VS.

The drama of World Cup qualifying reaches its apex in the next 7 days as the final spots for South Africa 2010 will be set.  Nations will be paralyzed as their teams fight for footballing glory.  The CONCACAF vs. CONMEBOL playoff features Los Ticos of Costa Rica vs. Charrúas of Uruguay.

Its the first time that the 4th place CONCACAF team faces the 5th place CONMEBOL team.  The 1st leg will take place on Saturday, November 14th in San Jose in Costa Rica’s Saprissa Stadium, the 2nd leg takes place on Wednesday, November 18th in Montevideo at the Estadio Centenario.

HOME FIELDS
The artificial turf of Saprissa Stadium has been a massive advantage for Costa Rica in qualifying. In 9 home matches, Costa Rica has 8 wins & 1 loss.  They’ve allowed only 4 goals in those matches.  Saprissa has become the best home field advantage in CONCACAF.  However, Uruguay will not be intimidated by Saprissa considering that they played 9 road games in the toughest WC qualifying region. The Estadio Centenario in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo hasn’t been the fortress for Las Charrúas. In qualifying, their opposition were able to take points in 5 of the 9 matches. A fact that Costa Rica can use if they need a road goal.

MATCHUPS
The Uruguayan central defensive tandem of Diego Lugano & Diego Godin will have to stop Costa Rica’s attacking duo of Bryan Ruiz and Álvaro Saborío. The Ruiz-Saborio combo each have 6 goals in qualifying and will be energized at home but the fulcrum of the Costa Rican attack is Celso Borges. The 21-year old midfielder who plays pro ball in Norway for Fredrikstad FK is the man that must breakdown the Uruguayan defense and open up opportunities for Ruiz and Saborio.

Costa Rica’s defense will have two world class goal scorers to worry about. Atlético Madrid’s Diego Forlán is the reigning Pichichi in La Liga and Uruguay’s leading scorer in World Cup qualifying. Ajax’s captain, Luis Suárez has been an absolute nightmare for defenses in the Dutch Eredivisie. Suárez is the hottest striker coming into these WC playoff matches. Suárez has 16 goals in 13 Eredivisie matches at 22-years old, he is the present and future of Uruguay’s attack. The anchor of the Costa Rican defense is Júnior Díaz, the Wis?a Kraków defender will have to play well and help organize the Ticos’ defense in order to keep Suárez and Forlán off the score sheet.

PREDICTION
Uruguay’s attack will be too strong for an average at best Costa Rican defense. Saprissa’s artificial turf and raucous atmosphere will not intimidate the South Americans. The explosive attack of Las Charrúas especially at Estadio Centenario will get CONMEBOL a 5th entrant into The Great Tournament.
Uruguay defeats Costa Rica, 3-1 aggregate.

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

How would someone characterize US Soccer’s Summer of 2009? The extreme optimist would say that the US made a non-CONCACAF tournament major final for the 1st time by ending Spain’s world record streak, then with a “B” side made it to the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The extreme pessimist would say that the United States squad blew a massive opportunity to establish themselves as a major world footballing nation with their collapse in the 2nd half Confederations Cup final. Add to that Mexico put their cleats in the US rectum on US soil in the final of a tournament they have recently owned.

Both sides have legitimate points, however my leaning is 80-20 towards the pessimist side. Its not all bad but it should have been much better.

Let’s begin in South Africa, where the US took advantage of the fact that they barely made it into the semis. The way they got into the semis wasn’t anything to be proud of but hey they made it in so I won’t hold that against them. In beating Spain 2-0 in the semis, the U.S. earned massive respect but needed to lift the trophy in order to achieve “Miracle On Ice” status and stop the world footballing community from looking down on the US soccer program. In the biggest final in US Soccer history, The Stars & Stripes choked, played scared in the 2nd half with a 2-0 lead and lost 3-2 to Brazil. At this level of football, its no trophy, no glory, no respect.

