Adu - soccer god (oh, and the US youth team ain't bad either)

haven · Aug 15, 2003

http://www.fifa.com/en/display/article,71334.html

Recipient of the lion’s share of pre-Finland 2003 hype, 14-year-old Freddy Adu proved to be the real deal with a hat-trick to inspire the USA to a 6-1 rout of Group D rivals Korea Republic. The Ghanaian-born youngster ran rampant to lay claim to a brilliant equaliser and two more in the driving wind and rain of Lahti as the Americans got their campaign off with a big bang.
Following some promising moments early on, the U.S. went down to a horrific own goal just after the ten-minute mark. A seemingly harmless looping ball in from the right caught American defender Dwight Owens in two minds. As he tried to control the bouncing ball it glanced wickedly off his chest and past keeper Phil Marfuggi who had come off his line to collect. (0-1, 11’)

Far from letting their heads drop, the Americans hit back straight away with consistent danger man Adu leading the charge. Following some foraging early work, the youngster collected the ball 45 yards from goal, turned brilliantly and ghosted past four flat-footed Korean defenders with a stunning burst of speed. Rounding keeper Cha Ki Seok with ease, the prodigy slotted home with his left foot to send the US team into wild celebrations – and surely no one was happier than unlucky Owens. (1-1, 16’)

“I was actually looking around for someone to pass to,” said the humble youngster with a bag of ice strapped to his ankle after the match. “No one was around, so I just decided to go for it.”

Defender Owens' relief was doubled only five minutes later when a corner kick from captain and workhorse Corey Ashe bobbled dangerously around the box. Leaning back, the defender slammed the ball past the hapless Cha from seven yards and raced for the corner flag for a dance of joy with his team-mates. (2-1, 26’)

“After the own goal I was feeling pretty down,” commented Owens. “But my team-mates kept me up and I told myself I had two choices ‘either bounce back or crumble’.”

Though the Koreans continued to make inroads with their direct, physical football, lady luck was not with them. Lee Gang Jin saw his right-footed shot slam against Marfuggi’s post just before the half.

Korea’s lack of luck continued ten minutes into the second period as Lee Sang Yong beat Ashe to the byline and crossed dangerously. Marfuggi lunged and missed, but the ball slipped past the two strikers and safely out.

The Americans hit back straight away on a lightning-quick counterattack down the right. Adu was again involved as his deflected flick sent effervescent Texas native Jaime Watson clean in on goal. After rounding Cha, the spiky-haired striker slipped the ball into the back of the net - celebrating with a joyous slide on the soaked pitch. (3-1, 55,)

The U.S. grabbed another from a corner late in the half. Poor Cha came off his line but missed his punch and defender Steven Curfman showed a touch of class with a delicate chip off the far post and in. (4-1, 75’)

Adu increased Korean shame and U.S. delight when he collected a great ball in the box from Watson. One cut to the inside, then another back to his right foot and finally an inch-perfect finish inside the near post sealed the day for the rampant Americans. (5-1, 89’)

“Watson and Adu are really beginning to develop a very good understanding,” said U.S. boss John Ellinger.

And when asked about Freddy’s performance, the coach remarked “We see Freddy score brilliant goals all the time in training. He really put us back into the match and had an outstanding game.”

And a coolly taken penalty in extra time had the crowd in disbelief as the youngster quietly collected his hat-trick. (6-1, 90+)

Adu may have wowed the crowd beneath the giant ski jump dwarfing Lahti stadium, but the ambitious youngster who tries to emulate his idol Zinédine Zidane is not getting complacent.

“I was really nervous before the game,” he said. “I feel I didn’t have my best game. I can do a lot better."

If Adu can indeed do better, Group D’s Sierra Leone and Spain will do well to look out.
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And find a way to download the highlights. His first goal was amazing. Simply unbelievable. South Korea has a good youth squad, but they were made to look like idiots.

If he's really 14 (and there is some question), he's going to dominate world soccer someday. Even if he's not 14, and is 16 or 17, he's an outstanding prospect.

Given that he's not the only one, USSC's goal of winning a World Cup by 2012 looks less and less outlandish. It's not just Adu - the entire team is loaded. Future is good for US soccer fans .

I used to laugh at people who suggested it, but I think he'd already be one of the top players in MLS. And while I'm all for keeping our players at home if they're not going to play at top clubs elsewhere... I want to see him at Man Utd or Juventus sooner rather than later (although he won't be able to until 18, due to new regulations).

LeGrouper · Aug 15, 2003

I see a career ending knee injury in his future. I hope he is getting insurance.

Puedlfor · Aug 15, 2003

Physically, I don't think he's ready to play big-time minutes in even the MLS - but skill-wise he's incredible.

He's got it. I don't know exactly how to describe it, but it's that presence on the field - like the Yakuza guy in the white suit from that Simpson's episode. You don't know what he's going to do, you just know it's going to be amazing.

Ten years from now, he'll be the best player in the World.

haven · Aug 15, 2003

Originally posted by Puedlfor
Physically, I don't think he's ready to play big-time minutes in even the MLS - but skill-wise he's incredible.

He's got it. I don't know exactly how to describe it, but it's that presence on the field - like the Yakuza guy in the white suit from that Simpson's episode. You don't know what he's going to do, you just know it's going to be amazing.

Ten years from now, he'll be the best player in the World.
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If Eddie Gaven can look great in spot minutes, you'd have to think that at the very least, Adu could be a remarkable sub.

LeGrouper · Aug 15, 2003

It ain't gonna take ten years. More like four or five.

Puedlfor · Aug 15, 2003

Originally posted by haven
If Eddie Gaven can look great in spot minutes, you'd have to think that at the very least, Adu could be a remarkable sub.
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true, true - and MLS does have a history of young player debuts. But I don't think anyone of them have ever had quite the name-recognition of Adu - while his debut would be spectacular, I worry that it would inspire jealousy among some older defender who'd hack his leg off.

haven · Aug 15, 2003

Originally posted by Puedlfor
true, true - and MLS does have a history of young player debuts. But I don't think anyone of them have ever had quite the name-recognition of Adu - while his debut would be spectacular, I worry that it would inspire jealousy among some older defender who'd hack his leg off.
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Man, I can really see that being Agoos final contribution to the soccer world - taking out Freddy Adu.

Some American soccer maniac would seriously kill him. Being piss poor in the World Cup is one thing, screwing over our chances in the next two? Death!

PhiSlammaJamma · Aug 15, 2003

The hype should help his game. It's kind of like poker. Once you get respect your opponent is beaten. So I think the hype will not only be important to his game but to the team. This kid is what we've been waiting for.

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Adu - soccer god (oh, and the US youth team ain't bad either)

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