Well since everyone here has already said a lot of things I would have, there's not much to add except how woeful our midfield players were. No control, mostly long balls and crosses that were either way off the mark or ineffective. The better team won today and it really pains me to say it. Their counter attack was pretty damn good and despite their flopping and acting, they had a pretty good defensive display as well. You know a long time ago (50 years or so) the Brasilians hired a psychologist for their team to help them with what they thought was a lack of mental preperation. He said that their problem was a fear of losing. They had the talent, they had the players, they had the desire but they had the fear as well. I think the change came with the one player who didn't real give a f*** and lived it as well, Garrincha. Brasil never lost with him and Pele and he only lost once playing for Brasil. But the way he played is what did it. No fear. Granted he had exceptional talent as well. The only reason I bring it up is because of our society here. We have this never say die, balls to the wall, let's get this **** started, kick ass and take names mentality purveying every corner of our sports culture and yet it seems to be totally lacking in our soccer players. I have to question the teams heart. Was it ever really there? I don't mind losing as long as you leave everything out on the field. Which they did in one game. For it to happen in the first game ok, but the last with so much on the line, with so much to prove. It sucks. And by late fall we will be starting this 3 and a half year process all over again. Every win and every step closer to South Africa will start my hope growing and growing. But now in the back of my mind I'll be thinking is this team for real. Does it have the right mind set to go out there and play tough, play smart and play with heart against the big teams. I know we're much better than this, why can't they know it too???
Good analysis. But I am surprised you didn't mention Clint Dempsey. He is argubly our lone bright spot in this World Cup and I think he has played his way to a top level European club next season. This guy is going to be the heart and soul of the US team in 2010.
Don't take it so personally. My point is networks like ESPN and other sports outlets cram it down the throats of many of us who don't care for it. I know there are many of you that do obviously have a passion for the game. I'm just glad more time will be devoted for sports I actually follow now. It is the "greatest sporting event in the world" just not here in the USA, where I currently live.
Faos, there are more games to watch in the upcoming two weeks. I do hope you watch them carefully, ask questions when you have them, and enjoy the games, and don't worry that teams you thought were the only ones interesting to Americans are out. Please watch more games. You can endure a good Brazilian soccer fest with avid fans in the stands who cheer and bang drums constantly and celebrate this party. You don't have to stop watching, man. Give it a chance.
Back to the real teams - Brilliant play by Brazil so far which is being matched by even more brilliant keeping by Kawaguchi. Props
Man...I don't know what it's like in Houston, but in my neighbourhood (vancouver) the bars and cafe's are hopping at 5:30 am. How can anyone not be enjoying this event-- even if soccer's not your thing. Faos will have to get his spelling bee fix somewhere else until July 9th.
Swoly, well said, that's exactly I've been telling my co-workers and I actualy convinced them to watch it with me this morning at work, but unfortunately U.S. lost. Yes, if more people give soccer a chance (in U.S.), we will see the respect from the world toward U.S. soccer…
Ranaldo finally scores a goal....what a header pass to him...amazing. Brazil is fearless, the US should take lessons. DD
I just forgot him. You're right though, he was one of the few bright spots, and it's always nice to root for a fellow Texan. I agree with you, he should get some good offers overseas and not hesitate to make the move. Luckily, I believe he's on record as saying that's his goal, unlike Donovan. I'd like for the MLS to be a quality league, and it is improving, but ideally it will mirror the Brazilian/Argentine leagues as a kind of farm system for the European clubs. There's nothing like the experience you gain in Europe in building a team ready for international success.
As Univision puts it (and sorry to pull a "Swoly-D" guys)... LOS SAMURAIS CON UN GOOOOOLAAAAZOOOOOO!!!
Unless it is a bar full of foreigners, it won't be hopping at 5:30 AM. American soccer fans and their players, lack the passion for the game shown by the rest of the world. To Americans the Super Bowl, World Series and maybe even the Mens Final Four are bigger sporting events then the World Cup. Life doesn't stop in the U.S. when the U.S. team plays a World Cup game.
4am in the morning here in Perth, Australia and this is for a nation who like the US is not soccer dominated.
You say that like it's a BAD thing, tocayo... Japan needs to hold and score to advance... I wonder if Smeg is watching the SOCCEROOs? los brasileiros jogan bonito.
I'm reaping the benefits of the world cup and being the only place downtown that is showing all the early games. We have had a steady flow of business from game 1 and it hasn't died down. It's a great atmosphere and gets really loud when goals are almost scored or even scored. We actually have a lot of just business people that love soccer as well as foreigners that might have transferred here for their jobs and they come and watch. The only viewing party i did was for the first game of Iran vs Mexico and I had about 200 people packed in the place going crazy. It is a great atmosphere. Each match we are getting really good crowds. Not much drinking going on becuase they are working and playing hookie..but we do have busier lunches.
Os japoneses não jogam bonito Stack: If BW3 isn't open at 9:30am, then I'll probably be swinging over to Live for at least the first half.
