World Cup and European leagues

[WLCALUM83]

Mexico vs. Paraquay on deck:

[WLCALUM83]

Half:  Mexico 0, Paraguay 0.  (Several World Cups back--the last time France won it all, if memory serves correctly--France eneded up playing Paraguay back when Jose Luis Chilavert was the latter squad's goalkeeper. France had as many as 7 players around the penalty area in extra time because they didn't want that match to go to penalty kicks. France's LeBlanc scored the match-winner that time.)

[WLCALUM83]

Final:  Paraguay 1, Mexico 0.

Some 10 minutes into the second half, one of Mexico's players' shots hit the left crossbar. Paraguay's goal came later.

[Browneagle64]

What a big win for Paraguay and a sad sloppy job by "El Tri". I expected the "Tri" to finish with a better result, yet, saw a team that needs to improve better on defense once the gold cup comes around.

If the "Tri" is expected to rebuild, the time is now. There cannot be any sloppy defense on the field as they showed against Paraguay. I just hope that once "Raffa" Marquez comes back Barcelona he'll be able to add some nice defense and strong leadership when it comes to teaching others how to defend well.

Can't wait until the start of the gold cup. It should be team U.S. and Mexico battling it out for thecup this year.

[Hoosier Titan]

BBC's projected lineup for England against Estonia:

Strikers:  Owen and Crouch
Midfield:  J. Cole, Lampard, Gerrard, Beckham
Defense:  Nickey Shorey or Wayne Bridge, Terry, King, W. Brown or Kieron Dyer
Goal:  Robinson

I was only surprised at the back line:  given that Gary Neville is hurt, Jamie Carragher filled in competently at right back.  He's really a center back, and a better one than Ledley King.  And Wes Brown just about gave away a goal against Brazil...I don't think he's earned a start.  I hope this report is incorrect.

Is anyone getting this match televised?  We have Setanta, but they seem to be putting it on a premium channel to be shown in "selected bars," none of which is within 100 miles of here. 

[WLCALUM83]

ESPN Soccernet reports Germany beat Slovakia today--getting conflicting reports on exact final.

[Hoosier Titan]

England over Estonia 3-0 today.

I followed the action on the ESPN game tracker and the BBC website, as no one seemed to be televising it live. 

There was a first half goal by Joe Cole, and more in the second half by Peter Crouch and Michael Owen.  By all accounts the side looked a lot better than they had in any previous match in a long time.

Russia held Croatia to a 0-0 draw.  The standings in their group are now Croatia and Israel with 17 points each (Croatia ahead on goal differential), Russia with 15, and England with 14, followed by Macedonia, Estonia, and Andorra.  Still a ways to go, but today's was a good result for England.

The only bad news for England was Peter Crouch picking up a yellow--he will be sitting for the next match, against Israel.

The earliest broadcast of the match we could find will be Friday.

[Browneagle64]

Wow, only 9 more hours (p.t.) until Team USA kicks off its Gold Cup title defense tonight against Guatemala with a squad eager to erase the memories of a dismal World Cup performance in Germany.

I can't wait to see how team U.S.A will prove all their critics wrong after starting off strong tonight. Go team U.S.A

[Stinger]

So, anyone here going to the Gold Cup semis or finals in Chicago later this month? 

Becks with 2 assists last night.  Another gem.


Can't wait for Gold Cup and Copa America.  USA today's article about the US Team: 
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2007-06-06-4227659865_x.htm

[WLCALUM83]

Final just in:  USA 1, Guatemala 0. (ESPN Soccernet indicates one USA player sent off in 2nd half).

[Stinger]

Obviously this team is young and needs to build confidence around each other. Onyewu needs to finally learn that he's bigger than about 98% of the players he goes up against. He and Bocanegra struggled last night. I thought Beasley was solid, Donovan was average.  I think we'll see this team get better and more in sync with each other as the team moves on.

One interesting comment the announcers made was that the US is putting most of their marbles into the Gold Cup.  They mentioned that the squad for Copa America will be a much younger one.

[Browneagle64]

Stinger----- Coach Bradley really likes to use young players who have tons of energy and are willing to take big steps when called upon. In the past, coach bradley has been successful using a strategy like this, however, it was during MLS play. Having a lot of youngings during international play might be a bit of a stretch, but if it is necessary i hope that those youngsters can produce more on offense and defense. This tourney should be a good experience for the team.

Can't wait to see the Mexico v.s. Cuba game tonight------ Coach Hugo Sanchez should have the team ready.

[Josh Bowerman]

I saw on the Fox Soccer Report that Franck Ribery has signed with Bayern Munich, presumably to repace Hasan Salihamidzic.  Though I think Hasan is a slightly better player, this is probably a good move given that Salihamidzic had a bit of a tendency to lose his cool this past season.

Alas, my team is still looking kinda long in the tooth.  I'm beginning to wonder if 2008 may not bring a return to the Champions League.   

I love the new "hoops" jersey's, though.  I'm gonna have to run out and get one soon.

[WLCALUM83]

Cuba/Mexico just underway as I post:

[WLCALUM83]

Halftime:  Cuba 1, Mexico 1