The struggles of the Mexico National Soccer Team continued on Wednesday night as they fell 1-0 to Sweden before a boisterous pro-Mexico crowd in Oakland, California. The game was just the norm of late for Mexico as they wasted several quality scoring chances and controlled much of the possession, but when it came down to it the result just wasn't there. The last three World Cup qualifiers were the same as they failed to get wins in any and limped into the final round of CONCACAF qualifying. Now they must regroup and face the United States in Columbus, Ohio in a couple of weeks.
All credit to Sweden though, as they rebounded from a 3-2 defeat to the United States on the weekend in a match that wasn't as close as the score suggests. The Swedes defended with numbers and blocked several shots before they got to goal. In the 57th minute it was Alexander Farnerud who handled a wonderful cross and scored into the lower left corner.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
England Confirm Bid for 2018 World Cup
England confirmed its intentions to FIFA with a letter of intent confirming that England will bid for the 2018 World Cup. Bids for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups are due next week to FIFA.
"Our intentions have obviously been well known for some time but there's a real sense of significance and excitement in the fact that we're now acknowledged as an official bidding nation," said Andy Anson, the chief executive of the English bid.
England will count on a combination of sentimental and technical considerations to help them win the tournament. The home of football has not hosted the sport's biggest event since 1966, the huge popularity of English club football around the world and the quality of the infrastructure already in place should bolster the chances. Bidding countries must have twelve 40,000 seat stadiums and a final venue capable of hosting 80,000 fans. The rebuilt Wembley has a capacity of 90,000 spectators.
The English campaign will face competition from rivals including Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands, China , Japan, Mexico, Portugal and Spain, Qatar and Russia. Latin American countries are ruled out of competition for both 2018 and 2022 as Brazil is to host the 2014 version. The United States is expected to bid on the 2022 World Cup.
"Our intentions have obviously been well known for some time but there's a real sense of significance and excitement in the fact that we're now acknowledged as an official bidding nation," said Andy Anson, the chief executive of the English bid.
England will count on a combination of sentimental and technical considerations to help them win the tournament. The home of football has not hosted the sport's biggest event since 1966, the huge popularity of English club football around the world and the quality of the infrastructure already in place should bolster the chances. Bidding countries must have twelve 40,000 seat stadiums and a final venue capable of hosting 80,000 fans. The rebuilt Wembley has a capacity of 90,000 spectators.
The English campaign will face competition from rivals including Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands, China , Japan, Mexico, Portugal and Spain, Qatar and Russia. Latin American countries are ruled out of competition for both 2018 and 2022 as Brazil is to host the 2014 version. The United States is expected to bid on the 2022 World Cup.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
USA Takes 3-2 Victory Over Sweden
A strong first half and a Sacha Kljestan hat trick propelled a young American team to a 3-2 victory over Sweden on Saturday night in California. For the US National Team it was a home based squad as the players based in Europe were not in camp. The same can be said for Sweden as they too brought a second team for the most part. Both sides are looking to build depth for the important qualifying run to the South Africa 2010 World Cup.
The Americans were clearly the agressors early on pushing the attack and pressing the Swedes into their own third. In the 17th minute, the US was rewarded with a free kick which Sacha Kljestan nailed into the upper right corner of the net for the 1-0 lead.
Just before halftime it would be the US striking again. This time Marvell Wynne got down the right flank and pushed into the box where he was brought down. Sacha Kljestan slotted home the penalty kick and it was 2-1 USA at halftime.
Sweden was not going to go quietly though and in the 74th minute they drew one back as Daniel Nannskog scored. The Americans would answer swiftly though as in the very next minute Brian Ching layed a ball off to Kljestan who finished for his hat trick. Sweden would bring it to 3-2 in the 89th as Mikael Dahlberg found the net, but that would be it. USA 3 Sweden 2.
The Swedes will face Mexico next week in the USA while the Americans get ready to open qualifying against Mexico next month in Columbus, Ohio.
The Americans were clearly the agressors early on pushing the attack and pressing the Swedes into their own third. In the 17th minute, the US was rewarded with a free kick which Sacha Kljestan nailed into the upper right corner of the net for the 1-0 lead.
