Photo by robert.melok

After the quick change in the head coaching department at US Soccer by removing Bob Bradley for Jurgen Klinsmann, it looks like that this new era has started off well. The site was Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where Mexico, the reigning Gold Cup champions, were ready to take on a side with a few new faces, the United States of America.

Mexico got the first goal of the match in the seventeenth minute as they earned a corner on the near side. It was a solid cross from Andres Guardado who found Oribe Peralta and somehow got a boot on the ball and scored. It was a little strange to see Michael Bradley covering Peralta, but he didn’t really get physical with him until after the shot was taken. Give a lot of credit to Peralta as he created something out of nothing. He was marked by Bradley, but the pressure wasn’t really there. All he did was lift up his right foot and found a way to bunt the ball past Tim Howard for the goal.

All first half you saw the USA looking very disjointed in their play. Half the players were getting their first chance for the national team, or those like Jose Francisco Torres were getting another shot at showing Klinsmann what they have. But to be honest the boys didn’t look dangerous at all and lost possession very easily.

But to be fair against Mexico after getting that lucky goal from Peralta, they didn’t look good either. They had some decent chances to convert and add on to their lead, but nothing solid was forming. But in the second half the USA started to play better and their substitutes did a great job supporting the attack.

Juan Agudelo and Brek Shea came on for an uninspired Jermaine Jones and Edson Buddle. You saw the USA improve from the midfield and started to get some attacking runs against Mexico. The first attempt was in the fifty-seventh minute when the USA earned a corner. The cross came into the area and a big header from Carlos Bocanegra was saved by Guillermo Ochoa but the rebound was cleared.

In the seventy-third minute, the USA got a throw-in on the far side. The ball was given to Agudelo who quickly gave it to Shea. He got past a defender and crossed it to a wide open Robbie Rogers who converted and earned his second international goal. It was a great to see on replay the excitement coming from Klinsmann as he celebrated the goal.

Overall you have to say it was a good performance for Jurgen Klinsmann’s first game as head coach of the US Men’s National Team. Even though the match was against our big rivals, the score was not the reason for concern. This was to evaluate some new faces or to give those a second chance to play with Donovan and others that are regulars on the national team.

The winners of the last two World Cups, Germany will begin their defence of the trophy on home soil against Canada next June. The draw (Group A alongside Canada, Nigeria & France) will buoy the hosts as they have absolutely destroyed both Canada and Nigeria in recent friendly matches. Showing exactly why they are the two-time holders, Germany crushed Nigeria 8-0 just 5 days prior to the draw and they managed an equally-impressive 5-0 win over Canada – who had finished fourth in the 2003 World Cup.

2009’s beaten (by Germany, of course) European Championship finalists, England will also be pleased with their draw. Placed in Group B along with Japan, New Zealand and Mexico, things could have been far worse for the lone British representatives. As well as Germany, they have avoided two-time champions, USA and a couple of tricky sides in Group D, which features former champions Norway and the ever-improving Brazilians. That is not to say Group B will be easy for England, however, as Mexico have already proven their strength by beating USA in qualifying.

As mentioned, Group B will provide some of the best entertainment. Norway traditionally do well in World Cups, having won the competition in 1995, finishing second in the first ever World Cup in 1991 and finished fourth in the 1999 and 2007 finals. Despite that impressive World Cup calibre, Brazil will probably still be favourites when the two nations clash next June. They looked extremely impressive in the 2007 finals, finishing runners up to Germany, and are currently ranked 3^rd in the world – behind USA and Germany, whilst Norway currently sit 7^th. Australia are even lower in the rankings – in 12^th – but they are well capable of providing anyone with a tough match. They battled to a respectable 2-1 loss to Germany last month, and managed an impressive 3-1 win over Mexico 3 days earlier. Spare a thought for Equatorial Guinea though. The central Africans are competing in their first ever World Cup and sit all the way down in 62^nd in the world rankings. Group B is not an ideal draw for them, to say the least.

The U.S. won’t necessarily be especially pleased with their draw. Their recent form hasn’t always been totally impressive, and Korea DPR and Sweden will present considerable challenges. Amazingly, USA have been placed in the same group as Korea DPR in each of the last three World Cups, and Sweden have often faced both sides too. This familiarity will only add to the tension, but ultimately, the U.S. are still perfectly capable of topping the group if they can hit the ground running. Colombia are the fourth team in Group C, and will be able to play in the knowledge that there is very little expectation on their shoulders.

The Draw in Full:

Group A – Germany, Canada, Nigeria, France

Group B – Japan, New Zealand, Mexico, England

Group C – United States, Korea DPR, Colombia, Sweden

Group D – Brazil, Australia, Norway, Equatorial Guinea

With the Copa América draw recently out and international friendlies imminent, now might be a worthwhile time to look at what that tournament might have in store for football fans.  It’s not as well publicized or followed as its European counterpart because most people see it as the international La Liga: a competition basically geared to set up two super teams (Brazil and Argentina) in a final where the brightest talents of world football can tussle.

