World Cup Quarter Finals Predictions

Which nation will hoist the trophy next? Well, we all know it won't be the Italians....

It is time to get serious, as only eight teams remain alive in South Africa.  Look for things to get chippy on the pitch as the intensity should heat up.  Here are my quick predictions.

Brazil vs. Netherlands

This is a very tough one to call as both teams are on a tear thus far.  Brazil showed their brilliance on the pitch as they took care of Chile and  the Netherlands gained another force as Robben returned from injury against Slovakia.  Bottom line, these teams know how to score.  It is all going to come down to the back line.  Both defenses were questionable coming into the World Cup and I believe they still are.  The Netherlands hasn’t been tested all tournament and I am not sold on their goalkeeper.  Brazil on the other hand held its ground against Portugal, after they tallied seven goals against North Korea.  I’m not trying to say Brazil’s defense is the best, but they do have a world class defender in Maicon and goal keeper, Julio Cesar.

I am going with Brazil as I have picked them  to win the World Cup.  Look for my boy, Fabiano, to continue the scoring as Brazil wins 1-0.  Either way, this game is going to be something special.

Prediction: Brazil

Uruguay vs Ghana

There is so much at stake for both countries making this match up interesting.  Uruguay hasn’t made the semi’s since 1930 making this their biggest match in four decades.  Surprisingly, Uruguay was only conceded one goal this far.  During their qualifying, I can’t even remember the last time they had a shut out.  With a stingy defense and world class strikers in Forlan and Suarez, Uruguay look to be in the drivers seat.  As for Ghana, they have a chance to be the first African nation to make the final four of the tournament.  They are an well organized team who makes the best of their chances.  Just as the Americans.  The whole continent of Africa will be rallying around them making Ghana a very dangerous team.  Look for Ghana to feed of the crowd’s electric and emotion.  With these factors in mind, anything can happen.

Diego Forlan will not disappoint as Uruguay will make its first appearance in the semi’s since 1970.  2-0 Final.

Prediction: Uruguay

Argentina vs. Germany

This is my most intriguing match up of the quarter finals.  Both teams have been very impressive this far.  The way these two teams possess and score the ball is superb.  I am very interested to see how Germany plans to contain Argentina’s three headed attack.  If the Germans sit back on defense like every other team has down thus far against the Argentines then it’s going to be one long day.  Argentina will be looking for revenge as the Germans sent them home packing in penalties at the 2006 World Cup.  The first goal is going to be crucial as I just don’t see Argentina getting denied.  Look for Messi to be one step closer from overcasting Maradona’s shadow.  2-1 Final.

Prediction: Argentina

Spain vs. Paraguay

Spain all the way here.  Paraguay is lucky to even be here.  Paraguay has played with a lot of heart, but that can only get you so far. Paraguay’s defense have been stellar, but you need to score goals to win games.  I don’t expect them to hold Spain scoreless after 90 minutes, especially with the way David Villa’s been playing.  I expect Spain to be on the attack all night long as Paraguay’s offense seems to have disappeared as of late.  They are yet to score a goal in 210 minutes.  Look for Fernando Torres to finally get on the score sheet.  2-0 Final.

Prediction: Spain

US Soccer: Back To Reality

Will USA ever achieve worldwide soccer success?

After a captivating and compelling victory over Algeria in the 91st minute that gave USA the top spot in group C, USA flopped in their first game in the knockout stage and lost 2-1 to Ghana in extra time. They had all the motivation necessary as Ghana kept them out of They conceded an early goal as usual, after poor midfield and defense efforts allowed it almost uncontested. However, the US had a strong comeback that manifested itself in Landon Donovan scoring a penalty kick after Clint Dempsey was taken out in the box making a run. USA had several other attempts and dominated the second half. Michael Bradley should have scored, but kicked it low instead of going top shelf. Altidore also had 2 chances but a heavy first touch and bad positioning ruined both. They went into extra time with the obvious momentum, but succumbed to yet another early goal once the defense got lazy and complacent. The Americans failed to retaliate. However, Bob Bradley understood that you can’t give up early goals and to expect to come back every time. This isn’t a Disney movie with a happy ending like D2: Mighty Ducks, this is the real world.

Soccer is a cruel game sometimes — one minute you’re on top of the world, and next you are at the bottom of the mountain. – Landon Donovan

The real question is will the USA ever be a force in the soccer world? This seemed to be there magical run as everything fell into place at the perfect time. They also managed to win their group with only 1 win; the only other team to win their group with 1 win was Paraguay. If anyone thinks the USA is going to top England in group play consistently is still high off the win over Algeria. USA soccer has gotten better over time, but the talent level is still inferior compared to the greats like Spain, Brazil, and Argentina. While most countries view soccer as a street game and play it however and wherever they can, we still view it as an organized activities with Capri Suns and orange slices. Compared to other leagues around the world, the MLS still doesn’t even compare to the top leagues. I won’t get into the details as Josh already went over the MLS problems, but I won’t get into that. Several players are starting to get chances overseas, but the MLS has some lackluster talent. The reason for this is because soccer isn’t first choice in the US. If you give a kid 4 choices of what sport they want to play professionally, soccer most likely won’t be in the list. There really isn’t a fan base either. While a lot of people got behind USA this world cup, the other 3 years and 10 months they could care less and don’t even glimpse or know what the premier league is. It’s possible that US soccer and the MLS eventually gets better talent (Beckham’s there, Theirry Henry might join up later too), but it’s going to take time. Football and Basketball are kings and will remain to be for some time.