Just before halftime it would be the US striking again. This time Marvell Wynne got down the right flank and pushed into the box where he was brought down. Sacha Kljestan slotted home the penalty kick and it was 2-1 USA at halftime.
Sweden was not going to go quietly though and in the 74th minute they drew one back as Daniel Nannskog scored. The Americans would answer swiftly though as in the very next minute Brian Ching layed a ball off to Kljestan who finished for his hat trick. Sweden would bring it to 3-2 in the 89th as Mikael Dahlberg found the net, but that would be it. USA 3 Sweden 2.
The Swedes will face Mexico next week in the USA while the Americans get ready to open qualifying against Mexico next month in Columbus, Ohio.
Mexico Star Rafa Marquez Could Miss US Qualifier
Mexico star defender Rafael Marquez strained a muscle playing for Barcelona and is now in doubt whether he play in Mexico's important World Cup qualifier with the United States next month. The match is to be played in Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Marquez was forced to leave Barca's scoreless draw with Espanyol after only ten minutes of play Wednesday night. A scan performed after the match revealed the strain, and Barcelona said he will be sidelined for a minumum of two weeks.
This could further trouble a Mexico side that has been less than stellar over the last year. Throw in the fact that the Americans are pretty much invincible when they play in Columbus. The US has only been scored on once in seven matches there and are unbeaten against Mexico at home in their last ten matches(8-0-2).
Marquez was forced to leave Barca's scoreless draw with Espanyol after only ten minutes of play Wednesday night. A scan performed after the match revealed the strain, and Barcelona said he will be sidelined for a minumum of two weeks.
This could further trouble a Mexico side that has been less than stellar over the last year. Throw in the fact that the Americans are pretty much invincible when they play in Columbus. The US has only been scored on once in seven matches there and are unbeaten against Mexico at home in their last ten matches(8-0-2).
Thursday, January 22, 2009
US Captain Landon Donovan Off to a Good Start in Germany
US National Team captain Landon Donovan is off to a good start in his loan stint with Bayern Munich of the German Bundesliga. In his debut, Landon scored against Al Wehda when he brought down a high ball at the top of the 18, turned and fired a shot into the right corner of the net. He also scored in his second appearance against Kaiserslautern.
Most recently, Landon Donovan notched a pair of second half goals against Mainz. Here are the highlights from the match, including a nice goal from Italian star Luca Toni.
Most recently, Landon Donovan notched a pair of second half goals against Mainz. Here are the highlights from the match, including a nice goal from Italian star Luca Toni.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Avram Grant to take over Bulgaria?
Former Chelsea boss Avram Grant is being tabbed as the next man to take over Bulgaria and try to lead them to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The only question that remains is salary and it could be a big issue as Grant is asking a large sum.
Previous coach Plamen Markov was fired last month after starting qualifying with three consecutive draws and then being blown away by rivals Serbia 6-1 in a friendly. The new coach will be announced at the end of January. If not Avram Grant then other posibilities include former Bulgaria midfielder Krasimir Balakov or Litex Lovech's coach Stanimir Stoilov.
Bulgaria currently sit 3rd in Group 8 on three points. Italy leads the group on ten followed by Ireland with seven. Bulgaria plays away to Ireland next round.
Previous coach Plamen Markov was fired last month after starting qualifying with three consecutive draws and then being blown away by rivals Serbia 6-1 in a friendly. The new coach will be announced at the end of January. If not Avram Grant then other posibilities include former Bulgaria midfielder Krasimir Balakov or Litex Lovech's coach Stanimir Stoilov.
Bulgaria currently sit 3rd in Group 8 on three points. Italy leads the group on ten followed by Ireland with seven. Bulgaria plays away to Ireland next round.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Stephen Ireland left out of Irish squad
Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has left star midfielder Stephen Ireland out of his 25 man squad for next month's home World Cup qualifier against Georgia. Stephen Ireland has not played for Ireland since September 2007 when he decided he was through with international soccer .
Rumours were that Stephen Ireland would make a return to the Irish team for the important match, but it was not to be so. He has been in great form for Manchester City this year and would greatly bolster the national side. The Irish currently sit 2nd in Group Eight on seven points. they are three behind Italy, but also have a game in hand.
