Inside The Pro Landon Donovan
It’s your day Landon Donovan, you kept the hopes of U.S. soccer alive in South Africa and probably stateside as well.
“Certain moments come along where you have an opportunity to make an impact on your life”
and you certainly just did that. Thank you.
Landon Donovan Game Winning World Cup Goal
America rules! The rest of the world can continue to go ahead and hate us, we really don’t care.
Landon Donovan and America equal greatness.
World Cup: Ghana vs Germany Preview
TALENT
The Germans will need a victory over Group D leader Ghana to advance while the Africans only need a draw to move into the knockout phase. A loss for Ghana however could be fatal, especially if Serbia beats Australia, but they can still advance with a loss if Serbia and Australia plays to a draw. Ghana is effectively Africa’s last hope as the Ivory Coast approach a near insurmountable goal difference, and the trio of South Africa, Nigeria and Cameroon are already out. This matchup will showcase Kevin-Prince Boateng of Ghana against his half brother Jerome Boateng of Germany. It was also a tackle by Boateng on German captain Michael Ballack in the English FA Cup that knocked him out of the World Cup.
Germany’s general manger Oliver Bierhoff has already made it clear that they are not playing Ghana’s Boateng but Ghana themselves and survival. The Germans attack is most effective when going wide and playing in from the wing, Thomas Muller’s passing from the right is an important element, allowing the team to go down his side and use opposite winger Lukas Podolski as more of a goal scoring threat. Germany’s manager Joachim Loew squad is under a lot of pressure but should be able to count on striker Podolski, defender Philpp Lahm, and midfielders Mueller, and Mesut Oezil to step up and have good games. Striker Miroslav Klose will miss the game due to his red card against Serbia and he could be replaced by the Brazilian-born striker Cacau or Mario Gomez.
The Black Stars and Africa will need for Boateng to make an impact and one that requires skills not that of just taking out Ballack. Ghana will see the return of its central defenders Isaac Vorsah and John Mensah and will be vital to helping Anthony Annan slow down the Germans and protect their defense. Ghana however hasn’t scored from open play yet this tournament and needs forward Asamoah Gyan to lead the attack in this matchup if they hope to win. Ghana has created enough chances in their first two games, but hasn’t been able to capitalize on them.
The two teams have only met once before, with Germany scoring six second-half goals in their 6-1 win back in a friendly in 1993. The three-time champions have never gone home after the group stage.
PICK: Germany
World Cup: Australia vs Serbia Preview
TALENT
Two teams with the same exact story,an extremely disappointing show in the opener then a much improved outing in the second to keep hopes alive. Serbia is in third place and would advance with a win. With a draw, they could conceivably win tiebreakers against Germany, that is if they have a tie with Ghana but a loss and Serbia’s out. Australia needs to win to have a chance, but sitting on a -4 goal difference, they are unlikely to go through.
Serbia was sliced apart by Ghana in the opener only to turn things drastically around with a win against Germany and a solid effort from Neven Subotic who came in for the suspended Aleksandr Lukovic. Serbia will need another strong game from their leader scorer in qualifying Milan Jovanovic. In addition they will be getting Lukovic back after his one-game suspension but six other players are carrying yellow cards and another would result in a suspension for the round of 16.
The Socceroos will be playing with a depleted squad as they will have to play this match without suspended Harry Kewell and Craig Moore. Australia will see the return though of Tim Cahill who served his suspension for his red card incurred against Germany. Australia’s manger Pim Verbeek will likely play Michael Beauchamp in Moore’s position and will stay with veteran Mark Schwarzer in goal. Australia however will have to break their habit of getting red cards if they have any hope at all of beating Serbia.
PICK: Serbia
World Cup: United States vs Algeria Preview
TALENT
Let me take this moment to say I’ve never claimed to be a soccer guru just a fan that has paid a attention to soccer for since youth that’s paid extra attention the last two years in anticipation of this World Cup. Even with squads like Uruguay and Chile consistently pulling at me during the qualifying process my heart and body still lies with the United States. The United States enters today’s World Cup third match with a record of 0-7 in those games. With history not on the Stars and Stripes side and their notorious slow starts, you wont find me going against Old Glory.
