USA to win world cup in 2010....or maybe later

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jonah_freedman/06/06/usa.summer/index.html

I read this article and had to shake my head.....the opening statement from Mr Freedman:

"The U.S. is going to win the World Cup.There, I got your attention. Of course, I don't know when that's going to happen, and I seriously doubt it will be in South Africa 2010. But even the haters agree: Sooner or later, the Yanks are going to break through"

Hmmmmm, "sooner or later, the Yanks are going to break through" not sure I agree with that statement. Now could the US win a World Cup in 2090 or maybe they will pull off a huge shock in South Africa....or neither might come true. While I am all for yahooism when it comes to sports writing, the American press is a little overboard when it comes to International Football. Playing in the CONCACAF has warped the perception of the quality and value of the US national team. When the third best team in the region is Costa Rica....that does not say much about the quality of the region. Now the quality has absolutely risen in the past decade, no doubt. But so have the other regions - noticeable Asia with the now inclusion of Australia. And especially in Africa, where I think the first non European/South American nation will win the World Cup. But let us not get ahead of ourselves with US soccer.

I do agree that these tournaments will go a long way for the US development. The one advantage the European nations have is that there is no long break between World Cups. With the European Cup being played next year, nations are always competing (France and Italy met one another a month after the WC finals for a Euro qualifier....no drop in intensity). Whether it be to qualify for one of the tournaments or playing in them, their international teams have a regular rhythm, they never need to find ways to "pump" themselves up for the World Cup. However for CONCACAF there is no equivalent, so the Gold Cup will have to make due. So, yes, this tournament is important for the US national team....the real important tournament will be the Copa America (sorry the Confederations Cup, that the US will qualify for if they win the Gold Cup is not an "important" tournament...even though Les Bleus have won two of them....).

The Copa will pit the US against South American nations - Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Paraguay etc. This should be more of a test and developmental ability for the US. Even if the US pulls some great upsets and finds themselves winning the tournament would that make them world cup favorites? NO! Although it would be a good feather for their caps.

Okay, how about the U20 World Cup? Well that is always a nice little tournament. One where you can see the stars of tomorrow - Messi, Figo, Maradona, Adriano, and Henry to name a few. It is a great place to measure the individual talent of certain nations. Is it a leading indicator of a senior sides future success? Yes and no, while Argentina and Brazil have made this their own little trophy award ceremony the true value is in the other teams that qualify and how they fare. Nations such as France, Italy and Germany have not always qualified nor fared well, but seem to do well on the senior level. While nations such as China, Uzbekistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Syria, Canada, Zambia, Kazakhstan and UAE have been participants, some more regularly than others, yet none from this non - exhaustive list would ever strike fear in any senior squad. Oh and let us not forget that Freddy Adu might "break out" at this tournament....he might....then again even if he does, heading back to Salt Lake might not be the most fertile ground for continued development. At the last tournament the break out player was Messi....who was already entrenched at Barca, slight difference. (I do agree however, that Altidore could be a revelation at this tournament and in my opinion will be more valuable to US soccer than Adu)

So where does this leave us? US a world cup champ in waiting? These three tournaments will help, but fall far short of what is needed to make the US a contender for the WC semi finals, let alone the finals or a trophy. If the US really wants to elevate its game, then the CONCACAF qualifying needs to be scrapped and rolled into the South American qualifying. Force Mexico and the US to compete with Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and the rest of the South American nations for a World Cup spot. The US and Mexico may miss out on 1 or 2 world cups, but if they are serious about elevating their game this is the only way they can achieve this. If the US wants to defeat nations such as Ghana, Italy, the Czechs or any other soccer nation on the world's biggest stage, then they need to learn how to defeat Brazil in Rio or Argentina at the Bombonero .... playing one time at Azteca Stadium does not do enough.

But that would deprive the American pundits from waxing lyrically on how the US will finally win the World Cup....as if it is just a matter of time. Tell that to the Dutch and the Spanish........never mind the soccer powers emerging in Africa - Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, etc......