Also left out of the team was Andy Reid who plays with Sunderland in the EPL. Reid is in Trapatonni's doghouse after violating curfew and being sent home from their last qualifier with Montenegro.
Rumours were that Stephen Ireland would make a return to the Irish team for the important match, but it was not to be so. He has been in great form for Manchester City this year and would greatly bolster the national side. The Irish currently sit 2nd in Group Eight on seven points. they are three behind Italy, but also have a game in hand.
Also left out of the team was Andy Reid who plays with Sunderland in the EPL. Reid is in Trapatonni's doghouse after violating curfew and being sent home from their last qualifier with Montenegro.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Norway Brings Back Egil Olsen to Coach National Team
Norway have turned to former coach Egil Olsen to try head the national squad in their upcoming three friendlies. Meanwhile, the Norwegian federation will seek a permanent head coach. Egil Olson was the man behind Norway's splash in the 1990s when he led them to World Cup finals in 1994 and 1998. Norway climbed as high as second in the FIFA world rankings.
Olsen did not rule out the possibility of taking the reins full-time and trying to lead Norway to World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Norway currently sits at the bottom of Group 9 with only two points from three matches. Group leaders Holland look to be uncatchable on a perfect nine, but the second spot that will earn a playoff position is up for grabs only two points away.
Olsen did not rule out the possibility of taking the reins full-time and trying to lead Norway to World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Norway currently sits at the bottom of Group 9 with only two points from three matches. Group leaders Holland look to be uncatchable on a perfect nine, but the second spot that will earn a playoff position is up for grabs only two points away.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
French Coach says not to worry France will qualify for World Cup 2010
French skipper Raymond Domenech has declared that fans should not worry about his side. He assured everyone that France will qualify from Group 7 where they currently sit tied for 3rd with only four points from three matches thus far. The troubling issue is that France trails both Serbia and Lithuania who are both already on nine points. the French do have a game in hand though.
"I am not asking myself any questions. We are going to qualify for the World Cup," Domenech said. "We are going to do what we have to. It is when we start to do calculations that we get in trouble.
Les Bleus will face a very important road match at Lithuania next in March. A loss in Lithuania would put a serious wrench in World Cup 2010 plans for the French.
"I am not asking myself any questions. We are going to qualify for the World Cup," Domenech said. "We are going to do what we have to. It is when we start to do calculations that we get in trouble.
Les Bleus will face a very important road match at Lithuania next in March. A loss in Lithuania would put a serious wrench in World Cup 2010 plans for the French.
US to open with Mexico in Final Round of CONCACAF Qualifying
The two powers of CONCACAF will square off to open the final round of World Cup 2010 CONCACAF qualifying February 11th in Columbus, Ohio. It is a huge game right off the bat for both squads, but especially for the Americans who must defend home soil.
The United States has not lost a home qualifier to Mexico since 1972. They will play a friendly against Sweden to prepare for the match.
Mexico was far from impressive in their semifinal round of qualifying losing to Jamaica and Honduras in group play and advancing only on goal differential.
The United States has not lost a home qualifier to Mexico since 1972. They will play a friendly against Sweden to prepare for the match.
Mexico was far from impressive in their semifinal round of qualifying losing to Jamaica and Honduras in group play and advancing only on goal differential.
Croatia's Captain Niko Kovac Retires
Croatia's 37 year old captain Niko Kovac has decided to retire from international soccer and make way for younger players in the Croatian side for the critical World Cup 2010 qualifying matches ahead. Kovac has notched 15 goals in 83 appearances with the national side.
"It was a tough decision because playing for my country was everything to me," said Kovac.
Croatia are currently sitting second tied with Ukraine in Group 6 on seven points from four matches. They trail leaders England by five points. Croatia are away to Andorra in their next match April 1 while England host Ukraine in an important match.
"It was a tough decision because playing for my country was everything to me," said Kovac.
Croatia are currently sitting second tied with Ukraine in Group 6 on seven points from four matches. They trail leaders England by five points. Croatia are away to Andorra in their next match April 1 while England host Ukraine in an important match.
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