Ms FootyNut: End of World Cup Means Loss of Interest For Average Fans

It seems like the topic of the week is whether or not this 2010 FIFA World Cup had any lasting effect on US soccer's fan base.

IMHO I agree with Mr FootyNut's post that it may grab a converted fan or two, but I don't think it will reach a critical mass of any sort. I speak from experience in this as I was enamored with the World Cup while "my teams" (USA and England) were still in it. But as soon as they were eliminated I found myself dramatically less interested in the game. I'm sorry, Mr. FootyNut, but I have no desire to watch MLS or EPL games (unless I'm in the stadium).

In fairness, I have no desire to watch any other sport - unless it's a major competition...and most of the times not then either. Basicallym yes, I will only watch sports on television during the Olympics and now, World Cup. So, for a few weeks, every few years. But unlike even those who are annually dedicated to the Final Four, the Superbowl etc, my interest in sports in general do not go that far.

I think Americans who actually like watching sports on television, and who also watched this year's USMNT (US Mutant Ninja Turtles!!) may have a higher conversion rate. However, I don't get the impression that the t.v. networks (sports based or otherwise) are going to help fuel the Slightly Interested into becoming Super Fans. I think part of it boils down to accessibility to the game. If you show it, they might watch. If you don't...well, you get it. I would guess that someone with a friend (or partner) who is obsessed with footy is more likely to convert because they have a leader.

I also think fans of other sports are annoyed by blatant dives and become bored by what can be considered low-scoring games. Teams like Germany and Argentina have had higher scoring games recently and - on paper at least - that could be seen as more exciting. But during the group stages, the teams were more concerned with not losing than they were with winning so they settled for draws more often than in the later stages.

I'll conclude by saying that it will take time for me to become a Super Fan all year 'round, not just quadrennially. I think that will be true of most lay people who watched this World Cup.

In case you missed it, Ms FootyNut is guest blogging here to give a layperson's view of soccer and the World Cup.

Will the Bump in TV Ratings for the World Cup Translate to Interst in MLS?

US fans look on as Landon Donovan scores a goal against Ghana (AP)

ABC/ESPN is reporting that viewership for the US vs. Ghana game on Saturday was up 10% compared to the US vs. England game two weeks ago.

While this may be all well and good for the quadrennial soccer bandwagon and flag waving fans, what does it mean in terms of the long-term viability of the sport? It's one thing to draw in the casual fans who will cheer for anything if it has the American flag on it and another thing entirely to turn them into fans of the sport. A large number of Americans will watch the Olympics once every four years, but it's not like they're chomping at the bit for skating or gymnastics during the other three, you know what I mean?

But the outlook is looking good. Some reports have this season's overall MLS attendance to date up 10% compared to this time last year. More people are going to see their local team in person. And even though this year's numbers to date include the numbers for Philadelphia's two home games at PPL park with an average attendance of more than 29,000, they remain promising. More people are joining in the culture of American soccer. The sport isn't growing everywhere (that same report has attendance for New England and San Jose down by double digits), but it's growing. And I count that as a win.

Look on the Bright Side: The US Loss Against Ghana Wasn't Entirely the Players' Fault

U.S. Coach Bob Bradley (source: TheFinalThird.com)

The pitch is not even cold yet and fans everywhere are throwing around reasons why the U.S. experienced a second-straight World Cup ending loss at the hands of Ghana. I may not be the only person to say it, and I'm sure I'm far from the first, but the loss was primarily fueled by poor coaching and team selection on behalf of head coach Bob Bradley.

THE BAD NEWS
Playing a lathargic 4-4-2 formation that included an out of form Jozy Altidore, an inexperienced and clinically deficient Robbie Findley, and a Ricardo Clark incapable of keeping possession and tracking runs in his own half, Bob Bradley failed to contain the fast-paced passing of the Ghanaians. As a result, the U.S. found themselves down a goal in the first five mintues of the game.

After Bradley substituted Maurice Edu for Clark in the 31st minute, Benny Feilhaber for Findley in the 45th minute, and Hurculez Gomez for Altidore in the 91st minute, Bradley had wasted his substitutions on correcting his initial tactical miscalculation. At that point the U.S. was left with no other option than to pin their hopes on their default mode: Heroic Acts of Magic. Well, Santa Claus isn't real and even this edition of the U.S's men's soccer team runs out of magic eventually.

THE GOOD NEWS
The U.S. Men's Soccer Team is experiencing some growing pains, it's safe to say. The talent, the desire and the experience existed in the roster for this team to go far. Injuries and attacking questions aside, players such as Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard were set to lead the side at least into the quarter-finals and possibly beyond, a la the team's miraculous Confederations Cup run the year before. The fact that Bradley was unable to properly channel and direct the team's potential is a sign that the Americans' viability is growing on the global stage. We're not quite there yet, but give it two more World Cups and the U.S. team won't just be in the knockout round by the (well earned) skin of their teeth. They'll be regularly fighting for the top position in their group and a force to be reckoned with.

