A great win over Spain … now can the U.S surprise some more?
June 25, 2009
The Confederations Cup, effectively a warm-up tournament for the World Cup, rarely captures the imagination but fans in the United States aren’t lacking enthusiasm for the tournament after their team produced a major upset by defeating European champions Spain 2-0.
Goals from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey ended Spain’s world record run of 15 successive victories and their 35-match unbeaten sequence, a world record streak they share with Brazil. That run has taken Spain to world number one in FIFA’s global rankings.
So a major upset — but just how big a surprise was it?
Our man at the game, global soccer editor Mike Collett, poses the question by putting the U.S’s victory in historical context — North Korea beating Italy in the 1966 World Cup probably takes the prize for this reporter and the fact that the Confederations Cup is a lesser tournament than the World Cup probably weakens the case for this win being among the very greatest upset ever. But regardless of the global-historical rating there is less doubt that, as Mike argues, the win is the biggest for United States since the 1950 shock over England in the World Cup finals.
The U.S have pulled off a few surprises since then, though, and Kartik Krishnaiyer at MLS Talk lists the main triumphs. As Kartik notes, a 3-0 win over Argentina in the 1995 Copa America was a particularly impressive result for a team which had yet to make a real impact in a World Cup. But probably the best U.S result, up until Wednesday, taking into account the importance of the match, was the 3-2 win over Portugal in the 2002 World Cup.
The inevitable question then arises, could this result mark the turning point for soccer in the United States?
Certainly those sceptics who discount the United States as an emerging force in the game solely because they play most of their football against supposedly weak opposition in the CONCACAF region, will be given cause to think again. I’ve long argued that the U.S are at least on a level with the second tier nations in Europe — the Swiss, the Scandinavians, the Belgians, the Austrians and the most of the teams from Eastern Europe and results in friendly games back up that view.
It should also be pointed out that CONCACAF isn’t entirely made up of ‘minnows’ — the likes of Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica are, when things are together on and off the field, teams capable of holding their own against most international sides.
So in terms of the credibility and reputation of the U.S team, this win should earn some additional respect for Bob Bradley’s side — especially if it is followed by a decent display in Sunday’s final against Brazil or South Africa.
Whether there is any knock-on effect for the domestic game is another matter entirely. It will take more than a single surprise result to change the habits of American sports fans and people with no interest in the game aren’t suddenly going to start attending Major League Soccer matches because of a win over Spain.
But — and this is where the fortunes of the US national team and those of MLS do intertwine — the result could serve as a wake-up call to those thousands of fans of international soccer, living in the U.S but with little interest in the domestic game. I am talking primarily of the still largely untapped Latin American market which produces impressive television ratings for international games but also of those young fans of the English Premier League and Champions League who just haven’t been turned on to MLS or the US national team.
If Bob Bradley’s team can build on this result, complete their qualifying for the World Cup in style and then make an impact again next year in South Africa, those fans will be tempted to start following the domestic competition much more actively, especially if some of the best American players can be persuaded (financially of course) to return to or stay in MLS.
Until then, don’t bet against some more surprises from this American team. It may lack big names, outstanding talent and be a little short on flair but as they showed against the Spaniards they have determination, solid organisation and impressive fitness — all qualities ideally suited to the specific demands of tournament football.
PHOTO: Jozy Altidore (R) celebrates with team mate Charlie Davies after scoring for the U.S. against Spain in their Confederations Cup semi-final at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, June 24, 2009. REUTERS/Jerry Lampen
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Master meets pupil as Brazil face S.Africa
June 25, 2009
JOHANNESBURG (AFP) – Former coach Carlos Alberto Parreira promised to introduce South Africa to ’samba football’, a mission pursued by his successor, Joel Santana.
Well at Ellis Park on Thursday the willing pupil will have the chance to test precisely how much they’ve learned when they take on the country who invented the concept.
The smart and not so smart money is on Brazil overpowering South Africa in this Confederations Cup semi-final to set up a dream final Sunday with Spain, favourites to beat the United States on Wednesday.
But this 2009 Confed Cup has been nothing if not unpredictable – witness the USA’s advance to the last four at the expense of world champions and African champions Italy and Egypt.
South Africa owe their presence here to having narrowly shaded Iraq on goal difference to emerge as Group A runners-up after goalless draws against the Asian champions, a 2-0 win over New Zealand and a 2-0 loss to Spain.
Brazil strode imperiously through Group B, following up the last minute 4-3 victory over Egypt with 3-0 drubbings of the USA and then astonishingly Italy.
That has left Kaka and company in prime shape to defend the title they collected in Germany four years ago, but South Africa are counting on their vibrant and colourful support and some class acts like Everton’s Steven Pienaar, Bernard Parker and Teko Modise to help them dethrone the five time world champions.
