world cup update

Well I just got to witness world cup upset#2 which threw the USA a lifeline when the Czech's were defeated by the Ghanians 2-0 in group E play. This goes to show that there is still a chance for the US to make it thru to the 16 round as long as they rebound from a miserable start.

I have a few thoughts on the first US match that might go beyond the obvious. The obvious ones were that our lightning quick wingers, Convey and Beasley just weren't at the game when the whistle blew to start. These guys normally play very quick and consistent, it was just not their day. Keller decided that he was finally going to let a couple of shots thru and the Choice of Pope over Bocanegra finally showed it's silliness. I was never OK with starting the aged Pope over a proven European defender in a league of great defenders. Gooch did't play his best, but his proven strength removed the Man Giant Koller by the end of the game and weakened the incredible Czech side. This showed today with Ghana. The not so obvious was that as much as I love Brian McBride, he is too slow now at 36 to play the US style. He either needs to pull deep and play his absolute best, or needs to be replaced with the quicker Johnson who showed his drive to take the team on to the 16 when he came on in the second half. The other is Dempsey. This kid knows how to create and is in the right place at the right time. He needs to take Mastroeni's place in the squad pushing Renya back to a more holding role. He and Donovan have more energy to make the quick one touch passes with quick runs off the ball. They are simply more creative than Mastroeni.

Here would be my lineup for todays match If I were Bruce Arena.

Defense:
Oguchi Oneyewu
Bocanegra
Cherundelo
Lewis

Mids :
Renya
Beasley
Convey
Dempsey

Forwards :
Donovan playing in back of Johnson.

I would give Beasley about 30 minutes to turn himself into Argen Robben or else sit the bench.

Well I just heard the lineup and I think he has a big mistake being pope in the back, just too old and slow.

Well see in a few minutes...

Loving Your Enemies

Well Kids The big tournament is upon us and I just wanted to remind you all to watch some of the games. Of course All of the US games need to be supported. Czech on the 12th, Italy on the 17th, and Ghana on the 22nd. The US is fielding a strong team, but unfortunately got grouped in the nortorious "group of death." They will have a difficult time making it out of the group stages regardless of their bogus FIFA ranking. This lousy group pick is the result of some ass placing Mexico as a group leader despite our whupping them in qualifiers. It is a blatant swipe at our team and is typical of what FIFA does to stir the pot.



Well if there is any other game to watch it will be the IRAN vrs MEXICO match. I will be cheering for our enemies the Iranians b/c I honestly think that the mexicans are a bigger problem than the Iranians. Much of this is due to me hating the Mexican hack team and their dirtbag fans (remember their chants of "Osama, Osama" in the qualifying stages for the 2002 Cup.) I will be rooting for them and I hope that Adbinimijabjab or whatever his name is, shows up despite his antisemitism and helps his team kick the mexicans out of the tourney. Here he is show left attempting to knock one thru the open goal. While I feel silly routing for anyone who hates Israel, I can't help myself as my hatred for the hated mexican team overrides any sanity regarding who my real enemy is. Even though Iran Shamed us in 98, there is only one option when Mexico is concerned, cheer for the Persians.