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A Dichotomy of Nations
Updated: June 20, 2010
Two teams. Similar standings in the group stages but two diametrically opposed views on their places in the standings. On one hand you have the United States quite happy with the fact that their destiny is in their own hands. And on the other you have England. England, the mother-land of football who have one World Cup title to their cabinet. England who are currently struggling to articulate why they are in the predicament they are in. Based on mind-set alone,it is England’s Yankee cousins who seem the more likely to progress out of the group stages.
So what is it? Why are there two teams who have essentially seem to be going in polar opposite directions even though they are in exactly identical situations.
Heart and Grit:
A lot has been said about the skill level of the English. These are tough players. They play in the hardest league in the world. But right now there looks to be no heart in their play. Whether it’s due to the weight of expectations or just not able to live up to the calling of such a great stage, England looked progressively worse in their first two matches. It is evident that they do not have the hear to overcome adversity. It is as if they believe the hype of the press and feel they only have to show up in order to be given a win. The problem they face is that the opposition comes to play.
When scoring first against the US, you had to think they were going to do it. But they seemed to sit back on their 1 point lead thinking they were better than the US and could hold them off. Well, after a Robert Green flub the US were back in it and the English just didn’t seem ready for that eventuality. Then when playing Algeria the English just didn’t seem to have the will to try and over come a more determined opponent. Give Algeria credit they had a plan to frustrate England and England just didn’t have it in them to counter it.
On the other hand you have the United States. Two matches in and two dramatic draws. They were one bad call away from leading the group. While there is a frustration level at the way they are starting their matches – they are showing themselves to be a determined side. They are never out and even when it looks like they are they claw back to win.
Talent and Team:
It’s very hard to understand why a team as talented as England are doing so poorly. Or is it? Remember Capello spent some time trying to get international retirees to come out and play for the squad. It has been mentioned that Capello is less than thrilled with the overall talent level of the squad. He’s got very few world-class players. Maybe two or three. But overall this is a squad that while talented may not be up to the level of the calibre in international play.
Additionally, it’s hard to see that maybe lack of heart has something to do with playing for club rather than country. People have been scratching their heads as to why the likes of Rooney, Lampard, Gerard and others do seemingly well in the EPL but struggle in international play. One of the reasons I believe is lack of focus on the international team. Yes, they are all living together and training together for their longest period of time but they are not a cohesive unit. There is no “team” it is rather a group of talented individuals who take the pitch for the World Cup. Honestly what England need is a dose of Herb Brooks. For the unitiated Herb Brooks is the man who crafted the 1980 Miracle On Ice. By making himself public enemy number one and working the team to their bones, Herb strove to first break the group of very talented college kids of their individual mindsets and build a team. A team that went on the rink and believed it could win. And when the slipped they were shredded by arch enemy number one. But because of Herb’s work and the building of a team – they went on to glory.
The England team need to identify themselves as the England Team. They miss the likes of Beckham more than anyone – because if anyone bled the red and white of St. George – it was Becks. There is noone on the current England squad who have that – who can be that unifying factor. They may progress out of the group but its hard to belive that they will do anything beyond the semis – if they get that far.
There is plenty of talent on the US side as well but not at the level of the English side. The play of the US has been bolstered by many of it’s first teamers making squads in some of the best teams in Europe. But overall you would have to say they are still a work in progress in terms of realizing their full potential. But what this group lacks in terms of talent is its team spirit. It is heads and tails above the team concept in England. They understand what this trip means for them and for their sport.
Often looked at as the bastard children of professional sports, the US Men’s National Team understands that what they accomplish on the pitch together is going to broaden the appeal of their sport and make them the catalysts for that growth. They know that this can only be accomplished by working together and focusing on each match as it comes. They seem to enjoy the adversity they are going through and veracity at the team fights back makes you pull for them all the more.
Weight of Expectations:
In few countries is the weight of expectations for its national side greater than in England. As the founding nation of the sport to achieve anything less than a final’s appearance is disaster. However, it is not a reliastic notion. This England side and many of the England sides simply do not have the skills to compete with the Brazil, Spain and Germany’s of the tournaments. Noone looking at the tournament could really say that England have a full complement of players that can get them to glory without some major chips falling their way.
Throw in the the most abusive press on the globe who on one hand laud the conquering heros (before a match played) and with the other bring them down as pirrahs and you could not blame even the strongest player in the world from wilting under the pressure. Much is made of the skills required to play the game but very little is discussed about the mental side of the game. I think the mental side of the game is the hardest to overcome. If you have skills over time even if injured they will come back. However mentally individuals are their worst enemies. Rooney has to know the expectations that are placed on him as the primary scoring threat. He seems to handle it enough for Manchester United but the stakes are bigger in the WC. Now an entire nations is supporting him and expecting him to achive – with no goals so far it is clear that he is off his game and is not in the match. Much like the rest of his team. There seems to be no joy playing for England just the stress of not doing what is expected.