Titi to Barca

http://www.sport24.com/sport24_article_actualite_sportive_football__transferts__zoom_sur_thierry_henry_le_barca_tient_henry_17007.html

Interesting....according to Sports24, Titi is on his way to Barca....will Eto'o be on the return flight?

The Spanish Race - down to the wire

This weekend, in between navigating life issues, I was able to watch GolTVs excellent coverage of the Spanish race. For those of you that are not aware that domestic soccer continues (and I am not talking about MLS), the Spanish league is down to the wire, next weekend is the last fixture with a real dog fight at the top. With Real Madrid and Barcelona tied at 73 points with Seville at 71 points, the last day will determine who wins this seasons title.

What was great watching this weekend was how things were changing at every minute. With Real Madrid going down 2-1 against Zaragoza while Barca was ahead 2-1 against cross city rivals Espanyol.....on top of all this Barca had scored a goal via the "hand of god" when Messi appeared to have punched in a goal. Both games saw draws being pulled out of the fire at the ultimate minute.

The final week will see both Barca and Real looking for victories, with Seville hoping to see both top clubs losing and they winning. Of course Real Madrid are in the driver's seat, knowing that if they win they secure the title.

However, what really struck me this weekend was watching Beckham. While I am not on top of his fan club list, far from it, I have to admit he looked very dangerous on the pitch. His ability to find players inside the 18 yard box on both set pieces and the run of play made him a dangerous weapon for Real. While he is not a true "#10" he acts as the maestro for the Real Club, with players such as VanNistelrooy, Raul, and Robinho who are offensively gifted but are not players who can distribute the ball and control the tempo of the game with their passing. Beckham does so with his play.

I find it interesting that we are starting to see articles such as the following -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/6739101.stm

Do you think Cappello and Real are having second thoughts about letting him go? Do you think Beckham has regrets leaving for the "greener fields" of the US? Or is this, as my Brett said, "What Posh wants, Posh gets" . . .

The Essential is Done - France 1 Georgia 0

Les Bleus head to their summer vacation sitting atop group B, their game in Scotland is the only match where they dropped any points suffering a shock 1-0 defeat. They sit 2 points clear of Italy and 3 points clear of Scotland, however the next round of games will determine who emerges as the top two teams in this group.

Group B

Teams	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts

France	7	6	0	1	15	2	18
Italy	7	5	1	1	13	6	16
Scotland	7	5	0	2	13	6	15
Ukraine	6	4	0	2	8	6	12
Lithuania	7	2	1	4	4	7	7
Georgia	8	2	0	6	13	14	6
Faroe Islands	8	0	0	8	2	27	0

First the game - no surprise, the Georgians packed it in, much more than did the Ukrainians on Saturday. An interesting statistic, at the midpoint of the first half, France had 13 shots, Georgia had zero.....indicative of how both teams were going to approach this match. France utterly dominated, the combo Nasri - Ribery - Anelka - Malouda worked very well. They moved the ball around with short passes at times were too unselfish, passing rather than shooting (an example was at one point Nasri and Ribery had a nice give and go, Nasri had a clear channel at the 18 but rather than shoot and test the keeper he looked to pass off). Makelele and Toulalan were recovering a tremendous amount of balls showing their value in the holding role in the midfield. Of course with all this pressure it took Nasri to liberate the French just past the half hour mark. After a strong run in the box by Ribery to the end line, his cross found Nasri at the penalty spot who coolly finished in side the left side post. A great finish for the 19 year old.

The remainder of the match was much of the same, the French owning possession and moving the ball at will, but having trouble finishing. Clerc having the best opportunity at the start of the second half where he inexplicably pushed his tap in from inside 10 yards wide. There were some scares where the Georgians look to break on the counter but just did not have the talent to beat the French back line. They also could not generate enough set pieces to really look to counter the French.