United States controls its destiny and advances with a win. A draw is also good enough, provided England draw with Slovenia in the other game without catching up the US in the goals scored column. The United States were wrongly denied victory against Slovenia by temporary referee insanity but should still be feeling good about coming from two goals down in that game to draw 2-2 with Slovenia. The Stars and Stripes will need to get off to a better start and stop there habit of getting behind early. The United States midfielders will need to have strong matches in breaking-up play and making strong decisions with the ball. They will also need midfielder Landon Donovan to continue his strong two-way play as he’s tireless on the offense and defense. Manager Bob Bradley will likely play Clint Dempsey in the attack along with Jozy Altidore. However, Edson Buddle and Herculez Gomez are also options. Forward Robbie Findley is out of the game as he received two yellow cards in the first two games and is suspended.
The Desert Foxes have yet to win a game or score a goal at 2010 World Cup but were more than a match for England again whom they earned a 0-0 draw, and only lost the first game to Slovenia 1-0 after going down to 10 men. Algeria can still make it out of Group C, but have to win here and hope England loses so don’t expect to see them sit back and for Karim Ziani and Nadir Belhadj to lead the attack.
Algeria has failed to make it out of group play in their previous tournaments appearances and in its 1982 revolutionized the way the World Cup is played today. In 1982 their exit came about because West Germany and Austria arranged a 1-0 victory by West Germany in the final group match that allowed both teams to advance at Algeria’s expense. The ensuing scandal resulted in FIFA playing the final group matches simultaneously. The United States hasn’t been pass the knockout round since 2002.
PICK: United States
World Cup: Slovenia vs England Preview
TALENT
England needs to get a win against Group C leaders Slovenia to guarantee a spot in the next round. If they win, they’ll end up with five points to Slovenia’s four and its possible England could go through with a draw if the United States and Algeria also draw. If Slovenia wins they take first place in the group as they are the only team with a win in Group C to their name. Anything but defeat and they’re through to the Round of 16.
Slovenia qualifies with a win or a draw, so expect to seem them defend and counter, and challenge England to find any kind of creativity that has been missing so far. The Slovenian players need to enter this matchup with the continuation of their confidence, determination and the willingness to help each other out which their opponents have taken lightly so far. The Green Dragons will be without striker Necj Pecnik who suffered a broken ankle and is out for the tournament.
For Three Lions they will need to change the rhythm or the speed of how they have played up to this match as they have looked really slow. England has yet to really press or and run their opponents into the pitch. England is almost as a mess as France with its lack of goal tending, scoring, leadership, effort, pace, skill, imagination, creativity, and good management. It will be interesting if manager Fabio Capello continues to go with a 4-4-2 system or if he’ll opt to go 4-5-1, with Wayne Rooney up front on his own.
The Green Dragons only needs a draw to advance to the round of 16 for the first time ever but could be eliminated with a loss and a victory by the United States or a two-goal triumph by Algeria. Its been 50 years since the Three Lions have have failed to advance past the first round and haven’t won the World Cup since 1966.
PICK: Draw
France’s Raymond Domenech Refuses To Shake South Africa Managers Hand
French coach Raymond Domenech entered the 2010 World Cup knowing two things, he was a win away from becoming the country’s all-time winningiest coach and that he wouldn’t have a job when it was all said and done. What followed will be talked in soccer circles for years to come as the French collapsed before the eyes of the world.
It started with soccer legend Zinedine Zidane criticizing Domenech early on in the tournament after their 1-1 draw with Uruguay. Then Domenech’s dismissal of his star striker Nicolas Anelka, who following their loss to Mexico told his coach to
“Go fuck yourself, you dirty son of a whore”
Then refused to apologize. Things only got worse from there. The France World Cup team refused to practice in protest of their teammate’s dismissal, and trainers throwing their credentials into the air walking off the pitch. France ultimately laid down and lost their final match to an underwhelming South African team.
How did Domenech handle the situation? By refusing to shake South Africa’s coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira, hand when approached instead wagging his finger and showed the true colors of France, arrogant but weak.
Sports Grind Entertainment’s Tuesday June 22 Show
Are You?
