***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[CletiusMaximus]

San Marino not in great form heading into its tie with England tomorrow - - last 24 qualifying matches, Scored 1, Conceded 116.

But what do their players think of the coach?

There are whispers that he's called up too many bartenders and not enough taxi drivers to the current squad and he's steadfastly refused to bring in any German born San Marinians, but most players are happy because they get a day off from school.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

San Marino not in great form heading into its tie with England tomorrow - - last 24 qualifying matches, Scored 1, Conceded 116.

But what do their players think of the coach?

There are whispers that he's called up too many bartenders and not enough taxi drivers to the current squad and he's steadfastly refused to bring in any German born San Marinians, but most players are happy because they get a day off from school.

Personally, I think you should have to win at least one Super Bowl before they canonize you.

 

[Sebowski]

http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2013/03/Venues-Set-for-US-MNTs-Last-Four-Home-World-Cup-Qualifiers-and-Centennial-Celebration-Match.aspx

The U.S., which kicks off its home stand in World Cup Qualifying tomorrow night against Costa Rica at sold-out ****’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo., will host the other four Final Round opponents in the following venues:- June 11 against Panama at CenturyLink Field (Seattle, Wash.)- June 18 against Honduras at Rio Tinto Stadium (Sandy, Utah)- Sept. 10 against Mexico at Columbus Crew Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)- Oct. 11 against Jamaica at Sporting Park (Kansas City, Kan.)

Getting my plans together for the Seattle game. Anyone else?

 

[berndog]

If Guzan stands on his head the next 2 games is there any chance he could supplant Howard between the pipes? Howard has stole his fair share of games for the US but I've never been a fan of his berating style of communication.

 

[NewlyRetired]

If Guzan stands on his head the next 2 games is there any chance he could supplant Howard between the pipes? Howard has stole his fair share of games for the US but I've never been a fan of his berating style of communication.

I have to think this opportunity is there for many players, including Guzan.Imagine if they get pull off the unimaginable 6 points? At the very least, its makes Klinsmann's job of picking players for the next group of games this summer that much more complicated.I mentioned this earlier in the thread, and Twellman has touched upon this, but as an outside player looking in, these are the type of opportunities you die for.

 

[berndog]

I think everyone agrees Guzan is going to have to be very sharp if the US are going to earn any points this week. I'm anxious to see who else will seize this opportunity.

 

[Moe.]

I think everyone agrees Guzan is going to have to be very sharp if the US are going to earn any points this week. I'm anxious to see who else will seize this opportunity.

Meh, we're going to dominate tomorrow night, and if Jamaica can get a point at Mexico then we can too.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

David Luiz wearing the armband for the Selecao today and Oscar given the #10 with Kaka starting on the bench in a friendly against Italy.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

David Luiz wearing the armband for the Selecao today and Oscar given the #10 with Kaka starting on the bench in a friendly against Italy.

Armband ---> hairband.

 

[NewlyRetired]

From the Sounders website: "The seating configuration for the U.S. versus Panama match will be capped at 42,000 fans in consideration of traffic and parking concern. The Seattle Mariners host the Houston Astros at 7:10 p.m."

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

David Luiz wearing the armband for the Selecao today and Oscar given the #10 with Kaka starting on the bench in a friendly against Italy.

John Terry scoffs at his measly one armband.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Oscar and Neymar combine for a beauty. Would love to see more of that in the future...

 

[Sinn Fein]

I don't understand the fuss over Klinsmann - under Bradley, the team had stagnated. It was as good as it was ever going to get under his leadership - solid team, not enough talent to consistently compete on a high level, but willing to work hard. I think they had grown happy with being able to qualify for the WC, despite always facing long-odds just to get out of the group stage. I'd like to get to the point where we expect to get out of the group stage, rather than hope to get out.

Klinsmann may not have the tactical acumen to lead this team to the "promised land" - but I think his approach of bringing in more players from European leagues and trying to develop a confident style of play is the right long-term approach.

I would love to know what has gone on between Klinsmann and Donovan to keep LD away. I suspect that Klinsmann did not show LD the "proper" respect when he came on board and probably indicated that LD would be treated like any other player brought in.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I would love to know what has gone on between Klinsmann and Donovan to keep LD away. I suspect that Klinsmann did not show LD the "proper" respect when he came on board and probably indicated that LD would be treated like any other player brought in.

Klinsmann had nothing to do with Donovan's issues IMO. He took a break from the sport, not the national team. It did not matter who the coach was.He is really taking more of a break from league play I think. He told the USC students last month that come summer if he is healthy and playing well and if Klinsmann calls him, he would play for the national team.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I don't understand the fuss over Klinsmann - under Bradley, the team had stagnated. It was as good as it was ever going to get under his leadership - solid team, not enough talent to consistently compete on a high level, but willing to work hard. I think they had grown happy with being able to qualify for the WC, despite always facing long-odds just to get out of the group stage. I'd like to get to the point where we expect to get out of the group stage, rather than hope to get out.Klinsmann may not have the tactical acumen to lead this team to the "promised land" - but I think his approach of bringing in more players from European leagues and trying to develop a confident style of play is the right long-term approach.

