There is a circle of people that believe that the modern day footballer is forced to play too much. I could see that argument. After some grueling domestic play in Europe and South America it seems that every summer there is a FIFA tourney popping its head up. We've had the World Cup, Copa America and the Gold Cup in the most recent summers (winters depending on where you live). Now it's the turn of the Euros and the Copa América Centenarío. From a fans standpoint this is magnificent, more football for us but as a player, yes it is another crack at glory but it has to be a little tiring. That being said I think the likes of Edison Cavani and Lionel Messi won't mind the extra lactic acid in the muscles if that means they lift Copa this June. Admittedly I dropped the ball the on previewing the Copa so far the sake of time and to avoid awkwardly overloaded sentences I just want to dive straight into the group previews. Here is a little info on the tournament because it is a special even. This cup is a clash between COMNEBOL and CONCACAF sides that's being hosted in the States. It shares the typical FIFA formatting, four groups containing four sides a piece, top two sides advance from the group. All ten CONMEBOL teams will participate while on the CONCACAF side of the equation basically the better teams in last year's Gold Cup will be attending. So let's get Group A analysis underway. Group A United States Colombia Costa Rica Paraguay USA
For me Jürgen Klinsmann tenure as United States head coach has been nothing special. Sure acquisition of the Gold Cup in 2013 should be marked has an accomplishment but I think a kid who is good at Sports Interactive's highly popular gaming series Football Manager could take charge of the USA and achieve the same feat. The United States national for me is more about Klinnsman and the decisions he makes than the actual players right now. You've got what you got with Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey so I'm not worried about that but Klinnsman as a coach has a big asterisk for me. The omission of Landon Donovan from the last World Cup was strange to me especially when he was still able to produce. What really made me tentatively climb off the Klinsmann caboose was when his American troops got dumped by Jamaica in the last Gold Cup in the semi finals. This isn't a knock against the rest of CONCACAF but really they have no business troubling Mexico and the States. Simply put, that loss to a Jamaican squad packed filled with virtually Englishmen who you would think had no real cohesion was a disgrace. The German has been average for me like I said before but he has had some good ideas and his policy on giving young players a chance (Bobby Wood & DeAndre Yedlin I'm looking at you) to play is refreshing. Something that can't be said about his predecessors Bruce Arena and Bob Bradley. In my eyes this has to Klinsman's defining moment. It's unfortunate that I had to make this preview of the United States chances at the Copa about him but that's how I see the US national team right now. For the tournament coach Klinnsman has called up a pretty solid but young team. He's declared that Brad Guzan currently of Aston Villa will man the sticks over Tim Howard who has had a wonky season for his former side Everton. The back line is a concern. Outside of Geoff Cameron and DeAndre Yedlin I am not impressed, I just don't think Matt Besler and John Brooks are the towers of powers anybody should look for at the back. In midfield the usual suspects of Bradley, Beckerman, Jermaine Jones and converted winger Fabian Johnson will be running around but a nice surprise in Christian Pulisic was added to the mix to provide dynamism. The US will be without Jozy Altidore and Aron Johannsson through injury so Bobby Wood and Gynasi Zardes will be given a run out but it be all about the withdrawn forward Clint Dempsey. America's chances on home soil in this tournament are up in the air given the group they have landed in but as in recent years they have been dealt a difficult groups in FIFA events before. I can barely call it and I know pundits and fans can't either. Key Man- Clint Dempsey stated he would rather play behind a main striker and that's where he feels he is at his best. I absolutely agree. When I picture Clint I see as a wonderful surprise for the opposition rather than an unstoppable force. I hope who he is paired with it will only play to his strengths. Colombia
I don't really know what to say here about "Los Cafeteros." They had a pretty poor Copa America where they finished third in the group phase behind Brazil and Peru. They scored one goal in that tournament and their superstar James Rodríguez failed to delight then and in this past season for Real Madrid he has been marginal both in the team and in his performances. The crazy thing is when you look at the four sides in this group Colombia seems to be the most capable of putting teams to the sword. José Pékerman's side is laced with extraordinary talent but something is a little off! The problem the Argentine is facing is that most of his star names have had spotty seasons and consistency has alluded his most trusted charges. Juan Cuadrado of Juventus started only 16 times in the last Serie A campaign. While down in Milan Cristian Zapata, Pékerman's most reliable defender has only racked up 14 starting appearances in the league for AC Milan. His teammate Carlos Bacca has had a better go of it starting well over 30 games with an 18 goal tally in Serie A which is good but I and the rest of the world is looking for the return of Sevilla's Carlos Bacca who electrified and was a absolute terror. Speaking of terror that is how one could describes Arsenal's David Ospina's previous season. The goalkeeper just made four appearances in what had to be a frustrating time. So I think Pekerman's greatest challenge is to revitalize his flat stars and get them feeling important again. He does that and a Copa could be for the taking. Key Man- James Rodríguez I did mention had a torrid season. He has to prove to himself. It was not easy at Real Madrid and this tournament offers the opportunity to forget. Just exactly what he needs. Costa Rica