Now if we could only get a coach that had the ability to adapt before a game starts.

Oh well, back to Major League Soccer and my good ole Columbus Crew.

Stateside Soccer's World Cup Round of 16 Predictions, Featuring Ms. Footynut!

In light of the less than flawless results from my World Cup Group predictions (one measure of success has me at 56% for correctly predicting which teams will get out of the group), I have decided to bring in guest blogger Ms. FootyNut to make the predictions for the Round of 16.

Uruguay v South Korea

Ms. FootyNut: This was really tough because South Korea beat some big names. However, Uruguay took their group without conceding a single goal. They beat South Africa on their home turf! I just feel like they are stronger at defense than South Korea. Uruguay to win.

FootyNut: It's plain and simple for me, this World Cup is shaping up to be a display for South American teams. While Korea has had a somewhat of a surprising tournament (Asian teams have fared better than the African teams), I believe their luck runs out in the Round of 16. Uruguay will advance to the Quarter Finals.


USA v Ghana

MF: Ok, this prediction is about 50% desire, 50% logic. But I think our boys have done an outstanding job attacking (if only their goals are allowed!!), and Tim Howard is an amazing keeper! It's not going to be an easy win. Ghana was top of their group for a while, but they looked sluggish to me, like they lack self-esteem and they're ready to go home. USA to advance!

FN: Throw me up on a gibbet and burn me in effigy, but I'm calling this one for Ghana. Although my faith in the massive home turf advantage the African teams would experience in South Africa failed me in my group match predictions, Ghana's U20 men's national team became the first African team to win a FIFA tournament on African soil when it defeated Brazil in last year's U20 World Cup. Expect a hard fought, but ultimately heartbreaking game for the Yanks.


Netherlands v Slovakia

MF: The Orange tide of the Netherlands just won their group so easily! Slovakia only barely beat Italy. I don't know if the Slovak's defense/goalkeeping combo is strong enough to stem the Dutch attack.

FN: I agree with the Missus on this one. Slovakia's success in their group was - honestly - due less to their skill and more to the train wreck of an Italian team slowly but surely self destructing. The Netherlands will put on their requisite display of flash and substance on their way to the quarter-finals.


Brazil v Chile

MF: Well, I mean...what can you say? Brazil wins this one.Chile just isn't strong enough for this powerhouse. Brazil just seems unstoppable (and their fans insufferable ... but I digress).

FN: Well, poor Chile. They've had an unlucky draw this cup. In any 2 out of 3 other groups Chile might have been drawn in, they would have won and been in a much more favorable position in the knock-outs. But as it sits, their dynamic performances weren't enough to hold stop Spain from topping the group and now have to face Brazil, a team they lost to twice in qualifying, with an aggregate score of 7-2. Brazil goes through.


Argentina v Mexico

MF: Mexico got through by the skin of their teeth. The beat France - which was easy given they are falling apart, and tied with South Africa who just weren't that strong this time around. Again, Argentina = obvious choice.

FN: So if Messi is going to shine, now would be the time. However, it may be that - like his evil and much taller twin Cristiano Ronaldo - Messi's best role will be as an orchestrator for a stronger defense. And unlike Ronaldo, Messi has a wide selection of fellow, world class attackers to feed. Argentina wins.


Germany v England

MF: Again, more than 50% of this prediction is biased desire. This is not going to be an easy match. Germany have been excellent. England have not. I want to believe that the boys of the Three Lions will pull it together, start thinking and playing as a team, and start feeding Rooney some good passes! He knows how to find the back of the net, help him do it!! Rule, Britannia, England rule the game!

FN: A star crossed lot this English team be. I'd love to see the Three Lions go through, but the Germans are a more cohesive unit who look threatening and ruthless in the final third. Germany will edge out England in this latest installment of World Soccer's greatest rivalries.


Paraguay v Japan

MF: I feel like Japan never expected to get through to the knockout rounds. They did well in their group but they're up against Paraguay who I abstractly view as another South American Powerhouse. Japan does have a chance though and could surprise me. I would welcome it actually, but I see Paraguay going through.

FN: For an unengaged fan, this may be the most obscure match in the Round of 16. Japan has done nothing but exceed expectations and I think they will continue for just one more match. The Blue Samurai of Japan will make the quarter finals.


