Me talking soccer evolved into a great discussion on the state of sports television. I think it's a must hear. We also spit out a few LeBrons and Jeters when talking about LeBron and the All Star Game.
Sports Desk 86
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Monday, July 14, 2014
Five Things I Learned From World Cup 2014
This was a memorable World Cup for many reasons. We saw highlight reel goals, amazing team play, and breakout stars that are now fetching large transfer fees on the open market.
5. The 4-5-1 is the new big thing.
Both teams in the Final used an aggressive version of the 4-5-1 formation. Although their overall play style was different, the tactical lineup was virtually the same. Two holding midfielders to support the back four. One rushing full back to support two wide attacking midfielders or wingers, and a center forward used to set up a loan striker. Argentina were able to play it well, Brazil, Belgium, Colombia, Switzerland, and even the USA got in on the action after Jozy Altidore got hurt. Germany and France played the slightly more aggressive version of it and went with a 4-3-3, but the idea is essentially the same. It seems that the 4-5-1 could become the "default" formation that the simple 4-4-2 used to be because of its visible success here at the World Cup.
4. The USA is closer than we thought, but they still have a ways to go.
Nobody really expected the USA to make any sort of splash in this World Cup. Even Jurgen Klinsman said that this cycle was more about preparing for the future than winning it all right now. The Stars and Stripes were not picked to get out of the group featuring the eventual champions and very talented Portugal. But the USA beat Ghana, outplayed Portugal to a draw, and played with Germany for a while before succumbing to the inevitable defeat. Results like that give hope that they aren't that far off from competing a little more. It is the round of 16 match against Belgium that shows just how far they still have to go. The back line was so porous that Tim Howard had to be historically good to keep them in the game.
3. Conservative play leads to defeat in this new attacking environment.
This World Cup saw an large increase in goal scoring over the past several editions. This year featured the most goals in a tournament since 1998 and was noted for the wealth of attacking talent. Teams that played not to lose, as opposed to playing to win, often found themselves on the wrong end of the scoresheet. It is no surprise that the team that scored the most goals per game (Germany with 2.57) won the tournament. This doesn't mean that good defense is dead, however. Germany also allowed the second fewest goals per game. But it was attacking talent that stole the show.
2. Lionel Messi is still the best player in the world, but he can be stopped.
Messi may have lacked his big moment at any point in the knockout rounds, but he still had some great moments of individual skill. His goals against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran were classic Messi. While he still is the greatest talent in the world right now, there was also a blueprint of how to stop him. Iran started it by simply collapsing multiple defenders on him as he wafted closer to the box. For all of Messi's skill, he still has trouble working himself out of overly congested situations. The good news for him is that I doubt any teams in La Liga possess the world class defenders necessary to truly shut him down.
1. James Rodriguez is the truth.
Coming in to the World Cup, nobody but hard core soccer fans knew about how good AS Monaco forward James Rodriguez really was. He came into the tournament with no real pressure on his shoulders and all the room to make an impact. He left it with the Golden Boot as the top goal scorer and now has become the most coveted player in Europe. Real Madrid appear to be in real talks to bring him to Spain for more than $100 million.
In addition to this, be sure to check out my five players not to forget from the World Cup over at Soccerly.
5. The 4-5-1 is the new big thing.
Both teams in the Final used an aggressive version of the 4-5-1 formation. Although their overall play style was different, the tactical lineup was virtually the same. Two holding midfielders to support the back four. One rushing full back to support two wide attacking midfielders or wingers, and a center forward used to set up a loan striker. Argentina were able to play it well, Brazil, Belgium, Colombia, Switzerland, and even the USA got in on the action after Jozy Altidore got hurt. Germany and France played the slightly more aggressive version of it and went with a 4-3-3, but the idea is essentially the same. It seems that the 4-5-1 could become the "default" formation that the simple 4-4-2 used to be because of its visible success here at the World Cup.
4. The USA is closer than we thought, but they still have a ways to go.
Nobody really expected the USA to make any sort of splash in this World Cup. Even Jurgen Klinsman said that this cycle was more about preparing for the future than winning it all right now. The Stars and Stripes were not picked to get out of the group featuring the eventual champions and very talented Portugal. But the USA beat Ghana, outplayed Portugal to a draw, and played with Germany for a while before succumbing to the inevitable defeat. Results like that give hope that they aren't that far off from competing a little more. It is the round of 16 match against Belgium that shows just how far they still have to go. The back line was so porous that Tim Howard had to be historically good to keep them in the game.
3. Conservative play leads to defeat in this new attacking environment.
This World Cup saw an large increase in goal scoring over the past several editions. This year featured the most goals in a tournament since 1998 and was noted for the wealth of attacking talent. Teams that played not to lose, as opposed to playing to win, often found themselves on the wrong end of the scoresheet. It is no surprise that the team that scored the most goals per game (Germany with 2.57) won the tournament. This doesn't mean that good defense is dead, however. Germany also allowed the second fewest goals per game. But it was attacking talent that stole the show.
2. Lionel Messi is still the best player in the world, but he can be stopped.
Messi may have lacked his big moment at any point in the knockout rounds, but he still had some great moments of individual skill. His goals against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran were classic Messi. While he still is the greatest talent in the world right now, there was also a blueprint of how to stop him. Iran started it by simply collapsing multiple defenders on him as he wafted closer to the box. For all of Messi's skill, he still has trouble working himself out of overly congested situations. The good news for him is that I doubt any teams in La Liga possess the world class defenders necessary to truly shut him down.
1. James Rodriguez is the truth.
Coming in to the World Cup, nobody but hard core soccer fans knew about how good AS Monaco forward James Rodriguez really was. He came into the tournament with no real pressure on his shoulders and all the room to make an impact. He left it with the Golden Boot as the top goal scorer and now has become the most coveted player in Europe. Real Madrid appear to be in real talks to bring him to Spain for more than $100 million.
In addition to this, be sure to check out my five players not to forget from the World Cup over at Soccerly.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
German Glory: Die Mannschaft Win It All
It was an instant World Cup classic, one of those scoreless games that keeps you wanting for more. Both teams began the game with a wide open philosophy. It was clear that both teams were playing to win.
Despite some sloppy play early on, Germany was on the front foot for much of the match. Toni Kroos was the first victim. His sloppy header led Gonzalo Higuain to have a clear chance on goal, but he was unable to control the chance and he blundered it wide. Germany also proved to be vulnerable on the counter several times. That showed itself early when Lionel Messi blazed up the right side and tossed a shot across the face of Manuel Neuer's goal. Argentina thought they had scored when Higuain was on the receiving end of a Ezequiel Lavezzi pass, but he was more than a yard offside, so the goal didn't count.
Germany continued to be patient, even when Argentina was getting the better chances. Germany managed to put a few together towards the end of the first half. First, it was Andre Schurlle whistling in a shot from outside the box that was saved by Sergio Romero. Then, in stoppage time, Benedikt Howedes got his head to a corner and slammed it off the bar.
Germany got off to a sloppy sort of start in the second half. Substitute Sergio Aguero and Higuain got some quality shots when Germany failed to keep possession in their own end. Messi even managed to send another shot across the face of goal.
The rest of the second half was defined by physical play and Germany controlling possession, but never getting anything good to look at. Argentina's defense was simply too organized for them to break. Argentina got a few more counters to their credit, but never controlled possession for any extended period of time.
The physical play might have drawn a few more cards had this not been the World Cup Final. Javier Mascherano might have been lucky to have remained on the pitch, so was Sergio Aguero. Had this been any ordinary match, Argentina would have definitely finished a man down.
To extra time they went. In what I expected to be a fairly conservative half hour, Germany came out firing right out of the gate. Schurlle found himself free on the left side of the box and forced Romero to make an outstanding save. The subsequent rebound was fired by Mesut Ozil, but Argentina's defense rose to the occasion and kept it from reaching the goal.
The rest of the first half of extra time played out much like the second half. Germany kept possession, Argentina tried to muster a counterattack and failed. There was physical play.
It was the second half where the magic happened. In the 113th minute, Andre Schurrle found space up the left flank and flipped a perfect cross to Mario Goetze. Goetze played the ball perfectly and dropped it into the net behind Romero. The German fans both inside and outside the Maracana erupted. It was surely the goal that would win the nation their first World Cup since the reunification of Germany.