It's funny how my friend came into my room used my computer and erased everything I had actually written about Costa Rica. I was initially mad because I gave a glowing review of Costa Rican goalie Keylor Navas and how he will singlehandedly make save his nations fortunes and how Costa Rica has come to a watershed moment. It was real riveting stuff! Come to find he actually did me a favor because Sr. Navas has been ruled out of the tourney due to tendinitis in one of his legs and his club side Real Madrid has pumped the brakes on his participation in the competition. That being said I don't believe Costa Rica will go very far in this event now. Celso Borges, Álvaro Saborío, Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell will have to somehow ramp up goal production if they are to have any chance here. "Los Ticos," had a surprisingly good World Cup and played everyone for a fool when they reached the quarterfinals. Disposing of Italy, Uruguay, England and Netherlands before Argentina crashed their party. In contrast if we were to rewind to last year's Gold Cup we would find a very beleaguered side. The Central Americans put in a sputtering display barley edging out Canada and Haiti in group play to advance to the quarters where they passively subdued by an aggressive Mexico. Oscar Ramírez's side have just loss their biggest weapons and I think this will be a tough go for them now. Key Man- With no Keylor Navas I've reluctantly chose Joel Campbell as thee main threat for the Costa Ricans due to his legitimate pace on a wing something that few teams nowadays seem to have. I won't be lulled by Bryan Ruiz any further because for me he hasn't hit his mark internationally for some time now. Paraguay
When I was growing up in the 90s Paraguay was the country that when you had to play them everyone said f*ck! They didn't do the atypical South American flair thing, they were tough tackling and mean. I even remembered famed Paraguayan goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert spitting on Brazil's Roberto Carlos. That's an isolated incident of indecency and idiocy but that was Paraguay's game when I was coming up. They were tough guys who could play and that translated to what was a very stern defense. Nowadays the Paraguayans aren't as hostile but their lock down defending has remained over the years. Questions marks in recent times has been thrown at their offense and with the waning of Roque Santa Cruz their once star striker, has seen a decline in scoring from the South Americans. In last year's Copa America they did bounce Brazil in the quarterfinals only to be undone by Argentina in the semis which sounds like progress but if you take into account this missed out on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and they shockingly came dead last for qualifying for the tournament so they are alarm bells still ringing for Paraguay. So what can we expect from "La Albirroja?" I really don't know! The quality of player isn't awful but you go though the men coach Ramón Díaz has to choose from it isn't screaming wonder. I fully expect the Paraguayans to duke it out with the Americans for a chance to advance as I expect Colombia to boss the group and Costa Rica to fade away. Key Man- This one is tough no Lucas Barrios, Roque Santa Cruz and Óscar Cardozo to choose from I don't really know who is the next man up. Nelson Valdez is still running around and does a decent job for the Seattle Sounders but I don't think he is the answer. So I will go with Juan Iturbe granted he gets the pitch time. Paraguay in general is a mixed bag. Predictions- Colombia 1st, USA 2nd, Paraguay 3rd, Costa Rica 4th. This all depends if James Rodríguez decides to sparkle. Although the United States are the hometown favorites they've got to sort out the issues at the back. Unless one of their defenders turns in to Alexi Lalas they will be a bit iffy. Paraguay has to start scoring goals and not hit us with their legendary 0-0 scorecards. As for Costa Rica I don't think their back line can survive with Keylor Navas.
New day! New series. I’ve got a little momentum going and I’m going to capitalize on it. I won’t be too wordy on this one. This article will be pure and factual. “The Club,” will be my way to highlight great league based teams and for this post I wanted it to be really special. There is a clear lack of Women’s football on my website and I want to increase the numbers. So why not kill two birds with one stone? In this segment I will be bringing to you the viewer, the familiarity of a very special Ladies’ soccer side in the form of the ultra popular and successful Seattle Reign Football Club. I’m extremely excited and a little nervous to showcase this new category on my site simply because I just want to get it right and do these wonderful institutions a good service. Reputation is everything these clubs have massive ones so I will do all in my power to safeguard them. So without further adieu I bring to you “The Club!” Formed in November of 2012 the Seattle Reign make up what is currently a nine club National Women’s Soccer League. A league in which itself has only been in existence since around the Reign’s formation in 2012. When a club and the newly minted league was announced it was Bill Predmore who would be the owner of franchise. The colors of the club are described as white, platinum, royal blue and midnight black. A combo that does lend a regal touch. The majesty however comes in the crest. Like Ajax of the Netherlands, Olympiacos of Greece and the Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa, Seattle Reign FC boast a herm or an image of a human head. The Reign have chosen a beautiful image of a crowned queen or monarch which ties in with the name of the club. A name that taken from city’s first women’s professional sports team. A defunct basketball team that plied it’s trade in the American Basketball League. The NWSL outfit calls Memorial Stadium her home and since the inaugural season of the league back in 2012 the Seattle side has amassed two NWSL Shields. The most recent coming in the 2015. As with all American Northwest rivalries between Seattle and Portland they are hotly contested and the Reign’s beef with fellow NWSL side Portland Thorns FC is no different. When these two tangle there is the usual flair and intensity with passions shared on both sides. What’s not shared however is the affiliation that with Major League Soccer. The Thorns are connected to the Portland Timbers of the MLS however the Reign are not joint to the hugely successful Seattle Sounders due to the fact that Sounders have their own women’s team. A team that ply their trade in theUnited Soccer LeaguesW-League. What the Seattle Reign do have is the support and certainly the players the current roster boast some sublime players. Ladies like Wold Cup winners Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe. Who arguably the the best in their positions in the game. I’m also a huge fan of creative midfielder Kim Little. The Scot puts in some dynamic performances in front of the Reign’s Royal Guard at home and on the road. A player with wonderful balance and dribbling skills. I understand that rosters change that is the nature of American sports and also soccer but with those I just mentioned I’m hard press to find a better spine in women’s soccer States side. The NWSL is a very young league but already we are seeing a trend of dominance from Seattle Reign. Those two NWSL Shields in three years just shows there is something there. The Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Sounders and even the now defunct Seattle SuperSonics were and are champions of their respective disciplines. There is a great platform for pro sports in Washington state, as evidence in the list of champions above. There is no doubt that the Seattle Reign will carry on to lift that great Pacific city.
