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The Official 2010 Pre- World Cup Thread


JC

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The worlds largest event is six months away, and after a four year wait since the last, most teams are chomping at the bit to get back there, not the mention the U.S. after such a let down in 2006.

The Groups:


GROUP A
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France

GROUP B
Argentina
South Korea
Nigeria
Greece

GROUP C
England
U.S.A.
Algeria
Slovenia

GROUP D
Germany
Australia
Ghana
Serbia

GROUP E
the Netherlands
Japan
Cameroon
Denmark

GROUP F
Italy
New Zealand
Paraguay
Slovakia

GROUP G
Brazil
North Korea
Ivory Coast
Portugal

GROUP H
Spain
Honduras
Chile
Switzerland

Discuss.
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This is a victory for the United States. If we can at least draw England, were moving on IMO. Wow. I just cannot believe this draw. Not a group of death at the least bit. If we couldn't get South Africa, I sure as hell didn't want Brasil, Germany Spain, Italy, or Argentina. I think we match up well with England. Big bruiser type of teams. Get our shit ready Bob! We want that cup! One advantage we have over England, we have already played a championship type game in South Africa. Were going to do it! I'm so excited about this.

Fuck Mexico. I'm glad France got drawn in with them. I can't wait to see them choke it away. I think it's pretty shitty France drew South Africa. But whatever, maybe the refs will be a lot more strict on their part.

I wonder how it feels to be in North Korea today. Brasil, Cote D'Ivore, and Portugal? Jeez! That's going to be a fun group to watch. Way and by far, the Group of Death.

England is ranked 9th
Algeria 28th 3rd world cup
Slovenia 33 2nd world cup

Hard not to like our chances when you see that.

If we advance we will get either Germany or Austrlia/Ghana. Do not want Germany, so we need to take care of business with England and just yeah! YES! Great day to be a USA fan!
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[quote name='JC' date='04 December 2009 - 02:27 PM' timestamp='1259951247' post='836609']
The worlds largest event is six months away, and after a four year wait since the last, most teams are chomping at the bit to get back there, not the mention the U.S. after such a let down in 2006.

The Groups:


GROUP A
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France

GROUP B
Argentina
South Korea
Nigeria
Greece

GROUP C
England
U.S.A.
Algeria
Slovenia

GROUP D
Germany
Australia
Ghana
Serbia

GROUP E
the Netherlands
Japan
Cameroon
Denmark

GROUP F
Italy
New Zealand
Paraguay
Slovakia

GROUP G
Brazil
North Korea
Ivory Coast
Portugal

GROUP H
Spain
Honduras
Chile
Switzerland

Discuss.
[/quote]
My predictions for the 16

A: France, Mexico
B:Argentina, Greece
C:USA, England
D:Germany, Ghana
E:Netherlands, Denmark
F:Italy, Paraguay
G:Brazil, Ivory Coast
H:Spain, Hondurus

Giving the Concacaf a little love with all three teams advancing. Maybe a little biased, but good to see them do well. I can see Didier Drogba just killing Brasil's backline. 41 goals in 60 caps for Ivory Coast? Thats awesome. I see all seeds advancing besides south africa. And most of them running wild through their groups.

Maybe a little bit of homerism, but I see the U.S. running through their group. Let's Hope! USA USA USA!
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Amazing draw for USA considering how it usually goes for us. That English twit on ESPN2 can bite the big one. Arrogant snobbish piece of dung. Hopefully Bradley gets things straightened out and we start the WC with 3 points vs. England.

Group G...if you're North Korea... :panicbutton:

Group G stands for Group of Death. There's no way Brazil doesn't go through. I'm rooting for Ivory Coast since Drogba is my fave international.

Got to love the empire/colony matchups with USA/England and Brazil/Portugal

Freaking Mexico. I hate France too. Go South Africa and Uruguay!!! Did anyone notice the reaction of whats-her-face when France was drawn into Group A with her native South Africa. That pretty much says it all. Charlize Theron? Is that her name?

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[quote name='MAGICTOUCH' date='04 December 2009 - 04:11 PM' timestamp='1259957497' post='836654']
Amazing draw for USA considering how it usually goes for us. That English twit on ESPN2 can bite the big one. Arrogant snobbish piece of dung. Hopefully Bradley gets things straightened out and we start the WC with 3 points vs. England.

Freaking Mexico. I hate France too. Go South Africa and Uruguay!!! Did anyone notice the reaction of whats-her-face when France was drawn into Group A with her native South Africa. That pretty much says it all. Charlize Theron? Is that her name?
[/quote]
Yeah that guy was a jag-off. I hope we beat him just to see his reaction. He was so sure England would have no problem with the U.S.