Spain v Portugal

MF: One word: Spain. I just don't like Ronaldo. Is that a good enough reason? But seriously, this was tough. I actually have no strong feelings about this decision. Spain were on top of their group (and European Champions in 2008), so why not, right?

FN: Yeah, I'm still not convinced Spain will win it all, but I can say that Portugal and Ronaldo just won't be able to make enough of an impact against the savvy possession of Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso and Villa. The Spaniards might not win the tournament, but they'll win this one. Spain to win.


If you want to see how both Ms. FootyNut and I predict the rest of the World Cup to go - including all winners and losers down to the champions and third place teams - check out our dueling brackets.

Stateside Soccer is Now on Facebook

Stateside Soccer launched its Facebook fan page Friday. The page is open to any fans of soccer from the United States and abroad.

Blog readers and followers of @StatesideSoccer on Twitter can enjoy the same level of news and commentary on soccer leagues, teams and trends from around the globe, including:

• The one stop shop for breaking news from FIFA, the US Men's National Soccer Team, Major League Soccer, USSF-D2, and the USL Premier Development League.
• Easy to read guides to the fundamentals of soccer for new-comers to the Beautiful Game.
  
• Exclusive commentary on soccer trends in the United States.
• Predictions and brackets for major tournaments and matches.
  
• Analysis of soccer in the US media by a communications professional with experience in journalism and public relations.
• The occasional off-beat post by Ms. FootyNut, a new-comer to the sport and an expert in layperson soccer commentary.
  

In the next few months following the unfortunate, but unavoidable end of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Stateside Soccer will examine the gains soccer has made in the US, the return of MLS soccer and the ramp up to the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the announcements of the host countries for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

For more information on Stateside Soccer, the information it covers and any media inquiries, email StatesideSoccer (at) gmail (dot) com.

Stateside Soccer is a soccer blog based in Detroit, Michigan covering US soccer and soccer from around the globe, including Major League Soccer (MLS), the US Men's National Team (USMNT), English Premier League (EPL), UEFA Champions League, Australian A-League and the general popularity of soccer in the United States. Follow Stateside Soccer on Twitter @StatesideSoccer and on Facebook.

World Cup US TV Schedule: June 26 & 27 - The Biggest Weekend in the History of American Soccer?

Image: Seattle Sportsnet

There has been a lot of talk about the stakes for this World Cup being the highest ever when it comes to soccer in the United States. If I'm being completely honest, it's been a little too much hype. But when it comes to tomorrow's knock-out game, the notion that Saturday is the biggest day in the history of US Soccer might just have some legs. Even US coach Bob Bradley - a man with a poker face that would make Lady Gaga blush - has expressed gleeful optimism ahead of the match, stating this year's team "could go far" in the tournament.

If the US wins tomorrow, they will most likely be in a strong position to meet Brazil in a semi-final rematch last year's Confederations Cup final. But while it's okay to dream, it's not okay for a team with a shaky first 15 minutes and an overly strong penchant for heroics and fighting back in a game rather than holding on and securing a win, let's be realistic and take one game at a time.


SATURDAY, JUNE 26

Uruguay v South Korea
10:00am EDT, ESPN

United States v Ghana
2:30pm EDT, ABC


SUNDAY, JUNE 27

Germany v England
10:00am EDT, ESPN

Argentina v Mexico
2:30pm EDT, ABC

World Cup Week One Round Up

Three England fans looking only slightly less ridiculous than their team (Telegraph.co.uk)

As we're coming to the end of the second weekend of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, we find ourselves faced with a compelling final five days of group stage games. And even with 29 of 48 group matches played, only the Netherlands and Brazil have guaranteed themselves a spot in the next round. Needless to say, my predictions have almost all been thrown out the window.

Draws Dominate Crucial Group C Games
Through almost freakishly unpredictable circumstances, three draws in the opening four games of Group C have left Slovenia on top of the group table with four points. The United States sits in second place with two points, edging England to third on account of goals scored.

After leaving their first match against England with a well-deserved 1-1 draw, the United States showed the spectacularly gritty nature of its team character when they fought back from a two goal deficit at half time to draw and nearly beat a slick Slovenian side in their second match.

England, on the other hand, apparently forgot to eat their Wheaties and struggled to produce any sort of attacking threat in a 0-0 draw in their second group stage match against Algeria.


World Powers Stumble, Self-Destruct
Spain, the reigning European champions and a prominent favorite to win this year's world cup found themselves on the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline against a lucky and well organized (imagined that) Swiss side.

After pummeling a lackluster, befuddled Australian side 4-0 in their opening games, tournament regulars Germany lost 1-0 to a stalwart Serbian side.

