Musings Before Confederations Cup

Several things to address, and apparently, autographs for the boys to sign in Pretoria before the Yanks take the pitch tomorrow in the first match of the long-awaited Confederations Cup, which the U.S. team admittedly concedes is the last real shot at top-flight world competition before next year's World Cup. The fact that it gives the Yanks a chance to get acclimated to the weather, stadiums, new pitches, and travel schedule in South Africa a year before the tournament makes it an extra-special opportunity. The Yanks play Italy tomorrow at 2:25 pm (ESPN), in what will be yet another chance to prove the goalless efforts last year against Spain, England and Argentina aren't a signal that the U.S. can't take their game to the next level against the world's finest sides. The following two games, against Brazil, and then the very underrated two-time African champions Egypt, afford the Americans a tour-de-force of contrasting football styles, from the cynical minded defensive World Champions to the freewheeling Brazillians to the strong and physical Pharaohs. At worst, the tournament is a chance to expose and correct what the American weaknesses are before it is too late-- at best, the tournament provides another chance, given injuries, to answer lingering questions in the midfield and at left back. Bornstein, whose pace allows him to keep up with even the world's fleetest attacking midfielders (as he did successfully for 65 minutes against Leo Messi in the Copa in 2007), has an especially great opportunity to put an iron grip on the left back spot, and given Heath Pearce's inactivity at the club level and DeMarcus Beasley's clueless performance in the position at the Saprissa-- this is the question the Yanks will hope to answer in the affirmative, beginning tomorrow.

More on the Confederations Cup later-- but first-- let's address the happenings of the last week, starting with:

a. HONDURAS:

The Bad: The early goal continues a disturbing trend. The good news was that it wasn't necessarily a backline breakdown, though Carlos Bocanegra could have done a bit better and closed out a bit faster to prevent the strike. The bad news again is that a goal was scored, and it was a turnover by one of the Yanks best players. Perhaps Clint Dempsey was trying to do too much, which is entirely conceivable given the lack of attacking options that have plagued the Americans throughout qualifying. That said-- a twirl and backpass, which he is completely capable of (as the 2nd American goal demonstrated)--- was not necessary at the junction of the game. Demps had an outlet in Mastroeni just yards away, and his turnover put the Americans in a hole that they will have trouble getting out of against a better team on a neutral field.

The Good: Jon Spector, Ricardo Clark, and Benny Feilhaber gave inspiring performances. Spector has earned high praise from his manager Gianfranco Zola in East London this past year, and the former Man U system product gave the Yanks an EPL right side that provided greatly needed ball control and attacking depth throughout the evening. Spector has a great chance to make a big name for himself this summer, and quite frankly, his progress is necessary for a successful 2010 campaign.

Ricardo Clark was the man of the match. He isn't sexy and will never, ever be confused with an elite attacking mid. But he does play with poise, has pace, is safe and consistent with his tackling, and is a fine passer. Clark's runs in the first half and early second, one of which certainly deserved a penalty, turned the game around for the Americans. The criticism here is why it took so long to bring Clark into the fold to begin with, and the further question of what exactly Mastroeni is doing on the side at all. Clark's dynamic play with fellow mid Stu Holden has turned the Houston Dynamo around in MLS, and Ricardo's pace and poise are a lower risk-at worst same reward version of what an aging Pablo brings to the table. Pablo has done wonderful things for his country, but it is time for him to step aside. While Ridge Mahoney is correct to question whether or not MLS is a quality enough league to help the Americans in qualifying-- I believe it is, with the caveat that aging MLS mids can't help.

Finally, Benny Feilhaber provided the long absent attacking and creative spark off the bench in the second half. His build up play was instrumental in two great American chances, and Clint Dempsey missed an absolute sitter created by Feilhaber early in the second half. We'll see if Feilhaber, who is finally back on the field for his club side, can continue to develop this summer. An attacking mid presence, whether it be Benny, Sacha, Freddy Adu or Jose Torres, is essential for the Yanks to move beyond the group stages.

Finally, I enjoyed the HEART showed by the Yanks, whose pure joy in celebrating the Bocanegra winner demonstrated what the win meant to them. It makes the remainder of qualifying far less stressful, and as Luis Bueno notes, it affords the Yanks the rare and wonderful opportunity to drive a stake in the heart of Mexico's qualifying hopes, which are still on life support after a 2-1 win over T and T at the Azteca Wednesday, which I quite honestly felt was the most entertaining soccer game in CONCACAF qualifying.

