We got another edition of World Cup Buzz Top 5. This time we’re going to breakdown the 5 best national team coaches right now. These 5 men have led their charges to surprise heights in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup or in some cases right on the door step of reserving their place in South Africa. So let’s get down to the WCB Top 5.

5: REINALDO RUEDA – HONDURAS COACH

The native of Cali, Colombia is the leader of possibly Honduras’ golden age of international football. Los Catrachos qualified for their 1st World Cup since Spain 1982. Rueda has had great success with Colombia’s youth teams, leading Los Cafeteros to a 3rd place finish in the ’03 FIFA World Youth Championship and 4th place in the ’03 U-17 World Cup. Its time to give Rueda his due a skillful tactician and excellent personnel manager.

4: MARCELO BIELSA – CHILE COACH

The Argentine coach eats, breathes, and sleeps football. A quirky coach known to take his own pitch measurements before putting out his starting formation. He has turned Chile into the 2nd biggest surprise in South American qualifying and has Chile in South Africa 2010. Considering what has happened to Argentina since Bielsa left, his coaching acumen cannot be underestimated.

3: FABIO CAPELLO – ENGLAND COACH

Fabio Capello has won trophies at some of the biggest club teams in the world: Real Madrid, AC Milan, Juventus. His first foray as a national team coach has started off well. He hasn’t won any trophies with England but he’s turned England into a serious contender. Before his arrival, England was struggling, looked sloppy, and were in disarray. Capello has organized the team and brought confidence to The Three Lions while leading them to a place in South Africa with a near perfect qualifying record.

2: DUNGA – BRAZIL COACH

His birth name is Carlos Caetano Bledorn Verri but he’s better known as Dunga. The Brazil coach was much criticized early in his Seleção tenure for the team’s style of play but he’s turned that sentiment around with a Copa America & Confederations Cup trophy. He’s managed to check massive egos of star players for the cause of Brazil team glory and the result: Top spot in the toughest qualifying region in the world. Its one thing to have talent, its another to manage it and put it a position to win and Dunga has done that in arguably the most pressure packed national team job in the world.

1: GUUS HIDDINK – RUSSIA COACH

The Dutchman’s accomplishments are impressive at the club level but his magic as a national team coach is irresistible. The last 3 World Cups he’s taken his team into at least the 2nd round with 4th place finishes twice with Netherlands in 1998 and South Korea in 2002. Russia will qualify for 2010 and Hiddink has them looking primed for a deep run in South Africa. If a nation needs a man to lead the national team to the World Cup and make a deep & historic run than Guus Hiddink is that man.

There you have it, the best national team managers/coaches in the world. What do you think, did we leave anyone off? These men will be front & center in less than a year when The Great Tournament will capture the world’s attention. One of these men could be national heroes if their sides lift The World Cup.

The eternal question of football/soccer and its survival in the United States is: Why won’t the sport be huge and break into the Big 4 of US Professional Sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NASCAR)?

Well we have 5 answers to that question that will make you think and hopefully bring out some emotion in favor or against these arguments. So let’s reveal the Top 5 reasons why soccer will not be huge in the U.S.

#5 – Outside Soccer Snobbery


My colleagues at Mad About Futbol might take offense or disagree but foreigners from soccer loving/mad countries look down & raise their noses to the US game. There is no doubt that the US game is of lower quality than in Europe, Africa, and South America. The structure of college ball in relation to the professional game and the ludicrous rules of the college game have certainly contributed to the slow progress of the US game from a skills perspective.

For the game to grow in the US, those people from soccer loving nations outside the US have to stop bad mouthing the quality and look at the MLS and the college game for what is. It is important these “Soccer Snobs” look at the game here through a different lens and stop comparing it to their home leagues and expecting MLS or college teams to play like a team from their home 1st division league.

#4 – No Patience

Those of us who love futbol know that its takes great patience to watch 90 minutes of a match. The fact is Americans are some A.D.D., ridiculously short attention span having peoples. The most common complaint is that there isn’t enough action to sustain watching a soccer match. Americans are not conditioned to appreciate the subtlety of football because American society as a whole is about instant gratification and the quick fix. The artistry & skill of soccer is lost on Americans because there isn’t a goal being scored every 2 seconds or someone isn’t getting the snot blasted out of them on every play. A game of patience cannot become huge in an impatient society.