Defending World Cup winners Italy not only came from behind to salvage a draw in their opener against Paraguay, but they found themselves in need of a similar performance to salvage not only a point but their dignity from their second game against a spectacularly organized New Zealand side. The Azzuri now sit on 2 points going into the final day.

If it wasn't enough that France all but cheated its way into a spot in South Africa, they opened their tournament with an uninspired 0-0 draw against Uruguay. Then the French proceeded to fall apart in a 2-0 loss to Mexico. The self-destruction continued into the weekend when forward Nicolas Anelka was sent home, the French players refused to train and many of the coaching staff simply quit.

And as ESPN the Magazine's World Cup preview so astutely put it, "There will always be an England and it will always disappoint." And with a goalless draw against Algeria of all teams, the Three Lions of England have surely disappointed.


Quality of Refereeing Goes from Amazing to Appalling
The refereeing of the opening dozen games or so was nearly impeccable. The most prominent example of the outstanding refereeing came in the opening match of the tournament when Mexico's Carlos Vela was correctly called off side against the protests of about 85% of the matches viewers, including the ESPN commentating crew.

However, come Friday, the wheels starting coming off the refereeing cart. Germany's loss came within the context of Spanish referee Alberto Mallenco's 10 cards, including the sending off of the German's World Cup Talisman, Miroslav Klose. Then, with only 10 minutes to go in the US's match against Slovenia, Malian referee Koman Coulibaly disallowed a US goal by calling a foul that remains unfathomable in the face of dozens of slow motion replays.


Regardless of what the past 10 days have brought us, they are sure to bring exciting match-ups and edge-of-your-seat moments. Will New Zealand pull off the unthinkable and follow Paraguay out of the group, leaving the Italians behind to ponder what might have been? Will the US and Slovenia leave England equally befuddled by elimination? Will the cards fall just right for Australia? Will it be Portugal or the Ivory Coast who advances from the group of death? Will an African team be able to make it to the knock out stages in the first tournament held on African soil?

We'll just have to watch some more to find out.

US v. England Reaction: Draw Bears More Fizzle Than Pop

Source: Getty Images

The United States and England fought to what may best be described as a draw only a mother could love today in their first group match of the 2010 World Cup. After 90 minutes of play contained primarily in the midfield, the two sides emerged with a 1-1 draw, granting each team one point towards qualification for the knock-out rounds of the tournament.

While US soccer fans everywhere were (for the most part) enthused with the result - my local pub in suburban Detroit was filled with fans cheering on Team USA - some of the more casual observers of the game were left slightly bewildered. If this match was in fact the biggest in the history of U.S. soccer, why would it end in a tie? Hell, how could it end in a tie? What does a tie even mean?

What do you think? Was the result one step forward for the U.S. team but two steps backward for the sport's popularity in America? Or is the maelstrom of negativity surrounding the match only a result of the increased exposure of the tournament? Is it accurate to assume that the bigger soccer gets in the United States, the louder its haters will yell?

I'll just say that thank God it wasn't a scoreless draw (I'm looking at you, France and Uruguay).

Contributing Blogger - Meet MsFootyNut

Hello Blogosphere, I’m so pleased that Mr. FootyNut has invited me to blog with him. He thinks my perspective as an "outsider" may be amusing. I think he's barking, but if you bear with me, you can be the judge.


To give you some background, I was never a huge fan of soccer. I played in elementary school, sure. I spent many semesters and summers in the UK as a young adult and thought I would very much like to understand soccer, but I never made the effort. Then when Mr. FootyNut revealed he was a fanboy, I knew it was all about to change. I can’t really call myself a huge fan now, but I watch the important games and I cheer when a team scores, and yell when they get fouled or robbed of what was obviously going to be the most spectacular shot evar!! And I try really hard to understand the idiosyncrasies of the off-side rule.


As Mr. FootyNut previously wrote, his head exploded on June 5th when the USA met Australia. While I too have a mushy place in my heart for that continent "down under", my head stayed intact. It was just a friendly after all. However, this will all change tomorrow when the US meets England.


I guestimate that more than half of my heart lies with England. In 2006, ROOTS had a sale of all the World Cup stuff (after it was all over) and I bought an England t-shirt. I don't even remember if they had a USA one made! And this year, when purchasing some fan gear in preparation for this little tourney, I chose an England scarf over the US scarf – if only 40% because it was easier to find!


Don’t get me wrong, I really want the US to do well in this race. I really want to show our country that soccer does matter!! But on the other hand, England deserves to win again. It's been a long time, and they're more likely to go all the way to the finals than anyone else in C group – did I also mention I'm of Arab heritage and am secretly routing for Algeria too? I'm a complicated woman. Slovenia, you’re on your own.