The Chicks reaction was funny to France as well.

[quote name='Bengal Migration' date='04 December 2009 - 04:42 PM' timestamp='1259959322' post='836663']
Drogba is a piece of shit. Biggest flopper in the sport behind Ronaldo. I'd root for Mexico before I'd root for Cote D'Ivoire.

FWIW, ESPN has us not making it out of the group stage. Go figure.
[/quote]
Yeah, I think if we end up making a big run, it will go a long way in getting respect from the world. A semi-final apperance would be extremely huge. Hopefully we can prove all the nay-sayers wrong. I think we definitely can.

I can't believe we have to wait 6 more months..
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Drogba didn't flop when that punk from Arsenal (I think) kicked him in the chest. He flops no more than that punk Wayne Rooney.

He's a world class player, a beast on the pitch...not a piece of ****
[media][IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e63/MAGICTOUCH/_DROGBA.jpg[/IMG][/media]


Mexico is lowest form of scum in international soccer.
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[quote name='MAGICTOUCH' date='05 December 2009 - 06:52 AM' timestamp='1259963539' post='836680']
Mexico is lowest form of scum in international soccer.
[/quote]
Agreed. So you can clearly appreciate my thoughts on Drogba.

One of the strongest guys on the pitch, but always goes down with the slightest nudge. Simply not my kind of player..
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[quote name='Bengal Migration' date='04 December 2009 - 10:53 PM' timestamp='1259981592' post='836779']
One of the strongest guys on the pitch, but always goes down with the slightest nudge. Simply not my kind of player..
[/quote]
I like to watch Didier to see what Jozy may eventually become. If we can get the same production from him in this upcoming world cup. He has a long way to go though to get there.

I saw Chuck D and Mo Edu were talking about getting healthy and getting to South Africa. That's what I like to see. Hopefully Jones is healthy enough and Bob actually plays him.

My ideal lineup six months from now

----Dempsey/Davies-Jozy
LD---Jr.--Jones--Benny/Dempsey
Castillo--Gooch--Jay--Specs
--------Tim-----------

Obviously if Charlie is healthy and fit, he and Jozy are dynomite together. This would move Deuce back to right winger and take Benny out.

Jones from what I have seen will be our best central midfielder, therefor he should play. Jr, when on is a good midfielder, better than the ones we have. He has a little bit of attack in him, as does Jones, therefore they're good together. It would be nice to have some box to box mid-fielders so hopefully that's what we can get when he plug in a better central mid. I do not want to see Rico paired with Jr. It simply just doesn't work and it makes the midfield non-existent. I wouldn't mind Benny playing a Central attacking mid while Jones plays strictly defensive mid. I think Clint could play a CAM as well. We won't see this lineup without Jr though, so no need to speculate. Get some attack in you son! We all no the story of LD and Clint. The staples of our attack. With Castillo running the sideline with LD though..good things could come! We all saw how Specs played with Clint during the Confed cup and that cross for a score against Brasil.

The defense with The land shark Demerit and Gooch worked very well in the Confed cup. Need those guys to be fit big time. Castillo likely won't take Boca's place, but I can dream. He has an attack that we really don't see out of our backs. Specs, is a brute, has slow feet, but seems to get it done by using his body well. He has a bit of attack in him as well.

/End rant. Go USA! Please play Jones! And most importantly, get and stay HEALTHY!
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Ugh...can't figure out what is wrong and there are no other complaints. This sucks.

*********
Key U.S. defender DeMerit begins comeback

by Ridge Mahoney, Tuesday, Dec 8, 2009 6:45 AM ET

[AMERICANS ABROAD] Concerns about the U.S. central defense eased Monday when Jay DeMerit, sidelined for more than three months with an eye infection, returned to action for Watford in the League Championship, England's second division.

DeMerit played the entire second half in a 3-1 victory over Queen's Park Rangers to make just his sixth appearance of the season. He'd been out of action since late August, when a bit of dirt or grit got under one of his contact lenses and became infected. When the infection didn't respond to eye drops and antibiotics, scar tissue developed, and specialists recommended removal and replacement of the cornea.

DeMerit underwent surgery in London a few days after U.S. teammate Oguchi Onyewu suffered a ruptured patellar tendon against Costa Rica that will sideline him into the New Year. The pair formed a solid central defensive partnership last summer in the Confederations Cup as the Americans rallied from a poor start to beat Egypt and Spain before losing to Brazil, 3-2, in the final.