#3 – Freak Athlete Factor


This might be the most overlooked of the reasons, the Freak Athlete Factor. Americans like their athletes freakish, whether they are unusually tall like basketball players or unusually muscular like American football or the roided up baseball players. There is a real life, comic book quality that Americans like in their athletes. Soccer players are tremendous athletes but compared to athletes in the Big 3 sports, there is nothing about their size or physical stature that makes them stand out.

If you didn’t know who Lionel Messi was and he walked down the streets of a city in the US, you would walk right past him and not think twice. The 2 greatest players of all time, Pelé & Maradona are 5’8″ and 5’5″ respectively, their heights alone would have made it damn near impossible for them to be successful in the NBA, NFL, or MLB. Without sounding condescending, soccer is the common person’s game with its stars & icons looking as common as their rabid fans.

#2 – Rich Country, Poor Game


Football/Soccer is the game of the poor and the US is the richest country in the world. (Honestly, poor people in the US live better than poor people in most other countries). How many times have you heard of an American footballer growing up learning to play barefoot in the street and fashioning a ball out of plastic bags or socks? Zero. That’s a regular occurrence in many countries all over the world. In countries with worse poverty, their ticket out is soccer. In the US, poor kids see basketball & American football as their way out. It takes a lot less equipment & “stuff” to play soccer than American football or even basketball. The poorer you are the less “stuff” you can afford, the easier it is to take up soccer.

#1 – The American Way


The number one reason that soccer will not be huge in the US, is American isolationism. Americans are adamant about doing things the “American Way.” That’s why in the States, we don’t use the much easier metric system, health care is not socialized, and why soccer is looked down upon. The prevailing notion in the US is that soccer is as an immigrant sport played by short guys with one name who aren’t masculine cause they don’t use their hands. See Jim Rome’s ignorant, isolationist ass. A nation founded by immigrants has grown to view immigrants as dirty and the scourge of a nation. This American isolationist mentality & air of superiority has carried over to the promotion & marketing of soccer, thus stunting the growth of the Beautiful Game in the US.

There you have it, the 5 Reasons Why Soccer Won’t Be Huge In The US. I’m an American born & raised and I don’t care if soccer breaks the Big 4 of US Pro Sports as long as there’s enough of a following for my child to make 6 figures playing professionally in the States. The internationality of soccer is alluring enough for me to make The Beautiful Game my #1 sport till I die.

Paolo Di Canio’s salute to Italian fascism was a news making act and caught the ire of many who believe that politics & sport shouldn’t mix. However you feel about that mix, there is no doubt that controversies add spice to a sometimes boring footballing landscape. Its what makes fans either hate or love a particular person or club. We at World Cup Buzz have pondered who were the most controversial footballers in history and have come up with the Top 5 Most Controversial Footballers.

Beginning with:

#5 = José Luis Félix Chilavert González

The former Paraguayan captain may be the most famous Paraguayan footballer of all time. The keeper was a free kick & PK specialist and is arguably the greatest goal scoring keeper in history. He was a fiery leader who once spit on Brazil defender Roberto Carlos and fought with Colombian forward Faustino Asprilla. Chilavert is football’s Charles Barkley. He is outspoken about football and life, has gained a lot of weight after his playing days, and has become the most honest and frank pundit in the game today.

#4 = Manuel Francisco dos Santos

The man better known as Mané Garrincha was arguably Brazil’s most loved footballer ever and was popularly known as Alegria do Povo, The Joy of The People. He is generally known as the best Brazilian player ever behind Pelé. After his football career, his footballing prowess was overshadowed by his off the field demons. Garrincha battled alcoholism his whole adult life. It was the cause of a tragic accident that cost the life of his mother-in-law in 1969. He was a ladies’ man having allegedly fathered 15 children and died in 1983 with financial troubles. A great player whose life ended sadly.

#3 = Joseph Anthony Barton

The midfielder from Liverpool, England needs some serious anger management. He currently plays for Newcastle in England and might be the only player in the top 2 levels of English football who has served time. Barton served 77 days in prison in 2008 for common assault and affray in punishment for an incident outside a McDonald’s restaurant in Liverpool. He assaulted teammates twice while at Manchester City, one incident involved putting out a cigar in a guy’s eye. Joey needs weed and a woman.