Statement Game?

New Zealand celebrate the late equaliser.

Making history seems to be the reoccurring theme in the World Cup so far as New Zealand got their first-ever-point in tournament history.  After a twenty-eight year wait, New Zealand also got their first goal in the World Cup as well.  Hats off to the All Whites.  New Zealand isn’t known for their soccer, they are more of a rugby nation, and after an awful Confederations Cup showing, everyone wrote New Zealand off.  Note to everyone else: New Zealand is no pushover.  Can they ride this momentum into winning their first World Cup match in All White history?  We will have to wait and see.

As for the Portugal v. Ivory Coast match, I was quite disappointed.  Cristiano Ronaldo stop being such a little b*tch and play the game of soccer.  All this unnecessary diving gets old.

Waa Waa Waa!

I am also getting tired of his attitude and selfishness.  Whenever he’s frustrated, he’s too busy worried about making a play he forgets about his teammates.  Hello, soccer is a team sport.  This isn’t basketball. One man isn’t going to turn everything around.  Grow up already.  Stop throwing these p*ssy a$$ tantrums when something doesn’t go your way.  For all of you guys that didn’t know, Cristiano hasn’t scored a goal for Portugal in over a year.  If this kind of selfish play and attitude keeps up, I don’t see him getting on the score sheet this World Cup.

Hey Cristiano, this is how it’s done.

Diiiiiiiiiiiiiiirty.

Mapping out the 2010 World Cup: From the Round of 8 to the World Cup Final

A Selecao started sluggish, but Kaka and Co. has Brazil rolling

Well, I’ve already been severely crippled in my predictions so far with the defeat of Serbia by Ghana, 1-0. I had them playing USA in the Round of 16 after winning (ouch!) Group D. Nevertheless, I am going forward here starting with my Round of 8 predictions:

Round of 8:

Match 57:

Netherlands vs. Brazil: BRA def. NET (4-2 in PK; 1-1 draw) -> Another tough battle is fought out between these 2 heavyweights, but in penalty kicks, Brazil turns it on and takes out the Dutch. Wesley Sneijder scores yet again in this one for Holland, and on the other side, Kaka nets another. Brazil just so happens to be better on this day when it matters. Brazil advances.

Match 58:

Mexico vs. England: ENG def. MEX (1-0) -> It has been a very low scoring World Cup up to this point and it continues in this match. Aaron Lennon gets on the board with a goal and it’s enough to turn Mexico away. England advances.

Match 59:

Argentina vs. USA: ARG def. USA (2-1) -> What a match this one turns out to be as the United States comes out in full force. Tactically, both teams play very well, but Argentina is just too much to overcome after Maxi Rodriguez puts in the go-ahead sometime after the 70th minute for the Argentinians. Still yet, a great showing for the Americans.

Match 60:

Cameroon vs. Portugal: POR def. CAM (2-0) -> I like Portugal a lot in this one because I think they can match up with Cameroon’s athleticism, most notably up top. I see Cristiano Ronaldo having another huge impact in this match and really is the driving force behind the win in this one. Cameroon plays well, but 2 goals are too much for them to handle. Portugal wins.

-> So, after 4 energetic matches, the semi-finals begin with England vs. Brazil and Argentina vs. Portugal…

Semi-Finals:

Match 61:

England vs. Brazil: BRA def. ENG (3-1) ->Brazil seems to get on a roll early in this one and never looks back. Luis Fabiano really looks strong in this one as he nets another goal and keeps the pace steady for A Selecao. I’m not sure if anyone is clicking better right now than the Brazilians. They made England look rather bad and look forward to playing in yet another World Cup finale.

Match 62:

Argentina vs. Portugal: ARG def. POR (4-3 in PK; 0-0 draw) -> Not exactly what was expected out of this one, it doesn’t really matter as Argentina squeaks out a victory en route to securing a place in the World Cup final. Portugal does a splendid job of frustrating the heck out of Messi and keeps the pressure on for much of the match (they dominate possession in this one). Sadly for them, it doesn’t matter as Argentina has enough left in the tank to win in penalty kicks. A bad way to go out, but a solid showing for the Portuguese.

-> It will be a Brazil/Argentina final. The battle between 2 South American heavyweights. It should make for an exciting final. However, before that one, let’s take a look at the 3rd-place game…

3rd-place Game:

England vs. Portugal: POR def. ENG (2-1) -> Portugal plays very strong in this one, controlling the tempo for the majority of the match. The defense of the British is exploited yet again as Cristiano Ronaldo breaks the ice by putting in the first goal of the match. The English give up yet another to make it 2-0 before putting in their first and only goal of the match late in the game. Portugal wins the game and wins 3rd-place in the 2010 World Cup.

World Cup Final:

Brazil vs. Argentina: BRA def. ARG (3-2) -> An All-South American final, this is an incredibly exciting final with 5 goals scored between both teams. In the end, however, the Brazilians are just too much for Argentina as they score the go-ahead goal late in the match; it is Elano who does the deed and thrusts Brazil into the driver’s seat. Messi plays strong, as does Gonzalo Higuain and Gabriel Heinze, but it is just not enough for La Albiceleste to win. Brazil seemed to start off somewhat sluggish in this year’s World Cup, but turned it on when it mattered to take home their 6th Cup Trophy. What a World Cup. We will see you in 2014 in Brazil as the host country looks to defend their crown.