June 30, 2009
Even if the tournament means very little in the grand scheme of things, the Confederations Cup has provided an entertaining two weeks of soccer in the middle of June — which was certainly a pleasant distraction from transfer rumors and the soccer-free boredom of early summer. And, if nothing else, it did certain players and teams a world of good. But a few others may look back and feel they were better off staying home. Here are some of the Cup's winners and losers.
Winners
US Soccer earned a huge amount of respect by making it to the final and hanging with Brazil for at least the first half. The second was not as strong, to say the least. But their performance against Spain in the semifinal certainly ranks among the team's greatest ever victories, right up there with beating England at the 1950 World Cup and their 3-2 win against Portugal during the group stage of the 2002 World Cup. There should also be a special mention for US goalkeeper Tim Howard who outdid himself, particularly in the last two games. Though he has not always looked so sturdy for Everton, his stock will skyrocket now after he was the main reason the US was ever in with a chance to beat Spain and Brazil. Kaka was already a big winner before the tournament, but over the course of those two weeks, he showed that Real Madrid may not have been so foolish to pay 65 million Euros for him after all. (Well, it's still a little foolish.) But Kaka, named player of the tournament, proved that he is the consummate playmaker and can do everything to make a team click. Even in the final, he was at the center of Brazil's titanic second half onslaught. A year ahead of their World Cup, South Africa came through its dress rehearsal with flying colors. It showed it was able to host an international tournament in several cities without any major incidents or snafus. Of course, nothing can match the scale of an actual World Cup and stadiums are still under construction, but it bodes well. And let's not forget lowly Egypt. The champions of Africa went down swinging, scoring three goals against Brazil and upsetting Italy, all while trying to play some attractive soccer. They truly threw the group into havoc, making sure that Brazil and Italy were not a foregone conclusion to advance.
Losers
Defending World Cup champions Italy were absolutely woeful. Slumping to Egypt was one thing — upsets happen — but their thumping at the hands of Brazil, who should be their chief rivals heading into their title defense, was pitiful. With a place in the semis at stake, Italy simply surrendered with a whimper and lost 3-0, allowing the lucky Americans to make it through and cheating fans of a Spain-Italy matchup. Granted, the tournament meant little to them, but one would expect a stronger display from a team that should always be there or thereabouts when it comes to international competition. FIFA was once again shown up in the final when Brazil was robbed of a goal when the ball crossed the line, but was missed by the linesman. Once again, there is a case for instant replay on goal-line decisions, but FIFA will likely continue to ignore it. Luckily for them, the goal did not change the result in the end. If it had, there would have been far more outcry and FIFA might have had to do something that actually reflected their motto, "For the good of the game."
As well as the US Soccer team played, this tournament was not completely positive for them. It virtually guarantees that Bob Bradley will be their coach through the World Cup, meaning another year and another tournament of unimaginative, defense-first soccer.
Posted by about.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Brasil, siempre Brasil
Junio 30, 2009
El fútbol es un juego de 11 contra 11 en el que siempre gana Brasil.
Lo de Alemania hace tiempo que no cuela. Juegue bien, como ante Estados Unidos, o lo haga mal, como en el resto del torneo, la 'seleçao' lleva adherido a su legendaria camiseta 'amarelha' el sello de los vencedores, un gen competitivo que convoca a sus jugadores para un combate en el que la palabra derrota está prohibida.
A falta del anterior Mundial, Brasil ya colecciona las dos últimas Copas Confederaciones y la más reciente Copa América. Lo gana casi todo y el domingo incluso superó el muro de dos goles de Estados Unidos que no hundieron su moral. Al contrario, espolearon la rabia y convocaron al talento de Kaká, inmenso y capitán general en una operación remontada que tuvo final feliz.
El nuevo crack del Real Madrid será presentado el martes como un trinfador, como el símbolo de la selección más competitiva. En la gran Brasil del 70, Kaká sería uno más entre los grandes. En este equipo metalúrgico y poco lustroso que se vio obligado a vivir en el filo y lejos de la especulación y la racanería, es tan necesario como el aire para respirar. Él impone la pausa, se asocia, cambia el ritmo en el momento oportuno y decide.
Antes de aparecer con su poderosa zancada y cambio de ritmo en la gran jugada que antecedió al segundo gol marcado por Luis Fabiano, el nuevo madridista se entretuvo con paredes de espuela, pases milimétricos, una movilidad constante y un incontestable dominio de la situación. Hasta marcó un gol de cabeza que no subió al marcador porque el árbitro no se apercibió de que el portero Howard había sacado el balón más alla de la línea de puerta. Dio igual. Kaká siguió a lo suyo y encontró la recompensa.
Brasil tuvo que sufrir y sudar para recuperar su espíritu. La selección pentacampeona del mundo se lanzó al abordaje y tomó la iniciativa después de cerrar una primera parte sospechosa con dos goles en contra y con la humillación de verse superada por un rival del que casi no han oído hablar en su país.
La rabia de la derrota conectó a Brasil con su historia y con el talento que parece perderse a marchas forzadas. Su abrumador dominio en una segunda parte convertida en monólogo ofensivo, le dio un título más que añadir a su atestada sala de trofeos. Kaká tomó el mando de las operaciones y Luis Fabiano ejecutó las consignas de su líder con dos goles que le dieron el 'Pichichi' del campeonato. Las entradas por la banda de Maicon y de Alves, que volvió a ser suplente e irrumpió como lateral izquierdo en la última media hora, acabaron por descomponer a un equipo americano que tembló ante la gloria y naufragó por el miedo a la tormenta amarilla que se le vino encima. El tanto final de Lucio le devolvió a la realidad.
Estados Unidos sorprendió con contras de manual en una primera parte que recordó mucho a su sorprendente victoria frente a España. Los yankis se ordenaron con dos líneas de cuatro, coberturas solidarias, sacrificio espartano y siempre un ojo puesto en salir al contragolpe con tanta rapidez como si les persiguiera el mismísimo diablo.
Donovan, que era capaz de sacrificarse en la izquierda para tapar las subidas de Maicon, fue siempre origen de las operaciones y armó el espectacular contragolpe del 2-0. Arrancó en su campo, se apoyó en Davies y cerró con un quiebro a André Santos y un remate ganador.
Era el segundo y el aparente último clavo para el ataud de los brasileños. Pero el mismo equipo muermo de los anteriores partidos, decidió dejar de hacer el ridículo y homenajear a su historia. Es campeón y el gran favorito para el Mundial. Ojalá recupere su esencia. Pero por ahora le sirve con tres fogonazos para seguir al mando.
El fútbol es un juego de 11 contra 11 en el que siempre gana Brasil.
Lo de Alemania hace tiempo que no cuela. Juegue bien, como ante Estados Unidos, o lo haga mal, como en el resto del torneo, la 'seleçao' lleva adherido a su legendaria camiseta 'amarelha' el sello de los vencedores, un gen competitivo que convoca a sus jugadores para un combate en el que la palabra derrota está prohibida.
A falta del anterior Mundial, Brasil ya colecciona las dos últimas Copas Confederaciones y la más reciente Copa América. Lo gana casi todo y el domingo incluso superó el muro de dos goles de Estados Unidos que no hundieron su moral. Al contrario, espolearon la rabia y convocaron al talento de Kaká, inmenso y capitán general en una operación remontada que tuvo final feliz.
El nuevo crack del Real Madrid será presentado el martes como un trinfador, como el símbolo de la selección más competitiva. En la gran Brasil del 70, Kaká sería uno más entre los grandes. En este equipo metalúrgico y poco lustroso que se vio obligado a vivir en el filo y lejos de la especulación y la racanería, es tan necesario como el aire para respirar. Él impone la pausa, se asocia, cambia el ritmo en el momento oportuno y decide.
Antes de aparecer con su poderosa zancada y cambio de ritmo en la gran jugada que antecedió al segundo gol marcado por Luis Fabiano, el nuevo madridista se entretuvo con paredes de espuela, pases milimétricos, una movilidad constante y un incontestable dominio de la situación. Hasta marcó un gol de cabeza que no subió al marcador porque el árbitro no se apercibió de que el portero Howard había sacado el balón más alla de la línea de puerta. Dio igual. Kaká siguió a lo suyo y encontró la recompensa.
Brasil tuvo que sufrir y sudar para recuperar su espíritu. La selección pentacampeona del mundo se lanzó al abordaje y tomó la iniciativa después de cerrar una primera parte sospechosa con dos goles en contra y con la humillación de verse superada por un rival del que casi no han oído hablar en su país.
La rabia de la derrota conectó a Brasil con su historia y con el talento que parece perderse a marchas forzadas. Su abrumador dominio en una segunda parte convertida en monólogo ofensivo, le dio un título más que añadir a su atestada sala de trofeos. Kaká tomó el mando de las operaciones y Luis Fabiano ejecutó las consignas de su líder con dos goles que le dieron el 'Pichichi' del campeonato. Las entradas por la banda de Maicon y de Alves, que volvió a ser suplente e irrumpió como lateral izquierdo en la última media hora, acabaron por descomponer a un equipo americano que tembló ante la gloria y naufragó por el miedo a la tormenta amarilla que se le vino encima. El tanto final de Lucio le devolvió a la realidad.
Estados Unidos sorprendió con contras de manual en una primera parte que recordó mucho a su sorprendente victoria frente a España. Los yankis se ordenaron con dos líneas de cuatro, coberturas solidarias, sacrificio espartano y siempre un ojo puesto en salir al contragolpe con tanta rapidez como si les persiguiera el mismísimo diablo.
Donovan, que era capaz de sacrificarse en la izquierda para tapar las subidas de Maicon, fue siempre origen de las operaciones y armó el espectacular contragolpe del 2-0. Arrancó en su campo, se apoyó en Davies y cerró con un quiebro a André Santos y un remate ganador.
Era el segundo y el aparente último clavo para el ataud de los brasileños. Pero el mismo equipo muermo de los anteriores partidos, decidió dejar de hacer el ridículo y homenajear a su historia. Es campeón y el gran favorito para el Mundial. Ojalá recupere su esencia. Pero por ahora le sirve con tres fogonazos para seguir al mando.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Brasil fué el campeon
Junio 29, 2009
Brasil despierta de una pesadilla de 45 minutos y le arrebata a Estados Unidos la Copa Confederaciones
La espectacular remontada de la selección brasileña en la segunda parte de la final (2-3) le dio el título de la Copa Confederaciones, en un partido en el que llevó la iniciativa, pero tuvo que sufrir mucho para truncar el sueño de los estadunidenses.
Los dos goles logrados por Estados Unidos en la primera parte, con un futbol muy similar al que desarrollaron ante España, hicieron pensar en la sorpresa y en que Estados Unidos iba a coronarse. Pero Brasil recuperó el nivel de juego de sus mejores momentos.
Estados Unidos, muy organizada en la defensa, con un centro del campo que realizaba la transición con rapidez y con mucha velocidad en ataque, supo aprovechar las pocas ocasiones de que dispuso para marcharse al descanso con dos sorprendentes goles de ventaja.
En la primera aproximación del equipo estadunidense a la portería de Julio César, un pase de Spector fue rematado por Dempsey con el gemelo, pero el balón entró y puso el 1-0 en el marcador.
Mediado este primer periodo, un excepcional contragolpe entre Davies y Donovan fue resuelto con mucha calidad por el cerebro del equipo de Estados Unidos, que puso el 2-0 en el tanteador.
El cuarto de hora final del primer periodo fue de un dominio todavía más insistente de Brasil, que tuvo su mejor opción en un lanzamiento de Andre Santos que neutralizó a un muy inspirado Howard. Llegaron algunas otras ocasiones para Brasil antes del descanso, pero sin que se moviera el marcador y con las expectativas de victoria intactas para el conjunto de Estados Unidos.
La primera mitad había acabado de la mejor manera posible para el conjunto estadunidense. La segunda lo hizo como querían los brasileños, ya que a los 40 segundos de juego, Luis Fabiano marcó para su equipo.
El partido cobró una gran intensidad tras ese gol, pues los brasileños empezaron a creer en la remontada ante un rival que se mantenía muy sólido en la defensa, pero que no tenía la misma salida que en el primer periodo.
Kaká remató de cabeza (m 61) un balón que pudo entrar en la portería de Howard, pero éste sacó la pelota que dio en el larguero, antes de que la atrapara definitivamente. Los jugadores de Brasil reclamaron el gol que no fue marcado.
Cuando cada vez era mayor el dominio de Brasil y más esporádicas las acciones ofensivas de Estados Unidos, el seleccionador brasileño, Dunga, optó por dar entrada a Dani Alves y Elano, lo que dio más poder ofensivo a su equipo.
El partido era cada vez más de ida y vuelta, aunque los ataques de Brasil eran más elaborados y los de Estados Unidos se basaban en salidas aisladas a la contra casi siempre muy pocos efectivos.
En uno de esos ataques de los brasileños, una excelente penetración por la izquierda de Kaká acabó con el tanto del empate, logrado de cabeza por Luis Fabiano y que puso a los estadunidenses contra las cuerdas.
Brasil despierta de una pesadilla de 45 minutos y le arrebata a Estados Unidos la Copa Confederaciones
La espectacular remontada de la selección brasileña en la segunda parte de la final (2-3) le dio el título de la Copa Confederaciones, en un partido en el que llevó la iniciativa, pero tuvo que sufrir mucho para truncar el sueño de los estadunidenses.
Los dos goles logrados por Estados Unidos en la primera parte, con un futbol muy similar al que desarrollaron ante España, hicieron pensar en la sorpresa y en que Estados Unidos iba a coronarse. Pero Brasil recuperó el nivel de juego de sus mejores momentos.
Estados Unidos, muy organizada en la defensa, con un centro del campo que realizaba la transición con rapidez y con mucha velocidad en ataque, supo aprovechar las pocas ocasiones de que dispuso para marcharse al descanso con dos sorprendentes goles de ventaja.
En la primera aproximación del equipo estadunidense a la portería de Julio César, un pase de Spector fue rematado por Dempsey con el gemelo, pero el balón entró y puso el 1-0 en el marcador.
Mediado este primer periodo, un excepcional contragolpe entre Davies y Donovan fue resuelto con mucha calidad por el cerebro del equipo de Estados Unidos, que puso el 2-0 en el tanteador.
El cuarto de hora final del primer periodo fue de un dominio todavía más insistente de Brasil, que tuvo su mejor opción en un lanzamiento de Andre Santos que neutralizó a un muy inspirado Howard. Llegaron algunas otras ocasiones para Brasil antes del descanso, pero sin que se moviera el marcador y con las expectativas de victoria intactas para el conjunto de Estados Unidos.
La primera mitad había acabado de la mejor manera posible para el conjunto estadunidense. La segunda lo hizo como querían los brasileños, ya que a los 40 segundos de juego, Luis Fabiano marcó para su equipo.
El partido cobró una gran intensidad tras ese gol, pues los brasileños empezaron a creer en la remontada ante un rival que se mantenía muy sólido en la defensa, pero que no tenía la misma salida que en el primer periodo.
Kaká remató de cabeza (m 61) un balón que pudo entrar en la portería de Howard, pero éste sacó la pelota que dio en el larguero, antes de que la atrapara definitivamente. Los jugadores de Brasil reclamaron el gol que no fue marcado.
Cuando cada vez era mayor el dominio de Brasil y más esporádicas las acciones ofensivas de Estados Unidos, el seleccionador brasileño, Dunga, optó por dar entrada a Dani Alves y Elano, lo que dio más poder ofensivo a su equipo.
El partido era cada vez más de ida y vuelta, aunque los ataques de Brasil eran más elaborados y los de Estados Unidos se basaban en salidas aisladas a la contra casi siempre muy pocos efectivos.
En uno de esos ataques de los brasileños, una excelente penetración por la izquierda de Kaká acabó con el tanto del empate, logrado de cabeza por Luis Fabiano y que puso a los estadunidenses contra las cuerdas.
Usa 2- 3 Brazil
June 29, 2009
Brazil captain Lucio feels winning the FIFA Confederations Cup has helped him put a turbulent season and summer with Bayern Munich behind him.
The Bayern defender endured a difficult Bundesliga campaign as the Bavarian giants failed to meet expectations and reports have since emerged suggesting he does not feature in the plans of new Bayern coach Louis van Gaal. He said last week he would have no hesitation in leaving the club should he be surplus to requirements.
But the 31-year-old did not let those issues affect his form for his country as he scored the winning goal as Brazil came from two goals down to beat the USA 3-2 in Sunday's final. It capped a fine campaign for Dunga's team, who scored an impressive 14 goals in their five games in the tournament, including five from top-scorer Luis Fabiano.
They had to do things the hard way in the final, though, as they went 2-0 down after 27 minutes thanks to goals from Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano scored twice to draw them level before Lucio headed in an Elano corner six minutes from the end to seal a remarkable win.
"The way we played in the first half was really disappointing," Lucio said. "We returned to the pitch after half-time believing. I only have to thank the squad for fighting back the way they did until the end.
Turning the score round makes it taste even better and for me, the goal meant everything. This was a tough season. Only God knows what I went through,Brazil captain Lucio.
"Turning the score round makes it taste even better and for me, the goal meant everything. This was a tough season. Only God knows what I went through."
Lucio added: "I received surprises from my club, which I was not expecting. Not being utilised by Bayern anymore was a shock to me. But I am always happy when I am with Brazil and even more when they win. I am also happy individually. I want to thank the team, my wife, who has given me strength."
Coach Dunga was also pleased with the way his skipper performed, adding: "He is one of the best players in the world and has shown that in Germany." The Brazil boss, though, is already looking ahead to the rest of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
"What's important is that we carry on working in a calm way and learn from our past mistakes and also from what went well," he said. "Any squad approaching the 2010 World Cup has a lot of interest in it but the national squad must be focused and not be distracted.
"My players are a very committed team. They are high quality players, very committed professionals and they are true men. Every day they play, they give of their best and I am very happy for them." Brazil currently top the South American qualifying zone with four games to play.
Brazil captain Lucio feels winning the FIFA Confederations Cup has helped him put a turbulent season and summer with Bayern Munich behind him.
The Bayern defender endured a difficult Bundesliga campaign as the Bavarian giants failed to meet expectations and reports have since emerged suggesting he does not feature in the plans of new Bayern coach Louis van Gaal. He said last week he would have no hesitation in leaving the club should he be surplus to requirements.
But the 31-year-old did not let those issues affect his form for his country as he scored the winning goal as Brazil came from two goals down to beat the USA 3-2 in Sunday's final. It capped a fine campaign for Dunga's team, who scored an impressive 14 goals in their five games in the tournament, including five from top-scorer Luis Fabiano.
They had to do things the hard way in the final, though, as they went 2-0 down after 27 minutes thanks to goals from Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano scored twice to draw them level before Lucio headed in an Elano corner six minutes from the end to seal a remarkable win.
"The way we played in the first half was really disappointing," Lucio said. "We returned to the pitch after half-time believing. I only have to thank the squad for fighting back the way they did until the end.
Turning the score round makes it taste even better and for me, the goal meant everything. This was a tough season. Only God knows what I went through,Brazil captain Lucio.