Recently, the accusation has been true, sort of.  While the past two tournaments has seen Brazil trump Argentina in the final, the whole tournament is a delight for the football fan.  For one, this year’s inclusion of Mexico promises to continue the tradition of El Tricolor surprising the big guns.

In 2007 Mexico deservedly beat Brazil 2-0 and won the group stage, and although Argentina handled them in the semifinals 3-0, the Mexicans still earned some respect from their South American counterparts by winning the third place match against Uruguay.  In 2004, Mexico beat Argentina 1-0 in the group stages, but  Brazil trashed them 4-0 in a pitiful exit.

Another reason to watch is the hopeful coronation of Messi on the world stage.  While the Argentine failed to dominate the 2010 World Cup, this can be largely blamed on the unbelievable tactics employed by Maradona (how many times in South Africa did we see Messi pick up the ball around the halfway line simply because the midfielders lacked the quality to bring the ball forward on their own?).  Hopefully in 2011 Messi can show those who still doubt him (and honestly I’m highly suspicious of the existence of these supposed Messi-doubters) that he is the finest footballer on the planet.

Taking a look at the draw, if all goes expected, another Brazil-Argentina final looks to be on the cards.

It’s difficult to see Argentina not winning their group (Bolivia, Colombia, Japan), especially as all of the matches will be played in front of a home crowd.  On top of that huge motivation, Los Albiceleste will be seeking to avenge themselves against a Japan team that recently beat them 1-0.  All the players will want to make a statement to say that they team that dismantled Spain 4-1 is the real version of Argentina, not the meek squad that was humbled in Japan.

Brazil have slightly harder group (Ecuador, Paraguay, Venezuela) considering Paraguay’s bold showing at the World Cup.  No matter how many superstars are injured, overweight, or out of form, Brazil always manages to field one of the most imposing teams in the world.  No Ronaldinho, Kaka, or Luis Fabiano?  Why not play Robinho, Pato, and Nilmar?  If Ramires isn’t playing well with Chelsea, why not select the reinvigorated Felipe Melo?  The point is, whatever team they field, like Argentina, Brazil will be favorites to win their group.

Group C is the most interesting because it includes Uruguay, giant-killers Mexico, the surprisingly decent Chile, and likely whipping boy Peru.  If Diego Forlán plays like he did in South Africa, Uruguay should win the group and make for a great challenge to anyone in the whole tournament.  If the results go as predicted in this hyper-early stage, Uruguay should meet Brazil in the semifinals.  This will probably be Forlán’s last hurrah in a major tournament, so he’ll surely want his countrymen to remember him fondly.  Brazil (presumably) be warned.

But of course, Mexico love to cause trouble and have come runner-up and third place a couple of times each, so don’t count them out of the running just because there are some big guns to contend with.  Lastly, Chile may yet surprise us, given their high FIFA and ELO ranking, but personally I feel the team won’t impress and we’ll see them back in the 20s or 30s in the world ranking by the close of 2011.

Argentina seem to have the easiest path to the final, although if there is an upset in Group C (or even a massive Group B upset, but I strongly doubt Brazil will place in 3rd in their group), Los Albiceleste may face a tough fight before playing the final in El Monumental in Buenos Aires.

A Brazil-Argentina final looks probable, but the inclusion of Mexico and Uruguay give me hope that an upset could happen.  All of the football matches are yet to be played, but international football fans should be salivating at the prospect of some of the matches, even (especially?) if the final is again, Brazil-Argentina.

The performance of the French team drew many different emotions from football fans around the world. Mexico fans surely enjoyed the sight of their team overhauling a major European football nation. French fans must have felt huge frustration watching their side put in such a lethargic performance. While Irish fans that still bear grudges from the manner of France’s progression to the World Cup at their expense took some comfort dabbling in a bit of schadenfreude.

Putting aside the feelings of those who have an emotional attachment to France and those who wish bad upon them, it is hard not to feel disappointed in the manner which they conducted themselves throughout their second group game. Although it is wrong to accuse players of lacking effort and not performing, the French players did little to convince viewers that they were trying their hardest to ensure victory for Les Bleus.

The two goals conceded by the French typified their performance as a whole. Lack of drive to close down the opposition in the midfield allowed Rafael Marquez to thread through his pass for Javier Hernandez to round hapless Hugo Lloris in the French goal. While the disinterest shown by French captain Patrice Evra to track back and alleviate his error in allowing Hernandez brush by him in the lead up to the Mexican penalty invokes questions whether this French side have any intentions of even trying to progress from their group.