Anyway, this ain’t no friendly game of footie here!! This counts towards that shiny gold thing Morgan Freeman is so fond of! So on Saturday afternoon I may be the only one in our pub supporting the "limeys" over the "yanks" and I'll just have to be ok with that.

Cheers.

The USMNT's Top 5 World Cup Matches

There is a lot of hype surrounding the importance of the US's first match of the 2010 World Cup against the Three Lions of England (2:30pm EDT, ABC). Many are saying that it is the biggest World Cup game the Yanks have ever played. But no matter the outcome, there are at least 5 other games who can give tomorrow's match a run for their money:

5. US v. Paraguay (Uruguay 1930)


So yes, the first World Cup consisted of only 13 teams. But the U.S. made a strong first impression on first asking. Plowing their way to the semi-finals with a dominating 3-0 win over Paraguay. In 2006, FIFA recognized that Bert Patenaude scored all three goals in this match, thus becoming the first person to score a hat trick in a World Cup.

4. US v. Portugal (Japan / South Korea 2002)


Really, you can make every match of the 2002 World Cup number one on this list (except the match against Poland). However, that's not fun. In lieu of this cop out, the second group match of the 2002 makes the list at number 4. This match ended in an electric 3-2 scoreline in favor of the yanks and catapulted them into the second round with room for a reality check by the Poles along the way that may just have served to ground the team going into the knock out rounds.

3. US v. Colombia (USA 1994)


The United States entered the 1994 World Cup with the disdain of the World on its shoulders. It had received the right to host the tournament despite of its poor world ranking and lack of a top tier professional outdoor league. However, after a 1-1 draw against Scotland, the global community cocked an eyebrow. So when the US met and beat then fourth ranked Colombia 2-1 on home soil in Detroit, soccer fever hit the nation and has never really let go ... sorta.

2. US v. Germany (Japan / South Korea 2002)


Only one word describes this quarterfinal match up from the USMNT's epic run in 2002: Bittersweet. The Yanks not only stayed with the Germans, but they out played the European powerhouse. So after a heartbreaking goal by Michael Ballack, a masterclass performance by German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn and a handball save on the German goal line, the Yanks were left on the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline. The consolation? Even the German players admitted the US outplayed them.

1. US v. England (Brazil 1950)


While the US v Germany game of the World Cup beats the US upset of England of 1950 in prominence and impact, the Miracle on Grass in nothing short of soccer legend. Appearing in just its second world cup in 20 years, nothing was expected of the fledgling American team when it came up against the inventors and popular legends of the game, England. So when the Yanks beat the English 1-0, it was a soccer shot heard round the world.


But what if the US repeats its upset? What if it propels the team into another legendary run deep into the tournament. What if that run sparks a widespread soccer fever that makes 1994 look pale in comparison? Will the US v. England match of 2010 rocket to the top of this list? More than likely. But it will have to be an epic win if it is to go down as a great match when we look back at it 20 years from now?

What do you think? What will the impact of tomorrow's match be on soccer 20 years from now?

US Soccer on Sports Illustrated Cover: Progress or Status Quo?

One of America's oldest sports journalism institutions is Sports Illustrated. Its covers have chronicled the interests of the American public and have made household names of sports stars of no less renowned than Michael Jordan, Nolan Ryan and Tiger Woods.

So when today's copy of Sport's Illustrated hits newstands featuring US Men's National Team members Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard on the cover, one may be tempted to announce that soccer has finally arrived in the US. But the truth is, SI has a respectable history over the past three World Cups of highlighting the USMNT's efforst in the tournament.

2010


Today's cover comes on the heels of two other soccer covers (the most for any year since the magazine was first printed in 1950): a preview of the World Cup on May 29 and an overview of "The Beautiful Game" on May 24.

2006


The USMNT's success in Japan and Korea in 2002, left the American sports scene at attention and wondering if the US had actually arrived on the international sports scene. Were we actually good at this sport the rest of the world seemed inexplicably obsessed with? Unfortunately for US soccer fans and the popularity of the sport, the US hadn't quite arrived and bounced out of the tournament's Group of Death.

2002

If 2010 is the year of US soccer's maturation, then 2002 was its coming of age. Going into the tournament less than favorites and in the same group as European stalwarts Portugal and Poland and with the energetic hosts, South Korea. Yet after a dynamic win against Portugal and a well fought draw against Korea, the Yanks were into the knock-out rounds.


And so the US Men's National Team grabbed the attention of the American public by the hair and propelled themselves into the knock-out round. After an emphatic victory against their CONCACAF rivals, Mexico, and a heart-breaking loss to Germany in which even the Germans admitted the US had been the better team, the US exited the tournament in their best finish since the start of the tournament in 1930.