Argentina wasn't going to let that happen so easily. They threw numbers forward and, in the end, got a Messi free kick from 25 yards out. It was the kind of shot that The Magician was born to take. It was well within his range, he had put this in many times before in his career. This time, however, it was not to be. He got under it and the ball lofted harmlessly over the bar. A minute later the final whistle was blown and Germany had won their first World Cup in 24 years.
It is hard to say that the best team in the tournament didn't win. Germany played their way to the top of the group of death, survived a scare against Algeria, took care of some tough opposition in France, blew out Brazil, then outlasted Argentina to win the title. They dropped points to Ghana, and needed extra time to beat Algeria, but those were small bumps on the road for the team Germany had waited years for.
For players like Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose, and other Germans who had witnessed the semifinal defeats if 2006 and 2010, this is no better way to close the curtain on Germany's golden generation. The younger kids like Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng, and Mesut Ozil will be in great shape to carry on their legacy and make a run again four years from now.
Germany have finally won the big one again. Although this is the only major trophy they have won recently, they can certainly be talked about as one of the greatest teams of all time. Much of this core will still be together for EURO 2016 in France, and the next World Cup in Russia in 2018. A title at one or both of these competitions will cement this German side in international soccer lore alongside the recent Spanish teams and the Brazil teams of the 70s.
The only sad part is that the World Cup has come to its conclusion. Tomorrow, I will wrap this whole thing up with the moments and players that stood out from was was certainly an excellent edition of soccer's main event.
Despite some sloppy play early on, Germany was on the front foot for much of the match. Toni Kroos was the first victim. His sloppy header led Gonzalo Higuain to have a clear chance on goal, but he was unable to control the chance and he blundered it wide. Germany also proved to be vulnerable on the counter several times. That showed itself early when Lionel Messi blazed up the right side and tossed a shot across the face of Manuel Neuer's goal. Argentina thought they had scored when Higuain was on the receiving end of a Ezequiel Lavezzi pass, but he was more than a yard offside, so the goal didn't count.
Germany continued to be patient, even when Argentina was getting the better chances. Germany managed to put a few together towards the end of the first half. First, it was Andre Schurlle whistling in a shot from outside the box that was saved by Sergio Romero. Then, in stoppage time, Benedikt Howedes got his head to a corner and slammed it off the bar.
Germany got off to a sloppy sort of start in the second half. Substitute Sergio Aguero and Higuain got some quality shots when Germany failed to keep possession in their own end. Messi even managed to send another shot across the face of goal.
The rest of the second half was defined by physical play and Germany controlling possession, but never getting anything good to look at. Argentina's defense was simply too organized for them to break. Argentina got a few more counters to their credit, but never controlled possession for any extended period of time.
The physical play might have drawn a few more cards had this not been the World Cup Final. Javier Mascherano might have been lucky to have remained on the pitch, so was Sergio Aguero. Had this been any ordinary match, Argentina would have definitely finished a man down.
To extra time they went. In what I expected to be a fairly conservative half hour, Germany came out firing right out of the gate. Schurlle found himself free on the left side of the box and forced Romero to make an outstanding save. The subsequent rebound was fired by Mesut Ozil, but Argentina's defense rose to the occasion and kept it from reaching the goal.
The rest of the first half of extra time played out much like the second half. Germany kept possession, Argentina tried to muster a counterattack and failed. There was physical play.
It was the second half where the magic happened. In the 113th minute, Andre Schurrle found space up the left flank and flipped a perfect cross to Mario Goetze. Goetze played the ball perfectly and dropped it into the net behind Romero. The German fans both inside and outside the Maracana erupted. It was surely the goal that would win the nation their first World Cup since the reunification of Germany.
Argentina wasn't going to let that happen so easily. They threw numbers forward and, in the end, got a Messi free kick from 25 yards out. It was the kind of shot that The Magician was born to take. It was well within his range, he had put this in many times before in his career. This time, however, it was not to be. He got under it and the ball lofted harmlessly over the bar. A minute later the final whistle was blown and Germany had won their first World Cup in 24 years.
It is hard to say that the best team in the tournament didn't win. Germany played their way to the top of the group of death, survived a scare against Algeria, took care of some tough opposition in France, blew out Brazil, then outlasted Argentina to win the title. They dropped points to Ghana, and needed extra time to beat Algeria, but those were small bumps on the road for the team Germany had waited years for.
For players like Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose, and other Germans who had witnessed the semifinal defeats if 2006 and 2010, this is no better way to close the curtain on Germany's golden generation. The younger kids like Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng, and Mesut Ozil will be in great shape to carry on their legacy and make a run again four years from now.
Germany have finally won the big one again. Although this is the only major trophy they have won recently, they can certainly be talked about as one of the greatest teams of all time. Much of this core will still be together for EURO 2016 in France, and the next World Cup in Russia in 2018. A title at one or both of these competitions will cement this German side in international soccer lore alongside the recent Spanish teams and the Brazil teams of the 70s.
The only sad part is that the World Cup has come to its conclusion. Tomorrow, I will wrap this whole thing up with the moments and players that stood out from was was certainly an excellent edition of soccer's main event.
At Last, The Day Is Here: The World Cup Final
Today is the day, the day we learn whether Germany or Argentina will be able to call themselves World Champions for the next four years.
It is a matchup between the two teams I had ranked numbers one and two in my Round of 16 Power Rankings (coincidence? I think not), Germany, who has been the best overall team in the tournament, and Argentina, the team with the world's greatest player.
Let us begin with this extremely talented German side. This team has been long in the making. After becoming the first nation ever to qualify for four straight semifinals, they have finally taken the next step into the World Cup Final. Some were beginning to wonder if this moment would ever come. The star players this team was originally built around for the 2006 World Cup in Germany are aging. Indeed this might be the final World Cup for the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phillip Lahm, and all time World Cup leading goal scorer Miroslav Klose. Their experience, mixed with the joyous youth of Thomas Muller and Andre Shurrle has created the best German team we have ever seen. And this one might just win it all.
The strength of this team has been the murderers row of attacking midfielders this team possesses. Shurlle, Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira, and Mario Gotze all combine to form maybe the most fearsome attack this tournament has ever seen. The scary part is that not all of these guys factor in to the starting eleven on any given game. The German squad is so deep that they could probably field an entire team of reserved that would be good enough to start for literally any other country. This gives them an obvious advantage in long games and tournaments with quick turnarounds (like the World Cup knockout stages). You can tire the starters out so much, only to see them replaced with fresh legs that are just as skilled.
The only point of weakness that can be found is the lack of a dedicated striker. Mirslav Klose was the guy for the Germans in past World Cups, but his age is catching up with him. Thomas Muller, while wowing us all with goal scoring skills, is still more of a playmaker than a scorer. The only other forward listed is Lukas Podolski, who is more of a winger. With the wealth of talent elsewhere, this weakness hardly hurts them at all.
Because of all this, Argentina are sure to have their hands full. Pablo Zaboleta and Martin Demichalis are both world class defenders in their own right, but they have never seen a midfield this powerful before. The duo work well together, they both feature in the starting eleven for Manchester City in the Barclay's Premier League, and they will have to be on the same wavelength to stop the German attack. The fact that Germany can attack equally well from all flanks means that Argentina's defensive weakness will be exposed. Marcos Rojo and Ezequiel Garay are talented full backs, but probably not well suited to contain the Germans on the outside.
Midfield play will probably determine Argentina's success. Players like Lucas Biglia and Javier Mashcerano (assuming he's ready to go again after his concussion scare) will have to maintain possession and help out defensively whenever needed. It will also be their job to feed Messi and the boys on attack. The one area that Argentina are better than Germany is that they do have several dedicated strikers, all of whom are capable of playing well of Lionel Messi. Gonzalo Higuain provides a powerful threat to start the game, and Sergio Aguero can come off the bench late in the game to find a big late goal (he has a thing for finding those). They also have strong wing play from Ezequiel Lavezzi and Rodrigo Palacio.
Germany's defense is certainly capable of neutralizing this threat, although this will probably be the best team they have seen all tournament. Mats Hummels has been solid throughout, so has Jerome Boateng and Per Mertesacker. The weakness in Germany's back line is at left back, but it still isn't much of one. Benedikt Howedes, while a strong player, isn't exactly the superstar that the rest of the German starters are. Argentina can find some success attacking up their right flank.