"Turning the score round makes it taste even better and for me, the goal meant everything. This was a tough season. Only God knows what I went through."
Lucio added: "I received surprises from my club, which I was not expecting. Not being utilised by Bayern anymore was a shock to me. But I am always happy when I am with Brazil and even more when they win. I am also happy individually. I want to thank the team, my wife, who has given me strength."
Coach Dunga was also pleased with the way his skipper performed, adding: "He is one of the best players in the world and has shown that in Germany." The Brazil boss, though, is already looking ahead to the rest of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
"What's important is that we carry on working in a calm way and learn from our past mistakes and also from what went well," he said. "Any squad approaching the 2010 World Cup has a lot of interest in it but the national squad must be focused and not be distracted.
"My players are a very committed team. They are high quality players, very committed professionals and they are true men. Every day they play, they give of their best and I am very happy for them." Brazil currently top the South American qualifying zone with four games to play.
Friday, June 26, 2009
USA for anoter big game
June 26, 2009
Mexican-American Defender Carlos Bocanegra comments about his next adversary at confederations cup.
Bocanegra: We Can’t Sit Back Against Brazil
The U.S. captain talked about coming out strong against Brazil in the Confederations Cup Final
The outcome of a rematch is usually decided by which team learned the most from the first encounter. The United States is hoping the lessons they learned in their 3-0 loss to Brazil in the Confederations Cup group stages will pay huge dividends when the two sides meet again in Sunday’s final.
“We gave them too much respect,” Bocanegra said. “We needed to change something. Against Egypt, we had a lot of energy. We were going at them. We want to impose ourselves on them rather than sit back. We can’t sit back.”
Bocanegra, who sat out the first Brazil game with a hamstring injury, came in at left back in the US’s stunning 2-0 win over top-ranked Spain in the semifinals on Wednesday. Normally a centerback in the US side, he plays on the left for his club, Rennes, and with Jay Demerit’s top-notch form filling in in the middle, Bocanegra’s shift to the flank was an expected at some point.
But now he will have to deal with arguably the best and most attack-minded right back in the world, Maicon. In the first match, the Inter defender threatened the US backline all night with his fuel-injected runs down the wing. He served in the freekick for Luis Fabiano’s 6th-minute opener and later scored one of his own after blazing down the right and sneaking a shot in at the near post.
Bocanegra admitted that he is looking forward to facing Maicon and isn’t intimidated by the big back’s skills or power.
“He’s a great player,” Bocanegra said. “But it’s not too unsimilar to dealing with [Spanish right back] Sergio Ramos.”
Good point. Despite not being fully fit, Bocanegra shut down his opposite number in the semifinal. Considering Maicon’s vital role in Brazil’s attack, now he’ll have to do it again in the final.
Posted by goal.com
Mexican-American Defender Carlos Bocanegra comments about his next adversary at confederations cup.
Bocanegra: We Can’t Sit Back Against Brazil
The U.S. captain talked about coming out strong against Brazil in the Confederations Cup Final
The outcome of a rematch is usually decided by which team learned the most from the first encounter. The United States is hoping the lessons they learned in their 3-0 loss to Brazil in the Confederations Cup group stages will pay huge dividends when the two sides meet again in Sunday’s final.
“We gave them too much respect,” Bocanegra said. “We needed to change something. Against Egypt, we had a lot of energy. We were going at them. We want to impose ourselves on them rather than sit back. We can’t sit back.”
Bocanegra, who sat out the first Brazil game with a hamstring injury, came in at left back in the US’s stunning 2-0 win over top-ranked Spain in the semifinals on Wednesday. Normally a centerback in the US side, he plays on the left for his club, Rennes, and with Jay Demerit’s top-notch form filling in in the middle, Bocanegra’s shift to the flank was an expected at some point.
But now he will have to deal with arguably the best and most attack-minded right back in the world, Maicon. In the first match, the Inter defender threatened the US backline all night with his fuel-injected runs down the wing. He served in the freekick for Luis Fabiano’s 6th-minute opener and later scored one of his own after blazing down the right and sneaking a shot in at the near post.
Bocanegra admitted that he is looking forward to facing Maicon and isn’t intimidated by the big back’s skills or power.
“He’s a great player,” Bocanegra said. “But it’s not too unsimilar to dealing with [Spanish right back] Sergio Ramos.”
Good point. Despite not being fully fit, Bocanegra shut down his opposite number in the semifinal. Considering Maicon’s vital role in Brazil’s attack, now he’ll have to do it again in the final.
Posted by goal.com
Thursday, June 25, 2009
After the amazing victory
June 25, 2009
The US media spared no adjectives as it reacted with glee to the Stars and Stripes' stunning semi-final victory over the European champions. But while they heaped praise on Bob Bradley's heroes, their Spanish counterparts were holding a hurried inquest into La Roja's unexpected demise.
Putting the result into context, Spain's press pack described the unlikely reverse as a timely warning. Amid the elation, there was also a guarded response from some US soccer observers, who praised the national side's achievement in reaching the final while pointing out that they still had some way to go before they could be considered among the top teams in the world.
'The greatest victory ever'Regarded as one of the leading newspapers on the planet, The New York Times ran with the story in its digital edition almost as soon as the final whistle had blown. Under the headline "US Victory Was a Miracle on Grass", the prestigious daily compared the win to the Miracle on Ice, the famous victory recorded by its amateur ice-hockey players over the mighty Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Reporter George Vecsey ranked the 2-0 triumph as "Probably the greatest victory by the men's national soccer team", before going on to compare the result to some of the greatest performances in US soccer history: "But for these 90 minutes on Wednesday, the Americans were better than the Spaniards - brave and smart and lucky, too. And they will always have this result, like the Americans who shocked England in the 1950 World Cup, a simpler time, and the Americans who demoralized Mexico and then nearly beat Germany in the giddy quarter-final in the World Cup in 2002."
Putting the shock scoreline into perspective, Vecsey wrote, "Nobody in the American soccer federation will dare to claim that this was the day the country came of age in the world's most important sport... But this was a step."
Ollie Irish pointed to the importance of the win. "Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, the US looks like a proper team with real players who believe in themselves," he wrote.
Splashed on the website of US TV channel ESPN, meanwhile, was the banner headline "Mission: Possible", with the article below encapsulating the euphoric reaction to events in South Africa: "They said it couldn't be done. What do they know? The US stunned world No. 1 Spain on Wednesday in the Confed Cup semifinals".
Spanish sorrow
Unprepared for such an outcome, the Spanish media tried to paint the setback in a positive light. Sports daily Marca emblazoned its front page with the headline "Cura de humildad" (Dose of humility) and saw the defeat as a blessing in disguise: "We are the best team in the world but it's better to lose now than in a year's time at the World Cup."
Rival publication AS adopted a similar tone, headlining with "How strange it is to lose!", and reaching the following verdict on Spain's no-show: "A disciplined US side were too much for an unrecognisable selección. A Ramos mistake helped kill Spain off. There was no passing and too much haste."
Barcelona-based Sport's lead story was "US deny Spain a place in the final". "Despite dominating the game, things did not work out for Del Bosque's side," continued the paper's reporter. "They lacked freshness and despite enjoying more possession of the ball they committed a series of stupid fouls in (Tim) Howard's penalty area. The final pass was never the right one and it's always hard to score goals when that's the case."
What is your comment?
The US media spared no adjectives as it reacted with glee to the Stars and Stripes' stunning semi-final victory over the European champions. But while they heaped praise on Bob Bradley's heroes, their Spanish counterparts were holding a hurried inquest into La Roja's unexpected demise.
Putting the result into context, Spain's press pack described the unlikely reverse as a timely warning. Amid the elation, there was also a guarded response from some US soccer observers, who praised the national side's achievement in reaching the final while pointing out that they still had some way to go before they could be considered among the top teams in the world.
'The greatest victory ever'Regarded as one of the leading newspapers on the planet, The New York Times ran with the story in its digital edition almost as soon as the final whistle had blown. Under the headline "US Victory Was a Miracle on Grass", the prestigious daily compared the win to the Miracle on Ice, the famous victory recorded by its amateur ice-hockey players over the mighty Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Reporter George Vecsey ranked the 2-0 triumph as "Probably the greatest victory by the men's national soccer team", before going on to compare the result to some of the greatest performances in US soccer history: "But for these 90 minutes on Wednesday, the Americans were better than the Spaniards - brave and smart and lucky, too. And they will always have this result, like the Americans who shocked England in the 1950 World Cup, a simpler time, and the Americans who demoralized Mexico and then nearly beat Germany in the giddy quarter-final in the World Cup in 2002."
Putting the shock scoreline into perspective, Vecsey wrote, "Nobody in the American soccer federation will dare to claim that this was the day the country came of age in the world's most important sport... But this was a step."
Ollie Irish pointed to the importance of the win. "Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, the US looks like a proper team with real players who believe in themselves," he wrote.
Splashed on the website of US TV channel ESPN, meanwhile, was the banner headline "Mission: Possible", with the article below encapsulating the euphoric reaction to events in South Africa: "They said it couldn't be done. What do they know? The US stunned world No. 1 Spain on Wednesday in the Confed Cup semifinals".
Spanish sorrow
Unprepared for such an outcome, the Spanish media tried to paint the setback in a positive light. Sports daily Marca emblazoned its front page with the headline "Cura de humildad" (Dose of humility) and saw the defeat as a blessing in disguise: "We are the best team in the world but it's better to lose now than in a year's time at the World Cup."
Rival publication AS adopted a similar tone, headlining with "How strange it is to lose!", and reaching the following verdict on Spain's no-show: "A disciplined US side were too much for an unrecognisable selección. A Ramos mistake helped kill Spain off. There was no passing and too much haste."
Barcelona-based Sport's lead story was "US deny Spain a place in the final". "Despite dominating the game, things did not work out for Del Bosque's side," continued the paper's reporter. "They lacked freshness and despite enjoying more possession of the ball they committed a series of stupid fouls in (Tim) Howard's penalty area. The final pass was never the right one and it's always hard to score goals when that's the case."
What is your comment?
Comentarios despues de la hazaña
Junio 25, 2009
Por una horas, el 'soccer' fue el deporte rey en Estados Unidos
Fue tal la sorpresa del inesperado triunfo ante España que incluso en los programas deportivos de la televisión y en otros de humor durante ironizaron durante toda la noche con el posible enfado de los españoles con los estadounidenses.
No hubo celebración multitudinaria en las calles como sucede con otros deportes como el fútbol americano, el béisbol o el baloncesto, pero por unas horas el 'soccer', termino que se utiliza en Estados Unidos para definir al balompié tradicional, fue el 'rey'.
Los responsables de este acontecimiento histórico en la vida deportiva del país más poderoso del mundo fueron los jugadores de la selección de fútbol que, contra todos los pronósticos, ganaron a España por 2-0 en las semifinales de la Copa Conferaciones.
Fue tal la sorpresa del inesperado triunfo que inclusive en los programas deportivos de televisión y de otros de humor durante toda la noche ironizaban del posible enfado de los españoles con los estadounidenses.
"La mayoría de los estadounidenses no entienden porque hay tanto enfado en España contra nuestro país", se burlaban los comentaristas deportivos, en referencia de lo "intranscendente" que es para la mayoría de los ciudadanos del país norteamericano el triunfo logrado por la selección de fútbol.
Aunque no todos piensan igual, especialmente los que forman parte del mundo del 'soccer' y que trabajan con el objetivo de incorporarlo a la lista de los cuatro grandes como son el fútbol americano de la NFL, el béisbol profesional de las 'Mayors', el baloncesto de la NBA y el hockey sobre hielo de la NHL.
"Se trata no sólo de una gran victoria sino que también es histórica dentro del deporte de Estados Unidos", declaró Oliver Luck, presidente y gerente general del Dynamo de Houston, el equipo que milita en la Liga Profesional de Fútbol (MLS). "Creo que después del triunfo en hockey sobre Rusia esto ha sido lo más grande".
Un triunfo para ganar popularidad
El presidente del Dynamo, que ganó los títulos de liga las temporadas del 2006 y 2007, dijo que sólo con triunfos como el conseguido frente a España iban a permitir al deporte del fútbol gane credibilidad y respeto en el extranjero y adquiera mayor popularidad dentro del país.
"El triunfo lo han conseguido jóvenes de las nuevas generaciones que quieren demostrar que el deporte del fútbol en Estados Unidos ya ha comenzado a estar en segundo plano", valoró Luck. "Sabemos que todavía falta un largo camino que recorrer, pero cada día son mayores los pasos que damos".
"El triunfo lo lograron jóvenes que quieren que el fútbol en EE.UU. tenga protagonismo" Por su parte, el entrenador del Dynamo, Dominic Kinnear, un ex internacional con la selección de Estados Unidos, dijo que el triunfo frente a España marcaba un nuevo punto de partido en lo que está siendo el desarrollo y la evolución del fútbol dentro del país.
"Ya no somos un equipo nacional de segunda fila, ahora estamos demostrando que podemos competir con cualquier rival, que nuestro estilo de juego es muy válido y que cada día vamos a más en su desarrollo", comentó Kinnear. "Ahora todos estarán preocupados cuando nos tengan de rival".
Por una horas, el 'soccer' fue el deporte rey en Estados Unidos
Fue tal la sorpresa del inesperado triunfo ante España que incluso en los programas deportivos de la televisión y en otros de humor durante ironizaron durante toda la noche con el posible enfado de los españoles con los estadounidenses.
No hubo celebración multitudinaria en las calles como sucede con otros deportes como el fútbol americano, el béisbol o el baloncesto, pero por unas horas el 'soccer', termino que se utiliza en Estados Unidos para definir al balompié tradicional, fue el 'rey'.
Los responsables de este acontecimiento histórico en la vida deportiva del país más poderoso del mundo fueron los jugadores de la selección de fútbol que, contra todos los pronósticos, ganaron a España por 2-0 en las semifinales de la Copa Conferaciones.
Fue tal la sorpresa del inesperado triunfo que inclusive en los programas deportivos de televisión y de otros de humor durante toda la noche ironizaban del posible enfado de los españoles con los estadounidenses.
"La mayoría de los estadounidenses no entienden porque hay tanto enfado en España contra nuestro país", se burlaban los comentaristas deportivos, en referencia de lo "intranscendente" que es para la mayoría de los ciudadanos del país norteamericano el triunfo logrado por la selección de fútbol.
Aunque no todos piensan igual, especialmente los que forman parte del mundo del 'soccer' y que trabajan con el objetivo de incorporarlo a la lista de los cuatro grandes como son el fútbol americano de la NFL, el béisbol profesional de las 'Mayors', el baloncesto de la NBA y el hockey sobre hielo de la NHL.
"Se trata no sólo de una gran victoria sino que también es histórica dentro del deporte de Estados Unidos", declaró Oliver Luck, presidente y gerente general del Dynamo de Houston, el equipo que milita en la Liga Profesional de Fútbol (MLS). "Creo que después del triunfo en hockey sobre Rusia esto ha sido lo más grande".
Un triunfo para ganar popularidad
El presidente del Dynamo, que ganó los títulos de liga las temporadas del 2006 y 2007, dijo que sólo con triunfos como el conseguido frente a España iban a permitir al deporte del fútbol gane credibilidad y respeto en el extranjero y adquiera mayor popularidad dentro del país.
"El triunfo lo han conseguido jóvenes de las nuevas generaciones que quieren demostrar que el deporte del fútbol en Estados Unidos ya ha comenzado a estar en segundo plano", valoró Luck. "Sabemos que todavía falta un largo camino que recorrer, pero cada día son mayores los pasos que damos".
"El triunfo lo lograron jóvenes que quieren que el fútbol en EE.UU. tenga protagonismo" Por su parte, el entrenador del Dynamo, Dominic Kinnear, un ex internacional con la selección de Estados Unidos, dijo que el triunfo frente a España marcaba un nuevo punto de partido en lo que está siendo el desarrollo y la evolución del fútbol dentro del país.
"Ya no somos un equipo nacional de segunda fila, ahora estamos demostrando que podemos competir con cualquier rival, que nuestro estilo de juego es muy válido y que cada día vamos a más en su desarrollo", comentó Kinnear. "Ahora todos estarán preocupados cuando nos tengan de rival".
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
USA 2 - 0 Spain, WOW!
June 24, 2009
It was an electric game, Spain attacking with all their might and United States waiting for an error and attacking when possible then there were two errors and two counter attacks and two right actions of United States and that was done.
The effort, the attitude, the heart and the team work of USA took ahead a team that looked before the game like inferior, but in the game field it was superior in all the senses. Good for the players, good for the fans and the children of USA that they will follow the example of these players to continue playing and imitating this magnificent sport and their heroes.
The Americans made the soccer that they are known to play, with order, effort, tactically disciplined, strong, fast and with character. What more one can ask for a soccer team? The Spaniards were too confident and their trainer could not solve the problem that had among his hands; to go in disadvantage in the score and not to make great thing to solve the situation.
Spain trainer Del Bosque should make changes in his tactical formation to attack more and score the goal that would give them hope to do something else.
Congratulations for United States and a hard lesson for the Spaniards.
Fué un juego muy electrizante, España atacando con todo su poderío y Estados Unidos esperando por un error para contra atacar y hubo dos errores y dos contra ataques y dos acciones acertadas de Estados Unidos y ganó.
El esfuerzo, la actitud, el corazón y el juego en conjunto sacaron adelante a un equipo que lucía antes del juego como inferior, pero en el campo de juego fue superior en todos los sentidos. Que bueno por los jugadores, que bueno por los aficionados y los niños de USA que van a seguir el ejemplo de éstos jugadores para continuar jugando éste magnífico deporte.
Los americanos hicieron el futbol que se les conoce, ordenados, esforzados, tácticamente disciplinados, fuertes, rápidos y con carácter. Que más se puede pedir de un equipo de futbol. Los españoles se vieron muy confiados y su entrenador no pudo resolver el problema que tenía entre las manos; ir en desventaja en el marcador y no hacer gran cosa para resolver la situación.
Del Bosque debió hacer cambios en su formación táctica para atacar más y para anotar el gol que les diera esperanzas.
Felicidades para Estados Unidos y una dura lección para los españoles.
United States:
Tim Howard, Jay DeMerit, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey (Jonathan Bornstein, 88), Landon Donovan, Charlie Davies (Benny Feilhaber, 69), Jozy Altidore (Conor Casey, 83).
Spain:
Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila, Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera (Juanma Mata, 78), Cesc Fabregas (Santi Cazorla, 68), Xavi Hernandez, David Villa, Fernando Torres
It was an electric game, Spain attacking with all their might and United States waiting for an error and attacking when possible then there were two errors and two counter attacks and two right actions of United States and that was done.
The effort, the attitude, the heart and the team work of USA took ahead a team that looked before the game like inferior, but in the game field it was superior in all the senses. Good for the players, good for the fans and the children of USA that they will follow the example of these players to continue playing and imitating this magnificent sport and their heroes.