B. Jermaine Jones-- Apparently the Schalke mid, who is the son of an American serviceman-- has left the German federation and will seek the chance to play for the U.S. This could be good news for an American team, again-- desperate for attacking help in the midfield.

C. ITALY Injuries: I'll put up a potential American lineup shortly, but note quickly that the Azzurri have some issues in the back, for once. Nicola Legrottaglie is out, and given that he is the backup to injured captain Fabio Cannavaro out, it is likely Alessandro Gamberini will earn the start. Gamberini is certainly capable, but the really good news here is that Fabio's absence generates a likely scenario where walking defensive liability (NFL folks should conjure up images of a "swinging gate" left tackle) Liverpool's Andrea Dossena could see some action. Dossena helped Everton reach the FA CUP Final by ballerina dancing around Dan Gosling before the 18 year old knocked the Reds out of the tournament this year. Liverpool hasn't forgotten that loss in the "Friendly Darby" and Dossena recently mentioned that he would "run to Juve" if the Old Lady was interested in buying him. Not to worry, Dossena, I know at least one Liverpool fan who will happily drive you to Turin, free of charge. Just stop and play photo hunt with him occasionally.



Of course-- it isn't all sunshine. Lippi has hinted that he will start Bruce Arena's favorite mistake-- Giuseppe "the U.S. shouldn't chase around 18-year-old players who can't get games for their club team and tell me they want to play for Italy" Rossi. The young starlet is certain to celebrate in grand fashion if he scores against hte U.S.A. Maybe Rossi will be too distracted by the rumored transfer to the Old Lady and a pairing with Diego...then again... maybe he'll celebrate by ripping off his jersey and revealing a "Little Pink Houses" John Cougar Mellencamp tour shirt. Eek.

More later.

Honduras Lineup Better Work... OR..

Bob Bradley is in a boatload of trouble. If the United States loses this home fixture in front of a near capacity crowd at Soldier Field, qualifying becomes extraordinarily dicey for the World's 14th ranked side. With only two more home fixtures in qualifying, a loss tonight essentially means the U.S. will scoreboard watch until the end of 2009 and hope Honduras, Mexico, or Costa Rica drop three points at home. Granted, the Yanks will have two of those fixtures on to sort out for themselves, but hedging qualifying on a win against the Catrachos or against El Tri in the Azteca don't seem likely-- as the U.S. have never won in Mexico City and have proved to have very little road mettle thus far. As such, three points tonight is imperative.

Which makes you wonder--- What exactly is going on with this lineup ??

Bradley apparently has a driving, restless at night fear of Wilson Palacios, the Tottenham Hotspur center mid who having a nightmare about is about as rational as thinking that Lamar Odom is the LA Laker that can hurt you the most. I don't understand it. At all.

Bradley's lineup reflects his "skeptics" be damned approach: We can't lose if we don't get scored on. Problem is-- even a draw makes the future of South Africa 2010 dicey. The U.S. central midfield tonight-- of Ricardo Clark of MLS acclaim and..you got it-- Pablo Mastroeni of MLS acclaim and of late age--- reflects Bradley's concern with containing Palacios, controlling the ball, and more or less cowering in fear that his son can't play in the game tonight. Maybe he's concerned with Amado Guevara, his former pupil at the Metrostars, who Bradley concedes is always capable, even at 33, (UH HUH--33) of making "special plays." His play is coupled with Palacios-- the Tottenham man whose pace and physical style of play is seldom seen in MLS and will test even the physically tough Carlos Bocanegra and Gooch. With the technically sound Ramon Nunez in the mix for the Catrachos, Honduras have more than enough firepower to attempt to take the game to what can only be called a psychologically damaged American defense that was shred at the Saprissa three nights ago. Make no mistake-- this is the best Honduras side in years-- a side with great experience and a team buzzing with confidence after crushing Mexico in their last qualifier. They are also the last side to defeat the Yanks on American soil.

So Bradley has gone defensive-- and while I love the back four (personally feeling it is the best back four we've fielded in the Bradley era) of Spector, Boca, Gooch and the speedy and at times menacing Jon Bornstein, who is in top form-- I have no idea where the offense will come from off a bench that somehow excluded Freddy Adu (who was productive in Costa Rica) and Jose Francisco Torres (who was a steadying force in the midfield before questionably being yanked in Costa Rica). Conor Casey's call up may excite MLS fans-- but half his league leading MLS goals have come against questionable defending and the in-form Brian McBride would have been a more logical late call-up.