Overall, there is a huge reason why Germany has only conceded five times in six matches. Not only is their midfield near flawless and their defense stout as can be, but they have Manuel Neuer in goal. Neuer is one of, if not the, best goalkeepers in the world. When called upon he has been absolutely stellar. I am sure he will be up for the task against the greatest attacking threat he will ever see.
Overall, this is the match that Germany have been waiting for. Joachim Low has built this team with the only goal being to win the World Cup, and now he has that goal in sight. A victory today can mean the end of a very long, very difficult road for a very talented German team. Today won't be easy, the majority of the crowd in Rio will be wearing the powder blue of Argentina and will waste no energy belting out amazing songs all match long. There is also the hex that no European team has ever won it all in South America, but I think this year that comes to an end. Coming in to the knockout rounds, I picked Argentina to win it all. That was before Germany put on the most impressive display I have ever seen against the original favorites in the semifinal. Argentina will put up quite a fight, but will come up short. I am thinking 2-1 to Germany in what should be an instant World Cup Classic.
Savor this one folks, it will be four years before something like this comes around again. I'll be back to wrap it up and put a bow on an amazing World Cup when it's over.
It is a matchup between the two teams I had ranked numbers one and two in my Round of 16 Power Rankings (coincidence? I think not), Germany, who has been the best overall team in the tournament, and Argentina, the team with the world's greatest player.
Let us begin with this extremely talented German side. This team has been long in the making. After becoming the first nation ever to qualify for four straight semifinals, they have finally taken the next step into the World Cup Final. Some were beginning to wonder if this moment would ever come. The star players this team was originally built around for the 2006 World Cup in Germany are aging. Indeed this might be the final World Cup for the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phillip Lahm, and all time World Cup leading goal scorer Miroslav Klose. Their experience, mixed with the joyous youth of Thomas Muller and Andre Shurrle has created the best German team we have ever seen. And this one might just win it all.
The strength of this team has been the murderers row of attacking midfielders this team possesses. Shurlle, Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira, and Mario Gotze all combine to form maybe the most fearsome attack this tournament has ever seen. The scary part is that not all of these guys factor in to the starting eleven on any given game. The German squad is so deep that they could probably field an entire team of reserved that would be good enough to start for literally any other country. This gives them an obvious advantage in long games and tournaments with quick turnarounds (like the World Cup knockout stages). You can tire the starters out so much, only to see them replaced with fresh legs that are just as skilled.
The only point of weakness that can be found is the lack of a dedicated striker. Mirslav Klose was the guy for the Germans in past World Cups, but his age is catching up with him. Thomas Muller, while wowing us all with goal scoring skills, is still more of a playmaker than a scorer. The only other forward listed is Lukas Podolski, who is more of a winger. With the wealth of talent elsewhere, this weakness hardly hurts them at all.
Because of all this, Argentina are sure to have their hands full. Pablo Zaboleta and Martin Demichalis are both world class defenders in their own right, but they have never seen a midfield this powerful before. The duo work well together, they both feature in the starting eleven for Manchester City in the Barclay's Premier League, and they will have to be on the same wavelength to stop the German attack. The fact that Germany can attack equally well from all flanks means that Argentina's defensive weakness will be exposed. Marcos Rojo and Ezequiel Garay are talented full backs, but probably not well suited to contain the Germans on the outside.
Midfield play will probably determine Argentina's success. Players like Lucas Biglia and Javier Mashcerano (assuming he's ready to go again after his concussion scare) will have to maintain possession and help out defensively whenever needed. It will also be their job to feed Messi and the boys on attack. The one area that Argentina are better than Germany is that they do have several dedicated strikers, all of whom are capable of playing well of Lionel Messi. Gonzalo Higuain provides a powerful threat to start the game, and Sergio Aguero can come off the bench late in the game to find a big late goal (he has a thing for finding those). They also have strong wing play from Ezequiel Lavezzi and Rodrigo Palacio.
Germany's defense is certainly capable of neutralizing this threat, although this will probably be the best team they have seen all tournament. Mats Hummels has been solid throughout, so has Jerome Boateng and Per Mertesacker. The weakness in Germany's back line is at left back, but it still isn't much of one. Benedikt Howedes, while a strong player, isn't exactly the superstar that the rest of the German starters are. Argentina can find some success attacking up their right flank.
Overall, there is a huge reason why Germany has only conceded five times in six matches. Not only is their midfield near flawless and their defense stout as can be, but they have Manuel Neuer in goal. Neuer is one of, if not the, best goalkeepers in the world. When called upon he has been absolutely stellar. I am sure he will be up for the task against the greatest attacking threat he will ever see.
Overall, this is the match that Germany have been waiting for. Joachim Low has built this team with the only goal being to win the World Cup, and now he has that goal in sight. A victory today can mean the end of a very long, very difficult road for a very talented German team. Today won't be easy, the majority of the crowd in Rio will be wearing the powder blue of Argentina and will waste no energy belting out amazing songs all match long. There is also the hex that no European team has ever won it all in South America, but I think this year that comes to an end. Coming in to the knockout rounds, I picked Argentina to win it all. That was before Germany put on the most impressive display I have ever seen against the original favorites in the semifinal. Argentina will put up quite a fight, but will come up short. I am thinking 2-1 to Germany in what should be an instant World Cup Classic.
Savor this one folks, it will be four years before something like this comes around again. I'll be back to wrap it up and put a bow on an amazing World Cup when it's over.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
The Pointless Third Place Game Is Today
Today is the most pointless game of the World Cup. I can't think of a better way to say it. I'm sure exactly what the Netherlands and, especially, Brazil want to do is go out and play a game that pretty much serves as a reminder they neither one made the final. Also, the short rest, especially for the Dutch having just played 120 minutes three days ago, will hurt the quality of the game. Dutch coach Louis van Gaal echoed those sentiments after the loss to Argentina by saying that the third place game was not about sports at all.
On the plus side, no pressure on the teams is probably going to lead to more open and fun play. Neither team may really care about the end result, so I'm sure they will take more risks. It still won't make me want to stay inside on a beautiful Saturday and watch it, however.
The Brazilian people might enjoy watching their team play on home soil for one last time in the World Cup, and I think that, and the reduced pressure, will lead the home team to victory. I think Brazil wins a wide open glorified friendly by a 3-1 score.
Enjoy the appetizer to tomorrow's fantastic conclusion to a fantastic World Cup.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Semifinal Review #2: Argentina Bore Us To Victory
Yesterday wasn't half as exciting as the German trouncing of Brazil, but we at least got a penalty shootout after 120 minutes of fairly uninspired play. In another rain soaked affair, Argentina and the Netherlands were unable to find a goal in regular time. Neither team really induced any chances either. I can recall maybe two moments in the entire match where I found myself inching towards the edge of my seat. The only time I threatened to leave it was when Gozalo Higuain buried a great cross into the side netting near the end of regulation.
Whether it was the rain, the respect for the other team's attack, or any other reason, both teams played a defense first mentality. I did say that the determining factor would not be the skills of Lionel Messi or Arjen Robben, but rather which defense contained them better. Unfortunately for us, both back lines were flawless enough to keep both stars off the scoreboard.
So after 120 goalless minutes, we came to penalties. The tone was set right from the start when Ron Vlaar, a defender of all positions, was stopped emphatically by Sergio Romero. Romero would save another when Wesley Sneijder was robbed. The Netherlands had no trick up their sleeves with Tim Krul as a penalty specialist in goal as they did against Costa Rica, since they had used all three of their subs. Argentina buried all four attempts for a 4-2 win.
If Argentina were to play as defensive against Germany as they did against Netherlands, they are sure to lose. Germany's attack is simply too deep. Their ability to maintain possession and be patient is too strong to take such an approach. Hopefully, there will be better weather for the final, because I am sure that influenced play quite a bit. Germany will feel they can beat anyone after their 7-1 hammering of Brazil, and Argentina are going to feel like they can stop anyone after keeping a strong Dutch side out of the goal. Let's hope this doesn't translate into another one sided affair.
This second semifinal was closer than the first one, but it certainly felt to be of a lesser quality. It was certainly less entertaining. Let's hope for a better third place game, which I am still likely to ignore, and a far better World Cup Final on Sunday.