#2 = Eric Daniel Pierre Cantona

Known still by Manchester United fans as “King Eric,” Cantona was notoriously short-tempered. Throughout his playing career Cantona lashed out at teammates, opponents, coaches, and referees. The talented French forward has done everything from punch teammates to dangerously tackle opponents to publicly trash talk coaches to throwing balls at referees.

Who could forget the kung fu kick against a Crystal Palace fan who had teased him after he was red carded in a 1995 match. Cantona retired young at age 30 and has become an actor and a beach soccer coach while remaining outspoken about Manchester United, football, and life.

#1 = Diego Armando Maradona

The Argentine dynamo is the most polarizing figure in the history of football and is unquestionably on the Top 10 list of most controversial figures in all of sports . Maradona inspires such devotion that a religion has been spawned in his honor. The stocky #10 is the other protagonist in the debate of who is the greatest footballer of all time.

His “Hand Of God” goal is the most controversial goal in football history and his defense weaving goal against England in that same game is the greatest goal in football history. Most of Maradona’s problems are drug related. He was kicked out of the 1994 World Cup for doping and served a 15-month ban after testing positive for cocaine while at Napoli.

Since the beginning of the new millennium, Maradona has had to deal with issues involving an illegitimate son and health issues due to drug abuse. Politically he has become friendly with men that the US government would classify as “Non-friendly”: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez & Cuban President Fidel Castro. El Pibe de Oro has also embraced the ideals of Che Guevara. Maradona is as controversial off the field as he was on the field during his playing days. Diego Armando Maradona is the unquestioned #1 most controversial footballer ever.

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.

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.

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.”

To take a line from one of the greatest rappers ever, Rakim. “Its been a long time, since I left you without a Top 5 to step to.” Okay Rakim didn’t say Top 5 but it has been awhile since the last edition so I had to bring back. You know with all the talk of stadiums for the World Cup and meeting standards, it got me to thinking of the Top 5 Stadiums I would like to watch a World Cup match or for that matter any football match. Factors going into the Top 5 include size, location, history and crowd enthusiasm, so here they are:

#5 = St. James’ Park – Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Home to Newcastle United since 1892. From what I’ve been told its one of the most intense places to watch a football match. Newcastle supporters are some of the most passionate in the world. St. James’ Park is the 3rd largest of all Premiership club stadiums and Newcastle supporters fill it up every game. Its atmosphere is like “La Bombonera of Europe.” Plus, that “NEWCASTLE UNITED” along the facade of the East Stand is cool. I know other stadiums have something similar with their club names but at St. James’ Park the sight of that “NEWCASTLE UNITED” has a power to it that is alluring.

#4 = Estadio Azteca – Mexico D.F., Mexico

Opened in 1966 it is the home of Mexican super club, Club América and El Tri, the Mexican National Team. In terms of national team matches, its the most intimidating place for opposition to come into and play. 100,000+ wild, passionate, boisterous, and mostly drunk Mexicans pack the Azteca singing, cheering, and jeering the opposition. Its an amazing scene. For World Cup history, Azteca is the only stadium to hold 2 World Cup Final matches. Its the stadium that witnessed Maradona’s “Hand Of God” goal & his defense slicing “Goal Of The Century” in 1986 and the 1970 WC Semi between Italy & West Germany known as the “Game Of The Century.” Its size, history, and ambience make it a football cathedral.

#3 = Estádio do Maracanã – Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

The stadium less known as Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho and more popularly known as Maracanã is the temple of Brazilian football. It was constructed for the 1950 World Cup and could hold 200,000+ people. Even though the capacity has been reduced to 95,000 it is still the largest stadium in South America. Maracanã was the site of Pelé’s 1,000th goal, Zico’s last goal for Flamengo, the famous Maracanazo of the 1950 World Cup and the 1st ever FIFA Club World Cup final match. As a lifelong Brazil fan, its a must visit.