Ted talked about this before. Whether we were willing to take a step back and not qualify to make a future step forward. I am personally not willing to do that because I don't see any way not qualifying ever leads to things getting better.The US are still 15-20 years away from the point where the MLS academies are producing the majority of the talent, which is probably when the US might step up consistently from a top 30ish team to more of a top 15ish team. Until that time comes, the US is what it has been for a while, a decent top 30ish side that might spring a surprise or two (just like any other country at that level). Getting "more players from Europe" is not the correct build a team IMO (did Cameron suck one day in MLS and was suddenly good in the EPL?) We need to put the best players on the field, whether they be from MLS, Liga MX or Europe. My guess is that we are likely to see the players from Liga MX have a bigger impact on the next decade of US play than many realize. Arena gave some strong comments on this topic if you get a chance to read them (the interview has been posted a couple of times in the thread already). I am not sure I agree 100% with them but he knows more about this topic than pretty much anyone in the country so it is at least worth a read.

 

[Sinn Fein]

I would love to know what has gone on between Klinsmann and Donovan to keep LD away. I suspect that Klinsmann did not show LD the "proper" respect when he came on board and probably indicated that LD would be treated like any other player brought in.

Klinsmann had nothing to do with Donovan's issues IMO. He took a break from the sport, not the national team. It did not matter who the coach was.He is really taking more of a break from league play I think. He told the USC students last month that come summer if he is healthy and playing well and if Klinsmann calls him, he would play for the national team.

I am not buying that.

 

[Sinn Fein]

I don't understand the fuss over Klinsmann - under Bradley, the team had stagnated. It was as good as it was ever going to get under his leadership - solid team, not enough talent to consistently compete on a high level, but willing to work hard. I think they had grown happy with being able to qualify for the WC, despite always facing long-odds just to get out of the group stage. I'd like to get to the point where we expect to get out of the group stage, rather than hope to get out.Klinsmann may not have the tactical acumen to lead this team to the "promised land" - but I think his approach of bringing in more players from European leagues and trying to develop a confident style of play is the right long-term approach.

Ted talked about this before. Whether we were willing to take a step back and not qualify to make a future step forward. I am personally not willing to do that because I don't see any way not qualifying ever leads to things getting better.The US are still 15-20 years away from the point where the MLS academies are producing the majority of the talent, which is probably when the US might step up consistently from a top 30ish team to more of a top 15ish team. Until that time comes, the US is what it has been for a while, a decent top 30ish side that might spring a surprise or two (just like any other country at that level). Getting "more players from Europe" is not the correct build a team IMO (did Cameron suck one day in MLS and was suddenly good in the EPL?) We need to put the best players on the field, whether they be from MLS, Liga MX or Europe. My guess is that we are likely to see the players from Liga MX have a bigger impact on the next decade of US play than many realize. Arena gave some strong comments on this topic if you get a chance to read them (the interview has been posted a couple of times in the thread already). I am not sure I agree 100% with them but he knows more about this topic than pretty much anyone in the country so it is at least worth a read.

I saw his comments - I disagree to an extent.I do agree that the goal for putting together a National Team is two fold: get the best players, and those that play well together in a system.The second part may limit who you call in from among the best players.My comment about european players was really a proxy for bringing in more talented players and was not limited to players born abroad but reflects those that are playing in England, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc. We can argue about whether the players Klinsmann has recruited from europe are better. But I tend to think that the better players gravitate to the better leagues. Ultimately, I think it raises the bar for the talent level needed to be on the USMNT.I'd love for MLS to be a top-league someday, but today it is not. I'd like to see the best Americans honing their craft against the best in the world, and right now, I think the best club teams are in Europe.I don't think we need to miss a WC to make the jump forward, but my perception was that the USMNT had no ambition to be better under Bradley - and that may be more an indictment of Gulati than Bradley - at least under Klinsmann I think that there is ambition to be among the top teams in the world.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I would love to know what has gone on between Klinsmann and Donovan to keep LD away. I suspect that Klinsmann did not show LD the "proper" respect when he came on board and probably indicated that LD would be treated like any other player brought in.

Klinsmann had nothing to do with Donovan's issues IMO. He took a break from the sport, not the national team. It did not matter who the coach was.He is really taking more of a break from league play I think. He told the USC students last month that come summer if he is healthy and playing well and if Klinsmann calls him, he would play for the national team.

I am not buying that.

I eddited out a long post. The article below is infinitely more articulate than my ramblings are. If you get a chance, read this NY Times article on Donovan that came out yesterday. It may change your mind on whether this has anything to do with Klinsmann.

