Preview: USA vs. Mexico at the Azteca

            On Wednesday, the United States and Mexico are set to face off in another chapter of the two nations’ heated rivalry, one that seems to be reaching a boiling point.  The World Cup qualifier will take place at 4 pm ET in Mexico City at the Azteca Stadium, where the United States has gone 0-19-1 since 1937. 

            If there was ever a time for the Americans to end their winless streak, it is now.  After beating Spain and pushing Brazil to the brink in this summer’s Confederations Cup, soccer in America is at an all-time high.  The Yanks must feed of this success to overcome the nation’s biggest sporting challenge ever, and also to show that their brilliance this June was no fluke.  After an American b-squad suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat to the Mexicans on home soil in the Gold Cup final two weeks ago, a strong response this Wednesday at the Azteca would be ideal, to say the least.

            Here is my recipe for American success on Wednesday:  The Americans should organize a traditional 4-4-2.  We need Oguchi Onyewu and Jay Demerit as our center backs.  With Demerit starting alongside Gooch, Bocanegra is able to start as an outside back, where he plays with Stade Rennais in France.  (While often a center back with the national team, Bocanegra is much better on the outside.)  Jonathan Spector, the former Manchester United man, will then be the remaining outside back.

            In the midfield, we need Donovan and Dempsey on the wings, with Michael Bradley and Ricardo Clark in the middle, where Clark should take on a more defensive role and Bradley then just in front.  The key for Bradley, though, is not to become too offensive.  He makes brilliant runs through the middle in attack, which he should absolutely continue to do, but if he can remain defensive with Clark at times, the two of them can free up space for Donovan and Dempsey, our team’s two best playmakers.

            Up top, we then should have Jozy Altidore and Charlie Davies.  As two of America’s up-and-coming talents, these guys love working together.  I expect Altidore to use his strength to get rough with the Mexican defense.  Once the Mexicans become preoccupied with the big man, Davies will be terrific at latching onto the resulting extra space.

            Timmy Tourettes is a given in goal.  I don’t need to explain why.

            Now, Bob Bradley knows that this is his best squad, so expect to see an identical XI on the pitch come 4:00 Wednesday afternoon.  However, it all gets tricky with substitutions, Bradley’s biggest weakness as a coach.  Against Brazil in the Confederations Cup, all Bradley’s second-half replacements were absolutely ineffective and ultimately, disrupted the chemistry of the American team.

            First of all, if Altidore shows any hesitancy, I want him out come halftime.  When the big man is on, he is on.  But when he is off his game, do not expect any quick turnaround.  Work ethic is an area where the 19-year needs quite a bit of improvement.

            Secondly, I know he plays with AGF and Denmark is hard to find on the map, but don’t forget about Benny Feilhaber.  He is easily good enough to be in the United States’ starting squad.  So with his flexibility, if any midfielder needs to come off, I want Feilhaber to be his replacement.

            And lastly, if a third substitution is to be made, Jose Francesco Torres is the man.  Now, the issue is, while Torres may be my man in this situation, he certainly is not Bob Bradley’s man.  The Mexican-American midfielder has got the skills (and even the smarts to avoid MLS and play with Pachuca in the Mexican Primera), but for some reason cannot find the pitch with the national team.  Torres, while choosing to represent the red, white, and blue, will be keen to impress on his ancestral ground.

            This formula will give the Americans their best chance to succeed.  But perhaps in what cannot be strategized, confidence will be the biggest asset for the United States.  On Wednesday, the game will be played in traditional mid-day scorching Mexican heat, at a high altitude familiar to the El Tri, in front of over 100,000 red and green supporters.  After all, this is the Azteca.  But for the Americans to succeed, this cannot be the place of 20 games and zero wins.  Remember, the pitch is always neutral ground.  God bless us, I hope we win.

Top 10 Things to Watch in 2009-10

The 2009-10 campaign is beginning.  Here are your top 10 things to watch this season:

10) Ronaldinho Revival?: AC Milan insist that their club is in no danger following the loss of Kaka to Real Madrid.  Rossonerri officials claim that Ronaldinho is due to take over his countryman’s old roles.  Ronny has not lost his magic, but rather any desire it seems over the past two years.  Could this year be a revival for the two time FIFA World Player of the Year?