#2 = Camp Nou – Barcelona, Spain

Opened in 1957, Camp Nou is a 5-star stadium which stands as the home of FC Barcelona and a source of Catalan pride. It is the largest stadium in Europe with a capacity of around 98,000. Barça has a massive home field advantage whenever they step on the field regardless of who they are playing. A stadium befitting a team that’s Més que un club. I’ve seen the trophy room, the museum with the statues, and stood on the bench as part of the tour and now GAME TIME!

#1 = La Bombonera – Buenos Aires, Argentina

The 2nd stadium on the list that I’ve actually been inside and taken a tour of. I was even fortunate enough to go when legendary coach Carlos Bianchi was in charge and watch a practice. Opened in 1940, its official name is Estadio Alberto J. Armando but its unique design has given it the more common title of “La Bombonera” which means “The Chocolate Box.” Ask Boca’s opponents if its sweet to play there and they’ll say its more like a vinegar bottle. The unique design and the most passionate, boisterous fans in football led by La Doce make it a nightmare for opposition. I got to go to the Superclásico before I die.

There they are, my Top 5 stadiums I would like to watch a football match. I just need to quit my job, nail a rich sugar MILF really good and I’ll be able to get to all those stadiums during a match.

Some of the stadiums that didn’t make the cut but were noteworthy: Morumbi in Sao Paulo, Estadio Saprissa in Costa Rica, Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Old Trafford in Manchester, BMO Field in Toronto, Allianz Arena in Munich, the New Wembley Stadium in London, and The Bird’s Nest aka Beijing Olympic Stadium.

Well another interesting round of WCQ matches have passed and as usual there were some surprises and realities that make The Beautiful Game so compelling.  So with that said, here is the 2nd Edition of the Top 5 Things We Learned From Previous Round of WC Qualifying:

The Motherland of New Faces

Those seeking new nations to support for the 2010 World Cup, look to the Motherland. 4 of the 5 African nations in the ’06 World Cup were 1st timers to the Great Tournament. As for this time around The Teranga Lions of Senegal are out after a 1-1 draw vs.  Gambia in Dakar and teams such as Malawi, Benin, and Gabon were all impressive in advancing to the 3rd and final round of qualifying. Continental powers Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, and Cote D’Ivoire must beware the smaller countries hungry for their first taste of World Cup glory.  If they don’t take heed, there will be new faces once again representing Africa in 2010.

Portugal sure does miss Big Phil

Since Luiz Felipe Scolari left to coach Chelsea, the Portuguese have been average at best. They have won once in their opening 4 UEFA WCQ matches and that was against Malta. They lost to Denmark 3-2 at home and then suffered back to back 0-0 draws to Sweden and Albania. Queiroz has been juggling his lineup and the combo of Cristiano Ronaldo & Deco have yet to play together. Injuries have played a part in Portugal’s disappointing start with Deco, Ronaldo, and Maniche ailing. Despite the injuries, Portugal should not play a 0-0 game against an Albanian side playing with 10 men for over 50 minutes. It seems that Quieroz is struggling to inspire Selecção das Quinas in the same way his predecessor did.

Caribbean Riddims on its way back to South Africa

In the 1st edition of Top 5, a grim outlook was forecasted for the Caribbean footballing nations in CONCACAF WC Qualifying. It cited their poor goal differential and a coaching switch, oh have times changed. In an encouraging turn of events, Jamaica got back to back 1-0 home wins vs. Mexico & Honduras. They now have 7 points just 2 back of Honduras & 3 points behind Mexico with one match left in this round. A home win vs. Canada and a Honduras loss vs. Mexico would see the Reggae Boyz through to the final round. Trinidad & Tobago just beat the USA 2-1 at home after drawing Guatemala 0-0 on the road. Led by the “Old Couple” Russell Latapy 40 Y.O. and Dwight Yorke 36 Y.O. The Soca Warriors need only a draw at home against Cuba to advance to the CONCACAF final round. BIG UP MY CARIBBEAN BRETHREN!! No longer will there be doubt.

