Yellow and red because those are the colors of the Spanish flag and the flag of Catalunia. Yellow and red because Webb, the referee, decided to give out a myriad of punishment cards (12). Most notable was the red card for Heitinga deep into extra time. Spain was victorious today because of the whole of the team. . . and they taught us how to play soccer once again.
There would be no Fernando Torres starting today. Most of us knew that. But was Pedro the right call? He had shown a bit of trepidation in his play. Maybe he wasn't ready for the big screen. Llorente and Navas were the other options. Navas would come in to add some spark to the game. No winning goal from Torres, not this time. No sixth goal for David Villa, he would settle for five in this World Cup. No heroics from Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol or Gerard Pique. No magic from Xavi or Xabi Alonso. It was Iniesta this time, and just in time. The man that sent Barcelona to the Champions League final in 2009 was the man that would give his country the one tournament they always knew they could get but had not been able to acquire. Gooooooooal! We screamed and cried and laughed as the net opened its petals when the ball hit the polyester strands. Spain would win it without penalties. Spain would redeem soccer once more and bring the beautiful game back to the glory it deserves. Another chapter in world football closes today. Another four-year cycle comes to a close. We return to our everyday lives and begin to train our hearts and minds to dream once more. Maybe your country can go far in 2014. Maybe your country can win. Now we watch our players grow and fall and score and cry so that they can share the dream. This is why we love this game.
There are favorites in every tournament, the usual suspects: Brazil, Argentina, France, Italy, Spain, Germany. Always on the horizon is Holland, the one team many claim the best nation never to win a tournament. Of the above only Germany and Spain survive. Uruguay is reliving its glory days of 40 years ago with its first semifinal berth since 1970.
Certain patterns always emerge during World Cup cycles. For the past 36 years, for example, no team that has won the cup has lost a single game. Only one team in the 80 year history of the World Cup has won the title after losing a match: West Germany. Curiously enough, it was against fellow-finalists Hungary in 1954 and against the recently-deceased East Germany in 1974. So, contrary to previous posts, it actually is possible for a champion to lose during the tournament. The question is this: will it be Germany or Spain? As the saying goes, there can be only one.
It will be Klose-Podolski-Ozil versus Xavi-Iniesta-Villa. Germany may be fast, impressive and young. Spain, however, is a more complete team. All of Spain's players are world-class individuals. Germany can't say the same, although their collective spirit has dismantled soccer powers like Argentina and England. Do remember, however, that the Germans were pushed to the brink by Ghana and were deflated and defeated by Serbia during group play. Spain has been less than impressive during this tournament except during the Honduras game and the first half versus Chile. Germany must contain the considerable power of Spain's attack and exploit the so-far sub-par performances by Puyol and Pique, as well as Sergio Ramos' frequent excursions into the offense. Spain needs to score, plain and simple. Torres may not start the match due to lack of form.
On the other side of the coin (tomorrow's semifinal) are Holland and Uruguay. These two teams are unbeaten. Uruguay has been particularly impressive after defeating Mexico, South Korea and South Africa following a 0-0 draw versus ill-fated France and a controversial win against African darlings Ghana. Keep in mind that Fucile may not play (injury) and Suarez is unavailable due to suspension after his goal-line handball at the end of extra time versus Ghana. The team is tired and stretched after their quarterfinal game, although with plenty of confidence. The Netherlands have steadily grown stronger throughout the tournament. No multi-goal demolition of their opponents, no flashy forwards like David Villa, just a solid squad that has addressed its shortcomings in defense and that has taken care of things in the midfield. Wesley Sneijder, "Best Player of the Tournament" candidate derailed heavily-favored Brazil thanks to his partner in crime--Arjen Robben. This one-two punch along with Van Persie, Dirk Kuyt and Huntelaar may be too much for a weakened Uruguay defense. On the other hand, Uruguay has a knack for major upsets (Maracanazo in 1950).