9) Testing Year for Managers: This year looks to be a test for several of Europe’s biggest managers.  1) Can Sir Alex, facing his biggest challenge in recent years, overcome the loss of his best player and live up to his status as the world’s best manager?  2) Arsene Wenger finds his depleted club’s Big Four status being challenged, a drop that would be devastating.  3) And while there is a short leash on managers these days, Jose Mourinho faces the task of winning the Champions League with Inter Milan, a trophy he was solely brought in to win.

8) Landon Donovan: Like his Galaxy teammate (see #6), Donovan may be leaving Los Angeles following the MLS season.  He has expressed his desire to play with a top club in Europe and if there has ever been a time for him, it is now.

7) Americans Abroad: Onyewu and Altidore: Oguchi Onyewu and Jozy Altidore have been the highlights of American soccer during the summer transfer window.  Onyewu has signed on with Italian giant AC Milan, the biggest club for an American field player ever.  And Altidore, perhaps America’s most promising talent, hopes to ply his trade in the Premier League as a first team regular with Hull City.

6) David Beckham: Obviously unsatisfied in Los Angeles and keen to represent England in South Africa next summer, David Beckham looks to be returning to Europe following the conclusion of the MLS season.  Will he return to AC Milan?  He has also been linked with Tottenham and Chelsea.

5) World Cup Draw: On December 4, we will have the draw for the biggest sporting event in the world.  This discussion should give me a good six months of material.

4) Ronaldo Re-born: Look for Ronaldo to be better than ever this season.  While quite good last year, the Portuguese winger was clearly unhappy in Manchester (as reports now suggest his Madrid transfer was agreed last summer).  Finally settled where he wants to be, Ronaldo will be more motivated than ever to shine wearing the kit of his boyhood club.

3) Big Four No More?: It seems preposterous to suggest such a thing, but many argue that if ever, this year is the year.  Manchester City have enjoyed an enormous spending spree this summer (which is still not finished may I add), and entering the season they field a scary-good squad.  Coincidentally, Arsenal find themselves weak with an injury-prone line-up and no summer reinforcements.  England also find themselves with a de-strengthened top four, setting up for a more level table.  How opportunistic for City.

2) Lionel Messi vs. Christiano Ronaldo: The two best players in the world are now in the same league on separate teams in football’s biggest rivalry.  Brilliant.

1) Barcelona vs. Real Madrid (See Below)

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

            Of all the things to look forward to as we near the beginning of the European football season, none may be as exciting as the battle we anticipate in La Liga between rival giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.  Spain plays host to some quite attractive football, and I despise the fact that much is lost on 18 of La Liga’s 20 teams, but this year more than ever, the title chase will be a two-horse race.  Unlike past years, however, the battle for the Spanish crown looks to be more competitive than ever.

            Reigning champions Barcelona will not be defending just their domestic title, but a League Cup title and the Champions League crown as well.  The winners of the Spanish treble last season look stronger than ever heading into the 2009-10 campaign.

            Ironically, though, while the Catalonian club seem at the height of their power, it is their domestic rivals who have dominated the attention of the media this summer.  Florentino Perez has resumed his role as chairman of Real Madrid, and with a number of eye-opening signings, has prepared his club to dominate European football with a side themed by his 400 million euro spending-spree.

            On August 29, the madness is set to begin.  Who has the edge?  We break it down for you in the following…

 

Squad: Real Madrid

            On paper, it is no doubt that Real are the stronger squad.  Do I need remind you who they’ve signed this summer?  An attacking trio of Christiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Karim Benzema is enough to make opposing defenses shit their pants, and a defense of Pepe, Raul Albiol, Sergio Ramos, and Alvaro Arbeloa is not too shabby either.

            The big question, though, is if these big names will gel on the field.  In this respect, Barcelona are not too far behind Real.  A well-coached squad that features the likes of Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front may actually be enough to rival that of their title-challengers.

Coach: Barcelona

            Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola defied all expectations last year winning the Spanish treble in his first A-team managerial stint ever.  His side plays a quite attractive style of football, if I must say, too.  He undoubtedly has the edge over Real coach Manuel Pelegrini, who, win or lose, will most likely be fired.

