Non-World Cup related but soccer related, the 2014 AFC Asian Challenge Cup Final is today. It starts at 11 am (Houston local time). It's the Philippines vs. Palestine and the winner will qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup, which is like Asia's version of the Copa America or the UEFA Euro tournament. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_AFC_Challenge_Cup_Final You can watch it live on Youtube. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/p3BbUDklH-A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
England v Peru Boom headshot <iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BV6EP9bBbac" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Swirly, you watching the Mexico Ecuador friendly? Beautiful goal from Luis Montes but then minutes after, looks like he suffered a major injury only12 days from the WC, I feel for Mexico if this injury is serious. As a USMNT fan, I'd never want to see this happen to anyone. Hope he is able to come back in time
Other than Verratti, Rossi & Sirigu Italy's B squad looks more like a D squad. Paletta & De Sciglio are really bad. Edit: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>UPDATE: Our partners at Sky Italia are now reporting Montolivo has a fractured tibia and will miss the World Cup.</p>— FOX Soccer Trax (@FOXSoccerTrax) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccerTrax/statuses/472846423369998336">May 31, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> ****ing dammit.
De Sciglio is only 21 and is capable of a much better performance. Paletta is like our 4th choice Cb, but is also capable of a better performance. I believe this was just paletta's 2nd game for italy. They are good players, especially De Sciglio. Montolivo injury is a blow, but a potential blessing as it may not only assure Verratti's place in the squad, but also a significant role on the team in Brazil. Verratti imo is a better play than monty, however monty is prandelli's favorite going back to their days at Fiorentina.
Did Paletta get that much better? I remember watching him when he played for Boca Juniors, he was terrible. That's why I was so surprised to see Italy call him up. Really unfortunate for Luis Montes and Mexico. I'd hate for that to happen to any Chilean or US member.
Paletta had a good year at Parma, deserved a call up. I would say hes solid, nothing special. had an ok game today, was pretty good vs Spain in the friendly this march. Would probably be a starter on Argentina's squad along with Garay.
That's true de sciglio has time to improve, kid has jets, but his passing was very below par today. Verratti is becoming Italy's most promising player, I'm excited to see what he's got for the world cup, Monty's never been one of my favorites especially lately but the guy comes to play for the national team. He also has a great connection with Balo so it's definitely a huge blow to Prandeli's 4-3-1-2.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/naQaRjuRFSQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3P490t251AE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Speed kills. Edit: Forgot to include this beauty by KDB. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/IXsTj9hRv2s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Mexico 3 - 1 Ecuador but at a high price. Hopefully Aquino will be a good sub and Marco Fabián will be good as well. I knew someone would be this classy, but it was not just anyone, it's the top someone seen as the god here. Good example for the kids! 'Course, he's protected by the mods, so he'll keep doing it and getting away with low crap.
Bosnia looked really solid against Mexico. Although, Mexican fans have a right to be upset due to the un-communicated line up changes from Bosnia. However, as the commentators said, Herrera needed to spend less time complaining, and more time getting his squad organized out there. His squad was getting outplayed, and rather than adjust, he just threw fits at the ref.
they did not look good in the 2nd half when mexico adjusted to their shenanigans and switched to 4-4-2. they did drop deeper with their 1-0 lead but also their 5v3 midfield advantage disappeared and they didn't adjust. that said, i give them a good chance against argentina because of begovic. he is a beast. he saved at least two for sure goals last night with acrobatic saves.
Italy 1:1 vs. Luxembourg, damn. I dissed them prior to the last EC so I'll just wait for the tournament to start to finally judge them.