Out on your grind and happen to miss the show? We understand and we’ve got you covered, just click on the link below to listen to a replay of today’s show.
World Cup: Greece vs Argentina Preview
TALENT
Argentina wont not need any points against Greece to advance to the knockout stage, but that won’t stop coach Diego Maradona’s team from chasing a third straight victory and total domination of Group B. The Greeks are tied for second in the group with South Korea, will need at least a draw to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage. An upset win may not even be enough if South Korea beats Nigeria.
Maradona has said he will make drastic changes to his lineup which is likely to see eight new players. Of the players coming in Sergio Aguero, a lightning quick supporting striker, the playmaker Javier Pastore and striker Diego Milito.
The Greeks, who pride themselves on defense will likely have to open things up at some point in the game. Greece will have to at least get a draw to advance and are confident they can score after putting two in against Nigeria. Striker Dimitris Salpingidis said even if they don’t go through to the next round they’re going to give it all they have so they can hold their heads high. Midfielder Thanassis Prittas added that Greece needs to concentrate on defending and counterattacking, but admits they have to score at least one goal if they have any hope.
Defense will be the focus for Greece as it tries to contain the Argentinians, who won 4-0 in the only previous meeting during the 1994 World Cup.
PICK: Argentina
World Cup: South Korea vs Nigeria Preview
TALENT
South Korea sits second place with three points and a -1 goal difference and Nigeria is not as far off as most would think but needs a win over South Korea and a Greece loss to Argentina will get them into the knockout stage. If Argentina beats Greece, South Korea can advance with a draw.
Nigeria has no choice here other than to attack and it should make for an interesting game to see if South Korea will be happy to defend or apply the pressure. The African nation lost its first two games by scores of 1-0 to Argentina and 2-1 to Greece. Nigeria needs somebody in attack to come alive. Yakubu Aiygenbeni is not their best attacking player but he appears to be Lars Lagerback’s only consistent selection at forward. The heat has been turned up in a serious way in Nigeria as Sani Kaita has reportedly receiving over 1,000 death threats since his sending off against Greece.
South Korean manger Huh Jung-Moo has said their 4-1 defeat against Argentina was a good lesson for his players and they have to learn from it for their match against Nigeria. South Korea will again be relying on captain and midfielder Park Ji-Sung to lead the way and hope that defender Lee Jung-Soo and midfielder Kim Jung-Woo can continue their fine play. Solving Nigeria can be easy with strong midfield play and that would enable South Korea to get the ball wide and take advantage of their strengths of Park Ji-Sung and Lee Chong-Yong attacking Nigeria’s fullbacks.
The teams have played each other three times with South Korea winning two and drawing the other, although none have come during World Cup play.
PICK: South Korea
Tampa Bay Rays B.J. Upton Catches World Cup Fever
The 2010 World Cup is just a little over a week old and the fever still rising as this years seems to be an open tournament and no clear cut favorite. Adidas is trying to tap into the mainstream sports base through Facebook in bringing the game to fans of other sports. Adidas has delivered Major League Baseball player and Tampa Bay Rays B.J. Upton taking the the time to show his wig swag as well as his of soccer and batting skills combo.
Charges Dropped Against Dutch Fans
TALENT
Barbara Castelein and Mirthe Nieuwpoort of the Netherlands, known as the Bavaria girls, celebrated their aquittal in Johannesburg today.
The two women were among a group of 36 big busted blonde Dutch fans charged with an ambush marketing stunt by beer brewer Bavaria at a match between the Netherlands and Denmark at the Soccer City stadium last Monday. All charges were dropped as they faced charges under an act that covers ambush marketing, when a company benefits from an event without paying for advertising.
FIFA, whose sponsors have exclusive rights to in-stadium marketing, said Tuesday it had reached a settlement with Bavaria in which all parties agreed to drop any claims and also not to make any further public comments about the case.
