History Repeats itself: The State of US Soccer in 2010 before the Fall Friendlies

We're baaaaaaaccccckkkkk.

Fall (or autumn if you prefer you silly Brits) is finally here and with it comes nicer weather for me because 100F weather in Detroit isn't really my cup of tea but more importantly it brings a slew of US soccer friendlies.

USA fans are on the edge of their seats as the team who despite horrible tactical decisions that almost lost them every game at the World Cup in 2010 and saw them go out prematurely to Ghana is ready to get back into action against two teams who frankly, at home they should beat.

Every US fan is ready to see their new manage....

With the new look tea...

With interesting oppone...

Ok, with the same old shit except Jermaine Jones might actually play this time.

American soccer, mainly Sunil Gulati, or as I lovingly call him Gooflati has yet again lost the plot.

There is a famous phrase that's used that I think Gooflati doesn't really get.

The phrase of course is "history repeats itself".

Now, this phrase as you well know is used in a negative way, not a positive way. When this phrase is used, it's to say you should look at the historical record, see how things went wrong and try to avoid them in the future.

Unfortunately for us Gooflati I believe feels that he has to adhere to this old adage because clearly qualifying for the World Cup and then fucking up constantly is what a country who is primed for success should be doing.

Gooflati lecturing on how to ruin teams

There is a cognitive disconnect here. This is a man who has made bad decision after bad decision and yet gets unanimously voted in again as head of soccer in the US? It seems its the one job in the country where you can have a bad performance and still get re-hired.

He started out with ruining a successful Metrostars (for you new soccer fans, that's the team that NY/NJ had before they sold out to Redbull, alienated their fan base, spit in the face of New Jersey etc etc and became the NY Sellouts).

New York you'll be surprised to know was actually drawing in large crowds and was being run fairly well until this muppet came in and made them the running joke in the league.

Then after that disaster he took over the US national team, which is what runs US soccer in this country. Interest lives and dies with the national team.

The reason for ESPN picking up soccer on a more regular basis was not the MLS, it was the success of the national team who finally got its act together when they had to host the World Cup in 1994.

The goal then became qualifying for the World Cup, which at that time made sense since the groundwork of producing a consistent national team was at the forefront.

Fast forward years later when the US has had some decent World Cup runs (2002, 2010), has most of its premier players playing in Europe, and has a league to develop its younger talents and you think the goal would change.

However, Gooflati was quoted as saying "Our goal is to qualify for the WC" (this was in the lead up to 2010).

So....the goal is the exact same as it was in 1990? In 20 years the goal is the same despite the US qualifying for the WC easily every time since they took the modern sport seriously, won the CONCACAF major tournament the Gold Cup 4 times (as many as Mexico in the same time period) and was the runner up 3 times.

When US soccer took the competition seriously it took 4th in the Copa America, the premier Conmebol competition (Yeah, Brazil, Argentina their feckin conference), which Gooflati completely disrespected that entire federation by sending a horrible team in 2007 after turning down bids from them from 1996-2006. Our squad was then summarily embarrassed, and our country being embarrassed apparently means nothing to Gooflati as he was the one who made sure the a USA C team went up against the best teams in South America.

Frankly stated, but the US and Mexico should qualify for the World Cup every single go around. It sounds arrogant, but if you look at the numbers in a book like Soccernomics something that on paper is easily found out using statistics.

CONCACAF is improving, there are tough games and most of the other teams in the region are improving every year, but with their resources, neither team should fail to qualify for a tournament unless severe investment is made in the Caribbean and Central America, something that I don't see happening.

Yet, this is the goal?

How shortsighted is that?

I think my goal is to breathe today. That's essentially the bar Gooflati is putting up. An easy hurdle so he and the US soccer good ole boy network can give themselves a pat on the back for.

Wake the fuck up. This isn't Guadeloupe, this isn't Jamaica, this is the "sleeping giant" waiting to be awakened.

Instead of moving forward, Gooflati feeds US soccer its share of sleeping pills with his bad decisions, his refusal for change in order to improve, and the fact he will only take on managers who are essentially "Yes Men".

A Celtic commentator and member of the Lisbon Lions Jim Craig once said that really the shelf life for a manager should be a maximum of four years, unless they are one of those once in a lifetime sort of guys like Jock Stein, Sir Alex Ferguson, Shankly and the like.

Is Bob Bradley that? Is Bruce Arena that?

No.

There is no doubt Arena did a rather superb job with the team in 2002, a German handball away from perhaps going to the Semifinals, where the US hasn't been since the World Cup started in 1930.

He brought in 40 new players into the US squad pool, which no one had done up to that time.

One could see how he got an extension to his deal, he did everything Gooflati and US soccer wanted. He put the MLS over the National team at times for friendlies. He did the throwaway friendlies playing crap MLS players so teams could say they had an "international" player even though they had no chance of being in the actual squad.

Arena then found himself like so many managers do finding himself tied to his favorites, unwilling to let go and cap new players like he did in the lead up to 2002 and what happened?

The US with some bad play, bad calls and horrific tactics went out in 2006. Ironically to Ghana who put the US to the sword in 2010.

Now, for probably the first time the country seemed deeply interested in a WC not on its shores, as ESPN had record ratings for the 2006 World Cup (even better ones for 2010) and after the tournament it was clear that Arena was done, and the man next in line was Jurgen Klinsmann, a man who using his knowledge he gained from American training techniques completely revamped Germany and almost took them to the final.

Here was a guy who was technically a "foreign" manager, but who with his links with the Galaxy and the fact he lives in the US has knowledge on American soccer. He was as many would say the perfect fit.

However, despite brief press pressure, Gooflati refused to sign Klinsmann because he wanted control to completely revamp (read: for the better) US soccer so it could compete at a higher level.

Gooflati, whose power was now on the line turned him down so he could keep his good ole boy system intact.

Now, in most countries, this wouldn't have happened because the press and fan pressure would have been too much to see the head of a federation turn down this opportunity.

So instead he hired a Bruce Arena clone in Bob Bradley, who in every way is Bruce Arena minus the fact he isn't a self centered asshole.

Now, in 2006 I wanted Bob to be the #2 (perhaps lead the team in 2010 depending on what Klinsmann did).

Instead he got the top job, because it was the best post he could get and he agreed to do whatever Gooflati said.

He did EXACTLY what Arena did (see he is a clone here....) when he was first called into action by calling up if I remember right 50 new players into the US system, but then found his favorites who he continually plays, does the MLS friendlies to hype up their players, which is not the job of a national team manager.

His crowning achievement was the 2009 Confederations Cup where the US lost to Brazil 3-2 in the final. Many point to Bradley's tactics as being why the team lost, despite being up 2-0 at half time.

It was a sign of things to come.

In 2010, the US got out of the group on top, despite Bradley's best efforts to make sure the tactics were horrible enough to lose each game, and then his inexperience showed against Ghana, a team that the US could have gotten past had his moves not been simply put, retarded.

Gooflati again sticking to his adage "history repeats itself" has brief talks with Klinsmann, on which they again don't agree on anything in writing and he then re-hires Bradley without looking for any other managers. He looked at two candidates, just like 2006 all over again.