Whether it was the rain, the respect for the other team's attack, or any other reason, both teams played a defense first mentality. I did say that the determining factor would not be the skills of Lionel Messi or Arjen Robben, but rather which defense contained them better. Unfortunately for us, both back lines were flawless enough to keep both stars off the scoreboard.
So after 120 goalless minutes, we came to penalties. The tone was set right from the start when Ron Vlaar, a defender of all positions, was stopped emphatically by Sergio Romero. Romero would save another when Wesley Sneijder was robbed. The Netherlands had no trick up their sleeves with Tim Krul as a penalty specialist in goal as they did against Costa Rica, since they had used all three of their subs. Argentina buried all four attempts for a 4-2 win.
If Argentina were to play as defensive against Germany as they did against Netherlands, they are sure to lose. Germany's attack is simply too deep. Their ability to maintain possession and be patient is too strong to take such an approach. Hopefully, there will be better weather for the final, because I am sure that influenced play quite a bit. Germany will feel they can beat anyone after their 7-1 hammering of Brazil, and Argentina are going to feel like they can stop anyone after keeping a strong Dutch side out of the goal. Let's hope this doesn't translate into another one sided affair.
This second semifinal was closer than the first one, but it certainly felt to be of a lesser quality. It was certainly less entertaining. Let's hope for a better third place game, which I am still likely to ignore, and a far better World Cup Final on Sunday.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Sports Desk Podcast Episode 85
Greg is interrupting me watching Netherlands-Argentina so he can talk about baseball and LeBron and stuff. He even throws NASCAR in there. Just shows how checked in to the World Cup I am.
Sports Desk 85
Sports Desk 85
Semifinal Preview #2: Messi vs. Robben
Yesterday's match will be talked about for generations as we saw either one if the best performances in World Cup history, or the worst. Depends on your point of view. Today, we are all rooting for a little more excitement in the form if a close game.
Both the Netherlands and Argentina are well equipped to give is such a spectacle. They both have superstar players that are capable of dictating a match on their own. The Dutch have Arjen Robben, and, despite his sometimes blatant diving, has been a strong candidate for Player of the Tournament. Argentina's Lionel Messi, of course, needs no introduction since he is the best player in the world.
Both have the supporting players that allow their stars to shine brighter. Argentina has gotten valuable production from Angel di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain. The Netherlands have Wesley Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt.
Both have proved that they are amongst the best in the tournament through surviving close games and notching up impressive victories.
The determining factor in this match will be how well the Netherlands handles Messi. Messi's world class skill allows him to take over a game in any number if ways. Whether it's picking out a teammate's run and finding the pass to put him in on goal, finding space of his own and letting a shot fly towards the goal, or working well of the ball to become open, Messi has no limit to the ways he can destroy opposing defenses. The key to anything he does, however, is that he needs the space to do it in. Iran almost snuck their way into a result against Argentina by closing down hard on the superstar and not allowing him the room to operate. The Netherlands can succeed in much the same way. Messi trends to roam the entire pitch, so it's impossible to count on one man to mark him. Both Argentine center backs will have to work together to keep him contained.
Even if the succeed, it will all mean nothing if Argentina can contain Robben. He often operates in a more congested environment then Messi does, and has a variety of ways of dealing with this lack of space. The one he is becoming increasingly notorious for is drawing fouls. While I believe that Robben's diving, like all diving, is exaggerated, there is plenty of truth to him managing to draw calls his way. Argentina will have to walk a fine line when defending Robben, but so will he even it comes to simulation. With all the attention he has garnered for his theatrics, the referee is sure to stop giving him the benefit of the doubt.
The winner of this match will likely be whichever team contains the others star player. As a result, the stars may not be the keys of the game. Each team's defensive line will be the more important factor. Both sides are equally equipped to shut down the other, so we will see who has the better game.
I am calling for each side to find a goal or two in this one en route to a 2-1 win for Argentina. I think Argentina are the overall better team. They have Messi, for sure, but they also have other attacking threats like Higuain and Sergio Aguero. There is also the home crowd factor, something that Argentina has had all tournament long, possibly even more than the Brazilian hosts had.
After today we will have ourselves quite the World Cup Final to look forward to. Only bad part is that means this outstanding tournament is near its conclusion. Come back later tonight for thoughts on what we see today and a look ahead at what should be a great final match.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Semifinal Review #1: Blitzkrieg on Brazil
Well, that was ugly. I thought Brazil would at least put up a fight against Germany. I thought they would be motivated in search of vengeance for their star and for pride in front of the home crowd. I expected them to come up short, but I didn't expect them to get blown out of the stadium.
It didn't take long for Germany to get things started. Thomas Muller buried a lazily defended corner in the 11th minute. Eight minutes later, Miroslav Klose became the all time leading World Cup goal scorer when he put Germany up 2-0 on a well orchestrated break. The carnage continued en mass when Toni Kroos scored twice in three minutes. Sami Khedira completed the first half onslaught in the 29th. It took all of 18 minutes to throw the entire nation of Brazil into a fit of flag burning rage.
I have never seen a team look so defeated in all my years of watching sports. Not just in soccer, but in anything. Brazil looked like they just gave up. Amidst a shower if booing, the host nation, and pre-tournament favorites, threw their arms up and said "We surrender."
After halftime their disinterest continued. Germany put two more in for effect before Brazil earned their participation medal shortly before the match mercifully ended with a 7-1 scoreline.
This is the worst way I can think of for Brazil, or any host nation, to exit the World Cup. The nation was filled with both turmoil and excitement, putting a unique level of pressure of the Brazilian team. Amidst the protests over irresponsible government spending on the tournament, they still had the hopes of a soccer mad nation right there with them in every stadium. It was supposed to be Brazil's Cup to win easily, one the country would remember for ages to come. And now they will remember it for all the wrong reasons.
Germany, on the other hand, deserve all the praise that they can receive. They dismantled Brazil with a surgical precision that nobody thought possible. They cut through the Brazilian defense like they were playing against amateurs instead of superstars. They showed why I had them as the number one team coming out of the group stage and why they would have to be considered favorites against either Argentina or the Netherlands.
We find out which side they will play in tomorrow's second semifinal. Hopefully, that one has a little more drama involved. Will Arjen Robben look to avenge 2010's defeat against Spain? Or will Lionel Messi have the shot to bring Argentina to glory on their home continent? Find out tomorrow when I return to take a closer look.
Semifinal Preview #1: Can Brazil Be More Than Neymar?
The semifinals are here and both matchups should be packed to the brim with excitement and drama. Today gets the round started as a depleted Brazil takes in the highly talented Germans.
The primary storyline in this one will be whether or not Brazil can overcome the loss of their superstar Neymar and their captain Thiago Silva. The wonderkid will miss the remainder on the World Cup with a broken vertebrae, and the Brazilian attack must prove they they can get the job done without such a menacing force in attack. Stepping in to take his place could be any number of skilled players, but none with the talent that Neymar brings to the table. Whether it is Hulk, Oscar, or Willian asked to step into the number ten role, they will have large shoes to fill.
They will also have a tough defensive shell to break. The German defense has only conceded three goals in the entire tournament and none in regular time since Asamoah Gyan scored for Ghana in the 61st minute of match number two. Many talented attacks have failed to score on their stout back line, including Portugal and France. Brazil will certainly face difficulty putting a number on the scoreboard without their top scorer.
The Germans should control much of the possession with Brazil's main defender sidelined by a yellow card suspension. Thiago Silva's second yellow card of the tournament came in the quarterfinal against Colombia. That match saw 31 fouls called against the hosts, who were criticized for their rough tactics. Their aggressive fouling possibly led to the injury of Neymar, as well. Juan Zuniga likely took the star down as revenge for all the fouls committed against Colombian star James Rodriguez.
The physically adapted Germans, as well as Mexican referee Marco Antonio Rodriguez, will not allow Brazil to play with such menace. The Germans are more used to a physical style of play then the Colombia were and Rodriguez is known for not putting up with physical play. The Liga MX veteran official is not shy to blow the whistle, or issue cards, in order to keep a match from getting out of hand.