Group G aka the “Group of Death.” Or so they are calling it. Am I calling it that? I don’t think so. In sports being dramatic is often celebrated. Yes this group in the 2014 World Cup is competitive and it does have some marquee teams but is it really a “Group of Death?’ I can basically see only two teams even really getting out of the group anyway and by some margin. I just filled out a World Cup fantasy football bracket and I can tell you it didn’t take more than a minute and a half to complete it. A minute and a half and not a minute because I was drinking some water at the same time. I know sports are played to prove if really good teams are actually good but the culture of the underdog is so strong not just in one or two countries but worldwide. It always hypes up an occasion. I’m not saying inferior teams in what ever sport should not even bother to compete, I’m just saying 9 times out of 10 they will get the hammer and I know in this Group G there will be no surprises. Now that I have spouted off what I think could be sense let’s check out the group. Group G Germany Ghana Portugal USA Germany
If you read my last post and I hope you did, you would know that I picked Argentina to win this year’s World Cup. As I said in my little introduction that’s just above this scribble that I had completed a World Cup bracket. In the bracket you basically pick the group winners then who beats who in the later rounds and this goes on all the way to the finals. Well I’ve done that and I have gone with a bold prediction that sees Argentina beating Germany in the final. I’m going to make this as short as possible because when it comes to Germany dramatics are not the norm. Plus when describing one of the game’s superpowers less is more. Germany won their place in Brazil by advancing from UEFA’s Group C. Taking out Sweden, Austria, Republic of Ireland, Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands. This will be the Germans 18th World Cup and their on the hunt for their fourth title. The first of which came in 1954 when the tournament was held in Switzerland. It’s been a while since the Germans hoisted the cup. Last time was in 1990 in Italy, so the Germans are desperate to bring home the crown. The word in Berlin is that now German coach Joachim Löw maybe under pressure if doesn’t produce the goods. The fact of the matter is he has been in charge of the German national side for a while now. He succeeded now United States coach JürgenKlinsman and that was in 2006. So that means Löw has overseen two Euros and one World Cup so far and Germany has nothing to show for it. Simply this has to be it for Löw. A setback for him is absence of midfield man Marco Reus. Other than that the German looks solid as usual. Familiar names like Bastian Schweinsteiger, PhilippLahm and Manuel Neuer will be in Brazil. While relative newcomers like Mats Hummels, Mario Götze and André Schürrle will add quality to an already stacked squad. What can I say, the Germans are the real deal. A team that will definitely power it’s way through this World Cup. Key Man- A player who seems to do better for club than country, Mesut Özil will look to gas up Germany with his silky play. For me one of the best players on the planet. Ghana
Ghana has to be the most well rounded of African sides at this summer’s tourney. The Ghanaians will be looking to a make it out of this tough group but before I break down what they have to do let’s see how they got to Brazil. Ghana made it to the Wold Cup when advanced out of group play to face Egypt in African qualifying. The Ghanaians destroyed the Egyptians 7-2 on aggregate thus clinching a World Cup birth. This will be Ghana’s third consecutive World Cup and there will look to improve on their quarterfinal finish four years ago in South Africa where they came up short against Uruguay. The Ghanaians have gone local in the coaching department. James Appiah was promoted from the country’s U-23 side to coach the full national team in 2012 he will look to push Ghana onto the next level. The main men for the “Black Stars,” are Kevin Prince Boateng, Michael Essien, SulleyMuntari and the Ayew boys Jordan and Andre while captain AsamoahGyan is likely to be the main goal threat. For Ghana to get out of this group they are going to have to pick their moments. They have defend well because each one of their opponents have one or two guys that are deadly in front of goal. Lastly they have to make sure Gyan, Boateng and Andre Ayew see a lot of the ball. If they can stick to that they could do well. It is a tough group but given the various sub plots swirling around there is no reason why Ghana can’t capitalize. Key Man- Kevin Prince Boateng is Ghana’s best player. I am big fan of his work and I love his energy. He is a smarter footballer than people think. Portugal
Mine and Portugal’s greatest concern right now is the health of Cristiano Ronaldo coming into this tournament. It is reported that he Portuguese forward has tendinitis and is in a race to be fit for their group opener against Germany. I don’t know if Portugal can win the World Cup but if they do they have to do it with Ronaldo. If he is not around I don’t even fancy Portugal to get out of the group. I haven't seen a national side so bumbling without one man than Portugal without Ronaldo. I had the pleasure of watching Mexico vs Portugal in a friendly match in just prior to the World Cup. Mexico as they usually knock the ball around nicely and had Portugal looking a bit silly but in the end a Bruno Alves header in extra time won the game for the Portuguese. Mexico should had one the game and if not for brilliance of goalkeeper Eduardo the Portuguese would had easily fell to a loss. Portugal’s build up play didn’t look horrible but it was aimless at times. With Ronaldo on the pitch the Iberians at least have a plan as simple as it is. Just get him the ball, it’s very effective. Ask Israel, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg. They all fell to the Portuguese in World Cup qualification. Despite that Portugal actually finished second in the group behind Russia. So they had to reach the tournament via the play off route. In a hotly contested series with Sweden the Portuguese game out on top 4-2 on aggregate due to last minute drama by you know who, Mr. Ronaldo to send Portugal to the World Cup. Surprisingly this is Portugal’s sixth World Cup. The Europeans best ever finish came in1966 when they earned a third place. This time around Portugal is led by Paulo Bento who has chosen a fairly experience squad. To me it doesn’t matter who he picks, one thing is clear is that who ever he fields they have to support Ronaldo. I’m not a fan of Hugo Almeida or HelderPostiga. For they have never really produced for me. The Portuguese can win this thing but it all depends on Cristiano Ronaldo. Will he be 100%? Or will he get the help he needs? We will wait and see. Key Man- I’ve said his name like a million times already. Cristiano Ronaldo has to be in complete control. As we have seen in recent times he is an awesome teammate but can his teammates be awesome to him? United States