The difference between Brazil, Germany, Italy and the elite footballing nations and the US is trophies in international tournaments outside their own confederations. Brazil, Germany, Italy each have multiple trophies and the US have zero. Lifting the Confederations Cup by beating Brazil would have been a great boost to US Soccer’s reputation in the world football community.

Now onto the CONCACAF Gold Cup, a tournament the US was expected to win and coming in had won the last 2 editions and 3 of the last 4 stagings. To no one’s surprise, the US made it to the final with their “B” side. That’s nothing to smile about because that was what the Americans were supposed to do, praising their place in the Gold Cup final is like heaping glory upon a 2 month old for soiling their diaper.

In the final, once again in the 2nd half, the US wilted and let their arch-rival stomp them to a 5-0 embarrassment. The Americans looked slow, unorganized, and helpless. There is no excuse for that loss and the notion that it was the “B” side is no consolation. If the US is to be considered a great program,they have to display their depth by winning tournaments with their “B” side.

If you are counting that’s 8 goals allowed in two 2nd halves of 2 major international tournament finals almost a month apart. The 20% optimist says that its fulfilling to have reached two finals but the 80% pessimist says that the manner with which they lost those finals were embarrassing and shameful.

The summer of 2009 for U.S. Soccer should be remembered for its finals disappointments. The lesson of the summer of 2009: To fully appreciate winning, you have to feel the pain of losing.

The biggest national team tournament in the CONCACAF region is here. The 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup will spread across the US with 13 cities hosting matches. It will all culminate with the final on July 26 in Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Let’s now preview Group C.

GROUP C TEAMS & HOW THEY QUALIFIED:
Guadeloupe – 3rd place in 2008 Caribbean Championship
Mexico – Automatic qualifier from North American zone
Nicaragua – 5th place in 2009 UNCAF Nations Cup
Panama – Champions of the 2009 UNCAF Nations Cup

NICKNAMES:
Guadeloupe = Gwada Boyz
Mexico = El Tri
Nicaragua = Los Pinoleros or Albiazules
Panama = La Marea Roja or Los Canaleros

MATCH LOCATIONS:
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum – Oakland, California
Reliant Stadium – Houston, Texas
University of Phoenix Stadium – Glendale, Arizona

PLAYER TO WATCH:
Carlos Vela (MEX)

The Arsenal forward will be wearing the #9 for El Tri and could use this tournament to establish himself as Mexico’s best player. With no Cuauhtemoc Blanco and no Rafael Marquez, Carlos Vela is set up to become the new face of Mexican football. He’s has been quiet in World Cup qualifiers and the Gold Cup could be the stage for him to breakout.

OVERVIEW:
Mexico is the clear class of the group but their form in qualifying is worrying and they could be pushed for a quarterfinal spot. The other quarterfinal spot will come down to Panama & Guadeloupe. The Gwada Boyz will be without 2 main players from their surprise semifinal run in 2007. Jocelyn Angloma & David Sommeil are out so it will be much harder for Guadeloupe. Panama is an emerging power in Central America as they captured the 2009 UNCAF Nations Cup. The strike force of Blas Perez & Luis Tejada will present problems to defenses.

PREDICTION:
Mexico will win the group with Panama qualifying in 2nd place. Guadeloupe’s experience will help them to one of the quarterfinal spots as a 3rd place finisher.

There it is the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup groups. Enjoy the tournament.

The biggest national team tournament in the CONCACAF region is here. The 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup will spread across the US with 13 cities hosting matches. It will all culminate with the final on July 26 in Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Let’s now focus our attention to Group B.