Brazil will have to return to their roots of finesse play in order to come out ahead. This will be difficult to do, however, as Germany are known for hanging onto the ball. They average 60.1% of preseason on their five games so far and facing a weathered Brazilian back line should only serve to increase that number. While Germany can play their normal game, Brazil will have to focus on quick and well organized counter attacks to catch the Germans off guard.
I am predicting a 1-0 German victory because of the weakened Brazilian side. It will be a hard fought game that possibly requires extra time. I expect the Germans to find the lone goal in this one, keeping up the trend of low scoring, conservatively played knockout round games.
Tomorrow's semifinal is due to be another mouth watering affair as the Netherlands faces Argentina. First, we are meant to enjoy today and I'll have more on that one tomorrow.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
World Cup Day 21: The Clock Strikes Midnight
Costa Rica had been the darlings of this World Cup. They had dethroned the giants of Uruguay and Italy in the group stage. They took on Greece and beat them in a penalty shootout. Then, they took on another giant in the Netherlands. Once again, they were outmatched on paper and, once again, they took that superior opponent to the brink before finally succumbing.
The Netherlands-Costa Rica match from yesterday was eerily similar to the USA-Belgium match from Tuesday afternoon. The Dutch were dominating play, Arjen Robben was running rampant over the Costa Rican defenders. They were peppering Keylor Navas with shot after shot. They were hitting posts, forcing diving saves, and sometimes barely missing. Any counter attack that was mounted fizzled quickly. But the underdogs survived anyway. For 120 minutes, Costa Rica were under constant assault. There was no rest for the powerful Dutch attack.
Towards the end of both regular time and extra time, Costa Rica did manage a chance to steal the result and become the first CONCACAF team in the semifinals since the USA in the very first World Cup in 1930. They managed to get numbers forward on a counter and with some ticky-tack passes got a quality shot on Jasper Cillessen.
Sadly, it was not to be. The Netherlands brought in a cold goalkeeper for the penalty shootout. Tim Krul, despite not seeing any action in the game, came in a stopped two out of five Costa Rican attempts while the Dutch shooters went four for four. The Cinderella run had ended, but it sure didn't go down without a fight. It was exactly the excitement you can hope for in a 0-0 match. Plenty of close calls, a couple counters, and an underdog trying to make history. This, and the 0-0 Mexico-Brazil draw, were perfect examples of why there don't have to be any goals for there to be excitement.
In the other match of the day, Argentina wasted no time getting a goal from Gonzalo Higuain in the eighth minute. It was a supreme strike, as well. Lionel Messi danced his way through midfield in his typical fashion and attempted to find Angel Di Maria in the box. The ball in got deflected and fell right to Higuain, who was in the right place at the right time to volley it into the back of the net.
Argentina spent much of the remainder defending Belgian attacks. Several times, Kevin DeBruyne was given space to pick out a pass, but one never truly connected. Argentina routinely dropped eight guys behind the ball in order to protect their one goal lead. They even got a couple chances to add on. Higuain nailed a crossbar after embarrassing the Belgian defense, Messi had a breakaway that Thibaut Courtois robbed.
Late game insertions of Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens had no effect on Belgium as they did against the USA. The one goal was enough for Argentina to advance to their first World Cup semifinal since 1990.
We now have our two semifinal matchups. Both contain a large level of intrigue and drama. First off, on Tuesday, we find out if Brazil can overcome the loss of Neymar and Thiago Silva to take out a comparatively healthy German squad. The winner of that match will face the victor of Wednesday's Argentina and Netherlands collision. It would be difficult to say that the four best teams are not the only ones remaining. Germany, Brazil, Netherlands, and Argentina have played the best football so far in this tournament, and all four belong in the penultimate round.
Sadly, we have one more day off after today before we get back to the action. Enjoy the much needed rest, and come back ready to conclude an exciting World Cup.
The Netherlands-Costa Rica match from yesterday was eerily similar to the USA-Belgium match from Tuesday afternoon. The Dutch were dominating play, Arjen Robben was running rampant over the Costa Rican defenders. They were peppering Keylor Navas with shot after shot. They were hitting posts, forcing diving saves, and sometimes barely missing. Any counter attack that was mounted fizzled quickly. But the underdogs survived anyway. For 120 minutes, Costa Rica were under constant assault. There was no rest for the powerful Dutch attack.
Towards the end of both regular time and extra time, Costa Rica did manage a chance to steal the result and become the first CONCACAF team in the semifinals since the USA in the very first World Cup in 1930. They managed to get numbers forward on a counter and with some ticky-tack passes got a quality shot on Jasper Cillessen.
Sadly, it was not to be. The Netherlands brought in a cold goalkeeper for the penalty shootout. Tim Krul, despite not seeing any action in the game, came in a stopped two out of five Costa Rican attempts while the Dutch shooters went four for four. The Cinderella run had ended, but it sure didn't go down without a fight. It was exactly the excitement you can hope for in a 0-0 match. Plenty of close calls, a couple counters, and an underdog trying to make history. This, and the 0-0 Mexico-Brazil draw, were perfect examples of why there don't have to be any goals for there to be excitement.
In the other match of the day, Argentina wasted no time getting a goal from Gonzalo Higuain in the eighth minute. It was a supreme strike, as well. Lionel Messi danced his way through midfield in his typical fashion and attempted to find Angel Di Maria in the box. The ball in got deflected and fell right to Higuain, who was in the right place at the right time to volley it into the back of the net.
Argentina spent much of the remainder defending Belgian attacks. Several times, Kevin DeBruyne was given space to pick out a pass, but one never truly connected. Argentina routinely dropped eight guys behind the ball in order to protect their one goal lead. They even got a couple chances to add on. Higuain nailed a crossbar after embarrassing the Belgian defense, Messi had a breakaway that Thibaut Courtois robbed.
Late game insertions of Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens had no effect on Belgium as they did against the USA. The one goal was enough for Argentina to advance to their first World Cup semifinal since 1990.
We now have our two semifinal matchups. Both contain a large level of intrigue and drama. First off, on Tuesday, we find out if Brazil can overcome the loss of Neymar and Thiago Silva to take out a comparatively healthy German squad. The winner of that match will face the victor of Wednesday's Argentina and Netherlands collision. It would be difficult to say that the four best teams are not the only ones remaining. Germany, Brazil, Netherlands, and Argentina have played the best football so far in this tournament, and all four belong in the penultimate round.
Sadly, we have one more day off after today before we get back to the action. Enjoy the much needed rest, and come back ready to conclude an exciting World Cup.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
World Cup Day 20: Brazil Take A Blow
Brazil may have survived the Colombian storm with some timely scoring and favorable referee decisions, but they have taken a huge blow for their semifinal against Germany and beyond. First, captain Thiago Silva picked up his second yellow card of the tournament and will miss the semifinal match. Losing your best defender is not a good way to go into a match against the best team in the World Cup. More importantly than that however, is the loss of wonder kid Neymar. The young superstar went down clutching his lower back in the 87th minute. He was stretchered off the field with what we now know is a fractured vertebrae. Brazil may have won the match in the end, but their back has literally been broken in the process.
The match in general was a very physical affair. There was a total of 54 fouls called and four yellow cards shown between the two teams. None of those cards came until foul number 41, however when Silva was given his. The match had been spiraling out of control for some time by then. James Rodriguez had been fouled hard the entire match. It seemed as if Brazil's plan for him was to literally beat him up. There were a couple scuffles that the referee did nothing about. The biggest of them came of a Brazil foul on Rodriguez. Both teams started exchanging words and Colombia just went and took their free kick while it was still going on. Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Caraballo should have called play back and sorted out the mess, but instead he let things take one more step towards devolving into a street fight.
The officiating in this match was rather poor the entire time and it overshadows a very exciting two hours. Colombia had a goal called back on an awful offsides call. Brazil seemed to have the benefit of the doubt any time a close call arose. Caraballo's refusal to justly punish hard fouls possibly directly led to the Neymar injury. Colombia's Juan Zuniga suggested that the foul that caused the injury was a direct retalliation to Brazil's hard fouling on Rodriguez. He claims, however, there was no intent to injure. All Caraballo needed to do was begin brandishing cards against Brazil to discourage their over-physical play and Neymar's World Cup may have been saved.