La Roja eyes 4th place, maybe higher

South America is the most difficult of all continental zones and qualifying is a grueling battle. The only team that is consistently winning their battles is Paraguay. The other teams have been erratic which makes for some fine intrigue. Beginning with the battle for 4th place. Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina are the top 3 and will go through. The 4th place spot is currently held by Chile. Ex-Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa has La Roja in a good position to qualify. However, Chile are inconsistent, they looked good against Colombia, a 4-0 victory but that followed a 3-0 whipping vs. Brazil. This past week, they lose to Ecuador 1-0 and then beat Argentina 1-0. Which Chile will we see? If its the one versus Colombia & Argentina than La Roja is in. Currently, Chile are tied with Argentina on 16 points 1 point back of Brazil. 2nd place is a real possiblility. By the way, Humberto Suazo is arguably the most underrated goal scorer in South America.

Race for 5th place: Uruguay vs. Ecuador

Uruguay needed 2 goals in the 2nd half to get a point from Bolivia (lately, they have been scoring more than Hugh Hefner).  Los Charrúas are the highest scoring team in CONMEBOL but against the Top 3(Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay) they have only scored 2 goals. For Uruguay to qualify they are going to have to get some points against the Top 3.  Fortunately, Uruguay’s next matches against the Top 3 are at home.

As for Ecuador, their problem is that they have to play games away from Quito.  They have already given up as many goals on the road this qualifying cycle as they did in the ’06 qualifying cycle.  Sixto Vizuete’s insertion as coach has helped but they have to improve their road form.  Their home form is good but not as dominant as their ’06 WC qualifying which could be their downfall.   They lost twice to Venezuela, that is not a good sign even though Venezuela is much improved. Against the Top 3, Ecuador have given up 11 goals in 3 games. Uruguay by comparison has allowed only 5.

It could come down to Round 17 when Uruguay travels to Ecuador to play for a chance at glory in South Africa.  We shall see.

The Top 5 Things Learned From The Previous Round of WC Qualifying:

Ghana on the brink

The Black Stars could be out of qualifying. In Group 5 of Round 2 WC African Qualifying, Ghana sits in 3^rd place behind 1^st place Libya and 2^nd place Gabon only trailing Gabon on goal differential. Their talisman Michael Essien is out for that last crucial match vs. Lesotho and they will have to produce at least a 3 goal victory margin in that game to have a shot of advancing to the next stage. Let’s hope they go through cause they are arguably the most talented team in Africa and fun to watch.

Domenech as to go

Why does this man still have employment? What has he done to earn his continued place as national team coach of France? Let’s see. France looked horrible in Euro 2008, they have been erratic at best in matches following the Zidane embarrassment of the ’06 WC Final. He’s consistently left off the team arguably the best French striker right now in David Trezeguet deciding on Nicolas Anelka instead and they just got whipped 3-1 by AUSTRIA. With all the talent France has they should not be losing to AUSTRIA Les Bleus need to bring back Aime Jacquet.

Paraguay is the best team in South America, right now

La Albirroja has been the most consistent team in FIFA’s toughest qualifying region. Paraguay has 5 players that have scored at least 2 goals meaning that there isn’t one person to key on. That makes them more dangerous offensively than supposedly more dangerous offensive sides like Brazil and Argentina. By the way, results vs. South America’s 2 Giants: 1-1 draw vs. Argentina in Buenos Aires and a 2-0 win vs. Brazil in Asuncion. Impressive, if Paraguay’s key players can avoid injury over the next months, Paraguay will not only make it to The Great Tournament but will be a serious contender for the title.

No Caribbean Riddims in South Africa

This one hurts the most because of my roots in the Caribbean and my desire to see a Caribbean nation progress deep into the World Cup. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look good for the Caribbean nations in CONCACAF. The Caribbean Champions, Haiti have 1 point after 3 matches and a –7 goal differential and tragically a lot more on their minds than football. Jamaica just fired its coach after only 1 point and a –6 goal differential. Cuba has 0 points. Trinidad & Tobago are the last hope. The Soca Warriors have 4 points and are tied with Guatemala for 2^nd in Group 1. I think us Caribbean folk will have to wait till Brazil 2014. At least we got Usain Bolt.

Sepp Blatter is the SHIZZLE!!!!

FIFA President, Sepp Blatter announced that all workers would get two free tickets to a WC match at the stadium they are working on.  That is FREAKING SWEEET!!! (To quote Peter Griffin).  If I didn’t have a job, I would find my way to South Africa and get me a job at Ellis Park or any of those stadiums.  I can install the toilets for all I care.  I will deal with sewage pipes for some free WC tickets.