The Americans made the soccer that they are known to play, with order, effort, tactically disciplined, strong, fast and with character. What more one can ask for a soccer team? The Spaniards were too confident and their trainer could not solve the problem that had among his hands; to go in disadvantage in the score and not to make great thing to solve the situation.
Spain trainer Del Bosque should make changes in his tactical formation to attack more and score the goal that would give them hope to do something else.
Congratulations for United States and a hard lesson for the Spaniards.
Fué un juego muy electrizante, España atacando con todo su poderío y Estados Unidos esperando por un error para contra atacar y hubo dos errores y dos contra ataques y dos acciones acertadas de Estados Unidos y ganó.
El esfuerzo, la actitud, el corazón y el juego en conjunto sacaron adelante a un equipo que lucía antes del juego como inferior, pero en el campo de juego fue superior en todos los sentidos. Que bueno por los jugadores, que bueno por los aficionados y los niños de USA que van a seguir el ejemplo de éstos jugadores para continuar jugando éste magnífico deporte.
Los americanos hicieron el futbol que se les conoce, ordenados, esforzados, tácticamente disciplinados, fuertes, rápidos y con carácter. Que más se puede pedir de un equipo de futbol. Los españoles se vieron muy confiados y su entrenador no pudo resolver el problema que tenía entre las manos; ir en desventaja en el marcador y no hacer gran cosa para resolver la situación.
Del Bosque debió hacer cambios en su formación táctica para atacar más y para anotar el gol que les diera esperanzas.
Felicidades para Estados Unidos y una dura lección para los españoles.
United States:
Tim Howard, Jay DeMerit, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey (Jonathan Bornstein, 88), Landon Donovan, Charlie Davies (Benny Feilhaber, 69), Jozy Altidore (Conor Casey, 83).
Spain:
Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila, Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera (Juanma Mata, 78), Cesc Fabregas (Santi Cazorla, 68), Xavi Hernandez, David Villa, Fernando Torres
Situacion complicada para Omar Bravo
Junio 24, 2009
Omar Bravo no interesó al Cruz Azul y tampoco llegará al Atlante por su alto precio
Ni Atlante ni Cruz Azul son el futuro de Omar Bravo porque el dueño del Guadalajara, Jorge Vergara, se fue hasta las nubes al pedir dos millones de dólares por la formación del jugador ( es un abuso) que salió de Chivas para el Deportivo La Coruña.
Augusto César Lendoiro, presidente del Deportivo La Coruña, tuvo acercamiento con la directiva del Cruz Azul y hasta estuvo en las instalaciones celestes de La Noria, pero sin llegar a colocar a Bravo, quien jugó sus últimos partidos con Tigres de la UANL.
Durante la tarde y noche del pasado lunes, Lendoiro se reunió con la directiva de Potros de Hierro y se daba un hecho la contratación de Bravo, pero el martes José Antonio García, presidente del club azulgrana, informó que se cayó la negociación porque Jorge Vergara pide dos millones de dólares por derechos de formación del jugador. (por el pacto de marrulleros de los directivos y dueños de los equipos)
Por eso, García consideró excesiva la cifra de tan sólo la formación del jugador y por eso no lo firmó a pesar de que Atlante necesita de un delantero más tras la ida del colombiano Luis Gabriel Rey.
Es increible lo que pasa todos los dias en el futbol mexicano. Tu que opinas?
Omar Bravo no interesó al Cruz Azul y tampoco llegará al Atlante por su alto precio
Ni Atlante ni Cruz Azul son el futuro de Omar Bravo porque el dueño del Guadalajara, Jorge Vergara, se fue hasta las nubes al pedir dos millones de dólares por la formación del jugador ( es un abuso) que salió de Chivas para el Deportivo La Coruña.
Augusto César Lendoiro, presidente del Deportivo La Coruña, tuvo acercamiento con la directiva del Cruz Azul y hasta estuvo en las instalaciones celestes de La Noria, pero sin llegar a colocar a Bravo, quien jugó sus últimos partidos con Tigres de la UANL.
Durante la tarde y noche del pasado lunes, Lendoiro se reunió con la directiva de Potros de Hierro y se daba un hecho la contratación de Bravo, pero el martes José Antonio García, presidente del club azulgrana, informó que se cayó la negociación porque Jorge Vergara pide dos millones de dólares por derechos de formación del jugador. (por el pacto de marrulleros de los directivos y dueños de los equipos)
Por eso, García consideró excesiva la cifra de tan sólo la formación del jugador y por eso no lo firmó a pesar de que Atlante necesita de un delantero más tras la ida del colombiano Luis Gabriel Rey.
Es increible lo que pasa todos los dias en el futbol mexicano. Tu que opinas?
Spain's trainer talks about the game
Jue 24, 2009
Winning runs like the one Spain have achieved over the past two years do not come about by chance. They are a product of talented players, hard work and a winning mentality, but also solid and carefully thought-out tactics which aim to get the most out of each player.
On the eve of their semi-final against USA, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque commented about the tactics upon which Spains success are based.
It all begins with the virtual disappearance of the traditional No10, the playmaker who dictated the pace of the game and linked midfield with attack. “It is a role that only a handful of players in the world can perform. The truly great midfielders operate from ‘box to box’. La Selección relies heavily on its attackers, and our solution was to select midfielders who could both defend and create openings. Luckily for us, players like Xabi Alonso, Xavi, David Silva and Andres Iniesta are among the best in the world in this role.”
Although beaten in their first two group games, the Americans did not escape Del Bosque's eagle eye and even on the day before the final Group B games the Spaniard was refusing to write them off. “If there was any surprise, it was that the Italians rolled over so easily against Brazil. As for the Americans, they deserved to qualify,” he commented.
“The Americans have a very talented midfield and attack,” he went on. “They’ve got four match-winners, especially Donovan, who is also one of the few players who can operate as a link man. In addition, Dempsey is extremely dangerous in the air and Charlie Davies, the other forward who we didn’t know about, played very well alongside Altidore when he came on against Egypt. They’re a team with attacking options and can cause us a lot of problems.”
Del Bosque assures us that this cautious approach is neither false modesty nor an attempt to play down the favourite's tag placed upon Spain whenever they take to the pitch. “We’ve got to be very careful with this notion that we’re unbeatable, as all of our opponents now view us differently. One of the most important things is to remain level-headed and be aware that every game is a potential banana skin.”
Since he took the reins as La Roja coach in August 2008, Del Bosque has had 13 consecutive wins. “There was a lot of talk about us having an easy group in the Confederations Cup, but we only beat Iraq by a single goal, and then beat South Africa 2-0 in what was an extremely hard match. In any game of football you have to fight to win and you can always lose, and our semi-final against USA will be no exception. That’s why I don’t want to hear any talk of a Spain-Brazil final.”
But if this is indeed how the final shapes up, rest assured that Del Bosque will have done all his homework on Dunga’s Seleção.
Winning runs like the one Spain have achieved over the past two years do not come about by chance. They are a product of talented players, hard work and a winning mentality, but also solid and carefully thought-out tactics which aim to get the most out of each player.
On the eve of their semi-final against USA, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque commented about the tactics upon which Spains success are based.
It all begins with the virtual disappearance of the traditional No10, the playmaker who dictated the pace of the game and linked midfield with attack. “It is a role that only a handful of players in the world can perform. The truly great midfielders operate from ‘box to box’. La Selección relies heavily on its attackers, and our solution was to select midfielders who could both defend and create openings. Luckily for us, players like Xabi Alonso, Xavi, David Silva and Andres Iniesta are among the best in the world in this role.”
Although beaten in their first two group games, the Americans did not escape Del Bosque's eagle eye and even on the day before the final Group B games the Spaniard was refusing to write them off. “If there was any surprise, it was that the Italians rolled over so easily against Brazil. As for the Americans, they deserved to qualify,” he commented.
“The Americans have a very talented midfield and attack,” he went on. “They’ve got four match-winners, especially Donovan, who is also one of the few players who can operate as a link man. In addition, Dempsey is extremely dangerous in the air and Charlie Davies, the other forward who we didn’t know about, played very well alongside Altidore when he came on against Egypt. They’re a team with attacking options and can cause us a lot of problems.”
Del Bosque assures us that this cautious approach is neither false modesty nor an attempt to play down the favourite's tag placed upon Spain whenever they take to the pitch. “We’ve got to be very careful with this notion that we’re unbeatable, as all of our opponents now view us differently. One of the most important things is to remain level-headed and be aware that every game is a potential banana skin.”
Since he took the reins as La Roja coach in August 2008, Del Bosque has had 13 consecutive wins. “There was a lot of talk about us having an easy group in the Confederations Cup, but we only beat Iraq by a single goal, and then beat South Africa 2-0 in what was an extremely hard match. In any game of football you have to fight to win and you can always lose, and our semi-final against USA will be no exception. That’s why I don’t want to hear any talk of a Spain-Brazil final.”
But if this is indeed how the final shapes up, rest assured that Del Bosque will have done all his homework on Dunga’s Seleção.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
USA vs Spain
June 23, 2009
Few would have bet against Spain reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 but the identity of their last-four opponents has surprised everyone. Not even the most optimistic of USA fans would have tipped Bob Bradley's team for a place in the knockout phase after they lost both their opening games in disappointing fashion. Yet the Americans whipped up a perfect storm in the final round of games in Group B on Sunday 21 June to snatch second place in the section from Italy and Egypt.
The Spanish can be excused for welcoming USA's unexpected presence at this late stage. After all, before the tournament started the European champions were bracing themselves for a stern semi-final test from reigning world champions Italy. But now that the CONCACAF Gold Cup holders have negotiated their way out of a fiercely competitive group, Spain would be well advised to treat them with maximum respect.
After making several changes for the final group game against South Africa, with every member of the squad bar third goalkeeper Diego Lopez having enjoyed some playing time, Vicente del Bosque will field his strongest line-up once more. Iker Casillas returns in goal, determined to chalk up Spain's fourth clean sheet of the competition, while Xabi Alonso and Xavi will reclaim the central-midfield reins. Up front the deadly twosome of David Villa and Fernando Torres will continue their private duel for the adidas Golden Shoe.
In contrast Bradley has plenty of selection issues to ponder. His decision to hand starts to goalkeeper Brad Guzan and forward Charlie Davies paid off handsomely and the US coach will surely be tempted to keep faith with them, while also considering the role of Clint Dempsey, who made a decisive contribution against the Egyptians as an attacking spearhead.
Wednesday's meeting between Spain and USA will be a special occasion for Jozy Altidore, who signed for Villarreal last year but spent the second half of the season on loan at Xerez. The big American striker will be returning to the Yellow Submarine for the upcoming league campaign, where he will team up once more with Spain squad members Joan Capdevila, Santi Cazorla and Diego Lopez. Which of them will be smiling when the final whistle blows at the Free State?
"It's always tough to win when you're the favourites. We'll need to work hard to reach the final," Spain defender Gerard Pique.
"We came up against Spain before EURO 2008 and we played a great game. We've been watching them during this tournament and we've been taking note of their style. We know how to stop them and we are very confident," USA coach Bob Bradley.
Semi June 24 1st Group A vs. 2nd Group B 2:25 p.m. ESPN, TF
Note published by SI
Few would have bet against Spain reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 but the identity of their last-four opponents has surprised everyone. Not even the most optimistic of USA fans would have tipped Bob Bradley's team for a place in the knockout phase after they lost both their opening games in disappointing fashion. Yet the Americans whipped up a perfect storm in the final round of games in Group B on Sunday 21 June to snatch second place in the section from Italy and Egypt.
The Spanish can be excused for welcoming USA's unexpected presence at this late stage. After all, before the tournament started the European champions were bracing themselves for a stern semi-final test from reigning world champions Italy. But now that the CONCACAF Gold Cup holders have negotiated their way out of a fiercely competitive group, Spain would be well advised to treat them with maximum respect.
After making several changes for the final group game against South Africa, with every member of the squad bar third goalkeeper Diego Lopez having enjoyed some playing time, Vicente del Bosque will field his strongest line-up once more. Iker Casillas returns in goal, determined to chalk up Spain's fourth clean sheet of the competition, while Xabi Alonso and Xavi will reclaim the central-midfield reins. Up front the deadly twosome of David Villa and Fernando Torres will continue their private duel for the adidas Golden Shoe.
In contrast Bradley has plenty of selection issues to ponder. His decision to hand starts to goalkeeper Brad Guzan and forward Charlie Davies paid off handsomely and the US coach will surely be tempted to keep faith with them, while also considering the role of Clint Dempsey, who made a decisive contribution against the Egyptians as an attacking spearhead.
Wednesday's meeting between Spain and USA will be a special occasion for Jozy Altidore, who signed for Villarreal last year but spent the second half of the season on loan at Xerez. The big American striker will be returning to the Yellow Submarine for the upcoming league campaign, where he will team up once more with Spain squad members Joan Capdevila, Santi Cazorla and Diego Lopez. Which of them will be smiling when the final whistle blows at the Free State?
"It's always tough to win when you're the favourites. We'll need to work hard to reach the final," Spain defender Gerard Pique.
"We came up against Spain before EURO 2008 and we played a great game. We've been watching them during this tournament and we've been taking note of their style. We know how to stop them and we are very confident," USA coach Bob Bradley.
Semi June 24 1st Group A vs. 2nd Group B 2:25 p.m. ESPN, TF
Note published by SI
Y de repente una sorpresa!
Junio 23, 2009
Que Estados Unidos, con todo la selección número 14 del ránking FIFA, se haya clasificado para las semifinales de la Copa Confederaciones es como si un utilitario se metiese en la parrilla de salida de un GP de Fórmula 1, máxime cuando los hombres de Bob Bradley proceden del grupo de Brasil, Italia y Egipto.
España, invicta en sus tres precedentes con los 'yankees', se medirá mañana al equipo de Jozy Altidore (Xerez) en Mangaung-Bloemfontein con los pronósticos a favor y sabedora de que USA ha llegado hasta aquí de carambola.
Tras derrotar a Egipto por 0-3 y pasar ronda pese al signo negativo de su gol-average (-2), EE.UU. ha hecho suyo el slogan de Barack Obama de 'Yes we can' ('Sí, podemos'). Dempsey, 'MVP' del encuentro ante los 'faraones', ha confesado que "no sólo me enteré antes del encuentro que aún teníamos una oportunidad de entrar en 'semis' sino que también supe que nos mediríamos a España a la conclusión mismo del choque, cuando vi que todo el banquillo brincaba de alegría".
Que los americanos, vigentes campeones del CONCACAF consiguieran el objetivo ha llegado a pagarse 1:1.000.000 en las apuestas y ha dejado en evidencia a la 'azzurra' y a los egipcios. Altidore, ex del Villarreal, aseguraba que "estamos como en una nube", que "tenemos unas ganas locas de dar otra sorpresa ante España" y que "el domingo simplemente fuimos a por todas tras el 0-1".
Bob Bradley, por su parte, habló en clave de semifinales, comparando a la 'roja' con el Barça por su juego y sus récords. "Cuando no enfrentamos en el amistoso de Santander (1-0/junio de 2008), nos masacraron en la segunda parte. Tenemos que impedir que vuelvan a hacerlo ahora. España es como la selección y el Barça juntos, es un reto gigantesco. Estaremos especialmente atentos a Torres y Xavi".
Landon Donovan agregó que "durante el partido contra Egipto nos fueron informando del marcador del Brasil-Italia. Iban 3-0 y pensamos que aquella era la nuestra aunque hubo compañeros que no se enteraron de qué iba la cosa, pero se sumaron por inercia y por el honor patrio".
EE.UU. ha firmado 4 goles –la mitad de los computados a la 'roja'– y encajado 6, contra 0 de España. Los 'yankees' deshicieron el empate en el 'goal-average' con Italia gracias a que lograron uno más que ésta; ambos conjuntos terminaron con 3 puntos.
No estaba previsto que USA siguiera en competición, por lo que se han tenido que cancelar los billetes de vuelta a casa y reprogramar toda la semana
Nota de AS español
Que Estados Unidos, con todo la selección número 14 del ránking FIFA, se haya clasificado para las semifinales de la Copa Confederaciones es como si un utilitario se metiese en la parrilla de salida de un GP de Fórmula 1, máxime cuando los hombres de Bob Bradley proceden del grupo de Brasil, Italia y Egipto.
España, invicta en sus tres precedentes con los 'yankees', se medirá mañana al equipo de Jozy Altidore (Xerez) en Mangaung-Bloemfontein con los pronósticos a favor y sabedora de que USA ha llegado hasta aquí de carambola.
Tras derrotar a Egipto por 0-3 y pasar ronda pese al signo negativo de su gol-average (-2), EE.UU. ha hecho suyo el slogan de Barack Obama de 'Yes we can' ('Sí, podemos'). Dempsey, 'MVP' del encuentro ante los 'faraones', ha confesado que "no sólo me enteré antes del encuentro que aún teníamos una oportunidad de entrar en 'semis' sino que también supe que nos mediríamos a España a la conclusión mismo del choque, cuando vi que todo el banquillo brincaba de alegría".
Que los americanos, vigentes campeones del CONCACAF consiguieran el objetivo ha llegado a pagarse 1:1.000.000 en las apuestas y ha dejado en evidencia a la 'azzurra' y a los egipcios. Altidore, ex del Villarreal, aseguraba que "estamos como en una nube", que "tenemos unas ganas locas de dar otra sorpresa ante España" y que "el domingo simplemente fuimos a por todas tras el 0-1".
Bob Bradley, por su parte, habló en clave de semifinales, comparando a la 'roja' con el Barça por su juego y sus récords. "Cuando no enfrentamos en el amistoso de Santander (1-0/junio de 2008), nos masacraron en la segunda parte. Tenemos que impedir que vuelvan a hacerlo ahora. España es como la selección y el Barça juntos, es un reto gigantesco. Estaremos especialmente atentos a Torres y Xavi".
Landon Donovan agregó que "durante el partido contra Egipto nos fueron informando del marcador del Brasil-Italia. Iban 3-0 y pensamos que aquella era la nuestra aunque hubo compañeros que no se enteraron de qué iba la cosa, pero se sumaron por inercia y por el honor patrio".
EE.UU. ha firmado 4 goles –la mitad de los computados a la 'roja'– y encajado 6, contra 0 de España. Los 'yankees' deshicieron el empate en el 'goal-average' con Italia gracias a que lograron uno más que ésta; ambos conjuntos terminaron con 3 puntos.
No estaba previsto que USA siguiera en competición, por lo que se han tenido que cancelar los billetes de vuelta a casa y reprogramar toda la semana
Nota de AS español
Monday, June 22, 2009
España vs Estados Unidos
Junio 22, 2009
España se medirá el miércoles 24 a ¡Estados Unidos! en las semifinales de la Copa Confederaciones, mientras Brasil y Suráfrica lucharán el jueves por el otro billete para la final del día 28. Invicta e imbatida en el torneo, la 'roja' gozará de un día más de regeneración al respecto de los 'yankees'. Vicente del Bosque, que había alertado que "no hay que olvidar a los americanos", dio fiesta a sus efectivos a partir de la cena del sábado y hasta las 20.30 horas de ayer y aprovechó la jornada para preparar el asalto decisivo al torneo y para hacer balance.