For the US the greatest expectations probably come from ESPN. They spen $400 million on the rights to broadcast the World Cup. Without the US in the round of 16 the general interest by the nation will diminish. The nation as a whole is behind their national team they just don’t expect the team to do much. Beyond the sweet 16 most US supporteres might be happy they got that far – given the results of the last few world cups.
Obviously the expectations of the players are greater than the national ones. But the team does play well and seems to enjoy playing together. How that all nets out remains to be seen.
Overall, I think both teams manage to get out the group. But I won’t be surprised if come Thursday we are hearing of a manager axed and a nation in mourning.
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Pormaboamurgy
30 November, 11 at 19:13
http://gimbolens
arthur3sheds
28 June, 10 at 18:43
Stag, Cesc won’t leave because Arsene says he will not sell him. With all the speculation and Cesc supposedly saying what he has always said one day he will go to Barca he has not put in a transfer request. He may want to go this season as his good friend David Villa is there now but he is not determined to leave now, not enough to refuse to play for us.
“WHY WOULD YOU WANT HIM TO STAY?”
Because he is our best player, he has integrity and if Arsene says Cesc I want you to stay another year at least I think he will still give us his best. Even Cristiano Ronaldo gave his best in his last season for ManU.
Andez
28 June, 10 at 06:22
There is one simple logic I don’t understand.
You see, when comes to intro a new ball (to please the sponsor) for the world’s major tournament, FIFA has never shy from doing it. Despite there is always a clear risk the new ball may backfire.
Yet when comes to TV review technology, they just keep on saying NO.
Now, I’m not suggesting them to try using video review in a MAJOR TOURNAMENT. How about try it in the youth games, the reserve games, the non-league games?
Just give the damn thing a TRY. If it doesn’t work, then the case is rested. If it works, it will improve the game tremendously, or, at least improve the spirit of FAIR PLAY a great deal.
But they don’t even bother to TRY? WHY?
As it stands, football – My Game is anything but FAIR PLAY.
stag133
28 June, 10 at 11:54
I believe each team had the “new ball” well before the tournament started!
so there is no advantage to any team (or disadvantage)
Not using existing technology to get critical goal calls correct… is just insane. There is no explanation that makes any sense.
if you know you could correct a missed call on a goal every time, and you refuse to do so, you must want controversy.
seattle gooner
28 June, 10 at 13:09
What’s funny is that in the Mexico game, more time was spent by the ref trying to control the players after the first goal than would have been used to sort it out with a replay. It wasn’t even a close call that would have required repeat viewing.
nipuna
28 June, 10 at 04:10
4-2-3-1 seems to be the preferred formation in this WC.
Brazil, Spain, Holland and Germany are using it quite effectively.
Argentina has too much attacking talent to play 2 in DM.
France failed with it while England just don’t have the personnel.
I think the 4-2-3-1 is the very good blend of solidity and flexibility.
Arsenal too can play the 4-2-3-1 if Diaby is disciplined enough to stay defensive when needed (which I don’t think he is capable of) and we play intelligent players (not the likes of Theo, Eboue or Vela) as part of the attacking 3. RvP or Chamakh can be the 1.
I still feel that this Arsenal team needs another strong CM. Unfortunately, Arsene does not. :(
sachin
28 June, 10 at 03:56
France, Italy & England will finally now get a much overdue turnover of their teams. All 3 teams have had aging players that were not replaced by younger competent players. Arsenal on the other hand replaced competent aging players with younger players. End result of both opposing models? Failure and poor on-field results. Ofcourse, Italy did win 4 years ago.
Maybe Wenger should be an international manager. Then the expectation is to win just every 4 years at the World Cup and the rest of the time can be spent on experimentation with youth policy. If a team fails at the World Cup, then promise to have the team ready in 4 years time :) The Euros (or Copa America, or other confederation cups) can be treated as a Carling Cup experiment in order to get ready for the main prize of the World Cup. The problem is that there is no profit league to win at the World Cup level. The profit league is always won by FIFA no matter who wins or how many bad calls take place. All for the good of the game, ofcourse :)
CaribKid
28 June, 10 at 00:34
How ironic, an Octopus in a German aquarium which was born in the UK, accurately predicted Germany’s win over England.
Can’t see the Brits selling anymore sea food to Germany (lol).
Unfortunately, the refereeing after the 1st round began to deteriorate to the extent where I keep wondering if the Mafia is running the show rather than FIFA. Then again, FIFA under Blatter closely resembles the mob in terms of autocracy.
stag133
28 June, 10 at 00:41
well, Italy is out, and Russia wasn’t in, so I don’t think the Mafia is involved!