The United States got to Brazil thanks to coach Jürgen Klinsmann’s crafty navigation of CONCACAF’s Hexagonal. The Americans topped the “Hex,” finishing above Jamaica, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama and Mexico. The big story lines for the United States are the fact they are in such a difficult group and the fact they will have to face it without the country’s leading goalscorer Landon Donovan, following his omission from the squad. The USA are a good team. I think I have seen every one of their matches over the past 6 years. I live here. I know them. I know what they can do. That being said this group is too much for them. It is unfortunate that the work they have put in, in recent times will count for nought. I just can’t believe that this US squad can overturn former World Cup winners Germany. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal and a rampant Ghana. Secondly, I don’t think Landon Donovan would have saved the United States in this situation but he definitely would had helped. He is a senior player. The nation’s all time leading goalscorer and most of all a player the team respects and adores him. I’m a big believer in team chemistry and as much as the likes of Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard may want to down play it I feel they would have loved to have Donovan by their side for one last time at a World Cup. The form of JozyAltidore is not good. Until recently he hadn’t scored a goal like in a year. I just don’t get how America and Klinsmann can spearhead an attack with a man in such a rut. I give Klinsmann credit for poaching Aron Jóhansson from Iceland and stealing away Mix Diskerud from Norway but I don’t think these two will play major roles at this tournament. I heard some say this squad assembled for this World Cup is just here to learn but that baffles me. How do you work so hard and invest so much into a coach and his philosophy just to learn from an experience. As I said before there is a ton of sub plots at this World Cup and this group has plenty. So maybe the United States can use them to jettison into out of the group. Key Man- Clint Dempsey is a player in form. Since he has returned to Major League Soccer he has been an unstoppable attacking force. In a group with wonderful attacking players, America will need some one to bang them in to keep up with the pace. Clint might be that guy. Predictions- I can see Germany being the outright winner of the group that much is clear to me but who advances along with them? Portugal depends too much on Ronaldo and if he isn’t firing there will be a problem. Ghana is good but can they overpower the rest in the group? While the United States has no pressure on them really because no one expects them to get out the group. This can lead to the States playing with a freedom. If I had call it I would have to say Germany 1st, Portugal 2nd, Ghana 3rd and USA 4th. Germany
Despite what anyone might think, in football there is nothing bigger than the World Cup! Regional competitions like the Euros, the Gold Cup and Copa America are all excellent views but the enormity of the World Cup engulfs any atmosphere they can produce. Club competitions admittedly offers a better quality of play especially when one looks at how the Europeans and the South Americans go about it but teams nowadays are bankrolled so heavily any comparison would be a tad bit unjust. The World Cup is about national pride. If you don't think it is a big deal just look at some players faces before kick off when their anthem is being played. Some get tearful while the focus etched on others could rival that of a Swiss clockmaker. To be cliche it really is the world's game. Sure there is a cricket World Cup but only traditional teams in that sport like South Africa and India are welcomed along with a few minor nations who have fledgling programs are allowed to enter. So we are definitely won't be seeing Nicaragua up against Sri Lanka anytime soon on a cricket pitch. In football everyone is welcomed to play unlike my beloved cricket. That being said teams still have to qualify and they are only so many spots up for grabs. That means a raft of countries will not take part and Brazil 2014. This post takes at one of the teams that won't be in sunny Rio de Janeiro come summer of 2014. There is really no easy segue here, well at least for me so, I will just call them by name. Canada! Their failings have not been just recent but it has been a long time since Canadian soccer fans had anything to cheer about. Soccer has been making the rounds in Canada since the 1800s.The nation hass one of the oldest football associations not just CONCACAF but in the Americas. Founded in 1912 the Canadian Soccer Association takes control of both men and women's teams as well as overseeing all levels of the sport in the country. The earliest soccer bodies in the country were the Dominion Football Association which was formed in 1877 and the Western Football Association which came into being in 1880. According to the record books, the latter played an unofficial friendly with the American Football Association in 1885 in New Jersey with the Canadian outfit coming out on top 1-0. Canada's first officially sanctioned match game against Australia on June 7th, 1924 in Brisbane with the "Canucks," suffering a 3-2 loss. On the international scene Canada hasn't exactly set the world ablaze, well at least not in men's play. When it comes down to it, the nation has massively underachieved. Canada either chose not to enter, fail to qualify or withdraw from World Cup play. Case and point, the years between 1930 and 1954 the nation didn't take part in the World Cup. In 1958 Canada failed to make it, four years later the territory withdrew from qualifying in 1962 and in 1966 the