Four games are left. Only one can be crowned champion. Were Uruguay and Germany to lose, we would have a first-ever champion, something that has not occurred since France won the tournament in 1998.
Admit it, if you are like 70% of futbolUSA.net readers then you are American and have no team to cry over, or do you? Everybody watches the Superbowl and everyone has their own pick, right? So yes, it's bandwagon time. It's time to side with your favorite non-local team. Plenty of favorites to choose from:
Is it everyone's favorite, Brazil?
Are you happy with a young team playing smart soccer? We have Germany for you.
Do you like soccer Gods? Maradona, Messi and Argentina are there.
Do you want a star-studded, fast-paced game? Spain is the right team.
How about underachievers? Holland is a nice match.
First-timers by default? Paraguay is a good bet.
And how does a one-two attacking-punch plus dirty defense sound? Like Uruguay.
Underdogs can be fun to root for, no? Yes, that would be Ghana.
It's easy to choose the favorites for each match. Brazil has had no problem with Holland in the past. In fact, this match is a direct replay of another quarterfinal--in 1994. Romario and Bebeto scored, Bergkamp and Winter rescued the Dutch and Branco sealed the deal for the South Americans. Oh, that baby-swing celebration was trademarked by Bebeto when he scored. Truth is Holland lacks the arguments in its defense to cope with Brazil. Brazil doesn't. Not with Lucio, Dani Alves, Juan working the back line.
Argentina-Germany is a "final adelantada." A final in 1986 and 1990. Argentina won it first, followed by German vengeance the second time around. In 2006 they also met in the quarterfinals. Germany prevailed on penalty kicks. They were at home, don't forget that.
Spain-Paraguay will give us a first-time semifinalist or the final return of a giant. Paraguay had never made it to the quarterfinals. Now is their chance to write more history. Spain claimed fourth place in 1950. If Paraguay can play like Bob Bradley's squad last summer (and the Swiss on Spain's opening game) then they certainly stand a chance. Watch out for Villa, though. It seems like he wants the golden boot.
Finally there's the match we all thought the Americans should have had. Uruguay-Ghana. Uruguay's footballing history ended in 1970's semifinal. They did win it all in the inaugural tournament (1930) and in Brazil (1950) against the Ademir's host nation. Ghana is an entirely different kind of team. No history beyond the Olympics, one previous World Cup (2006) and an entire continent behind them. Win and they make history. Lose and they stop where other African nations have stopped prior to this tournament (Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2002).
Denmark has always proven to be a hard-working, intensely-physical team with plenty of talent and a bit of flair. Aside from their win of the 1992 Euro, Denmark is a relatively light-weight team when it comes to the World Cup. Their best result was a berth in the quarterfinals of 1998. Their first appearance in the finals was in 1986.
France '98 is where our story starts. This was the team of Michael Laudrup, arguably the best Danish player in history, along with his brother Brian and the imposing Peter Schmeichel as the net-minder. Denmark was placed in the group with host-nation France, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. After defeating the Saudis, they went on to tie South Africa before losing to France. They would meet the Nigerian Supereagles in the round of 16. Although the African side was heavily favored, the Danish put on an impressive performance reminiscent of their '92 Euro run. They would defeat Nigeria by 4-1. Brazil would be their next opponent. After going up on the scoreboard twice, Rivaldo showed his magic and booted them off the tournament. It was quite a match with up-and-downs and plenty of cheers for the Europeans. Brazil were still favored to win it all at that point.
Denmark would once again qualify for the World Cup in 2002, reaching the round of 16. This was quite a tournament for them since they would play a part in the early elimination of then-champions France. A win versus Uruguay and a tie against Senegal meant they had 4 points ahead of their game with the French. Zidane had been absent until this game due to injury. His late arrival would not amount to much, as goals by Rommedahl and Tommasson were enough to win the group. Their joy would be short-lived, as they would face David Beckham's England. The "three lions" quickly demolished them by 3-0.
