Yesterday was a pretty big day in the world of soccer. It was an official FIFA Friendly day, if you will. Many teams had matches and I'm going to quickly summarize a few of my thoughts for you to read. So, let's get started quickly.
1. The United States has a lot more heart and are better than I thought. The Americans came out and showed absolutely no signs of nervousness in the Poles own backyard of Krakow. Bob Bradley's boys came out and showed they do have what it takes to contend in the next World Cup. Bradley tried something different than he ever had. He split Donovan and Dempsey out on the outside mids and it just clicked. Michael Bradley played tremendous, and it looks like the US have what it takes. The defence and goalkeeper played great. I'm very excited for our guys after this result.
2. Poland should be worried. According to the Poles, they are a contender to win Euro. After seeing that, I'm starting to think their miracle first place in their qualifying group over Portugal was a big fluke. Let's see if they can prove me wrong.
3. Egypt are better than you think. The Egyptians, who are two-time defending African champs are veyr dangerous. They are good on the ball and I think that they will be able to compete well in the upcoming World Cup and Confederations Cup.
4. Look out for Alexandre Pato. The kid is dynamite. Just as Sweden was looking like they would be able to get a tie with the young Brazilian squad, Pato responded with a wonderful goal. I want everyone to take notice, especially those in the Serie A. Pato can and will score goals. This kid is going to play a key role for Milan making the Champions League for next year. Mark my words, they will be in it.
5. Spain are very dangerous. The Spainards are finally sick of it, I think. For a while now, they have been the loveable losers of soccer. They can't win and everyone counts them out of the big tourneys. Well, it looks like they are done with that. Yesterday, Spain defeated defending World champs Italy 1-0. David Villa, who you should look out for (Golden Boot Candidate at Euro 2008), scored a goal in the 76th minute. Both sides were pretty much at full strength, and one just has to think that Spain are going to be contenders for the Euro title this year.
*Before I finish this up, I want to do something else. I'm going to make a Bold Prediction, if you will. And that prediction is that the Netherlands' Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is going to be a factor in the Euros this year. If he has a good tourney, like I think he will, he will likely find himself transferring away from Ajax Amsterdam.
Well, until next time, this has been Keeper and I'm out.
Julie Henderson
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Forget Huntelaar when they've got JAN VENNEGOOR OF HESSELINK. Very underrated big man up front.
I was already confident that Pato would shortly begin to dominate, so his goal didn't come as much of a surprise to me. Same goes for Egypt. They're another fairly underrated squad, but they looked like crap in the WC, so not many people have much faith in them.
However, you forgot one of the biggest matchups in the day (ouside of FrancevEngland and ItalyvSpain): Scotland v Croatia. Scotland just missed Euro (as they were matched up in the group stages with France AND Italy and were eliminated on the very last day, and Croatia is considred to be one of the best teams in Europe, if not the world. Scotland fought hard and after a goal off a tough angle from ex-Celt Kenny Miller, Scotland came off with a tie.
Givin ALBA some love. SCOTLAND THE BRAVE
Stauff Nation
Chicago, IL
Total Comments (1783)
wow Pato's goal was just a horrible fluke. Who was that in the goal?
Stauff Nation
Chicago, IL
Total Comments (1783)
Nicely summarized.
Ghost - In Love
Miami, FL
Total Comments (19861)
sensational
jeevs BS
Schenectady , NY
Total Comments (4139)
Good post, it's nice to see a changing of the guard and I hope this energy continues on and through the Olympics. I don't think we have the pieces to win Gold but a Bronze Medal would go a long way towards building up momentum and support until the Cup.
Mr. Pete
Total Comments (260)
Good post. I learned a little more about soccer.
Dyhard - Thank You!
Germantown, WI
Total Comments (77275)
Great goal by Pato. He believed that the play wasn't lost, and was very fast on deciding to shoot straight for goal from there.
Poland being a factor in the Euro championships? Nah, I don't see that happening. They think too highly of themselves :)
Hyped78
Lisbon, Portugal, EU
Total Comments (8906)
Just remember all these games are friendlies. Great blog though. I agree w/ you on Egypt 100%
Big Chaco
Los Angeles , CA
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