While there is not much to criticize Les Bleus on (other than not scoring 2 or 3 more goals) but the main area of question I would have is once again the selection of players....be forewarned I am getting back on my soap box....
France have had difficulty with the aerial game, both defensively on the offensive side. When healthy, Henry is not a force scoring with his head. Anelka is okay but not know for this part of his game, neither is Cisse, or Saha. And you are not going to win many aerial battles with Malouda, Ribery or Nasri.....However you know you are playing two teams that will most likely pack in the defense making passing in the last 20 meters extremely difficult (the one goal against Georgia, there were at least 6 Georgian players in the box against only 3 French players), so why not get a striker who can score on crosses and is a pure poacher, someone who can latch on to rebounds and does not need the "perfect" pass to score? And that player is....Trezeguet....I realize that the last few games in Blue he has not been at the top of his game, but these are exactly the types of games a player of his talent can blow open the match. I watched the French get plenty of space on the wings yesterday, time to cross, but no one comfortable calling for the ball. It was clear that Nasri and Ribery could run through most of the high Georgian defense but did not have the targets to pass at the end of their runs. Anelka was dangerous but always appeared to have at least two defenders on him, another striker such as Trezeguet may have created more space in the "scoring zone." The point may be moot, with France securing 6 points after the last two games they head into the summer break exactly where they need to be, and it is clear that Domenech does not value his Juventus striker as much as this blogger does.

Looking forward. The past two games will give Domenech some pause for thought when the "old guard" returns - Henry, Vieira, Sagnol, and Saha. Anelka appears firmly entrenched as one of the striker options, will he find himself paired with Henry? And if so who else sits? Vieira will most likely force Toulalan to the bench, finding a Vieira - Makelele partnership once again (however Toulalan demonstrated that he is a quality replacement for the holding role). But who will sit amongst - Ribery, Malouda, or Nasri?

Logic would dictate that Nasri would find himself back on the replacement bench, having Ribery and Malouda on the wings supporting Anelka and Henry.....but I would vote for Malouda. The Ribery - Nasri combo looked very dangerous the past two games. Both can play the "meneur de jeu" role very capably (so can Malouda, but Nasri and Ribery have a little more rapport). Ribery and Nasri, supporting Anelka and Henry could cause many defenses some serious problems, especially since every player can pop up on either wing, in the middle, deep, etc.

Domenech has the summer to work out these problems, but they are problems I am happy we have. During the last world cup, the French were criticized for its age, with the rise of Nasri, Ribery, Toulalan as well as Diarra, Benzema and Diaby gives hope that the future remains bright.

The "Second Half" - France vs Georgia

French national team manager Domenech told his players that the victory over Ukraine only represented the First Half...the second half would be the match against Georgia. After that they are off for summer break.

Tomorrow's match at Auxerre between Les Bleus and the former Soviet Union nation, should be a victory for the French. But this international football and many things can happen...look at Italy's 2-1 victory over the Faroe Islands this past weekend!

I am glad to read the players saying the right thing, that they are not overlooking this match and that once the final whistle sounded this past Saturday they were all focused on the Georgian match. So how will Domenech line them up?

First, Coupet is out due to a minor injury meaning Landreau will himself tending the goal for Les Bleus, I will not lose sleep over this.

How about the rest of the team? This is how I would line up les Bleus: in a 4-2-2-2....go on the offense from the get go and put the game out of reach early. Please don't give us another France - Lithuania where we had to wait to the dying minutes for the liberating goal.

Goal - Landreau, no brainer (although Frey playing would not make me lose sleep either)
Defense - Abidal, Thuram, Escude (Gallas was doubtful for the Ukraine game so why not give him a rest, although every time he sits France have lost recently....more useless trivia) Sagna (give the Ligue 1 defender of the year his first cap in front of his home crowd).
Midfield - Makelele, who just stated his desire to carry on for country, playing in front of the defense. Partner him once again with Toulalan and the holding midfield should be fine. In front of these two I would slot Ribery and Nasri. Allow them to roam the pitch and support the two strikers up front.
Strikers - Anelka...what can you say, he is becoming more and more indispensible to the National Team. Partner him with Cisse who is returning back to Auxerre. Cisse has been chomping at the bit for a good performance in Blue, this could be a great occasion to allow the former Auxerre sniper to shine.