"It was great experience for me, to play in that competition while I was feeling fit, while I was sharp, while I was playing well," says DeMerit. "I was feeling good and we were doing well as a team, so it was a great summer for everybody."

Their different characteristics, physically and psychologically, complement each other.

"The good thing about Gooch and I and how we play together is we're different center [backs]," says DeMerit. "He's physically dominating, he uses his head, he uses his body very well, where I'll be more in terms of playing on the front foot and not letting people play, rather than let them get the ball and trying to wrestle with him.

"I don't have reason to do that because that's not my strength. I try to nip in front of people. I want to get the ball and be a pest. The better balance we have the better it will be for the team."

His return to action comes as Watford labors through a financial crisis. Chairman Jimmy Russo is seeking capital to meet its obligations and prevent the club from being declared insolvent. If it goes into administration, it would be docked 10 points and players could be sold during the January transfer window.

DeMerit's been the subject of transfer rumors in the past yet holds a special place in the heart of Hornet fans; his goal in the promotion playoffs lifted Watford into the Premier League for the just the second time, and though that one season (2006-07) ended in relegation, it also drew the attention of U.S. coach Bob Bradley.

Along with the spirit and tenacity that brought him up from the ranks of English semi-pro soccer to the national team, he's displayed a commitment to teamwork from day one. Whether or not he's a starter, it's hard to imagine a scenario in which Bradley doesn't take a healthy DeMerit to South Africa.

"I've always understood my role to be a part of the group and one thing Bob always stresses is that the group is what matters and you have to understand that," he says. "All of us do. But ultimately you want to be out there, too. You want to be part of that number, that first XI, and it was great for me to do that and have that opportunity. You do grow in confidence.

"They talk about how important it is for forwards to have confidence and when they do they can go on a hot streak, but it's just as important for defenders as well. It puts out fires before they start and that would be the role I would play, to stop chances before they happen. When you feel sharp, when you feel confident, you can do that, you can read things a bit quicker. That's the type of center [back] I'd like to play."


http://www.socceramerica.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.san&s=35747&Nid=10841&p=493089
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LOL...I'm not the only one who doesn't like the punk.

********

Slovenians start verbal war early with threat to 'wind up' Wayne Rooney

• Players were incensed by striker's penalty award at Wembley
• England have too many egos, says Slovenia legend Zahovic


Slovenia intend to "wind up" Wayne Rooney when they meet England in Port Elizabeth on 23 June in the hope of exploiting the striker's sometimes suspect temperament, which saw him sent off at the 2006 World Cup for stamping on the Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho.

Rooney is unpopular with Slovenia's players after winning a dubious penalty against them at Wembley in last September's friendly. That set England on the way to a 2-1 win and the defender Bostjan Cesar, who conceded the penalty when it seemed he had been fouled by the Manchester United forward, said last night that he and his team-mates were keen to exact revenge in South Africa.

"I'll have additional motivation for that match," Cesar told Slovenian TV. "Everybody knows that Rooney deliberately tried to injure me. He should be ashamed of himself. We will try to wind him up and make it an unpleasant experience for him and his team-mates."

Slovenia's most vaunted footballer, Zlatko Zahovic, has dismissed England's chances of winning the World Cup, describing Fabio Capello's squad as ego-driven and certain to be troubled by internal strife next summer.

Zahovic, who played for Slovenia at the 2002 World Cup and has retired after a club career which included spells at Benfica and Valencia, indicated his compatriots will not be fearful of facing England.

"For me England are not one of the favourites," he said. "They are a team full of stars and egos. They cannot possibly spend a month and a half together without friction."

The midfielder Valter Birsa, who plays for Auxerre in France, thought Slovenia had "matched England in London" but added: "We have to be aware that England were not at full strength then. But we were completely equal to them until the referee decided to gift them a penalty kick. I hope they will underestimate us. That's what the Russians did and look at them now."

Milivoje Novakovic, a striker who is set to play a key role in South Africa after scoring in five qualifiers, said: "We've played the English, even though that was a completely different match. But we showed that we can match them. They will not have Wembley behind them in South Africa. We respect them, but we are definitely not afraid of them."

Slovenia's coach, Matjaz Kek, who masterminded the shock play-off win over Russia, also believes his side should not be underestimated. "Depending on how we prepare, what condition we are in, I am convinced Slovenia will leave a good impression on the 2010 World Cup. We are able to play in the second round," he said, though he expects England to go much further. "They have a fabulous coach, very good players and maybe it is time for England."