;)
sachin
28 June, 10 at 03:33
Maybe they are involved as someone probably stood to make a lot of money if the team went out :) Even though Italy was not expected to win, they weren’t expected to finish bottom of their group.
ChicagoGooner
27 June, 10 at 17:28
England had a blatantly obvious goal that wasn’t awarded, while Argentina had a blatantly offsides goal which was awarded. Everything happens so fast in the modern game that you can see why the refs/linesmen can’t get it all right. It’s only blatantly obvious on… VIDEO REPLAY.
sachin
27 June, 10 at 17:46
But FIFA will most likely set up a committee to meet after the world cup & do nothing as usual. And 4 years from now they will come up with a new ball that will automatically bounce back if it touches the goal line or hits the underside of the crossbar. They will do anything to avoid video replays
stag133
28 June, 10 at 00:39
Chicago.
Goal line technology exists. The ref doesn’t need to get it right, the BALL can get it right itself… and a camera on the goal line has been in use for YEARS successfully in the NHL… takes 10 seconds to confirm.
Offside… is a judgement call. Its like pass interference in some respect.
There are some close plays you can look at the video over and over and not be 100%.
ChicagoGooner
28 June, 10 at 00:50
What’s your point? I know it exists, but who cares if they won’t implement it.
stag133
28 June, 10 at 01:01
Simply stating:
There is a difference between them implementing video review for “offsides” and a “goal”.
one is a lot easier to implement.
nipuna
27 June, 10 at 15:25
Arthur, how is the mood in England?
Is everyone blaming the referee and/or Sepp Blatter or do they think the team is simply not good enough?
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 18:56
There are so many different opinions that I am hearing.
I think most people are saying the squad are simply not good enough.
nipuna
27 June, 10 at 15:19
Vela dropped to the bench for today’s game.
ChicagoGooner
27 June, 10 at 17:26
Might still be getting over the injury from the second group game. Right after it happened, I read he was already doubtful for the round of 16.
sachin
27 June, 10 at 14:37
That disallowed goal was just awful but this is a bad call that can somehow appease both Germany and England. Germans can tell themselves that call makes the pain of 1966 go away. Whereas, English fans can blame the ref for their loss and continue to believe the myth of the greatness of golden generation of Lampard, Gerrard, Terry and Rooney and ignore the fact that their English heroes were poor at this world cup or previous tournaments for that matter. No one in England will point fingers at the failure of their players but at the manager and ref.
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 18:54
That’s is so true Sachin. They’ll blame the foreign manager, the foreign referee and the foreign players in the premier league.
sachin
27 June, 10 at 22:37
There are plenty of Brits here in my city & it has been interesting to hear their views. Sure there was plenty of swearing at the incident but after the game, most people at the pub did not say the ref cost England the game but they mostly wondered how the second half would have looked like at 2-2. I didn’t hear anyone say that if it was 2-2, then England would have surely won the game, I think the manner which they went down 2-0 and the way the second half went was a bit sobering.
Amusingly, plenty of English fans stuck around for the Argentina-Mexico game and kept shouting “Come on England” throughout the Argentina game. The Argentine and Mexican supporters had to try keep the English supporters quiet but they couldn’t as the few English supporters were in full song belting out songs.
stag133
28 June, 10 at 00:36
The Brits I know… are RIGHTLY pissed off about the call, but they agree that England played like SHIT all tournament, doesn’t have a top keeper, and under-acheived with this group again.
No, they might have lost 4-2… but at least they would have had an even shot in the 2nd half.
They didn’t because FIFA is fecked up.
ChicagoGooner
27 June, 10 at 13:58
Stag, totally agree. That call RUINED the game! Otherwise, I see it staying 2-2 and going to extra time, maybe PK’s, or 3-2 to the Germans, who would’ve actually had to work for the goal. England had to push so far up the pitch to open the 2nd half, sine they were still down.
The OUTRAGEOUS thing is that that f*cking piece of shit Blatter holds a meeting every single year to discuss the possibility of goalline technology and he shoots it down every year. His stated reason is that it wouldn’t be the same at all levels of the game. But who cares. They have light-up backboards and video-review of last-second shots in NBA and college basketball, but they don’t have it lower down at the HS level, and guess what? No one cares!
That’s a moot point, however, as I believe his stated reason my just be cover for his real, more cynical reason. Blatter is a greedy, corrupt, moronic asshole who only cares about football in so much as it makes money. These controversial decisions are good b/c they create lots of public and media frenzy, which equals more attention/exposure, which equals even more money. Controversy is publicity, and there’s no such thing as bad publicity. Goalline tech would cost money to implement and would potentially reduce FIFA’s revenues, and that’s why he’s against it. Someone should shoot that man… for the Good of the Game.
stag133
28 June, 10 at 00:33
putting a chip in a ball … is technology that EXISTS.