I will put the whole article in spoiler tags. It is a pretty good read and interviews enough people that gives the reader the feeling that Landon has a lot issues mentally that he dealing with, none of which are related to JK.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/21/sports/soccer/landon-donovan-american-soccers-missing-piece.html?pagewanted=1&_r=3&ref=samborden&

Spoiler

By SAM BORDEN

Published: March 20, 2013

Landon Donovan’s self-imposed exile from soccer has often been described as unprecedented or unusual, but this is hardly true. There is a rich and compelling history of surprising celebrity sabbaticals, with a wide variety of outcomes.

Some stars return from their time off to tremendous success (Bob Dylan, the director Terrence Malick); others return to find that it might have been better if they had stayed away (the actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the comedian Dave Chappelle). Still others, of course, do not really come back at all (J. D. Salinger).

In all likelihood, Donovan’s return will fall somewhere in the middle, not rising as high as Michael Jordan’s blistering resurgence nor falling as low as Bjorn Borg’s disaster. The common thread through nearly all of these unexpected breaks, including Donovan’s, is the public divide on whether the sabbatical is necessary, appropriate and worthwhile.

Certainly that schism exists here. As the United States national soccer team gathers in Colorado this week for the first of two critical World Cup qualifying matches, not all of the attention is on Friday’s game with Costa Rica or Tuesday’s at Mexico; instead, much of the focus is on Donovan, a player who is not even there.

Donovan has not played in a match, taken part in a practice or done any significant soccer activity since December, save for what looked to be an enjoyable pickup game with children on a recent trip to Cambodia.

To some, that departure feels like an abandonment, of both the United States team and the Los Angeles Galaxy, Donovan’s Major League Soccer club, which has begun its season without him. To others, it is a reasonable and necessary break for a player who was a part of the first full-time residential academy for American players in 1999 and has essentially helped the sport grow in this country ever since, in the process becoming the national team’s career leading scorer.

Whatever the spin, the reality is this: Donovan, 31, was determined to step back. He began seriously entertaining the notion of a break from soccer early in 2012, and Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena said his initial conversations with Donovan in May or June led him to wonder if Donovan would remain with the team for the entire season.

“He was really searching then,” Arena said. “I thought he might go. But he got through the year and, at that point, it was clear he was spent.”

Todd Dunivant, a teammate of Donovan’s with the Galaxy, said Donovan’s fatigue was obvious. “If he didn’t take the break, it would have been unhealthy,” Dunivant said. “It wasn’t just that his legs were tired. It was everything.”

After the season ended — with Donovan helping to lead the Galaxy to a second consecutive league title — Arena hoped Donovan would reconsider. But at dinner in January at Mangiamo, an Italian restaurant in Manhattan Beach, Calif., Donovan and his agent, Richard Motzkin, told Arena that an extended break was necessary.

Arena, who is a former national team coach and has known Donovan since he was a teenager, did not hide his feelings. “I told him it was a bad plan,” Arena said in a recent interview. “I thought it was a bad idea. These are the challenges that professional athletes have. None of us get any breaks — coaches don’t get any. So I told him that. I respected his decision, but that’s how I felt.”

Nonetheless, Donovan, who declined a request to be interviewed for this article, slipped away from the public eye after that dinner, allowing himself what Motzkin described as a “decompression.” In addition to the physical and mental pressures of soccer, Donovan also divorced his wife, Bianca, in 2010. With soccer temporarily out of the picture, Donovan did things that “he hadn’t been able to do for the past 15 years,” Motzkin said.

He reconnected with family. He went to Maui for Dunivant’s bachelor party. He attended the weddings of several friends. He spoke to students at the University of Southern California. He took part in an event in Newtown, Conn., after the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

He also walked his dogs, often, on the Strand in Manhattan Beach, simply enjoying the freedom that comes with not having another game or another practice or another tactical session in front of him. On one of those walks he saw Alexi Lalas, a former defender for the United States national team, who also lives in the beach area and who also took a break from the sport when he was 30.

Lalas could sympathize. Looking back at his decision, he said he took a year off “because I was fried.”

“If I was going to be any use to anyone, I needed to do it,” he added. He said he spent his time away driving across the country and, most important, “chasing a girl,” which, he added, “was great because she’s now my wife and we have two kids.”

Given his own experiences, Lalas was of two minds on Donovan’s break, he said. On one hand, he empathized, noting that Donovan was “one of the first young players to come through and skip out on the college experience completely — that makes a difference.”

On the other hand, though, Lalas noted that Donovan’s absence from the national team could not come at a worse time. With a new coach in Jurgen Klinsmann, a lot of injuries and a difficult qualifying schedule, “I cannot think of a time when more is unsettled and undecided when it comes to the personnel and how the team wants to play; Landon is a part of that.”

Lalas added: “His teammates there can still be his friend — they know him so well. But from a soccer perspective, they can also say he let us down. There’s no question it does creep into the way you view him.”

Klinsmann has been reticent to elaborate on his thoughts on Donovan’s situation. As expected, he maintains that Donovan will be considered for the team if and when he returns to top playing form. But until then, he said Monday, Donovan “is not part of the plans because simply he is not playing and not training.” Asked if he would ever consider a personal appeal for Donovan to come back earlier, Klinsmann said no.