federation did not even bother to enter. The years between 1970 to 1982 Canadian efforts to make it to the "big dance," fell flat as World Cup births eluded them for about a decade. The country's chance finally came when she qualified for the World Cup in Mexico in 1986. To this date this has been the nation's only World Cup appearance and while in Mexico the Canadians were dismissed without trouble. Placed in Group C along with Hungary, the Soviet Union and France, Canada finished dead last amassing zero points without scoring a goal. Canada has been waiting along time to redeem themselves on the game's grandest stage and still they continue to wait. From 1990 to 2014 all of Canada's attempts to reach a World Cup has been unsuccessful and now she has to play the waiting game for the next installment and to date that's looking like Russia 2018. Regionally "Les Rogues," like every other side in CONCACAF has been out muscled by continental giants the United States of America and Mexico but that's not to say Canada hasn't had its success in the federation. The nation to date has two Gold Cups the first of which coming in 1985 against Honduras. Their second CONCACAF title came at the expense of tournament invitee Colombia in 2000. A very impressive feat seeing that the 2000 Gold Cup had teams from other FIFA federations like the aforementioned Colombia. Besides the two continental awards Canada's runs in the tournament has been halted by the usual culprits; Mexico, USA, Costa Rica and Honduras. In my eyes Canada has been massively disappointing when it comes to men's soccer. Her women's team is stellar just google the name Christine Sinclair to see what I'm talking about. I understand that Canada relative to her size has a minute population, I get that but what really has me stumped is the nation has the infrastructure to really have a go at it's regional rivals the United States and Mexico. Canada is a winter sport haven. No doubt ice hockey will always be king there but soccer has the power to come a close second. The quality of player that the nation is producing on the men's side of the equation has to be better. No knock against Dwayne De Rosario, Atiba Hutchinson and Julian De Guzman who are all wonderful servants to Canada but they were never world beaters or will they ever be. It all falls onto the youngsters coming true like Russell Teibert, Doneil Henry and Kyle Bekker who look good but I don't expect Teibert to turn into Gareth Bale or Bekker to Xabi Alonso. What I am looking for is for them to morph into Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey like figures who the nation can hang her hat on. Canada has to turn solid players into useful game changers if they are ever to become relevant in CONCACAF again. Having the Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact in America's Major League Soccer will allow Canadian soccer to sneak it's players into a competitive league virtually unnoticed something that could only help their cause. I could sit here all day and rattle of a list of things that Canada should do but I won't because all I really want is a competitive and a strong Canadian soccer team going forward. Their fans deserve it, they are among the most dedicated in the region. Plus I don't want to believe that El Salvador and Uganda are better than Canada. I simply reject that world! Russell Teibert
Major League Soccer is a league that is an ongoing project. A project that American soccer fans should be very proud of. I have always said it is and maybe always will be very hard for a domestic soccer league in the United States to thrive...I should know I did my college thesis on the very topic. Competition from other sports; your basketball, baseball and ice hockey will vie for America's attention and they more often than not will get it. This is known and it pains me to say will probably never change.The MLS doesn't need to be told what it can't do rather it should be praised for it's effort so far. Led by current MLS commissioner Don Garber, who has made wonderful steps in trying to lasso the attention of the American public. Soccer specific stadia has been popping up all across the nation, European teams make yearly ventures the country, television revenue is looking promising and most importantly an infant academy for player development is starting to shape. Professional sports teams in the United States is fueled by colleges and a draft system and this is where teams grab the bulk of their players. Soccer is no different there either. Unlike other parts of the world where youth academies are pretty much the sole player producers,in the USA that kind of thing just wasn't happening. Major League Soccer is starting to align itself with the rest of the world by creating these club youth academies and some wonderful players are starting to emerge. From all of that one wouldn't actually believe that this post is actually about now New England Revolution starlet Diego Fagundez but I try to educate as well as entertain. Fagundez is a talent that came into the MLS via New England Revolution's youth system. Born in Uruguay the forward came to the United States as a child. The son of a former professional soccer player, Fagundez took advantage of the grassroots soccer programs that Massachusetts had to offer having been on the books at FC United and FC Greater Boston Bolts, teams that prepped the player for the sterner MLS. The Revolution's home-grown player if he continues to do well may have a heavy decision on his hands in the future. Fagundez has represented his native Uruguay at the U-20 level but having American citizenship also allows him play for the CONCACAF side if he may chose to do so and let's be honest has solid as the United States Men's National Team is right now as I speak every soldier is a plus for "Uncle Sam's Army," Fagundez is a lad I have already earmarked as a very viable option for America...again that's if he wants to play for them. Even at the early stage at this career there is some magic moments on the highlight reel just with Diego Fagundez's name on it. A lot of young players are overhyped and everybody hopes they find a prodigy and I have to admit I do it too because of the promise youthful prospects hold. The player has the same stigma attached but what makes the Uruguayan poacher special to me is that he isn't a guy snatched up by the league from another talent pool , he is a kid thought how to play soccer not football, making him savvy to the ways of the how the game is played in this country. The "home-grown," tag as I said before is a new working concept. Sure young players have been attached to clubs for a while now but not many have actually infiltrated their first teams as yet. On a personal level I think Fagundez is just nifty. A very quick player and never wastes energy and he makes smart plays constantly and I stress "constantly." I don't know if he will be a poster boy for Major League Soccer but I think definitely he will be an asset to the league one day...providing he stays. Diego Fagundez
