On Saturday, the US National Team will kick off against England in the World Cup. It is no surprise that this one match is the most anticipated game in US Soccer history, and it certainly is the one that brings the most intrigue.
The two largest factors driving soccer in America are the US National Team and the English Premier League. Despite the best efforts of Major League Soccer, the current dominant professional league in America – at least in terms of fan following and interest – is the EPL. The EPL is packed with the best players in the world and some of the best teams in the world. Add to it a shared Western culture and language and it’s not surprise why the EPL is heavily favored in America among soccer fans.
Now, add in the nature of the relationship between America and England – a relationship that goes back for hundreds of years. Currently, England is America’s biggest ally politically and militarily. There is a shared interest and respect from both sides of the pond, yet at the same time, the relationship is rife with rivalry and competition. The best way to describe the England-America relationship would be that of brothers – teenage brothers for that matter.
Respect, admiration, and trust coupled with rivalry, jealousy, and competition. It shouldn’t have to be said, but this will be a game for the ages.
We are 24 hours away from the kick off of World Cup 2010!!!
We’ll have our preview of day 1 up later today as well as our USA vs England preview, so be sure to check back in for that. In the meantime, check out these great reads.
Amazing pictures of the life and times of World Cup 2010.
The history of each World Cup – summed up in a nice pretty package.
Much has been made between the upcoming World Cup match between the United States and England. Of course there have been plenty of references to the previous World Cup meeting in 1950 where the USA squeaked out a 1-0 victory.
There has also been talk comparing the match to that of the Revolutionary War. Silly when you really think about it, but the comparison gains strength when two diplomats – 1 American and 1 English began email correspondence involving witty jabs at one another and their respective countries.
A bet has been made between ambassadors. Dinner will be served for one of them, either at a steakhouse in Washington DC or a pub in London. Some of the best lines:
“It is true that our [United States] soccer (a fine English word we have kindly preserved for you) history is not as long and illustrious as yours. However, as your generals noted during WWII, we have a unique capability for quickly identifying and advancing talent.”
“Incidentally, you should know that the [English] Ambassador takes his steak like American soccer victories – somewhat rare.”
Classic.
Check out the email correspondence after the jump. Courtesy of the AP
The team over at Sports Illustrated give their World Cup picks
Also at Sports Illustrated, Grant Wahl offers up his U.S. World Cup predictions
At Fox Soccer, Jamie Trecker has an overview of Team England
SoccerbyIves has the TV schedule for some classic World Cup matches that will be shown today on ESPN Classic
And some troubling news, The Guardian is reporting that three journalists have already been robbed at gunpoint in South Africa
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.
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.
Another commercial featuring American star Landon Donovan. This time it’s for FLO TV
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.
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