As for the exciting part of the match, Brazil started the scoring early when Thiago Silva booted in a corner in the seventh minute. Colombia was caught ball watching and not paying attention to the defender slipping in the back door to tap the ball into the open net. Brazil would add to their lead shortly after Colombia's wrongfully disallowed goal. David Luiz rocketed in a beautiful free kick to put Brazil up 2-0. James Rodriguez would put Colombia within reach with a penalty in the 80th minute. Colombia had chances to tie the score late, but poor finishing and untimely runs resulting in offside calls ruined their fortune.
In the earlier quarterfinal, Germany got an early goal from Mats Hummels to see off a lifeless France 1-0. This was a case of France never really getting going. Even when they should have gotten desperate, the French were never able to find a rhythm against the difficult German defense.
Germany and Brazil will face each other in a giant semifinal match on Tuesday. Brazil will have to do so without their leader and their best player. It should be a difficult hill to climb for the hosts.
Today, the quarterfinal round concludes with a couple matches that don't quite have the luster of yesterday's, but will be exciting nonetheless. First, Argentina and Belgium kick off at noon. Since James Rodriguez is eliminated, Lionel Messi has a good shot at the Golden Boot and I look for a big game from the best player in the world. Argentina wins this one 2-0 on his shoulders. At 4pm, darlings Costa Rica take on the Netherlands. Costa Rica is making their first trip to the quarterfinals and are the only CONCACAF team remaining. They will have their hands full against the Netherlands today, but have done well against elite opponents before. I predict the Dutch still win, but it will be a dogfight with a 1-0 final score.
Enjoy the end of the quarterfinals, and pray for some better officiating. See you tomorrow,
The match in general was a very physical affair. There was a total of 54 fouls called and four yellow cards shown between the two teams. None of those cards came until foul number 41, however when Silva was given his. The match had been spiraling out of control for some time by then. James Rodriguez had been fouled hard the entire match. It seemed as if Brazil's plan for him was to literally beat him up. There were a couple scuffles that the referee did nothing about. The biggest of them came of a Brazil foul on Rodriguez. Both teams started exchanging words and Colombia just went and took their free kick while it was still going on. Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Caraballo should have called play back and sorted out the mess, but instead he let things take one more step towards devolving into a street fight.
The officiating in this match was rather poor the entire time and it overshadows a very exciting two hours. Colombia had a goal called back on an awful offsides call. Brazil seemed to have the benefit of the doubt any time a close call arose. Caraballo's refusal to justly punish hard fouls possibly directly led to the Neymar injury. Colombia's Juan Zuniga suggested that the foul that caused the injury was a direct retalliation to Brazil's hard fouling on Rodriguez. He claims, however, there was no intent to injure. All Caraballo needed to do was begin brandishing cards against Brazil to discourage their over-physical play and Neymar's World Cup may have been saved.
As for the exciting part of the match, Brazil started the scoring early when Thiago Silva booted in a corner in the seventh minute. Colombia was caught ball watching and not paying attention to the defender slipping in the back door to tap the ball into the open net. Brazil would add to their lead shortly after Colombia's wrongfully disallowed goal. David Luiz rocketed in a beautiful free kick to put Brazil up 2-0. James Rodriguez would put Colombia within reach with a penalty in the 80th minute. Colombia had chances to tie the score late, but poor finishing and untimely runs resulting in offside calls ruined their fortune.
In the earlier quarterfinal, Germany got an early goal from Mats Hummels to see off a lifeless France 1-0. This was a case of France never really getting going. Even when they should have gotten desperate, the French were never able to find a rhythm against the difficult German defense.
Germany and Brazil will face each other in a giant semifinal match on Tuesday. Brazil will have to do so without their leader and their best player. It should be a difficult hill to climb for the hosts.
Today, the quarterfinal round concludes with a couple matches that don't quite have the luster of yesterday's, but will be exciting nonetheless. First, Argentina and Belgium kick off at noon. Since James Rodriguez is eliminated, Lionel Messi has a good shot at the Golden Boot and I look for a big game from the best player in the world. Argentina wins this one 2-0 on his shoulders. At 4pm, darlings Costa Rica take on the Netherlands. Costa Rica is making their first trip to the quarterfinals and are the only CONCACAF team remaining. They will have their hands full against the Netherlands today, but have done well against elite opponents before. I predict the Dutch still win, but it will be a dogfight with a 1-0 final score.
Enjoy the end of the quarterfinals, and pray for some better officiating. See you tomorrow,
Friday, July 4, 2014
What's Next For The US Men's National Team
We all know the USA is out of the World Cup. To some, this cycle was a successful one in that they won their CONCACAF hexagonal with room to spare in qualifying, advanced from the group of death and overall exceeded global expectations in Brazil. To others there was a lot left on the table. National team staples Landon Donovan and Carlos Bocanegra were left off the roster when many felt they could still contribute to the team. Some even feel this cost them first place in the group and a spot in the quarterfinals.
I think that this was a successful World Cup cycle for more than just the reasons listed above. Yes, winning the hex was a huge step forward for the USA, and escaping the group of death was more than I thought possible. In addition to that, however, we saw some great young talent flex their your muscles. This represents a bright future for the USA heading into Russia in 2018 and beyond.
The biggest bright spot in my mind was DeAndre Yedlin. Both times he came on as a sub for Fabian Johnson I was worried that he would cause another hole in an already torn up back line. Instead, he provided a force going forward and rarely, if ever, got caught out on the counter. The 21 year old figures to be a consistent force at right back going forward.
The other piece of young blood that got only a little bit of experience, but a lot of positive exposure, was Julian Green. They 19 year old is the youngest player to ever play in a World Cup game for the USA. He also scored on his first touch of the game. As a product of the Bayern Munich youth academy, he has the high level training that more American players need. Should he stay in Europe, he should be able to develop into the force that the USA needs him to be. It's possible that he becomes the big breakout star that defines a World Cup in four years.
Another comforting feeling is that many of the veterans that shined brightly in Brazil will still be around to travel to Russia. Clint Dempsey should still be good to go. Michael Bradley will hopefully still be around to learn from his mistakes this year. Matt Besler will also be there to shore up the defense that was a major reason the USA bowed out when they did.
The 2014 World Cup experience was great for these young guys, but more needs to happen for this team to take the next step in 2018. One thing they need to do is try and encourage young players to go over to Europe. This may seem counterproductive for the popularity of the game on the home front, but the competition abroad is more helpful to developing the type of talent that the USA needs to push further into major competitions. The vast majority of the best players in the world ply their trade in Europe. If the USA can produce talent that can share the pitch with the likes of Ronaldo and Messi in Spain, or Suarez and Rooney in England, or wherever they can play across the pond, they can produce talent that can be more competitive at the World Cup.
Look no further than Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey for examples. Howard was once goalkeeper at Manchester United before becoming the stalwart between the sticks at Everton. He is, and has been, one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Dempsey scored 50 goals at Fulham before his transfer to Tottenham in 2012. These two are some of the greatest players this country has ever seen, and more like them can be produced by sending you American talent overseas.
Returning to MLS tends to slow these players down because they are facing inferior competition. While Dempsey hasn't really seen a drop off in his play, Michael Bradley was noticeably slower after he left Roma in Italy to play at Toronto FC in MLS. Bradley was a great player in Italy, and was touted as America's best player heading into this World Cup. He just didn't seem up to speed with the worldly talent around him.
As much as we would love it for MLS to be the best way to train our young stars, the league has been and will remain a place where good North American players bide their time until Europe comes calling and a graveyard for old pros trying to keep things going. There's a reason players like Thierry Henry, Kaka, and David Beckham come to MLS. It's because their aging legs can't run with the likes of Ronaldo, Messi, Suarez, and anyone else playing in Europe's top leagues.
Because of this World Cup, there are sure to be some European teams looking to recruit some young Americans. DeAndre Yedlin and Matt Besler in particular look to be attracting foreign eyes. If they knew what was good for them, these guys should jump at the chance to play in Europe for the betterment of both their games and the USMNT's.
The next major competition for the USA will be the biannual CONCACAF Gold Cup next summer. The USA are the defending champions, but the 2015 competition will be more important than the one in 2013. Should they win it again, they head to the FIFA Confederations Cup, an important tune up for the World Cup played the summer before in the host country. The USA playing in the Confederations Cup final in 2009 was a major factor in their success in South Africa the following year. A trip to Russia in 2017 can only serve to help in the next World Cup.
