Starting Eleven Football Blog Roundup

I do like one thing about the Confederations Cup: it's a bitchin' trophy; a lot better than the wimpy World Cup. Now, personally, I'm into trophies. There's nothing better than the Stanley Cup. That thing is big, shiny and perfectly symbolizes a championship. It's something tangible to play for.

The World Cup, yeah yeah it's OK and I'm sure it's worth a fortune. But my God, it's the size of a 12-inch ruler, and if you're not watching closely when it's presented to the winning captain, you'll totally miss it. The Stanley Cup, for instance, when you bring that sucker out, it gets a red carpet, introduction and a standing ovation; a guy in a three-piece suit carries it out wearing white gloves, it's so awesome.

The World Cup? It's already there on a podium with its gold leaf texture and naked lady holding up the world. Eh, doesn't exactly move me. And with Brazil winning it five times already, it blends in with those yellow jerseys and, ah, forget it. It's ugly. And never mind that IT'S NOT A CUP!!!

Now the Confederations Cup, that's what the World Cup wants to be when it grows up. It looks like a stick-shift on a gold pedestal. Someone's gonna drop that bad boy into their '65 Mustang and zoom off into the sunset.

Would have been so cool to see the U.S. win it yesterday. White jerseys, gold trophy. American muscle cars. Awesome.

But they had to go and blow it. That game was a total hot-chick tease: build you up big n' stiff by halftime only to let you down with a 20-minute threesome with somebody else. Ugh.

Now on to this week's jaunt around the football blogosphere:

• Reuters Soccer Blog says Brazil restored order by winning the tournament; um OK
• MatchFitUSA, quickly becoming one of my favorite blogs, puts the U.S. performance into perspective and cautions that now expectations will be a lot higher for the U.S. of A. And he's right. Only way to go now...
• Want a rollercoaster of emotion? Skim through Unprofessional Foul's live blog of the match.
• Did you know Dunga means Dopey in Portuguese? I didn't. Two Hundred Percent did.
• Soccer Training Info finds the silver lining in the loss; I'm not buying it.
• Ives Galarcep has a thoughtful review of the game and points out that while the core of the U.S. roster was pretty solid, overall, there wasn't much depth and in the end it cost them.
• Original Winger has some snapshots from the final.
  
• Check out Kartik's comprehensive work on the Confederations Cup at Major League Soccer Talk; probably the most comprehensive package of coverage you'll find out there.
• Jack Bell at the New York Times, yes Jack Bell not Jeffrey Marcus, puts up his player grades from yesterday's match. I would have gone higher with Howard and DeMerit, and not so high with Onyewu.
• And finally, Cristiano Ronaldo's six-year deal at Real Madrid was finalized. Bryan Robson says CR7 is irreplacable.
  

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Rest in Peace

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Was the U.S. Win Over Spain the Greatest Soccer Victory in U.S. history?

OK, so we've had 24 hours to reflect and rejoice on the United States' 2-0 win over Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals yesterday. And while the win is getting somewhat its just due from the mainstream media (ESPN actually led SportsCenter last night with it), some in the U.S. soccer community are trying to put the victory in some sort of historical context.

Was this the greatest win in U.S. soccer history?

It seems there's a shortlist of games to compare it to:

• 1989 World Cup qualifier -- U.S. 1, T&T 0
  
• 2002 World Cup first round -- U.S. 3, Portugal 2
• 2002 World Cup second round -- U.S. 2, Mexico 0
• 1994 World Cup first round -- U.S. 2, Colombia 1
• 1950 World Cup -- U.S. 1, England 0
• 2008 Confederations Cup -- U.S. 2, Spain 0

That's a pretty solid list. It's kinda tough, and kinda early, to shove aside the emotions of yesterday's win and properly rank it in U.S. soccer lore. I invite you all to vote in my poll, top right of this page, and we'll see how this one comes out.

Personally, I'm going to vote for the 1989 qualifier. I think historically, it's a far more important win to U.S. soccer. It kicked off the current era of success and helped U.S. Soccer put a priority on the game and the product it puts on the field. It's too early to see the aftermath of yesterday's win. If the U.S. stinks it up in the Gold Cup and against Mexico in its next World Cup qualifier and next year in South Africa, then maybe yesterday will ultimately be nice for a day, kinda like the 1993 friendly win over England in Foxboro.

