The US National Teams should always schedule games on leap year from now on. February 29th, 2012 was a day to be remembered for US Soccer.
First, the US Women opened Algarve Cup play with a resounding 5-0 thumping of Denmark. Emerging young superstar Alex Morgan led the way with two goals and an assist in the rout. It looks like the US Women have another in the long line of wonderful goal scorers to potentially rival Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach. With Alex Morgan up top goals should continue to be in high supply for the ladies.
Then came the big one of the day. The US Men playing in Italy. We had never beaten Italy in 82 years and the Italians rarely ever lose on home turf. Enter Klinsmann and the boys.
A wonderful defensive effort coupled with a timely goal from Clint Dempsey and the Americans cashed a monster 1-0 upset. The Italians were stunned as the US grabbed a wonderful victory for the ages.
Finally came the big Under 23 matchup between the USA and Mexico. Both sides are preparing for the Olympic qualifying later in March so this was a big game. The US attacking trio of Freddy Adu, Joe Gyau and Juan Agudelo were in great form as the Americans dominated the opening 75 minutes of play building a 2-0 lead.
Mexico pout together a solid final 15 minutes, but it was much too late as the US U23s won 2-0 over their arch rivals.
Three great wins for US Soccer on leap year 2012!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Drogba and Toure lead Ivory Coast into semifinals
Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure did the damage as the Ivory Coast roared into the semifinals of the 2012 African Cup of Nations with a 3-0 win over Equitorial Guinea. The co-hosts never had a chance as the scoreline could have been worse. Drogba failed to convert a penalty in the match.
Ivory Coast were back to full strength after resting a host of stars for their final group game, and that added up to danger for Equatorial Guinea, who had Laurence Doe back from suspension. After a slow start, Ivory Coast began to step up the pace of their play midway through the first half, and Gervinho, Toure and Max Gradel threatened to open the scoring before Didier Zokora was brought down to bring about a penalty.
Goalkeeper Danilo kept out the Chelsea striker's spot-kick, but could not prevent him firing the Ivorians ahead in the 36th minute after a defensive mix-up. A thrilling run from Gervinho midway through the second half saw the Arsenal forward wind his way into a threatening position but he lost control at the critical moment, when he should have been firing the ball past Danilo.
It did not matter because Ivory Coast doubled their lead after 70 minutes when Drogba headed in a fine second goal from Toure's free-kick. With the Manchester City midfielder pulling the strings in midfield and Drogba a serious menace to any defence in this competition, it is little wonder many have tipped Ivory Coast from before the tournament. Yaya Toure showed his pedigree again from a set-piece with eight minutes remaining when he curled home a fine strike to make absolutely certain of victory.
Ivory Coast were back to full strength after resting a host of stars for their final group game, and that added up to danger for Equatorial Guinea, who had Laurence Doe back from suspension. After a slow start, Ivory Coast began to step up the pace of their play midway through the first half, and Gervinho, Toure and Max Gradel threatened to open the scoring before Didier Zokora was brought down to bring about a penalty.
Goalkeeper Danilo kept out the Chelsea striker's spot-kick, but could not prevent him firing the Ivorians ahead in the 36th minute after a defensive mix-up. A thrilling run from Gervinho midway through the second half saw the Arsenal forward wind his way into a threatening position but he lost control at the critical moment, when he should have been firing the ball past Danilo.
It did not matter because Ivory Coast doubled their lead after 70 minutes when Drogba headed in a fine second goal from Toure's free-kick. With the Manchester City midfielder pulling the strings in midfield and Drogba a serious menace to any defence in this competition, it is little wonder many have tipped Ivory Coast from before the tournament. Yaya Toure showed his pedigree again from a set-piece with eight minutes remaining when he curled home a fine strike to make absolutely certain of victory.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Guinea run out 6-1 winners at African Cup of Nations
It was a record day for Guinea at the 2012 African Cup of Nations as they raced out 6-1 winners over an overmatched Botswana side. The six goals matched the record for goals in a match and was the first time in 40 years a team netted six times at the tournament.
Guinea lost their first Group D game to Mali last week, fired four opening half goals past Botswana, who narrowly lost 1-0 to Ghana in their opening match.
Guinea now has three points and play Ghana Wednesday in the final batch of Group D games in Libreville, while Mali tackle Botswana.
Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer said it was crucial they won so as to get their campaign back on course. "We needed to win because we don’t want to go back home. We were not lucky against Mali, but we very satisfied we scored many goals in this game," said the Frenchman.