Needless to say 2014 looks bleak. Bradley. Gooflati. Same old same old. Maybe buying this T-shirt will help me feel better about myself and my country's team....


...because right now there is nothing to look forward to.

Here is the squad for the two games next week:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton).

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne), Steve Cherundolo (Hanover), Clarence Goodson (Start), Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham).

Midfielders: Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro), Michael Bradley (Moenchengladbach), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jermaine Jones (Schalke), Brek Shea (FC Dallas).

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Eddie Johnson (Fulham).

As you can see, at least it isn't a shite MLS filled squad, but most of the country's best players.

I love how Parkhurst was the best MLS defender for some time, and only gave away something like 5 fouls in a few seasons (which is unheard of in any league), and hardly got a call up, moved and then never got a call up.

Honestly, had he gone with the Republic of Ireland, he might have already been in their set up.

JJ needs to get in, that's really what I'm looking forward to. Shame I couldn't be at this one as I always go to the games in Chicago, but it's my official boycott match as I hate the direction this team is going.

Match info:

10/9 - USA vs. Poland - 8pm EST on Fox Soccer Channel and Galavision
10/12 - USA vs. Colombia - 8pm EST on ESPN 2 and Galavision

Don't Tread on This.

Article by Celticrugby.

MLS clubs should give a damn about CONCACAF Champions' League

by Max Power

It doesn't pay to win, but that's not why we play.

It's often been said that clubs from Major League Soccer don't put enough effort into external competitions such as the US Open Cup or the CONCACAF Champions' League. But they should care about a fledging competition, because the MLS was once, and to some extend still is, a fledging competition. Therefore, they should give a damn.

We all know why these competitions are played...for money, and to a lesser extent...for pride. But, I think the MLS and the United States Soccer Foundation should look at it from another angle, playing against our regional competition will help our national product tenfold. If we look at the European model, those teams are playing against the best competition available. Instead of playing a defensive Stoke or Wolverhampton, they are playing an explosive Barcelona or tactically smart Inter Milan. In the same light, MLS club would be playing against skillful Mexican clubs and physically tough and emotionally draining Saprissa.

Case in point, the Puerto Rico Islanders play in (at the time of competition) the USL first division. They fared well in their respective league, but they were a revelation when they played the top teams of the region. They eventually lost in the semi final but went on to play in USL final against Vancouver. It was a test of skill, depth and mettle of the club and they past the test with flying colors.

I have full faith in the MLS. Since the birth of the league, and my personal love for the game has grown, the league has been been growing. Even a decade ago, the league was on life support and a couple of the teams had to be folded; but as Forbes Magazine reports, 3 of the 16 clubs operated with a profit. However, this is all changing. As the fan base grows for each team, the clubs are moving into smaller, soccer specific stadia which relieve the team's balance book of expensive rent. They now own property outside of markets that are growing. I believe within 5 years, the number of clubs operating in the black will double, if not triple.

If the MLS teams are able to field competitive squads in CONCACAF Champions' League, they may be able to beat their Mexican counter parts, who have up until now, dominated the competition and went on to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. I'm not saying our boys will be able to beat the FC Barcelona or Boca Junior clubs of UEFA or CONMEBOL Libertadores, but the prize money is available. Even if they finish last, they still stand to earn $500,000.

But, today my argument is not about the financial benefit of participating in these competitions, but the sheer experience of playing against the best competition of our region and perhaps the best competition in the world. The subsequent money will roll in with increased interest in the league. People in England, Germany and Russia will be interested in where all these American players are coming from and how they're able to beat a strong Spanish team in a Confederations Cup or why their next defensive prospect is currently playing for a Real Salt Lake or Chicago Fire. If we can improve our game, the product will produce the results and that will produce the money to go out and do it again next year.

Playoffs: Agony/Ecstasy

They say the best way to go up is via the playoffs. The feeling of euphoria of navigating these most tricky of matches and the success of an on the day success makes it a day like no other.

As a Nottingham Forest fan I think it is something I am starting to doubt we will ever experience.

Three times now we have qualified to the playoffs and three times we have failed in the semi finals. A strange aura of acceptance seemed to emanate from City Ground last night.

Like we all sort of expected to be defeated, despite having a wonderful home record, finishing above Blackpool in the league and arguably having the better team on paper.

This, the wonderful unpredictable nature of Football though. A team who have a wonderful home defensive record (indeed 12 hours without conceding a goal) and we go and concede 4, and I won’t take anything away from Blackpool, they deserve to be going to Wembley.

It’s been a day now; it still doesn’t make the bitter pill easier to swallow. I saw the goals earlier, and it remained difficult to watch. When we lost to Yeovil in the playoffs in much more dramatic and self destructive style, it took me fully 2 years to be able to watch those goals again on Youtube. And even then it was painful.

This time it is easier to take in. Maybe because we didn’t have the two goal lead from an away leg. Maybe because this season we have been far better than any of us expected, whereas in the League One playoffs we had much higher expectations.

Some have said the playoffs are merely unfair. A way from the football league to stretch the season out and mil more money, but consider the three Forest games and each one has been utter excitement, in which the game takes many twists and turns. Seldom is it a mundane one goal in over two legs match.

For instance, right now I am watching Cardiff v Leicester. The first leg may have been just a single goal, but this second leg has been exciting with goals flying in and shots rattling the woodwork or with great saves, making it hang in the balance so finely.

My brother last year managed to attend the playoff final when Sheffield United reached it and lost to Burnley, my brother I should add is a Sheffield United fan. He said that losing in the final is worse than whatever I can feel now. It’s the worst game to lose in football was his contention.

Maybe it is, I’d almost say I would like to know. The one main way we had of comforting ourselves was the fact it’ll save £100+ each for not having to buy a ticket, get the coach/train/car etc down to London and then the other associated costs of beer and all that jazz. It’s scant consolation.

We all knew we’d prefer to have “wasted” that money and lose at Wembley than the semi finals which have become our graveyard.

And this is the beauty of the playoffs.

It can be torture, it can be ecstasy.

The Yanks are coming. 77 Days.



A highlight to get you pumped if you are a US fan...or get you on our bandwagon if you are looking for a WC team to root for.

This is a fantastic highlight (cheers to Patrick Owen of NaDeadRaibead)...minus the Edu goal against Celtic of course. That could have been edited out.

77 days until USA vs. England. Don't Tread on This.

The Top 10(ish) Soccer Commercials of All Time

By: Celticrugby

Since about 1998 soccer commercials have been popping up for every major tournament, boot releases and just for the hell of it.

This is the comprehensive list of the top soccer related commercials of all time. If you've been a fan of the sport since at least 1998 you'll know most if not all of these commercials, although there might have been one or two you haven't seen that's slipped through the cracks.

It was really too hard to whittle it down to just 10, so I've included some honorable mentions. If you feel your favorite commercial was slighted, or isn't on here, make a comment either here, on the forum or via email at soccer247blog@gmail.com. I'll make sure its added.

Let the countdown begin.