Según recalcó Del Bosque (entrenador de España) desde el hotel de concentración, "a Xavi –todo un coleccionista de 'MVP'– no lo cambiaría por nadie, se lo pasa bien con el balón y hace jugar a los demás". Siguiendo en clave blaugrana, agregó que "Piqué y Busquets son muy limpios y muy majos y encarnan esta generación ganadora" sobre la que se cimentan los éxitos de un equipo que no encaja una derrota desde hace más de dos años.
El buen ambiente y la solidaridad al margen, también está la motivación como clave. "Aunque los jugadores están saturados, han venido", adujo y no quiso soñar con un cetro al 'Mejor Seleccionador' de 2009 o con ser manteado en caso de ganar la Copa Confederaciones por aquello de los 'achaques'. "Hombre, estas rachas nos benefician a todos", dijo discreto y admitió que "sí, sí, con títulos todo se valora más".
Nota publicada en AS de España
España se medirá el miércoles 24 a ¡Estados Unidos! en las semifinales de la Copa Confederaciones, mientras Brasil y Suráfrica lucharán el jueves por el otro billete para la final del día 28. Invicta e imbatida en el torneo, la 'roja' gozará de un día más de regeneración al respecto de los 'yankees'. Vicente del Bosque, que había alertado que "no hay que olvidar a los americanos", dio fiesta a sus efectivos a partir de la cena del sábado y hasta las 20.30 horas de ayer y aprovechó la jornada para preparar el asalto decisivo al torneo y para hacer balance.
Según recalcó Del Bosque (entrenador de España) desde el hotel de concentración, "a Xavi –todo un coleccionista de 'MVP'– no lo cambiaría por nadie, se lo pasa bien con el balón y hace jugar a los demás". Siguiendo en clave blaugrana, agregó que "Piqué y Busquets son muy limpios y muy majos y encarnan esta generación ganadora" sobre la que se cimentan los éxitos de un equipo que no encaja una derrota desde hace más de dos años.
El buen ambiente y la solidaridad al margen, también está la motivación como clave. "Aunque los jugadores están saturados, han venido", adujo y no quiso soñar con un cetro al 'Mejor Seleccionador' de 2009 o con ser manteado en caso de ganar la Copa Confederaciones por aquello de los 'achaques'. "Hombre, estas rachas nos benefician a todos", dijo discreto y admitió que "sí, sí, con títulos todo se valora más".
Nota publicada en AS de España
Sunday, June 21, 2009
USA 3 - 0 Egypt
June 21, 2009
USA, managed to pull off mission improbable and book a place in the semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Egypt. Goals from Charlie Davies, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey combined with a 3-0 win for Brazil over Italy in the section's other game booked an unlikely last-four place for the Americans, where they will meet Group A toppers Spain.
Unfazed, the Americans; hopeful and optimistic before the game despite staring likely elimination in the face, marched right up the other end and opened the scoring. The goal came well against the run of play in the 21st minute, with their first chance of the ganme. Davies, brought on by coach Bob Bradley, snuck in to take advantage of an uncommon fumble by goalkeeper Essam El Hadary - Egypt's hero of their win over Italy - to poke home from close range.
The talented Egyptians continued to control possession right up until the half-time interval, but the USA were looking dangerous. Stand-in skipper Landon Donovan was only denied by a sprawling El Hadary after going on a searing 20-yard run past three Egyptian defenders and Davies would have had his second of the night were it not for the intervention of the Swiss-based keeper once again.
The goal the USA needed to take them through to the semi-finals came in the 71st minute, sending Egypt out of the competition in the process. An inch-perfect cross from Jonathan Spector picked out Fulham man Dempsey, who made no mistake with a flying header. The other Group B match saw Brazil beat Italy by a three-goal margin to amazingly send the USA - without much of a hope at the start of the day - through to the last four. "Soccer is a funny game," Donovan said before the match, "Anything can happen." How right he was.
USA, managed to pull off mission improbable and book a place in the semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Egypt. Goals from Charlie Davies, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey combined with a 3-0 win for Brazil over Italy in the section's other game booked an unlikely last-four place for the Americans, where they will meet Group A toppers Spain.
Unfazed, the Americans; hopeful and optimistic before the game despite staring likely elimination in the face, marched right up the other end and opened the scoring. The goal came well against the run of play in the 21st minute, with their first chance of the ganme. Davies, brought on by coach Bob Bradley, snuck in to take advantage of an uncommon fumble by goalkeeper Essam El Hadary - Egypt's hero of their win over Italy - to poke home from close range.
The talented Egyptians continued to control possession right up until the half-time interval, but the USA were looking dangerous. Stand-in skipper Landon Donovan was only denied by a sprawling El Hadary after going on a searing 20-yard run past three Egyptian defenders and Davies would have had his second of the night were it not for the intervention of the Swiss-based keeper once again.
The goal the USA needed to take them through to the semi-finals came in the 71st minute, sending Egypt out of the competition in the process. An inch-perfect cross from Jonathan Spector picked out Fulham man Dempsey, who made no mistake with a flying header. The other Group B match saw Brazil beat Italy by a three-goal margin to amazingly send the USA - without much of a hope at the start of the day - through to the last four. "Soccer is a funny game," Donovan said before the match, "Anything can happen." How right he was.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Egypt vs USA
June 20, 2009
Egypt head into their clash with USA in Rustenburg in high spirits, fresh on from a shock win over world champions Italy last time out. The Stars and Stripes, for their part, are suffering through a dreadful run of form and poor results here in South Africa, having lost both of their games thus far.
American confidence is likely to be significantly lower than that of the African champions ahead of the first-ever meeting between the two nations. Bob Bradley's youthful side have lost both of their games, first 3-1 to Italy and then 3-0 to Brazil. Although they put up firm resistance in their curtain raiser, the CONCACAF champions were well and truly outplayed by Brazil last time out.
"It's disappointing to lose our first two games, but we're still in it until we're out of it. Whatever the case, we'll have to show up and give our best performance in the final group game. I think we've learned a lot from our first two matches and hopefully we can get something out of the third with Egypt," USA defender Jonathan Spector.
"The game against the United States is even more important than the ones against Italy and Brazil, if I were being honest. If we don't win against the Americans, our victory over Italy will be rendered largely meaningless. This is a decisive game and we must be ready for a fight," Egypt playmaker Mohamed Aboutrika.
June 21 Egypt vs. USA 11:25 a.m. ESPN2, TeleFutura
Who is going to win?
Egypt head into their clash with USA in Rustenburg in high spirits, fresh on from a shock win over world champions Italy last time out. The Stars and Stripes, for their part, are suffering through a dreadful run of form and poor results here in South Africa, having lost both of their games thus far.
American confidence is likely to be significantly lower than that of the African champions ahead of the first-ever meeting between the two nations. Bob Bradley's youthful side have lost both of their games, first 3-1 to Italy and then 3-0 to Brazil. Although they put up firm resistance in their curtain raiser, the CONCACAF champions were well and truly outplayed by Brazil last time out.
"It's disappointing to lose our first two games, but we're still in it until we're out of it. Whatever the case, we'll have to show up and give our best performance in the final group game. I think we've learned a lot from our first two matches and hopefully we can get something out of the third with Egypt," USA defender Jonathan Spector.
"The game against the United States is even more important than the ones against Italy and Brazil, if I were being honest. If we don't win against the Americans, our victory over Italy will be rendered largely meaningless. This is a decisive game and we must be ready for a fight," Egypt playmaker Mohamed Aboutrika.
June 21 Egypt vs. USA 11:25 a.m. ESPN2, TeleFutura
Who is going to win?
Es un obstáculo
Junio 20, 2009
Seguidores del Deportivo La Coruña señalan al presidente de Chivas, Jorge Vergara, como el culpable de que Omar Bravo no encuentre equipo en México
El Deportivo la Coruña criticó duramente al presidente de Chivas de Guadalajara, Jorge Vergara, por sus declaraciones hacia el club español y por ser el culpable de impedir la venta de Omar Bravo.
Luego de los dimes y diretes entre Vergara y el presidente de los Gallegos, Augusto César Lendoiro, por la venta de Omar Bravo al fútbol mexicano, los medios españoles han atacado al directivo del Rebaño Sagrado, al que señalan como el mayor impedimento para que el delantero juegue en su país.
El portal de Eldepor dejó manifiestó que el coraje que tiene Vergara contra el cuadro blanquiazul se debe a que Omar Bravo, en su salida de Chivas, no le generó ninguna ganacia, en cambio para el Deportivo si le dejará algún dinero en caso de realizarse la venta o préstamo de Bravo al fútbol mexicano, que es donde interesa.
"A Vergara aún le escuece que su última gran estrella le diese la espalda para jugar en Europa sin dejar un solo euro en caja, pero le duele todavía más que pueda ser el Deportivo el que saque tajada económica de la operación. Su reacción es de puro nervio: habla y habla sin control y probablemente sin conocimiento de causa", se apreció en Eldepor.
Jorge Vergara, que calificó al Deportivo como un "circo" por los sueldos que le debe a sus jugadores, señaló que el Deportivo de la Coruña no tiene en qué "caerse muerto", por falta de dinero.
Eldepor señaló a Vergara como el principal factor para que el mochiteco no se arregle con un club mexicano, esto con el fin de perjudicar aún más al conjunto hispano en el aspecto económico.
Guadalajara recibirá un cantidad por Bravo, en caso de que éste llegue a un acuerdo con un club mexicano, pero siempre y cuando sea en calidad de venta, porque a préstamo no beneficia a Chivas, ya que no gana nada, mientras que el Dépor sí obtiene ganacias.
En México existe un "pacto de caballeros" ( de marrulleros diria yo) que dice que el equipo que contrate a Bravo (como compra), deberá pagar una compensación al Rebaño, ya que fue el primer equipo del futbolista, antes de jugar en Europa.
Por la anterior situación, Omar Bravo aún no se ha podido arreglar con algunos de los clubes mexicanos que lo pretendían, como fue el caso del propio Guadalajara, Cruz Azul, Pachuca o Atlante, se aseguró en el portal.
Aunque la gran verdad es que el presidente español César Lendoiro, en su afán de obtener ganacias económicas, tasó al jugador mexicano en una cifra bastante elevada para cualquier club mexicano, pues de esa manera quiere resarcir sus pérdidas por sus malas inversiones y de paso ver si puede pagarle a sus jugadores, finaliza el portal.
http://eldepor.com/polls/567-crees-que-lendoiro-lograra-vender-a-omar-bravo
Nota publicada por espn
Seguidores del Deportivo La Coruña señalan al presidente de Chivas, Jorge Vergara, como el culpable de que Omar Bravo no encuentre equipo en México
El Deportivo la Coruña criticó duramente al presidente de Chivas de Guadalajara, Jorge Vergara, por sus declaraciones hacia el club español y por ser el culpable de impedir la venta de Omar Bravo.
Luego de los dimes y diretes entre Vergara y el presidente de los Gallegos, Augusto César Lendoiro, por la venta de Omar Bravo al fútbol mexicano, los medios españoles han atacado al directivo del Rebaño Sagrado, al que señalan como el mayor impedimento para que el delantero juegue en su país.
El portal de Eldepor dejó manifiestó que el coraje que tiene Vergara contra el cuadro blanquiazul se debe a que Omar Bravo, en su salida de Chivas, no le generó ninguna ganacia, en cambio para el Deportivo si le dejará algún dinero en caso de realizarse la venta o préstamo de Bravo al fútbol mexicano, que es donde interesa.
"A Vergara aún le escuece que su última gran estrella le diese la espalda para jugar en Europa sin dejar un solo euro en caja, pero le duele todavía más que pueda ser el Deportivo el que saque tajada económica de la operación. Su reacción es de puro nervio: habla y habla sin control y probablemente sin conocimiento de causa", se apreció en Eldepor.
Jorge Vergara, que calificó al Deportivo como un "circo" por los sueldos que le debe a sus jugadores, señaló que el Deportivo de la Coruña no tiene en qué "caerse muerto", por falta de dinero.
Eldepor señaló a Vergara como el principal factor para que el mochiteco no se arregle con un club mexicano, esto con el fin de perjudicar aún más al conjunto hispano en el aspecto económico.
Guadalajara recibirá un cantidad por Bravo, en caso de que éste llegue a un acuerdo con un club mexicano, pero siempre y cuando sea en calidad de venta, porque a préstamo no beneficia a Chivas, ya que no gana nada, mientras que el Dépor sí obtiene ganacias.
En México existe un "pacto de caballeros" ( de marrulleros diria yo) que dice que el equipo que contrate a Bravo (como compra), deberá pagar una compensación al Rebaño, ya que fue el primer equipo del futbolista, antes de jugar en Europa.
Por la anterior situación, Omar Bravo aún no se ha podido arreglar con algunos de los clubes mexicanos que lo pretendían, como fue el caso del propio Guadalajara, Cruz Azul, Pachuca o Atlante, se aseguró en el portal.
Aunque la gran verdad es que el presidente español César Lendoiro, en su afán de obtener ganacias económicas, tasó al jugador mexicano en una cifra bastante elevada para cualquier club mexicano, pues de esa manera quiere resarcir sus pérdidas por sus malas inversiones y de paso ver si puede pagarle a sus jugadores, finaliza el portal.
http://eldepor.com/polls/567-crees-que-lendoiro-lograra-vender-a-omar-bravo
Nota publicada por espn
Wish for the best
June 20, 2009
The United States and Egypt go head-to-head in their final Confederations Cup group match tomorrow in a game that could have a semifinal spot riding on it.
But while victory is a must for the Americans, a draw would be enough to put Egypt through to the semifinals if Brazil beats Italy in the other group game.
"This is like what we did together at the Nations Cup the last two times in Egypt and in Ghana, and now we're seeing the same thing in South Africa here," Egypt forward Mohamed Zidan said. "We are having enough time to prepare well for the games and the coaching staff are also having time to prepare the players."
While Egypt seemed to draw inspiration from its narrow 4-3 loss to Brazil in order to shock Italy 1-0, the United States played well in a 10-man loss to Italy but then buckled against Brazil.
"In these kind of tournaments, it's no different to the World Cup," USA coach Bob Bradley said. "Many of the players have just finished their own seasons and they can be in all different frames of mind. You come together and something can happen in that first game or two and rally everybody and push the team on and be the spark.
"Or it can easily be: now it doesn't go right, there's a little extra pressure, guys start to get nervous."
The United States needs victory and goal difference to swing its way by a barely conceivable amount if it is to edge its way into the next round. But that doesn't mean Bradley is about to employ a gung-ho attack to secure those goals.
US team needs to play the best game that has made in this tournament, sincerely only a miracle would make that United States go to the next round. But to win and to play well would give to the Americans enough confidence to continue facing the following classificatory games toward the World cup in Africa. What do you believe will be the result?
The United States and Egypt go head-to-head in their final Confederations Cup group match tomorrow in a game that could have a semifinal spot riding on it.
But while victory is a must for the Americans, a draw would be enough to put Egypt through to the semifinals if Brazil beats Italy in the other group game.
"This is like what we did together at the Nations Cup the last two times in Egypt and in Ghana, and now we're seeing the same thing in South Africa here," Egypt forward Mohamed Zidan said. "We are having enough time to prepare well for the games and the coaching staff are also having time to prepare the players."
While Egypt seemed to draw inspiration from its narrow 4-3 loss to Brazil in order to shock Italy 1-0, the United States played well in a 10-man loss to Italy but then buckled against Brazil.
"In these kind of tournaments, it's no different to the World Cup," USA coach Bob Bradley said. "Many of the players have just finished their own seasons and they can be in all different frames of mind. You come together and something can happen in that first game or two and rally everybody and push the team on and be the spark.
"Or it can easily be: now it doesn't go right, there's a little extra pressure, guys start to get nervous."
The United States needs victory and goal difference to swing its way by a barely conceivable amount if it is to edge its way into the next round. But that doesn't mean Bradley is about to employ a gung-ho attack to secure those goals.
US team needs to play the best game that has made in this tournament, sincerely only a miracle would make that United States go to the next round. But to win and to play well would give to the Americans enough confidence to continue facing the following classificatory games toward the World cup in Africa. What do you believe will be the result?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
USA 0 - 3 Brazil
June 18, 2009
The game was not good for USA team, too many errors, little imagination and little effort.
They should be very tired from their previous game against Italy because today they didn't fight and they didn't play with the same effort like in other games. The Coach didn't also know how to make the necessary changes to impulse his team to attack with conviction. Brazil defeats easily to USA 3-0 and although the last 15 minutes the Americans pushed more, it was not really that they improved but that the Brazilians no longer gave their maximum effort when they were winning for a wide margin. Again an unnecessary foul and the team finished with one player out for a red card.
The U.S. was shut out for the first time in 16 matches, dating back to the epic 0-0 draw against Argentina on July 8, 2008. The Americans also dropped their all-time record against the Brazil to 1-13, with the lone win coming back in the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and 7-18-1 all time against teams ranked in the top five in the world.
Landon Donovan said after the game:
It was not ideal to start that way. We talked about a lot of different things. One was not giving away fouls. Another was being good on set pieces. Those two things cost us early.”
We just didn’t perform. At the end of the day, it’s still 11 v. 11. We didn’t help ourselves by fouls and giving them chances to score. After they score, it doesn’t matter what tactics you are using. It makes the game difficult.”
“The Brazilians pass the ball very well. Athletically, even if you do get a chance to get around them and win a ball, they have players that can make plays to get out of situations, and the next thing you know you are chasing them again. As you saw tonight, there’s a reason why they are some of the most expensive players in the world.”
Robinho said:
"We were a little tired in our first game against Egypt and it showed in the nature of our performance," Robinho told FIFA.com. "Against the United States in our second game, we played very well. We came together as a team and showed the kind of football that we are famous for. We deserved to win and it's a great feeling to have two wins from two games.
When asked about the joyous sprit that is evident in the side's training camp, as well as in the raucous celebrations that followed each of the three goals against USA, Robinho tried to sum up the nature of football in Brazil. "We Brazilians play with joy in their hearts," said the deep-lying forward, chief joker in the camp as evidenced by his constant banter, cheeky play and broad smiles at every training session.
"It's the only way we know how to play and it's the only way we can play well. Against the United States we showed our joy and expressed ourselves through our football. We hope to keep going and do it again and again here in South Africa."
"There are great teams here that play really quality football. Italy, Spain to name just two. Either one of these teams could be champions, but so can we and this is our goal."