GROUP B TEAMS & HOW THEY QUALIFIED:
Grenada – Runner-up in 2008 Caribbean Championship
Haiti – Won a draw to participate after Cuba withdrew
Honduras – 3rd place in 2009 UNCAF Nations Cup
United States – Host Nation & Defending Champion

NICKNAMES:
Grenada = Spice Boyz
Haiti = Les Grenadiers
Honduras = Los Catrachos
United States = Stars & Stripes

MATCH LOCATIONS:
Qwest Field – Seattle, Washington
RFK Memorial Stadium – Washington D.C.
Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Massachusetts

PLAYER TO WATCH:
Kenny Cooper (USA)

The big FC Dallas forward finally gets an opportunity to play for the United States in a big international tournament. His goal scoring exploits in the MLS are well-known but for whatever reason Cooper could not get a sniff of national team play. A product of the Manchester United youth system, Cooper has only 4 caps for the Stars & Stripes. A strong performance in the Gold Cup could see the 6’3″ forward finally make the move to Europe.

OVERVIEW:
The United States will carry the momentum of a surprising Confederations Cup run into a tournament they have won 3 of the last 4 times. The US will make the next round easily. Same could be said for Honduras, Los Catrachos will be missing some of their top players but they have enough talent to get to the quarters. Grenada stunned the Caribbean when they reached the final of the Caribbean Championship and could do this tournament what Guadeloupe did in 2007. Haiti is lucky to be in the Gold Cup after Cuba withdrew.

PREDICTION:
The U.S. and Honduras will advance as the top two teams in the group. Look out for Grenada as a team to fight for a quarterfinal spot as a 3rd place qualifier.

We will finish our 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup preview with Group C.

The most important national team tournament in the CONCACAF region is here. The 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup will spread across the US with 13 cities hosting matches. It will all culminate with the final on July 26 in Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Let’s begin our preview of the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup with Group A.

GROUP A TEAMS & HOW THEY QUALIFIED:
Canada – Direct entry from North American zone
Costa Rica – Runner-up in 2009 UNCAF Nations Cup
El Salvador – 4th place in 2009 UNCAF Nations Cup
Jamaica – Champions of 2008 Caribbean Championship

NICKNAMES:
Canada = The Canucks
Costa Rica = Los Ticos
El Salvador = Cuscatlecos
Jamaica = The Reggae Boyz

MATCH LOCATIONS:
Home Depot Center – Carson, California
Columbus Crew Stadium – Columbus, Ohio
FIU Stadium – Miami, Florida

PLAYER TO WATCH:
Luton Shelton (JAM)

The striker for Norwegian club Vålerenga has quickly become the goal scoring beast for The Reggae Boyz. At 23-years old he is tied as Jamaica’s all-time leading goal scorer and his two PKs against Grenada in the ’08 Caribbean Championship Final sealed Jamaica’s place in the Gold Cup. He has an excellent strike rate for Jamaica scoring 27 goals in 43 appearances. The Reggae Boyz will need him to be sharp if they want to advance out of the group.

OVERVIEW:
Costa Rica is the clear favorite to win the group and should do so. Los Ticos are the best candidate to break the US-Mexico stranglehold on the trophy. If Costa Rica can display the same form in the Gold Cup that they have in World Cup qualifying than they will be in the final.

2nd place in the group is where the drama will come from as Jamaica, El Salvador, and Canada will battle for a quarterfinal spot. The Jamaican coaching situation is now settled with Theodore Whitmore at helm. Under Whitmore, Jamaica was stellar going unbeaten in 6 matches and not allowing a goal. El Salvador is the big surprise in CONCACAF and have shown big heart in the hexagonal stage of World Cup qualifying. Canada is hurt by the absence of Dwayne De Rosario & Adrian Serioux of Toronto FC but ’07 Gold Cup MVP Julian de Guzman is coming off an encouraging season with Deportivo La Coruna and is the key to The Canucks attempt to win a 2nd Gold Cup title.

PREDICTION:
Costa Rica will win the group with El Salvador taking 2nd place and Jamaica advancing as one of the best 3rd place teams.