Honorable Mention # 2: The Impossible Is Nothing featuring Messi, Altidore etc.

The main feature of these ads were players overcoming adversity to get where they are today. While they aren't filled with Ole's and amazing goals, they were made to benefit and encourage the younger players of the game.

Jozy's spot.



Messi's Spot.



Honorable Mention # 1: Pepsi's Medieval Commercial



#10 - Euro 2004's Road to Lisbon


Unfortunately for some, the Greek defense wasn't the highlight of this video.

#9 - +10 Dream Team from the 2006 World Cup



#8 - Nike's Good vs. Evil



#7 - Brazil vs. Portugal (World Cup 2006)



#6 Team Nike vs. The Ninja Samurais


You know what is cooler than a ninja? A ninja samurai.

#5 - Irn Bru's Scotland's going to the World Cup Commericals (WC 2006)



I was in Scotland at the time these were running, and I must say, it could be one of the best overall advertising runs of all time.

#4 Gatorade's Take Me Out to the Ballgame



My favorite US spot of all time, and one that probably encapsulates the team and its experiences the best.

#3 Henry's House



That crazy Frenchman is at it again.

#2 Take it to the Next Level



This actually might be "technically" the best, but the #1 commercial of all time is essentially the Godfather of soccer commercials.

#1 Brazil in the Airport



The classic takes it in the end.

Comments, Feedback and bitching is welcome.

Barça end 2009 with their sixth cup after defeating Estudiantes 2-1 for the FIFA Club World Cup


By: IBES

FC Barcelona and Pep Guardiola celebrated their last triumph of 2009 with an amazing come from behind win against Estudiantes to capture the FIFA Club World Cup in extra time. Just like their semi-final win, Barcelona were down to an early goal in the first half but a goal from super sub Pedro two minutes before the end of the game kept the club’s hope alive and Messi sealed the game with his goal in extra time to give a fairy tale ending for an amazing year. Under Guardiola, FC Barcelona have become the only team to win every competition they have been a part of in 2009.

Barcelona’s first appearance in this tournament was during the Cruyff “Dream Team” era when they lost to Brazilian side São Paulo 2-1 after taking the early lead with a Stoitchkov team. Their only other appearance was a few years ago when the Rijkaard managed Barcelona lost to another Brazilian side, Internacional , 1-0 with the goal coming with just eight minutes left in the game. Fortunately for Barcelona, this final will be different in that it will not be against a Brazilian side this time nor is being played in Japan, but in the UAE. Would third time really be a charm?

Guardiola‘s starting 11 for this epic final would be Valdés in goal supported by Alves, Puyol, Piqué, and Abidal in defense. The midfield consisted of Xavi, Sergio Busquets, and Keita to support the front three of Messi, Ibrahimovic and Henry. This meant that Keita would replace the injured Iniesta and unlike the semi-final, Guardiola would only go with one defensive midfielder and thus Touré Yaya was relegated to the bench. The starting eleven for Estudiantes were Albil, Rodríguez, Cellay, Desábato, Ré, Díaz, Benítez, Verón, Braña, Pérez and Boselli.

The first half was a rather disappointing one for Barcelona as they seemed to be the less active side of the match. Estudiantes wasted no time to let Barcelona know that they would be in for a good match when, in the third minute, their captain Veron cleverly chipped the ball over Puyol for his teammate Perez. Fortunately Valdés was alert to what was occurring and came to the rescue and blocked Perez’s shot with his legs. Certainly an early warning sign of things to come for FC Barcelona.

In the 7^th minute, Barcelona would create their own scoring chance that would put a scare to the hearts of Estudiantes when Ibrahimovic delivered a fine through ball, courtesy great back-heel pass, to Xavi who opted to pass instead of to shoot when he was within striking distance. The ball would thus dribble its way out for a goal kick. The game would get more physical and intense from the Estudiantes players who clearly were succeeding in ruining Barcelona’s free flowing passing game. The game then would have its first controversial moment.

The final’s referee was Benito Archundia who seemed more content to let the players decide the game and thus was very lenient with the physical play at time, although he found it appropriate to book Messi for diving. However, in the 31^st minute, what appeared to be a penalty for Barcelona was not awarded by Mr. Archundia. Replays showed that the Estudiantes keeper Albil did make some contact with Xavi’s right leg inside the box but the end result was a goal kick for Estudiantes. If that no call didn’t cause fury for the Barcelona fans, then they all would feel despair later on when Estudiantes took the lead.

Just five minutes later, Estudiantes would strike a dagger into the hearts of the Barcelona fans when Boseli was able to get in between Puyol and Abidal and score a header goal past Valdés for the opening goal of the game. Although it appeared that Boseli was originally offside when Díaz delivered his cross, the referee chose to allow the goal to stand.

Just like the semi-final clash a few days ago, Barcelona were down a goal in the first half yet again. Barcelona seemed rattled by that goal and could not create much scoring chances with the exception of an Ibrahimovic bicycle effort during a free kick that he was inches from connecting with. The first half would thus end 1-0 in favor of Estudiantes. Although some would say Estudiantes did not do much to earn the lead, Barcelona did not exactly play any better themselves.

The second half would see Guardiola bring on Pedro in place of Keita before the start of the second half. Whatever Guardiola must have said in the locker room during halftime must have worked because the players came out to play in the second half with hunger and intensity that was lacking in the first half. It seemed to Pep that the only way to beat Estudiantes was going to win was with speed, quick passing and intensity.

Ibrahimovic was pushing this team ahead with his attempts on goal and his passes. He has a one on one chance with the keeper in the 51^st minute that Albil was able to save. Pedro then would become the go to guy with the end result consisting of squandered chances. In the 59^th minute, Henry crossed the ball to Pedro that just missed and the two minutes later, Ibrahimovic’s cross to Pedro would be intercepted by Albil. However, Pedro would work some of his magic in the 68^th minute when he displayed some great skill to elude three Estudiantes players, only for his shot on goal to be saved by the keeper and result into a corner.

Throughout the duration of the game, Messi had been rotating between playing in his usual right wing side of the 4-3-3 formation and in the center of the field. He was constantly hounded and surrounded by two to three Estudiantes players and if he managed to escape from their clutches, he would suffer a forthcoming tactical foul. However, with the introduction of Pedro, the team would move around with more pace and that would aid the team in their possession. However it was the final ball that was lacking from the club who seemed content on delivering crosses into the box all game long.

More controversy would occur in the 74^th minute, when another call for a penalty would be missed by the officiating crew. A cross from a free kick far from the box was headed by Piqué for a shot on goal that resulted in a corner kick. However, the referee and his assistants missed the clear penalty on Ibrahimovic and thus another valid penalty was missed. Another cross four minutes later would result into a great scoring chance for Ibrahimovic but his header would sail wide. Sergio Busquets would be substituted for Touré Touré and with only 12 minutes left, one had to wonder what was going through Guardiola’s mind. Who would be his ace in the hole when it came time for the final substation?