Donovan initially planned to extend his break until the middle of 2013. After discussions with Arena and Motzkin, among others, though, he revised his schedule. Barring a last-minute change, he is expected to make his first public appearance with the Galaxy early next week at the White House, when the team meets President Obama. He will then train with the Galaxy in the Washington area the next day.

Will he be ready for the Galaxy’s Concacaf Champions League semifinal in early April? Will Klinsmann call him in for the three World Cup qualifiers in June? To those close to Donovan, specific issues like those are less important than the larger concern of whether the time away makes an impact on his mental state.

Donovan’s fierce introspection, which can be a burden, is well known. Lalas, who played with Donovan and later was his general manager in Los Angeles and San Jose, said Donovan’s cerebral nature was a part of his talent. But Lalas also conceded, “There is an element, when it comes to Landon, where you just want to slap him in the face and say, hey, snap out of it.”

Arena, too, praised Donovan’s sense of responsibility, but added: “He’s constantly searching for utopia. And we all know you can’t find that.”

Motzkin said Donovan has every intention of earning his way back to the national team, and he reiterated that Donovan, despite being the face of American soccer for years, does not expect special treatment. Like everyone who takes a sabbatical, Donovan will surely face fallout from teammates and others affected by his absence, but all the years and effort he has given the national team should help smooth his return.

Kyle Martino, a former teammate who is now an analyst for NBC Sports, recalled the 2003 Confederations Cup in France, when a bomb threat forced the United States team to stay locked in its hotel. Donovan, Martino said, worked with the hotel staff and somehow arranged for the team to occupy a series of connecting rooms. He then opened all of the connecting doors and organized an Xbox video game tournament — Halo was the game of choice — which “turned the mood from us psyching ourselves out because of the scare to just relaxing,” Martino said.

“That was what he did, he’s an optimist and a pragmatist,” Martino added. “To be honest, I think he did life a little bit in reverse. He hadn’t switched off since he was 16, where most other guys didn’t start that life until their mid-20s. So now he needed this.”

In many ways, Donovan’s professional happiness may have come during his two loan spells in England’s Premier League, where he played with Everton in 2010 and 2012. Tim Cahill, a teammate at Everton who now plays with the Red Bulls in M.L.S., said he recalled Donovan being “free as a bird” in England and reveling in a situation that allowed him not to be the captain, not to be the team’s best player and not to be the perpetual focus.

One night, at the behest of Cahill and Phil Neville, Donovan and Edson Buddle, another American who was training with Everton, even broke into song for their Everton teammates at a restaurant. “I just remember his smile,” Cahill said. “He was happy. Whatever happens with this break, I hope he finds that happiness again.”

Dunivant, who has spoken with Donovan frequently, believes Donovan has done just that. “I’ve never seen him happier,” he said. “He’s in a better place, there’s no doubt. He’s relaxed.”

What that means from a soccer sensibility, of course, remains to be seen. When Jordan returned to basketball from his baseball break in 1995, it was as if he had never left. Ten years later, though, when the N.F.L. running back Ricky Williams returned from his walkabout in 2005, his career was never quite the same.

“I’m the first to say that when I first heard about it, my thought wasn’t, yes, that’s a wonderful idea,” Arena said. “But I have made peace with it, and in this case, with this player, it makes sense.

“Do I think, ultimately, that it will help Landon?” Arena added. “Yes, I do.”

He paused. “At least I certainly hope so.”

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

That Brazil/Italy game was very entertaining. Loads of skill there.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I don't understand the fuss over Klinsmann - under Bradley, the team had stagnated. It was as good as it was ever going to get under his leadership - solid team, not enough talent to consistently compete on a high level, but willing to work hard. I think they had grown happy with being able to qualify for the WC, despite always facing long-odds just to get out of the group stage. I'd like to get to the point where we expect to get out of the group stage, rather than hope to get out.Klinsmann may not have the tactical acumen to lead this team to the "promised land" - but I think his approach of bringing in more players from European leagues and trying to develop a confident style of play is the right long-term approach.

Ted talked about this before. Whether we were willing to take a step back and not qualify to make a future step forward. I am personally not willing to do that because I don't see any way not qualifying ever leads to things getting better.The US are still 15-20 years away from the point where the MLS academies are producing the majority of the talent, which is probably when the US might step up consistently from a top 30ish team to more of a top 15ish team. Until that time comes, the US is what it has been for a while, a decent top 30ish side that might spring a surprise or two (just like any other country at that level). Getting "more players from Europe" is not the correct build a team IMO (did Cameron suck one day in MLS and was suddenly good in the EPL?) We need to put the best players on the field, whether they be from MLS, Liga MX or Europe. My guess is that we are likely to see the players from Liga MX have a bigger impact on the next decade of US play than many realize. Arena gave some strong comments on this topic if you get a chance to read them (the interview has been posted a couple of times in the thread already). I am not sure I agree 100% with them but he knows more about this topic than pretty much anyone in the country so it is at least worth a read.