Tomorrow we will breakdown Group B of the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

This edition of the World Cup Buzz Top 5 will breakdown the Top 5 Things Observed From The June World Cup Qualifying Matches. Let’s begin with CONCACAF’s best team.

COSTA RICA IS THE BEST IN CONCACAF

Los Ticos have established themselves as the best team in CONCACAF after their impressive displays against the United States and Trinidad & Tobago. Costa Rica has lost only once in this cycle of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. In 13 WCQ matches, Los Ticos have lost once a 2-0 loss to Mexico at Estadio Azteca and drawn once a 2-2 result on the road in Grenada in a 2nd round 1st leg match. Rodrigo Kenton has done a masterful job steering Costa Rica to a highly likely spot in South Africa 2010. Los Ticos are a perfect 7-0-0 at the Estadio Saprissa in San Jose. Saprissa is now the most intimidating home field advantage in CONCACAF.

GABON IS FOR REAL

The West African nation through which the Equator runs through has become the big story in African World Cup Qualifying. The Azingo Nationale is coached by former French international Alain Giresse whose experience as part of “The Magic Square” of France’s national teams in the 80s has been essential in Gabon’s run to the top of Group A. In 8 matches of African WC Qualifying, Gabon has only lost twice and are currently riding a 5 game winning streak. Gabon have been riding the talents of all-time goal scorer Hull City striker Daniel Cousin, leading scorer in qualifying Ankaraspor striker Roguy Méyé and the Aubameyang brothers: Catilina, Pierre-Emerick, and Willy. All 3 were products of AC Milan’s scouting system with Pierre-Emerick & Willy still property of Il Rossoneri.

CONMEBOL’S PLAYOFF SPOT DUEL
VS.
After these past two rounds of CONMEBOL WC qualifying, it looks like the last playoff spot will come down to Ecuador versus Uruguay. Ecuador earned the max of 6 points over the past two rounds and it vaulted them into 5th place. Uruguay only got 1 point over the last two matches and fell 2 points behind Ecuador to 6th place. Colombia and Venezuela are tied for 7th place, 1 point behind Uruguay but Colombia does not score enough goals and Venezuela gives up too many goals to hold up. Ecuador seems to be regaining the form that has seen them qualify for the previous two World Cups and Uruguay has an explosive offense that can score goals quickly and in bunches. Ecuador hosts Uruguay in the next to last round of qualifying in a match that could determine who will face the CONCACAF 4th place team in a playoff.

SHOWDOWN IN ASIA
VS.
3 of the 4 automatic spots for South Africa 2010 from Asia have already been finalized. Only 1 spot remains and thankfully the schedule makers have set up massive drama on the final day of matches. In Group 2, 3rd place Saudi Arabia hosts 2nd place Korea DPR with the winner of the match going to South Africa. Korea DPR aka North Korea is looking to qualify for the 1st time since 1966 while Saudi Arabia goes for its 5th straight appearance. The loser could even lose out on the playoff spot if Iran defeats already qualified South Korea in their final WC Qualifying match. WHEW! Asia offering up some MASSIVE drama.

TRADITIONAL POWERS IN TROUBLE

3 traditional powers of their continents have their fans and citizens praying for some intervention to secure a place in South Africa 2010. Mexico sits in 4th place in CONCACAF and their form has been spotty at best. El Tri is not the lock to qualify from CONCACAF like the footballing world is used to. The Mexicans will have to show a lot more heart than in previous qualifying runs in order to get to The Great Tournament.

Maradona’s appointment as Argentina’s head coach was supposed to minimize the stress in qualifying from CONMEBOL but his tactical shortcomings are being exposed. Los Albicelestes haven’t been able to string wins together and have been embarrassed on the road allowing 10 goals in their last 4 road matches notching only 1 point in that stretch. They sit in the last automatic spot just 2 points ahead 5th place Ecuador.

