#OneNationOneTeam, USA Beat Ghana 2-1

Yesterday was a dramatic day for US Soccer to say the least. I have to dedicate an entire post to the grit, the determination, and the belief that was shown in the United States' game against Ghana to open up their Group G competition. The US exercised their demons against Ghana through a first minute goal by captain Clint Dempsey. Of a clever little pass from Jermaine Jones, Dempsey showed his world class individual talent by driving into the box, cutting past a defender, and finishing with a precision strike to the far post.

As is normal with an early lead, the US fell into a defensive shell for the rest of the first half, and well into the second. Beckerman shut down the midfield while Cameron and Tim Howard stopped Ghana's offense for the majority of the game. In the 82nd minute, Ghana struck. Leveling the game, Ghana broke hearts all around the United States. In the American Outlaw bar of Santa Monica, I let felt deflated along with the hundreds of other Los Angeles US Soccer supporters around me. A tie would at least give the US a point, but in a "group of death," one point is not nearly enough to hang your hopes on.

Then, in the 86th minute, America erupted with a glorious roar. Thousands of people across the country threw up their hands. The hundreds of traveling supporters in the stadium in Natal lost their minds. We had done our part in believing. A young man, twenty-one years of age, did his part in doing. John Brooks, the half time sub who came on for Matt Besler, found the back of the net on a strong header off a corner kick from Graham Zusi. His first international goal for the US, and the ga
me winner to take 3 points from Ghana.

Jurgen Klinsmann had done it. The hard work by our 23 men in red, white, and blue paid off. Although they didn't look pretty and struggled to hold on to the ball, the United States are sitting in good position. In a post game interview the Man of the Match, Clint Dempsey, was proud but cautious, recognizing that his team needs to do better at building out of the back and keeping possession.

The glory of victory came with a cost, as Jozy Altidore looks to have picked up a serious hamstring coming off the field in the first half. Jozy was running down the left side of the pitch, and all of a sudden, he grabbed his left hamstring and pulled up lame, subsequently collapsing to the ground. He was stretchered off the pitch and subbed out for Aron Johannsson.

The United States will need to snatch at least 1 point from Portugal on Sunday. If they do, they will be set up very nicely for an escape from the group stage. Never more have the chants rung true, "We Believe That We Can Win."

World Cup 2014: Match Day 5

What an exciting one we have today folks! The "Group of Death" takes center stage for their opening games with bright stars such as Thomas Mueller, Clint Dempsey, and Cristiano Ronaldo taking center stage. 

Yesterday, we saw one of the brightest stars of the footballing world shine when Lionel Messi scored a go ahead winner for Argentina as they beat an impressive Bosnia-Herzegovina side at the Maracana. France rocked an ugly Honduras side by a score of 3-0, and Switzerland put on a gutsy performance to snatch victory at the last from Ecuador, 2-1.

Today is the day that American soccer fans have been waiting for: USA vs. Ghana, round three. In 2006 the US lost to Ghana in the group stage. 2010 saw Ghana booting the United States from the tournament in the round of 16. But the US Soccer Federation hired a brilliant German man by the name of Jurgen Klinsmann to snap the streak of defeats. Making headlines by leaving Landon Donovan at home, Klinsmann has whipped this young squad into shape and is poised to make a Hollywood scripted escape from Group G. It will take blood, sweat and tears from the 23 US players as well as their faithful American Outlaw fans, loyally singing as loud as they can, "I Believe That We Can Win!"

A clash of titans will take place in the first game when Portugal plays Germany. Miroslav Klose is chasing the All Time World Cup Goalscoring Record in Brazil, and he leads a highly decorated, intimidating squad. It will take speed and technical precision on the part of the Portuguese to defeat the Germans, but having the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, Mr. CR7, gives them a chance. 

Today's Games:

Germany vs. Portugal, 9:00 PST Salvador

Iran vs. Nigeria, 12:00 PST Curitiba

USA vs. Ghana, 16:00 PST Natal

My Picks:

Germany

Nigeria

USA

My Record:

7 out of 11, 64%

World Cup 2014: Match Day 4

The upset of the tournament so far took place yesterday, and my picks took another hit as Costa Rica knocked off Uruguay 3-1 in Group D. Uruguay were forced to bring in Luis Suarez but that still wasn't enough to come back as they dropped three points and picked up the first red card of the tournament. 