With Brian Ching out, the haters will be happy and the honest will be upset-- and I understand that finding a partner for Altidore means perhaps the young Casey, who can be described really as "Ching Light", was likely a tough call. That said, it is nearly inexcusable that Bradley has risked it all on him performing, leaving the only truly viable options offensively on the bench the midfield tandem of Klejstan and DeMarcus Beasley.

The absences of Edu, Ching and Hejduk-- again-- hurt badly. At least two of those will likely start if we qualify. I understand that makes finding a lineup tough, especially sans the ball-hawking Bradley. But we'll soon see if Bradley's risk it all on a 1-0 result, which is, upon the eyeball test, what this lineup looks like--- is enough. Certainly, Jurgen Klinsmann is watching.

On to the anthems. Let's hope Clint and Landon finish the job.

Chicago: Information Regarding Supporter Gatherings

Two small things of note this morning:

a) If you are headed to Chicago for the game-- there will be a supporter party thrown by The American Outlaws tonight @ the Small Bar on Division street.

Consider this a "shameless plug" for the Outlaws if you haven't yet heard about them-- they are the "other" Sam's Army, but not in the second-fiddle negative way. Membership is fifteen a year and comes with a free t-shirt, and many of us are outright cotton whores, which is more or less the reason we all did things, such as go on that date function with you-know-who in college... I digress. T-Shirts are good. And you support the US of A. There is also a Fire v. Dynamo game @ Toyota Park and there is a special deal for American Outlaw and Sam's Army US supporters and members.

b) Day of the game: American Outlaws Party @ Weather Mark Tavern. The address for that joint is 1503 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL. The owner of the bar is a member of Sam's Army and has agreed to open the bar up @ 11 A.M. the day of the game instead of twelve. So get out there and meet some people and cheer on the Yanks. Heaven knows they need your support tomorrow more than ever.

More on the Honduras game later on. Maybe even Jon "The Dude" Levy will drop by. Who knows? Let's not get crazy....

June Yankette of the Month- Megan Fox

What? Did something bad happen last night ? It isn't like the National Team began the most important month of soccer they have until next year's World Cup by losing so soundly that a defeat Saturday actually makes qualifying quite difficult and the Costa Rican National Team makes you quiver about playing Brazil in two weeks, is it ?

Good. In the name of a fit Brian Ching, I assure you I almost panicked for a moment there.

In all seriousness, who better to turn to for proof that Americans are still capable of the magnificent than Tennessean Megan Fox, who may actually be attractive enough to convince me to go see a movie about a possessed cheerleader... but that's neither here nor there.

I will not be depressed.
I will not be depressed.



I am no longer depressed. God Bless America. I love hot pockets and waffles.

Important Programming Note for Costa Rica Match

The unfortunate defeat of Stacy Nelson and the Florida Gators in the Woman's College World Series means that ESPN has moved the US game tonight from ESPN to ESPN 2. There will be a pre-game show starting at 9:30 PM on ESPN 2 and kickoff from San Jose, Costa Rica is scheduled for 10:06 PM EDT.

Clint Dempsey Named Fulham Player of the Year

Congratulations to Deuce-- no one has worked harder and deserves their spot in Europa more. His two goal games against Manchester City and against Chelsea in Fulham's 2-0 win proved to be very critical indeed, as the Cottagers secured passage into Europe's second biggest championship.

His play has earned him extremely high praise from Roy Hodgson, who notes his speed, awareness, and defensive tenacity have all improved since he arrived from across the pond, and these things, coupled with him being a "constant menace" offensively-- have earned him the honor from the Fulham fans as "Man of the Year."

Once More Into The Breach....

Or the Cauldron, if you will. Less than a day from now the Yanks will be fully engaged in their toughest qualifying test to date-- a night match in San Jose, Costa Rica at the fabled Saprissa, a venue where the United States have never taken even a point in World Cup Qualifying play.

What is certainly true is that all qualifying campaigns have their Shakespearean "once more into the breach" moments-- and for the Yanks, it doubtlessly begins tomorrow. Participation in the Confederations Cup (a test that in and of itself would be more than enough for even a bolder side) has shortened rest afforded the Americans by a day-- and as such the Yanks play Wednesday and Saturday instead of the June 6 and June 10 fixtures that await other CONCACAF sides. What this means essentially is that the Yanks play Los Ticos tomorrow evening in a 25,000 man mad-house of horrors with all the amenities: plastic field turf, temperatures in the 80s with intense humidity and perhaps tropical rain, flares, chain length fences, pounding drums, and for at least a few Americans, the nightmare of a 3-0 defeat in 2005. While that trip's beating meant little as the Yanks had assured themselves of qualifying-- it means much more tomorrow, especially given the last side to topple the Giants of CONCACAF on U.S. soil is the rested team they will play Saturday night in front of 60,000 (Mostly friendly) plus @ Soldier Field in Chicago.