Algeria's striker Rafik Saifi said his team would not be overawed by England. "England will be big favourites but we will not see it as a bad draw," he said. "Algeria is a team of fighters and warriors as we demonstrated in our play-off win against Egypt. We are not going to go out to the World Cup asking the English players for autographs."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/05/slovenia-england-world-cup
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Looking a lot like LD is heading across the pond to play with Everton. Will be good to go against the higher competition to raise his game.

I'm not extrememly familiar with the Premiership, so I'm wondering would LD be able to go over and start immediately? I know they have Cahill over there and he is very good, but is he a left winger? I know he is an attacker but I'm not sure where he attacks from.

Hopefully he can get acclimated to English football for our first game!
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The draw obviously went well, but I still feel the same way going into the tournament: if they execute a good gameplan well, they can win or draw against anyone, and if they don't, they can lose to anyone. I would rather watch them play well and lose against England than ease past Algeria with an insipid performance.


[quote name='JC' date='04 December 2009 - 02:36 PM' timestamp='1259951791' post='836613']
I wonder how it feels to be in North Korea today. Brasil, Cote D'Ivore, and Portugal? Jeez! That's going to be a fun group to watch. Way and by far, the Group of Death.
[/quote]

Firstly, it always feels shitty to be in North Korea. Anyway, I'm sure the Great Leader will take great preasure in informing his countrymen that the people's national team dominated the evil nations of the West.
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  • 2 weeks later...
Holy shit. Beez might actually make this squad. A goal and an assist in 90 minutes in a 6-1 game against Motherwell. Probably not the best to guage his talents against, but if he keeps getting minutes, and gets back into form with Deuce more than likely moving up top, Beez might do some damage on the right wing in the WC. 4 straight starts. Keep going Beez!

I think he is likely a better option than Stuey on the wing, who could be effective off the bench.

Getting more and more excited about this WC.
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I can't wait for this to start. LD has risen to the top of my ranks of favorite soccer players. He is the heart of our team. I'm glad he is going to get some play in the Premier league.

Who are yall's alltime favorite soccer players?
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[quote name='sois' date='19 December 2009 - 06:47 PM' timestamp='1261262861' post='844831']
I can't wait for this to start. LD has risen to the top of my ranks of favorite soccer players. He is the heart of our team. I'm glad he is going to get some play in the Premier league.

Who are yall's alltime favorite soccer players?
[/quote]

Sounds crazy, but my favorite player of all time is Frankie Hejduk. I just love his tenacity and passion for the game. I played mostly defense since I was 5, so I also appreciate excellent defenders. I guess Drogba would also be up there too since I'm a big Chelsea fan as well as a Crew fan.

I really hope we see Holden make a move to Rangers here in January. It's rumored Beasley wants him to join and it makes sense that the club would find Holden attractive since he would not cost them a transfer fee. I just wonder where and if he would get starting time. BTW, it would be amazing if Edu would get back into form. He could add SO much to the midfield that is lacking right now, but he may never get the shot because of injury. Same goes for Jermaine Jones.
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[quote name='sois' date='19 December 2009 - 06:47 PM' timestamp='1261262861' post='844831']
I can't wait for this to start. LD has risen to the top of my ranks of favorite soccer players. He is the heart of our team. I'm glad he is going to get some play in the Premier league.

Who are yall's alltime favorite soccer players?
[/quote]
I think for me, I started following soccer about 4 years ago when I started playing in High school. Initially my friends and I were all about Ronaldinho and everything, but I think I'm a big time Jozy Altidore fan. If I ever tried to model my game against anyone it would have to be Fernando Torres though. I didn't really like LD until the CC when he started to step up. I was a big critic before.


[quote name='starkesn' date='20 December 2009 - 04:22 AM' timestamp='1261297352' post='844935']
Sounds crazy, but my favorite player of all time is Frankie Hejduk. I just love his tenacity and passion for the game. I played mostly defense since I was 5, so I also appreciate excellent defenders. I guess Drogba would also be up there too since I'm a big Chelsea fan as well as a Crew fan.

I really hope we see Holden make a move to Rangers here in January. It's rumored Beasley wants him to join and it makes sense that the club would find Holden attractive since he would not cost them a transfer fee. I just wonder where and if he would get starting time. BTW, it would be amazing if Edu would get back into form. He could add SO much to the midfield that is lacking right now, but he may never get the shot because of injury. Same goes for Jermaine Jones.
[/quote]
With MB playing well in Germany we need one of those mids to come in and do well. Bob never plays Benny and I think Benny is more of a left winger anyways. If Jermaine Jones can get through his leg troubles and get onto the field for the US our midfield just went from being a weakness to a strength. We could have a very, very dangerous midfield. I think that will improve both sides of the ball as well if we can keep possession in the midfield.