I might even decide to take out Toulalan and slot in Malouda, put 3 attacking midfielders with Makelele in cover. Why all this offense? Simply because I believe Georgia will look to pack in the defense so France will need a variety of weapons to try and pry open what should be the defensive wall infront of the Georgian net. The Ukrainians this past weekend did the same but at least had one striker high on the pitch, Georgia may have all 11 behind the ball. With Cisse and Anelka pressuring the defense, channels should be opened for the dribblers - Nasri and Ribery.

This game is vital for the French, nothing other than 3 points would be acceptable, even if it has to come in the dying minutes. Reason is simple - once we start up Euro qualifiers again in Sept France has a huge rematch with the Italians in Italy and then a rematch against the Scots in Paris. Italy play Lithuania - should get the full 3 points (although they were only able to draw with the Baltic nation during the first round), Scotland - Faroe Islands, again Scotland should get the full 3 points. Assuming this holds true, France could head to the summer break with their 2 point lead on the Azurri and their 3 point lead on the Scots. This would place Les Bleus in a strong position heading to Italy. They would know that they most likely would need 4 points from their next two fixtures to allow them to place one foot into Switzerland/Austria....however a draw or gasp as loss to Georgia and look out...the summer will seem much longer and hotter than should be.

Guy Roux to northern France to manage Lens

Guy Roux, famous for building the small club of Auxerre into a French team to be reckoned with, will now join Lens. Why should we care? Primarily due to Roux's unmatched ability to find and develop talent where others have failed. It was Roux that saw in a "troubled" youth Eric Cantona a talent unmatched in the game. The story is when he recruited Cantona he told Mother and Father Cantona that their son would one day be wearing the French National Team kit and that he would personally call them when that happened....Cantona became an French football icon.

He also developed players such as Cisse, Blanc, Boli and Mexes to name a few.

His arrival at Lens will be very interesting to watch. Lens is already one of Frances better clubs, having been accustom to being at the top of the table in recent seasons. They have a loyal following and a good base. While I am not ready to say Lens will dethrone Lyon, if Roux brings a fraction of his wiliness to the Sang and Or, good things should follow to northern France.

Les Bleus fulfill their contract - half way home

France 2 - Ukraine 0

Goals from Ribery and Anelka gives France the full 3 points in this "trap" Euro Qualifier for Les Bleus. Heading into the match it was clear that nothing short of a victory would satisfy the French. In a tight group, every point, especially those at home, are and will be crucial. France headed into the match tied with Ukraine, Scotland and 2 points ahead of Italy. With a home match against Georgia, a team that France easily defeated at the opening round of qualifiers, this match was going to set the pace for the French team before they head into the summer break.

My thoughts -

First the line up. Nothing too unexpected, other than Nasri playing behind Anelka. The defense was what I expected, especially with Sagnol out. Coupet in goal, Abidal, Thuram, Gallas, Clerc along the back line. The holding midfielders - Toulalan and Makelele, no surprise with Ribery and Malouda on the wings. The young Nasri sitting behind Anelka was a bit of the surprise. While I had suggested that would be a good combo, but not sure the 19 year old was ready to be given the defacto role of #10 where the comparisons to Zidane would only mount (both are of Algerian decent, both from Marseille, both play the offensive midfield role). Unlike playing in a friendly against Austria this was a qualifying match against the a World Cup 1/4 finalists, a team that was going to pack in the defensive side of the park.