World Cup: Mexico vs Uruguay Preview
TALENT
Mexico and Uruguay are sitting pretty at the top of Group A but look for them to go for a win as neither would like to face the top team in Group B which in all likelihood will be Argentina. The winner of Group A will face the runner up in Group B, which will be Nigeria, Greece, or South Korea. Mexico and Uruguay have four points each after their first two games, but Uruguay sits in first place due to a better goal difference at Mexico plus 3. The risk for both teams is that a loss mathematically exposes them to the threat of France or South Africa taking second place.
Uruguay Diego Godin is having a strong tournament in central defense, especially considering some struggles from captain Diego Lugano. Where a draw will give Uruguay the group, there may be a point where Oscar Tabarez decides to pull back and protect an even score.
Mexico will try for the win and watch for Javier Hernandez to continue to make a difference for Mexico as he did in the 2-0 win over France. Mexico are entering the game full of confidence. The players have performed and manager Javier Aguirre has also been doing a good job, especially with his substitutions. Forward Carlos Vela may miss the game due to a leg injury that he suffered during the first half against France.
The two teams have met 17 times with Mexico winning seven, losing three and drawing seven. Uruguay is ranked 16th in the world by FIFA while Mexico are ranked one spot behind them.
PICK: Draw
World Cup: France vs South Africa Preview
TALENT
What a week for France and what a two weeks its been for the host country South Africa. For South Africa it’s the joy of being the first African nation to host the World Cup matched by the sorrow of being the first host country to fail to reach the knockout round. Meanwhile a once-storied squad in France has crumpled in self bickering right in front of the world as coach Raymond Domenech’s tenure comes to an end. The two squads have the slimmest chances of advancing from Group A as both teams have just one point to their name and not yet mathematically finished in this World Cup.
The France team is in shambles with Nicolas Anelka being sent home, arguments between coaching staff and players. There’s really no way of knowing how the team will perform in this game but the buildup has been about as unhelpful as possible. France has been a major disappointment as their offense has failed to score in either matches.
For South Africa striker Katlego Mphela has to finally convert on his scoring chances that he’s been given and help out a squad in 180 minutes only has only goal to speak of. Mphela will need to find his touch to help the Bafana Bafana get a win in this tournament. It won’t be easy for the host as midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi will sit after accumulating two yellow cards in the first two matches.
France and South Africa find themselves looking up from the bottom of the group but if Uruguay or Mexico loses and France or South Africa wins, this will cause a logjam in the table with two teams equal at four points for second place. The all important goal difference would then come into play. The teams have played each other three times in the past with France winning two and drawing one.
PICK: France
World Cup: Brazil vs Ivory Coast Preview
TALENT
The “Group of Death” is back in action with one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the tournament’s group stage as Brazil takes on the Ivory Coast. Brazil made a strange opening to the World Cup but ultimately winning start to it as they defeated North Korea 2-1. Ivory Coast on the other hand entered the tournament with it’s best player trying to get used to his arm being inserted with a steel pin and placed into a cast so he could be ready for it’s opener against Portugal which ended 0-0 in the rain. Its once again all about Didier Drogba as Ivory Coast coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has suggested Drogba will start this game.
Brazil earned three points against North Korea and currently control Group G but still didn’t appease it people back home who are not use to seeing a team be more about the technical side than the finesse. Brazil did receive good news from its team physician when Gilberto Silva was cleared to play against Ivory Coast adding another all-star to compete along the likes of Kaka and Robinho. Even though Kaka played through groin and thigh injuries he was able to lean on fellow teammates Maicon and Elano to pick up the slack.
Ivory Coast will be a far different contrast in style of play for Brazil than the defenders of North Korea as they will look to be aggressive and shot often. Even with Drogba starting he will have plenty on his plate going up against Lucio who kept him from being a factor when Inter Milan beat Chelsea in the round of 16 of the Champions League this year. The Inter defense that stopped Drogba included goalkeeper Julio Cesar, Maicon and Lucio who all are starters for Brazil.
If Brazil wins this they’ll have six points of the “Group of Death” and be sitting comfortably, even a draw makes them on the side of being untouchable. For the Elephants a defeat would spell trouble, especially since Portugal takes on North Korea next.