It would cost them NOTHING.
stag133
27 June, 10 at 13:21
as far as Arsenal are concerned…
the media seem to think Schwarzer is coming to Arsenal, for
a bargain basement 3.5 Million.
That’s perfect for Arsenal, isn’t it.
meanwhile, with Mourinho in … he is reportedly shopping for
a new keeper, meaning Casillas might be OUT, and he is being tracked
by ManU and ManCity.
That’d be perfect, we get Schwarzer, they get Casillas!
I can see us getting Schwarzer, Joe Cole FREE, Chamakh FREE,
resigning SOL… and some other no name defender for a few million.
Cesc goes out for 40 Million, and we make 35 Million in profit.
WHAT A SUMMER!
;)
a month of madness coming up with the end of the WC and the run
in to the start of the EPL.
DAG?
New Thread?
PLEASE!!!!!
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 19:13
Stag,
Cesc is going nowhere this summer at least, so count out the 40 mill.
Give DAG a little time, he is probably still hung over ;-)
stag133
28 June, 10 at 00:32
Arthur.
what makes you think Cesc will stay, and as I have asked before,
WHY WOULD YOU WANT HIM TO STAY?
If Cesc wants to leave Arsenal, says he does, why would you want him in the team?
You are going to force a player to stay?
Why would he give 100% and risk injury, that happens almost every year to Arsenal AND Cesc?
Why would he play if he has a knock, and risk his future for a team that is FORCING him to stay someplace that he doesn’t want to be?
He isn’t bigger than the team, has done his time here, and wants to go home to Barcelona.
You let that player go, and get a good ransom from the sale.
I don’t want Cesc at Arsenal, if he doesn’t want to play for us.
armchairfan
27 June, 10 at 13:18
Forget about all goal-line technology crap, I’m in favor of droid ref. Here’s my first choice:
http://www.movie-collectible.com/images/SS2212.jpg
He speaks 7 million languages or so I hear.
stag133
27 June, 10 at 13:15
It had to happen at the World Cup.
Hopefully no FIFA smarten the feck up.
If Lampard’s GOAL counts… then it is a completely
different game altogether.
They don’t have to come forward and try and score in the
2nd half, they can play a different style or way.
I am not saying they would have won the match,
but they might have… at 2-2, England would have all
the momentum in their favor.
The whole world saw it was a goal.
All FIFA had to do was OK goal line technology that already
exists, or use the chip in the ball, that already exists.
Instead, you RUIN a match between two footballing Titans.
Congrats FIFA.
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 12:45
How bad were England really? Or were the Germans that good? Like I was saying to HTS it appears Ghana have a better DF unit than England though they are playing with a 19 yr old CB! Amazing!
England looked so good defensively up until this stage I fair Ghana may suffer a similar fate at the hands of Diego and co, but in the mean time….
Sing Sing Africa :-D
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 12:28
I think I said something about Germany being overrated :-D
armchairfan
27 June, 10 at 13:02
Can Arsenal buy the whole Germany squad? They’re young after all ;)
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 19:15
I would be statisfied with Oizil and Muller.
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 12:26
Fantastic game! If England pick up where they left off in an attacking sense they will win but dynamics change at half time so there is no guarantee of that.
This game will go down as a classic!
4-1 :-o
It’s over!!
armchairfan
27 June, 10 at 12:28
Arsenal style counter attack from the Germans ;)
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 12:29
Better than I’ve seen from Arsenal for years. We are not that clinical.
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 11:37
Oh no what a bad call
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 11:36
-1 What a Game the Lions back in it
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 11:32
Oh my days England 2-0 Down – it’s over!! LOL! Wait ’til they get home
armchairfan
27 June, 10 at 11:37
Lampard’s goal was good though.
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 11:49
Yeah it was :-(
armchairfan
27 June, 10 at 11:58
I guess, ref has to give peno to the German in the second-half, but rules out the goal to even thing out :D
HighburyterraceSteve
27 June, 10 at 11:27
Germany go route 1 and Klose makes Terry, Upson and James look like they’ve never seen such a tactic…
1-nil to the Germans….
GDC anyone?
2 Nil now…James nutmegged by Poldolski at an extreme angle. English defense carved open….Could be a fun match now, esp if you’re not an England fan….(Love the edit feature)
nipuna
27 June, 10 at 09:57
I am going to a friend’s place to watch the Germany vs England game.
My friend is German and there will also be a Dutch who will be supporting England.
Should be fun. Hoping for a good game.
armchairfan
27 June, 10 at 11:04
My German friend was supposed to come over. Alas, early kick-off on Sunday isn’t working well.