In the 82^nd minute, Guardiola decided to take off Henry for Jeffren. Clearly this was a surprise move since Jeffren had just come back from an injury and his last appearance was over a month ago in the Copa Del Rey. Fortunately his speed as a left winger would play a vital role against the exhausted Estudiantes team who still played hard defensively to ensure that Barcelona would not equalize. Jeffren kept eluding his would be defender with ease and get into the box first almost every time. With two minutes left in the game, Barcelona’s magic would make yet another appearance in 2009.

In the 88^th minute, Barcelona kept pushing forward for the equalizing goal. Touré Yaya passed the ball to Xavi whose cross would be intercepted by Veron when he jumped to head the ball away. However, Veron’s effort caused the ball to sail backwards to the box and Piqué would jump and head the ball before anyone else could. His effort would fortunately result in a clear scoring chance for Pedro who would rise up and score a great header goal that sailed over Albil into the back of the net. 1-1 and the game was far from being over now. What seemed to be a repeat of their last cup defeat in this competition was now given a blank piece of paper for the players to write another chapter in this amazing year for the club.

The game would end without anymore scoring chances and both clubs rested a bit and listened to their managers give out instructions. Barcelona seemed rejuvenated and had an extra bounce in their step and went on the offensive. Messi had a free kick effort just fly over the bar in the 93^rd minute and Alves’s cross to Ibrahimovic was a just bit too high for Ibrahimovic to handle and cause a scoring chance. Messi and Ibrahimovic would then hook up together for some quick passing that resulted in having a shot on goal that just went wide in the 96^th minute. It was their best chance of the half and one had to hope that it would not be the last.

The second half would be the club’s last 15 minutes to find the game winning goal or this cup was going to have to be decided on penalty kicks. Five minutes into the half, Messi would make sure that he would have the last word of this tough physical clash of champions. In the 109^th minute, Messi innocently passed the ball to Xavi. Xavi then would pass the ball to Alves who was a bit far from the penalty box. Nevertheless, Alves noticed Messi racing towards the goal and Alves thus delivered one of his crazy crosses we have grown accustomed to seeing throughout his time with the club. Alves’s most recent memorable cross was the one in El Clasico which assisted Ibrahimovic in scoring the only goal of the game. In this game, his cross would fly into the box and Messi outraced Veron and another defender to the ball and chested the ball down for the game winning goal. 2-1 and the little man from Argentina had once again scored in another final and further add to his magical season and cement his status as the best played in the world right now.

Estudiantes did not have much left in the tank but they did not surrender. It was not their turn to find an equalizer and they almost had one in injury time. Estudiantes were awarded a free kick in the dying seconds of the game and Veron delivered a cross into the box that Desábato headed towards goal. In that moment, all the Barcelona fans’ hearts skipped a beat when they saw the ball seem to be destined to be a goal; only for it to barely miss the goal and go out for the goal kick. A sigh of relief for Barcelona and its fans and the referee signaled the conclusion of the game after Valdés kicked the goal kick to the center of the field.

Barcelona endured a tough and physical game but ultimately won the cup that Cruyff and Rijkaard’s teams could not win. 6 amazing cups in one year and as the players began celebrating this amazing achievement, Guardiola finally got caught up in the moment of this achievement and began to cry. He was consoled by some of the trainers and Henry and Ibrahimovic. It was the latter that then made Guardiola laugh and regain his smile. FIFA presented their individual awards and Xavi won the Addidas Bronze ball while Messi won the Addidas Golden Ball and the Toyota award. After all the players received their medals, captain Puyol was handed the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy to end the long wait to bring that trophy back to Barcelona.

Next for the club is a friendly in Kuwait before they begin their winter break. What lies ahead before they resume their 2009-2010 season is uncertain. A new chapter for this club begins with possible winter transfers, presidential campaigns and titles to defend. One can only hope it will be as successful as this past year was for the club and for the fans. ¡Visca Barça!

Match Factos:

Estudiantes: Albil; Clemente Rodríguez, Desabato, Cellay, Re (Rojo, 90'); Verón, Braña, Benítez (Matías Sánchez, 76'); Pérez (Núñez, 78'), Boselli, and Díaz.

FC Barcelona: Valdés; Alves, Piqué, Puyol, Abidal; Xavi, Sergio Busquets (Touré, 78'), Keita (Pedro, 45'); Messi, Ibrahimovic and Henry (Jeffren, 82').

Referee: Benito Archundia (México).

Bookings: Messi (17'); Díaz (45'); Clemente Rodríguez (57'); Enzo Pérez (64'); Henry (81'); Pedro (90'); Sanchez (93'); Rojo (111'); Valdés (117'); Braña (118')

Goals:

0-1, Boselli (37')

1-1, Pedro (88')

1-2, Messi (109')

Barça Defeat Atlante 3-1 in the FIFA Club World Cup Semi-Final

Written by IBES

FC Barcelona kicked off their quest for the elusive FIFA Club World Cup with a 3-1 come from behind victory over Atlante. Barcelona started the game with Messi, Henry and Piqué on the bench. They did not enjoy the best of starts when Atlante surprised them with an early goal four minutes into the game but Barcelona equalized half an hour later through a corner kick goal from Sergio Busquets. The second half saw the introduction of Messi and Piqué and it would pay off with Messi scoring the go ahead goal and Pedro scoring the third and final goal and become the first player to ever score in six different competitions in a season. Three goals courtesy of the La Cantera means Barcelona will now face Estudiantes in the FIFA Club World Cup Final on Saturday.

Guardiola decided to rest some key starters for this game. Messi, Henry, Keita and Piqué were not selected to be starters. Keita had suffered a knock and was doubtful for this game but Messi had been recovering the day before at the beach and seemed like he could feature as a substitute if needed. The starting eleven for this semi-final were Valdés in goal with Alves, Puyol, Márquez, and Abidal in the defense. The midfield consisted of Xavi, Sergio Busquets, and Touré supporting the front three of Pedro, Ibrahimovic and Iniesta. Guardiola’s selection seemed a bit odd to have two defensive midfielders starting and Iniesta play again as a left winger in Henry’s usual spot.

The game started off in the worst way for Barcelona when just four minutes into the game, Atlante was able to get the first goal of the game by catching the Barcelona defense napping. Atlante’s Argentinean keeper Vilar free kick from the midfield resulted into a long ball landed to long ball beat Rafa Márquez and Alves and allowed Atlante player Rojas to get to it first, lob it over VALDÉS and score courtesy of his sliding effort to ensure the ball goes into the back of the net off a tight angle. Just like that 1-0 and a great sucker punch delivered to Barcelona.

Barcelona immediately tries to respond when Alves’s danger cross missed the rushing Pedro’s head by inches. Barcelona then was awarded a corner kick and almost scored from Busquets’s header had it not been for the quick reflexes of Vilar.

Atlante would catch the defense napping again in the 10^th minute as they a through ball from the midfield beat the offsides trap. However Puyol was able to catch up to Atlante’s counter attack and mess up their counter attack chance when he deflects a pass backwards to eliminate the scoring threat. From them on, Barcelona would dominate possession and have some scoring chances the rest of the half.