PICK: Brazil
World Cup: Italy vs New Zealand Preview
TALENT
As we’ve learned this week, first-match performances aren’t great predictors of the second match and that’s given World Cup a few upsets and draws of clubs that where thought to breeze through this tournament. However this shouldn’t fall into that category as the reigning champions take on New Zealand and hope this matchup will help provide a spark to their scoring inefficiency.
Italy will need to speed up from the start and get into instant attack mode rather than their more recent slow starts. This would help Italy put themselves in the best position to score numerous goals against a New Zealand squad that just doesn’t match their speed and size.
New Zealand is still new to the World Cup and just earned their first ever point in the Slovakian opener. For New Zealand it’s all about one game changing everything and hoping the clock hasn’t struck midnight on their dreams just yet.
This is the second meeting between these teams after a thriller in South Africa last year before the Confederations Cup as Italy rallied three times for a 4-3 victory.
PICK: Italy
World Cup: Slovakia vs Paraguay Preview
TALENT
Both Slovakia and Paraguay will be trying to improve on their point total of one and jump to the top of Group F when they meet up. In the first game for the Slovakians they let in an injury time equalizer against New Zealand to end the game in a 1-1 draw. Paraguay also let a 1-0 lead slip as Italy scored in the second half to also force a 1-1 draw.
Paraguay proved in their first match of this tournament that they are not to be underestimated. Paraguay’s chances of advancing to the knockout stage would get better if the team gets more contributions from oft-injured striker Roque Santa Cruz. The dynamic scorer hopes to start against Slovakia. Paraguay gained a lot of confidence from their game against the reigning World Cup champions and has the advantage of having them in their rear-view mirrors.
Slovakia will be desperate against Paraguay and enter the matchup with perhaps no respect even thought they won their European qualifying group over Czech Republic and Slovenia. Slovakian though is participating in its first World Cup since the 1993 breakup of Czechoslovakia. They will need their captain Marek Hamsik and striker Stanislav Sestak to take reins of this squad early and continue to put shots on goal as they did against New Zealand.
Group F is wide open with all four teams on 1 point and 1 goal scored and allowed but Paraguay may create an impossible task for Slovakia, which must then face Italy on Thursday. The Italians are expected to take three points in their matchup against New Zealand.
PICK: Paraguay
World Cup: Slovenia vs United States Preview
TALENT
The United States enters this matchup against Slovenia with all the pressure that faced England in their first game. The United States was scored on very early however did buckle down and got some luck at the hands of England’s keeper Robert Green to force a 1-1 draw. But its Slovenia that leads Group C with the three points as they too received a little luck from a keeper when Algerian Faouzi Chaouchi created a mistake that lead to their 1-0 defeat.
The United States has some questions lingering on their roster. First how are the ribs of their own keeper Tim Howard and will they hold up after injuring them at the feet of Emile Heskey. Can someone besides Clint Dempsey score a World Cup goal for the United States is another question that needs to be answered. Landon Donovan was the last American to score a World Cup goal and that was in 2002 against Mexico. The United States definitely has the confidence established from their showing against England however they can’t take a good defending team like Slovenia lightly.
With Slovenia in control of Group C and a draw keeping them ahead going forth into the final game I would look for Slovenia take a less attacking approach. Instead inviting the United States in to try and break them down and then trying to score on the counter.
They both play a basic 4-4-2 with emphasis more on physique than technique that keeps wide midfielders narrow and a center-forward pairing. Leaving these squads to wonder if they are looking in a mirror while facing each other so who will be the first to break the mirror on Friday.
PICK: United States
World Cup: Germany vs Serbia Preview
TALENT
Germany is coming off a 4-0 victory of Australia where as Serbia took 1-0 to Ghana for their first action in the 2010 World Cup. After Spain’s shocking loss to Switzerland, the German easily find themselves as being labeled the tournaments favorites. Serbia is trying to hope for their own miracle and will have to do so without defender Aleksandar Lukovic who was issued a red card against Ghana.
The Germans enter with confidence but have to be wary of a desperate team in Serbia. The machine that is the Germans have always at least seven players moving forward and leave hardly any gaps when the ball comes back the other way. Another huge win for Germany and strong performances again from strikers Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose will have many fans quietly forgetting the absence of Michael Ballack.
