The starters: US vs Turkey

The US came from behind to defeat Turkey by 2-1 in front of 55,000 at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field. This was supposed to be a match for the starters. Kljestan, Bedoya, Ching, Rogers, Pearce and Johnson had all been dropped since Wednesday. It was time to see who would start in the back. Would it be Bornstein on the left and Onyewu returning to the central position? What about the midfield? Clark or Edu? Torres or Feilahber? And who do we pair with Altidore?

A surprising formation from Bob Bradley with a 4-5-1 with Altidore alone up top and a withdrawn Dempsey right behind him. Feilhaber and Donovan also roaming from mid to forward. Clark and Michael Bradley cleaning up the middle. Bocanegra at left back (expect to see him there in two weeks), Goodson and DeMerrit in the middle and Spector at right back. It didn't work. Howard was furious with his defenders, including Spector, whose incursion forward generated a Turkish counter that opened the score in their favor.

Yes, Spector's place should have been covered by Clark. But the team looked shaky for most of the first half and, if it wasn't for Howard, could have been down by a lot more. Enter Findley fro Feilaber, Torres for Clark, Onyewu for Goodson and Cherundolo for Spector. New team. New attitude. Dempsey retreats to a diamond formation center midfield/forward, Findley roams around as a second striker, Torres defends and attacks alongside Bradley and the back line is solidified. What follows is ball possession for the Americans and scores by two of its prominent strikers: Dempsey and Altidore. Dempsey got to play like he sometimes does with Fulham. Donovan drifted forward also, providing assists on both tallies. Torres feeds Donovan, Dempsey and Findley.

Findley's inclusion in this team was quite a surprise for US followers, including myself. Yesterday he showed us why Bradley picked him. He adds spark and speed late in the game when it's needed. He isn't worried about scoring as a starting forward. He and Gomez make excellent supersubs. Holden is another great option on the left flank, as is Beasley. You have to wonder what will happen with the forward position. Out of this came we have two probable changes: Edu for Clark and Torres/Beasley/Holden for Feilhaber. Expect Cherundolo to take over the right back position. Onyewu may take over for Goodson. Buddle may get the nod up top with Jozy.

Australia is a worthy opponent and the next game is in South Africa, on neutral ground, and a week before the US debuts against England. A last chance to see our probable starters for the World Cup.

World Cup Memories: Serbia

Serbia is a difficult subject to tackle. Its geopolitical history complicates its football history...even in my own memories. Should I treat them as the former Yugoslavia and group all the great things that former soccer nation accomplished? For the time being, and in this blog, I will simply point to past achievements.

The Yugoslavia national football team represented the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1920–1941) and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Despite the break-up of the former Yugoslavia, remnants of its history offer a rich background full of impressive achievements. These include 8 World Cup appearances and two fourth place finishes in 1930 and 1962.

Yugoslavia split, of course, in the early 1990s. From it came Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Serbia & Montenegro. The latter were included took part in qualifying for the last World Cup, prior to Montenegro's independence. Through the 1998 tournament and Euro 2000, the name of Yugoslavia stuck with the team. And this is where we begin the memories.

France '98 was the year Yugoslavia was considered a dark horse contender for the title. Names such as Mihajlovic, Jugovic and Komlejenovic still ring in Euro club lore. The Yugoslavs played against Germany, Iran and the US in their group. They defeated the lower-seeded USA and Iran teams by 1-0 and tied the German's in a heartbreaker, where the Germans erased the 0-2 score thanks to a Mihajlovic own goal and a Bierhoff score 10 minutes from the 90 minute mark. What followed was a game against the Dutch, having lost first place in the group phase to Germany. Holland posed a much more dangerous opponent and although the match was 1-1 and headed for extra time, another late-game score, this time by Edgar Davids, was enough to finish their stay in the tournament.

Yugoslavia (still using this name) would miss out on 2002 due to the political turmoil and its spillover onto football. As Serbia & Montenegro, the Serbs finally returned to action in a World Cup in 2006. They had qualified with an unbeaten record and ahead of always-favorite Spain. Their group was that tournament's "group of death" with Argentina, Netherlands, Cote d'Ivoire. An injury to their major star, Petkovic, and the ensuing controversy surrounding his replacement (the coach's son, Dusan, who later withdrew due to pressure from the public/media) meant a mentally-weakened squad. They lost their first game against Holland, were destroyed by Argentina (6-0) , and subsequently failed to defeat Didier Drogba's Ivorian side.