1994

The 1998 World Cup was a disaster for both the US team and its media exposure. Chalk it up to an uninspired team unable to score more than one goal or to the fact that the tournament was hosted in France, it just never made the media's radar in the States. The 1994 World Cup, however, was hosted in the USA and is generally accepted as the spark for the modern revival of soccer in the United States. The fact that the US was hosting the tournament meant that Sports Illustrated featured the US team on its cover for the first time.

The bottom line? If Sports Illustrated covers are any indication of a sport's popularity, then soccer is certainly making strides into the American sports consciousness. On the other hand, the number of articles on soccer written for Sport Illustrated has grown exponentially over the past 40 years. It is growth, but it's the kind of generational growth that only happens through excruciatingly small intervals.

All covers (c) Sports Illustrated.

In Defense of Robbie Rogers

Alright, I'm a Columbus Crew fan. I was born and raised in the city. I had box seats for the opening of the Major League Soccer's first soccer specific stadium. So I would like to offer some defense of a player who did not make the final 23 man roster for the U.S.'s World Cup squad: Robbie Rogers.

Back in March, I named Rogers as one of the 10 Things to Watch this MLS Season and you know what? I'd do it again.

For all his faults, Rogers has an incredible amount of potential, potential he has been starting to realize this season. He's been criticized both in Columbus and in the national team camp for his poor decision making and over reliance on his speed. However, his handling, crossing and even long range shooting have noticeably improved since the beginning of the season.

Not to mention, players like Rogers are the future of American soccer: hard working, homegrown players plying their trade with successful teams in the MLS instead of sitting on the back bench in Europe. Rogers plays nearly every week for the Crew under the on-field tuteledge of one of Argentina's legends: Guillermo Barros Schelotto. With all of this going for him, it's hard to deny that if he continues on this path, I mean, really continues improving his game, he will inevitably have a place in the 2014 World Cup campaign, but it's just a shame he wasn't given a chance to rack up some more serious international experience this time around.

In the end, while I understand Bob Bradley's choice of DaMarcus Beasley as the left wing sub for the tournament, I have to question this 4-4-1-1 position in which Benny Feilhaber occupies the left wing with Carlos Bocanegra overlapping for service more often than not. I feel that Rogers' dynamic combination of speed and two-footed prowess would be a better option for a Beasley in the starting lineup.

But then again, I admitted I'm pretty biased.

What do you think? Should players like Rogers be given the benefit of the doubt? Be given the chance to be mentored at the international level? Or is it just tough shit?

Lessons Learned from This Weekend's Group C Friendlies

source: Active Images

Both the United States and England played pre-World Cup friendlies this weekend. The United States played Turkey in Philadelphia (elevation 39 feet) on Saturday. England, on the other hand, played Japan in Graz, Austria (elevation 1,158 feet). Both matches were roller coasters, both matches had their shocking moments and both have left the fans and followers of Group C talking.

U.S. vs. Turkey
U.S. soccer fans everywhere had their eyes turned to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to see Bob Bradley's starting lineup. But when Bradley sent the squad out in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Michael Bradley anchoring a (theoretically) fluid midfield and an on-again-off-again attack comprised of Jozy Altidore as a lone striker and Clint Dempsey in support, confusion and bewilderment ensued.

The first half wasn't disastrous, but it was pretty close. The Turks easily and continuously exploited a cardboard like defense on lightening fast counter attacks. To be honest, the U.S. was lucky to get out of the first half with only one goal against them. The second half was a bit more promising when Bradley shook things up and added (among others) Real Salt Lake forward Robbie Findley to the mix and returned the formation to a more familiar 4-4-2. Robbie's pace and added attacking presence forced Turkey to adjust and play more conservatively. After Robbie helped to set up one goal, Dempsey put in a second, the Yanks won the game 2-1.

England vs. Japan
Man, oh man, was this match a shocker. Fabio Capello went into the match looking to finalize the last 3 spots up for grabs on his final 23 man roster. However, what he got was a bucket of cold water to the face after Japan scored a goal against the run of play in the 6th minute and continued to use their pace to frustrate the Three Lions' concerted build up play.

England's defenders and holding midfielders kept most of the possession and used most of it amongst themselves, with the occasional hopeful (and often unsuccessful) long ball to the forwards. And while England's a handful of changes made a slight change of tempo and complexion to the game, the Three Lions never got out of second gear. And it was luck and lack of experience on behalf of Japan that allowed England's wingers to create two own goals and get away with a 2-1 victory and a little bit of their dignity.

Lessons learned:

• The hype may be getting to England, but this wake up call could be dangerous for the U.S.. There's nothing more dangerous than a wounded animal looking to redeem itself.
• Rooney may be an X factor in every game he plays, but he will not be able to carry the Three Lions through the tournament.
  