Italy proved the experience trumps youth in their duel against England at Manaus with Mario Balotelli opening his account for the game winning goal. Ivory Coast turned up the heat in the second half to come back and beat Japan 2-1 after Didier Drogba came off the bench.

Today marks the debut of the renovated Maracana stadium as Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina open play in Rio de Janeiro. The great Lionel Messi will look to begin his quest for a first World Cup title under loads of pressure from his home country and the football fans across the world. Don't sleep on this Bosnia-Herzegovina team though, as they are a group of quality footballers led by the dangerous Eden Dzeko, and could prove to be a surprise contender to make it into the next round. 

The South Americans look to continue their good form in their home continent today as Ecuador takes on Switzerland in the Brazilian capital city, Brasilia. We may even see another big upset today by a CONCACAF team if Honduras can outpace France in their match at Porto Alegre, the most southern stadium in the tournament. 

Today's Games:

Switzerland vs. Ecuador, 9:00 PST Brasilia 

France vs. Honduras, 12:00 PST Porto Alegre

Argentina vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, 15:00 PST Rio de Janeiro 

My Picks:

Ecuador

France

Argentina

My Record:

5 out of 8, 63%

World Cup 2014: Match Day 3

What a day of football it was yesterday! The champions were absolutely slammed by the Dutch, 5-1 behind braces from Van Persie and Robben. Spain's tici-taca style could not produce goals and left them vulnerable to the quick counterattack, while Iker Casillas had his most forgettable performance yet.

Chile and Mexico won their games, despite some more controversial referee decisions. Mexico had two valid goals taken back by incorrectly called offside decisions. Giovanni Dos Santos put forth a beautiful, hard working performance for El Tri to help win three points while it was Alexis Sanchez that played some inspired football to lead Chile past Australia.

Today, there are four matches taking place throughout beautiful Brazil. First, Columbia take on Greece, followed by Uruguay against Costa Rica. In the afternoon, the marquee match takes place pitting England against Italy. Japan and Ivory Coast wrap up Match Day three in Recife.

Both South American teams are favored today, with Uruguay leaving Luis Suarez on the bench to save him for games against England and Italy. Japan and Ivory Coast will be an interesting watch as both teams are known for fast paced, gritty football. All eyes will look to see if Balotelli and Pirlo can lead the Azzurri past England, as the two European powerhouses battle for position in Group D. This will be Pirlo's last hurrah as he has announced his retirement from international soccer following this World Cup campaign. Look for England to impress with fast football and their spirited youth, despite the extreme humidity in Manaus.

Today's Games:
Columbia vs. Greece, 9:00 am Belo Horizonte
Uruguay vs. Costa Rica, 12:00 pm Fortaleza
England vs. Italy, 2:30 pm Manaus
Japan vs. Ivory Coast, 5:00 pm Recife

My Picks:
Columbia
Uruguay
Italy
Japan


My Record of Picks So Far: 
3 out of 4 - 75%

World Cup 2014: Match Day 2

Brazil united it's people yesterday with an opening 3-1 win over Croatia, but they will have to improve their game of they want to lift the cup. Controversial refereeing and a lackluster, slow performance from the Brazilians made for a shaky kick off to this World Cup. Golden boy, Neymar Jr., netted two goals to begin his first World Cup campaign in style.

Match Day 2 will provide three exciting games: MEXvsCAM, NEDvsESP, and CHIvsAUS. The highlight of this day is obviously the 2010 final rematch of NEDvsESP in Group B. These European powerhouses will meet again in an important game that may be key in deciding who advances from this challenging group. Diego Costa makes his first World Cup appearance for the reigning champions with questions surrounding how he will mesh with their offense.

Chile has the look of a dark horse team that could make a run through this tournament. Their hopes rest on the shoulders of Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal.

Today's Games:
Mexico vs. Cameroon, Natal 9:00 PST.
Spain vs. Netherlands, Salvador 12:00 PST.
Chiles vs. Australia, Cuiaba 15:00 PST.

My Picks:
Mexico
Spain
Chile

World Cup 2014: Brazil OPENING DAY

This is the moment we have been waiting for. The ball will roll again, like it did four years ago, and the world will be watching. The FIFA World Cup makes it return to the country where soccer is king, Brazil. Much has been made of the political and social unrest surrounding this tournament, but all of the chatter will stop when the first kick is taken.

