THE ONE Landon Donovan and teammates celebrate his go-ahead goal in the 92nd minute of stoppage time as the U.S. defeats Algeria, 1-0. They now await their next opponent from Group D in the knockout round beginning Saturday. (Photo: AP via Sports Illustrated)
Amusing. I was coming over to post this exact photo when I see that someone I subscribe to has the same exact link. Anyways, here are a few thoughts:
1) The U.S. has an incredible draw, and a reasonable chance to make the semifinals. If they beat Ghana, they play the winner of Uruguay-South Korea. I’ve been impressed with both of those teams, but they are beatable. Neither team is strong enough on offense make a mismatch of U.S. problems in the back line. Honestly, I’m more worried about Ghana. Check my facebook post from two weeks ago. I didn’t want to face Ghana in the Round of 16. Shit.
2) On my point above, check out the pod England got relegated to because they only scored 2 goals(we scored 4 to win the group): Germany, Argentina, Mexico. Mayday! And check out the potential pod below ours(who we’d have to face in the semis): The Netherlands, Italy, Brazil, Spain. What a death grapple that group is gonna be.
3) I find it amusing how little Americans know about soccer(albeit it’s improving). Today, the head of our department walks by and says: “Did you hear about the US? We won 1-0, and it wasn’t even in penalty kicks!” I’ve heard that same remark or question about draws vs. pk’s a few times in the last couple of weeks. I know relatively little compared to other people. I have friends who know just about every player who plays in Europe. At least I know about the main rules, though.
4) On that thought, I honestly don’t think that even a World Cup victory would turn soccer into a main American sport. It’ll take a player like a Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan. Someone incredible who tickles American hearts like those two guys used to. This person will have to play in Europe as an American Soccer God. That’s the only way soccer will get into American blood every season, like a baseball or football. I believe Jozy Altidore has that potential. He’s incredibly explosive. But, unfortunately, soccer is more likely to remain like hockey for the next four years, no matter how successful we are this year.
5) I can’t wait for Saturday!!!!!!