Botswana coach Stanley Tshosane reflected: "We must accept that Guinea were the better team, even though, three or four of the goals we let in were our own mistakes," he said. "We are sorry to our fans because we expected what our country expected."
Guinea lost their first Group D game to Mali last week, fired four opening half goals past Botswana, who narrowly lost 1-0 to Ghana in their opening match.
Guinea now has three points and play Ghana Wednesday in the final batch of Group D games in Libreville, while Mali tackle Botswana.
Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer said it was crucial they won so as to get their campaign back on course. "We needed to win because we don’t want to go back home. We were not lucky against Mali, but we very satisfied we scored many goals in this game," said the Frenchman.
Botswana coach Stanley Tshosane reflected: "We must accept that Guinea were the better team, even though, three or four of the goals we let in were our own mistakes," he said. "We are sorry to our fans because we expected what our country expected."
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Mexico rallies to beat Venezuela 3-1
Mexico rallied with three second half goals to defeat Venezuela 3-1 on Wednesday night in Houston, Texas. Venezuela claimed a halftime lead with a goal in the 52nd minute, when forward Edgar Greco headed in a corner by captain Micky Mea Vitali, squeezing the low shot past Mexico keeper Jesus Corona.
Mexico would rally back in the second half though in grand fashion. It was typical free flowing and attacking soccer from Mexico as they fought back. At the hour mark they finally got it ties. Defender Carlos Salcido collected a pass from the left flank and, given space, sent a blast past Venezuela goalkeeper Leonardo Morales to tie it in the 68th minute.
It looked like the game was headed to a draw until the final minutes and then Mexico exploded for two goals in rapid succession. After a nifty display of passing in the 88th minute, Marquez Lugo tapped in the game-winning goal from close range. Just a minute later Oribe Peralta picked up a poor clearance at the top of the box and curled a perfect shot into the left side netting.
Both squads were without their major European based players for the match. The friendly was used to give experience to the younger domestic players and to build depth for the upcoming World Cup qualifying. Venezuela ends their two game American trip with losses to both the USA and Mexico and will return home to continue South American qualifying for World Cup 2014 in Brazil.
Mexico would rally back in the second half though in grand fashion. It was typical free flowing and attacking soccer from Mexico as they fought back. At the hour mark they finally got it ties. Defender Carlos Salcido collected a pass from the left flank and, given space, sent a blast past Venezuela goalkeeper Leonardo Morales to tie it in the 68th minute.
It looked like the game was headed to a draw until the final minutes and then Mexico exploded for two goals in rapid succession. After a nifty display of passing in the 88th minute, Marquez Lugo tapped in the game-winning goal from close range. Just a minute later Oribe Peralta picked up a poor clearance at the top of the box and curled a perfect shot into the left side netting.
Both squads were without their major European based players for the match. The friendly was used to give experience to the younger domestic players and to build depth for the upcoming World Cup qualifying. Venezuela ends their two game American trip with losses to both the USA and Mexico and will return home to continue South American qualifying for World Cup 2014 in Brazil.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Late goal sends Equitorial Guinea to win over Senegal
Equitorial Guinea used a stoppage time goal from David Kily to stun Senegal Wednesday 2-1. With the win they clinch a place in the African Cup of Nations quarterfinal round as they have won both of their matches so far.
Senegal, on the other hand, have been nothing but disappointing so far. Loaded with quality players such as Demba Ba, Diawara and Dame Ndoye they were expected to make a run deep into the tournament. Instead, Senegal has no chance of even advancing from group play as they'll close out their tournament with a final group game against Libya.
In the match, Equitorial Guinea took a shock lead in the 62nd minute of play when a David Kily cross was headed home by Randy. With time running out Senegal were able to tie the game. Moussa Sow rifled home from close range and two sides looked like they were going to share the points.
That was until David Kily's unstoppable drive from 25 yards to sent his side through to the last eight in the most dramatic of circumstances. In the other Group A game, Libya and Zambia played to a 2-2 draw. Zambia will need only a draw against Equitorial Guinea in their final group match to advance while a win would allow them to win the group.
Senegal, on the other hand, have been nothing but disappointing so far. Loaded with quality players such as Demba Ba, Diawara and Dame Ndoye they were expected to make a run deep into the tournament. Instead, Senegal has no chance of even advancing from group play as they'll close out their tournament with a final group game against Libya.