• After watching the difficulty players like Rooney, Lampard and Gerrard were having trying to control the official match ball, it's clear that the ball will be a huge factor in who claims the World Cup Trophy this summer.
• The U.S. has some serious problems when it comes to balancing work rate, experience and pace in their formations.
• Dempsey may not have the best left foot, but he belongs on the wing.
• Findley may not be the pity project we had all previously thought.

The biggest takeaway point, though? Friendlies probably don't even matter.

Any other take away points from this weekend in terms of how Group C might turn out? How about your thoughts on Algeria's annihilation at the hands of the hard done by Ireland?

Why Jozy Just Isn't Enough

When Bob Bradley announced his final 23 man roster of the World Cup on Tuesday, the biggest shock for most people was his selection of attackers: Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley and Hurculez Gomez.

At 20 years old, Villareal's Jozy Altidore leads the group with 24 senior team appearances and 8 goals. Buddle, Findley and Gomez have just 9 appearances and 1 goal between them. An experienced front line this is not. So when international sites such as Australia's SBS.com.au point out that the US has hung its hopes on Altidore, they're on to something.

The cold hard fact of the matter is that Altidore is not enough. While he had some moments of pure brilliance in the Saturday match again Turkey and his domineering physical presence was used to great effect during the USMNT's shock win over Spain in last year's Confederations Cup, he is far from a prolific scorer. He has averaged just one goal every 17 appearances at the club level outside of the United States and just one goal every 3 games at the international level. And let's face it, one goal from him in the group stage will not be enough to get the team through.

Not to mention, if his loan at Hull City FC in England is any indication of how he'll fare against English opposition, then we can expect little but frustration out of him when he comes up against a defense well versed in dealing with powerful strikers. And if his young, hot-headed nature gets the best of him early in the group stage, a red card becomes a real possibility.

So although I've been slapped around for asking this question before: Where are the goals going to come from?

And if we're relying on Dempsey and Donovan to provide the goals from the midfield, then how are we locking down the lightening transition play of the world powers? Does this mean we're looking at a 4-5-1 setup (a setup which has been used to disastrous effect by the Yanks in the past)? I remain hopeful, but incurably skeptical.

USMNT World Cup Squad Announced

U.S. Men's National Soccer Team head coach Bob Bradley announced his final 23 man roster for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The US begins its World Cup group play against the Three Lions of England on Saturday, June 12 (2:30pm EDT, ABC)

The 23 players who will be on the plane to South Africa to represent the United States of America in the world's largest single sporting event are:

GOALKEEPERS (3)

Tim Howard
Age: 31
Club: Everton FC






Brad Guzan
Age: 25
Club: Aston Villa






Marcus Hahnemann
Age: 37
Club: Wolverhampton Wanders







DEFENDERS (7)

Carlos Bocanegra (C)
Age: 30
Club: Rennes






Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA)
Age: 25
Club: Chivas USA






Steve Cherundolo
Age: 31
Club: Hannover






Jay DeMerit
Age: 30
Club: Watford






Clarence Goodson
Age: 27
Club: Start






Oguchi Onyewu
Age: 27
Club: AC Milan






Jonathan Spector
Age: 24
Club: West Ham United







MIDFIELDERS (9)

DaMarcus Beasley
Age: 27
Club: Rangers






Michael Bradley
Age: 22
Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach






Ricardo Clark
Age: 27
Club: Houston Dynamo






Clint Dempsey
Age: 27
Club: Fulham






Landon Donovan
Age: 28
Club: LA Galaxy






Maurice Edu
Age: 24
Club: Rangers






Benny Feilhaber
Age: 25
Club: Aarhus






Stuart Holden
Age: 24
Club: Bolton






José Torres
Age: 22
Club: Pachuca







FORWARDS (4)

Jozy Altidore
Age: 20
Club: Villarreal






Edson Buddle
Age: 28
Club: LA Galaxy






Robbie Findley
Age: 24
Club: Real Salt Lake






Herculez Gomez
Age: 28
Club: Puebla






The next step? A match against Turkey on Saturday, May 29 (2:00pm EDT, ESPN 2), then to South Africa for training, including a final friendly against Australia on June 5 (8:30 EDT, ESPN 2).

Why isn't the USMNT at an Alpine Training Camp?

England is holding an alpine training camp in Austria.

Spain and the Netherlands also are joining the Three Lions in the land of the Von Trapps.

France is having its own high altitude camp in the French Alps.

Defending champions Italy will set up their own training camp in the Alps next week.

And a handful of other teams from South Korea to Japan to Australia, Argentina and Brazil are taking training for the altitude in South Africa into serious consideration early in their training plans.

