Five Keys to a US Win Over Ghana

Today's US vs. Ghana match is expected be filled with intensity and drama to the final whistle. The US is looking for revenge since getting knocked out by Ghana in the 2006 World Cup.  Just like playoffs in other sports, the emotions will be heightened. The stakes are higher because lose and your done. Win and you move on the Quarterfinals and that much closer to the prize. If the US are going to win against Ghana they are going to have to play their best game as a team.  Here are my five keys to a US Win over Ghana.

1. Organization - the US defense will need to stay composed and remain organized as a unit to withstand Ghana's attack.
2. Control midfield -Michael Bradley has been excellent in midfield. Fighting for every ball and distributing passes to the forwards. He will need to settle the game and pick his opportunities to go forward.
3. Take advantage of opportunities - Teams do not get that many chances in big games. The ones who take advantage end up winning. The US must pounce on every lose ball in Ghana's box and pressure Ghana's fullbacks.
4. Tim Howard - Howard has been the main reason for the US winning Group C and advancing in the tournament. He must come up big once again. The US will count on Howard to take control of the defense and distribute balls to start a counter attack.                      
5. Keep emotions in check - This is one of the biggest games in US soccer history. The players know the immense pressure of winning. They will need to play with urgency yet keep their emotions under control.
Enjoy the moment because the US fans are enjoying the ride.

Go USA!! We will be cheering.

Great Day for USA Soccer

This was a great day for US soccer. It was a scoreless thriller until the 92nd minute when Landon Donovan buried a shot in the back of the net. The US had many chances throughout the game so it was fitting for them to score.

Even if you are not a soccer fan you've got to admire the US's desire to win.  They never let up against a pesky Slovenia team which seemed to be playing for a scoreless tie.  The US win not only kept the US alive for the knockout stage but won Group C despite England's disregard for the rest of the group.


When the World Cup group C draw was made last year, England and their fans all but had the group won and were focusing on who they would be playing in the knockout stage. They overlooked a resilient, gritty, USA team hungry to make a mark in South Africa after disappointing performances in the last two World Cups. So now both the US and England move on to the next round. Drama and excitement will surely be ratcheted up a couple notches in the knockout stage.

Next up, US vs Ghana on Saturday.

Go USA!

Don't Ban the Vuvuzelas

I read today that FIFA and the World Cup organizing committee are considering banning the vuvuzelas at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. My hope is that they don't. Now, I agree that the African horns are loud and make it sound like South Africa is being invaded by giant killer bees. In fact my ears have been buzzing since the first game last week. Even when I'm sleeping. 

Granted some players have complained they couldn't hear the referee's whistle, but I hope the FIFA committee listens to reason and allows the fans to continue to blow the horns with all their hearts. FIFA had discussed banning the plastic horns weeks before the World Cup began and decided not to. It would be unfair to the fans to ban them now. Fans should be allowed to express themselves in supporting their teams, even if it means hearing nothing but buzzing for the rest of the tournament.

If it's not the vuvuzelas it's the squirrelly Adidas ball "causing" the lack of quality play in the group stage. Or maybe the South African sun is too bright.  

What's next - the grass was cut too perfect?

World Cup 2010, Let the Games Begin

On the eve of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the excitement is building across every continent. The World Cup will provide South Africa with a chance to display its rich diverse culture and thirst for world soccer. 

All competing players and teams will play inspired soccer for their country. Players dream of their chances of winning the World Cup. Going into the tournament there are the usual favorites; Italy, Brazil, Germany, Spain. Then there are the countries with high expectations to do well such as: Portugal, England, Netherlands, France, Argentina and USA. Team USA will have to play its best if it wants to make it out of the group stage. And don't forget the African teams Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and the host nation, South Africa.
 

For those that are not familiar with soccer or the World Cup, I encourage you to watch at least one game. World Cup 2010 Schedule  
The World Cup is a special sporting event that rivals the Olympics in its worldly appeal. Yes, some of the fans can be zealous but that is a result of the passion that fans feel for the "beautiful game" or maybe its due to excessive beer consumption. 


You will see the biggest stars of the game, dazzle with uncanny ball control and precision passing. 
Here's my list of some players to watch for:

• Wayne Rooney, England - very tough, great skill and always hungry to score. 
• Cristiano Ronaldo, Portgual - one of the best dribblers and free kick specialist in the world, if he can keep his ego in check.  
• Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast - recently broke a bone in his elbow but will play. Drogba has exceptional shooting skills, hard to defend on headers and tough as nails. 
• Landon Donavon, USA - in my opinion the best player the US has ever had. Gives effort till the final whistle, a true play maker and can score goals. If he gets space and the US is in an attacking mindset then they'll have a chance.
• Lionel Messi, Argentina - probably my favorite player in the world. Player of the year, great passer, gets shots off quickly, great dribbling ability in tight spaces. His most endearing trait, small ego.
• Andres Iniesta, Spain - a teammate of Messi's at Barcelona, one of the top midfielders in the world, does not lack in any skill, reads the game very well. Has the ability to control the game from midfield.
• Gianluigi Buffon, Italy - one of the likable personalities of the game. Excellent goalkeeper in big games. 

  The 2010 world Cup will be watched by millions of people around the world. From the rich to the poor the excitement for soccer is the same.   For one month, starting June 11 to the final game on July 11 in Johannesburg the world will be watching and cheering. Will you?


Go USA!