I saw his comments - I disagree to an extent.I do agree that the goal for putting together a National Team is two fold: get the best players, and those that play well together in a system.The second part may limit who you call in from among the best players.My comment about european players was really a proxy for bringing in more talented players and was not limited to players born abroad but reflects those that are playing in England, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc. We can argue about whether the players Klinsmann has recruited from europe are better. But I tend to think that the better players gravitate to the better leagues. Ultimately, I think it raises the bar for the talent level needed to be on the USMNT.I'd love for MLS to be a top-league someday, but today it is not. I'd like to see the best Americans honing their craft against the best in the world, and right now, I think the best club teams are in Europe.I don't think we need to miss a WC to make the jump forward, but my perception was that the USMNT had no ambition to be better under Bradley - and that may be more an indictment of Gulati than Bradley - at least under Klinsmann I think that there is ambition to be among the top teams in the world.

Very well stated. I agree with almost everything. The only nit would be maybe to defend Bradley. Under Bradley, the team had a nice run in the Confed Cup, won the hex and won their world cup group. I am not sure how much more we should really expect from the level of talent the US has. Maybe this is what Arena was referring to when he said he is frustrated with the fan base thinking that we should be so much better than we are.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

the team had a nice run in the Confed Cup

Agree re: Bradley.Knocking off good teams from time to time, finishing first in the Hex and getting out of our WC group are really good goals for the immediate future.IIRC the 2-0 loss to the US is the only time Spain have been knocked out of any official international competition since 2006.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Knocking off good teams from time to time, finishing first in the Hex and getting out of our WC group are really good goals for the immediate future.

I agree. This is a statement more strongly felt when we could be ~24 hours away from getting out the calculators to make sure we can at least get 4th in the Hex

 

[NewlyRetired]

Not sure if it will be enough to get either MLS team over the hump but it is worth a shot.

MLS announced a pair of changes to its regular-season schedule Wednesday, rescheduling matches for the LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders on the weekend of April 6-7 to accomodate the two clubs' participation in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is a nice highlight package of the last US Costa Rica qualifier.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krnTfNmw3io

Bornstein...

So much happened in that game. It was the game that basically ended Gooch's career as a top player. Costa Rica went in one second to making the world cup to getting stuck playing Uruguay in the playoffsUS wins the hex when everyone most hated player scores the winner at the death.

Geez, I also forgot that this was the same day that Davies had the car crash (which happened in the early morning). I never really thought about it this way but the US really lost two fantastic players that day that should have helped the team for many more years :(

 

[NewlyRetired]

When I wake up tomorrow, I am going to watch Israel vs Portugal. That looks to be an interesting matchup on espn3.

I think by the time I wake up, we will know whether New Zealand has wrapped up the OFC spot.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

One interesting take on tomorrow's historic qualifier between Croatia and Serbia in Zagreb - from a message board posting which apparently is a translation or amalgamation from stories posted elsewhere, so in the 'for what its worth' category: Stimac/Mihajlovic.

Igor Stimac:

- He claims that I’ve wished for his family to die but I don’t express myself like that. Mihajlovic doesn’t exist for me anymore. Since his mother is Croatian, he’s always the one trying to prove something, like he’s a greater Serb than anyone else.

Sinisa Mihajlovic:

- That he can’t stand for what he says makes him an even lesser person in my eyes. He should just vanish. I don’t believe in violence but Igor Stimac is the only human I would actually want to kill.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Zach Slaton (@the_number_game)

3/21/13, 11:53 PM

#CONCACAF #WCQ bookmaker match odds. #USMNT win likelihood vs. #CRC down 6% in 4 days to 59% pic.twitter.com/OY5cm2fiFy

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Zach Slaton (@the_number_game)3/21/13, 11:53 PM#CONCACAF #WCQ bookmaker match odds. #USMNT win likelihood vs. #CRC down 6% in 4 days to 59% pic.twitter.com/OY5cm2fiFy

Yeah, that's bettors reacting to how decimated the back line is. 6% seems right.Found an early line on US/Mexico on Marathonbet, Mexico is -111 to win outright, USA +335, draw is +250. Seems like a great spot to take Mexico there.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Game day!

Now just have to make it until 10 PM

Let's go USA!

 

[NewlyRetired]

New Zealand win 2-1 over New Caledonia with a goal in the 95th minute. New Zealand wins the OFC spot and awaits the Concacaf 4th place teaam.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

New Zealand win 2-1 over New Caledonia with a goal in the 95th minute. New Zealand wins the OFC spot and awaits the Concacaf 4th place teaam.

New Zealand is a bit better fallback plan than Uruguay four years ago would have been.

 

[NewlyRetired]

And Portugal waste no time, grabbing a 1-0 lead in the second minute of play.

 

[NewlyRetired]

New Zealand win 2-1 over New Caledonia with a goal in the 95th minute. New Zealand wins the OFC spot and awaits the Concacaf 4th place teaam.