Trophies: Real Madrid

            As the most successful club in Spanish history, Real Madrid have the edge here.  Their trophy case features 31 domestic titles, 17 Spanish cups, nine European championships, and two UEFA Cup titles.  In lieu of this, FIFA named them the most successful club of the 20^th century.

History… is on Barca’s side, though.  In this respect, the only statistic you need to know is this: Last time Real attempted Los Galacticos, beginning in 2000, they won two major trophies in seven years.

            So who’s better?  Take your pick, really. 

            I still baffle at the Real roster, but I honestly expect their season to be a bit more modest than what the names on their shirts suggest.  Ultimately, I question Perez’s recipe for success.  His big signings undoubtedly are a great bit of business (Ronaldo’s jersey sales eclipsed his 80 million euro transfer fee in a few days upon his signing) and the football will be a joy to watch, but I reiterate my fourth point in the above comparison.  Perez’s last attempt at Los Galacticos did not consistently bring home big trophies.  And to reference a more current example, look at Chelsea, who boast England’s biggest names on paper, only to go trophy-less the past three seasons.

            In conclusion, I’ll make a couple predictions.  But let me first say, in the world of football, the unexpected is more likely to happen (stay tuned for one of my coming articles, which will feature my analysis for the 2009-10 season).  Here goes: Barca and Real will split decisions head-to-head, and in the end, Barcelona will win the league by a small margin.  In Europe, however, I expect a Madrid side hungry for victory in a final that will take place at the Bernabeu to win the Champions League.  Honestly, though, your guess is as good as mine.  But most importantly, enjoy the football.  It will be a thrilling year in La Liga.

Donovan Enjoys a Knuck-Sandwich

            The name Landon Donovan will always spark a debate between many soccer fans here in the States.  You either love him, or you hate him.  The LA Galaxy forward has endured harsh criticism throughout his career for being soft, immature, inconsistent, etc.  I admit that I, too, once branded him "Landycakes."

            This year, however, Donovan has been reborn.  He has been spectacular for both the United States and the Los Angeles Galaxy.  Look for Landon to go abroad following the MLS season this year.  Can he do it?  According to Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola he "absolutely definitely" could.  

            So in effort to silence some of his critics, check out his latest goal for the Galaxy against the Revolution right here.  Fast forward to the 1:20 mark on the video.  It is a strike of brilliance.

Americans Abroad re-issue: Jozy Altidore (Hull City)

I earlier wrote an article about Altidore’s move to Olympiacos (see "Jozy Altidore to Olympiacos" in July's archive on the left-hand column), which now has proven untrue.  I assume that this time, the reports of his move (to Hull City) are legitimate, and hopefully so is my article.

 

            It appears that Jozy Altidore is headed to England now that the striker has completed a yearlong loan deal to the Premier League’s Hull City from Villareal.  While earlier reports indicating that Altidore had signed with Greek powerhouse Olympiacos now prove premature, the same bittersweet reaction lingers upon the news of his move to Hull.

            It seems hypocritical to question Altidore’s move now that he has gone to England, the destination many (mistakenly) criticized him for not choosing upon his supposed-move to Greece.  However, Hull seem one of the Premier League sides most susceptible to relegation as the new season nears.  After winning only two games the final seven months of the season, Hull barely escaped relegation finishing 17^th by one point.  What’s more, though, is that Hull have not been able to improve their side this offseason as expected.  Altidore is clearly no first-choice signing, as the majority of Hull’s targets have spurned the Tigers’ offers this summer.

            There are positives to Altidore’s move, however.  Despite a terrible finish last year, Hull did show quite a bit of promise opening their campaign with wins over the likes of Fulham, Tottenham, Arsenal, and West Ham.  By late October the Tigers found themselves tied atop the Premier League, in third place only on goal-difference.

            As for Altidore, with his big body and speed he is an ideal target man in England’s fast-paced, long-ball league.  The American should also fancy linking up with Brazilian playmaker Geovanni, who, despite his club’s troubles last year, had a magnificent season individually. Most importantly, though, Altidore should find a good bit of playing time this season with a Hull squad lacking quality up top.

