Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from May, 2012

USA vs. Brasil - Preview

USA vs. Brasil    - This will be the toughest test for the American's, facing a Brasil squad whose youthful talent is bloom. U S A Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)  Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Oguchi Onyewu (Sporting Lisbon), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland) Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca) Forwards: Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Santos), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes) Possible Starting Line-up               (4-3-2-1) GK - Howard DEF - Cherundolo, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Johnson MID - Bradley, Edu

10 Days Till Euro 2012 - Group A Review

Group A  Prediction 1. Czech Republic 2. Russia                  3. Poland                 4. Greece Czech Republic - FIFA Ranking - 26      With one of the best and in best form keepers, the "Cech-Republic", will need Petr Cech preforming at his best in order to progress.  Another key to the success of the Czech side will be the play of Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky and Bordeaux skipper Jaroslav Plasil.  Both are highly talented and experienced, combined with over 150 international appearances, the play and leadership abilities of the pair could help them slide through the group easily . Russia - FIFA Ranking - 11    Two words, one name, Alan Dzagoev.  The 22 year old striker enjoyed a very successful domestic season at his club CKSA Moscow, as well as being the leading scorer during Euro qualification.  Along with Dzagoev, skipper Andery Arshavin  is another bright spot for Russia.  After a shaky start at Arsenal his loan to Zenit St. Petersburg seems t

Goal of The Week

Michael Bradley's Glorious Volley vs. Scotland 5/26/12

USA vs. Scotland - Match Analysis

USA   5 - 1    Scotland Individual Performances         Formation  -  4-3-3  Goalkeeper -    Tim Howard   -    Grade: n/a   Howard was not tested at all.  The own goal had nothing to do with him.  He came out a few time to clear crosses, easy night for the clear number 1 keeper. Defender -   Fabian Johnson   -   Grade: 7     Congratulations Fabian Johnson, from what was shown tonight he has won the starting spot as an outside back.  He played very solid, quick and to Kilsmanns liking.  Barring injury he is the top dog along with Cherundolo.  Defender -   Carlos Bocanegra   -    Grade: 6.5      Carlos played solid as usual.  Wearing the captains band as he has become accustom too, his physical play set the tempo early.  His verbal leadership helped the cohesiveness of the back four.  Carlos will be expected to guide "Uncle Sam's Army" through qualifications. Defender -   Geoff Cameron   -   Grade: 5.5    Gave up a rough own goal in the 14th minute.  H

USA vs. Scotland Friendly - Pre-view

Today's friendly will showcase Jurgen Kilsmann's new look USA side.  On the quest to finalize the 23 man World Cup Qualifying roster, this game could be vital in finding a new formation and securing places in the starting team sheet. U S A Goalkeepers (3) : Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)  Defenders (7) : Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Oguchi Onyewu (Sporting Lisbon), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland)  Midfielders (7) : Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca)  Forwards (6) : Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Santos), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Eart

Euro 2012 Top 5 Goalies To Watch

Here are my top 5 goalies for Euro 2012 5.  Petr Cech - Czech Republic - Chelsea FC   The "Cech-Republic": Half man, half machine.  Petr commands his back line well and his track record of 88 caps supports this.  He has held the position since the 2008 Euros, through two World Cups and hopefully the work will pay off this summer. 4. Hugo Lloris - France - Lyon    Hugo's boss.  No, not the fashion store, Lloris is a brick wall in between the pipes.  Lloris was not a part of the Euro 2008 squad which ducked out in the group stages with an abismal 1 point.  France's keeping should not be a weakness against their group. 3. Joe Hart - England - Manchester City  Hart has been capped 16 times by the  three lions,  in which they have gone unbeaten.  The vocal, fiery Manchester City player has been highly praised on the international and domestic levels.  His leadership

Euro 2012 Preview: Five Players To Watch

Five Players To Watch 5.  Sebastion Giovinco - Italy - Forward The 25-year-old Azzurri striker, who plays his club football for Parma, is a sensational young talent. After spending four years at Juventus, his 2010 transfer to Parma sparked his emergence on to the international level.  Nicknamed,  Formica atomica ( atom ant), for his small size and on ball technique, Giovinco will be a force for Italy and should be a regular in Cesare Prandelli's starting XI. 4.  Ivan Perisic - Croatia - Forward Perisic has been hailed as the future of Croatian football.  The 22-year-old attacker has an eye for goal and the size (6'2) to play physical when needed.  He could be seen along side names such as Eduardo, Klasnic and Olic up front for Croatia. Watch for his talents to be used as a sub as well, potentially operating as winger or in an attacking midfield role. 3. Mario Gotze - Germany - Attacking Midfielder