New Zealand is a bit better fallback plan than Uruguay four years ago would have been.

Oh most certainly. It will be the mother of all road trips though for jet lag for the players.

 

[Mjolnirs]

The Germany v Kazakhstan is on at 2pm Eastern. That's 7pm in Germany and Midnight in Kazakhstan AND THE MATCH IS IN KAZAKHSTAN!

I can't imagine agreeing to kick off a home match at midnight.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

The Germany v Kazakhstan is on at 2pm Eastern. That's 7pm in Germany and Midnight in Kazakhstan AND THE MATCH IS IN KAZAKHSTAN!I can't imagine agreeing to kick off a home match at midnight.

Germany: Here's two million Euros if we can kick off at midnight so it can be on prime time TV back home.Kazakhstan: You got it. We know we're not going to the WC anyway.

 

[Slapdash]

The Germany v Kazakhstan is on at 2pm Eastern. That's 7pm in Germany and Midnight in Kazakhstan AND THE MATCH IS IN KAZAKHSTAN!I can't imagine agreeing to kick off a home match at midnight.

La Liga has had a few matches starting at 11 local time.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Fantastic game going on here in Isreal.

Portugal got off to a very early 1-0 lead but Isreal has hit back for 2 to go up 2-1 in the first half (40 minutes gone).

Russia is pulling for a draw or an Isreal win here.

 

[NewlyRetired]

wow. Portugal presses like crazy and Isreal ends up scoring one of the few times they cross the half line in the second half.

3-1 to Isreal at 71 minutes.

Perfect result for Russia if holds.

The CRo face is in full affect and just got a yellow for kicking ball at/near ref

=================

edit, and 10 seconds later, Portugal get one right back. Awesome game, 3-2 now

 

[NewlyRetired]

Fun start to the day.

New Zealand wins their region deep into injury time and Portugal rescue a point in Israel deep into injury time when a strange goal was scored (still not sure if it was an own goal or not), when Israel could not clear a ball off the line.

Russia leads group by 4 points and has 1 game in hand. Russia plays Northern Ireland later today. If Russia gets 3 points there today they are sitting pretty to win group.

Portugal is in 3rd now in the group as Israel are in second.

 

[The Gator]

Portugal is in 3rd now in the group as Israel are in second.

Why do Portugal always do this the hard way?

 

[Slapdash]

Fun start to the day.New Zealand wins their region deep into injury time and Portugal rescue a point in Israel deep into injury time when a strange goal was scored (still not sure if it was an own goal or not), when Israel could not clear a ball off the line.Russia leads group by 4 points and has 1 game in hand. Russia plays Northern Ireland later today. If Russia gets 3 points there today they are sitting pretty to win group.Portugal is in 3rd now in the group as Israel are in second.

I'm sure Portugal will sneak in some how, just like last time. Hope not though.

 

[The Gator]

Also, I reminded my kid to wear his US jersey to school today. #nowhammy

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Igor Stimac:- He claims that I’ve wished for his family to die but I don’t express myself like that. Mihajlovic doesn’t exist for me anymore. Since his mother is Croatian, he’s always the one trying to prove something, like he’s a greater Serb than anyone else.Sinisa Mihajlovic:- That he can’t stand for what he says makes him an even lesser person in my eyes. He should just vanish. I don’t believe in violence but Igor Stimac is the only human I would actually want to kill.

Wow... this is a hell of a history these guys have:

Sinisa Mihajlovic sports a short haircut nowadays. Had that been the case in 1987, he could easily have ended up playing for Croatia, and probably even coaching them instead of Igor Stimac, his biggest rival in the world of football. When the two face each other Friday in the crunch World Cup qualifier in Zagreb as Serbia visit Croatia (ESPN3/WatchESPN), the wounds from 22 years ago will still be open.Mihajlovic's story is a not an ordinary one. He was born in Vukovar, a town in Eastern Croatia, right on the border with Serbia, where roughly half the population in the time of united Yugoslavia were Croats and the other half Serbs.His mother Viktorija is Croat; his father Bogdan, Serb. Even though Sinisa grew up in the village of Borovo, with a big Serb majority, he had no real national aspirations for either side as a child. In the 1980s, when the country was still functioning as a unit, his dream was to represent Yugoslavia.His famous long-range shooting and passing was already outstanding when he played in the youth teams, and rumours about the talented kid were spreading fast. Zvonimir Boban and Robert Prosinecki, who played for Dinamo Zagreb in the spring of 1987, spoke very highly of Mihajlovic and had a hand in persuading the coach, Miroslav "Ciro" Blazevic, to invite him for a trial.Ciro was impressed, but when negotiating a deal, a few issues surfaced. First, Zagreb were unwilling to immediately offer the 18-year-old a professional contract. Secondly, Blazevic made it crystal-clear that Mihajlovic would not be first choice in midfield, especially as his favourite star, Haris Skoro, was about to sign from Zeljeznicar. Third, the coach demanded Sinisa cut his long hair. Like Daniel Passarella later on, Blazevic thought it was a sign of an undisciplined footballer.At the time, the national aspect was pretty much irrelevant to Mihajlovic. He made a decision based on his perceived development prospects and lack of chemistry with the coach. He opted to stay in Borovo, and it turned out to be very costly.Dinamo were far from happy and asked Mirko Jozic, the Under-20 Yugoslavia national team coach, to issue an ultimatum -- the youngster would be thrown off the team if he didn't sign for Blazevic. That only made Mihajlovic angrier. He turned down the offer, and Jozic duly kept his word.One of the best players of his generation, Sinisa watched his former team-mates lifting the U-20 World Cup in Chile in 1987, unable to stop the tears. Later, Mihajlovic chose Vojvodina Novi Sad over Rijeka, and, after winning the championship, then signed with Crvena Zvezda Belgrade.He might not have known it at the time, but he also chose Serbia over Croatia.The political situation deteriorated quickly in the beginning of the 1990s, and Yugoslavia was falling apart. Just as Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) were enjoying the best spell in the club's history, about to become the first Yugoslav team to lift the European Cup in May 1991, the first battles started in what was about to become one of the gravest and most terrible wars in recent history.A few days before the last Yugoslav Cup final, between Crvena Zvezda and Hajduk Split, an incident occurred in Borovo, where Croatian forces tried to replace the Yugoslav flag with a Croatian one. Casualties were counted on both sides, and the tension in the soon-to-be-divided country grew higher.One could hardly expect the final to be played in a quiet and friendly atmosphere in such circumstances. It turned out to be even worse.In the beginning of the game Stimac, the tall Hajduk stopper, allegedly made some rough remarks toward Mihajlovic. According to Sinisa, Igor told him: "With God's help, we will kill all your family in the village." That prompted Mihajlovic to try to injure his rival for most of the game, until both were sent off in the middle of the second half.Moments before that, Alen Boksic scored a great goal, and Hajduk won 1-0. Three weeks later, Crvena Zvezda captured a much more important trophy, with Mihajlovic scoring one of the penalties in the European Cup shootout victory against Olympique Marseille following the goalless draw in Bari, Italy.About the same time, Mihajlovic became close to Arkan, the merciless leader of the Serbian paramilitary force called the Tigers. A huge Crvena Zvezda fan, Arkan greatly admired Sinisa's combative style, and took him under his wing.The relationship turned out to be of great importance to Mihajlovic's family. With war crimes being committed on both sides in Vukovar, his parents were able to escape to Belgrade. Mihajlovic's uncle from his mother's side, a Croatian officer, had always been critical of his sister because she married a Serb. He then told her: "It's a pity that you left. You should have stayed here. That way I would have killed your husband."In a recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Mihajlovic recalled that his uncle was later captured by the Tigers, who wanted to execute him. "They called me, and I managed to save his life," Mihajlovic said. In a separate incident, Arkan also prevented the star's aunt, the sister of his mother, from being killed."I will always be thankful for him for that," Mihajlovic said in a recent interview, refusing to distance himself from a man now known as a war criminal. When Arkan was assassinated in a Belgrade hotel in 2000, Mihajlovic -- who played for Lazio at the time, and led them to the Serie A title -- made his feelings known with a black armband, and the fans at Olimpico Stadium sympathized with him. They also stood by his side a year earlier, as he made his protests heard against NATO's bombing of his home country.Mihajlovic has since been viewed as the most political of all Serb footballers. He has the image of a nationalist, but it is probably more correct to call him a patriot. That is why he was willing to take the national coach job when more lucrative offers were on the table.That is also the reason behind one of his first demands from the players -- they are all obliged to sing the national anthem. Fiorentina star Adem Ljajic, of Bosnian origin, refused to do so and was never called again.On the other hand, Mihajlovic makes all the players applaud anthems of their rivals, and will do so in Zagreb as well. In numerous interviews, he has insisted he has nothing against the Croatian people. He says it loud and clear that both sides were massively responsible for crimes during the war and there were no saints. Nobody was right, everybody was wrong.When playing at Lazio, Croat Alen Boksic was one of his best pals; they spent time on holidays together on the picturesque coasts of Dalmatia. Another Croat, Slaven Bilic, his room-mate on Yugoslavia youth teams, remains a close friend.If Bilic had stayed at his Croatian national team post, instead of leaving following Euro 2012 disappointment and heading for Lokomotiv Moscow, they would probably have a friendly hug before the whistle Friday, just like Mihajlovic hugged Davor Suker, president of the Croatian Football Federation, when they met by chance in the stands.Ian Kington/Getty ImagesCroatia coach Igor Stimac, above, and Mihajlovic had a heated confrontation on the pitch 22 years ago. Neither has forgotten the incident, which occurred shortly before war broke up the former Yugoslavia.Stimac, though, is another matter entirely. There will be no warm emotions, probably just a lukewarm handshake. Their heated confrontation might have been 22 years ago, but is not easily forgotten.The situation wasn't helped when Stimac proposed that one of the infamous Croatian generals, Ante Gotovina or Mladen Markac -- both acquitted of war crimes after an appeal at a United Nations tribunal last fall -- take the first kick against Serbia.Mihajlovic said it was a big mistake and he has doubts as to whether Stimac fully understood the affront to Serbs, even after taking the proposition off the table.In 1999, Mihajlovic was part of the Yugoslav team that knocked out Croatia in Euro 2000 qualifying and he frequently recalls it as the most emotional moment of his career. Friday's match will be the first time Serbia and Croatia have met as independent states; Serbia supporters have been banned, as will Croatian supporters for the reverse fixture in Belgrade in September.As he prepares to enter Maksimir Stadium on Friday, he knows all three points will be needed to keep Serbia's hopes of qualification for 2014 World Cup alive.The coach has already stated that he will leave if the team fails to get the ticket to Brazil. His fate could well be decided on Friday, and having to face Stimac, of all people, will undoubtedly provide additional motivation. This game could be one to remember for a very long time.A bit weird to think it could all be so different if Mihajlovic's hair had been shorter a quarter of a century ago.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Fun start to the day.New Zealand wins their region deep into injury time and Portugal rescue a point in Israel deep into injury time when a strange goal was scored (still not sure if it was an own goal or not), when Israel could not clear a ball off the line.Russia leads group by 4 points and has 1 game in hand. Russia plays Northern Ireland later today. If Russia gets 3 points there today they are sitting pretty to win group.Portugal is in 3rd now in the group as Israel are in second.