            Altidore, nevertheless, is optimistic about his new opportunity, indicating his excitement on his Twitter page in recent days.  And naturally, this may be the most important factor to his finding success.  It is certainly a possibility that the American striker expects his stay at Hull to be no longer than his yearloan indicates, rather using this move as a way to attract attention from bigger English clubs.  On the other hand, though, while Hull, entering only their second year in the Premier League ever, appear to be a weak side, their progress amongst the English ranks could be similar to that of Fulham’s in recent years (a team who struggled upon their EPL debut, only to, a few years later, be competing in Europe).  Whatever the case, Jozy Altidore is finally in the English Premier League, where he should be, and this coming season looks to be an enormous breakthrough in his young, promising career.

Season Previews / Guest Articles

Hey guys.  

I know the site has only gone public as of last week and I don't have too many followers yet, but I'm always trying to expand and build the American hooligan scene.  I'm looking for guest articles to provide a season preview of your favorite club as the 2009-10 European campaign approaches.  As of now, I expect to have ones for Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Diego if you would like Real Madrid, maybe Barcelona if my Columbian friend isn't too lazy, maybe Arsenal if my Japanese friend isn't too lazy either, and I will provide a Fulham season preview.  That really isn't much, so tell your friends and have them tell their friends, and have them tell their moms, and have them tell the ladies at the weekly book club meeting, and hopefully I can gather a bit more of a following.  Thanks.

Will.

Alonso Transfer is Defensive Deal of the Summer

            In a summer highlighted by big spending for attack-minded players, Xabi Alonso’s move from Liverpool to Real Madrid is the most significant transfer concerning the defensive side of play this offseason.  The latest, and supposed last purchase for Real Madrid’s Los Galacticos revival, the Spanish international has left Liverpool for a 30 million euro fee.  Alonso is a tremendous addition for the Spanish giants, while his departure from Anfield is a crushing blow to the Reds.

            While listed as a central midfielder, Alonso is quite talented in a holding role, providing a unique combination of playmaking abilities with solid defensive tactics.  At Liverpool, Alonso’s contribution as a defensive midfielder was crucial in freeing up space for his teammates in front of him, and it looks like he will perform similar duties at Real this coming season.  Real, while fancying the addition of new forward-trio Christiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Karim Benzema, do have somewhat skimpy defensive forces.  However, defensively, Alonso’s inclusion into the squad may prove more significant than that of any other natural back-line player.

            Last season, Liverpool experienced enormous success with an inventive 4-2-3-1 formation, but it looks as if Real will steal their thunder this coming year.  The genius in such a set-up for the Reds was that, with two terrific defensive midfielders in Javier Mascherano and Alonso, himself, anchoring the middle of the field, Steven Gerrard was given the space and freedom to roam, while feeding the ball in to a deadly Fernando Torres up top.  As for Real, with a roster featuring many new personnel, it seems that they will sport a similar formation this season: Their back four should remain the same, with Alonso and Lassana Diarra in front.  From right to left, Ronaldo, Kaka, and either Sneijder or Robben (whomever is not sold) will play across the midfield.  And Benzema should be the lone striker (once Real find the least-unethical way to shoo Raul away from the club).  Surely, on paper this looks like Europe’s strongest squad.

            Things do not looks so good for Liverpool, though.  With Alonso’s departure, the Reds find themselves in a world of hurt.  Reports indicate that Alberto Aquilani of AS Roma is set to move to Anfield as Alonso’s replacement, yet he is admittedly not of the same quality as his predecessor.  Liverpool at least hope he should fit into Alonso’s abandoned defensive role.  If not, though, Steven Gerrard’s freedom to play-make will be limited.  This could be quite destructive to Liverpool’s intricately designed attack.

            Naturally, though, who can blame Alonso?  Apparently, moving to Spain at the expense of England is the trend this summer, and the Spaniard returns home part of a Real Madrid side poised to make history.  Now with a bit of defensive strengthening, ironically a foreign concept to Los Galacticos methods, Real look an even more threatening side for the 2009-10 campaign.