Thoughts on the game - overall the French dominated the play, Ukraine, much to be expected sat back looking for the counter and really looking for a draw and the valuable point, knowing that France need to come to Kiev on the last day of qualifiers. This appeared to work in the first half. France built up the play from the back, but could not crack the final 20 - 24 yards. What was telling was seeing the French carry up the ball and Ukraine sending one player to press while the other 9 dropped deep into coverage. More remarkable was every time a pass went to an offensive player, the Ukraine marker would be instantly upon the play. This broke any rhythm France had in their offensive end. On the other side, it was clear that Ukraine would be dangerous on set pieces, something France MUST figure out if it is to build and contend for the Euro. An early set piece by Ukraine saw a wide open Yezerskiy escape Abidal only to miss on a highly difficult cross (not sure what Abidal was doing, on the replay it was evident he just allowed the Ukrainian to stroll right down the penalty box), but the danger of a set piece goal remained. The Ukraine also looked dangerous on corners, with France marking tentatively and apparently without any urgency.

The second half was an entirely different story, the pressure from Les Bleus started to show and the Urkainian defense appeared to tire and lose their discipline. The Ribery goal was similar to his first goal for the French against Spain in the World Cup, he beat the defense on what appeared to be an off side trap and found himself one on one against the keeper. It has to be said that his first touch of a great through ball by Makelele is what made the goal. However, there were three Urkainian defenders that were beaten by the solo run from Ribery....apparent tired legs. France stuck quickly after that with a nice piece of work from "L'enfant Terrible" of French football - Anelka. He too took a through ball from the midfield and with a piece of individual skill flicked the ball over his head and his defender to open up the angle for a deadly left footed strike that left he keeper no chance. At that point the game was academic, only a last minute run and strike by Ribery that skimmed the outside post could have changed the score sheet to 3-0.

France won what was a deserved victory. While Ukraine was playing for the draw they did have some dangerous moments. In the first half only the last ditched efforts of Abidal saved Coupet from a point blank shot as well as set pieces.

The Players:

• Coupet - Made a couple of important interventions on crosses as well as on a header on a corner kick early in the match. Otherwise was not called upon to make any spectacular saves. As usual, very steady as the French back stop. Grade: B+
• Abidal - Huge mistake on the first half free kick, how he allowed his man to go to goal completely unabated is beyond me. Made up for it with a strong intervention inside his penalty area, and demonstrated his willingness and ability on the offensive end. His speed and runs created some major problems for the Ukrainian defense. Grade: B-, (have to give him the B- due to what could have been a very costly lapse in marking on the first half free kick.)
• Gallas - Was not 100% but did enough to hold down the middle of the french defense with Thuram. Not called upon to do too much. Grade B
• Thuram - The "boss" at the back. However the "boss" is showing his age. While still hugely talented and intelligent, does not have the legs any more to make up for mistakes. Was beaten at times to balls he would have easily controlled 3-5 years ago. Still takes perfect runs to balls and is always in good position. Grade B
• Clerc - Quiet game, not called upon too much. Did play well defensively, almost got to a Nasri free kick at the start of the second half. While he will not make anyone forget Sagnol, he is a solid player and will develop. Grade B- (did well defensively but lacking on offense)
• Makelele - As always the engine of the team. Was tireless on defense, tackled hard, and was the genesis of the first goal with a brilliant through ball from inside the half way line, even made some dangerous runs at the defense of Ukraine. Grade A- (due in large part to his offensive contributions)
• Toulalan - Also played a solid game along side Makelele. He did a wonderful job bridging the defense and offense, even attempting some long distance shots. Grade B +
• Malouda - Started off the match strong, posing a real threat on the wing. Had a golden opportunity early in the second half to opening up the score but rather than shooting with his weaker right foot he tried to center the ball to Anelka. Did offer the ball to Anelka on the second goal. But overall was not the decisive factor. Grade B
• Ribery - Became stronger as the game wore on. First half he showed some rust from his international absence. Made a perfect run and perfect first touch to open the score, and could have had his brace had his shot in the dying minutes been a few inches inside. Grade B+
• Nasri - Solid game, really showed strength versus defenders, dangerous on the dribbles and passes. Not bad for a 19 year old. Grade B+
  