The 90s were, well for me at least a pretty good deal. I may have been a fairly young kid back then but I knew when something was good. Many of my fondest memories were forged in that time and everything seem pretty sweet. Rap was amazing, the Super Nintendo was brightening lives and my West Indies cricket team weren't awful...well they were pretty bad but they were better than what they are now. All and all it was just a merry and care free period of my life. The Generation 90 series showcases young players of today and I have to admit is one of my more favorite pieces simply because this is my generation. It's one thing for me to talk about older players like Pirlo and Zidane and going either further back the likes of Socrates and I do like my seasoned pros but these are my grandfathers footballers, their not mine. The admiration is still there but it's something about seeing a guy who is your age playing the game and sometimes I tell myself if I had just stuck with game as a player and kept my vices at bay maybe I could be that 24-year old gracing fine football pitches the world over. All I can do is sit here and write about these young men and women and do them justice or try to. With that here is the second edition of Generation 90. Squad (Goalkeepers) Bernd Leno (GER), Jack Butland (ENG), Abdul Hamid (USA) (Defenders) Kyle Walker (ENG), Raphael Varane (FRA), Matija Nastasic (SRB), David Alaba (AUT), Steven Caulker (ENG), Ricardo Rodriguez (SUI), Rafael Da Silva (BRA) (Midfielders) Paul Pogba (FRA), Granit Xhaka (SUI), Isco (ESP), Iker Munain (ESP), Viktor Fischer (DEN), Lucas Moura (BRA), Thomas Ince (ENG), Oscar (BRA) (Forwards) Christian Benteke (BEL), Stephan El Shaarawy (ITA), Teemu Pukki (FIN), Nelson Oliveira (POR) Formation 4-3-3 They are some very potent wingers and attacking midfielders in this current crop of youngsters so I have decided to pick a formation to show up their talents. The current trend in football is to play with the solo striker so I will bend to modern day ways. Starting XI Goalkeeper- Bernd Leno (GER) Right Back- Kyle Walker (ENG) Center Back- Raphael Varane (FRA) Center Back- Matija Nastasic (SRB) Left Back- David Alaba (AUT) Central Midfielder- Paul Pogba (FRA) Central Midfielder- Granit Xhaka (SUI) Central Attacking Midfielder- Isco (ESP) Right Winger- Iker Munain (ESP) (captain) Striker- Christian Benteke (BEL) Left Winger- Viktor Fischer (DEN) WHY? Bernd Leno- With the great and the good of the football world declaring Germany as the next superpower in the sport due to Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund killing everyone of late, I figure I might as well jump on the bandwagon as well and kneel before the Germans. Bernd Leno I'm hoping will have a few more fans after this little article. This post won't be the reason people will come to love the German shot stopper but rather his stellar performances between the pipes. If Bayer Leverkusen happen to reach the Champions League in the 2012-2013 season Mr. Leno would have played an integral part. Leno has played a fair bit games already at senior level, before tending net for Bayer he was a regular at Vfb Stuttgart where he was very impressive. Let's be real here, Germany are not short on good goalkeepers the likes of Manuel Neuer, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and even at his age Roman Weidenfeller still looks the part so Leno's national team prospects do not look too healthy. What I like about him is that he is very brave. He stops shots with his legs, chest, shoulders and face and if he isn't stopping shots he is screaming and everybody knows you can't be a good goalie if your not screaming.
Kyle Walker- Though England may not have much quality options at the left fullback position with Ashley Cole entering the twilight of his career and Leighton Baines starting to peak, the same can not be said about the opposite flank. With Glen Johnson, Micah Richards and auxiliary options like Phil Jones and Chris Smalling all around means England has no need to worry. No denying that Johnson is the premier option for the "Three Lions," at right back and most likely it his position until he retires or if serious injury occurs. Jones and Smalling are capable but they aren't honest fullbacks. So the only contenders to challenge Johnson are Richards and Kyle Walker. England's PFA Young Player of the Year in 2012 Walker is a modern day fullback. He has good movement going forward, tracks back well and has tremendous powers of recovery. The England right back has good pace, decent crossing and a belts the ball when he takes shot. What impresses me about him is tackling and his temperament. Walker isn't a dirty player and when he goes in for the tackle it is usually a clean. Overall, a very very solid fullback with excellent ball skills.
Raphael Varane- I like to think I follow football pretty closely but this guy came out of nowhere and even evaded me. Very few outside of France knew who Raphael Varane was. Jose Mourinho and the Real Madrid just waltzed up to the French club Lens inquired about him, told Zidane to take a look and Varane became a "Meringue." Let's just look at some facts here, Varane in the bulk of his debut season in the white of Real Madrid has kept out the Portuguese duo of Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho out of the starting XI. Ricardo Carvalho isn't a young buck anymore but I'm sure he can still cut it. As for Pepe, a lot of people may get on his back and bash him but on a good Pepe can be very effective. Varane under the Mourinho era at Real has made both basically null and void. The young Frenchman knows what he is doing. I have never seen Sergio Ramos babying him and holding his hand through the course of games. Madrid have a good player in their ranks but my fear is the revolving door that is Real Madrid may chew him up.