Until now, most of the blame for any shortcomings surrounding the French team has been laid solely on the head of manager Raymond Domenech. However, this latest performance begs the question if the players should also shoulder the blame and not play badly in spite of the manager, but for their pride in their nation or more generally for the French public?

Neither party deserves the total blame for the deficiency of the French national team over the past four years. Domenech’s poor tactics and personnel choices over the course of his tenure have been at fault for many bad performances and attribute partly to the weak displays in South Africa so far. This however, serves up no excuse for those players who pull on the blue jersey of France to play without conviction, intent and willingness to win a game of football.

Some may call this a harsh criticism of France and an unfair swipe at the team. Agreed it is a harsh critique, but not undeserved. This French squad has an abundance of individual talent and skillful athletes that are capable of defeating any side in the World Cup on their day. If they had tried to win the game and competed for every percentage of possession on offer, no one could question their ethic.

The French performance against Mexico tonight can have fatal drawbacks for the future of football in France. Any passionate French man, woman and child would hate to see a team they are associated give up in such a fashion. Football has never been known to boast fond fans throughout France and the average French persons attitude to their national team could hardly be called affectionate. So before their final group game against South Africa next Tuesday, maybe the French squad should reflect on those they are letting down. Their country, their manager, their fans, but most importantly themselves. Not many people get the chance to play at the World Cup. These players should grab this opportunity with both hands and not be so wasteful.

Rounds 7 and 8 of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers were the rounds that re-established the known order of CONCACAF national teams. The US & Mexico came into these rounds in need of 6 points to overtake Honduras & Costa Rica in the standings. The Stars & Stripes defeated El Salvador 2-1 at home in Utah with Jozy Altidore scoring the game winner in 1st half injury time. The US then traveled to Port of Spain and defeated Trinidad & Tobago 1-0 on a Ricardo Clark long distance GOLAZO. The victories moved the US to the top of the hexagonal.

Mexico was in the same position as the US, needing 6 points to affirm their position as a CONCACAF power. Beginning with an impressive 3-0 road win against Costa Rica at Saprissa Stadium. Giovani Dos Santos was the man of the match scoring a GOLAZO to open the scoring and set up the other two goals to give El Tri a massive 3 points. Mexico’s next match was at home against a hot Honduras team that had won 4 of their last 5 matches. It was a hard fought match that was decided in the 74th minute when Dos Santos was fouled in the box and Cuauhtemoc Blanco buried the PK to give Mexico its 4th consecutive WCQ win and 2nd place in the standings.

Here are the results & standings from these rounds:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH

United States 2 – 1 El Salvador
USA: Clint Dempsey (41′) & Jozy Altidore (45′+2′)
SLV: Cristian Castillo (31′)

Honduras 4 – 1 Trinidad & Tobago
HON: Carlos Pavon (20′, 28′), Amado Guevara (62′), David Suazo (83′)
TNT: Kerry Baptiste (86′)

Costa Rica 0 – 3 Mexico
MEX: Giovani Dos Santos (45′+1′), Guillermo Franco (62′), Andres Guardado (71′)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH

El Salvador 1 – 0 Costa Rica
SLV: Rudis Corrales (90′+1′)

Trinidad & Tobago 0 – 1 United States
USA: Ricardo Clark (62′)

Mexico 1 – 0 Honduras
MEX: Cuauhtemoc Blanco (pen 75′)

STANDINGS

With World Cup Qualifiers coming up in the next couple of weeks, its time for another Top 5 here on The Buzz.  These are the Top 5 things to watch for as teams compete to solidify their place for The Great Tournament in 2010 on The Motherland:

#1 – Maradona Starts To Feel Albiceleste Heat

El Pibe De Oro’s time as coach of the Argentine National Team really starts with upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers. Two friendly match victories over Scotland & France are well and good but he wasn’t hired to win friendlies. Maradona’s true abilities as a coach and personality manager will be put to the test when he leads Los Albicelestes versus Venezuela at home on March 28 and then on the road in the high altitude of La Paz against Bolivia on April 1st. If Maradona can break Argentina out of their disappointing form in qualifying then he will further elevate his place in world football lore.

#2 – What Will Africa Have In Store?

The Motherland will host The 2010 Great Tournament, in years past The World Cup has witnessed fresh faces in national team football most of them coming from Africa. The 2006 World Cup saw 8 teams qualify for the 1st time, 4 of them from Africa (Cote D’ Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Angola). This year, with teams like Gabon, Malawi, Guinea, and Burkina Faso surprisingly advancing to the final group stage and a Group of Death (Group 1) featuring Cameroon, Togo, Morocco, and Gabon. It is likely that the 2010 World Cup will see another 1st timer from Africa.

#3 – What Will Become Of Portugal?