Host nation Brazil opens play against Croatia in Sao Paulo today, led by Neymar Jr. There is a ton of pressure on the "Seleçao" to erase the pain of the 1950 loss to Uruguay at the Maracana but they will be tasked with defeating some of the game's greatest teams ever assembled.

The reigning champion Spanish side will undoubtedly make a run through the tournament for a chance to repeat as kings of the pitch. The South American teams are heavily favored on their home continent to upset the royal powers of Europe and the United States could use their never-say-die attitude to escape the Group of Death. The question haunts Lionel Messi, "will he capture that last piece of hardware that has escaped him?" And what of the 2014 World's Greatest Player, Cristiano Ronaldo? Can he put an entire nation on his back and bring Portugal its first World Cup glory?

The opening match today will be the first of 64 matches, spanning 30 days and 12 cities. The world will hold their breath, only to let out cries of hope and tears of pain. This is the world's game.

Today's Game
Brazil vs. Croatia, Sao Paulo 13:00 PST.

My Pick: Brazil

Another Historic Point at Estadio Azteca

Yet again, it wasn't pretty and it wasn't beautiful, but the United States shocked El Tri with a 0-0 tie in on the road in Mexico City for a valuable point on the road to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The gritty, never-say-die attitude of the USMNT showed up for the second game in less than a week. Coming off the heels of a battle in the snow, Dempsey and company were faced with another opportunity to show their strength and unity.

A pair of former MLS Defenders of the Year (2011 and 2012) anchored the defense at the center back position for Jurgen Klinsmann's young back line. Matt Besler started in place of the injured Clarence Goodson, who had to withdraw from the team with an injury sustained in Colorado only days prior. Omar Gonzalez solidified his spot with aggressive play both in the air and on the ground to knock Chicharito off his game. These two were by far the men of the match...but credit must also be given to the man in the center.

In the 76th minute, Mexico mounted yet another attack with a ball played into Javier Aquino at the center of the box. Maurice Edu, who was beat on the play, clumsily tripped up the Villareal attacker but the only call made by the referee was a corner kick. The Mexicans pleaded with the center ref but to no avail, they had more than a few chances to put one in on the Americans and this would not be another one.

In the end, the away fans and Klinsmann's team rejoiced a hard earned point. Although their offense never made it off the plane to Mexico City, their defense gained a vast amount of experience and unity in this qualifier. Of course questions remain. They alw
ays will. Will the US keep Beasley at outside back? Can Landon Donovan regain Jurgen Klinsmann's trust? When will the offense show up with a multi-goal game?

There's a lot of uncertainty still but the United States are clearly climbing the ranks in the Hexagonal stage of World Cup Qualification. the boys will go back to their respective clubs until they have a tune up friendly match with Belgium in May. Then it's three more WCQ's in June, all at home, against Jamaica, Panama, and Honduras.

USA v. Costa Rica - The Battle in the Snow

Six inches of snow fall. Freezing temperatures. Minimal visibility. These extreme conditions were met by both teams on the road to qualifying for the World Cup when the USA played Costa Rica in front of a sell out crowd (19,374) in Colorado on Friday March 22, 2013. The 1-0 win by the US Men's National Team was gritty, hard-fought, and classic. It was a true testament to the 100 year old federation and their spirit of grinding, die-hard play.

With a new starting 'keeper between the sticks and Clint Dempsey's first game wearing the armband, Jurgen Klinsmann had a mountain of criticism to confront. In the week leading up to the challenge, reports surfaced of discord in the locker room. Anonymous quotes detailing a lack of unity between German-born players and the more stateside players arose. Other quotes announced a lack of faith in the coach's preparation and strategy, coming on the heels of Klinsmann's omission of veteran back and former captain Carlos Bocanegra. Add that to the constant worries of a young, inexperienced back line and the pressure could have turned coal into diamonds. But that just may have been it.

By no means was it a beautiful game, but the snow covered scenes still were pretty at times. Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley did their part in holding up play and stepping on the ball to give the attack a chance to build. Patience and strength gave way to a considerable amount of possession for the US team (60% in the first half), eventually leading to a tap-in goal by Captain Clint. A shot by Altidore at the top of the box deflected off of a Costa Rican defender and Dempsey was left alone in front of an empty net to tuck it in for the game's lone goal in the 16th minute.