In the 23^rd minute, during a counter attack for Barça, a cross from Alves to Ibrahimovic eludes Vilar and both Vilar and Ibrahimovic battle for the ball outside the left side of the box. Ibrahimovic crosses into the unmanned goal but Atlante’s defenders clears it. In the 25^th minute, Iniesta blasted a shot from outside the box that just sails over the cross bar. Lots of possession for Barcelona but they lacked that last killer pass or valid shot on goal.

In the 30^th minute, Touré had a nice give and go with Xavi that Touré controls and takes a shot from outside the box but his effort is high over the goal. Two minutes later, Barcelona were awarded with a free kick and Ibrahimovic’s long range effort blazed over the wall and just over the cross bar and Vilar’s hands. Barcelona’s hard work and determination would finally pay off a few minutes later with an equalizer.

As the half continued to be dictated by Barcelona, one had to wonder if Guardiola’s decision to start with the two defensive midfielders of Touré and Busquets was a mistake given that Atlante had taken the early lead and were now parking the bus and waiting for the perfect moment to go on a counter attack. Fortunately, these two players would be involved in getting the game tying goal off a corner kick. In the 34^th minute, Xavi’s corner kick was headed by Touré and the ball landed in front of Busquets to score the equalizing goal. Barcelona would continue to threaten courtesy of another corner kick that Xavi passed to Dani Alves who cross was headed wide by Rafa Márquez in the 43^rd minute.

The referee would award one minute of injury time and Barcelona had a chance to end the half in their favor when Xavi got the ball back from a turnover and delivered a fine through ball into the box for Alves only for Alves’s shot is inches wide. That would be the last scoring threat from Barcelona as the referee whistled the end of the half. What started badly for Barcelona at least ended on a good note with the Busquets goal.

Both sides started the second half with no changes to the starting lineup but that would not last long. After watching the team play five minutes into the second half, Guardiola decided to make two substitutions. In the 53^rd minute, Messi came on for Touré and Piqué came on for Rafa Márquez . The substitutions would pay immediate dividends just a minute later.

Barcelona’s hopes of reaching the final took a positive step just a minute after those two players came on the pitch with Messi adding to his memorable year with the go ahead goal. The goal came from a nice pass from Ibrahimovic to Messi who was able to control the ball and elude Vilar and tap the ball under Vilar that took a slight deflection from Vilar’s hand, and a sliding Atlante defender for the go ahead goal. Just like that, the magic between Messi and Ibrahimovic leads to another goal and gave Barcelona a 2-1 lead.

The game was now swinging in Barcelona’s favor since that go ahead goal meant that Atlante would have to abandon parking the bus and attack. Atlante did manage to create a slight scare in the 59^th minute when they caught Piqué flatfooted but they failed to get a shot on goal. Barcelona then would create a scoring chance thanks to a free kick that sailed into the Atlante box that allowed Ibrahimovic to heads it back into the box but no one was there to score and Atlante defense kicked it out for a corner. The game would finally be out reach after the hour mark thanks to the record setter Pedro.

In the 66^th minute, Pedro would become the first player to score in six competitions in a single season, courtesy of some nice work from Iniesta. Iniesta displayed some great skill as he took on two defenders inside the box and was able to beat 3 Atlante players with a magnificent pass to the onside Pedro. Pedro would then calmly strike the ball to the top left of the goal and calmly write himself into the history books as the first player ever to score in six different competitions. Since August, Pedro has scored in Spanish League, Champions League, Copa del Rey and the Spanish and European Supercups. The score now was 3-1 and that goal was the final nail in the coffin and ultimately, 3 goals courtesy of La Cantera for the victory.

The rest of the match would continue to full of blown chances, especially from Bojan who came on for Iniesta, and missed scoring opportunities but the score would remain the same and Barcelona are heading to their third ever final for this intercontinental event. They will be facing Argentina’s Estudiantes this Saturday after Estudiantes defeated Pohang Steelers yesterday. All Barça fans will be hoping that third time’s a charm this Saturday and lift the cup that has eluded their grasps twice in the past.

Match Facts:

Atlante: Vilar; Miguel Martínez, Fernando Navarro, Guillermo Rojas, Luis Velásquez (Pereyra, min.63); Daniel Arreola, José González, José Guerrero, Christian Bermúdez; Santiago Solari (Carevic, min.56) y Rafa Márquez el Márquez.

FC Barcelona: Valdés; Alves, Puyol, Rafa Márquez Márquez (Gerard Piqué, min.54), Abidal; Xavi, Touré (Messi, min.53), Sergio Busquets; Pedro, Ibrahimovic e Iniesta (Bojan, min.76).

Goals: 0-1, min.5: Guillermo Rojas. 1-1, min.35: Busquets. 1-2, min.55: Messi. 1-3, min.67: Pedro.

Referee: Carlos Simon (Brazil)

Bookings: Solari (min.8), José Guerrero (min.40), Luis Velasquez (min.61), Ibrahimovic (min.65), Piqué (min. 90 + 2)

The Ongoing Saga of Notts County

I will say this first about Notts County, nothing is never dull there. It has been just over 2 months since my first piece about the Magpies, and there has been a whole host of developments.

Munto Finance, the shady Middle Eastern investment company turned out to be nothing more than a front for a crooked structure based in Britain. There were no wealthy Arab oil sheikhs, just a guy with a shady past trying to cover his tracks. Especially when connections to Kim Jung-Il the secretive and elusive leader of North Korea (part of the axis of evil) was uncovered, with an unspecified “gift” being given to him.

Munto have been replaced now, Peter Trembling has taken the club over. Quite was his finances are unsure. There are a host of people speculating that Sven, who has earned millions in his career, may put money into the club. But hang on, that’s not what he signed up for. He signed up for £2.5 mill a season (of which he was earning considerably less, with much promised in shares in more shady companies in the umbrella of companies investing (i.e. money laundering) in Notts County.

For Forest fans, the mocking County gave us at the start of the season about how soon they would be back to the top of the pile in Nottingham, it is almost amusing. We have always had a certain kind regard for County. Wanting them to do better than to fail. This infuriates County, who hate us, and the feeling has not till this seen been reciprocated. Now with their new brash manner, you begin to dislike them in the same way man City have rubbed a number of people up the wrong way in the Premier League

Peter Trembling, who was merely the mouthpiece before is in charge. Now you could argue that maybe he has liked what he has seen enough to invest, so things must be ok? It would appear no, manager of 7 weeks Hans Backe just this morning walked out the club after complaining about “broken promises.” One can assume he was promised vast sums, and has been told there will no longer be money in January to spend.

There was also the news when Trembling took over he will be looking for investors in the club. That’s never good news. Just look at Portsmouth over the last 6 months. Each successive new owner there has talked about securing new investment. The fact is in the world right now, with the economy in tatters, there are not people on every corner wanting to fling millions into clubs finances that seem to have been modelled on a house of cards built on quicksand. Indeed, just look at their fellow nicknamed Magpies, Newcastle United. Mike Ashley has been looking to offload a club with arguably one of the best foundations in terms of large ground, huge support and a Premier League infrastructure, and no-one wanted to touch them with a barge pole.

