Game 22: Slovenia vs United States

On Friday the United States were able to pull off a dramatic come from behind effort to draw 2-2 against Slovenia. Coming in as favorites, the United States had to work hard to get back into the game, and would have won if not for some controversy on a disallowed goal.

For the first 45 minutes the United States could not muster any of their brilliance they displayed against England. The first wound would be inflicted in the 13^th minute after Valter Birsa was left all alone on top of the 18 yard box, firing in a bending shot which would catch Tim Howard completely flat footed.

Having conceded a goal in the first 15 minutes for the second straight game the United States began to push, but would be caught on a counter-attack when Oguchi Onyewu was left standing in the open, allowing Zlatan Ljubijankic to slide in behind him in the 42^nd minute to score in a one-on-one chance against Howard.

Going into half-time, the United States was trailing Slovenia, a country of only two million people, by a score of two to nil.

However, the United States would not be undone, and would put on display the best come-from-behind draw of the tournament thus far.

It would be non other than Landon Donovan, America's talisman, that would get the Yanks back in the game. After a long ball was played up the field, a Slovenian defender would have a lapse in judgment by missing the ball, allowing Donovan to gather and dribble into the box. Looking around, America's number 10 could find no open player at the front of goal; instead, he would carry the weight of the team, by going straight up to the Slovenian keeper and blasting a shot through his arms, burying it in the back of the net. The United States was back in the game.

From this point on, Slovenia would feel like they were being sucked in a hole. The Yanks would constantly press, coming close to equalizing numerous times from both Altidore and Donovan, the latter barely missing a cross from Dempsey. Then, in the 82^nd minute, American fans around the world would go crazy, as Altidore would send in a header while Herculez Gomez (a sub in the 80^th minute) would lead a defender away, allowing Michael Bradley to run onto the ball and blast it into the net, tying the game back up at 2-2.

Both sides would become desperate trying to push forward, and it would be in the 86^th minute that a Donovan freekick delivered to Maurice Edu in the box would be scored! Then disallowed. The referee from Mali had called a foul on Edu which, upon further review of the replays, was completely unjustified. Maurice Edu would be guilty of doing nothing but slipping his man, without touching him, to connect with a strong volley. Highlight reels will be showing this one for years to come, as the game will go down as one of the best come-from-behind victory-draw's ever.

“I'm not sure what the call was.” Stated Landon Donovan at the end of the match. “He wouldn't tell us what the call was.”

Coach Bradley, father of Michael Bradley who scored the equalizer was also confused: “We still don't know what the call was for” said the coach, “it's too early to tell so soon after the game.”

Regardless, the United States still came away with an excellent result, keeping them alive in the tournament. Had they lost, they would easily be facing elimination.

This now sets up some different scenarios. Regardless of other results, the United States has to win against Algeria in their final game. Then, if England beats Algeria later today, and then goes on to beat Slovenia, the United States will be through in second. If England ties or loses to Algeria, then ties or loses to Slovenia, the United States would go through in either first or second, depending on goal differential. If England beat Algeria, then tie Slovenia (or the other way around), then the United States will face goal differential against both the English and Slovenia.

Regardless, the game against Algeria is now a must win situation, the rest is up to fate.

Game 5: England vs United States

What an excellent way for the United States to start off the World Cup campaign. The players had been speaking very positively throughout the week leading up to the match and they did deliver, but through a tough drawn out fight.

Almost instantly into the match, England went ahead in the fourth minute as Heskey linked up to Gerrard, creating a beautiful give and go against a flat footed US defense. Many people were still settling into their seats, taking a sip of their drink, chatting with other attendees when the goal happened, catching literally everyone off guard. However, the men of the US were not phased.

The United States started to kick into action, and the midfield performed very well, outshining England's superstars for most of the match. They provided good feeds, made good runs, and really just ran around Milner, Lennon, and Lampard, but out of all of them, Dempsey would be the golden boy for the team. In the fortieth minute he would take a hard shot at goal from outside the eighteen yard box, and Robert Green would commit an error so great that it will go down in history, an error so bad that the tabloids will beat him senseless. What should have been an easy scoop up instead ran right past the goalkeepers gloves, and I'm sure in slow motion for everyone watching, crawling it's way into the net. The United States had just equalized against England.

The rest of the match would see both sides continuously pushing, both wanting to come away with a win. England would have a glorious chance in the fifty-second minute when Heskey gets clear of the defense only to see his shot saved by Tim Howard, who made himself huge to block the shot. Thirteen minutes later Jozy Altidore would respond, by leaving Jamie Carragher in the dust to put a low-near-post shot on goal, which Robert Green just manages to knock off the post. These back and forth attacks would continue for the rest of the game, but ultimately England would be disappointed, as the United States came out with a big draw against one of the toughest teams in the world.