Matija Nastasic- Serbia has a lot of very very very good defenders. Let's call names shall we: Nemanja Vidic, Branislav Ivanovic, Neven Subotic, Aleksandar Kolarov, Slobodan Rajkovic and Anotnio Rukavina. So they aren't short on talent but another name we can sneak into to that stellar list is Matija Nasatic. When Roberto Manicini signed Stefan Savic the young Montenegrin center half he brought in a player who looked liked he was still learning the game. A ball of nerves was Savic. Sketchy back passes and the ones that were heading in the other way weren't that great either. So when the Italian signed Matija Nastasic for the 2012-13 EPL campaign I was like here is another goofball eastern European kid who dallies on the ball in the back. As with most things I was proven wrong. Nastasic by popular consensus seems to be a very "cool," customer. I have heard it from fans of Man. City, pundits, commentators and players, even a Manchester United fan I know once called him a "boss." It is clear that the Serbian has a fairly big fan club but it really is well deserved. I tend to keep a close eye on City games and he is what they say and more. Yes, he is cool with his decision making but I think he is a tough guy too and you can't bully him and did I mention he has kept England international Joleon Lescott on the bench of late?
David Alaba- Hands down the best Austrian player of this generation. David Alaba will look to prop up a flagging Austria over the next few years. Remember you heard it here first. I think Alaba is and probably will go down the path that Gareth Bale is heading down right now. Bale started his career as a left back same as the Austrian, over time the Welshman advanced up the park. Alaba learned his craft alongside Philipp Lahm, so he knows what a proper full back looks like but the Austrian does have extremely useful attacking traits. He has a wonderful shot, great control and an impressive long ball all sitting on a goal scoring touch. Alaba can go far and being the main for his country will only make him mature even faster.
Paul Pogba- Manchester United let this guy just walk away and now Juventus is benefitting. Paul Pogba is one of the most physically impressive players to running up and down a pitch nowadays. Nice and tall so he wins balls in the air and he is a long player as well. His long legs eats up the pitch. His game is robust, he is not afraid of a tackle or to give one. Short passes, long passes, crosses, dinks and chips Monsieur Pogba has it all. Accompanying all of this is his pile-driving long shots. With the physical comes the mental and the young Frenchman excels at that as well. He reads the game well from his often deep lying position. Being a former captain for France at youth level just shows that he has qualities of leadership and maturity, traits that will only lend to his development.
Granit Xhaka- I absolutely love his first name...Granit like the rock, it might be missing an "e," but it is a fantastic name either way. I fancy myself as an expert on unique names having one of my own. Names aside Granit Xhaka it has to be said is a dynamo of a player. Exciting to watch and full of running. The Swiss is seen as a luxury player and blessed with trickery and a golden touch. Every time I've seen him play whether it may be for his national side or club he is always doing something. I don't know what they are doing over there in Switzerland but Xhaka and likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Nassim Ben Khalifa are reaping rewards form it. There is too much good to say about Xhaka and this paragraph is already slightly lengthy.
Isco- Francisco Roman Alarcon Suarez or Isco to the rest of us is a virtuouso Spanish midfielder running things at the moment for La Liga outfit Malaga. A task that I don't think he will be doing for too long because the bigger sides of the world are lining up for him as they should. Unless Malaga's finances sort themselves out immediately he will go! I personally tend to throw words like fantastic, wonderful and awesome around but Isco just is. My favorite player of all time is Juan Carlos Valeron because in his day his he simply had an aura about him and Isco has that. The now Malaga man is so refreshing to see in a game that seems to be all about passing and team play, he brings back individualism to the sport. He isn't selfish, Isco is a assist shark but he is always willing to take on a defender with controlled dribbling... his balance is phenomenal, simply the guy is divine.
Iker Munain- Spain does not do wingers. Sure, they have had their wingers, the likes Albert Luque and the evergreen Joaquin come to mind but they haven't given the world pristine sidemen like their Iberian cousins the Portuguese, who have been cranking out wide men since Luis Figo. Jesus Navas heads up the new generation of Spanish flankers followed by Juan Bernat and this guy, Iker Munain. The man from Pamplona is one of the most graceful things running at the moment in football. He is so elegant I really mean that I don't know if it is his slight frame and gait but he looks like moves on air. Munain who plies his trade with Athletic Bilbao at the moment shared a great relationship with target man Fernando Llorente and had a good chunk of success with the club but so often is with the case with Spanish clubs not named Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia they hit a snag and at this time they might be in a bit of lull. Munain if he stays will fighting on an uneven battlefield because teams like Bilbao simply don't have the money to compete with the "big two." The local youth systems can only produce so much and when they find a gem the youngsters are ferried away and I won't be surprise if Iker is on a ferry himself very soon.