Lineups:
USA:
1-Tim Howard; 21-Jonathan Spector, 15-Jay DeMerit, 5-Oguchi Onyewu, 2-Jonathan Bornstein; 12-Michael Bradley, 16-Sacha Kljestan, 10-Landon Donovan, 8-Clint Dempsey, 7-DaMarcus Beasley (4-Conor Casey, 46); 17-Jozy Altidore (22-Benny Feilhaber, 60)
Subs not used:3-Carlos Bocanegra, 6-Heath Pearce, 9-Charlie Davies, 11-Marvell Wynne, 14-Danny Califf, 18-Brad Guzan, 19-Freddy Adu, 20-Jose Francisco Torres, 23-Luis Robles Not eligible: 13-Ricardo Clark (suspension)
Head Coach: Bob Bradley
BRA:
1-Julio Cesar; 2-Maicon, 3-Lucio (14-Luisao, 70), 15-Miranda, 16-Andre Santos; 18-Ramires, 8-Gilberto Silva, 10-Kaka (19-Julio Baptista, 69), 5-Felipe Melo; 11-Robinho, 9-Luis Fabiano (22-Nilmar, 69)
Subs not used: 12-Victor, 23-Gomes, 6-Kleber, 7-Elano, 13-Daniel Alves, 17-Josue, 20-Kleberson, 21-Alexandre Pato Not eligible: 4-Juan (injury)
Head Coach: Dunga
The game was not good for USA team, too many errors, little imagination and little effort.
They should be very tired from their previous game against Italy because today they didn't fight and they didn't play with the same effort like in other games. The Coach didn't also know how to make the necessary changes to impulse his team to attack with conviction. Brazil defeats easily to USA 3-0 and although the last 15 minutes the Americans pushed more, it was not really that they improved but that the Brazilians no longer gave their maximum effort when they were winning for a wide margin. Again an unnecessary foul and the team finished with one player out for a red card.
The U.S. was shut out for the first time in 16 matches, dating back to the epic 0-0 draw against Argentina on July 8, 2008. The Americans also dropped their all-time record against the Brazil to 1-13, with the lone win coming back in the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and 7-18-1 all time against teams ranked in the top five in the world.
Landon Donovan said after the game:
It was not ideal to start that way. We talked about a lot of different things. One was not giving away fouls. Another was being good on set pieces. Those two things cost us early.”
We just didn’t perform. At the end of the day, it’s still 11 v. 11. We didn’t help ourselves by fouls and giving them chances to score. After they score, it doesn’t matter what tactics you are using. It makes the game difficult.”
“The Brazilians pass the ball very well. Athletically, even if you do get a chance to get around them and win a ball, they have players that can make plays to get out of situations, and the next thing you know you are chasing them again. As you saw tonight, there’s a reason why they are some of the most expensive players in the world.”
Robinho said:
"We were a little tired in our first game against Egypt and it showed in the nature of our performance," Robinho told FIFA.com. "Against the United States in our second game, we played very well. We came together as a team and showed the kind of football that we are famous for. We deserved to win and it's a great feeling to have two wins from two games.
When asked about the joyous sprit that is evident in the side's training camp, as well as in the raucous celebrations that followed each of the three goals against USA, Robinho tried to sum up the nature of football in Brazil. "We Brazilians play with joy in their hearts," said the deep-lying forward, chief joker in the camp as evidenced by his constant banter, cheeky play and broad smiles at every training session.
"It's the only way we know how to play and it's the only way we can play well. Against the United States we showed our joy and expressed ourselves through our football. We hope to keep going and do it again and again here in South Africa."
"There are great teams here that play really quality football. Italy, Spain to name just two. Either one of these teams could be champions, but so can we and this is our goal."
Lineups:
USA:
1-Tim Howard; 21-Jonathan Spector, 15-Jay DeMerit, 5-Oguchi Onyewu, 2-Jonathan Bornstein; 12-Michael Bradley, 16-Sacha Kljestan, 10-Landon Donovan, 8-Clint Dempsey, 7-DaMarcus Beasley (4-Conor Casey, 46); 17-Jozy Altidore (22-Benny Feilhaber, 60)
Subs not used:3-Carlos Bocanegra, 6-Heath Pearce, 9-Charlie Davies, 11-Marvell Wynne, 14-Danny Califf, 18-Brad Guzan, 19-Freddy Adu, 20-Jose Francisco Torres, 23-Luis Robles Not eligible: 13-Ricardo Clark (suspension)
Head Coach: Bob Bradley
BRA:
1-Julio Cesar; 2-Maicon, 3-Lucio (14-Luisao, 70), 15-Miranda, 16-Andre Santos; 18-Ramires, 8-Gilberto Silva, 10-Kaka (19-Julio Baptista, 69), 5-Felipe Melo; 11-Robinho, 9-Luis Fabiano (22-Nilmar, 69)
Subs not used: 12-Victor, 23-Gomes, 6-Kleber, 7-Elano, 13-Daniel Alves, 17-Josue, 20-Kleberson, 21-Alexandre Pato Not eligible: 4-Juan (injury)
Head Coach: Dunga
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
USA must win this one against Brazil
June 17, 2009
Donovan knows USA face a tough task when they meet Brazil in their second FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 game tomorrow. However, the stand-in captain is confident his side, reigning champions of CONCACAF, can grind out a result against the star-studded Seleção.
Donovan's endearing optimism is contagious in the US camp.
"We had the opportunity to see some of their (Brazil's) game against Egypt and I have to be honest, it looks like they're human after all," Donovan said, noting the South Americans' nervy 4-3 win over the Pharaohs in Mangaung/Bloemfontein, a game which highlighted some serious frailties in the Brazilian rearguard.
"We hung with Italy and gave them a hard game, made things very complicated for them for a large part of our first game. I don't see any reason why we can't do exactly that against the Brazilians too. We will have an even better chance if we can keep 11 men on the field," he added, referring to Ricardo Clark's dismissal in their 3-1 defeat by Gli Azzurri.
Donovan, often criticised for going missing in big games, was the major creative force in USA's opener. Wearing the captain's armband after an injury to Carlos Bocanegra, the Los Angeles Galaxy star scored the opening goal from the spot and managed to feed team-mates in a fizzy, mature performance under heavy, and at times rough, pressure in midfield.
"Brazil is a good team, a country with a great tradition that everyone knows about," added the 27-year-old, who had a brief loan spell at Bayern Munich during the Major League Soccer winter break. "But this is now a must-win game for us. There's no option for us but to get at them and try to get a result."
Centre-back Carlos Bocanegra is expected to be back in the starting line up for the battle with Kaka, Robinho, Fabiano and Co. His steely presence in the heart of the backline was missed in the second half against the Italians. He, too, fresh from his first full training session in South Africa, is fancying his side's chances with the Brazil test just hours away.
"If we had 11 players out there against Italy for the whole game, we would have won or tied at least," remarked the former Fulham man, currently with Rennes in France, sweat dripping after a tough session at the Americans' Pilditch training facility.
"Were hungry to go and get at Brazil," concluded Bocanegra, who will take the armband back from Donovan if he plays on Thursday. "It was no fluke that we were up against Italy and pressing them even after going a man down. We want to prove that against the Brazilians. We can fight with anyone. We've played Brazil a few times recently and we've managed to get goals against them, so there's no reason we can't do it again."
Note from SI
Donovan knows USA face a tough task when they meet Brazil in their second FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 game tomorrow. However, the stand-in captain is confident his side, reigning champions of CONCACAF, can grind out a result against the star-studded Seleção.
Donovan's endearing optimism is contagious in the US camp.
"We had the opportunity to see some of their (Brazil's) game against Egypt and I have to be honest, it looks like they're human after all," Donovan said, noting the South Americans' nervy 4-3 win over the Pharaohs in Mangaung/Bloemfontein, a game which highlighted some serious frailties in the Brazilian rearguard.
"We hung with Italy and gave them a hard game, made things very complicated for them for a large part of our first game. I don't see any reason why we can't do exactly that against the Brazilians too. We will have an even better chance if we can keep 11 men on the field," he added, referring to Ricardo Clark's dismissal in their 3-1 defeat by Gli Azzurri.
Donovan, often criticised for going missing in big games, was the major creative force in USA's opener. Wearing the captain's armband after an injury to Carlos Bocanegra, the Los Angeles Galaxy star scored the opening goal from the spot and managed to feed team-mates in a fizzy, mature performance under heavy, and at times rough, pressure in midfield.
"Brazil is a good team, a country with a great tradition that everyone knows about," added the 27-year-old, who had a brief loan spell at Bayern Munich during the Major League Soccer winter break. "But this is now a must-win game for us. There's no option for us but to get at them and try to get a result."
Centre-back Carlos Bocanegra is expected to be back in the starting line up for the battle with Kaka, Robinho, Fabiano and Co. His steely presence in the heart of the backline was missed in the second half against the Italians. He, too, fresh from his first full training session in South Africa, is fancying his side's chances with the Brazil test just hours away.
"If we had 11 players out there against Italy for the whole game, we would have won or tied at least," remarked the former Fulham man, currently with Rennes in France, sweat dripping after a tough session at the Americans' Pilditch training facility.
"Were hungry to go and get at Brazil," concluded Bocanegra, who will take the armband back from Donovan if he plays on Thursday. "It was no fluke that we were up against Italy and pressing them even after going a man down. We want to prove that against the Brazilians. We can fight with anyone. We've played Brazil a few times recently and we've managed to get goals against them, so there's no reason we can't do it again."
Note from SI
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Italian-American Rossi Has Conflicting Emotions
June 16, 2009
They walked by each other in the postgame mixed zone: Giuseppe Rossi and Jozy Altidore, two New Jersey boys, two good friends, two dynamic young scorers who share the same home state, the same club in Spain (Villarreal) and the same kind of blue U.S. passport.
They just don't share the same national team.
"Hey, Jo," Rossi said with a smile after Altidore had given him a friendly slap on the shoulder.
Altidore nodded and kept walking. It was a night of conflicting emotions, after all.
In his first game against his home country, Rossi had scored two goals for Italy (the country where his parents where born) in a 3-1 win over the U.S. in the first round of the Confederations Cup. And if you wondered whether it made the night a little bittersweet for 22-year-old Italian-American, you would be right.
"Of course," Rossi said in his thick Jersey accent. "When you play against a team like the country where you were born, it's always a great emotion before coming in. But when you're on the field you have no friends. You just think about playing the game and trying to win for your team."
No player had a bigger impact on Italy's victory than Rossi, who came on as a second-half sub with Italy down 1-0 and on one of his first touches prized the ball from U.S. midfielder Benny Feilhaber, raced into space and fired a 25-yard laser past U.S. goalie Tim Howard. Rossi added an insurance goal in garbage time, putting an emphatic point on his coming-out party for the Azzurri.
Altidore couldn't help but feel good for Rossi, the player who welcomed him with open arms to Villarreal last year, but it was tinged with the disappointment that they'll never play up front together for the U.S. team.
"I'm gonna kill him, man," Altidore joked afterward. "I played with the kid at Villarreal and we're very good friends. So I'm a bit happy and a bit sad. I would love to see those goals come against somebody else."
Altidore played his own role in the U.S.'s goal, earning the penalty that was converted by Landon Donovan for a 1-0 advantage. But this was Italy's night in the end, not least because U.S. midfielder Ricardo Clark's disputed red card changed the game. Most players thought Clark's challenge on Gennaro Gattuso didn't deserve a straight red,but the result was that it left plenty of open spaces in the center of the field for the Italian attackers, including Rossi.
It's not likely that the U.S. could have done much more to persuade Rossi to choose the Stars & Stripes. If you have the chance to play for Italy, you go for it. But that didn't ease the pain for U.S. Soccer of seeing an American native light up the South African night for another team.
"It would have been our hope that Giuseppe would have played for the U.S., but he made his decision," said U.S. coach Bob Bradley, who knows Rossi's family well. "He is a very talented young player.
Today is an exciting day for him and obviously a very disappointing day for us."
A day that U.S. fans always thought might be coming, eventually. A day when Giuseppe Rossi, late of Clifton, N.J., sunk the Americans.
Note posted in SI
They walked by each other in the postgame mixed zone: Giuseppe Rossi and Jozy Altidore, two New Jersey boys, two good friends, two dynamic young scorers who share the same home state, the same club in Spain (Villarreal) and the same kind of blue U.S. passport.
They just don't share the same national team.
"Hey, Jo," Rossi said with a smile after Altidore had given him a friendly slap on the shoulder.
Altidore nodded and kept walking. It was a night of conflicting emotions, after all.
In his first game against his home country, Rossi had scored two goals for Italy (the country where his parents where born) in a 3-1 win over the U.S. in the first round of the Confederations Cup. And if you wondered whether it made the night a little bittersweet for 22-year-old Italian-American, you would be right.
"Of course," Rossi said in his thick Jersey accent. "When you play against a team like the country where you were born, it's always a great emotion before coming in. But when you're on the field you have no friends. You just think about playing the game and trying to win for your team."
No player had a bigger impact on Italy's victory than Rossi, who came on as a second-half sub with Italy down 1-0 and on one of his first touches prized the ball from U.S. midfielder Benny Feilhaber, raced into space and fired a 25-yard laser past U.S. goalie Tim Howard. Rossi added an insurance goal in garbage time, putting an emphatic point on his coming-out party for the Azzurri.
Altidore couldn't help but feel good for Rossi, the player who welcomed him with open arms to Villarreal last year, but it was tinged with the disappointment that they'll never play up front together for the U.S. team.
"I'm gonna kill him, man," Altidore joked afterward. "I played with the kid at Villarreal and we're very good friends. So I'm a bit happy and a bit sad. I would love to see those goals come against somebody else."
Altidore played his own role in the U.S.'s goal, earning the penalty that was converted by Landon Donovan for a 1-0 advantage. But this was Italy's night in the end, not least because U.S. midfielder Ricardo Clark's disputed red card changed the game. Most players thought Clark's challenge on Gennaro Gattuso didn't deserve a straight red,but the result was that it left plenty of open spaces in the center of the field for the Italian attackers, including Rossi.
It's not likely that the U.S. could have done much more to persuade Rossi to choose the Stars & Stripes. If you have the chance to play for Italy, you go for it. But that didn't ease the pain for U.S. Soccer of seeing an American native light up the South African night for another team.
"It would have been our hope that Giuseppe would have played for the U.S., but he made his decision," said U.S. coach Bob Bradley, who knows Rossi's family well. "He is a very talented young player.
Today is an exciting day for him and obviously a very disappointing day for us."
A day that U.S. fans always thought might be coming, eventually. A day when Giuseppe Rossi, late of Clifton, N.J., sunk the Americans.
Note posted in SI
Monday, June 15, 2009
USA 1 - 3 Italy
June 15, 2009
Unfortunately the american player Ricardo Clark made a very imprudent action that punished the whole team. I found that Clark didn't think that there are game rules and violent behaviors. Ricardo Clark made a violent foul that caused his red card. If having remained the USA team with their 11 players into the field, the final history of the game had been different. Any way the image after going winning to the Italians has been good and I hope that against Brazil the US players maintain the calm and play an intelligent soccer game to have some options of winning to Brazil.
In the 40th minute, Giorgio Chiellini hauled down young USA striker Jozy Altidore and a penalty was awarded. Donovan, kept his cool to slot past Gianluigi Buffon and give his team a shock 1-0 lead. The inspiration came from substitute Rossi. The USA-born Villarreal striker took the ball off Clint Dempsey in midfield with his first touch of the ball in the 58th minute, inside 50 seconds of coming on to the pitch, raced towards the US goal and unleashed a vicious left-foot strike past Howard from 30 yards and into the top corner.
After the equaliser, the Italians were in firm control. And in the 71st minute, Daniele de Rossi, who was sent off the last time the two teams met at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, turned an unleashed a low drive from the edge of the box that snuck by two American defenders and just past Howard, nestling in the side netting.
Rossi rubbed salt into the wounds of his birth country four minutes into stoppage time, slamming a half-volley home from close range to make it 3-1. It signalled the end of a brave fight by the Americans and Italy now move to the top of Group B, even with Brazil on three points.
Lineups:USA:
1-Tim Howard; 21-Jonathan Spector, 5-Oguchi Onyewu, 15-Jay DeMerit, 2-Jonathan Bornstein (16-Sacha Kljestan, 86); 22-Benny Feilhaber (7-DaMarcus Beasley, 72), 13 -Ricardo Clark, 12-Michael Bradley, 8-Clint Dempsey; 10-Landon Donovan, 17-Jozy Altidore (9-Charlie Davies, 66)Subs not used: 3-Carlos Bocanegra, 4-Conor Casey, 6-Heath Pearce, 11-Marvell Wynne, 14-Danny Califf, 18-Brad Guzan, 19-Freddy Adu, 20-Jose Francisco Torres, 23-Luis RoblesHead Coach: Bob Bradley
ITA:
1-Gianluigi Buffon; 19-Gianluca Zambrotta, 4-Girogio Chiellini, 6-Nicola Legrottaglie, 3-Fabio Grosso; 8-Gennaro Gattuso (17-Giuseppe Rossi, 57), 10-Daniele De Rossi, 21-Andrea Pirlo; 15-Vincenzo Iaquinta, 11-Alberto Gilardino (9-Luca Toni, 69), 16-Mauro Camoranesi (20-Riccardo Montolivo, 57)Subs not used: 2-Davide Santon, 5-Fabio Cannavaro, 7-Simone Pepe, 12-Morgan De Sanctis, 13-Alessandro Gamberini, 14-Marco Amelia, 18-Angelo Palombo, 22-Andrea Dossena, 23-Fabio Quagliarella Head Coach: Marcello Lippi
Desafortunadamente el jugador Ricardo Clark cometió una falta muy imprudente, que castigó a todo el equipo. Me pareció que Clark no piensa que hay reglas de juego y conductas violentas. Lo que hizo Ricardo fue una conducta violenta que ameritó su expulsión. De haber permanecido el equipo USA con sus 11 jugadores, la historia final del juego hubiera sido muy diferente.
De cualquier manera la imagen después de ir ganando a los italianos ha sido buena y espero que en contra de Brasil los jugadores mantengan la calma y jueguen un futbol inteligente para tener alguna opción de ganarle a Brasil.
What is your comment about Ricardo's foul?
Unfortunately the american player Ricardo Clark made a very imprudent action that punished the whole team. I found that Clark didn't think that there are game rules and violent behaviors. Ricardo Clark made a violent foul that caused his red card. If having remained the USA team with their 11 players into the field, the final history of the game had been different. Any way the image after going winning to the Italians has been good and I hope that against Brazil the US players maintain the calm and play an intelligent soccer game to have some options of winning to Brazil.
In the 40th minute, Giorgio Chiellini hauled down young USA striker Jozy Altidore and a penalty was awarded. Donovan, kept his cool to slot past Gianluigi Buffon and give his team a shock 1-0 lead. The inspiration came from substitute Rossi. The USA-born Villarreal striker took the ball off Clint Dempsey in midfield with his first touch of the ball in the 58th minute, inside 50 seconds of coming on to the pitch, raced towards the US goal and unleashed a vicious left-foot strike past Howard from 30 yards and into the top corner.
After the equaliser, the Italians were in firm control. And in the 71st minute, Daniele de Rossi, who was sent off the last time the two teams met at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, turned an unleashed a low drive from the edge of the box that snuck by two American defenders and just past Howard, nestling in the side netting.
Rossi rubbed salt into the wounds of his birth country four minutes into stoppage time, slamming a half-volley home from close range to make it 3-1. It signalled the end of a brave fight by the Americans and Italy now move to the top of Group B, even with Brazil on three points.