The USA may not have advanced further this year than they did in 2010, but the stiffer competition and great play from young players means they have taken a step forward. They still have a great deal of work to do to become capable of winning the whole thing, but they are at least on the right path.
As for the remainder of the 2014 World Cup, today marks the beginning of the quarterfinals with two massive games. Getting things started at noon are Germany and France. Both of these teams are capable of winning the whole thing, and I predict the winner will eventually make their way to the World Cup Final. I like Germany to win, since I placed them as the best team coming out of the group stage. Both teams have a wealth of attacking talent so I expect a flurry of goals ending in a 3-2 German win.
The second game of the day puts a shaky Brazil against a surging Colombia. The leader in the clubhouse for Player of the Tournament is Colombia's James Rodriguez and I expect him to have another big game today. Brazil will need to really get serious if they want to win this game. They barely survived Chile and now they have to face a more talented side. My original bracket had Brazil winning this one, but now I am not so sure they will. Colombia will come out of a hard fought match with a 2-1 win. Be sure to tune in to this one kicking off at 4pm.
Today is the better of the two days of quarterfinal action, so enjoy your Independence Day in the most American way possible, watching European and South American nations battle it out in a British sport. I know that's what I'm doing.
I think that this was a successful World Cup cycle for more than just the reasons listed above. Yes, winning the hex was a huge step forward for the USA, and escaping the group of death was more than I thought possible. In addition to that, however, we saw some great young talent flex their your muscles. This represents a bright future for the USA heading into Russia in 2018 and beyond.
The biggest bright spot in my mind was DeAndre Yedlin. Both times he came on as a sub for Fabian Johnson I was worried that he would cause another hole in an already torn up back line. Instead, he provided a force going forward and rarely, if ever, got caught out on the counter. The 21 year old figures to be a consistent force at right back going forward.
The other piece of young blood that got only a little bit of experience, but a lot of positive exposure, was Julian Green. They 19 year old is the youngest player to ever play in a World Cup game for the USA. He also scored on his first touch of the game. As a product of the Bayern Munich youth academy, he has the high level training that more American players need. Should he stay in Europe, he should be able to develop into the force that the USA needs him to be. It's possible that he becomes the big breakout star that defines a World Cup in four years.
Another comforting feeling is that many of the veterans that shined brightly in Brazil will still be around to travel to Russia. Clint Dempsey should still be good to go. Michael Bradley will hopefully still be around to learn from his mistakes this year. Matt Besler will also be there to shore up the defense that was a major reason the USA bowed out when they did.
The 2014 World Cup experience was great for these young guys, but more needs to happen for this team to take the next step in 2018. One thing they need to do is try and encourage young players to go over to Europe. This may seem counterproductive for the popularity of the game on the home front, but the competition abroad is more helpful to developing the type of talent that the USA needs to push further into major competitions. The vast majority of the best players in the world ply their trade in Europe. If the USA can produce talent that can share the pitch with the likes of Ronaldo and Messi in Spain, or Suarez and Rooney in England, or wherever they can play across the pond, they can produce talent that can be more competitive at the World Cup.
Look no further than Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey for examples. Howard was once goalkeeper at Manchester United before becoming the stalwart between the sticks at Everton. He is, and has been, one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Dempsey scored 50 goals at Fulham before his transfer to Tottenham in 2012. These two are some of the greatest players this country has ever seen, and more like them can be produced by sending you American talent overseas.
Returning to MLS tends to slow these players down because they are facing inferior competition. While Dempsey hasn't really seen a drop off in his play, Michael Bradley was noticeably slower after he left Roma in Italy to play at Toronto FC in MLS. Bradley was a great player in Italy, and was touted as America's best player heading into this World Cup. He just didn't seem up to speed with the worldly talent around him.
As much as we would love it for MLS to be the best way to train our young stars, the league has been and will remain a place where good North American players bide their time until Europe comes calling and a graveyard for old pros trying to keep things going. There's a reason players like Thierry Henry, Kaka, and David Beckham come to MLS. It's because their aging legs can't run with the likes of Ronaldo, Messi, Suarez, and anyone else playing in Europe's top leagues.
Because of this World Cup, there are sure to be some European teams looking to recruit some young Americans. DeAndre Yedlin and Matt Besler in particular look to be attracting foreign eyes. If they knew what was good for them, these guys should jump at the chance to play in Europe for the betterment of both their games and the USMNT's.
The next major competition for the USA will be the biannual CONCACAF Gold Cup next summer. The USA are the defending champions, but the 2015 competition will be more important than the one in 2013. Should they win it again, they head to the FIFA Confederations Cup, an important tune up for the World Cup played the summer before in the host country. The USA playing in the Confederations Cup final in 2009 was a major factor in their success in South Africa the following year. A trip to Russia in 2017 can only serve to help in the next World Cup.
The USA may not have advanced further this year than they did in 2010, but the stiffer competition and great play from young players means they have taken a step forward. They still have a great deal of work to do to become capable of winning the whole thing, but they are at least on the right path.
As for the remainder of the 2014 World Cup, today marks the beginning of the quarterfinals with two massive games. Getting things started at noon are Germany and France. Both of these teams are capable of winning the whole thing, and I predict the winner will eventually make their way to the World Cup Final. I like Germany to win, since I placed them as the best team coming out of the group stage. Both teams have a wealth of attacking talent so I expect a flurry of goals ending in a 3-2 German win.
The second game of the day puts a shaky Brazil against a surging Colombia. The leader in the clubhouse for Player of the Tournament is Colombia's James Rodriguez and I expect him to have another big game today. Brazil will need to really get serious if they want to win this game. They barely survived Chile and now they have to face a more talented side. My original bracket had Brazil winning this one, but now I am not so sure they will. Colombia will come out of a hard fought match with a 2-1 win. Be sure to tune in to this one kicking off at 4pm.
Today is the better of the two days of quarterfinal action, so enjoy your Independence Day in the most American way possible, watching European and South American nations battle it out in a British sport. I know that's what I'm doing.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Sports Desk Podcast Episode 84
Taking a break from World Cup posts to talk about the World Cup a lot. Greg even holds his own when looking at how the USA performed. We also talk about baseball cards for what was probably not enough time.
Sports Desk 84
Sports Desk 84
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
World Cup Day 19: The End of the American Dream
That's it. It's the end if the road for the United States. And frankly, they deserve it. This was a matchup against Belgium that I thought they could win. I thought Belgium was lazy and unmotivated. They only played when things got tough. I guess things were tough all game yesterday though.
The tone was set early when Divock Origi found space down the right flank and was free on goal. Tom Howard made a beautiful save. Turns out this was mere foreshadowing of what was to come.
The USA defense had their hands full for the entire match. Every Belgian possession seemed to end in a quality scoring chance with Howard bailing out the porous American back line. The saddest part about his historic 16 saves, the most in a World Cup match since 1966, was that they were necessary at all. If the USA had been better at clearing their lines, better at keeping up with the agile Belgian attackers, and did less ball watching, Tim Howard would have had far less to do yesterday.
With all the shots going through to Howard, it was only a matter of time before one tickled the twine. That moment came early in extra time when tired US legs couldn't handle a fresh Romelu Lokaku. Lukaku literally ran through DeMarcus Beasley, streaked down the right flank, and got a quality shot. The rebound on that shot fell right to Kevin de Brunye, who buried the easy shot. Towards the end of the first half of extra time, it was Lukaku finishing his own chance when the USA was caught on the break. The fresh striker had no problem roofing his shot in the net.
Although Julian Green got a very impressive goal for the USA early in the second half of stoppage time, the two Belgian goals buried the Americans. Their late game surge, while impressive, should never have been necessary. Had Chris Wondolowski buried his clear chance at the end of regulation, or Beasley not been run over by Lukaku, or the back line just weren't so porous in general, that frantic surge at the end wouldn't have been needed.
The good news here is that the USA has hope for the future. Julian Green because the youngest American ever to pay in a World Cup match and he scored on his first ever touch. He is the future of the American attack. The team in general exceeded expectations by getting out of the group of death and fighting hard with Belgium for 120 minutes. This World Cup was a success, believe it or not, despite the disappointing ending.