But if the U.S. scoops up another Gold Cup and gets out of the first round of the World Cup next year (maybe a round deeper?) then maybe yes, yesterday will be an indicator the U.S. has truly arrived a world power.

So again, please vote in the poll. I'd really like to get an honest indicator of what you think of yesterday's win.

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Running Commentary: U.S.-Spain, Confederations Cup semifinals

Random thoughts while watching today's U.S.-Spain Confederations Cup semifinal:

• Charlie Davies' bicycle kick, had it gone in, would have been legendary
• Landon Donovan has been fantastic so far, very patient and very deliberate with his passes
• John Harkes raises an interesting possibility, that if this game goes into the penalty kicks, Tim Howard is a great equalizer there for the U.S.
• The rest of Harkes' drivel? Not so much
• Is Spain actually giving Donovan space--out of respect?
• Pardon my ignorance, but is it cold in South Africa this time of year?
• Ban the horns Sepp
• Spain, slow and sloppy. A little overconfident; a lot outplayed so far
• Torres was offside, but Jesus Christ, no one knew he was there.
• U.S. defense playing a bit ambitiously, pushing forward and getting caught in counters by Spain
• U.S. doesn't want to have to play from behind
• That's twice Altidore has passed up shots in the Spain last third of the field. Shoot the ball son.
• Spain doing a little bit of internal bickering, sloppy passes leads to U.S. counter and Donovan shot
• Bocanegra's bad throw-in was fugly
• Um, yeah, Donovan's looking, um, world class
• Jonathan Spector is a marked man, Spain LOVES his side of the field - and with good reason so far
• GOAL -- Altidore finally shoots- and scores.
• Davies and Dempsey just relentless in keeping possession. And Altidore beats back the Spain defender and gets a break from Casillas' incomplete save. Wow, 1-0 27 minutes in.
• First goal against Spain in the tournament.
• Torres again offside; wonder how long before the flag stays down on one of those exchanges?
  
• Is Torres just being arrogant on these offsides calls?
• U.S. is really doing a solid job in the middle defending their end of the field
• Great sequence from Spain.
  
• A lot of desperation on that field right now, from both teams
• A first half to remember for the U.S.
• SECOND HALF
• Xavi a tad high with that boot challenge
• Howard setting up to be the hero in this one, tremendous hit from Villa, better save from Howard
• Demerit leans on Villa there
• Looks like the U.S. is gonna sit on it
• U.S. is asking a lot of its back four right now.
  
• Possession is key for the U.S.; can they manage to keep the ball?
• Another opportunity for Spain and another corner
• Spector is just scary.
• Bradley is setting this team up to fail. They're not playing the same game they were in the first half
• Wow
• It's not all Spain Harkes!
• Xavi was offside on that chip.
• Constant turnovers from the U.S.
• At this rate, it's a matter of time for Spain. Reminiscent of the Italy game; early lead, floodgates open in the second half.
• When does exhaustion become a factor too for the U.S.?
• Is it more tiring to defend than play in the flow of the game?
• Howard is so solid, but none of these shots aside from Villa's is really testing him.
• Altidore wins a corner, nicely.
• What is Bradley's first move off the bench?
• Failharber? Or does he swap out a fullback. And when does he make the move?
• There's a lot on the coach's plate right now, especially with a tiring Starting Eleven. How well does he know these guys?
• Goodness, eight, even nine white shirts defending in the U.S. box. Wow
• Already playing the clock. I hate this tactic
• At least pretend you're playing for another goal U.S.
  