For the remainder of the game, the United States showed their gritty side that has lead them to the World Cup time and time again. Omar Gonzalez, Clarence Goodson, Geoff Cameron, and veteran DaMarcus Beasley sured up the defense and locked the Costa Ricans out of the game. It remains to be seen if Beasley is merely a band aid at the outside back position or if he will be the answer, but it reflects well on the coach's decision making to have put such a veteran presence at the back.
Showing amazing calm and tremendous composure in the absurd conditions, the US team gained three points to put them in second place on the Hexagonal table.

Where is our #10?

In the beautiful game, the number 10 has always meant being the playmaker, the facilitator, the trusted one. Landon Donovan has always been that person for American soccer throughout his career, until now. The reigning champion hasn't kicked a ball for his club or country since the whistle blew in Los Angeles on December 1st and the effects of his absence are getting more influential as the clock ticks down to his return.

The captain's armband is being worn by Robbie Keane for the LA Galaxy and the MLS Cup winners are already in a position to evolve without David Beckham. After months of silence, Landon announced in February that he would return to training "by the end of March." Bruce Arena has called upon his young guns to step up and veteran Mike Magee to lead the attack. But the Galaxy face arguably the toughest season yet in pursuit of an unprecedented three-peat as numerous teams around the league have bolstered their rosters with designated players, SuperDraft signings, and blockbuster trades.

Tim Cahill, Australian international and NYRB designated player, called for Donovan to "embrace the weight of the world," and to "question why you play football." As a former teammate of Landon's at Everton, Cahill got to know Donovan well and can even draw strong comparisons to him. Both have been captains of international sides for countries whose national sport it not soccer. Both have had success playing in Europe as well as brought unparalleled stardom to Major League Soccer.

It's this "weight of the world" that has Landon Donovan publicly questioning his own commitment to the sport. Twelve MLS seasons, two loan spells in England, numerous grueling World Cup Qualifiers, and a tough extra time loss to Ghana in South Africa have seemingly taken their toll on the mind and body of the 31 year old Californian.

However, now may be the most important time for him to return to the game on an international level. Dropping the opening game in the Hex to Honduras and facing a tough schedule ahead of them, the USMNT is feeling a whole lot of pressure. Defensive woes aside, the US don't have a clear playmaker. Michael Bradley does well to win balls in the middle but he doesn't have another midfielder to help facilitate the attack. Dempsey and Altidore have proven themselves as lethal goal scorers in European premier leagues but they look tame without someone to feed them the ball in the middle to attacking third.

No other active player in American soccer has the experience of Landon Donovan. He's seen it all when it comes to World Cup Qualifying in CONCACAF. Rocks thrown at team busses, high fences in hostile territories, and obscenely poor pitch conditions may be new to some of the players on the current USMNT roster, but not to Landon Donovan. And it's clear now more than ever that Jurgen Klinsmann needs a number 10 to lead them through the qualifying if they want to have a fighting chance at a trip to Brazil in 2014.

Off Season Wrap Up, part 2.

The Eastern Conference is looking to regain its dominance after being absent atop the Supporter's Shield and MLS Cup podiums. Mike Petke, ex-defenseman and MLS veteran has stepped into the coach's box for the New York Red Bulls and he's got a new Designated Player on his squad. Juninho Pernambucano has been brought in to support Henry and Cahill. The big three look to be the early favorites in the East as many are heralding the Brazilian's signing to be the final piece of the puzzle.

Sporting Kansas City were barely edged from the Shield by San Jose last season. Their stellar defensive line returns to help protect Jimmy Nielsen's net. Head coach Peter Vermes has called upon outside back Chance Myers to become even more of a threat by getting forward in their attack. Graham Zusi has played his way into the USMNT fold and looks to keep his stock trending with his skillful playmaking, and precision set pieces. However, the loss of striker Kei Kamara to EPL side Norwich City may put more pressure upon Teal Bunbury to recover from injury and become the player many KC and US supporters have hoped for.

Meanwhile, DC United have brought together two former MLS MVPs by bringing back "El Pescadito" Carlos Ruiz. Coupled with a healthy De Rosario, this maybe the push that the United need to get past reigning Eastern Conference champs Houston.