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DEL.ICIO.USGotta get three points — gotta gotta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The element of surprise, no shock, in its opening match catapulted the U.S. to its surprise quarterfinal berth in the World Cup four years ago. The Yanks throttled Portugal 3-0 before holding on to a 3-2 win that sent their confidence sky-high. This was a major European power that have always given the Americans fits, but they overcame that hurdle.
Fast forward to today in Gelsenkirchen, where the equally talented Czechs are in a situation not unlike Portugal. Its venerable star, Pavel Nedved, came out of international retirement for a last shot at the World Cup. But he and some other mid-30 something stalwarts of this team reportedly aren’t in the best of shape.
Still, the bullish attitude that has featured in the American press at large isn’t shared in all quarters. Here’s a rather pessimistic dispatch from the home front by someone who, like myself, saw events unfold in person last time. The essential message is this: if the U.S. does falter, be ready for withering criticism from a global media outfit that doesn’t really respect the improvement of the American side at all. Give ‘em a reason, and they’ll pound away.
Without a good start today, that fate is likely sealed, and even Landon Donovan understands that.
George Vecsey says in the NYT that it’s no time for the U.S. to be conservative (his column, however, is behind a paid firewall and I won’t post it for that reason). You can read this piece with some passing mention of the same theme but is mostly about young U.S. defender Oguchi Onyewu, an ex-Clemson All-American. This is a familiar storyline today, and there’s no doubt Koller’s 6-foot-7 presence will be a big problem. Don’t forget the endless running and speed of Milan Baros, too, as well as Nedved’s playmaking. This is a splendid team to watch.
Is the U.S. now is one of the ‘big boys? I’m still not sure, FIFA rankings notwithstanding. They’ve got to play like it now, against the kind of foes who have always given them trouble, to earn that moniker, and the kind of respect they say they deserve. Not to mention a spot in the second round.
Play for three points, and no matter what happens, that will be a sign that they’re ready to take up the mantle. Not many are expecting the Yanks to advance, but it’s not impossible or improbable. Just very difficult.
Predix, anyone? I’m going to be optimistic and say 2-1, USA. Johnson comes on in the second half and scores on a looping, freaky shot that the formidable Peter Cech can’t grab. Daytona Beach gets it done.
Man of the Match: Reyna, for holding Nedved, in, um, Czech.
Come back around noon and contribute to this live blogging thing, and help me elevate my brain and my blog above ESPN’s coverage, as Horn Guy Dos has savagely accused me. Three points or bust!
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Rutuger
June 12, 2006 9:12 AM | Link to this
Is the US game available on any online streaming radio? If not then that’s just absolutely ridiculous.
By Wendy Parker
June 12, 2006 9:15 AM | Link to this
I’m listening to Aussie-Japan now on my XM service at home, but I can’t at work on the Internet. Don’t know why, but all sports programming on that service is like that. No streaming online.
That’s why I’m going to try the live blog.
By Rutuger
June 12, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this
Awesome, thanks for the info. I’m going to sneak home for lunch and try to catch most of the game but have it TiVod just in case. And Wendy, keep up the great Cup coverage, there are more than enough soccer fans reading on here that appreciate what you’re doing!
By Melissa
June 12, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this
Our family loves the World Cup!
But why is the TV picture on ESPN/ABC so fuzzy and dark compared to Univision’s crisp and bright one?? It drives me crazy!
Go USA!!
By Wendy Parker
June 12, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
Don’t forget 12 p.m., LIVE BLOGGING from USA-Czech.
Spread the word around.
By michelle
June 12, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
i, too, predict a low-scoring game. i’ll go w/wendy with a pro-US stance and say 2-1 USA.
anybody catch the bert show on q100 this morning? mr. bert claims that only 1 person will be at ESPNZone to catch the game and that no one cares about this tournament.
pathetic.
GO USA!!!!! (see ya at noon)
By Wendy Parker
June 12, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
Here’s the lineup, according to FIFAWorldCup.com:
GK — Keller
D — Lewis, Onyewu, Pope, Cherundolo
M — Convey, Reyna, Mastroeni, Beasley
F — Donovan, McBride
Here’s the Czech Starting XI:
GK — Cech
D — Grygena, Jankulovsky, Ujfalusi, Rozenhal
M — Galasek, Poborsky, Rosicky, Nedved, Plasil
F — Koller
By Nicholas Irwin
June 12, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this
Well, at least Bruce a) got both Convey and Beasley on the field and b) didn’t start Berhalter.