I'm sure Portugal will sneak in some how, just like last time. Hope not though.

I agree. Israel's second place flatters them imo. They have played more home games than away games and they still have to go to both Russia and Portugal. Russia already pounded them 4-0 in Israel.If Russia win today, I don't see anyone catching them for first as they will have an easy second half as they have not yet played Luxembourg which should be 6 easy points. Portugal really need Northern Ireland to get points today.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Igor Stimac:- He claims that I’ve wished for his family to die but I don’t express myself like that. Mihajlovic doesn’t exist for me anymore. Since his mother is Croatian, he’s always the one trying to prove something, like he’s a greater Serb than anyone else.Sinisa Mihajlovic:- That he can’t stand for what he says makes him an even lesser person in my eyes. He should just vanish. I don’t believe in violence but Igor Stimac is the only human I would actually want to kill.

Wow... this is a hell of a history these guys have:

As a reward for the great job he did at OT a couple weeks ago (sending off Nani), UEFA has assigned Turkish ref Cuneyt Cakir to today's pressure cooker in Zagreb. Branislav Ivanovic captaining the underdog Serbs today against Mario Mandzukic and Luka Modric for Croatia.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Igor Stimac:- He claims that I’ve wished for his family to die but I don’t express myself like that. Mihajlovic doesn’t exist for me anymore. Since his mother is Croatian, he’s always the one trying to prove something, like he’s a greater Serb than anyone else.Sinisa Mihajlovic:- That he can’t stand for what he says makes him an even lesser person in my eyes. He should just vanish. I don’t believe in violence but Igor Stimac is the only human I would actually want to kill.

Wow... this is a hell of a history these guys have:

As a reward for the great job he did at OT a couple weeks ago (sending off Nani), UEFA has assigned Turkish ref Cuneyt Cakir to today's pressure cooker in Zagreb. Branislav Ivanovic captaining the underdog Serbs today against Mario Mandzukic and Luka Modric for Croatia.

told my daughter if a war breaks out at this game she is just going to have to walk home from school.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Already nervous about tonight.

 

[Slapdash]

Fun start to the day.New Zealand wins their region deep into injury time and Portugal rescue a point in Israel deep into injury time when a strange goal was scored (still not sure if it was an own goal or not), when Israel could not clear a ball off the line.Russia leads group by 4 points and has 1 game in hand. Russia plays Northern Ireland later today. If Russia gets 3 points there today they are sitting pretty to win group.Portugal is in 3rd now in the group as Israel are in second.

I'm sure Portugal will sneak in some how, just like last time. Hope not though.

I agree. Israel's second place flatters them imo. They have played more home games than away games and they still have to go to both Russia and Portugal. Russia already pounded them 4-0 in Israel.If Russia win today, I don't see anyone catching them for first as they will have an easy second half as they have not yet played Luxembourg which should be 6 easy points. Portugal really need Northern Ireland to get points today.

Does Europe still do the 8 groups where the second place teams are matched up in a home and home?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Wisconsin strength and conditioning coach Brian Bott just tweeted a picture of himself and London Donovan hanging out in Madison today - at an indoor athletic facility and LD wearing a Wisconsin Soccer t-shirt and shorts.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Wisconsin strength and conditioning coach Brian Bott just tweeted a picture of himself and London Donovan hanging out in Madison today - at an indoor athletic facility and LD wearing a Wisconsin Soccer t-shirt and shorts.

Where's Lando