Good Fight for the USA

I apologize for the length of this post but I wanted people to see what the USA could really have achieved had the coaching been even slightly better. All in all though, a good run for Team USA.

The first two games of the Round of 16 games had Uruguay and Ghana advancing. Uruguay took on South Korea in a match that was very well fought but saw Diego Forlan's squad advancing to the next round.

In the USA - Ghana game, it was a thriller. Donovan tied up the game in regulation from a Dempsey earned PK. The game would then go into extra time where Ghana's Gyan scored a fabulous goal 3 minutes into the first overtime period. It would also prove to the be the goal that would give Ghana their second straight win over the US in World Cup competition.

So, you may ask, why did the USA lose to Ghana again? Hopefully I can shed some light on this as an amateur Soccer player in the US with overseas experience as well. First off, I blame this result completely on the coaching staff. I haven't liked the job Bob Bradley has done and I really think the US soccer federation needs a strong European coach who has lots of knowledge in the game. Branching off this issue is where the other problems from the game arose. Why the hell was Clark starting????? Edu has been doing very well in previous game and he should have certainly started today. In a tournament like the World Cup, you don't start who you think did well in practice; you start who has been consistent in games, and that was Edu. Second, I have said this before and I will say it again - Edson Buddle IS a much better finisher/ striker than Findley. I don't know how many of you watch MLS soccer but I like to especially watch the strong teams like the Galaxy play. What I have been noticing in that team is that their really are three members of the team who are crucial to the club's success: Donovan, Beckham, and Buddle. Buddle can finish, he has the correct tendencies as a striker and I promise you had Bradley used Buddle more, we would be heading to the quarterfinals.

The third and final mistake Bradley made as a coach today was not starting Feilhaber. If your not going to play Buddle then at least start Feilhaber. The guy has had a fantastic tournament thus far and come-on he was BORN AND RAISED in Brazil. What more could you possibly ask for??? Brooks Peck seems to also feel Bradley needs to get the boot.

Jersey of the post: PUMA Ghana Away Jersey 2010

Rooney Scores his 100th...Egypt takes the glory!!!

Congratulations to Wayne Rooney on scoring his 100th goal in the Premier League. Rooney helped lead United to a 3-1 win over the Gunners in a game that now puts Manchester United only one point behind of Chelsea. In a game that saw Arsenal actually outshooting United and pretty much having most of the United’s three goals on target somehow managed to be enough to get them the win.


With United wining in England, Egypt also got their well deserved win over Ghana to take home the African Nations cup. Mohamed Gedo was the lone scorer of the game, to give Egypt a 1-0 win over Ghana (in the 85th minute) as well as Egypt’s third win in the tournament. Egypt did have most of the possession, however, it was Ghana that truly seemed to be making better opportunities yet they were unable to get the ball past Egyptian keeper, Essam El Hadari.

Gedo's game winning goal for Egypt.


Cleat of the post: Adidas Copa Mundial - A classic boot for a classic game.

Robinho loan... African Nations Cup

Manchester City striker, Robinho, has officially been put on loan to his former club, Brazilian side Santos. It is a 6-month deal for a whopping 32 million euros (essentially 45 million dollars - wow!). Essentially two things are being accomplished here: first, Robinho is hoping to increase his chances to be a part of the Brazilian side in this year's world cup and logically, this is an intelligent loan because he will be able to get more play timing in places where the Brazilian coaching staff can watch him more carefully and closely. Secondly, this loan would provide Robinho some more playing time in general so that he can not only be ready for the World Cup but also for when the 2010-2011 EPL season starts up again, he will be in full force and 100% ready to go.

Robinho and his skill dating back to when he first played with Santos at age 15.


In the second African Nations semifinal, Egypt dominated Algeria, 4-0. The game was pretty much deadlocked for the entire first half and about a third of the second. However, once Algeria picked up their first of 3 red cards in the 65th minute, things got out of hand for Algeria and they were simply unable to keep up. Egypt will be playing Ghana in the final this Sunday. Best of luck to both teams!

Cleat of the post: adidas Predator X

CAF WC Results

Ivory Coast 5-0 Malawi
Ghana 1-0 Benin
Egypt 1-1 Zambia
Mozambique 0-0 Nigeria

The Ivory Coast - Malawi game almost did not happen because Ivory Coast fans collapsed a wall which resulted in 19 dead fans. Furthermore, a riot almost broke out which forced Ivory Coast police to release tear gas and therefore a "stampede" of people were leaving the stadium which resulted in more than 100 injuries. Of those 100, many are suspected to be quite severe.