Sven says he is staying, but Sven is still trying to sort out the money he is owed in a Swiss owned mineral firm. My guess he is merely holding out on resigning till he gets this cash. Once it appears if it ever does, then Sven will get the hell out of there as soon as possible. The whole scheme seems to be poisoned.

It would appear one of the most unlikely dreams in the football league in completely unravelling. I would hate to see it become a nightmare and see County slump in the second half of the season, and god forbid enter administration. There has been talk the likes of Kasper Schmeichel and Lee Hughes, the much heralded summer signings may already have to go. Large wages and potential fees would entice County to get rid to cut costs that presumably they cannot sustain any more.

Let this be a lesson football clubs. Those people promising the world may be actually delivering nothing at all. It’s been a roller coaster of a ride thus far, and we’re still unsure where it’s all going to end.

Barcelona go back on top as they defeat Real Madrid 1-0

By: IBES

Fresh from their impressive victory over Inter Milan this past Tuesday, FC Barcelona prepared for their second big home test this week when they played hosts to Real Madrid for this season’s first leg of El Clasico. Although the match was tough and at times physical, second half substitute Ibrahimovic scored the only goal of the game to give Barcelona their third consecutive victory over their arch rivals. The win catapulted Barcelona to the top of the league standings with a two point lead over Real Madrid.

Much of the pre-game discussion revolved around who would start for Barcelona for this match. Messi, Ibrahimovic and Touré Yaya did not feature against Inter Milan and thus many expected all three to start. However, Messi would be the only one of the three to start. Guardiola went with Victor Valdés in goal with Dani Alves, Puyol, Piqué, and Abidal as the starting defenders. Xavi, Sergio Busquets, and Keita formed the midfield that supported the front three of Messi, Iniesta and Henry. Real Madrid’s starting eleven consisted of Iker Casillas in goal with Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, and Arbeloa in defense. Lass Diarra, Xabi Alonso, Kaká, Marcelo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Higuaín were the other starters.

The game was played on the club’s 110^th birthday and what better occasion to celebrate this event than to host this game. Not even the rain would deter the fans from coming to this game, with over 97,000 in attendance to witness this match. Both teams had some shots on goals but the best scoring chance of the half belonged to Real Madrid when Kaka set up Ronaldo in front of the goal alone one on one with Valdés, only for Valdés to block Ronaldo’s attempt with his feet. The save was reminiscent of last season’s home game when Valdés blocked Drenthe’s shot when Drenthe was all alone with Valdés. Marcelo would also have a chance to score but Puyol would ensure there would be no shot on goal when he slide in and blocked Marcelo’s shot. It would not be the last time that Puyol would come to the rescue of the team with last second tackles that prevent open shots on goal. The first half would come to an end with a scoreless draw and two bookings awarded to Real Madrid and the linesman constantly raising the off sides flag against Barcelona.

The second half would bring no changes to either squad but that would not be the case for long. Just a few minutes into the second half, Guardiola decided to sub off Henry for Ibrahimovic. Busquests had picked up a booking a minute before that substitution and that booking would come back to haunt him later on. Just five minutes after coming on as a substitute, Ibrahimovic would score his first ever clasico goal.

In the 56th minute, Dani Alves delivered one of his uncertain crosses and this time, Ibrahimovic would volley that cross into a goal, leaving Casillas no chance of saving it. After surviving the physical and punishing style from the Real Madrid midfield and defense, Barcelona got their goal that would force Real Madrid to abandon their defensive approach. Nevertheless, five minutes after that goal, Barcelona players and fans would go from an upbeat attitude to that of concern and disappointment when Busquets was booked for a handball. His second booking meant that Barcelona would play the next 30 minutes of football with just 10 players and Guardiola was not too pleased.

Madrid began to attack and could have easily equalized but for Ronaldo’s header effort barely missing the goal. He had been unmarked but his header just sailed over the goal and that would be Ronaldo’s final shot on goal as he would be substituted for Benzema. Four games against Barcelona and still without a goal. Keita would be also subbed off for Touré Yaya.

Even though Barcelona was down to 10 men, both teams would have golden chances to score goals. Piqué had a great chance to double the team’s lead when his header effort just missed wide in the 68th minute. A minute later, Benzema would find himself in a great position to score for Madrid, only for Puyol to slide in for the rescue and block Benzema’s shot with his legs again.

Puyol would continue to bail out the team inside the box numerous times as the match continued. Abidal would then find himself with the ball on a counter attack in front of Casillas’s goal, only for his shot to barely miss the goal in the 71st minute. Yet, Barcelona were performing better than they were when they were playing with 11 men due in large to their great passing, great recovery of the ball and Madrid’s Marcelo sloppy play aiding the Blaugrana immensely. Benzema then would have another golden opportunity in the 80th minute when Xabi Alonso’s corner fell to him, only for Benzema to blast his effort wide. Barcelona’s last best scoring chance occurred in the 89th minute when Messi received the ball that eluded Pepe inside the box but his sitter effort would be blocked by Casillas’s legs to prevent what could have been the final nail in the coffin.

The game would get chippy and the second half was evident of Madrid’s rough challenges that lead to bookings for Madrid’s Lass Diarra, Alonso, Marcelo and Pepe. Lass would get second yellow card for his wreck less challenge on Xavi near the end of the match and allow both teams to play the remainder of the half with 10 men.

The referee awarded three extra minutes but none of the teams could use that additional time to score a goal and thus the game ended 1-0 in favor of Barcelona. Madrid might have been the better team in the first half, but Barcelona was the better team in the second half and Ibrahimovic’s goal would be the difference. It was their third victory in a row over their arch rival and allowed Barcelona to take the top spot in the league table.

Next up for Barcelona will be an away trip this Wednesday against Xerex that is being pushed up early because of Barcelona’s involvement with the FIFA Club World Cup later on in mid December.

A win there would give Barcelona a 5 point gap in the standings. So on the 110th anniversary of the club’s formation, FC Barcelona played their game and found a way to defeat their eternal enemy. One could say that Barcelona’s lone expensive signing came through while Real Madrid’s expensive signings could not on this day.

The second leg in Madrid later on in the season will be just as exciting.With this result, this victory constitute the Club’s best start to a league season. It’s even better than last season, when Barça accumulated nine wins, two draws and one defeat at the same stage. Barça has nine wins and three draws thus far into this new season.

Barcelona: Valdés; Alves, Puyol, Piqué, Abidal, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Keita (Touré Yaya, min.66), Messi, Iniesta and Henry (Ibrahimovic, min.51).

Real Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Arbeloa (Raúl, min.75), Lass Diarra, Xabi Alonso, Kaká, Marcelo, Cristiano Ronaldo (Benzema, min.66) and Higuaín.

Goal: 1-0, m.56: Ibrahimovic.

Referee: Undiano Mallenco

Bookings: Arbeloa (min.34), Albiol (min.41), Pepe (min.69) and Marcelo (min.79)

Red Cards for being booked twice: Sergio Busquets (min.50 & 63) and Lass (min.48 & 90).