Christian Benteke- First of all I love the picture below and it sums up what the player is all about. So many times I've Christian Benteke just celebrating a goal. In his first season in the Premier League he has done more than some players who have spent their whole careers in England. Signed for Aston Villa for the 2012-13 campaign and already there is talk of bigger clubs coming in for him. Personally I like him at Villa. The Birmingham side is a much larger club people give them credit for. His movement is good, he is a strong player and has a very nice touch and most importantly he scores a lot of goals and in a variety of different ways. He never scores the same goal and is always on the prowl I like that and he got me a lot of points in my Fantasy Football League that's always a plus.
Viktor Fischer- A lot of attention is focused on Denmark's Christian Eriksen and it is well deserved but there is another young Dane looking just as excellent. Viktor Fischer is an in your face winger who absolutely blitzes down sidelines with his hare like pace. Fischer plays alongside Eriksen at the moment at Ajax Amsterdam and his doing well for the Dutch club who will no doubt if he stays a little longer instill some other assets to his game but already he is a handy player. He has a nice goal tally as well, that always a winger look more valuable.
Substitutes (GK) Jack Butland- Carrying on with the England's great goalkeeping tradition, Jack Butland is touted to be one of the greats. Butland has always impressed for England's youth sides and his spell in the Championship was littered with fine moments. I'm looking forward to the rivalry he and Joe Hart will share for the "The Three Lions," No.1 jersey in the future. (GK) Abdul Hamid- For those who don't watch Major league Soccer I won't grudge for not knowing who Bill Hamid is but what I will say to you is to just take some time out to check the young man's game. Bill as he is known seems like he has been in the league forever, he is staple and consistent. Above all Hamid has really great reflexes and I always have him down for a sick save or two per game. Tim Howard and Brad Guzan are headed of him in the national team but he isn't a bad replacement if the injury bug hits. (CB) Steven Caulker- I'm old fashion. I make no qualms about that so when Steven Caulker hit the scene I was automatically infatuated. I like my center halves tall, strong and mean and Caulker is certainly all that. The Englishman first came to my attention while he was on loan at Swansea City and he looked genuinely good. There a lot of giant defenders out there but I just like Caulker's aggressiveness. (LB) Ricardo Rodriguez- Switzerland has a bunch of young talents coming through in almost every position, up top there is the likes of Nassim Ben Khalifa and Admir Memhedi, in midfield sees Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri and Yann Sommer is a nice goalkeeper. The Swiss defense though is starting to get on in years so it's good thing Ricardo Rodriguez has showed up when he did. The left back is very mobile and when his team(s) are dominating the game he practically lives in the opposition's half. (RB) Rafael da Silva- This probably going to be the shortest explanation ever. Everybody knows Rafael, he plays for Brazil and Manchester United. He's quick, a good defender, has nice leap for a short guy and aggressive. He's a good fullback but you already knew that. (CAM) Lucas Moura- I have to come clean haven't seen much of Lucas. Where I live at we don't get much Campeonato Brasiliero and get very few Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana on the tele. International matches with Brazil are also a rare treat for me. So my Lucas experiences are limited to glitzy YouTube clips and highlights. Now he is with Paris Saint Germain so I do get my fix of him at least once a week and I tell you he is inspiring. I constantly heard the hype about him and Neymar but never bought into it but Lucas quickly changed my mind I just love how he glides across the pitch and the typical Brazilian trickery. (LW/RW/CAM) Thomas Ince- England with another swift winger. SWP, Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Raheem Sterling and now there is Tom Ince. The son of English hero Paul Ince. Tom who adorably plays under his father at the moment at Blackpool certainly has an intriguing future ahead of him. The names on that list are very impressive and there are ton of options for England so it is up to Ince to make a name for himself. For some reason I think he would make a good Manchester United player. (CAM) Oscar- Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Junior was one of the first of this batch of Brazilian stars to tackle Europe. I won't say Oscar has really been amazing but given his limited role at Chelsea so far but what he has done is be effective. What we do know about the little Brazilian is that he can score cool and vital goals and there is no doubt if he wasn't at Chelsea he would be an automatic starter in most teams. (ST) Stephan El Shaarawy- It's amazing how a need can make a hero out of someone. El Shaarawy definitely filled the void left my departed Milanese. You don't replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic but El Shaarawy has certainly done the best he can to make AC Milan fans forget about the Swede. Giampaolo Pazzini hasn't really done the job, Bojan Krkic is on loan at the moment and Mario Balotelli is great but he can greatly cost you so El Shaarawy needs to be the man now, the responsible one and he can be, he has already proven it. (ST) Teemu Pukki- The Fins in recent times have always had a striker they can depend on Mikael Forssell, Jonatan Johansson and Jari Litmanen were old favorites. Now it is the turn of Teemu Pukki. Learning form the Klaus Jan Huntelaar at Schalke Pukki has the ability to become a top player. Rifle of a shot and quick, the Fin will be hot property in the future. Believe me. (ST) Nelson Oliveira- What the Portuguese should have done is build a time machine to take a fighting fit Nelson Oliveira to the exact point when Pedro Pauleta retired so Portugal wouldn't have to suffer through the lack of quality strikers. Hugo Almeida, Nuno Gomes and Helder Postiga really over the years contributed little to the Portuguese national team. Before Oliveira hit the scene Portugal have been lobbing Cristiano Ronaldo up top into the center forward position, mind you he can do it but Ronnie as I like to call him is a winger first, striker second. Thank goodness Oliveira a genuine goal scorer has arrived I was getting tired of watching Hugo Almeida try. Let's hope these guys make it and make me look like I actually know what I'm talking about.