Jurgen Klinsman told us that they wouldn't win the World Cup. This tournament was about gaining experience for the young American players. Lots of young guys got important minutes that will lead to more success in 2018 and 2022. The two big mashes were the afore mentioned Julian Green and right back DeAndre Yedlin that ready impressed in three brief cameo appearances.
The other match on the day was another extra time thriller. Argentina had been held scoreless by a tough Switzerland team until the waning moments of extra time when Angel di Maria finally scored for the Argentines. The Swiss came close to tying it a minute later, but found only the post in their quest to stay alive.
The road may have over for the USA, but there are still eight more games to be played in this World Cup. The quarterfinal round brings us plenty of intriguing matches that are sure to be can't miss affairs. Too bad we have two days off before they get started.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
World Cup Day 18: Germany Survives a Scare
For the first time ever, there were two African teams in the round of 16. Both were in action yesterday against European superpowers.
It took a little more effort than expected, but Germany managed to fight off Algeria with a 2-1 extra time win. In the end, the expected team won, but for some time it looked like the north African underdogs might sneak by. They had a few chances in the first half, some might say they were better than Germany's. They even scored once, but were ruled offside. Essentially, Algeria played the style of game the USA should have played against Germany last Thursday. While the USA played that match with the intent of not losing, Algeria played theirs with the intent to win. The strategy almost payed of for them.
Things did start to crumble in the second half, however. Goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi made some fine saves to keep the game scoreless into extra time, but his defense was visibly breaking down in front of him. Tired Algerian legs would not last much longer. The Germans wasted no time in the bonus period by scoring less than two minutes in. Andre Shurrle found himself on the receiving end of a Thomas Muller pass into the six yard box. All it needed was a little flick to find the back of the net. Mesut Ozil added an extra tally in the final minute, and good thing he did. Abdelmoumene Djabou put a meaningless goal a minute later, but it was too little, too late for Algeria.
In the other match of the day, France took a while to score against Nigeria, but managed to get out with a 2-0 win with a goal from Paul Pogba and an own goal from Joseph Yobo. Nigeria played well with the French for a while, but were eventually overwhelmed by the favored side. Although it took 79 minutes for Pogba to finally break the seal, France was in control for much of the game.
This sets up what should be a fantastic quarterfinal matchup on Saturday between Germany and France. This game should see the quality of a World Cup Final in the round of 8. Make sure you tune in for that one.
Today, however, is more important. We see the conclusion of the round of 16 with two very fun looking games. First off, we get Argentina and Switzerland. Argentina have been one of the best teams in the tournament and they are led by the best player in the world. Lionel Messi had been the man for Argentina, and today should be no different. The Swiss have a lot of power of their own, but against superior competition they tend to defend with more holes than a block of Swiss cheese, just look at their game against France. Hopefully, for their sake, they learned from that match and can give the Argentines a game, but I doubt it. I see a 3-1 Argentina win.
Which brings us to the final game of the round, and, as they say, I think they've saved the best for last. Although I might be a little biased, the USA and Belgium clash has been the one I've looked forward to the most. I don't have the scared, nervous excitement that I felt before the Germany game. The USA has already beaten the expectation of them by advancing from the group of death. Now, they are playing with house money and can play like they have nothing to lose. Which is a very good thing.
The lack of pressure on the side will allow them to play a more wide open game. They should see a lot more time with the ball than they did against Germany, Portugal, or Ghana. They will play more open and more positively. This will leave them open to a counter attack, which could be rather fatal. The Belgians boast some great young attacking players with Roamelu Lukaku, Divok Origi, Marrouanne Fellaini, and Eden Hazard. Like the USA, this team has yet to play a perfect match in the tournament. Only difference is that they won all three games, albeit against inferior competition.
This could mean the Belgium is due for a huge game from their stars. But if that is true for them, why can't it be the case for the USA? There is no reason that Michael Bradley can't start playing the way we all know he can. There is no reason that Jozy Altidore, although unlikely to start, can come off the bench and have a huge impact late in the game. There is also no reason to think that an unsung hero, maybe a Graham Zusi, or Fabian Johnson cannot step up and find a big goal for this team. Of course, players like Clint Dempsey and Jermaine Jones have to keep playing at the high level they have been.
I said it from the moment this matchup was set in stone, I like the way the USA stacks up with Belgium. That hasn't changed at all. For the first time in this World Cup, I will predict a USA victory. They will put together a solid performance, holding off Belgium for a while and getting a goal of their own. Then, a late winner will come to give the USA a 2-1 win and a date with Argentina in the quarterfinals. This team has defied expectations so far, and there is no reason they can't keep doing so.
Have fun today, see you back tomorrow after the victory celebration.
It took a little more effort than expected, but Germany managed to fight off Algeria with a 2-1 extra time win. In the end, the expected team won, but for some time it looked like the north African underdogs might sneak by. They had a few chances in the first half, some might say they were better than Germany's. They even scored once, but were ruled offside. Essentially, Algeria played the style of game the USA should have played against Germany last Thursday. While the USA played that match with the intent of not losing, Algeria played theirs with the intent to win. The strategy almost payed of for them.
Things did start to crumble in the second half, however. Goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi made some fine saves to keep the game scoreless into extra time, but his defense was visibly breaking down in front of him. Tired Algerian legs would not last much longer. The Germans wasted no time in the bonus period by scoring less than two minutes in. Andre Shurrle found himself on the receiving end of a Thomas Muller pass into the six yard box. All it needed was a little flick to find the back of the net. Mesut Ozil added an extra tally in the final minute, and good thing he did. Abdelmoumene Djabou put a meaningless goal a minute later, but it was too little, too late for Algeria.
In the other match of the day, France took a while to score against Nigeria, but managed to get out with a 2-0 win with a goal from Paul Pogba and an own goal from Joseph Yobo. Nigeria played well with the French for a while, but were eventually overwhelmed by the favored side. Although it took 79 minutes for Pogba to finally break the seal, France was in control for much of the game.
This sets up what should be a fantastic quarterfinal matchup on Saturday between Germany and France. This game should see the quality of a World Cup Final in the round of 8. Make sure you tune in for that one.
Today, however, is more important. We see the conclusion of the round of 16 with two very fun looking games. First off, we get Argentina and Switzerland. Argentina have been one of the best teams in the tournament and they are led by the best player in the world. Lionel Messi had been the man for Argentina, and today should be no different. The Swiss have a lot of power of their own, but against superior competition they tend to defend with more holes than a block of Swiss cheese, just look at their game against France. Hopefully, for their sake, they learned from that match and can give the Argentines a game, but I doubt it. I see a 3-1 Argentina win.
Which brings us to the final game of the round, and, as they say, I think they've saved the best for last. Although I might be a little biased, the USA and Belgium clash has been the one I've looked forward to the most. I don't have the scared, nervous excitement that I felt before the Germany game. The USA has already beaten the expectation of them by advancing from the group of death. Now, they are playing with house money and can play like they have nothing to lose. Which is a very good thing.
The lack of pressure on the side will allow them to play a more wide open game. They should see a lot more time with the ball than they did against Germany, Portugal, or Ghana. They will play more open and more positively. This will leave them open to a counter attack, which could be rather fatal. The Belgians boast some great young attacking players with Roamelu Lukaku, Divok Origi, Marrouanne Fellaini, and Eden Hazard. Like the USA, this team has yet to play a perfect match in the tournament. Only difference is that they won all three games, albeit against inferior competition.
This could mean the Belgium is due for a huge game from their stars. But if that is true for them, why can't it be the case for the USA? There is no reason that Michael Bradley can't start playing the way we all know he can. There is no reason that Jozy Altidore, although unlikely to start, can come off the bench and have a huge impact late in the game. There is also no reason to think that an unsung hero, maybe a Graham Zusi, or Fabian Johnson cannot step up and find a big goal for this team. Of course, players like Clint Dempsey and Jermaine Jones have to keep playing at the high level they have been.
I said it from the moment this matchup was set in stone, I like the way the USA stacks up with Belgium. That hasn't changed at all. For the first time in this World Cup, I will predict a USA victory. They will put together a solid performance, holding off Belgium for a while and getting a goal of their own. Then, a late winner will come to give the USA a 2-1 win and a date with Argentina in the quarterfinals. This team has defied expectations so far, and there is no reason they can't keep doing so.
Have fun today, see you back tomorrow after the victory celebration.
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