What's next for Denmark? Holland, Japan and Cameroon. Aside from the Netherlands, Denmark is equally matched with the Asian and African sides. Indeed, seeing recent results makes us believe that Japan is the weaker side here and that Cameroon isn't the indomitable team it once was. Look out for stars like Sorensen (Stoke City), Jacobsen (Blackburn), Poulsen (Juventus), and Bendtner (Arsenal).
For such a small country, the Netherlands sure packs a superb punch. Maybe this is why their nickname is the "Clockwork Orange" or "Naranja Mecanica." Twice runners up in the 1970s with losses to Gerd Muller's West Germany in Germany 1974 and to Mario Kempes' Argentina in Argentina 1978.
Indeed, the 1970s marked the start of "total football," first pioneered by Ajax's Johan Cruyff and head coach Rinus Michaels. Out of that came a fast-paced, box-to-box style that overwhelmed opposing sides when the entire team surged forward in attack. Out of this controlled madness came players like Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Ronald Koeman, Frank Rijkaard, Denis Bergkamp, Patrick Kluivert, Edgar Davids and Clarence Seedorf.
Our story here begins with Italia 1990. Those were the days of Ruud Gullit, Van Basten and Ronald Koeman. Having won the 1988 Euros, Holland was riding high and ready to win its first World Cup. To my untrained eyes, Gullit was the Dutch sensation. "Did you know he scored a goal with his chest?" someone uttered once in a lunch break soccer scrimmage. We watched the team stumble into the round of 16 after tying three games (England, Ireland, Egypt), and without a single goal from maestro van Basten. There, they met eventual-champions West Germany. The game was gritty, dirty Euro-style football. Germany won thanks to Klinsmann and Brehme. Koeman would score a consolation penalty in the 89th. This match also had a bit of controversy with a spitting incident between Rijkaard and Voller.
In USA 1994, The Netherlands was considered a contender once more. They would have to do without Gullit (on strike) and van Basten (injury). Bergkamp would step up and deliver a masterful performance with 3 goals that took them all the way to the quarterfinals. They would first face an interesting group stage: Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Morocco. This was quite an interesting group. Belgium, Holland and Saudi Arabia all got 6 points (2 wins) and same goal differential. The Dutch would defeat both the Saudis and Morrocans but would fall short against Belgium. Bergkamp and Jonk would both score versus Ireland in the second round. Their final match in 1994 came against eventual-champions Brazil. It was probably the best match of the tournament. Twice Brazil scored through Romario and Bebeto, only to be followed by strikes from Bergkamp and Winter. A long-range free kick from Branco sealed he 3-2 scoreline in favor of the Amazonians.
France 1998 came around and Holland was again a contender. Now they had players like the De Boer brothers, Cocu and Overmars. They faced Belgium in the opening match (0-0 draw). Their second game was a scintillating performance against a limited South Korean team (5-0). Feisty Mexico put up a fight and "El Matador" Hernandez tied the game 2-2 in extra time. A match against Yugoslavia awaited them in the round of 16. It would take an injury time goal from Edgar Davids to defeat the Balkan squad. What followed was perhaps one of the best matches of '98: Netherlands - Argentina. Kluivert opened the score and the Argentineans would tie the game thanks to "El Piojo" Lopez. An ill-timed ejection of Ortega, coupled with a wonder goal from Bergkamp, sent the Dutch to the semifinals. A re-match of the '94 quarterfinal versus Brazil would follow. Scores by Ronaldo and Kluivert meant the game would go to penalties. Brazil would win it once again thanks to misses by Cocu and Ronald de Boer. Holland would settle for 4th place after a loss to Davor Suker's Croatia.