In the match, Equitorial Guinea took a shock lead in the 62nd minute of play when a David Kily cross was headed home by Randy. With time running out Senegal were able to tie the game. Moussa Sow rifled home from close range and two sides looked like they were going to share the points.
That was until David Kily's unstoppable drive from 25 yards to sent his side through to the last eight in the most dramatic of circumstances. In the other Group A game, Libya and Zambia played to a 2-2 draw. Zambia will need only a draw against Equitorial Guinea in their final group match to advance while a win would allow them to win the group.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Zambia pulls huge upset beating Senegal 2-1
Well it sure didn't take long for the first upset of the African Cup of Nations. On Sunday Zambia shocked Senegal behind two first half goals. Senegal were the odds on favorites to win Group A of the competition. It is going to be an uphill climb for them now.
Zambia used a blazing start and a pair of defensive mistakes to grab a 2-0 lead at the half. Senegal responded in the second half behind an attack led by Newcastle's Demba Ba. They were able to draw within 2-1 in the 74th minute when substitute Dame N’Doye scored, but they were unable to find the tying goal in the dying minutes.
In the other Group A match Equitorial Guinea grabbed a 1-0 victory over Libya. Senegal will face Equitorial Guinea on Wednesday in their next match needing a win to get back on track.
Zambia used a blazing start and a pair of defensive mistakes to grab a 2-0 lead at the half. Senegal responded in the second half behind an attack led by Newcastle's Demba Ba. They were able to draw within 2-1 in the 74th minute when substitute Dame N’Doye scored, but they were unable to find the tying goal in the dying minutes.
In the other Group A match Equitorial Guinea grabbed a 1-0 victory over Libya. Senegal will face Equitorial Guinea on Wednesday in their next match needing a win to get back on track.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Ireland dispatches Estonia for spot at Euro 2012
Ireland's work was done basically before the opening whistle even blew. Thanks to their 4-0 win last week in Estonia, Ireland just had to manage the match to be able to celebrate with home fans a berth in Euro 2012.
History was made. There was unbridled joy for a crowd of 51,151 as a 10 yr wait for a major tournament finals, and 24 for a return to the European stage, came to a joyous end. A first half goal from Stephen Ward made the celebration even greater. Even a second half goal from Konstantin Vassiljev couldn't dampen the mood.
The match ended 1-1 with Ireland advancing on a 5-1 aggregate. Ireland will discover who they will face in Euro 2012 when the draw is made in Kiev on December 2, but in the meantime, they will celebrate a job well done after securing just their second playoff success in seven attempts by extending their unbeaten run to 11 games.
History was made. There was unbridled joy for a crowd of 51,151 as a 10 yr wait for a major tournament finals, and 24 for a return to the European stage, came to a joyous end. A first half goal from Stephen Ward made the celebration even greater. Even a second half goal from Konstantin Vassiljev couldn't dampen the mood.
The match ended 1-1 with Ireland advancing on a 5-1 aggregate. Ireland will discover who they will face in Euro 2012 when the draw is made in Kiev on December 2, but in the meantime, they will celebrate a job well done after securing just their second playoff success in seven attempts by extending their unbeaten run to 11 games.
Brazil takes care of Egypt in Bob Bradley's first game
Brazil had no problem dispatching an overmatched Egypt side 2-0 on Monday night in Qatar. The match marked new Egypt coach Bob Bradley's first game in charge. Bradley coached the United States from late 2006 until he was fired in July following a loss to Mexico in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup and replaced by Jurgen Klinsmann.
Bradley was hired by Egypt in September to succeed Hassan Shehata, who led Egypt to three straight African Cup of Nations titles but failed to qualify the team for next year's tournament. Bradley was given the task of qualifying the Pharaohs for their first World Cup since 1990. They are in an African second-round group with Comoros, Guinea, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Jonas Oliveira scored both goals for Brazil in the 39th and 59th minutes at Al Rayyan Stadium. Egypt's Ahmed Hassan entered in the 73rd minute, tying former Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammad Al Deayea for the record with 178 international appearances.
Bradley was hired by Egypt in September to succeed Hassan Shehata, who led Egypt to three straight African Cup of Nations titles but failed to qualify the team for next year's tournament. Bradley was given the task of qualifying the Pharaohs for their first World Cup since 1990. They are in an African second-round group with Comoros, Guinea, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Jonas Oliveira scored both goals for Brazil in the 39th and 59th minutes at Al Rayyan Stadium. Egypt's Ahmed Hassan entered in the 73rd minute, tying former Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammad Al Deayea for the record with 178 international appearances.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)