Here's a story that I'm sure no one cares about, but since it interests me, I'm posting it:
FIFA Fraks USA!
The seedings for next year's World Cup were announced this week, and not only did the U.S. squad miss out on a seeded position, they were also dumped into one of the toughest groups of the tourney. The Yanks will face Italy, the Czech Republic, and Ghana this summer in Germany, despite manhandling higher seeds (Mexico comes to mind) in the Qualifiers. Who knew FIFA had a liberal bias?
Actually, FIFA's seeding "system" more closely resembles a blindfolded man throwing darts at a map than a coherent process. The seeds are based upon past performances, as well as current team strength. Since the Americans finished dead last in '98, they get the screw-gee in '06.
I would like nothing better than U.S. Soccer to make the Huns eat their words, but with Italy and the Czechs . . .
Soccer isn't America's sport. I love the sport (played 10 years and was a referee for 4) but we will never beat the heavy weights. Plus, the crowds are NUTS I all over the world.
ReplyDeleteTy - When Man U started playing in Philly last year - it has since become an annual event - the crowds were insane! I follow the sport much more when it's Cup time, but the classic matchups are usually excellent.
ReplyDeleteI usually follow the anti-U.S. cup team reports.
ReplyDeleteThe U.S. has never beaten Mexico BS.
Until it happened.
"History repeats itself: Italy v United States In Rome in 1934, the Italians inflicted a real drubbing upon the Americans, running out 7-1 winners in the first round of the second FIFA World Cup. The Italians went on to lift the trophy."
I think we stand a pretty good chance this year.
It would be a nice turn of karma if we beat all their butts. I used to watch Italian soccer on RAI all the time. They seem to cover the field differently. I feel bad for the American team...I hope someday they can surpass the team that was hot oh, ten years or so ago...wasn't when we hosted the cup?
ReplyDeleteIreland didn't even make it this year... the guinness is taking its toll!
ReplyDeleteTy - Agreed. This is probably the best squad the U.S. has fielded in a decade. If they stay consistent, they'll do some damage.
ReplyDeleteRT - The best thing the Americans can do is beat Italy and the Czechs. Instant respectability.
Peak - Lousy drunks! :)
Naaa... Germany serves up girly beer like St. Pauly girl... they're boycotting it until Guinness becomes the primary sponsor.
ReplyDeleteIt's all political...