There are essentially two ways to look at the next two matches. First, there is the common notion that the Americans ought to play for a point. A point in the Cauldron means the U.S. retain their lead in the Hexagon and come home, knowing that three points holding serve nearly assures them a trip to South Africa.

The second is that a point is disappointing for a program that has done everything you could want regionally except win in Estadio Azteca, (where they have, you should note, at least secured a point in qualifying) and that the logical next progression in become a force in the World is winning in the Saprissa. Let's call this the "Rule with an iron fist" way of looking at the match.

History indicates a point would be a fantastic and positive result. In 2000, with a point certainly there for the taking, the Americans were victimized by the intensity of the Saprissa. Greg Berhalter was penalized for a handball that ultimately led to the Americans defeat. Bruce Arena remains convinced that the "handball" was a result of the ruthless chanting and threatening Tico supporters-- who are about as close to the field at the Saprissa as the Cameron Crazies are to the basketball court. Only difference is once you get past the face paint and the 1500 SAT Score level insults-- the Cameron Crazies don't really make you fear to be alive.

So, think like-- Cameron Crazies, except more drunk and with drums and knives and stuff.



The bottom line is thus far-- the best three sides in CONCACAF have all held serve at home with 6, 6 and 3 points respectively. All the panic in Mexico is all the more laughable given that El Tri won comfortably in their only home qualifier. This places great pressure on Bob Bradley's side (and Costa Rica too- depending on how you want to look at it) to get at least one win in the next two matches. The failure to secure at least three points of the next two means the U.S. could be looking at the CONCACAF 4th place vs. South America 5th place qualifying playoff-- a terrifying result given that those spots appear to be a battle between two very solid teams, Columbia and Uruguay. If the Yanks do fail-- the qualifying journey that started so splendidly in Columbus against Mexico becomes a full-scale assault, with a Confederations Cup and a Gold Cup in between to let the panic fester.

The pressure on the U.S. is magnified by a variety of fitness issues. Frankie Hejduk has a groin injury and appears poised to miss at least the trip to San Jose. While he will travel with the Yanks from their training launching pad in Miami, (where they've been running around on field turf for a week waiting on the European contingent to fully arrive) he will not suit up and will hope to recover fully by Chicago. His absence is further complicated by the continued injury problems that sidelined Steve Cherundolo for yet another training camp, and the knee injury to Mo Edu, one of the Yanks in best form abroad, which will keep him out at least until Saturday while Rangers doctors figure out the extent of the injury across the pond in Glasgow. If his physical goes poorly-- he could be out for the Confederations Cup, which brings along with it the headache of finding a suitable replacement for that tournament as well.

On top of the Hejduk/Cherundolo/Edu fitness issues, you have Jozy Altidore, who for reasons known only to our Lord has not played a match since the U.S. April win over Trinidad and Tobago. Even discounting the rust, he had a minor toe surgery and is not yet up to 100 percent fitness. This likely means Landon Donovan in a CF/Shadow Striker role with Brian Ching holding the ball up, and the Americans cynically moving forward when they can tomorrow evening. Ching's fitness and effort is never an issue, and his Hawai'i roots and the fact he's played all over the continent for the Dynamo, who play in the oven that is Houston, mean the weather, heat, and venue won't effect him-- but it is likely the Yanks will still be shy in attack.





All the doomsday aside-- the Americans are deeper now and they finally have players who can drive the attack when the main engines aren't ready to run. They finally have defenders who excel internationally, instead of withering after one splendid half. (I'm still looking at you Jon Bornstein!!) Clint Dempsey's form at Fulham this spring was nothing short of spectacular, Tim Howard led an Everton side whose injuries made the Yanks look like they had a couple guys with stubbed toes to the FA CUP Finals, and both Carlos Bocanegra and Gooch won championships abroad. Michael Bradley was instrumental in helping Gladbach avoid Bundesliga relegation. So there are reasons for a sunny disposition as the Yanks head for the Saprissa in the hot and rainy season.

All said-- a bold challenge for the Yanks tomorrow night as they head into the breach of their most brutal month until South Africa 2010. More on the game, and a projected starting 11, tomorrow. And of course, June Yankette of the Month coming soon.