The Portuguese National Team has given their countrymen nothing to cheer about lately as they have been thoroughly disappointing so far in World Cup qualifying. They sit in 4th place in Group 1 of UEFA qualifying behind Denmark, Hungary, and Albania. An unacceptable position for a team boasting talents like Deco, Pepe, and FIFA Player Of The Year, Cristiano Ronaldo. They have not scored a goal in their last 2 qualifying matches including a 0-0 home draw versus Albania. ALBANIA, that’s ridiculous, other than France’s Raymond Domenech is their a coach whose seat is hotter in Europe than Carlos Queiroz? Portugal face a struggling but always tough Sweden side in the upcoming qualifiers, while its not over for Portugal they need to win for their confidence and table positioning cause its obvious that getting points against group leaders Denmark & Hungary will be difficult.

#4 – Australia & Japan Could Begin To Pack

After this next round of qualifiers it is possible that Asia could have 2 of its automatic 4 spots filled for 2010. In Group 1, Australia and Japan are undefeated with Australia in 1st with 10 points and Japan in 2nd with 8 as Bahrain & Qatar follow with 4 points. Both Japan & Australia play at home this round with the Aussies taking on last place Uzbekistan and Japan facing Bahrain. There is an excellent chance that both teams will win making the gap between themselves and the bottom 3 even wider. Considering talent, form, and table position, Australia & Japan can pack their bags for South Africa if they win.

#5 – Can Costa Rica Give Sven A Bigger Headache?

In 2002 World Cup qualifying, Costa Rica pulled off the impossible by beating Mexico at Estadio Azteca. It was the only time that Mexico lost a World Cup qualifier at the Azteca. This time in 2010 WC Qualifiers, Los Ticos could really put El Tri in a bad spot if they can duplicate that same performance. Mexico’s coach Sven Goran Eriksson has been under fire since his hiring and every result has been intensely scrutinized. Mexico has not been impressive in reaching CONCACAF’s last six and many feel that if there is a year that Mexico could be knocked off their place as one of CONCACAF’s automatic representatives, it is this year. If Costa Rica can win once again at The Azteca, the pain Sven has been feeling in his head will transfer to his ass as the FMF kicks him off the bench.

Let’s begin Part II of our analysis of bidders for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup with a surprise entrant whose deep pockets could sneak in and win the right to host a World Cup.

QATAR

The oil-rich nation with plentiful natural gas reserves would become the 1st Arab nation to host a World Cup. According to the CIA World Factbook, Qatar has the highest per capita income in the world so the money to build new stadiums and renovate current stadiums to FIFA standards is there. In the capital of Doha, there is a revolutionary underground stadium scheduled to be complete in 2010. The plans are the coolest for a stadium ever seen, imagine WC Matches played there. WOW!. The question is will they have enough clout in FIFA to win the vote?

Outlook: A longshot but undoubtedly the most intriguing of the bidding nations. 2022 is their best bet.

RUSSIA

The world’s largest country placed its bid knowing that the sheer size of the country presents big infrastructure problems. Russia is much like England in that Moscow has a ton of stadiums like London does. Russia’s stadiums would need upgrade and organizers would have to keep the matches west of the Ural Mountains to avoid Siberia & the time zones. Earlier talk of the English FA backing Russia’s Euro 2016 in exchange for Russia dropping its 2018 WC bid is dead.

Outlook: Worthy of consideration but won’t get 2018 or 2022.

Bids from Asia & Europe have been made and now let’s take a look at the 2 CONCACAF nations that could host the tournament.

MEXICO

History could be on the side of Mexico when it comes to their bid at becoming the only nation to host 3 World Cups. 1970 WC was Pele’s last and 1986 WC was the Maradona Show, that might not mean as much as the new stadiums being built by Mexican league teams. Chivas, Monterrey, Santos, Cruz Azul are among the clubs building new stadiums. 1994 was the last time a CONCACAF nation hosted a World Cup, 2018 may be the year to bring it back.

Outlook: Major contender, #2 contender of nations outside of Europe. Previous magical World Cups favor Mexico.

UNITED STATES

The host of the 1994 World Cup has been the land of booming stadiums since Brazil defeated Italy on PKs in the final. It seems like every team in a major sport in the States has a new stadium or arena. There are no real weaknesses other than not having much clout amongst the FIFA Executive Committee. Suggestion: Play the final at FedEx Field its the largest stadium in the NFL (90K+ capacity), its close to D.C. (the U.S. capital), and the Rose Bowl is played out as the centerpiece stadium of sports in the U.S. Also, the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

Outlook: Fierce contender, #1 contender of nations outside of Europe, slight edge over Mexico because of the quality of the infrastructure and the stadiums.

Well there it is. Let’s us know what you think about the nations mentioned and if you can think of any other nations worthy of consideration. We are aware that China & Japan are in the mix so let’s see what happens with their bids. Despite their history, a China/Japan joint bid would be interesting. Tell us what you think.