Portugal’s troubles in Group 1 of European qualifying were eased a bit when they barely scraped by Albania 2-1 on the road. Bruno Alves’ 2nd half injury time goal kept Portugal breathing but the fact that they had to get a late goal to beat Albania shows that Portugal is overrated. They sit in 3rd place a full 4 points behind 2nd place Hungary with each having 4 matches remaining. Of the 3 mentioned continental powers, Portugal is in the greatest jeopardy of missing South Africa 2010.

Alright there it is the World Cup Buzz Top 5 for the June World Cup qualifiers. Post a comment and let us know what you think.

This past week was a lot of fun with drama and excitement as we get closer to finding out who will fill the 32 spots for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.  Here are the results for April 1st and updated standings for the FIFA confederations:

AFC – ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION

Group 1
Australia 2 – 0 Uzbekistan
AUS: Joshua Kennedy (66′) & Harry Kewell (pen 73′)

Bahrain 1 – 0 Qatar
BAH: Fouzi Aaish (52′)

GROUP 1 STANDINGS

Group 2
Korea Republic (S. Korea) 1 – 0 Korea DPR (N. Korea)
KOR: Kim Chi Woo (86′)

Saudi Arabia 3 – 2 United Arab Emirates
KSA: Abdoh Autef (pen 4′), Fares Juma (og 70′), Naif Hazazi (85′)
UAE: Mohamed Al Shehhi (38′) & Ismaeil Matar (45′+1′)

GROUP 2 STANDINGS

CONCACAF – CONFEDERATION OF  NORTH, CENTRAL AMERICAN & CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

United States 3 – 0 Trinidad & Tobago
USA: Jozy Altidore (13′, 71′, 89′)

Honduras 3 – 1 Mexico
HON: Carlos Costly (17′, 78′) & Carlos Pavon (43′)
MEX: Nery Castillo (pen 80′)

Costa Rica 1 – 0 El Salvador
CRC: Walter Centeno (69′)

STANDINGS

CONMEBOL – CONFEDERACION SUDAMERICANA DE FUTBOL

March 31st
Venezuela 2 – 0 Colombia
VEN: Nicolas Fedor (78′) & Juan Arango (82′)

April 1st
Bolivia 6 – 1 Argentina
BOL: Martins (12′), Botero (pen 34′, 55′, 66′), Da Rosa (45′), Torrico (87′)
ARG: Luis Gonzalez (25′)

Ecuador 1 – 1 Paraguay
ECU: Christian Noboa (64′)
PAR: Edgar Benitez (90′+3′)

Brazil 3 – 0 Peru
BRA: Luis Fabiano (pen 18′ & 27′) & Felipe Melo (63′)

Chile 0 – 0 Uruguay

STANDINGS

CONCACAF’s Final hexagonal stage continues with some intriguing matchups.

On Saturday, its top vs bottom.  1st place Costa Rica travels to last place Mexico.  Its another must win game for Sven-Goran Eriksson.  His side is on the bottom of the table after the opening round and with captain Rafa Marquez suspended & Antonio “Zinha” Naelson not chosen, Sven has a difficult task.  Los Ticos are the only squad to have beaten Mexico at the Azteca and riding an 8-game winning streak in qualifying. Things could be lining up for Los Ticos to win at Azteca again.

On Wednesday, Trinidad & Tobago travel to Nashville to take on the U.S. The Soca Warriors have never beaten the Americans on U.S. soil in World Cup qualifying but need at least a point to keep themselves in the mix especially after blowing a 2 goal lead in El Salvador.  Trinidad will be without star striker Dwight Yorke who will be serving a 4-game suspension for his behavior against El Salvador.  That is a huge blow because T & T will need all their manpower to stop a U.S. side that has scored at least 2 goals at every home game during World Cup qualifying.