Much to the surprise of the entire footballing world, Netherlands failed to qualify for 2002. The Dutch were placed in the group of death in Germany '06: Argentina, Cote D'Ivoire and Serbia & Montenegro were the opponents. They defeated Serbia in the first game. The second game, against fellow orange-wearing Ivory Coast was a memorable experience for me. I happened to be in Amsterdam for the match and saw a sea of orange everywhere I walked. That evening, I got me a cheap knock-off van Nistelroy shirt and wore it to a packed restaurant to watch the match. Holland would prevail 2-1. They would subsequently tie Argentina 0-0. The Netherlands were eventually booted off the tournament by Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the round of 16.
What's next for the Netherlands? Familiar foes Denmark, dangerous Cameroon and tricky Japan. Expect them to breeze through the group stage. Some stars to watch include Heitinga (Everton), van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), Sneijder (Inter), van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Kuyt (Liverpool), van Persie (Arsenal), Robben (Bayern Munich).
Today, the USA played the #3 ranked team in the world, the Netherlands, and although it wasn't a positive result, the game still had certain value for the team. Bob Bradley himself said he had learned "a few things" from the match, especially given Beasley's performance and companionship for Jozy.
Yes, the final score was 1-2 in favor of the Dutch, but let's explore that a bit further: the first goal occurred due to a misguided move by Bornstein when he tugged on the shirt of a Holland player and created a penalty for the opposing team. The second goal was due to brilliant play by Sneijder, Huntelaar and company, and although Howard may have had it, an unfortunate bounce (off Bornstein) deflected the ball to the back of the net.
But the Americans bounced back near the end of the game. Even though Donovan was muted during most of the game (perhaps through clever marking or maybe fatigue due to Everton play), players like Bradley, Edu, Holden, Torres and especially Beasley, created the situations and provided Jozy with the ball. The American's goal came due to sheer perseverance and by Captain America, Carlos Bocanegra. It was a set piece, America's secret weapon.
Jozy Altidore once again showed his class, but he was missing a counterpart. It may be interesting to see him paired with Donovan or Dempsey if charlie Davies is unable to come back. Holden's early injury was a blow to the team's attack, but Beasley stepped up and may have sealed his place in the team for South Africa (as long as he gets minutes with Rangers).
Player ratings: Howard...6 Bornstein...4 Spector...5 DeMerrit...5.5 Bocanegra...6.5 Torres...5.5 Holden...6 Findley...3 Donovan...5 Edu...6 Bradley...6.5 Altidore...7 Beasley...7.5 Bedoya...6 Johnson (NA)
Deservingly so for some, unfortunate and sad for others. Italy belongs to the first category while Holland would be my pick for the second. Italy played with much of its anti-football of old that scraped into world cup finals in the past and only rarely showed the form generated by their club sides. This refers to constant fouling, retention of the ball, low scoring and a general focus on defense. Only against France did Italy show enough resilience. Romania deserved better but Buffon showed why he's the world's top 'keeper by stopping Mutu's PK. For once I agree with Jamie Trecker on the general form exhibited in this game and why so many Americans just don't like soccer. It was slow, it was boring, it was low scoring and ties ties ties (to quote Homer Simpson). It was a game akin to those in the 1980s and 1990s and even more so to the famously slow paced anti-football of England 1966 (England's only ever win in a questionable game). I'd also have to agree that Italy's play was much like that of Greece in 2004 with their low-scoring and ultra defensive mindset that was enough to get them through to the final and an eventual win. I never liked Greece or the way they played and I'm glad they were revealed for what they really are--a poor team that won with defense, a good (albeit boring) coach and also a bit of luck. Spain is also to blame for the game yesterday. Their congestion of the midfield prevented the ball from getting to Torres and David Villa with enough frequency and pace to make life difficult for Buffon. They were, like the Italians, playing not to lose. But, as luck and a bit of redemption would have it, Spain got through their June 22nd jinx and we hope that they can bring the flair back to the game against a resurgent Russia (they won the earlier match 4-1). Guss Hidink might have its opponents well studied at this point and we cannot rule out another stellar Arshavin performance that will surely make his stock rise. An incredibble shocker it was to see them beat the Netherlands. So many of us out there had a special place in our heart for the clock-work orange. Sometimes flair and early form just aren't enough if you underestimate your opponents and overestimate yourself/ And on the other hand we have Germany and Turkey. I loved the Turkey game. I actually cheered more at the end of that match than I did when the US beat Mexico at the Gold Cup. But their side is depleted due to injury and suspension. Germany has the tools to make it past the Turks and only a real miracle will save the Ottomans this time.