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 05:01
Good Morning America, I hope now that you are over your hangovers I hope you will join me in backing Ghana for the rest of this world cup ;-)
ChicagoGooner
27 June, 10 at 13:45
I’d like to see them do well. Making it this far makes you wonder how much better they could be with Essien.
joshuad
27 June, 10 at 01:51
I mentioned before the tournament that the US would miss Charlie Davies. He and Jozy displayed a real chemistry in the Confederations Cup and Bradley giving that kid a chance last summer changed the whole dynamic of the US team. Davies gave the US a striker with very descent pace who could actually finish. The other strikers either are not good enough or are not ready yet. Dempsey is not a striker but that’s what Bradley was left with. If Gomez could have come on later in the game to play alongside Altidore, it could have been interesting.
Anyway, well done to the US.
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 04:59
How about well done to Ghana? Josh Sour Grapes :-P
joshuad
27 June, 10 at 10:48
No sour grapes. I simply have little interest in Ghana. As for the US, they did about as well as expected.
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 10:59
To be honest I would have thought the US had enough to overcome a weakened Ghana side. But hey it’s great for the host continent. THe USA played well throughout and are far more competitive than 2006. Things are going to get a whole lot better for US football, you are alll but guaranteed qualification in the CONCAF.
Every WC we should see a improved US side.
stag133
26 June, 10 at 23:57
Well, I think the US had a good tournament, and
nothing to be ashamed of…
their never say die attitude could only overcome
so many deficits…
We are getting better… and can “compete” with just
about any team, on a given day, but we still lack that
“game-changer”. There is no star player that the team
revolves around, no Cesc-type in midfield, or Ronaldo-type on the wing, or a super-striker… we lack that aspect, and always have.
Altidore COULD become that player, as at aged 20, I have to believe
he will improve, and develop.
A good run, some impressive games and fightbacks throughout the run,
but alas, we didn’t have enough.
The SUPPORT was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.
EVERY PUB was FULL from Noon … 2 1/2 hours before the match
even started… lines down the street of people hoping to get
into soccer bars, Irish bars, and ANY bar showing the match.
I have not seen that before here in the US…
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 04:58
Yeah USA had nothing to be ashamed off. They had a good tournament.
Hopefully next WC they will not have to face Ghana in the KOs yet again.
Bradley the coach called it right. The pace of Findley and Altidore was almost Ghana’ undoing. If they were better finishers then it may have turned out different. I did not see what Gomez offered when he came on, he was fresh too but had no impact.
Uruguay have clinical finishers and with the inexperience in Ghana’s DF they are likely to suffer at the hands of Forlan and Saurez. However I am hoping Forlan has a bad day in Africa will have it’s first ever semi-finalists.
Fred
26 June, 10 at 21:39
Stuck in Detroit on my way out to Seattle with only a blackberry to use (laptop being kaput) so not much chance of coming on YAMA much.
I watched the game at an Irish pub at the airport and the place was not only packed full, there was a massive crowd of travellers watching thru the glass wall. There was the whole gamut of ohs and ahs, and even some rather informed commentary. I was amazed really.
I hope it continues really.
ChicagoGooner
26 June, 10 at 20:21
No ones posting… post-match depression I guess. Like we didn’t have enough of that around here already…
ChicagoGooner
26 June, 10 at 19:48
Also, I hope there’s no one out there calling for Bob Bradley’s head. He did a good job devising a system that play’s to the strengths of a team that has a high workrate and can be physical, but lacks technique. And he won the group for the first time since 1930.
ChicagoGooner
26 June, 10 at 19:34
Well done Ghana. What’s with the US conceding early. I watched the game at a local bar, and right after extra time started, I said to the ppl at my table, “now just don’t concede in the first 5 minutes of extra time too.” And sure enough…
Honestly, what’s with the early concessions? Lack of concentration? Do they need more time than other teams to ‘get into it’ for some reason? Or are they one of those teams that simply can’t, won’t, perform at their best unless their up against it? Ghana’s second goal was magnificent, but the first one was the result of a stupid loss of possession by the US, followed by the defense’s failure to close down, and then a GK who despite being very good, left far too much space at the near post. To do better in 2014, they have to:
a) Hit the ground running. Come ready to play, and don’t dig a hole early!!
b) More consistent finishing… all around. We create enough chances. (On a related thought, I always preferred Gomez to Findley. Real Salt Lake player starting over the top scorer in the Mexican league? I’m sure Bradley had his reasons, and Findley is not the only one who failed to finish off chances… but still.)
joshuad
27 June, 10 at 01:56
I thought that Ghana would score early in extra time too. I also thought that the US would find an equalizer and it would go to penalities with the US pulling it out. But with Altidore going off for the extra time period, the US was always unlikely to score.