So why is Bob Bradley having his 30 man provisional camp in Princeton, New Jersey at a staggering altitude of just 98 feet above sea level?

World Cup Predictions: Group C

Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia

Players to Watch:
Wayne Rooney (England)
Jozy Altidore (USA)
Karim Ziani (Algeria)
Milivoje Novakovic (Slovenia)


Match to Watch:
England vs. USA
June 12, 2:30 P.M. (ABC)


Predictions:

England vs. USA
June 12, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ABC)
For US fans this match can be summed up in one word: "Epic." Both Number 10's have had a hell of a past 12 months. England is looking to make good on its ever elusive birthright of a second World Cup. But England never makes anything easy for itself and drama almost always ensues. I'm predicting either a humdrum 1-0 win to either side or an explosive 3-2 win for England. And since I'm feeling risky today, I'm going with the 3-2.
Result: ENG 3 - 2 USA

Algeria vs. Slovenia
June 13, 7:30 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
It would be easy to write off Algeria and Slovenia as lost causes and means to and end for England and the USA ... but I'm going to take the easy way out. Algeria will have discipline problems when a well-ordered deep midfield would probably suit them better. They'll be struggling for goals let alone points.
Result: ALG 0 - 2 SVN

Slovenia vs. USA
June 18, 10:00 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
This match is crucial for the US. No matter what happens in their opener with England, the US will need to take full points from their ecounter with Slovenia in order to remain the masters of their own fates going into the final group match.
Result: SVN 0 - 1 USA

England vs. Algeria
June 18, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ESPN 2)
If England can't win this game, they have more problems than whose baby mama former captain John Terry has nailed.
Result: ENG 3 - 0 ALG

Slovenia vs. England
June 22, 10 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
Believe it or not, this game may be the most important match that the US won't play. Depending on how the points have fallen, this game may either decide if the US places first, second or third in the group. England may falter a bit in the face of stiff continental opposition.
Result: SVN 1 - 1 ENG

USA vs. Algeria
June 22, 10 A.M. EDT (ESPN 2)
This game is the very definition of a "must win" scenario for the Yanks. In fact - I'll be one of the first to say it, Landon Donovan's US international legacy may depend on the outcome of this game. If the US finds themselves in the need of an all-out team performance and he doesn't step up in the leadership role we all know he should be able to fill and the team misses out on qualifying for the knock-out rounds, questions will arise.
Result: USA 2 - 0 ALG


Final standings:

The Truth About the Davies Debacle

Much has been made of the "public outcry" surrounding Bob Bradley's decision to leave injured striker Charlie Davies off his 30 man initial World Cup squad.

Davies, a fan favorite, suffered a slue of life-threatening injuries in a car crash while breaking curfew ahead of the U.S.'s final World Cup qualifier in October 2009.  During the past six and a half months, Davies appeared to be making miraculous strides in his recovery, with the most optimistic fans and pundits speculating that he just might make it back in time for South Africa.  What followed was a collective pipe dream made not so much for the real world of international soccer but rather for the fanciful imaginings of the silver screen.

When Davies was left off the roster on Tuesday, the announcement was met with fan indignation and speculation.  What really happened?  Who was really to blame for this?  I mean, other than the same person who decided that there shouldn't be a Santa Claus.

THE OFFICIAL STORY:
It's pretty simple.  Although Davies announced via twitter that he had returned to full training with his club, Sochaux on April 26, the club would not give U.S. Men's International coach Bob Bradley clearance for Davies to take place in the pre-tournament training camp.  Bradley insisted that at that point he had no choice and Davies had to be omitted from the roster.

THE CONSPIRACY THEORY:
The juicy conspiracy theory has two villians: Bradley and Davies' French club, Sochaux.  In this scenario, Bob Bradley is just a mean guy who didn't pick Charlie because he doesn't like goodness or puppies or whatever.  On the other side of the pond, Sochaux is accused of sabotaging Davies since his injury and their refusal to give Bradley permission to have Davies in camp was just the latest in a long line of insults - an opinion Davies has hinted at in recent interviews.

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED (PROBABLY):
Let's be realistic people. Davies is lucky to be alive, let alone walking, let alone playing soccer again.  Not to mention at the age of 23, he will likely have at least one more bite at the World Cup apple.  Sochaux, meanwhile, more than likely did not want to take out insurance on a player who just returned to the training pitch from serious injury.  Bradley, on the other hand, had a professional obligation to select the combination of players who are in the best shape and can contribute the most to a well orchestrated team effort at the World Cup.  So, really, at the end of the day, Bradley was just happy to have someone else to blame when he had to make what was ultimately the right decision in leaving Davies off the roster.