Pedro, The Unsung Hero

By: IBES

First of all, hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving Holiday and enjoyed some great food, shopping deals and of course hanging out with friends and families. I am also sure that for most fans, this Thanksgiving became less stressful or more relaxed after Barcelona defeated Inter Milan 2-0 this past Tuesday. With Ibrahimovic and Messi not inserted into the starting lineup, there were doubts and concerns about that encounter being a difficult match for the club to win. Thankfully, the academy players came to the rescue with Pique and Pedro scoring early on in the first half to ease nerves and help Barcelona regain the group. Perhaps Pep and the fans have to be thankful for Pedro coming through for the club so far this season with 10 goals in all competitions thus far and is currently the team’s top scorer.

“El Canario” Pedro is enjoying a fine sophomore season with Barcelona and it’s been a blessing of some sort. With the departure of Eto’o and the injuries affecting Ibrahimovic, Henry and Iniesta, goals were going to be tough to come by. Nevertheless, the goals have still come, but from unlikely sources thanks to Keita and Pedro. Pedro is the team’s top scorer in the Champions League, while Eto’o has yet to score in Europe and has scored in five different club competitions in one season, a feat only done once by Giovanni Silva back in the 1997-1998 season while Stoichkov, Salinas and Txiki only scored in four.

No one had any high expectations of Pedro of ever being great for the club unlike Bojan, Gai and Messi. I saw something in him when he scored that brace in last season's Champions League qualifiers against Wilsa and thought he could be a fine addition as a winger for the club. Not only is he a good winger, but seems to be a good fox in the box for the club too. The Canary Island native came through the youth academy and got some limited appearances last season. Pedro was thought of as some bit role player who would feature in the Copa Del Rey games, throw away Champions League group stages games and other league games where the league title had been clinched. However, after the sale of Eto’o, loaning out of Hleb and the high inflated transfer prices that followed Real Madrid’s summer of signings and hindered Barcelona’s chances of signing new players, Pedro has come in handy and, out of nowhere, has scored 10 goals for this club.

Pedro is not that highly rated either with some criticizing his lackluster work ethic, his tendency to lose possession and add to the fact that his name is pretty basic. Pedro used to go by Pedrito but overall, the name lacks a certain pizzazz such that as Ronaldinho, Romario, Eto’o and Ibrahimovic. Nevertheless, Henry and Raul have also shown us that players can be great with boring names too as long as those players can score, and Pedro so far has done just that. Of course I am not saying Pedro is as good as Henry and Raul, but his goals sure have helped the club this season.

His first goal was in the first leg in the Spanish Super Cup against Athletic which was the game winning goal. He then followed that game winner with another one in the UEFA Super Cup Final when Pedro came on as a substitute and scored with five minutes left in extra time to clinch the cup for the club. He also scored a memorable goal against Almeria and notched a brace in a Cope Del Rey game too. Now of course some of the credit also goes to his teammates for making him look good too but Pedro is sure taking advantage of his opportunities this season. Sadly, it also begs the question of what’s taking Bojan so long to score too. Pedro has scored as many goals as it takes Bojan to score all season.

Of course when all the big name players are healthy, Pedro will go back to the bench and see less minutes but no one can deny that he has played a big part in the team’s positive start in this new season. Here’s hoping that Pedro gets to score the FIFA Club World Cup and becomes the first player ever in the world to score in six different club competitions and the club finally wins that trophy to add to the museum. Until then, here’s hoping that the guys remind Real Madrid who truly is the best team in Spain tomorrow in the Camp Nou.

Women's Soccer in the US becomes more bad ass by the day. Dana White Interested.

By: Celticrugby

Some of you may have heard about the New Mexico defender who employed MMA moves on her BYU opponents last week (if you haven't you have to fucking see this). Now, it seems its spread to the high school fields of Rhode Island.



When will the government act? We may need a federal bill passed to ensure the safety of our women players. Hope. Change. Can that stop brawls? Maybe a girl called Hope could, but the idea of Hope won't.

American(s) Abroad

USA vs. Costa Rica with the Motor City Supporters Club Part II

:30 – Jozy wins a corner to the cheers of the bar. Maybe he and not Donovan will be the first “world class” field player for the US. The jury is still out from a club perspective, but for the Nats he usually does the business.

3 – An early but easy test for Tim Howard to gather up.

4 – Sloppy ass defending from the US, what looks like some foreshadowing and the same type of play we saw against Honduras. Thankfully CR's shot dribbles slowly toward Howard for him to pick it up.

7 – It took seven minutes for the first massive dive from Costa Rica. Hopefully this won't become a theme like it does in many CONCACAF games. I think back to USA/El Salvador when their keeper fell to the ground and rolled around for 8 minutes when he wasn't hurt at all. Nice to see time wasting already beginning.

9 – Conor Casey misses a chance that I might have put away. I knew that Honduras game would lead him to be in this squad, and I was feckin' right. Everyone already begins to groan every time the ball comes near Casey. I am secretly debating whether I'd rather have him in there or Josh Wolff....that's how dire this situation is.

Also in the 9^th minute, all of the #9 signs go up in the crowd in remembrance of Davies who was involved in a life threatening accident. A few people at the Motor City Supporters club printed them out and they hold them up as well in his honor.

10 – Centeno of Costa Rica shoots from point blank range and Howard makes an amazing save. If there is one thing the US does on a world class level (other than have our FA fuck up) it's producing goalkeepers.

14 – Altidore receives a bullshit yellow card, when the Costa Rican player was the one who left his foot in the tackle. Here we go again....CONCACAF refs proving themselves to be worse than the SPL (which, if you don't know is shite).

15 – My full Irish breakfast is finished, and I'm on my second diet Coke now. The caffeine makes me yell louder every time Casey fucks up.

16 – We have a Honduran fan in our presence watching the match because if we win or draw, they qualify over Costa Rica in the Hexagonal stage with Costa Rica forced to take on the fifth placed South American team in a playoff. This leads to several conversations between US fans one being the following:

“Why don't you like Costa Rica more than Honduras?”

“Maybe its because Honduras doesn't throw bags of piss and batteries at our fans and players”.

“Good point”.

20 – Costa Rica's Ruiz scores on an Onyewu misplay where he was completely caught out. The atmosphere in the room goes from hopeful to dismal in a matter of seconds. Our best defense recently was in the Confederations cup with Gooch and DeMerit in the middle and Bocanegra on the left, but due to an eye injury DeMerit wasn't with the team and that goal might not have happened with him in the middle.

0-1 Costa Rica.

22 – The US plays a ball to fucking no one. Hundreds of miles away groans and swear words come from the crowd at Claddagh's Irish pub in Livonia, Michigan.

24 – Oh. My. God. Apparently Ruiz wants to have the game of his life tonight and he has an amazing strike that sails past Howard. No one could have saved that, a piece of world class finishing from the Ticos.

0-2 Costa Rica.

27 – A Donovan free kick on the side of the box is punched away by the Ticos' keeper. The US' best attacking move in some time is all for naught.

28 – A kid at a table near me orders the bangers in mash, which leads to several jokes...the quote of the night “I love sausage in my mouth, especially with white creamy mashed potatoes all over them”.