Fixtures for the upcoming qualifiers – home teams listed first:

Saturday, March 28

Mexico vs. Costa Rica
El Salvador vs. USA
Trinidad & Tobago vs. Honduras

Wednesday, April 1

USA vs. Trinidad & Tobago
Honduras vs. Mexico
Costa Rica vs. El Salvador

Standings heading into this round of qualifying:

How about the message sent by the people of Sevilla during the Spain-England friendly.  Thanks to Reuters for this great photo, the message says, “In Sevilla, we aren’t racists, we are artists.”  So now Ladies & Gentlemen, the artistry continues with another World Cup Buzz Top 5 for you.  After this past week of international friendlies and World Cup qualifiers you know we had to bring Edition #4 of the  Top 5.  Here they are the Top 5 Things Learned From This Last FIFA Date:

#1: Australia Is The New Power In Asia

The Socceroos have been flexing their muscle from Down Under since their move to the Asian Football Confederation in 2006.  Adelaide United made the ’08 Asian Champions League final and now the national team is playing the best ball in Asia.  They have taken 7 of a possible 9 points on the road so far in WCQ while going undefeated atop Group 1.  Bad news for their opponents, 3 of their next 4 WCQ matches are in Australia.  Most of their national team players work in Europe with England’s Premier League employing the majority of them.  The Socceroos are becoming the dominant nation in Asia.

#2: South America is BALLIN!

South American national teams stood out during this last FIFA Date.  Only 1 CONMEBOL side lost, Peru. They lost to the best team in South America right now, Paraguay.  Chile beat South Africa 2-0, Colombia beat Haiti 2-0, Venezuela took down Guatemala 2-1, and Uruguay beat Libya in a thriller 3-2.  The big displays of strength came from The CONMEBOL Powers: Brazil & Argentina.  Brazil breezed past Italy 2-0 on a neutral site and Argentina cruised by France on the road 2-0.  CONMEBOL sides played against nations from CONCACAF, Europe, and Africa and were undefeated. The only South American team to lose, lost to another South American side.  Further affirmation that South America is the cradle of talent and the toughest region in World Cup Qualifying.

#3: The Soca Warriors Blew It

Trinidad & Tobago carries the banner of Caribbean football into the final stage of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying and they blew a huge opportunity to start the hexagonal stage on top of the standings.  The Soca Warriors were up 2-0 on the road vs. El Salvador when they gave up 2 goals in the last 10 minutes to earn one point instead of the desired 3 points.  Vista Hermosa midfielder Osael Romero was the hero for Los Cuscatlecos and snatched a point from the jaws of defeat.  The Soca Warriors blew a golden opportunity to take a 3 points on the road.  3 points on the road in World Cup Qualifying is massive, thankfully it was only the 1st match of the hexagonal.

#4: Maradona May Know What He’s Doing

It might be too early to tell but “El Pibe De Oro” is turning Argentina’s form around to the positive side.  He’s been in charge for 2 friendlies and both have been wins:  1-0 versus Scotland and 2-0 versus France.  The true test of his managerial ability will come next month during CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying but Los Albicelestes have played with more life and passion.  The inclusion of Newcastle midfielder Jonas Gutierrez in the starting XI has been important in their improved play.  Its too early to say he is a great coach but so far its seems like he knows what he’s doing.

#5: Dunga Is Still On The Hot Seat

Let’s keep it real, the job security in being the coach of the Brazilian National Team is always fragile.  Despite Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Italy, Dunga seat has gotten hotter.  Why?  Thanks to Chelsea.  As it has been well publicized, Chelsea just fired Luiz Felipe Scolari after a disappointing few months at the London club.  His free agent status puts more pressure on Dunga because the coach of Brazil’s last World Cup triumph is available.  For Dunga’s sake, Scolari finds a job real soon.  If Brazil’s form dips during World Cup qualifying, Dunga’s seat is going to be boiling and the call for Scolari will be loud and the CBF (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol) might hear it and make the change.

Its another Top 5 for you here on World Cup Buzz. Don’t forget to check out our sister sites, to get the best opinions and insight on “The Beautiful Game.”