What's next for Serbia? Germany, Australia and Ghana. Worthy foes in another "group of death." I can see them finishing in second place but competition for this spot will depend on their score against Germany and wins against the other two teams. Look out for stars like Stojkovic (Wigan), Vidic (Manchester United), Subotic (Borussia Dortmund), Stankovic (Inter), Ivanovic (Chelsea), Lazovic (Zenit St. Petersburg) and Zigic (Birmingham).

Bradley's final 23

A few thoughts. Most of the players on the roster we knew were going to be there... the Donovans, Altidores, Dempseys and Howards. Beasley's inclusion is no surprise given his recent form with the national team, if not necessarily with his club. It's also good to have Goodson, especially given DeMerrit and Onyewu's recent injuries. He showed great poise versus Czech yesterday.

It came down to fringe players, forwards and the crowded midfield. I'm surprised by the inclusion of Findley, but Bob's comments lead me to believe that he has a plan for the Real Salt Lake attacker. His inclusion also meant Bedoya was out as a surplus midfielder. This is more evident by the resurgence of Beasley and the rise of Holden.

Another surprise, so to speak, is Buddle. He showed yesterday that he can play at the highest level and he has been accurate and constant for the galaxy (9 goals in 9 games). This came at the cost of losing Brian Ching, the veteran of 2006 and an important figure in the offense. Ching was about possession, drawing fouls and opportunism. All important qualities that Bob feels Buddle can bring.

Herculez Gomez's presence is less of a surprise and more of a relief. The top scorer in the Mexican League with a mid-table team and as a substitute is not someone we can afford to overlook. He showed why this is so with his tying goal against Czech.

It was a tough pill to swallow for some of the players, like Ching, Bedoya, Kljestan, Rogers, and even Charlie Davies. Also a great sense of renewal with Buddle, Gomez, Findley. This turnover also includes Altidore, Howard, Spector, Holden, Edu, Bradley, Clark, Torres, Guzan, DeMerrit. Add to that World Cup veterans Donovan, Dempsey, Hahnemann, Onyewu, Bocanegra and Goodson and you have the best the USA has to offer at the moment. Lots of fresh faces, intrigue, experience and drive. Good luck and enjoy the games, for they only come around every 4 years.

Observations: US vs Czech Republic

It was a disappointing end to an interesting and eventful night. Czech's go-ahead goal shouldn't have been and the defense should have done better. But, instead of looking at the game, I'd like to focus on the players:

• Guzan: Very rusty, and it showed at times. He also showed why he's on the team. Quick saves and good positioning.
• Onyewu: Was at fault for the first Czech goal, looked rusty at times but very good on the ground. May not start in South Africa but in the 23.
  
• Bornstein: Speedy recovery in plays but many errors that caused trouble for the defense. In 23, could be replaced by Pearce/Bocanegra/Spector.
  
• Goodson: Excellent game for the central defender. Assisted on Gomez's goal. In 23, may start ahead of Onyewu/DeMerrit.
• Pearce: His play was weak tonight and didn't outdo Bornstein. Good going forward. Not in 23.
  
• Cherundolo: Beaten in Czech's second goal. A bit lost at times but had generally good positioning throughout the match and very good going forward. In 23, Spector may get the nod ahead of him at right back.
  
• Edu: Opportunistic goal, his new trademark. He was steady and dangerous in the midfield and broke up play by the opossing team. The 4th goal was his fault. Not a great switch to D. In 23, starter alongside Bradley.
• Holden: Excellent match. Assisted on the first goal. His crosses were great. His defensive play could improve, however. In 23, probably a supersub or interchangeable with Dempsey.
• Beasley: This was the Beasley we all know and remember. Quickly to the attack and defense, great passing. In 23, supersub and/or interchangeable with Donovan.
• Torres: Had a quiet night but impressed enough to remain in the team. In 23, substitute mainly.
• Sacha Kljestan: Not a bad night, but he's still behind many others in the initial 30. Not in 23.
• Alejandro Bedoya: Not very effective and this may have cost him the trip to the World Cup. Pearce's faults could put him into the 23.
  
• Robbie Rogers: Lively and speedy but not enough to replace others in the squad. Not in 23.
• Edson Buddle: Worked hard but was unlucky going forward. Could make 23 in favor of Johnson/Gomez/Bedoya.
• Eddie Johnson: A bit more effective than Buddle. His play set up Edu's goal in the first half. Could make the 23 in favor of Buddle/Gomez/Bedoya.
• Herculez Gomez: Golazo! Always dangerous but needed to pass the ball better. A great supersub in South Africa. In 23 unless Pearce/Bedoya/Johnson combination doesn't work for him.
• Brian Ching: Possession and experience. In 23 and could start along with Donovan/Altidore/Dempsey.