On Ghana’s first goal, that was all Clark and Tim Howard. The defender gave Boateng the near post and the keeper should have read that and taken up a better position. Howard was in no-man’s land.
arthur3sheds
26 June, 10 at 18:00
SING SING AFRICA!
Stag EAT humble PIE!
stag133
26 June, 10 at 23:50
I am.
No problem saying WELL PLAYED to GHANA.
I hope they beat Urugauy…
It was a good match, a tale of two half’s…
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 04:46
So graceful in defeat Stag that’s so un-American :-P
nipuna
26 June, 10 at 18:00
Well done Ghana.
arthur3sheds
26 June, 10 at 17:42
SING SING AFRICA
DRINK DRINK AMERICA
No Crushing, squashing or body bags here!
Come on Ghana finish the job :-D
arthur3sheds
26 June, 10 at 16:20
Well contrary to the “C-R-U-S-H-I-N-G” which some were predicting, Ghana have shown they are more than a match for the Imperialists ;-) .
But alas this a is a game of two halfs so plenty time for the US to get back into it. Despite having a 19 CB I think has a better DF than Slovenia so the US will have be at their best to break them down. But for the meantime….
Sing, Sing Africa! :-D
ChicagoGooner
26 June, 10 at 19:24
You’re calling us the Imperialists? Don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house… at least the sun sets on ours.
ChicagoGooner
26 June, 10 at 19:27
Oh, and need I remind you which empire it was that both the US and Ghana gained their independence from?
(I’m not being bitter about the loss- Ghana fully deserved the win, and my goal all along for the US was to get out of the group stage- I just think you’re suffering from a little historical memory loss here.)
Fred
26 June, 10 at 21:21
Don’t mind arthur, he is has a knack for making emotional judgement on topics he isn’t well informed about ;-).
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 04:39
:-D that’s my forte you know Fred!
arthur3sheds
27 June, 10 at 04:43
You are bitter ‘Cago, filled with sour grapes no disguising it :-P
And who told you you got independance anyway! That’s a fallacy. The Rothchilds own you, your Federal Reserve and your illegal president ;-)
ChicagoGooner
27 June, 10 at 13:42
Not really bitter. I usually only get upset when my team plays poorly, or is robbed by the refs. USA actually played BETTER than I thought they would.
stag133
26 June, 10 at 23:52
Good Win for Ghana and Africa.
You have to tip your cap to them… they played well enough to win today.
nipuna
26 June, 10 at 12:51
Feel very sad for Korea.
They were clearly the better team, but were undone by a lack of clinical finishing and a fantastic finish by Suarez.
Arsenal fans will be very familiar with that.
nipuna
26 June, 10 at 11:47
Uruguay delivered a sucker punch early on but otherwise it has been Korea on top.
I hope they equalize, they deserve it.
armchairfan
26 June, 10 at 12:20
Missed the first half, but the Koreans are controlling the ball in second half.
armchairfan
26 June, 10 at 12:50
Well done S. Korea. Went down with a fight.
nipuna
26 June, 10 at 10:55
The knockout stage starts and no one in GDC!
armchairfan
26 June, 10 at 12:22
People are probably heading to pubs for USA -Ghana game.
nipuna
26 June, 10 at 12:53
I guess the arm chair fans will be in GDC for that game. ;)
armchairfan
26 June, 10 at 14:26
That’s what I am. Sitting on the comfortable chair at home :)
Fred
26 June, 10 at 07:00
Enough about France. Am really looking forward to Germany-England.
Spain-Portugal aint half bad either.
Fred
26 June, 10 at 06:59
My France starting team for WC 2010 (in my great, infallible wisdom ;-)) would have been:
GK: Lloris
RB: Sagna
CB: Mexes, Sakho
LB: Berthod
DM: Toulalan, Pedretti
AM: Gourcuff
Wings: Ribery, Briand
ST: Benzema
Not a very high profile team. Folks would even have passed to Gourcuff.
Benzema would have been an absolute beast.
Fred
26 June, 10 at 06:37
@ Arthur:
— Living and working in Europe and mentioning it on a blog aint an ego trip. Turns out high schools in Holland and colleges in Germany are free! Turns out most kids who grow up in the Netherlands can speak 3 languages too. So me being able to speak four languages and living and working in Germany and France and criss-crossing the continent isnt anything special at all. The only folks amazed by that are my fellow yanks and Brits. So that knocks out your “ego” argument.
— I still dont understand why you continue to argue with this statement:
“France should have purged their team after WC 2006″. They scored once and finished bottom in Euro 2008 and scored once and finished bottom at this World cup. They also played woefully in both qualifiers and would not have even qualified if Henry had not blatantly cheated.
Again, why are you arguing with that? LOL!
