and why the American’s just might also.
Spain crushed Poland 6-0 in their final World Cup warm-up match. Yes, Poland is not a world power, but look at this video of Spain’s second goal. The ball control and movement within such a small space is unbelievable, and if Spain can play like this throughout the whole tournament, they will undoubtedly lift the trophy.
So where do the American’s fit in in all of this? Their victory over largely the exact same Spain side just one year ago. The rosters for both the Americans and Spain are almost identical to what they were in the 2009 Confederations Cup where the U.S. pulled off a 2-0 victory in the semi-finals.
The USA played a fantastic game on that day, and they beat the World number 1. Now, heading into the Cup, they have proven to themselves and the world that they can beat anyone on any given day.
David Beckham is in South Africa with the England National Team. David Beckham is playing soccer in South Africa with the England National Team.
No, he won’t be playing in any World Cup games, instead, Becks has been acting as ambassador, scout, mascot, etc. for the Team England while he is sidelined with an Achilles injury.
However, that didn’t stop David from playing a little footie at the Team England practice today. Of course, he wasn’t supposed to be playing, but is that going to stop him? No. What about if the doctors who told him he couldn’t play are standing right next to him? Would that stop him? Of course not.
Check out this hilarious video of Becks kicking a ball around and getting yelled at for doing so.
This is great, but at the same time I feel bad for the guy. He obviously wants to be playing in this World Cup more than anything, and despite the fact that he must still be in pain, wants nothing more than to kick a ball around.
The guy’s love for the game is unquestioned.
With the World Cup starting in a mere three days, I thought I would go to the videos and pick out the top 10 goals in World Cup history. So let’s get started.
10. Pele: Brazil vs. Sweden 1958
Yes, the almighty Pele starts the list off at number 10. No introduction necessary.
See the rest of the top ten goals in World Cup history after the jump.
Steve Davis at Sports Illustrated lays out his top 10 must see games
Grant Wahl also at Sports Illustrated gives his overview of the World Cup
The Times Online with an interesting read about Michael Bradley
Fabio Capello angry at his England team after a lackluster performance in warm-up game.
Woody Harrelson scored the game winning penalty kick in a UNICEF charity match over the weekend.
The match was played between Team England and Team Rest of the World. 65,000 fans showed up to Old Trafford to see the match that ended 2-2 in regulation before heading to PKs.
Celebrities at the event included. Mike Myers, Michael Sheen, Gordon Ramsey, Robbie Williams, and of course Woody Harrelson.
Check out the video of Harrelson’s match winner:
I read a great article by Grant Wahl at Sports Illustrated the other day that talked about Bob Bradley’s coaching future after the World Cup. I was content at the time of reading to let it sit there, but I have to admit, it’s been on my mind and has marinated enough to warrant a full blog post. So here it goes.
Bob Bradley should not be the coach of US National Team after the World Cup, regardless of how far the team advances in the tournament. There, I said it.
Check out this hilarious video featuring stars like Snoop Dog, Jay Baruchel and Noel Gallagher as they navigate their way through the cantina scene in Star Wars.
Franz Beckenbauer makes a cameo appearance, and the video ends on a high note with David Beckham and a cheeky Los Angeles Galaxy pun.
There is just something about the World Cup that brings out the best in everyone! Love it.
Thousands of fans rushed the gates outside the Makhulong Stadium in South Africa earlier today creating a human stampede causing multiple injuries. No deaths have been confirmed.
The game was a friendly World Cup warm-up match between Nigeria and North Korea.
The stampede was caused in part by the offering of free tickets for the match.
“What then occurred was large groups of people gathered outside the gates wanting to come in and wanting to get free tickets. Unfortunately in the process, the gates were opened and there was a stampede,” police spokesman Eugene Opperman said.
Not surprisingly, FIFA has distanced itself from this incident saying that since it was a friendly they had nothing to do with the security and organization of the match.
Read more and see more photos after the jump…
Georgina Turner over at Sports Illustrated provides her breakdown of World Cup group C (USA, England, Algeria, Slovenia).
Time Magazine gives us their take on Soccer in America – yes, they still don’t quite get it over there, but they are trying so let’s give them some credit, besides it’s an informative read.
And finally, The Chronicle of Higher Education has a lengthy article on all things soccer and the World Cup. This is a fantastic read, but be ready for the long haul, this is one long read. But boy is it fantastic – covering areas from sponsors and money to books and politics: Soccer Conquers the World
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