Hopefully Jozy gets his shit straight.
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Not really what we want leading up to next summer. However, I'm not shocked or anything. In the last several WCQ's everyone playing in the backline seemed to have some issues. Boca and Gooch need to play but it's not going to be just handed to them by their respective club teams. The future center backs may come earlier than we thought. This could be a good opportunity for someone like Chad Marshall to stake a claim to the Starting XI.



[quote][size="5"][b]Bocanegra loses starting role
[/b][/size] [size="1"]by Paul Kennedy, Thursday, Dec 24, 2009 7:00 AM ET[/size]

[AMERICANS ABROAD] Carlos Bocanegra's dubious yellow card picked up against Lyon in late November has proven to be costly. Since serving a one-game suspension for picking up his third card in the last 10 games, the U.S. national team captain has yet to get back in the lineup. Frenchman Romain Danze, who normally places on the right side, has taken over at left back.

Bocanegra missed the 2-1 win at Nancy and the three games after that, including Wednesday's 2-0 loss at Sochaux. The loss left Rennes tied for eighth place at the halfway mark.

Bocanegra has played in 14 of Rennes' 19 games. Last season, the former UCLA star played all 38 Ligue 1 games.[/quote]


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Freddy is one of the dynamic players we have in the USA that we need to develop on the international level in order to be a even somewhat serious contender. He needs to be at a club where he plays.



[quote][size="5"][b]Adu's club changes coaches[/b][/size]

[size="1"]by Paul Kennedy, Thursday, Dec 24, 2009 7:00 AM ET[/size]

[AMERICANS ABROAD] Freddy Adu can only hope a change in coaches will boost his chances of seeing more playing time at Portuguese club Belenenses. On Wednesday, the Lisbon club, last in the First Division with one win in 14 games, named Toni as its new head coach, replacing Joao Carlos Pereira.

Toni was coaching this season in the UEFA Champions League with CFR Cluj when the Romanian club fired him a month ago.

Toni previously worked in Portugal at Trofense, Vitoria de Setubal, Naval 1 de Maio and Estrela of Amadora.

Belenenses hasn't won since the second game of the season, on Aug. 24.

Despite its miserable showings, Adu has only played in three league games for Belenenses. The Lisbon club is his third European club in three seasons at which he has seen limited playing time. [/quote]


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Freddy just really needs to go play for the Philly Union.

1. He will be the man there. It's a huge market, so there is some good chances for marketing and such.
2. If he wants to be have any chance, he has to find some playing time somewhere.
3. Dudes confidence is just going to keep sinking playing for Clubs that regularly don't let him sniff the field.

He has oodles of ability attacking and could make us so much more dangerous, but he isn't playing and making himself better. Heres to hoping he figures it out soon.


And I'm not really surprised by Boca. He is in Carlos Reyna territory. Far to old and losing skills. Though, I like him better than at left back while Gooch and Demerit are in the middle. Maybe Specs can play over there. I don't know. It might be time to transfer the captains armband to Howard or Landon now though.
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  • 2 weeks later...
Stu is heading to Burnley and EJ and Adu are heading to Greece. While the chances for the latter are grim..Stu could be either really making his case, or he could be putting his chances in great danger of making the squad.

Bease is making a real push so if he doesn't get any playing time..he might not make the roster.


I know Demarcus played a LB in his last cap for the USA. Is he strictly a left sided player? Or can he swing over to the right? I know he and Landon used to be dangerous together and it was a bit before my time in the 02 WC, but was Demarcus on the right wing? Or was Landon playing the left striker?
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[quote][size="4"][b]Edu's Rangers gains valuable point in Old Firm derby

[/b][/size] [size="1"]by Paul Kennedy, Monday, Jan 4, 2010 7:00 AM ET

[/size] [AMERICANS ABROAD] Maurice Edu came on in the 13th minute of Ranger's Old Firm match at Celtic and helped the Scottish Premier League leader earn a 1-1 tie that kept them seven points ahead of its Glasgow rival (with one more game played). The injured DaMarcus Beasley did not suit up for Rangers.

Edu was called into action when midfielder Nacho Novo was injured. It was only the second appearance of the season for the former Toronto FC player after returning from a knee injury suffered on the final day of the 2009-10 season.

Lee McCulloch's goal in the 81st minute canceled out a goal from Scott McDonald two minutes earlier.

Celtic dominated the game at Parkhead but was compromised by poor finishing. [/quote]


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