The last time the hosts and holders met was back in 1996 in Joburg when South Africa, with Lucas Radebe and Doctor Khumalo on board, were leading a Brazil side captained by Dunga two nil at half time only to go down 3-2.
Santana, constantly criticised in the local media for his defensive tactics, is talking a big game ahead of what promises to be an electric encounter at a sold-out Ellis Park.
“We deserve to be in the semi-finals, we got four points,” said the Brazilian.
“We outplayed New Zealand. We beat them 2-0, but could have scored six while Iraq were totally negative.
“I am happy to be in the semi-finals, I could have been heading home. But now I am looking forward to a major semi-final of a big FIFA event.”
Dunga rates his compatriot highly as a manager and is wary of the threat presented by his team.
“South Africa are an emerging team, but we know they will give us a difficult test.
“They’re strong, quick and they will have the crowd behind them. But we’ll be well prepared. Brazil have a very strong squad, which helps in a tournament like this. Every player in the squad is a first-teamer.”
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Iran denies punishing ´green´ players
June 25, 2009
TEHRAN (AFP) – The head of Iran’s football federation has denied punishing players for wearing green wristbands in a show of support of the opposition during a World Cup qualifier, according to local media.
“The comments in foreign media are nothing but lies and a mischievous act,” Ali Kafashin was quoted as saying. “The federation has not banned any player from the national team.”
Football’s world governing body FIFA wrote to the Iranians to seek answers over alleged punishments meted out to players who wore green wristbands during the 2010 World Cup qualifier against South Korea last week, reflecting their support for opposition presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.
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Japanese, Korean clubs remain on course for glory
June 25, 2009
TOKYO (AFP) – Japanese clubs remain on course to continue their AFC Champions League success after two J-League clubs booked quarter-final berths despite defeat for defending champions Gamba Osaka.
Osaka crashed out of the competition 3-2 to fellow J-League outfit Kawasaki Frontale Wednesday while Nagoya Grampus beat South Korea’s Suwon Samsung Bluewings 2-1 to book their place in September’s quarter-finals.
South Korea’s K-League also has two teams through to the last eight with victories for FC Seoul and Pohang Steelers.
The Japanese and Korean sides will battle it out against west zone teams Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, Umm Salal of Qatar, and Pakhtakor and Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan.
Kawasaki Frontale coach Takashi Sekizuka was delighted with his team’s result.
“Winning such an important game today will bring us good confidence, and we?d like to move on and keep fighting hard as a representative of the J-League clubs and Japan,” Sekizuka said.
Dejected Osaka coach Akira Nishino said: “Key players came back from injuries and we played better than I had expected. But we lost goals when my players slowed down in the second half.”
“But it was our best eleven. I was really disappointed, because we cannot play in the Champions League any more while we are regaining our best form,” he added.
Following his side’s clash against Suwon Bluewings, Nagoya’s Serbian coach Dragan Stojkovic said his side had come through a hard battle.
“It was really a tough game but we ended with a win. It gives us a lot of confidence to reach the last eight in Asia.”
Seoul’s Turkish coach Senol Gunes, who oversaw a 5-4 win for his side on penalties after a 2-2 draw against Kashima Antlers, predicted that the winner of the game would go on to lift the trophy.
“It was an exciting game between the top teams from the K-League and the J-League,” said Gunes. “I said before that the winners of this game will reach the final. I still think so.”
“We are going to take game by game to challenge further. It will be good for the team to have a dream (to win the Champions League),” he said.
“In this Champions League, I think Kashima Antlers and FC Seoul are the two strongest teams, so I don’t expect us to have a tougher game than today’s game,” he added.
South Korean side Pohang Steelers thumped Australia’s Newcastle Jets 6-0, with a hat-trick for midfielder Choi Hyo-Jin.
Pohang boss Sergio Farias was full of praise for his midfielder.
“We prepared well and I am happy to see a lot of goals tonight. Our aim was to proceed to the next round and that mission has been accomplished,” he told the AFC Champions League website.
Gamba Osaka won the 2008 Champions League after victory for fellow J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds in 2007.
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Fortune move likely
June 25, 2009
Birmingham and Ipswich are weighing up their options to make moves for former Manchester United man Quinton Fortune.
Fortune is available on a free transfer after a short spell in Belgium with Tubize.
The 32-year-old is keen to win a move back to England and has been invited to join both Birmingham and Ipswich for pre-season training.
Fortune’s former United team-mate Roy Keane is keen to have a look at him in training, while Birmingham chief Alex McLeish sees his versatility as an attractive proposition.
Hull are also thought to be keeping tabs on the South African international as Phil Brown looks to bolster his squad options.
Fortune’s agent Hayden Evans, who is brokering a deal for the former Bolton man, admits the player is set to link up with Birmingham and Ipswich when pre-season training gets underway next month.
“Birmingham and Ipswich have invited Quinton to train with them so they can both have a look at him,” Evans told skysports.com.