Lineups:USA:
1-Tim Howard; 21-Jonathan Spector, 5-Oguchi Onyewu, 15-Jay DeMerit, 2-Jonathan Bornstein (16-Sacha Kljestan, 86); 22-Benny Feilhaber (7-DaMarcus Beasley, 72), 13 -Ricardo Clark, 12-Michael Bradley, 8-Clint Dempsey; 10-Landon Donovan, 17-Jozy Altidore (9-Charlie Davies, 66)Subs not used: 3-Carlos Bocanegra, 4-Conor Casey, 6-Heath Pearce, 11-Marvell Wynne, 14-Danny Califf, 18-Brad Guzan, 19-Freddy Adu, 20-Jose Francisco Torres, 23-Luis RoblesHead Coach: Bob Bradley
ITA:
1-Gianluigi Buffon; 19-Gianluca Zambrotta, 4-Girogio Chiellini, 6-Nicola Legrottaglie, 3-Fabio Grosso; 8-Gennaro Gattuso (17-Giuseppe Rossi, 57), 10-Daniele De Rossi, 21-Andrea Pirlo; 15-Vincenzo Iaquinta, 11-Alberto Gilardino (9-Luca Toni, 69), 16-Mauro Camoranesi (20-Riccardo Montolivo, 57)Subs not used: 2-Davide Santon, 5-Fabio Cannavaro, 7-Simone Pepe, 12-Morgan De Sanctis, 13-Alessandro Gamberini, 14-Marco Amelia, 18-Angelo Palombo, 22-Andrea Dossena, 23-Fabio Quagliarella Head Coach: Marcello Lippi
Desafortunadamente el jugador Ricardo Clark cometió una falta muy imprudente, que castigó a todo el equipo. Me pareció que Clark no piensa que hay reglas de juego y conductas violentas. Lo que hizo Ricardo fue una conducta violenta que ameritó su expulsión. De haber permanecido el equipo USA con sus 11 jugadores, la historia final del juego hubiera sido muy diferente.
De cualquier manera la imagen después de ir ganando a los italianos ha sido buena y espero que en contra de Brasil los jugadores mantengan la calma y jueguen un futbol inteligente para tener alguna opción de ganarle a Brasil.
What is your comment about Ricardo's foul?
Sunday, June 14, 2009
USA's dream to beat Italy
June 14, 2009
Bob Bradley's side are every inch the underdogs. However, spirits in the American camp are high, bullish even, ahead of their first test tomorrow.
"It's not in our nature, it's certainly not in mine, to come to a tournament just to participate," giant American centre-back Oguchi Onyewu said from the USA's Pilditch training camp. "We're here in South Africa to achieve something. If it's a medal or a trophy, that's great." On the other end of the pitch, Clint Dempsey, says "We're not considered among the favourites here, we know that. But if we keep our focus, keep calm and keep the ball, then we're in with a chance."
The clash with star-studded Italy will have special meaning for many of the American players. Six members of the current US squad were in the team that drew 1-1 with I Azzurri in Kaiserslautern three years and two days ago in the group stages of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It was the only point the Americans managed in a demoralising campaign in Germany, and it was earned the hard way. The over-tough clash saw two US players and one Italian sent off, but the result inspires confidence that, on their day, the USA can match even the world's best.
"I remember that game," Standard Liege man Onyewu, 'Gooch' to his team-mates, said with a smile as the sun faded away behind the training stadium in Central Pretoria. "If this game turns out to be a physical battle like that one, that's not a worry for us. We can handle it. But these are two different teams and no two games are ever alike."
The Italians, who have ten players returning from the ferocious contest in Kaiserslautern, have at their disposal a bevy of lethal strikers in the form of Luca Toni, Alberto Gilardino, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Giuseppe Rossi and Fabio Quagliarella. Some tall and powerful, some smaller and trickier, all deadly in front of goal, the Azzurri frontline has scored no fewer than 10 times in their last two friendlies.
It's cause for some concern to Onyewu, but nothing that will get the big man of Nigerian ancestry too flustered. "I know they have some good forwards, you can't help but think about them and try to prepare for the guys you're going to face.
Known to team-mates and friends as 'Deuce,' Dempsey, a rap recording artist when not terrorising opposition defences with his flicks, tricks and combative, physical style, is in wholehearted agreement. "Yeah, we're not favourites to win here," said this survivor of the Kaiserslautern battle in 2006. "But we know what we can do as a team when things are going right and we're playing together. We're united as a team and we're starting to feel good here."
It's a tall order for USA here in South Africa. Up against not only Italy but also Brazil also in the first round, they have their work cut out. However, to a man, the Americans are optimistic, excited, enthusiastic and keen to shake up the established world order.
USA and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard
We're nobody's favourite for the title. We know that. But we're going to scratch, claw and fight to get some results here.
Send us your comment, who is going to win?
Bob Bradley's side are every inch the underdogs. However, spirits in the American camp are high, bullish even, ahead of their first test tomorrow.
"It's not in our nature, it's certainly not in mine, to come to a tournament just to participate," giant American centre-back Oguchi Onyewu said from the USA's Pilditch training camp. "We're here in South Africa to achieve something. If it's a medal or a trophy, that's great." On the other end of the pitch, Clint Dempsey, says "We're not considered among the favourites here, we know that. But if we keep our focus, keep calm and keep the ball, then we're in with a chance."
The clash with star-studded Italy will have special meaning for many of the American players. Six members of the current US squad were in the team that drew 1-1 with I Azzurri in Kaiserslautern three years and two days ago in the group stages of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It was the only point the Americans managed in a demoralising campaign in Germany, and it was earned the hard way. The over-tough clash saw two US players and one Italian sent off, but the result inspires confidence that, on their day, the USA can match even the world's best.
"I remember that game," Standard Liege man Onyewu, 'Gooch' to his team-mates, said with a smile as the sun faded away behind the training stadium in Central Pretoria. "If this game turns out to be a physical battle like that one, that's not a worry for us. We can handle it. But these are two different teams and no two games are ever alike."
The Italians, who have ten players returning from the ferocious contest in Kaiserslautern, have at their disposal a bevy of lethal strikers in the form of Luca Toni, Alberto Gilardino, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Giuseppe Rossi and Fabio Quagliarella. Some tall and powerful, some smaller and trickier, all deadly in front of goal, the Azzurri frontline has scored no fewer than 10 times in their last two friendlies.
It's cause for some concern to Onyewu, but nothing that will get the big man of Nigerian ancestry too flustered. "I know they have some good forwards, you can't help but think about them and try to prepare for the guys you're going to face.
Known to team-mates and friends as 'Deuce,' Dempsey, a rap recording artist when not terrorising opposition defences with his flicks, tricks and combative, physical style, is in wholehearted agreement. "Yeah, we're not favourites to win here," said this survivor of the Kaiserslautern battle in 2006. "But we know what we can do as a team when things are going right and we're playing together. We're united as a team and we're starting to feel good here."
It's a tall order for USA here in South Africa. Up against not only Italy but also Brazil also in the first round, they have their work cut out. However, to a man, the Americans are optimistic, excited, enthusiastic and keen to shake up the established world order.
USA and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard
We're nobody's favourite for the title. We know that. But we're going to scratch, claw and fight to get some results here.
Send us your comment, who is going to win?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Cristiano y Kaká dejarán 90 millones por año
Junio 13, 2009
El Madrid podría amortizar ambos fichajes en sólo dos temporadas
Tras la sacudida mediática, el Madrid ya traduce el impacto económico de Cristiano Ronaldo y Kaká. El club calcula que su llegada incrementará sus percepciones anuales en 90 millones de euros, toda vez que situará en cabeza su marca tanto en el mercado anglosajón (con Cristiano) como en el latino (con Kaká). Incluso se considera conservador el cálculo teniendo en cuenta que Simon Chadwick, director del Centro de Negocios Internacionales del Deporte de la Universidad de Coventry, eleva a 70 millones la repercusión anual de cada uno de ellos. "Beckham vendió un millón de camisetas en sus primeros seis meses. Estos pagarán con creces sus fichajes", dice.
Según la primera estimación del club, los traspasos se amortizarían en sólo dos años, porque una vez que Florentino complete la plantilla, comenzará a renegociar los contratos con los patrocinadores, algo que ya hizo en su anterior etapa.
"Yo pagué más que nadie por un futbolista, Zidane: 73 millones. Y fue el fichaje más barato que hice", defiende el presidente ante quienes le acusan de pagar precios por encima de mercado. En su etapa inicial, los ingresos pasaron de 100 a 300 millones sólo con la llegada de Figo y Zidane. Ahora no maneja un incremento tan brutal, porque los dos tercios del presupuesto que corresponden a derechos de televisión y aforo son difícilmente mejorables. El tercio de merchandising sí se disparará. Quizá en mayor medida que ese 62% en que creció durante su anterior mandato.
En 2004, Florentino renegoció el contrato con Adidas, que concluía en 2008. Lo amplió hasta 2012 y el Madrid pasó de cobrar 12 millones a 18 en los primeros cuatro años y a 24 en los siguientes. Ahora podría emprender una iniciativa similar, toda vez que vestirá de blanco a uno de los iconos de la firma, Kaká, y al más importante de su principal competidora, Cristiano. Bwin, el patrocinador de la camiseta, renovó su contrato por cuatro años a razón de 25 millones cada uno durante la transición de Vicente Boluda. Habrá que ver si ese trato también es revisable. "Los patrocinadores no van a pagar lo mismo ahora que cuando no estaba Cristiano", afirma Rudolf Schouten, director de desarrollo corporativo de la empresa publicitaria BPMO.
Los palcos vips, la publicidad estática del estadio y las giras del equipo son manifiestamente mejorables. Plácido Arango, director del Observatorio Económico del Deporte, considera que Kaká y Cristiano "pueden duplicar tranquilamente" el millón que cobra el club por amistoso. "Beckham le salió gratis al Madrid y Kaká y Cristiano también son una inversión. Permitirán ingresos publicitarios que no serían posibles sin ellos. Los patrocinadores renegociarán y la mejora en el rendimiento deportivo dará más dinero. El Madrid pagará los sueldos de ambos sólo con el 50% de los derechos de imagen que les ceden, que pueden rozar los 25 millones al año, y amortizará en seis temporadas el precio de los traspasos".
Según Arango, "en su anterior mandato, Florentino golpeó al Barça, al Manchester y al Calcio. Ahora se convierte en referente y derrota con dinero del fútbol a los jeques, a aquellos que pretenden imponer un poder exógeno con fortunas que no vienen del propio fútbol".
Un informe de la Universidad de Navarra tasa en 82 millones el precio de Cristiano, 12 menos de los pagados, pero deja en 63 el de Kaká, cifra cercana a la que desembolsa el Madrid. "No se puede acusar al club de romper el mercado. El precio correcto es aquel en el que el comprador recupera la inversión y el vendedor obtiene fondos para adquirir activos similares al que vende", defiende uno de sus responsables.
Nota publicada por AS de España
El Madrid podría amortizar ambos fichajes en sólo dos temporadas
Tras la sacudida mediática, el Madrid ya traduce el impacto económico de Cristiano Ronaldo y Kaká. El club calcula que su llegada incrementará sus percepciones anuales en 90 millones de euros, toda vez que situará en cabeza su marca tanto en el mercado anglosajón (con Cristiano) como en el latino (con Kaká). Incluso se considera conservador el cálculo teniendo en cuenta que Simon Chadwick, director del Centro de Negocios Internacionales del Deporte de la Universidad de Coventry, eleva a 70 millones la repercusión anual de cada uno de ellos. "Beckham vendió un millón de camisetas en sus primeros seis meses. Estos pagarán con creces sus fichajes", dice.
Según la primera estimación del club, los traspasos se amortizarían en sólo dos años, porque una vez que Florentino complete la plantilla, comenzará a renegociar los contratos con los patrocinadores, algo que ya hizo en su anterior etapa.
"Yo pagué más que nadie por un futbolista, Zidane: 73 millones. Y fue el fichaje más barato que hice", defiende el presidente ante quienes le acusan de pagar precios por encima de mercado. En su etapa inicial, los ingresos pasaron de 100 a 300 millones sólo con la llegada de Figo y Zidane. Ahora no maneja un incremento tan brutal, porque los dos tercios del presupuesto que corresponden a derechos de televisión y aforo son difícilmente mejorables. El tercio de merchandising sí se disparará. Quizá en mayor medida que ese 62% en que creció durante su anterior mandato.
En 2004, Florentino renegoció el contrato con Adidas, que concluía en 2008. Lo amplió hasta 2012 y el Madrid pasó de cobrar 12 millones a 18 en los primeros cuatro años y a 24 en los siguientes. Ahora podría emprender una iniciativa similar, toda vez que vestirá de blanco a uno de los iconos de la firma, Kaká, y al más importante de su principal competidora, Cristiano. Bwin, el patrocinador de la camiseta, renovó su contrato por cuatro años a razón de 25 millones cada uno durante la transición de Vicente Boluda. Habrá que ver si ese trato también es revisable. "Los patrocinadores no van a pagar lo mismo ahora que cuando no estaba Cristiano", afirma Rudolf Schouten, director de desarrollo corporativo de la empresa publicitaria BPMO.
Los palcos vips, la publicidad estática del estadio y las giras del equipo son manifiestamente mejorables. Plácido Arango, director del Observatorio Económico del Deporte, considera que Kaká y Cristiano "pueden duplicar tranquilamente" el millón que cobra el club por amistoso. "Beckham le salió gratis al Madrid y Kaká y Cristiano también son una inversión. Permitirán ingresos publicitarios que no serían posibles sin ellos. Los patrocinadores renegociarán y la mejora en el rendimiento deportivo dará más dinero. El Madrid pagará los sueldos de ambos sólo con el 50% de los derechos de imagen que les ceden, que pueden rozar los 25 millones al año, y amortizará en seis temporadas el precio de los traspasos".
Según Arango, "en su anterior mandato, Florentino golpeó al Barça, al Manchester y al Calcio. Ahora se convierte en referente y derrota con dinero del fútbol a los jeques, a aquellos que pretenden imponer un poder exógeno con fortunas que no vienen del propio fútbol".
Un informe de la Universidad de Navarra tasa en 82 millones el precio de Cristiano, 12 menos de los pagados, pero deja en 63 el de Kaká, cifra cercana a la que desembolsa el Madrid. "No se puede acusar al club de romper el mercado. El precio correcto es aquel en el que el comprador recupera la inversión y el vendedor obtiene fondos para adquirir activos similares al que vende", defiende uno de sus responsables.
Nota publicada por AS de España
USA-Italy preview
June 13, 2009
Italy have not lost to the US in over 75 years of competitive soccer. Anyway, Bob Bradley's Americans are hoping to spring a surprise in the two sides' opening match of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.
The match
USA-Italy, 15 June, Tshwane/Pretoria
World champions Italy face a potential banana skin in their 2009 Confederations Cup opener against reigning CONCACAF kings the USA. The Americans are currently in a rich vein of form, losing only twice in their last 13 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and fresh off a come-from-behind win over Honduras just seven days ago. The Italians, though blessed with world-class talent throughout the team and on top of European Zone qualifying Group 9 for South Africa 2010, have not played a competitive match since 1 April.
The Americans, arrive in Africa with a strong, youthful squad. Coach Bob Bradley, who took over from former mentor Bruce Arena after the failures of the last FIFA World Cup finals in Germany in 2006, has assembled a team bristling with spirit and optimism, if a little short on experienced campaigners.
In nine meetings historically, Italy have never lost to the USA. The two first met in the opening game of the 1934 FIFA World Cup, where Italy ran out 7-1 winners. The last clash between the two ended in a 1-1 draw, in Kaiserslautern at Germany 2006.
Key battle
With a raft of sturdy players throughout his team, USA coach Bradley will need the creative influence of Landon Donovan to be on display. And in the same withdrawn striker role, will be Andrea Pirlo. One of the most elegant and improvisational playmakers in the modern game, the AC Milan man could well make the difference for the Italians. If the last meeting between the two teams, the 1-1 draw in Kaiserslautern, is any indication, the game in Pretoria may well be a fierce physical battle. If so, the slightest creative spark may swing the balance.
Did you know?
Striker Giuseppe Rossi could well have been lining up for the United States in the Confed opener, rather than Italy. Born in Teaneck, New Jersey to Italian immigrant, Rossi - who has played for Manchester United, Newcastle and now Villarreal in Spain - could not resist the pull of the old continent. Having lined up at every level of Italy's youth system, he officially pledged his future to the Azzurri on October of 2008, appearing in a senior game against Bulgaria and finally putting an end to a protracted tug-of-war.
The quote
"This first game with the United States is obviously the most important for us. They are a quality opponent, eager, and a strong team that are difficult to break down. We need to keep totally focused on this first game because it will set the rhythm for us. It could make or break us," Italy coach Marcello Lippi
Italy have not lost to the US in over 75 years of competitive soccer. Anyway, Bob Bradley's Americans are hoping to spring a surprise in the two sides' opening match of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.
The match
USA-Italy, 15 June, Tshwane/Pretoria
World champions Italy face a potential banana skin in their 2009 Confederations Cup opener against reigning CONCACAF kings the USA. The Americans are currently in a rich vein of form, losing only twice in their last 13 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and fresh off a come-from-behind win over Honduras just seven days ago. The Italians, though blessed with world-class talent throughout the team and on top of European Zone qualifying Group 9 for South Africa 2010, have not played a competitive match since 1 April.
The Americans, arrive in Africa with a strong, youthful squad. Coach Bob Bradley, who took over from former mentor Bruce Arena after the failures of the last FIFA World Cup finals in Germany in 2006, has assembled a team bristling with spirit and optimism, if a little short on experienced campaigners.
In nine meetings historically, Italy have never lost to the USA. The two first met in the opening game of the 1934 FIFA World Cup, where Italy ran out 7-1 winners. The last clash between the two ended in a 1-1 draw, in Kaiserslautern at Germany 2006.
Key battle
With a raft of sturdy players throughout his team, USA coach Bradley will need the creative influence of Landon Donovan to be on display. And in the same withdrawn striker role, will be Andrea Pirlo. One of the most elegant and improvisational playmakers in the modern game, the AC Milan man could well make the difference for the Italians. If the last meeting between the two teams, the 1-1 draw in Kaiserslautern, is any indication, the game in Pretoria may well be a fierce physical battle. If so, the slightest creative spark may swing the balance.
Did you know?
Striker Giuseppe Rossi could well have been lining up for the United States in the Confed opener, rather than Italy. Born in Teaneck, New Jersey to Italian immigrant, Rossi - who has played for Manchester United, Newcastle and now Villarreal in Spain - could not resist the pull of the old continent. Having lined up at every level of Italy's youth system, he officially pledged his future to the Azzurri on October of 2008, appearing in a senior game against Bulgaria and finally putting an end to a protracted tug-of-war.