• Anelka - A year ago if you had told me Anelka may become France's #1 striker I would have chuckled. But on his current form that is just what he may become. With Trezeguet falling out of favor, Henry still injured, Saha not 100% and Cisse working his way into form, Anelka has demonstrated that he oozes with talent. He is dangerous all over the pitch, is not afraid to shoot from anywhere in or around the penalty area, can make his own chances and can take on defenders. His goal was a piece of individual skill and he could have had another on a shot from the top of the 18 yard box. He brings a different element than Titi in that he is a bit more of an workman like striker. He is not the speedster or smooth striker that Henry is, but he makes the most of any opportunity...like a world class stiker should. It will be interesting to see what Domenech does when Henry returns. But for now, Anelka is the #1 striker for les Bleus. Grade - A-
  

Off season managerial merry go round - let the games begin

The off season has started to creep on us with England, France, Holland, Italy and Germany having their seasons over - only Spain remains with 2 more fixtures and real dog fight at the top of the table left to sort out.

But with the off season transfers, Euro qualifiers and managerial moves will consume our time. So let us look at the later since this has started in earnest with the departure of Deschamps from Juventus and Houllier from Lyon.

Deschamps did an admirable job taking a legendary club like Juventus, mired in disgrace and ensured its stay in Serie B be short. Winning Serie B with ease, Juventus will find themselves back where they belong next season, without their former player and coach. I think that Deschamps was at odds with the administration and quite honestly I think that neither side wanted the former holding midfielder to be at the helm past this season. He was using them as much as they were using his talents. Deschamps was able to motivate a bunch of players used to being at the top of Serie A as well as challenging for European trophies every season. Even with the relegation and point deduction, the Old Lady held on to many talented players, players that were more talented than 98% of those in Serie B. But Deschamps was able to ensure the motivation and concentration was strong the entire season. Managing in Serie A was a different story all together.....and for that I think Juve looks to their old manager - Capello.....all signs indicate that his stint at Real Madrid are short lived, irregardless of if he wins the Spanish title. I think Capello will want to return to the club where he was disgraced by the match fixing controversy and show everyone he can win Italian titles again.

And Real Madrid are turning soft eyes to the Special Whiner - Mourinho....the Portugese whine of war has been in an open spat with his Russian bank roller who appears to want to insert Hiddink as manager of Chelsea to allow his "toys" such as Ballack and Sheva to actually see the pitch...whether or not they will do anything on the pitch still remains to be seen. Mourinho had 3 seasons with the Russian billions and an all star team but could not get the title the London club wanted - Champions League glory.

Finally, Deschamps seems destined for a club like Lyon. Lyon has won 6 straight titles but is also chasing confirmation in the form of European glory. Deschamps was able to lead a surprise Monaco team to the Champions League finals 4 years ago, might he be the one to take on the Lyon squad and see if he can duplicate and better that feat? I think Deschamps is one of the few managers that would take on that challenge. He knows French football about as well as anyone in the game, he is well respected as a former player (one who has World Cup, European Cup and Champions League winner's trophies to point to) and he has demonstrated an ability to manage in Europe with Monaco. Lyon may also go a large change this off season (Malouda - rumored to Liverpool, Abidal, Juniho, to name a few) However they still have the largest coffers in France and a solid base to build on.

So all the pieces fall into place - Capello from Real Madrid back to Juventus, Mourinho from Chelsea to Real Madrid, Hiddink from Russian national team to Chelsea, Deschamps from Juventus to Lyon, Houllier from Lyon to French National Team (that should be interesting due to his public spat with French national team manager Domenech!) . . . then again all this gets thrown out the window when Wenger and Henry decide to go to Real Madrid, Mourinho quits to take on the Manchester City job saying he wants a real challenge, plus he can rent a room from SAF, and Houllier and Deschamps take over as co-managers of the US National team after Bradley gets sacked because the US losses to Guatemala.

Let the games begin!