“Quinton is looking for a new club and he would be keen on returning to England.
“Phil Brown is also keeping tabs on him as Quinton is a free agent.”
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Viola keen on Drenthe switch
June 25, 2009
Serie A club Fiorentina are looking to push through a move for Real Madrid midfielder Royston Drenthe, according to agent Ernesto Bronzetti.
As Real Madrid look to assemble the finest squad in the world, a number of players could become surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With Kaka having joined from AC Milan and a deal agreement with Cristiano Ronaldo, it is most likely that other big names will follow during the transfer window.
Fiorentina are believed to be keen on signing Dutchman Drenthe, initially on loan for a season with the option of a permanent deal at the end of the 12 months.
Bronzetti claims Real would be happy to let Drenteh leave, but only for a considerably higher fee.
He explained: “I had a chat with Pantaleo Corvino and he admitted he wants Drenthe.
“They want to loan him and then buy him for £6m. Real Madrid are OK with the loan but they would like more money for the permanent transfer.”
But Bronzetti has also warned Fiorentina that they could face competition for Drenthe, who has been linked with Genoa and Tottenham.
“Royston is young and talented,” he said “Perhaps he is Real Madrid’s most wanted player so Fiorentina will have to make an effort to buy him.”
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Owen: a potential Stoke City target
June 25, 2009
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has admitted that he would love the chance to have England striker Michael Owen at the Britannia Stadium
The 29-year-old, whose contract expires with Newcastle United expires at the end of the month, has become a transfer target for some of the clubs, after his details had been circulated to top clubs both at home and in Europe.
With Hull manager Phil Brown publicly declaring his interest for the former Liverpool and Real Madrid player move to the KC Stadium, Pulis has revealed he would relish the opportunity to persuade Owen to his side.
He said: “You never say never in football, so of course I would be interested in throwing my hat into the ring if it was ever viable.
“I’m not sure whether Michael would want to come here right now, but that situation could always change for him.
“He would be a great signing for this football club, and he can rest assured our fans would treat him as one of their own.
“I imagine there will be bigger clubs taking an interest in his availability for the moment, and I can’t say I have received a copy of his dossier, but that doesn’t mean he will end up signing for them necessarily.
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Cisse set for Marseille move
June 25, 2009
Former West Ham midfielder Edouard Cisse, who is available on a free transfer from Besiktas, will again link up with Didier Deschamps, when he signs for French outfit Marseille.
Cisse has told skysports.com that he is delighted to be working with Deschamps again.
“It is good work again with Deschamps,” he told skysports.com.
“He has been very influential in my career, I loved my time at Monaco with him.”
Cisse, who is being seen as a replacement for Modeste Mbami, has been part of a plan by Didier Deschamps to bring in big names to the club.
Deschamps said: “I would prefer three big names than six or seven average ones.
“So our ideas are now very clear, but I won’t tell you more.”
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Hreidarsson commits to Pompey
June 25, 2009
Veteran defender Herman Hreidarsson has commmited himself to Fratton Park for 1 more year.
The news of the left back’s decision to stay on the south coast, has ended speculation of the 34 year-old moving for Middlesbrough switch.
The Icelandic International, who joined Portsmouth after a spell at Charlton Athletic, has been a key member in Pompey’s survival battle from relegation last year.
The new deal also includes the option of a further year should Hreidarsson play a certain number of games next season.
Executive chairman Peter Storrie told the club’s website: “Hermann’s been looking at his options and he’s decided he wants to stay.”
“He’s very strong and fit and had a great second half of last season.”
“Hermann’s a real character and a great influence in the dressing room, so we’re pleased to have him back.”
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Confederations Cup preview: Brazil – South Africa
June 25, 2009
With the elimination of Spain at the 2009 Confederations Cup, Brazil are the new favorites to take home the trophy. To do so, Dunga’s men do have to find their way past hosts South Africa in Thursday’s semi final.
The Brazilians struggled in their opening match against Egypt but everything has been smooth sailing since, with 3-0 wins over the United States and Italy. The Seleçao were second-favorite to win this tournament but the gap with Spain steadily decreased as the Confederations Cup advanced.
South Africa deserved their spot in the semi finals but weren’t anywhere near as convincing as Brazil. The hosts first drew with Iraq, beat New Zealand to then lose to Spain. The four points collected in these three games were enough to advance.
Brazil are without Juan for this match and the possible final, as the AS Roma is suffering from a leg injury.
South Africa on the other hand, may have to do without striker Bernard Parker who picked up a minor knee injury in training. His absence would leave a big void up front.
The senior teams of these two nations last met at the Nelson Mandela Challenge in 1996, when Brazil came back from behind to beat South Africa 3-2. At the 2000 Olympics, the South African Under-21 team beat their Brazilian rivals 3-1.
Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium is the venue for this game, which will be led by Swiss referee Massimo Busacca. Kick-off is at 8:30pm local time.
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