The quote
"This first game with the United States is obviously the most important for us. They are a quality opponent, eager, and a strong team that are difficult to break down. We need to keep totally focused on this first game because it will set the rhythm for us. It could make or break us," Italy coach Marcello Lippi
Friday, June 12, 2009
U.S. Soccer Men's National Team Games At The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
June 12, 2009
The U.S. Men’s National Team’s matches at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup will be broadcast live on Univision Networks, which will televise all 16 matches of the tournament, which takes place June 14-28 in South Africa.
The United States is in Group B along with reigning world champions Italy, five-time World Cup winners Brazil, and reigning African Cup of Nations winners Egypt.
The U.S. against Italy on June 15. Three days later, the U.S. faces Brazil. The United States finishes group play on June 21 against Egypt. All three U.S. group matches will be broadcast live on TeleFutura. The U.S. is playing in its fourth FIFA Confederations Cup tournament. The team reached the semifinals of the 1999 tournament, beating Germany and New Zealand in group play before losing to hosts Mexico in the semifinals. 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Television
2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Television Schedule.
No..Round...Date.......Match.......Time (ET)......TV Venue
1..Group A..June 14 South Africa vs. Iraq 9:55 a.m. ESPN2, Gala
2.Group A..June 14 New Zealand vs. Spain 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Univ
3...Group B... June 15 Brazil vs. Egypt 9:55 a.m. ESPN2, Gala
4...Group B... June 15 USA vs. Italy 2:25 p.m. ESPN, TeleFutura
5...Group A... June 17 Spain vs. Iraq 9:55 a.m. ESPN2, Galavisión
6.Group A June 17 SAfrica vs. New Zealand 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Galav.
7...Group B.. June 18 USA vs. Brazil 9:55 a.m. ESPN2, TeleFutura
8...Group B.. June 18 Egypt vs. Italy 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Galavisión
9..Group A.June 20 Spain vs. South Africa 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Univisión
10...Group B.. June 21 Egypt vs. USA 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, TeleFutura
11...Group B.. June 21 Egypt vs. USA 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, TeleFutura
12..Group B.. June 21 Italy vs. Brazil 2:25 p.m. ESPN, Univisión
13.Semi June 24 1st Group A vs. 2nd Group B 2:25 p.m. ESPN, TF
14.Semi June 25 1st Group B vs. 2nd Group A 2:25 p.m. ESPN, TF
15..Third Place 6/28 Runner-up 13 vs. Ru-up 14 8:55 a.m. ESPN2, Uni
16..Final June 28 Winner 13 vs. Winner 14 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Uni
The U.S. Men’s National Team’s matches at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup will be broadcast live on Univision Networks, which will televise all 16 matches of the tournament, which takes place June 14-28 in South Africa.
The United States is in Group B along with reigning world champions Italy, five-time World Cup winners Brazil, and reigning African Cup of Nations winners Egypt.
The U.S. against Italy on June 15. Three days later, the U.S. faces Brazil. The United States finishes group play on June 21 against Egypt. All three U.S. group matches will be broadcast live on TeleFutura. The U.S. is playing in its fourth FIFA Confederations Cup tournament. The team reached the semifinals of the 1999 tournament, beating Germany and New Zealand in group play before losing to hosts Mexico in the semifinals. 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Television
2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Television Schedule.
No..Round...Date.......Match.......Time (ET)......TV Venue
1..Group A..June 14 South Africa vs. Iraq 9:55 a.m. ESPN2, Gala
2.Group A..June 14 New Zealand vs. Spain 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Univ
3...Group B... June 15 Brazil vs. Egypt 9:55 a.m. ESPN2, Gala
4...Group B... June 15 USA vs. Italy 2:25 p.m. ESPN, TeleFutura
5...Group A... June 17 Spain vs. Iraq 9:55 a.m. ESPN2, Galavisión
6.Group A June 17 SAfrica vs. New Zealand 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Galav.
7...Group B.. June 18 USA vs. Brazil 9:55 a.m. ESPN2, TeleFutura
8...Group B.. June 18 Egypt vs. Italy 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Galavisión
9..Group A.June 20 Spain vs. South Africa 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Univisión
10...Group B.. June 21 Egypt vs. USA 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, TeleFutura
11...Group B.. June 21 Egypt vs. USA 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, TeleFutura
12..Group B.. June 21 Italy vs. Brazil 2:25 p.m. ESPN, Univisión
13.Semi June 24 1st Group A vs. 2nd Group B 2:25 p.m. ESPN, TF
14.Semi June 25 1st Group B vs. 2nd Group A 2:25 p.m. ESPN, TF
15..Third Place 6/28 Runner-up 13 vs. Ru-up 14 8:55 a.m. ESPN2, Uni
16..Final June 28 Winner 13 vs. Winner 14 2:25 p.m. ESPN2, Uni
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
No malgastes tu dinero
Junio 9, 2009
Enfrentarse a Trinidad en Mexico no es nada interesante, lo bueno va a ser cuando la seleccion vaya a Trinidad a pagar la visita y necesite los 3 puntos, ahi si será interesante.
En Mexico se le gana a casi todos. Por lo tanto espero un marcador de 4-0, aclaro que a favor de México por si tenian dudas y que son logicas tener en éstos momentos. Asi que no se vayan con la finta de que será un partido complicado, lo que buscan los periodistas y las televisoras es crear morbo y de que vayas a gastar tu dinero al Azteca.
Mejor velo por la TV, no malgastes tu dinero, comprate tu six y unas botanitas y ya la hiciste, mejor que estar dándole tu dinero a los directivos corruptos.
Enfrentarse a Trinidad en Mexico no es nada interesante, lo bueno va a ser cuando la seleccion vaya a Trinidad a pagar la visita y necesite los 3 puntos, ahi si será interesante.
En Mexico se le gana a casi todos. Por lo tanto espero un marcador de 4-0, aclaro que a favor de México por si tenian dudas y que son logicas tener en éstos momentos. Asi que no se vayan con la finta de que será un partido complicado, lo que buscan los periodistas y las televisoras es crear morbo y de que vayas a gastar tu dinero al Azteca.
Mejor velo por la TV, no malgastes tu dinero, comprate tu six y unas botanitas y ya la hiciste, mejor que estar dándole tu dinero a los directivos corruptos.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
More games for USA team
June 4, 2009
After a difficult 3-1 loss against Costa Rica Wednesday at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San Jose, the U.S. Men have returned to the U.S. in preparation for Saturday's FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Honduras at Soldier Field in Chicago. Over 50,000 have been sold for the match, which comes against the very opponent who handed the U.S. their last defeat on home soil.
Coverage for Saturday's contenst begins at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN and Galavision
After the game against Honduras the US team travels to its commitment of the Confederations Cup in South Africa
The eight-team competition showcases confederation champions from across the world, and also provides a glimpse of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ hosts South Africa.
The United States has been drawn into a powerful Group B along with reigning world champions Italy, five-time World Cup winners Brazil, and reigning African Cup of Nations winners Egypt for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 that will be played from June 14-28, 2009, in South Africa.
The U.S. kicks off action against Italy on June 15 at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane/Pretoria, and then faces Brazil on June 18 in the same venue. The United States finishes group play on June 21 against Egypt at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
Played in four venues during two weeks, the tournament will serve as excellent preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Schedule
Group A Teams
ESP IRQ NZL RSA
Group B Teams
USA BRA EGY ITA
Group A
Jun. 14 South Africa vs. Iraq Johannesburg 10 a.m.
Jun. 14 New Zealand vs. Spain Rustenberg 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 17 Spain vs. Iraq Manguang/Bloemfontein 10 a.m.
Jun. 17 South Africa vs. New Zealand Rustenberg 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 20 Iraq vs. New Zealand Johannesburg 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 20 Spain vs. South Africa Manguang/Bloemfonein 2:30 p.m.
Group B
Jun. 15 Brazil vs. Egypt Manguang/Bloemfontein 10 a.m.
Jun. 15 United States vs. Italy Tshwane/Pretoria 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 18 United States vs. Brazil Tshwane/Pretoria 10 a.m.
Jun. 18 Egypt vs. Italy Johannesburg 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 21 Italy vs. Brazil Tshwane/Pretoria 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 21 Egypt vs. United States Rustenberg 2:30 p.m.
After a difficult 3-1 loss against Costa Rica Wednesday at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San Jose, the U.S. Men have returned to the U.S. in preparation for Saturday's FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Honduras at Soldier Field in Chicago. Over 50,000 have been sold for the match, which comes against the very opponent who handed the U.S. their last defeat on home soil.
Coverage for Saturday's contenst begins at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN and Galavision
After the game against Honduras the US team travels to its commitment of the Confederations Cup in South Africa
The eight-team competition showcases confederation champions from across the world, and also provides a glimpse of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ hosts South Africa.
The United States has been drawn into a powerful Group B along with reigning world champions Italy, five-time World Cup winners Brazil, and reigning African Cup of Nations winners Egypt for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 that will be played from June 14-28, 2009, in South Africa.
The U.S. kicks off action against Italy on June 15 at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane/Pretoria, and then faces Brazil on June 18 in the same venue. The United States finishes group play on June 21 against Egypt at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
Played in four venues during two weeks, the tournament will serve as excellent preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Schedule
Group A Teams
ESP IRQ NZL RSA
Group B Teams
USA BRA EGY ITA
Group A
Jun. 14 South Africa vs. Iraq Johannesburg 10 a.m.
Jun. 14 New Zealand vs. Spain Rustenberg 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 17 Spain vs. Iraq Manguang/Bloemfontein 10 a.m.
Jun. 17 South Africa vs. New Zealand Rustenberg 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 20 Iraq vs. New Zealand Johannesburg 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 20 Spain vs. South Africa Manguang/Bloemfonein 2:30 p.m.
Group B
Jun. 15 Brazil vs. Egypt Manguang/Bloemfontein 10 a.m.
Jun. 15 United States vs. Italy Tshwane/Pretoria 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 18 United States vs. Brazil Tshwane/Pretoria 10 a.m.
Jun. 18 Egypt vs. Italy Johannesburg 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 21 Italy vs. Brazil Tshwane/Pretoria 2:30 p.m.
Jun. 21 Egypt vs. United States Rustenberg 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Costa Rica defeated USA 3-1
June 3, 2009
The Ticos beat the region's top-ranked team on the artificial turf of Saprissa Stadium as the United States stumbled for the second straight time in Central America.
It was a rough start to a difficult three-match stretch of qualifying for the No. 14-ranked Americans, who dropped to seven losses and a draw in qualifying at Costa Rica. Donovan's goal was the first for the Americans in Costa Rica since 2000.
The Americans have to return home to Chicago, where on Saturday they'll host Honduras, the last team to beat them in a qualifier on U.S. soil. The United States has won 15 and drawn once at home since the 3-2 defeat at Washington's RFK Stadium in September 2001.
Then, on Aug. 12, the Americans play at Mexico.
Saborio got the first goal when he cut around Jose Francisco Torres, and then easily beat an onrushing Bradley and DaMarcus Beasley to shot over goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Esteban Sirias created the second goal when he moved down the left flank, avoided a tackle by Mastroeni and crossed to Borges, who had an open shot from 11 yards.
Herrera entered in the 56th and scored 13 minutes later when he got around Bradley and beat Howard to the near post from about 15 yards.
The Ticos beat the region's top-ranked team on the artificial turf of Saprissa Stadium as the United States stumbled for the second straight time in Central America.
It was a rough start to a difficult three-match stretch of qualifying for the No. 14-ranked Americans, who dropped to seven losses and a draw in qualifying at Costa Rica. Donovan's goal was the first for the Americans in Costa Rica since 2000.
The Americans have to return home to Chicago, where on Saturday they'll host Honduras, the last team to beat them in a qualifier on U.S. soil. The United States has won 15 and drawn once at home since the 3-2 defeat at Washington's RFK Stadium in September 2001.
Then, on Aug. 12, the Americans play at Mexico.
Saborio got the first goal when he cut around Jose Francisco Torres, and then easily beat an onrushing Bradley and DaMarcus Beasley to shot over goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Esteban Sirias created the second goal when he moved down the left flank, avoided a tackle by Mastroeni and crossed to Borges, who had an open shot from 11 yards.
Herrera entered in the 56th and scored 13 minutes later when he got around Bradley and beat Howard to the near post from about 15 yards.
Reasons your home is not selling
April 2013
There's a buzz in the air. The real estate market has
improved and may be on the road to recovery.
But the improvement in the housing market is not treating all home sellers equally. Some well-priced listings in prime locations are selling within a couple of weeks. In other areas, it still takes months to sell, and prices haven't fully stabilized.
There are several factors that could be keeping your home from selling. One is the state of the local housing market. Residential real estate is a local business. National trends, while informative, don't necessarily apply to the state of the market in your neighborhood.
Other factors include: the list price; the condition of your property; or lack of broad marketing exposure.
The housing market is pulling out of the worst recession since the Great Depression. This is fresh in buyers' minds. There are plenty of buyers who think this is the right time to buy, but they're not inclined to make offers on overpriced listings.
Sellers often wonder why buyers won't make an offer at a lower price if they think the list price is high. Buyers don't want to waste their time making an offer if the seller is unrealistic. Making an offer takes a lot of time and emotional energy. Most buyers who have the wherewithal to buy a home don't have time to waste.
There are "bottom feeders" who give sellers lowball offers below market value hoping to get lucky. These buyers also won't pay over the asking price. They want a bargain. You can do better than that if you price your home right for the market.
Here are clues that your listing might be priced too high. You don't receive any showings, or you receive showings but no repeat showings. Buyers usually look at a listing more than once before making an offer. Another possibility is that buyers look at your home and then buy another listing that is priced more in line with the market.
I am going to give you feedback from buyers who have seen your home. If they like the house but not at the price you're asking, that's a clear indication that you should adjust the price if you want to sell.
Some sellers have false expectations about the current picked-up market. In some areas, the improved market means that homes are taking less time to sell, not that prices have increased.
In other markets, prices have jumped approximately 25 percent from a year ago but are still way below where they were at the peak of the market. If prices dropped 50 percent in your area, they need to increase 100 percent to get back to where they were before the decline.
For instance, if your home was worth $100,000 in 2006 and dropped 50 percent in value and then increased 50 percent of the lower value, it would be worth $75,000. It needs to increase 100 percent ($50,000 plus $50,000) to recoup your loss.
The condition of your home will influence the market value. You need to lower the price to account for deferred maintenance or a dated decor, or take care of these issues so that you can present your home in move-in condition. You'll then attract more buyers and sell for more.
More than 88 percent of today's home buyers use the Internet to find a home. I will give you the internet sites where I expose your house information including a lot of good quality photographs.
But the improvement in the housing market is not treating all home sellers equally. Some well-priced listings in prime locations are selling within a couple of weeks. In other areas, it still takes months to sell, and prices haven't fully stabilized.
There are several factors that could be keeping your home from selling. One is the state of the local housing market. Residential real estate is a local business. National trends, while informative, don't necessarily apply to the state of the market in your neighborhood.
Other factors include: the list price; the condition of your property; or lack of broad marketing exposure.
The housing market is pulling out of the worst recession since the Great Depression. This is fresh in buyers' minds. There are plenty of buyers who think this is the right time to buy, but they're not inclined to make offers on overpriced listings.
Sellers often wonder why buyers won't make an offer at a lower price if they think the list price is high. Buyers don't want to waste their time making an offer if the seller is unrealistic. Making an offer takes a lot of time and emotional energy. Most buyers who have the wherewithal to buy a home don't have time to waste.
There are "bottom feeders" who give sellers lowball offers below market value hoping to get lucky. These buyers also won't pay over the asking price. They want a bargain. You can do better than that if you price your home right for the market.
Here are clues that your listing might be priced too high. You don't receive any showings, or you receive showings but no repeat showings. Buyers usually look at a listing more than once before making an offer. Another possibility is that buyers look at your home and then buy another listing that is priced more in line with the market.
I am going to give you feedback from buyers who have seen your home. If they like the house but not at the price you're asking, that's a clear indication that you should adjust the price if you want to sell.
Some sellers have false expectations about the current picked-up market. In some areas, the improved market means that homes are taking less time to sell, not that prices have increased.
In other markets, prices have jumped approximately 25 percent from a year ago but are still way below where they were at the peak of the market. If prices dropped 50 percent in your area, they need to increase 100 percent to get back to where they were before the decline.
For instance, if your home was worth $100,000 in 2006 and dropped 50 percent in value and then increased 50 percent of the lower value, it would be worth $75,000. It needs to increase 100 percent ($50,000 plus $50,000) to recoup your loss.
The condition of your home will influence the market value. You need to lower the price to account for deferred maintenance or a dated decor, or take care of these issues so that you can present your home in move-in condition. You'll then attract more buyers and sell for more.
More than 88 percent of today's home buyers use the Internet to find a home. I will give you the internet sites where I expose your house information including a lot of good quality photographs.
Important game USA vs Costa Rica today
June 3, 2009
The U.S. Men’s National Team arrived in San Jose, and has completed its two training sessions on the turf at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Kickoff for Wednesday night's contest begins at 8 p.m. MT on ESPN2, ESPN360.com and Galavision
Team......................... GP... Pts
United States.................3.....7
Costa Rica................... 3......6
Honduras.....................3......4
Mexico........................3..... 3
El Salvador...................3..... 2
Trinidad & Tobago..........3..... 2
Upcoming CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Final Round Fixtures
Date.......Match............Venue
June 3 Costa Rica vs. USA Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Ayma; San Jose
June 6 El Salvador vs. Mexico Estadio Cuscatlan; San Salvador
June 6 Trinidad & Tobago vs. Costa Rica Dwight Yorke Stadium
June 6 USA vs. Honduras Soldier Field; Chicago
June 10 Mexico vs. Trinidad & Tobago Estadio Azteca; Mexico City
June 10 Honduras vs. El Salvador Estadio Olimpico; San Pedro Sula
The U.S. Men’s National Team arrived in San Jose, and has completed its two training sessions on the turf at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Kickoff for Wednesday night's contest begins at 8 p.m. MT on ESPN2, ESPN360.com and Galavision
Team......................... GP... Pts
United States.................3.....7
Costa Rica................... 3......6
Honduras.....................3......4
Mexico........................3..... 3
El Salvador...................3..... 2
Trinidad & Tobago..........3..... 2
Upcoming CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Final Round Fixtures
Date.......Match............Venue
June 3 Costa Rica vs. USA Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Ayma; San Jose
June 6 El Salvador vs. Mexico Estadio Cuscatlan; San Salvador
June 6 Trinidad & Tobago vs. Costa Rica Dwight Yorke Stadium
June 6 USA vs. Honduras Soldier Field; Chicago
June 10 Mexico vs. Trinidad & Tobago Estadio Azteca; Mexico City
June 10 Honduras vs. El Salvador Estadio Olimpico; San Pedro Sula
Hugo confirma que sigue un año en la cumbre de Águilas
Junio 3, 2009
Estaba expectante Almería y, de momento, se ha quedado tranquila.
Alfonso García y Hugo Sánchez se han confirmado que siguen juntos un año más con un proyecto austero en el que las pretensiones están claras: dos buenos mediocentros y un sustituto para Álvaro Negredo.
