Yep...Spain is probably the favorites in this tournament as they are in all the others. 4-1 win over the US Impressive by the front 2 for Spain. It was a strange game, though. The US actually had a majority of possession and played well. They just couldn't hit that last pass and Spain capitalized on their chances. Deulofeu is going to be a very very good player. Gil's goal for the US was quite nice, as well.
Was holidaying in Spain at the beginning of the year, at almost midnight they had basically 8 years olds running around outdoor facilities kicking balls doing drills all that.
Spain's talent pool is insane, always have to shake my head when some people claim Germany will dominate football for the coming years. National squad has no Alaba, Ribery, Robben, Mandzukic, Lewandowski, etc. Spain will continue to dominate the world, their youth system is unmatched.
You guys should read a book called the Talent code - it has a good presentation on why some places are pockets of talent for sports etc. DD
After winning their past three World Cup Qualifying games, I calculated the U.S. World Ranking to be 20th from 28th. Do you guys think that is reasonable considering how they are playing at the moment?
USA plays a friendly tomorrow to gear up for Gold cup will Landon and Holden start together? Could be fun to watch. DD
1-0 USA after the 1st half. Herculez Gomez with the goal in the 41st off a cross by Jose Torres. Joe Corona made a nice run across, dragging the defender with him and giving Gomez a ton of space and he did well with it. Guatemala is merely trying to keep all 11 behind the ball as much as possible. The team started off very slow and a bit out of sorts with so many players that haven't played together. And, as usual, Kyle Derperman in there to create opportunities for the opposing teams and kill ones for his own. Had a wide open goal and, naturally, he derped it. Donovan in the starting lineup and he looks ok. Started out on the right but has moved more forward. Made some good runs and gave up some bad passes. Nearly scored off a cross as he made a run to the near post. Slightly off topic...Jozy Altidore has apparently signed with Sunderland.
He's doing alright but the guy clearly needs games. Might be time for him to come to the MLS so he can play. He's played a total of 51 games for 4 teams in the last 4 years. That's a terrible record. I love his presence but dread when he tries to move forward or has the ball at his feet for anything more than 2 touches. I really like how well Holden is moving. It looks like he has his confidence back. I think we'll see him start in the Gold Cup and hopefully be in the mix for the qualifiers. I'd much much much rather see him in there than Derperman or Jerderp Jones.
Yeah, seriously him and Donovan are by far the most creative players - add in Dempey and Altidore and we have something but Holden and Landon are key....we are soooo much more fun to watch. DD