Call it sexy football. Call it total football. Kuyt, Robben, Van Nistelroy and company are providing us with the total football that journalists agree should have gotten the "clock-work orange" two world cups in 1974 and 1978 (losing to hosts West Germany and Argentina respectively). This, however, is the football that the men in orange have shown in Euro 2008. 6 different players have scored the fantasy goals against the previous world cup finalists Italy and France. What more of a statement can you make. This surely is the total football from Ruud Gullit and Marco Van Basten that won the 1988 Euro (check out the design on their retro jerseys... yikes!). Every goal has been a piece of pure genious, thus honoring the 1970s and 1980s Holland heroes. As the group stage dust settles the quarter finals will begin and the Netherlands will be facing either Sweden or Russia, both formidable opponents but without the pedigree of Italy and France. At this point we can expect nothing but fireworks from the orange. Tomorrow's game against Romania only has meaning for the goths and the world cup finalists. Van Basten will rest his top players and both Italy and France face elimination with a Romania win or if all games end in ties. But why is total football sexy football too? That's Master Gullit's term for enhancing the beautiful game with good plays and lots of scoring. Take a look at his Galaxy. The LA team currently boasts two of the top scorers in Donovan and Buddle (9 and 8 respectively) with Beckham scoring 4 and Gordon snatching 3; not to mention that the "little fish" Ruiz hasn't gotten to play as much due to injury. It certainly is unfortunate that the galaxians didn't have Gullit as their manager last year to carry the "Beckham circus" into the high-scoring land that Americans so love to be in. Cheers, Holland! Enjoy the '88 highlights below.
Champions fall. Heroes rise. Hosts retreat. Status quo? If Greece's win in 2004 was a break from the status quo (France in Holland/Belgium 2000, Germany in England 1996) and the rise of a new European power, albeit defensive in nature a-la-Italia, then this Euro's initial results point to a return of the great super powers--Spain, Holland, Portugal, Germany, Sweden. Sure, Italy fell to Holland and France was held to a draw. Still, there's a reason for a group of death and normalcy is never quite completely so . Still, clear dominance has been felt. Spain was a treat to watch--David Villa made it look as simple as it is on my Wii. Germany showed why they are a superpower. Portugal flaunted Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Deco and Ronaldo, among others, showing no signs of slowing down. Then there's the Netherlands... Van Nistelroy and Kuyt made us dream of the great team captained by Ruud Gullit and Marco Van Basten (the second goal was pure fantasy and worthy of VB). Oh, and sorry I left them out of my poll...still, that's why I left an option for "other."
I was dissapointed with France but not so much by Italy. The azzurri are missing some key players for this contest and their age is beginning to show. France is in limbo without head-butting Zidane. The talent's there but Ribery really needs to step up. Henry's return might be what they need. Tomorrow's another day. I get to semi-enjoy the games through peer2peer connections at work (don't tell anyone) and will be looking forward to seeing what Portugal can do against the feisty Czechs. I leave you with Van Basten's beauty:
Yellow and red because those are the colors of the Spanish flag and the flag of Catalunia. Yellow and red because Webb, the referee, decided to give out a myriad of punishment cards (12). Most notable was the red card for Heitinga deep into extra time. Spain was victorious today because of the whole of the team. . . and they taught us how to play soccer once again.