There are obviously some big questions concerning this match. Firstly, did the United States deserve this draw? The answer has to be 'yes'. The combination of Findley, Clark, Dempsey, and Donovan was fantastic. These guys worked their butts off, and performed a passing game that put the England midfield to shame. Don't forget Cherundolo either, who ran around Milner and Wright-Phillips like they were simple ball-boys getting in the way. Even Lampard, one of the top midfielders in the world, failed to show up all game, being completely outshines by the United States opposition. These guys worked hard, and although the goal came off of a mistake, it was deserved, because they kept pressing and pressing, never giving in to defeat. They were hungry for a victory and made sure England could not get their way.

However, the United States defense did seem to be an issue in comparison to England's. Whereas John Terry was strong and confident, Oguchi Onyewu was slow to react and cautious. DeMerit may have done a good job marking Rooney, but Rooney was also never fed the ball to actually attack, but when somebody else would leap into the box, such as a Heskey or a Lennon, DeMerit would not react to them. Coach Bradley will have a lot of work to do heading into the next games to make his defense ready, and maybe consider benching Onyewu because he does not seem to be fully fit. Regardless, on a whole it was still an excellent showing, and the United States men's national team should be proud of themselves.


Final Score: England 1 - 1 United States

Group E: Japan

Takeshi Okada [coach] has already called for a semi-final spot, meanwhile the fans are already calling for his head. Naturally Japan flew threw the qualification like a Tsunami hitting land (now expected of both Japan and Korea); however, a poor string of results since leading up to the tournament has shown how bad of form Japan is in.

Their defense has been really suspect, having already given three own-goals in two warm-up matches. But that's not all, they can't seem to protect their flanks, allowing too many crosses into the box which has tested their keepers.

Japan, like the United States, is a developing soccer country, both with new leagues, and the players only starting to gain notoriety on foreign soil. In the future Japan could easily become a powerhouse, if they manage to keep up their development, but at the present time... Well, lets just say the citizens of Japan are hoping to win at least one game to remain happy.

Key Players: Naturally Nakamura Shunsuke [Japanese name form] is placed into this list. Already having played for Celtic in Scotland for a few years (but now back in Japan League) he has become feared across Europe for his dead-ball skills. However, this could be his last World Cup, and if ever he wanted to go out with a bang, this would be the time for it.

My Prediction: Group E 4th Place.

Group C: Slovenia

To many, Slovenia is simply a team happy to be at the World Cup, but this doesn't mean one should discount them. During qualification, little was thought about them, but the world took some notice when the team gained some good results to edge out the Czech Republic and Poland, then even upset Russia in a playoff to book a ticket to South Africa.

After twelve games in qualification (including playoffs) Slovenia only gave up five goals! The reason was for their stellar defense which shocked other nations and put them off guard. Although it is not attractive soccer, if they continue to play the way they have then they could be a major upset in the tournament. By frustrating attackers, and neutralizing opposing midfield players with constant possession, Slovenia has the ability to possibly sneak into the round of sixteen knockout stage.

However, it must be noted that in qualification their opponents lacked out and out strikers. Arshavin of Russia was probably the closest to that mantle, but even he does not have the experience as England's lineup, or a few players from the United States and Algeria squads. The goal for Slovenia will be to not get intimidated and keep playing the style they have become accustomed to.

Key Players: Robert Koren (pictured) for West Bromwich Albion (recently promoted to the English Premier League), and Miso Brecko of Koln in the Bundesliga, both defenders, are the anchor for the backline and the reason for a lot of the teams success. If both can stave off energy and keep their good partnership working, then strikers such as England's Wayne Rooney and USA's Landon Donovon could become a non-factor.

My Prediction: Group C 4th Place.

Group C: Algeria

If there were to be a 'wild-card' team in Group C, then Algeria would be it. With most of their players being European born, and therefore having gone through youth systems, the Desert Foxes field some quality players, thank goodness for the ability to change nationalities!

Although most teams consider their first game to be the most important, for Group C it is paramount. While the United States and England are battling it out, Algeria will be playing for their lives against Slovenia. If the Desert Foxes win, they could have the ability to pull an upset over the top two teams (US/England) by sneaking into second position and knocking one of them off in a final week head-to-head.

However, there are inconsistencies, such as losing to Malawi in an earlier match, a minnow of a nation, but then later beating Egypt, a usual power in the African Cup of Nations. Attack minded, they are likely to be stopped in their tracks against the solid defenses of both the United States and England.

Key Players:
Karim Ziani (Pictured) is probably the most talented of the lot, playing his club ball at Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga. Furthermore, don't forget about one of my fantasy picks (well partly because he was a cheap buy) Hassan Yebda who is an up and coming player on his national side. Although his club performance over the past year at Portsmouth in the Premiere League was a little lacking, as the team was relegated.

My Prediction: Group C 3rd Place.

Group C: England

Take one glance at the England lineup and you would have to be crazy to think these lads could not win the title. But they won't. On paper England always has one of the strongest teams in the world. Filled with amazing players who play for the top clubs one would expect exciting games, and easy victories; yet, England has always underperformed. Whether it be red cards (Beckham in '98, Rooney [pictured] in '06) or losing on penalty kicks (most years), England always find a way to get knocked out.