— As someone who has actually been in France on/off for a cumulative of over three years and have worked with tons of French folks of various ethnicities, I have infinitely more information and knowledge about French support than you with your one day trip to Calais. You cant even read any of the papers or blogs in the native language and you are arguing with me. LOL.
— Lastly: France should have flushed the team clean the way Germany did in the last few years – they promoted a lot of their U-21. And the way France did after the disappointment of USA 94 non-qualification – then they also promoted a lot of their U-21. The current France youth setup has actually been quite strong. Blood in the young kids with a few experienced ones and they would have gotten their feet wet at Euro 2008 and had a good crack at this World cup. They surely couldnt have done any worse than the current old, disaster players.
Players that could have/should have been blooded in my “humble” opinion:
Defenders:
1) Mahmadou Sakho
2) Jackie Faty
3) Jeremy Berthod
4) Greg Bourillon
Mids:
1) Tony LeTallec
2) Moussa Sissokho
3) Julien Faubert
Attackers:
1) Jimmy Bergougnoux
2) Youan Gouffran
3) Jimmy Briand
In defense:
Mix these guys oldies but goodies like Mexes and Gallas. Why Mexes is not a solid starter in the NT I would never know. Probably has the wrong sign ;-) Retire Abidal and the clique-loving Evra and blood in Clichy (even though I personally am not his biggest fan).
In midfield:
Make the team revolve around Gourcuff naturally. Blood in those guys with Toulalan, an oldie like Pedretti and definitely Vieira. Vieira is a born winner … far more so than Henry, Anelka, Ribery and the others who went for the ride. He might not have the legs, but even then Diaby still cant see him in his dreams.
In attack:
Benzema, not only should have been in the world cup team he should have been the MAIN striker. Club form has nothing to do with national team. Mix it up with Gignac, and the other new boys.
Having guys like Anelka, Govou, Henry, Malouda, Diaby, and Cisse play for your team in 2010 is just incredible really.
All in all this team would have been closer knit (especially as they came through together) and hungrier and far less stupid than the WC squad. They surely would have done better than the cumulative of 2 points and 2 goals that France has acquired in 2008 and 2010. This is the EXACT same step they took in 1994 … when the flushed the team and retired Ginola, Cantona and co. and brought in the new boys headed by a young, Bordeaux playmaker – Zidane.
arthur3sheds
26 June, 10 at 16:26
LOL! HA! I ain’t even going to waste my time replying much less reading all of it!
I’ll do what I normally do ;-)
Fred
26 June, 10 at 18:44
Oh I know u read it! You probably thought of a borderline logical response and couldn’t come up with any response to my foolproof argument and have no words to defend you comically hysteric remarks ;-)
Game. Set. Match!
LOL!
nipuna
26 June, 10 at 02:51
Happy that Chile made it through. The red card was unbelievable.
joshuad
26 June, 10 at 01:08
Hearing a few rumors linking Ryan Babel to Arsenal. When Babel was first linked to Arsenal, I was strongly opposed because of how much Ajax wanted for him and I declared that he was no where near van Persie’s class; for whom we paid less than three million pounds for. We all know the end of that story.
What I’m thinking now is that Babel game has taken a step back since leaving Ajax. However, he’s still got talent and will certainly improve under Arsene Wenger. His story is strikingly similar to Thierry Henry’s. TH14 was about the same age as Babel is now when he signed for Arsenal. Henry was in a team where his talent was marginalized. I also think Babel has a strong desire to be successful.
The big question is will Liverpool let him go. They just sold Benayoun and are about to sign Hodgson as their new manager so it may not happen. But if Hodgson is willing to sell him and Wenger declared an interest, I’m thinking Arsenal would be his preferred choice. Six million would be a fair price for him. Four million would be a steal. Babel can still become a superstar. Another question is what would his signing mean for Theo and Jack? We need a proper winger and Babel is certainly that. The competition would be good for all parties; including Eboue. Maybe it’s too much right now, but if he became available, it would be hard to pass on him. We’ll see.
arsesession
26 June, 10 at 11:53
Josh, I think Hodgson has more interest for the England NT Manager – not manager @ Pool.
US Gunner
25 June, 10 at 15:07
South American teams topped 4 of the 7 groups with Chile also in control of their own destiny. That continent came to play!
stag133
25 June, 10 at 15:14
so did NORTH America!
:)
US Gunner
25 June, 10 at 21:09
Yes, the U.S. and Mexico did represent. Here’s to booking our place in the Quarterfinals! 1-0 to the U.S. Dempsey with the goal (preferrably early in the first half).
arthur3sheds
26 June, 10 at 05:01
Wishful thinking Mr Gunner.
1-0 to Ghana my friend :-)
stag133
26 June, 10 at 11:04
Arthur.
did I say CRUSH?
or was it SQUASH?