Duda resuelta, Hugo Sánchez será entrenador del Almería hasta el 30 junio de 2010. En la cumbre de Águilas, celebrada ayer en Urcisol, la empresa propiedad de Alfonso García, el mexicano y el presidente acercaron posturas y construyeron las bases de lo que será el Almería de la temporada 2009-2010, que se asentará en el equipo que le queda al Almería.
No estarán Bruno, Mané, Negredo y sí la duda de Iriney. Se cierra así el capítulo en el que El Macho condicionó su continuidad al nivel del equipo que el máximo dirigente rojiblanco estructurara. Una noticia que garantiza el futuro inmediato de los rojiblancos y eso siempre es una buena nueva. "La idea es que siga, ahora hay que ponerse manos a la obra para trabajar", dijo ayer el presidente.
En la reunión, Alfonso García aclaró el número de incorporaciones que realizará, dos o tres. Un delantero y, máxime, dos centrocampistas. Los nombres de estos futbolistas ya están en manos del presidente. El peruano Segundo Castillo, el mexicano Gerardo Torrado y Jesús Vázquez, están entre ellos. Para la delantera, la incógnita sigue presente. Aranda, el venezolano Giancarlo Maldonado, Henok Goitom, y el brasileño Ailton José Almeida, son tres de los candidatos de una lista de la que se cae el gaditano David Barral. La permanencia del Sporting de Gijón hace que su contrato se encarezca.
El presupuesto del club almeriense será similar al elaborado la temporada pasada, que rondó los 24 millones de euros. García no quiere hipotecar el futuro de su equipo basándose en las exigencias del mexicano y, aunque fichará poco, tratará de fichar bien. "Si tiramos la casa por la ventana en dos años podemos estar en Segunda B", manifestó antes de la reunión el murciano.
A la reunión, que se prolongó desde las 11:00 hasta las 15:00 horas, asistieron el propio presidente, Hugo Sánchez y su agente FIFA, Sergio Egea, Antonio Fernández (mano derecha en la sombra del presidente) y José Juan Bonillo, vicepresidente ejecutivo de la entidad.
Nota publicada en el periodico As de España
Estaba expectante Almería y, de momento, se ha quedado tranquila.
Alfonso García y Hugo Sánchez se han confirmado que siguen juntos un año más con un proyecto austero en el que las pretensiones están claras: dos buenos mediocentros y un sustituto para Álvaro Negredo.
Duda resuelta, Hugo Sánchez será entrenador del Almería hasta el 30 junio de 2010. En la cumbre de Águilas, celebrada ayer en Urcisol, la empresa propiedad de Alfonso García, el mexicano y el presidente acercaron posturas y construyeron las bases de lo que será el Almería de la temporada 2009-2010, que se asentará en el equipo que le queda al Almería.
No estarán Bruno, Mané, Negredo y sí la duda de Iriney. Se cierra así el capítulo en el que El Macho condicionó su continuidad al nivel del equipo que el máximo dirigente rojiblanco estructurara. Una noticia que garantiza el futuro inmediato de los rojiblancos y eso siempre es una buena nueva. "La idea es que siga, ahora hay que ponerse manos a la obra para trabajar", dijo ayer el presidente.
En la reunión, Alfonso García aclaró el número de incorporaciones que realizará, dos o tres. Un delantero y, máxime, dos centrocampistas. Los nombres de estos futbolistas ya están en manos del presidente. El peruano Segundo Castillo, el mexicano Gerardo Torrado y Jesús Vázquez, están entre ellos. Para la delantera, la incógnita sigue presente. Aranda, el venezolano Giancarlo Maldonado, Henok Goitom, y el brasileño Ailton José Almeida, son tres de los candidatos de una lista de la que se cae el gaditano David Barral. La permanencia del Sporting de Gijón hace que su contrato se encarezca.
El presupuesto del club almeriense será similar al elaborado la temporada pasada, que rondó los 24 millones de euros. García no quiere hipotecar el futuro de su equipo basándose en las exigencias del mexicano y, aunque fichará poco, tratará de fichar bien. "Si tiramos la casa por la ventana en dos años podemos estar en Segunda B", manifestó antes de la reunión el murciano.
A la reunión, que se prolongó desde las 11:00 hasta las 15:00 horas, asistieron el propio presidente, Hugo Sánchez y su agente FIFA, Sergio Egea, Antonio Fernández (mano derecha en la sombra del presidente) y José Juan Bonillo, vicepresidente ejecutivo de la entidad.
Nota publicada en el periodico As de España
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Working to bring Soccer World Cup in 2018 or 2022 to US
June 2, 2009
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose years of public service have been rooted in great part by his dedication to sports and fitness, today accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors for the USA Bid Committee in its endeavor to bring the FIFA World Cup to the United States in 2018 or 2022.
As governor of California, the most populous state in the U.S. with a significant history of playing host to FIFA World Cup men’s and women’s matches, Schwarzenegger will play an influential role as a member of the Board of Directors as the USA Bid Committee prepares its application and campaign to bring the world’s largest sporting event to the United States.
"Soccer is the world's most popular sport and California has been home to some of its most exciting games, and I am proud to be a part of bringing the World Cup back to the United States," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "The millions of fans from around the globe that will travel to the United States to cheer their teams will prove a great benefit for our state, our nation and the world of soccer."
“Governor Schwarzenegger is a passionate and committed leader in all the projects he takes on,” said Sunil Gulati, the Chairman of the USA Bid Committee and President of U.S. Soccer. “California is a soccer state in every sense of the word, with participation and avid support at all levels, from its vast youth system to the professional ranks. We look forward to working with Governor Schwarzenegger in our effort to bring the World Cup back to the United States in 2018 or 2022.”
Globally as well as nationally, California has been central to the United States’ profile in soccer. For example:
The FIFA World Cup championship match in 1994 between Italy and champion Brazil was held in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., as was the title match for the women’s FIFA World Cup in 1999 won by the U.S. over China. The women’s World Cup returned to the United States in 2003, where again the title was decided in California, this time with a victory by Germany over Sweden at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Numerous Men’s and Women’s FIFA World Cup matches have been played in Carson (The Home Depot Center), Pasadena (Rose Bowl), Palo Alto (Stanford Stadium) and San Jose (Spartan Stadium), including three World Cup finals: The 1994 FIFA World Cup final between Italy and champion Brazil was played at the Rose Bowl, the 1999 Women’s FIFA World Cup final won by the U.S. against China was played at the Rose Bowl, and the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup final between Germany and Sweden was played at The Home Depot Center. In 2003, U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center at The Home Depot Center opened in Carson, Calif., and is the home for U.S. national teams at all levels from Under-14 to the full Men’s and Women’s National Teams. The NTC stands as one of the great achievements in U.S. Soccer history and has established itself as the center of the soccer world in the United States. Los Angeles is the only city that is home to two clubs in Major League Soccer - the L.A. Galaxy and Chivas USA. Both clubs share The Home Depot Center as their home stadium. California has also been host to international friendlies and marquee events such as Major League Soccer’s All-Star Game and MLS Cup matches, and the recent inaugural match for the new Women’s Professional Soccer league. The first-ever U.S. Soccer Development Academy Showcase was held at the U.S. NTC in 2007, along with the 2008 Development Academy Finals Week. The 2009 Development Academy Finals Week will also be held at the U.S. NTC, from July 10-19. Also, six stadiums in California are among 58 venues in the United States that are under consideration to play host to FIFA World Cup matches in 2018 or 2022 – the Rose Bowl, Stanford Stadium, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Memorial Stadium in Berkeley and Oakland-Alameda County Stadium in Oakland. No other state has as many as six stadiums in the running.
In 1994, the U.S. used nine stadiums – including the Rose Bowl and Stanford Stadium – to host the FIFA World Cup, which then featured a 24-team and 52-match format compared to today’s field of 32 nations competing in 64 matches. Despite the smaller field and schedule of matches in 1994, the United States set an overall attendance mark of 3,587,538, a record that broke the previous tournament mark by more than one million fans and still stands today.
The United States is one of nine candidate nations that have formally declared their desire to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. The others are Australia, England, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and Russia, with joint bids from Netherlands-Belgium and Portugal-Spain. Qatar and South Korea have applied only as candidates to play host to the tournament in 2022.
All candidates must have their bid applications to FIFA by May 14, 2010. FIFA’s 24 member Executive Committee will study the bids, conduct site visits and name the two hosts for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments in December 2010, completing a 21-month bid and review process.
Gov. Schwarzenegger joins the Board of Directors of the USA Bid Committee that recently welcomed U.S. National Team icons Landon Donovan and Mia Hamm, as well as former U.S. Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger. In the months ahead the USA Bid Committee will add additional national leaders from the sectors of sports, entertainment, government and business.
The USA Bid Committee’s efforts also recently earned the support of President Barack Obama, who has reached out to FIFA – the world's governing body of soccer – to endorse the efforts to bring the world’s largest sporting event back to the United States. In a letter to FIFA President Joseph “Sepp” Blatter and U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati, President Obama noted the role soccer played in his life as a youth, and its ability to unite people, communities and nations from every continent.
“Hosting another successful World Cup is important for the continued growth of the sport in the United States. And it is important to me personally,” President Obama wrote in his letter. “As a child, I played soccer on a dirt road in Jakarta, and the game brought the children of my neighborhood together. As a father, I saw that same spirit of unity alive on the fields and sidelines of my own daughters’ soccer games in Chicago.”
“Soccer is truly the world’s sport, and the World Cup promotes camaraderie and friendly competition across the globe,” President Obama added. “That is why this bid is about much more than a game. It is about the United States of America inviting the world to gather all across our great country in celebration of our common hopes and dreams.”
President Obama echoed those sentiments last month in an exclusive Univision interview conducted at the White House by renowned journalist Jorge Ramos. President Obama’s comments can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeCZOTFfOcA&feature=channel_page.
ABOUT U.S. SOCCER: Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer has helped chart the course for soccer in the USA for more than 95 years as the governing body of the sport. In this time, the Federation’s mission statement has been simple and clear: to make soccer, in all its forms, a pre-eminent sport in the United States and to continue the development of soccer at all recreational and competitive levels. To that end, the sport’s growth in the past two decades has been nothing short of remarkable as U.S. Soccer’s National Teams have continually succeeded on the world stage while also growing the game here in the United States with the support of its members. For more information, visit ussoccer.com.
ABOUT THE USA BID COMMITTEE INC.: The USA Bid Committee is a non-profit organization created to prepare a successful application to host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2018 or 2022 on behalf of the United States Soccer Federation. The Bid Committee will submit its comprehensive bid to FIFA by May 2010, with FIFA’s 24 member Executive Committee making a decision in December 2010. Members of the USA Bid Committee include Executive Director David Downs, U.S. Soccer President and USA Bid Committee Chairman Sunil Gulati, U.S. Soccer CEO and General Secretary Dan Flynn, U.S. Men’s National Team player Landon Donovan, U.S. Women’s National Team former player Mia Hamm, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber, former U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger, former Democratic National Committee National Finance Chair Philip Murphy, and former Goldman Sachs Vice Chairman (Asia) Carlos Cordeiro.
Note from ussoccer
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose years of public service have been rooted in great part by his dedication to sports and fitness, today accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors for the USA Bid Committee in its endeavor to bring the FIFA World Cup to the United States in 2018 or 2022.
As governor of California, the most populous state in the U.S. with a significant history of playing host to FIFA World Cup men’s and women’s matches, Schwarzenegger will play an influential role as a member of the Board of Directors as the USA Bid Committee prepares its application and campaign to bring the world’s largest sporting event to the United States.
"Soccer is the world's most popular sport and California has been home to some of its most exciting games, and I am proud to be a part of bringing the World Cup back to the United States," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "The millions of fans from around the globe that will travel to the United States to cheer their teams will prove a great benefit for our state, our nation and the world of soccer."
“Governor Schwarzenegger is a passionate and committed leader in all the projects he takes on,” said Sunil Gulati, the Chairman of the USA Bid Committee and President of U.S. Soccer. “California is a soccer state in every sense of the word, with participation and avid support at all levels, from its vast youth system to the professional ranks. We look forward to working with Governor Schwarzenegger in our effort to bring the World Cup back to the United States in 2018 or 2022.”
Globally as well as nationally, California has been central to the United States’ profile in soccer. For example:
The FIFA World Cup championship match in 1994 between Italy and champion Brazil was held in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., as was the title match for the women’s FIFA World Cup in 1999 won by the U.S. over China. The women’s World Cup returned to the United States in 2003, where again the title was decided in California, this time with a victory by Germany over Sweden at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Numerous Men’s and Women’s FIFA World Cup matches have been played in Carson (The Home Depot Center), Pasadena (Rose Bowl), Palo Alto (Stanford Stadium) and San Jose (Spartan Stadium), including three World Cup finals: The 1994 FIFA World Cup final between Italy and champion Brazil was played at the Rose Bowl, the 1999 Women’s FIFA World Cup final won by the U.S. against China was played at the Rose Bowl, and the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup final between Germany and Sweden was played at The Home Depot Center. In 2003, U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center at The Home Depot Center opened in Carson, Calif., and is the home for U.S. national teams at all levels from Under-14 to the full Men’s and Women’s National Teams. The NTC stands as one of the great achievements in U.S. Soccer history and has established itself as the center of the soccer world in the United States. Los Angeles is the only city that is home to two clubs in Major League Soccer - the L.A. Galaxy and Chivas USA. Both clubs share The Home Depot Center as their home stadium. California has also been host to international friendlies and marquee events such as Major League Soccer’s All-Star Game and MLS Cup matches, and the recent inaugural match for the new Women’s Professional Soccer league. The first-ever U.S. Soccer Development Academy Showcase was held at the U.S. NTC in 2007, along with the 2008 Development Academy Finals Week. The 2009 Development Academy Finals Week will also be held at the U.S. NTC, from July 10-19. Also, six stadiums in California are among 58 venues in the United States that are under consideration to play host to FIFA World Cup matches in 2018 or 2022 – the Rose Bowl, Stanford Stadium, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Memorial Stadium in Berkeley and Oakland-Alameda County Stadium in Oakland. No other state has as many as six stadiums in the running.
In 1994, the U.S. used nine stadiums – including the Rose Bowl and Stanford Stadium – to host the FIFA World Cup, which then featured a 24-team and 52-match format compared to today’s field of 32 nations competing in 64 matches. Despite the smaller field and schedule of matches in 1994, the United States set an overall attendance mark of 3,587,538, a record that broke the previous tournament mark by more than one million fans and still stands today.
The United States is one of nine candidate nations that have formally declared their desire to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. The others are Australia, England, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and Russia, with joint bids from Netherlands-Belgium and Portugal-Spain. Qatar and South Korea have applied only as candidates to play host to the tournament in 2022.
All candidates must have their bid applications to FIFA by May 14, 2010. FIFA’s 24 member Executive Committee will study the bids, conduct site visits and name the two hosts for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments in December 2010, completing a 21-month bid and review process.
Gov. Schwarzenegger joins the Board of Directors of the USA Bid Committee that recently welcomed U.S. National Team icons Landon Donovan and Mia Hamm, as well as former U.S. Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger. In the months ahead the USA Bid Committee will add additional national leaders from the sectors of sports, entertainment, government and business.
The USA Bid Committee’s efforts also recently earned the support of President Barack Obama, who has reached out to FIFA – the world's governing body of soccer – to endorse the efforts to bring the world’s largest sporting event back to the United States. In a letter to FIFA President Joseph “Sepp” Blatter and U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati, President Obama noted the role soccer played in his life as a youth, and its ability to unite people, communities and nations from every continent.
“Hosting another successful World Cup is important for the continued growth of the sport in the United States. And it is important to me personally,” President Obama wrote in his letter. “As a child, I played soccer on a dirt road in Jakarta, and the game brought the children of my neighborhood together. As a father, I saw that same spirit of unity alive on the fields and sidelines of my own daughters’ soccer games in Chicago.”
“Soccer is truly the world’s sport, and the World Cup promotes camaraderie and friendly competition across the globe,” President Obama added. “That is why this bid is about much more than a game. It is about the United States of America inviting the world to gather all across our great country in celebration of our common hopes and dreams.”
President Obama echoed those sentiments last month in an exclusive Univision interview conducted at the White House by renowned journalist Jorge Ramos. President Obama’s comments can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeCZOTFfOcA&feature=channel_page.
ABOUT U.S. SOCCER: Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer has helped chart the course for soccer in the USA for more than 95 years as the governing body of the sport. In this time, the Federation’s mission statement has been simple and clear: to make soccer, in all its forms, a pre-eminent sport in the United States and to continue the development of soccer at all recreational and competitive levels. To that end, the sport’s growth in the past two decades has been nothing short of remarkable as U.S. Soccer’s National Teams have continually succeeded on the world stage while also growing the game here in the United States with the support of its members. For more information, visit ussoccer.com.
ABOUT THE USA BID COMMITTEE INC.: The USA Bid Committee is a non-profit organization created to prepare a successful application to host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2018 or 2022 on behalf of the United States Soccer Federation. The Bid Committee will submit its comprehensive bid to FIFA by May 2010, with FIFA’s 24 member Executive Committee making a decision in December 2010. Members of the USA Bid Committee include Executive Director David Downs, U.S. Soccer President and USA Bid Committee Chairman Sunil Gulati, U.S. Soccer CEO and General Secretary Dan Flynn, U.S. Men’s National Team player Landon Donovan, U.S. Women’s National Team former player Mia Hamm, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber, former U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger, former Democratic National Committee National Finance Chair Philip Murphy, and former Goldman Sachs Vice Chairman (Asia) Carlos Cordeiro.
Note from ussoccer
Hugo Sánchez sigue en el Almería
Junio 2, 2009
Hugo Sánchez ha aceptado seguir en el Almería y cumplir el año de contrato que tenía firmado. El entrenador mexicano se ha reunido esta mañana con el dueño de la entidad, Alfonso García, en las instalaciones profesionales del presidente rojiblanco en Águilas (Murcia).
Ha asumido que sólo llegarán dos o tres jugadores (un delantero y uno o dos mediocentros) y deberá tirar con lo que queda en una plantilla que se han ido o se van a ir Negredo, Bruno, Mané, Iriney y Juanito, además de que se está valorando diversas ofertas por Esteban Solari.
http://www.marca.com/2009/06/02/futbol/equipos/almeria/1243952332.html
http://laaficion.milenio.com/futbol_internacional/nota/76934
Hugo Sánchez ha aceptado seguir en el Almería y cumplir el año de contrato que tenía firmado. El entrenador mexicano se ha reunido esta mañana con el dueño de la entidad, Alfonso García, en las instalaciones profesionales del presidente rojiblanco en Águilas (Murcia).
Ha asumido que sólo llegarán dos o tres jugadores (un delantero y uno o dos mediocentros) y deberá tirar con lo que queda en una plantilla que se han ido o se van a ir Negredo, Bruno, Mané, Iriney y Juanito, además de que se está valorando diversas ofertas por Esteban Solari.
http://www.marca.com/2009/06/02/futbol/equipos/almeria/1243952332.html
http://laaficion.milenio.com/futbol_internacional/nota/76934
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