Many pundits agree that this year will be different. Rooney has calmed down, Gerrard and Lampard actually work together, and in Fabio Capello the team has found a coach that will keep players focused and determined.  But recent events could have changed this. John Terry's off the pitch 'antics' have begged questions on how well the team gets along, while recent injuries to Rio Ferdinand and Gareth Barry could be hugely detrimental.

Don't get me wrong, England have a huge chance at succeeding, but a lot of different factors will have to come together to make it possible. The key is for Capello to keep the team in check, and utilize the strongest midfield in the game to their full potential. Once everyone is healthy (queue glare at Barry), the likely midfield would be Barry, Gerrard, Lampard, and Joe Cole with two strikers in front. However, I wouldn't discount the setup of:

Barry 

J. Cole ----- Gerrard -----Lennon

Lampard

Rooney

Truly frightening.

Key Players: Wayne Rooney has the ability to contend for the most goals in the tournament. He is a classic striker in every sense of the word, a strong, powerful, attacker that has a good eye for goal. This past season at Manchester United has seen him in his prime and he will be keen to bring that to the national team.

Ashley Cole: Yes, he is key. A much-better-than-average defender, he is lightning fast on the flanks and will be essential to provide crosses into the box for the strikers and central midfielders. With Barry or Carrick potentially playing a holding-midfield role Cole will be able to constantly make these runs.

My Prediction: Semi-Finalists, going out on, yup you guessed it, penalty kicks.

Group C: United States

Below is an article I wrote and submitted to a few local papers. It was not published (as of yet), but I did like it.

US Soccer: It's Not About Winning

By Derek Rhoades

American's are a competitive breed of sports fan, we want our teams to win, to sign the best players, and to have the most amazing plays. With the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa just days away, many individuals are already clamoring for the United States team to be successful, but winning is not a part of this success. Instead, the national team is heading to South Africa with another goal in mind, to show the world.

Comparatively, soccer has always taken a back seat to the rest of sports in the United States. It has never had the same history as baseball nor the rabid fan base as football, and until recently, had been little more than a small blip on the world radar. This is what will be on the player's minds during the tournament, where they hope to gather interest and recognition for a developing sport back home, to prove to the world that America can compete in the biggest sport on the world stage.

In 1994 the World Cup was held in the United States, under the condition that a professional league was started, but besides the record attendance and the horrendous denim colored jerseys the team wore, the United States did not capture the attention of other nations. However, it did open the eyes of the American public who quickly noticed the popularity that soccer enjoyed outside of the country. This insured the success for the inaugural season of Major League Soccer (MLS) which kicked off in 1996.

During the 1998 World Cup held in France, the national team took to the field with two seasons of professional play under their belts. They failed to live up to expectations, crashing out of the group stage as the worst team in the tournament. MLS would suffer from this setback, losing income and having to cut teams, but during the 2002 Cup co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, something spectacular happened, something that saved the MLS and ushered in a new era for American soccer: the national team reached the quarter-finals. Suddenly the world had noticed America, the players were being talked about, and scouts from the top European leagues were sent out to watch developing American players.

MLS benefited greatly from this showing, seeing a spike in revenue and allowing the construction of soccer specific stadiums across the country. Furthermore, it allowed players to begin making their mark in the top leagues of the world. However, as typical in the sports world, the national team did not stay on top forever. The last World Cup, held in Germany during 2006, was billed by journalists as the year the United States would contend for the title, instead they failed to make it out of the group stage. This is not to say the team played poorly, in fact they played very well at times, holding eventual champions Italy to a one-one draw, they were just not the team everyone expected. Although it did not affect the popularity of soccer in the states, it left the rest of the world wondering: “Was it a fluke?”

This is the impression of American soccer the players will be dealing with ahead of the tournament. Some players on the team have since made an impression individually, such as Landon Donovan (pictured) playing on loan at Everton F.C., and Clint Dempsey already being a fan favorite for Fulham F.C., both teams competing in England's premiere league, regarded by many as the best league in the world. However, question marks are already being placed on how well the players will do as a team. The national teams first game will be June 12 in Rustenberg against England, which are one the favorites to win the tournament. Most expect England to win the game, but many of us are secretly thinking: can the United States pull off an upset? A possible repeat of the 1950 World Cup in which the US shocked the world by beating England one to zero in the group stage would certainly fulfill the goal the players have. Even if they lose they still have two group stage games against Algeria and Slovenia, both are teams who are simply happy to be at the tournament, it is during these games the players will have a chance to show off their skills.

Win or lose the world will be watching the national team this summer, where the players will be putting aside the past to showcase the future, a future in which American soccer can be respected and given more attention in world media, a future in which the players proudly stand up and exclaim to the world: “beware, we are coming!”

My Prediction: Second Round, as Germany will probably be too much for the team to handle.