We're a mature bunch in Livonia. Still, this joke does not rival the penis looking sausage story from Frankenmuth during high school on a German Club field trip...now that one is a doozy.

I'll tell this story, since I'm sure we'll be flooded with emails asking about the German Club Frankenmuth Penis sausage story.

Senior year I was in the German club at my high school. It just so happens that there is an “all German town” called Frankenmuth (also home to the largest Christmas store in the world). They have an authentic German restaurant there known as Zender's. So our club takes a bus up there and we go into Zenders sit down and order food. Scott orders the sausage platter, while the rest of us stick to Zender's “world famous” chicken.

The sausage platter is soon delivered to Scott. On this platter are a variety of choice German sausages. However, as Jim soon points out one looks exactly like a penis and I mean, exactly like one. We all say to Scott “Dude, there is no way you are actually going to eat that are you?”

Scott replies “Of course I am!” to our disgust he takes his fork and cuts into the tip of the penis sausage and then....a massive amount of water and fluid burst from the tip of the sausage and spill all over the table. The force of the penis sausage's fluids were so strong it spun it around several times.

Needless to say, we were all cracking up, and the story is now at legendary status.

The worst part is he actually ate it after that. haha

30 – Costa Rica is now brimming with confidence, toying with their touches outside the US box.

32 – Donovan thinks he's playing gaelic football for Cork and sends a shot over the cross bar. I begin chanting “Sebo! Sebo! Sebo!”. Ach, if you don't support Celtic you may not get that one.

34 – Montero is booked for a challenge on Donovan and the crowd ironically cheers that the ref got one right.

35 – A Costa Rican player is “dying” in the ground. Not booked for feigning injury and time wasting. Which makes a member of the Motor City Supporters club to ask “Why don't they get booked?”.

36 – Donovan has a great passage of play, lifting the ball over the Costa Rican defender after Jozy flicked the ball to him, but Donovan skies the shot wide of the Costa Rican net. Fuck. Things aren't looking good here.

38 – As my third diet coke arrives I yell Conor Casey is a gumpy fuck as he messes up yet another play. Chatter around the bar agrees with me, and one person asks me what a “Gump” is. Why isn't Kenny Cooper playing? Argh.

41 – Jozy's fouled and the US gets a free kick at the top of the box. The shot is deflected and it goes out for a corner.

43 – The US' best chance of the match, but the forwards pass between each other too much and no one decides to be selfish and put one on net....another opportunity wasted.

45 – Another Costa Rican player rolls around in agony trying to stop the US momentum that had been building. This goes on for some time and eventually the added time at the half was about 3:35.

Half – Time to lick wounds and berate our favorite team's play. During this time the Argentina game is also going on, as a member of the club yells out “Maradona's cocaine for everyone!”.

A commercial for FIFA 10 comes out, once again reminding me that I won't get it and that Europe gets it two weeks earlier than us. Bullshit.

One of my favorite commercials rolls...the one with Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head. I love that one and I'm on my fourth diet coke.

2^nd half begins – People are mulling about now, and the room is now more crowded then when the game started. Some text back and forth with people at the game to try to get the “vibe” of how things are over there, as it doesn't always translate on TV.

49 – Holden flights a shitty cross that sails way over the Costa Rican net.

54 – The inevitable Kenny Cooper discussions begin, when will he get in, and why the fuck didn't he start in the first place. Bradley refuses to make subs at times, and its clear the US is stalling and something needs to change. Benny Feilhaber has dropped out of the match completely, its clear he too needs to go off.

55 – Another cross to the Costa Rican GK. Not going to win a game like this....

58 – More Gumpy jokes about Casey. Ugh. Why is he still in this match?

59 – A low Costa Rican shot from Ruiz is caught by Howard.

61 – Some deft defending from our captain to block a Costa Rican cross. The fans in the bar are getting restless, when will Bradley finally make a move.

62 – José Francisco Torres known as 'El Gringo' in the Mexican Leagues for choosing to play for the US over Mexico (Mexican father, American Mother but born in the United States) comes on for Benny Feilhaber. Who at this point should be called Failhaber.

65 – Bornstein shoots over the bar, and at this point it looks like some fans are trying to sneak out.

67 – Now this is interesting...Robbie “Runs like a chicken with his head cut off” Rogers comes on for Holden. No idea what Bradley is thinking with this one. The decision also seems to boggle the minds of others at the Claddagh Pub.

70 – Bush League defending again and the US are at 6's and 7's at the back.

72 – Rogers crosses the ball into the box, it falls to Donovan who shoots, has the ball parried away, and out of nowhere Michael Bradley slides in and scores a really scrappy goal. The bar erupts in cheers. Maybe our team does have something left.

USA 1, Costa Rica 2

73 – Rogers hits a shot that goes wide of the net.

75 – A lobbed cross is gathered in by the Ticos' keeper.

77 – Rogers heads wide. All hustle no finish.

78 – The old adage from FM comes into play as Gooch boots the ball into row Z.

79 – Kenny Cooper FINALLY comes on for Conor Casey. A standing ovation is in order.

80 – Jozy steals a ball from Costa Rica and rushes toward the goal but shoots it over the net. The tension is growing, and the groans are getting louder with every passing minute.

82 – Gooch's knee buckles going to head the ball out. This is not what we need right now, as he is forced to exit the game through injury, so now the US is down a goal, and now playing with 10 men.

86 – I have no idea what the hell is going on. The Costa Rican coach is going completely apeshit. Costa Rica is time wasting as if their lives depended on it (and they do). I hope the ref adds on a lot of time for all this crap.

89 - The Costa Rican manager and his #2 are forcibly ejected from the game after getting in heated arguments with the 4^th official and trying to time waste, leaving some random trainer as the stand in manager for the rest of the game.

90 – I think this trainer is the GK coach. I try to think back to when I've seen the manager and his #2 ejected in the same match and I can't. All my examples keep coming up in the sport of baseball.

There is 5 minutes of added time.

94 – Not much is happening, but the the US is pressing and putting in some great tackles, while Costa Rica flops and time wastes.

94:30 – Corner kick for the US. Rogers takes it and swings it in...Bornstein gets space enough to get his head on the ball and put it into the goal. Everyone at the pub is on their feet screaming, yelling, hugging and high fiving. What a fucking comeback.

USA 2, Costa Rica 2

95 – The whistle blows,and fireworks light up the night sky in DC. What a finish.

Final thoughts – The US shouldn't have been in this position to begin with. It's been Bradley's tactical ineptitude and poor play that put us here. This game should have been a win, not a come from behind draw like we had in El Salvador in beginning of the Hexagonal qualifying.

These are band-aids that are hiding the real problems. If the US keeps going this way, I fear for how we will do at the World Cup in 2010. Then throw in the fact Davies is out for 2010, and Oguchi Onyewu is out for 6-10 months with a knee injury.

The tests against Slovakia and Denmark might tell us something, or nothing at all. We shall see.

At least we qualified #1 in the Hexagonal stage, although supposedly it won't matter in terms of WC seeding.