Das ist Fußball.
A quick shout out to Chelsea legend Peter Osgood. Osgood, who was nicknamed "the King of Stamford Bridge", has died at age 59. He also played for Southampton. Osgood made 286 appearances for Chelsea F.C., scoring 105 goals in the league and overall he made 380 appearances for the Blues scoring 150 goals. He was one of only 9 players to score in every round of the FA Cup, helping Chelsea to victory in 1970 and the European Cup Winners' Cup a year later -- beating Real Madrid in the final.• The Football Association have announced there will be a minute's silence before tonight's England friendly with Uruguay at Anfield in honour of Osgood and former national boss Ron Greenwood.
Keeping on the world football tip, I just finished watching the USA vs. Poland friendly during my lunch break over here in the International District at the neighborhood Fort St. George. USA's defense was very solid and we took the match with a Clint Dempsey goal in a 1-0 victory this afternoon in Germany. The snow was really falling think during the second half, necessitating a switch to a yellow ball during play.Poland's goons pushed the smaller & much quicker American strikers around most of the snow filled friendly, drawing multiple yellow cards during play. It was a tough match in difficult conditions, but the US impressed me with formidable defense & a team game that dominated time of possession against a Polish squad who will also be in
Germany this summer for the 2006 FIFA World Cup draw. I'm liking the US team's chances this summer. Maybe not enough to take the week off like Train -- but a personal day to watch the United States vs. Czech Republic on June 12 might be in order.
posted by Unknown at 2:30 PM
9 Comments:
US drew the toughest bracket...and is going to have to fight to move on...they're having to go up against 3 completely different sytle of play in 6 matches...
Italy speaks for themselves, and I feel they should match-up favorably with a quick, ground-passing style of the Italians, I'm just concerned here that they might not have the D to keep the Italians under 2 goals...
Czech Republic will be toughest test for US in entire bracket, I compare this to the knockout game vs. Germany in '02, E. Bloc 'foot' is hard-nosed and is going to be an opposite game than what they'll see vs. Italy and Ghana...vs. the Czech's they're going need to master the corner and set plays (which could be set for all matches I realize), but in the slowed-down, D-tempo of the E. Bloc
Ghana is going to be interesting, the French influence here has been producing quality players for Europe for some time now, so can Ghana bring it?...don't sleep Clint Mathis...because Ghana's going force the US middle to contain the long run/cuts...
US is a more intl. tested team and I think deserves respect as one of the 16 best in the world...do I think they move on...yes...surprised if they don't...no...
It’s no surprise that the US will have a tougher time this time around. They also got hosed on there draw. The Italians are aging and hurting but they still can manage two goals a game. The Czech’s have a number 2 ranking in the world and scored the most goals in UEFA league qualifying. That is just too much for the USA to contend with. I figure a draw against the Czech’s is as good as a win. I hate to say it but I don’t think they make the round of 16
I love to see the new influx of African teams to the WC. It is amazing to see a fixture set with no Cameroon or Nigeria. Look for Ghana to make some noise with Michael Essien (Chelsea FC) but my dark horse form Africa is Ivory Coast. They have the makings of this years Senegal. Didier Drogba (Chelsea FC) is awesome from set plays and rebounds near the net.
Look for these teams to make it to the next round:
Group A: Germany, Costa Rica – it’s a wonder that Germany got in this group. Home Cooking never looked so good. Costa Rica gets second by default. Poland is as old as the Pope and Ecuador brings nothing.
Group B: England, Sweden – The English finally make a WC without being in the group of death. The Brits have the speed and offense to make a nice run but there D and goalie is up in the air. The Swedes just get it done in the cup. Ljungberg (Arsenal) and Ibrahimovich (Juventus-Pete’s Fav team) are there solid playmakers.
Group C: Argentina, Netherlands – The Dutch have it going every year. Look for them to rise like Salmons. Though a loss to the Tinians or the Coast is not out of the question, The Ivory Coast will make a solid showing and turn heads. Serbia they are just happy that Day Watch will be out on DVD by then
Group D: Mexico, Portugal – The MexiCANS are always good for a second round game but don’t have the players to go any further. The Ports are always the team to beat until they beat themselves. Figo won’t allow another meltdown by the Golden Boys. Iran will raise some eyebrows with there play but I would be more concerned about violence at there games then wins.
Group E: Italy, Czech Rep – See above
Group F: Brazil, Croatia – Brazil is Brazil. Man I wish I would be there for the hot Brazilian ladies and that Samba dancing. Australia has VEDUKA!!! Japan is playing out side of the Pacific Rim and will feel the effect. The Crows were unbeaten in qualifying. Look for them to only lose to the Brazilians.
Group G: France, South Korea – France is also aging with Zidane having to use a Johnny Cart to get around the pitch but they have THIERY HENRY, not only does he have the hottest French girlfriend in the land but he has a golden right foot. The Frogs make it through. The Koreans win by default. The Swiss are lucky to get there with a one game playoff win over Turkey. Togo will be just happy to visit the sites in Germany.
Group H: Spain, Tunisia – Espana is the ultimate underachiever but they can handle this group. Tunisia is home to Mos Eisley and the Cantina, need I say more?
I love the breakdown, Train. But I think the US will squeak by the Italians and into the second round. The Italians are older than aging France & the USA is a young yet experienced team. Man! Why does this have to be 3 months away!?!
Sorry for the lengthiness of the comments but I was startin’ to feel it. I should have made my own Blog Post. I can’t wait for the WC! I will say that my place is open every night all hours of the night during the WC.
Like Jimmy said I’m not going to be surprised if the US makes it and vice versa but they are like 1-8-4 in Europe under Arena to me that ain’t good.
I had France going to the round of 16 with there young talent so I don’t know where you are going with that. Zidane is ancient that’s all I am saying.
can the S. Koreans bring it?...also remember that Freddie Adu could be playing for Ghana if he didn't want to cash in for the big MLS $'s ... and although the Dutch have a good history or producing quality players, let us not forget they we're drinking Heinie's and waiting for Ze Germans to invade during the last World Cup...
I thought Zidaine retired from Country play?....man, that guy can f'n play...best player of our generation
The Dutch will make it through after that I agree they might just be watching everyone else play.
Zidaine is still playing for France. When your country calls you answer it no matter what your age. Look at Diego Marandona.
Zidaine is Insane, I just regret not being able to see him in his prime but He later years were just as top notch.
Oh, I won't forget, Jimbo. The Dutch are back for revenge. The were robber during qualifying last WC -- and the world will be hurting this time around.
I will at least post once in the Soccer thread to at show I didnt ignore it.
Go USA!!!
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