• At least the U.S. challenges every cross, a foot, a back, something tries to get in the way
• A for effort there Altidore, but pretty transparent try for a PK
• 30 minutes to go
• ESPN rant: Stop with the graphic about the U.S. beating a No. 1 ranked team. This isn't the NCAA where the freaking polls somehow matter. No one outside of ESPN ever pays attention to the rankings. /endrant
• Awesome run from Davies, but selfishly, he kept it. Shoulda gone to Donovan.
• Has Spector challenged any crosses on his side of the field? Any? He's awful. Riera is having his way over there
• What is Bradley waiting for? 24 minutes to go. Put someone on.
• Have I mentioned how awesome Donovan's been? [Did I say that?]
• Feilharber coming in. Soon I hope.
• Feilhaber for Davies
• I'd rather have seen Altidore come off there. Davies much quicker, much more disruptive on the counterattack. That's the only semblance of offense from the U.S. on the bench right now.
• Possession. Feilhaber. Imagine that
• Squeaky-bum time has arrived
• This has to be murder on Spain. So dominant and nothing to show for it.
• GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!! DEMPSEY
• Amazing!!!!!!
• Counterattack. Spain disaster on defense and Dempsey finishes
• Great run from Feilhaber. Great clusterfuck from the Spain defense.
• 2-0
• 76 minutes. Hurry up clock
• Feilhaber fouls in a bad spot. ho-boy
• 80 minutes. Hurry up clock
• Howard or Donovan for man of the match? Close call right now
• Feilhaber has been the perfect sub. Can we get another one Butcher Bob?
• Spector tries a trap in the box. Awesome. GET HIM OUT OF THERE
• Altidore out, Connor Casey in. Finally another fresh body. Possession boys
• 84 minutes. Hurry up clock
• Onyewu, high marks in the last 15 minutes.
  
• Anyone else smell a PK for Spain? I sense something
• Oh Boy. Bradley gets a straight red. No Bradley in the final. Wrong Bradley.
• 88 minutes. Hurry up clock
• Dempsey out. Bornstein in.
• 3 minutes stoppage time. Hurry up clock.
• 1 minute to go
• Just an amazing win. Quite a feat. Very proud.
• U.S. 2, Spain 0. Suck it Spain.
  

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Does the U.S. Really Need to Fire Bob Bradley?

OK, I give. White flag is up. I was wrrrrrr-ong (if you're old enough to remember Happy Days, you know where I'm coming from with that one).

The U.S. men's national team did a great thing Sunday beating Egypt, 3-0. Coupled with Brazil's 3-0 mirror win over Italy, the U.S. is in the Confederations Cup semis, and Italy, which beat the U.S., 3-1, earlier in the tournament, goes home. Likewise Egypt, which tied Italy and the U.S. on points and goal differential.

Yesterday I blogged that if I'm Italy, I'm pissed that I'm going home and the Yanks are going on. You guys slapped me down about my head-to-head contentions, and fine, you're right. The total-goal scenario, I suppose, is the only fair way to break such a unique tie.

[End of apology]

Now on to today's rant. Well, maybe not a rant, but a take or two on Bob Bradley, the U.S. coach. Bradley went from goat to hero overnight following the Egypt win. The U.S. hasn't exactly been mowing 'em down in World Cup qualifying and Bradley's been taking the heat for questionable in-game tactics, poor lineups and shaky substitutions. He was doomed.

But you read the platitudes and listen to the podcasts yesterday, and move over sliced bread, Bob Bradley is the shit.

Or is he shit?

OK, that's harsh. I don't know him; I'll assume he's a good guy and a loyal soldier for the USMNT. In fact, I'll put it out there: What would firing him today, or even tomorrow after the Spain game, accomplish for the U.S.?

We have to assume the U.S. is going to get out of CONCACAF and qualify for South Africa. They're doing so with Bradley in charge, and doing pretty well. If somehow the U.S. manages a decent result against Spain, Bradley gets a reprieve for sure. But if Spain puts up 3-4-or-5 goals, what of Bradley?

I'll say he stays. Why?

Well, if we've established that the U.S. gets out of CONCACAF, Bradley or no Bradley, you have to look ahead and set some expectations for next summer. What's realistic? Getting to the second round of the World Cup? Quarterfinals? Semis?

The U.S. bombed out of the '06 Cup after getting to the quarters in '02. So let's say a realistic goal is the second round. Can they do it with Bradley? Or do they need a Klinsmann type to get there and beyond? Bradley has decent talent, starting with his exceptional son Michael in the midfield, a solid core of keepers and defenders who don't make many glaring errors. Landon Donovan is becoming a leader--finally. All under Bradley.

Bradley is the latest U.S.-born coach in charge of the national team. But has he brought this team as far as he can? England finally broke out of its English-men-only coaching philosophy, and under Fabio Capello, one has to think England looks like one of the favorites for the 2010 title. Why can't the U.S. break out of its mold and hire a successful, viable international coach who can bring the team the rest of the way?