The 4-2 score is tough to swallow. Treat this as a pre-season withouth the starters. However, about 3 or 4 that played tonight might actually start in the World Cup. Tonight was about showing us who can still cut it and who has lost their chance. Gomez, Beasley, Holden, Edu and Goodson stepped up. In any case, we'll learn tomorrow who will actually go to South Africa. Saturday will showcase more, if not all of the starters.

MLS 2009 Attendance stats weeks 7-10

Apologies for the long delay. This sort of delay may go through most of the season this season due to other commitments. Do expect analysis on at least a bi-weekly level. In this post we review weeks 7-10. Much has happened since the last MLS attendance post for week 6. Philly has played again in front of a sizable crowd at Lincoln Financial Field (28,000 aproximately). Seattle keeps on selling out 35K+, albeit still beaten at home to teams like LA and San Jose. Dallas is drawing slightly larger crowds and barely outside the 4-digit realm. New England is also weak. Above we present a high-res view at changes in average attendance from 2009 to 2010. New York is a big winner, even if they haven't sold out their brand-new Red Bull Arena. Expect this place to be rocking once Thierry Henry comes to town after the World Cup.

World Cup Memories: Australia

Australia is an odd bird in the football community. They boast talented players, an interesting league set against other major sports (much like the MLS), and a unique location. Perennial representatives of the Oceania Football Confederation, they were always playing playoff matches to enter the tournament. Sometimes with Asia, sometimes with South America, one time even with Israel. Almost never enough to get through except for 1970. Germany 2006 was the first time in 36 years.

Australia was just recently (2005) admitted to the Asian Football Conference (AFC), thus ending decades of relegation to playoffs. They certainly benefited from this and qualified for South Africa without losing a single match to AFC opponents.

In truth, aside from my wanting the Aussies to be in a World Cup to make it truly global, 2006 was my only experience and only memory of the team. They were pitted against Croatia, Japan and eternal-favorites Brazil. Guus Hiddink coached the squad in the World Cup and, true to his nature, took the team to the next level--the second round.

Granted, my memories of 2006 are limited to the fact that I was traveling much of the time (even though I still watched 80% of the games). Still, their win over Japan and a well-deserved tie versus Croatia were enough to see them through to the round of 16. A loss by 2-0 to Brazil was not unexpected.

Australia probably deserved better fate against Italy in the second round. They held the eventual-champions 0-0 until injury time. A fateful penalty taken by none-other than Francesco Totti ended the Socceroos run in 2006.

What's next for Australia? A group of death, of sorts. First there's Germany and, considering their squad, almost assured a place in the next round. Then there's Serbia, always dangerous and with a storied past. Lastly, there's Ghana, one of the more dangerous of the African sides in this tournament. Australia has quite a squad, though, and should go head to head with all the teams in this group. Some stars include: Mark Shwarzer (Fulham), Lucas Neil (Galatasaray), Wilkshire (Dynamo Moscow), Lowry (Aston Villa), Mark Bresciano (Palermo), Mark Grella (Blackburn Rovers), Tim Cahill (Everton) and Harry Kewell (Galatasaray).

Treble 2010: Inter Champions of Europe

It's Milan. Milito. Mourinho. It's Serie A. Coppa Italia. UEFA Champions League. It's twice the treble and a second year in a row after Barcelona's last year. Inter Milan was the better side today and was victorious over Bayern Munich by the score of 2-0. They were the best in Europe, eliminating Chelsea and Barcelona. Mourinho is still the Special One and always will be. Will he stay put in Milano or will he go to Madrid?

Milito was the man today. Undoubtedly playing the best soccer of his career and, hopefully, also in the World Cup. Sneijder was a menace in midfield and Eto'o was so close so many times. Lucio, Cambiasso, Zanetti and Chivo held their own in the back. Julio Cesar was impeccable and probably saved the game on at least three occasions. Maicon and Pandev were steady.

Let's not forget Bayern Munich. They were a worthy side and Muller could have tied it early in the second half. That would have surely changed the game. There was also a Chivu handball in the area during the start of the game. Could this have changed the outcome of the match? Luis van Gaal's side is young and a force to be reckoned with from here on out. Ribery will return next season. How could he have affected this game?

In the end it was an awesome match. A special game for a special team. A special striker scoring for a special coach. A special coverage by Fox, on national television, in English, for the first time for a European soccer match of this magnitude. America is waking up to soccer. Let's see what happens next month.

Cheers, Inter. You are the best team in the world. Cheers, Mourinho. You are the best coach in the world. Cheers, Milito. You are playing the best soccer of your career.