Defender Neven Subotic will step in for Lukovic and have the difficult task of stay in front of the Germans. Serbia has a knack for keeping it tight at the back but will have no option but to press and that will suit the Germans. They will have to show they have no fear and they shouldn’t as numerous players like midfielder Gojko Kacar and forward Marko Pantelic who have competed in Germany and even been former teammates of some of the players across the pitch in club play. They will absolutely need to be at their best for a compete 90 minutes for any chance to provide another shocker like the Swiss pulled off.
PICK: Germany
Man Killed By Family For Watching World Cup
Why Zakumi?
A South African man who wanted to watch a World Cup match instead of a religious program was beaten to death by his family in the northeastern part of the country.
David Makoeya, a 61-year-old man from the small village of Makweya, Limpopo province, fought with his wife and two children for the remote control on Sunday because he wanted to watch Germany play Australia in the World Cup. The others, however, wanted to watch a gospel show.
Makoeya got up to change the channel by hand after being refused the remote control and was attacked by his 68-year-old wife Francina and two children, 36-year-old son Collin and 23-year-old daughter Lebogang.
Police where not sure what the family used to kill Makoeya but it did appear that they banged his head against the wall. All three were arrested but Lebogang was released on $200 bail.
Spain’s Goalkeeper Takes Berating From Girlfriend
Berate Me
Spain entered Wednesday’s opening game against Switzerland as heavily favored but then left being Mama Margie’s Major Meltdown of the week with their 1-0 loss. Their loss to the Swiss has been the upset of the World Cup so far. The shock the world felt after seeing Spain’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas miss on blocking the shot by Switzerland’s Gelson Fernandes might have been nothing compared to Casillas berating he recieved from his journalist girlfriend on Spanish TV.
Casillas looked uncomfortable as his girlfriend, Spanish TV journalist Sara Carbonero, asked him immediately after Wednesday’s game
“How did you muck that up?”
He appeared embarrassed as he tried to explain his mistake
“I don’t know what to say. I don’t know if this defeat will have consequences. The dressing room is fed up.”
If you wanna see for yourself and took Spanish in high school click {HERE} for the video.
Steve Nash Finally Arrives in South Africa
Steve Nash just gets it. You need a chuckle just check around the internet for what Nash is up to. Period, point blank.
“Do you think we can make it to the Justin Bieber concert this weekend?”
North Korea’s 1-0 Win Over Brazil
What you thought you witnessed Brazil defeat North Korea 2-1 on Tuesday? Well your wrong and just live in a state where your government controls everything you watch and say. You just live in a 2010 Manchurian Candidate world.
The North Koreans saw what really went down as they saw real and the stunning 1-0 upset over Brazil. So go ahead witness the truth yourself.
World Cup: France vs Mexico Preview
TALENT
The highlighted match of the day is France taking on Mexico but most of the focus will be on France’s coach Raymond Domenech to see if he can earn a 2010 World Cup paycheck. France in their opening match against Uruguay looked unorganized, easily jaded, and of course the unusual call of sitting of Florent Malouda and Thierry Henry and playing instead Sidney Govou. Mexico however was involved in an emotional World Cup opener against the host country and South Africa that ended in a draw. Both France and Mexico currently sit 3 points behind Uruguay who picked up a win against South Africa yesterday.
Even with all the criticism of Domenech he still stands one win away from becoming France’s all-time winningest coach eclipsing Michel Hidalgo and his 41 victories. This matchup could rest on the footwork of midfielder Franck Ribery who will need to be on the attack from the start as Mexico has the tendency to let the opposition break them.
Mexico’s coach Javier Aguirre could choose to throw his wingbacks forward to try and isolate Ribery. Gerardo Torrado has to do a better job of controlling the midfield unlike the performance their against South Africa. Torrado can break the match open with the right choices picking out Giovani dos Santos, Carlos Vela or Guillermo Franco.
Because both opening matches in group A finished in ties, this matchup can not send either side packing before the third round of games. France has a history of success on its side versus Mexico. Les Bleus are 5-0-1 against El Tri, though they haven’t met in the World Cup since 1966. Most recently, France won 1-0 in a 2006 home friendly.
PICK: Mexico