Well, again, it's a matter of realistic expectations: Do you think it is the U.S.' coaching shortcomings are keeping it from moving beyond the second round of the World Cup? If so, then make the move now, win or lose tomorrow. Otherwise, ride the Good Ship Bradley into South Africa and roll the dice.

A lot of questions, I know, but there are no clear answers right now. Those of you who ranted yesterday against me, share with me today your constructive ideas. No legitimate comment will be rejected.

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Starting Eleven Football Blog Roundup

I'm not Italian and I don't necessarily root for Italy in the World Cup, Euro or the Confederations Cup. Pretty lukewarm.

I am American. I root for the U.S. I want to see them win and evolve.

That said, Italy got jobbed at the Confederations Cup. Just so I get it straight:

1. Italy beat the U.S. head-to-head, 3-1.
2. Italy and the U.S. finish tied for second in their group.
3. The U.S. advances? Because it scored more goals than Italy?

Pardon my Web 2.0 language, but WTF is that all about? Pardon me while I find my Confederations Cup-sized Mickey Mouse ears for this tournament. Yeah, yeah, I know the rules are spelled out ahead of time and everyone is playing on a level field, blah, blah. But what kind of dipshit event is this where two teams finish tied on points and goal-differential and a head-to-head result means NOTHING??

Call me when this thing is over.

Here's this week's tour of the football blogosphere:

• World Cup Blog wonders if the U.S. has used up its quota of miracles.
• Ives Galarcep laments the loss of one American in the Confed Cup: Guisseppe Rossi
• More hero worship for the U.S. men's national team at World Cup Buzz. I don't get it. Did everyone forget how Brazil and Italy stomped on this team?
• Off The Post lacking a little insight into Group B, but what the hell, here's a little link love
• More on the miracle of South Africa from Awful Announcing. Stick to Joe Morgan boys.
• Two hundred percent rebuffs the notion that South American teams don't travel well and points out that Brazil just might have what it takes to stop Spain.
  
• Center Line Soccer has a good read on tournament from a fan's point of view who is actually in RSA.
• New York Times' Goal blog rates the U.S. performance: high marks for the back four, and world class marks for Charlie Davies.
• Reuters Soccer Blog analyzes the quandary Maradona is in as Argentina preps for its next World Cup qualifier, which happens to be against Brazil.
• In case you were wondering, CR7 updates us on his status with Paris.
• SkySports has more on Ronaldo, and regrets publicly talking about his desire to leave Manchester United as early as 2007.
  
• Silvio Berlusconi dishes on Real Madrid's spending spree. He's, um, well, not, um, happy.

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Football's Hottest WAGs Get Early Jump on World Cup Headlines

And today's top story: Vicki Beckham had her knockers knocked down a peg. Seems the former Posh Spice and current Mrs. David Beckham has downsized from a 34D to help her fashion career get in gear. Really?

As far as WAGs go, Beckham's not even in the top 10 (20?) any more. I love dipping into the WAGs (I'm talking figuratively here, for the moment) because they give the best head(lines). Check out these gems:

• What sex with football stars is really like!
  
• XI at 11: Footballers' Wags (way to go Setanta, pulling out all the stops)
• Jermaine Jenas and his WAG can't keep their hands (or lips) off each other in hotel pool
  
• Theo Walcott and WAG Melanie Slade lead Arsenal stars at an oh-so-quiet footballer's bash
  
• Wagging their tails on our turf
• Meet the new Mrs. Fernando Torres

OK, so excuse me for turning Starting Eleven into a tabloid for today, but c'mon WAGs totally rock. I'm totally speaking out of jealousy here, because we just don't hound the WAGs here in the States the way the Brits do. I mean, we're totally burned out on Tom and Gisele, well, because they're the only story in town.

WAGs tales (tails?) are great because they kick up so many side stories of interest. I mean, does sex before a Confederations Cup match really weaken the legs? And just where, oh, where will the ladies bunk up in South Africa next summer? I mean, seriously, these are huge questions to be answered. We can't have the ladies too close to the boys!

Finally, my gift to you: Hours of fun clicking through English football's finest WAGs (a sticky site indeed)

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