;)
enjoy the match.
arthur3sheds
26 June, 10 at 16:28
I hope you’re drinking a lot of booze in the pub you’re in mate.
Ghana doing the squashing right now it seems ;-)
ChicagoGooner
25 June, 10 at 14:00
I really hope Spain and Chile make it through. Both very exciting teams. I give credit for Chile to play an attacking style, it’s always harder for a medium/small country to play like that than a big country like Spain. Switzerland are boring to me. Unfortunately, the way Nip phrased it above, Chile could be in trouble. Come on Honduras, score one!!! I’ve had a soft spot for them sine last June when I saw a US World Cup qualifier against them at Soldier Field. The stadium was probably 50/50 b/w US and Honduras fans, and all their fans were super nice and created an awesome atmosphere. 50/50 crowds always create fun atmospheres.
stag133
25 June, 10 at 15:13
well… the Swiss play very good defensively… with them needing a win, they might have to go forward a bit more!
DaAdminGooner
25 June, 10 at 13:54
I promise to have a new story out tomorrow or tonight. I’ve had 4 straight 12 & 13 hour days at the office and have basically been going hme, going to sleep and doing it all over again.
Will try and churn something out as soon as I get home tonight (whenever that is)
stag133
25 June, 10 at 15:11
no sweat DAG.
We don’t necessarily need a big story/write up…
just: USA v GHANA, and the Wenger Chronicles – GO!
Andez
25 June, 10 at 11:21
This N.Korea Vs Ivory Coast match is looking really “weird”. Already 2-0 to Ivory Coast with only 20 mins gone. Wont be surprised to see a landslide win for Ivory Coast at the final whistle.
HighburyterraceSteve
25 June, 10 at 11:01
Looking forward to today’s matches, although I might have to watch the later ones on tape. Portugal and Brazil both need to figure that Spain will beat Chile and will be coming into the eliminations with strong momentum, and thus both will want to go through as group winners. With Kaka out (and Julio Baptista starting in place of Robinho) Portugal could easily have a chance at winning the match (and the group) esp. if they can get an early goal. And, of course, the later games should all be good. I’ll sit in the GDC and see if there’s anybody to join me…
Some wild happenings in the earlier third round matches and some promising pairings for the eliminations (if you’re tired of the same old teams pushing through to the semis/finals). Obviously the US late victory was the highlight, but the Asian teams’ performances were also strong and the Slovakia and New Zealand matches had me switching back and forth with a lot of excitement.
And plenty of GKs on display who might improve our team, although maybe my favored keeper (Sorensen) didn’t have his best outing yesterday….
stag133
25 June, 10 at 11:30
well, GK’s can’t have great matches every time… its more about consistency.
and our keepers, consistently were poor.
nipuna
25 June, 10 at 09:06
If Spain beat Chile by one goal and the Swiss beat Honduras by two goals, Chile are out.
I think the Chile will end up regretting not beating Honduras and the Swiss by larger margins, despite dominating both.
stag133
25 June, 10 at 11:31
Chile. going thru.
no regrets.
:)
I believe I said they’d be a surprise in the tournament.
arsesession
25 June, 10 at 08:13
Large share of surprises (so far) in this WC.
The teams that have caught my attention are: Japan, Chile, the chemistry of Argentina, and at times Slovakia.
I can see Chile giving Spain a real run for their money today.
As much as I’m rooting for USA to beat Ghana, they will need to find away to be more clinical
in their finishing.
Despite their lackluster effort in group play, England has a solid chance to take Germany. The CB’s for Germany can be exploited by the power & speed of Rooney and Defoe.
stag133
25 June, 10 at 11:32
I agree, the USA need to step up their game tomorrow.
Have to take it up a level.
and.
totally agree that England can beat Germany. Nothing to fear for England, they can beat anyone on a given day. (besides the US! LOL)
joshuad
25 June, 10 at 03:08
Kiwi, it’s clear that you are not a fan of van Persie. However, you can’t deny that he is a very special player. I do believe it’s essential that he have cover and Adebayor did a very fine job covering for van Persie a few years ago. This year, Wenger has brought in Chamakh to cover van Persie. However, van is the man.
Back to New Zealand, I really like that Woods kid too. Didn’t know he was only 18. He’s got to draw comparisions with our very own Bendtner. However, I think he’s got a bit more gusto about him than Bendtner; he doesn’t appear afraid to put himself about. Will be watching West Brom with interest this season.
I’ve already gone on about Paston. Thirty-three is a good age for a goal-keeper. Look at the US’s very own Friedel and Howard. Despite their obvious talent, they weren’t quite ready until they got closer to thirty. It’s then where they both showed dramatic improvement. Even Arsenal’s Lehmann wasn’t quite ready when he was at Milan but he was about the business by the time he signed for Arsenal. Paston’s best days are yet to come.