The Only Football Blog That Matters

Colorado Rapids 3 - 3 Philadelphia Union  Tonight's MLS schedule had this match flying under the radar.  However, what at face value seemed a dull fixture ended up being one the best matches of the night.   1st Half This fixture featured MLS veteran Conor Casey playing his old club, which Casey tallied 50 goals for over his 5 year stay.  The match began slow with Colorado forward Deshorn Brown missing a chance in the 6th minute. However, the match picked up in the 16th minute when Casey showed his ability to out wit his ex-club's central defender Shane O'Neill.  A beautifully weighted ball from the right wing found Casey who used his trademark strength to out muscle O'Neill and neatly tuck away his shot to put the Union up 1-0. The action continued with Colorado answering in the 18th minute off the left foot of Dillon Serna. Serna out maneuvered two Union defenders and fired home in world class fashion to equalize at 1-1.   Fast forward ...

Switzerland over Argentina Key Player: Xherdan Shaqiri will continue his run of great form which will include scoring at least once against a defensively weak Argentina. USA over Belgium Key Player: Michael Bradley 

Netherlands over Mexico Key Player: Memphis Depay  Costa Rica over Greece Key Player: Joel Campbell 

Knockout Stage - Match Day 1 - 6/28/14 Brazil over Chile                                       Key Player:   Neymar  - Sean Sullivan, Pitch-360 F.C. Columbia  over Uruguay                              Key Player:   James Rodriguez - Sean Kelly, Cuindependent

1. Playing To Win Not To Draw Despite the obvious advantages in a draw with Germany, it is vital that the United States take the game to the Germans. Sitting back and allowing Germany to dictate the flow of the game will result in a loss for the Americans and the potential for a  devastating early exit from Brazil. Germany has an abundance of excellent passers who will pick apart the central defenders if given the ability to roam freely through the midfield.  With that said, look for Klinsmann to use a formation which will allow the United States to capitalize on the counter attack.  Attempting to mimic the German's style is a tactic that I believe Klinsmann has considered.  If successfully integrated it would the United States would blaze into the knockout stage with a full head of steam. DeAndre Yedlin should feature as a sub again 2. Making Impact Substitutions  For the Americans to win Klinsmann will need to choose his...

Manchester United has reportedly come to terms with Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera after activating his 36 million pound release clause.  The highly rated 24-year-old has made 94 appearances since joining Bilbao from Real Zaragoza in 2011. Herrera has played himself through the Spanish international ranks but after a promising start failed to make the 23 man squad for the World Cup.  Herrera's knack for striking from distance and his tackling ability seem a great fit alongside fellow Spaniard Juan Mata.

Top Ten So Far... Goals- Player  (Country) 4 - Neymar  (Brazil) 3 - Robben  (Holland)   3 - Van Persie  (Holland)  3 - Mueller  (Germany)  3 - Benzema  (France)  3 -  Rodríguez  (Colombia)  3 - Enner Valencia (Ecuador) 2 - Messi (Argentina) 2 - Su á rez  (Uruguay)  2 - Dempsey (USA)