tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296635912011-08-16T03:00:23.391-04:00An insider's analysis of football for those who enjoy talking football, while challenging conventional wisdom whenever possible. The focus is on Manchester United, the US Men's National Team and controversial referee decisions, but anything is fair game.The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.comBlogger501100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-48627066346266670792011-08-06T11:43:00.012-04:002011-08-06T14:31:11.689-04:00

Just one day after we wrote that Wesley Sneijder must come to Manchester United, the Interwebs were ablaze with the rumours that the Dutchman was coming to Manchester -- but the wrong side of town!The CounterAttack refuses to believe that Sneijder would sign for City. Let's call it a hunch, as United have a long and successful link with Dutch players. This goes as far back as Arnie Muhren and

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-54729965265229791022011-08-05T11:22:00.001-04:002011-08-06T11:43:02.141-04:00

The CounterAttack returns, after a season-long layoff, thanks to an incredible season from Manchester United. A record 19th English top-division league title was won. We had thought that 2010-11 was not the year for United but were we ever wrong! Last year’s analysis is why we’re back. We didn’t think Manchester would win last season mainly because of personnel. We didn’t think Chicharito would

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-47460376049334167912010-07-02T09:55:00.001-04:002010-07-02T10:01:03.579-04:00

Amazing. The best team in UEFA, by far, yet few are giving the Dutch a chance to beat Brazil.Never mind Robben. Never mind Sneijder. Never mind Van Bommel. Or Van Persie or Van der Vaart or De Jong or Van Bronckhorst. Forget the emergence of Elia or Affelay or Van der Wiel. Or the damage that a Kuyt or Huntelaar can inflict if you ignore them in favor of the Big Names.It is because of matches

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-23845034470220316662010-06-25T14:48:00.004-04:002010-06-25T15:46:09.576-04:00

A rather lively discussion ensued at CounterAttack headquarters yesterday:After three matches in the World Cup, the US has played excellent on attack, held the ball well in the midfield and have been composed in defense. The MNT deserves to go through to the Second Round and further, to be honest.One of the most exciting developments has been the progress of Jozy Altidore. He's been a monster,

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-15772094673893289042010-06-13T10:11:00.007-04:002010-06-13T10:26:43.984-04:00

A supporting view of how Bob Bradley cost the US two precious points, from a guest blogger:One could argue with Bradley about picking Findley. Ultimately he accomplished little in the game; but he didn't hurt the US, either. Bradley clearly wants an analog to Charlie Davies and there are few players of that class. But one Bradley's other choices, of which he really has no excuse is picking Clark

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-51722639436370659302010-06-13T10:05:00.003-04:002010-06-13T10:10:50.506-04:00

The MNT rescued a point v England yesterday but here at the CounterAttack, we do not feel lucky. In fact, we are downright furious. England played their best side, took the lead, surrendered the softest goal in World Cup history...and were lucky to have a point. The US, on the other hand, pointedly did not play their best side, and Bob Bradley cost the MNT two points they could have had. Lots of

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-27467979042939603812010-06-11T08:30:00.006-04:002010-06-12T08:40:28.569-04:00

After four years, with 90 minutes to kick off, the CounterAttack thought it appropriate to call the teams going on to the championship match on July 11. Here’s how we see it:GROUP A1A: Mexico - young, motivated, quick and with a chip on their collective shoulder. No one is expecting them to get through. They will, in style.2A: France - although we are not impressed with them, they go through. MEX

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-31144265100963101622010-06-07T17:27:00.004-04:002010-06-13T10:01:36.584-04:00

Wide-open games. The last several World Cups have seen a steady decrease in goals scored, from 2.7 goals per game in 1994 to 2.3 at Germany 06. That should change this time for a few reasons. Squads like Holland and Spain have a rich vein of goal scorers throughout their lineups; the African qualifiers are all led by athletic, goal-oriented attacks (the possible loss of Drogba by Cote D’Ivoire

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-28061359232472275412010-06-07T16:01:00.003-04:002010-06-07T16:22:17.645-04:00

Following up on assessing England’s frailties, the CounterAttack came across an article from London. The Times of London claimed the US exposed their weaknesses against Australia. While the article is not wrong, it also missed the point as badly as Robbie Findley going on goal.We would expect that Carlos Bocanegra would slide into the other center-half position alongside Gooch Onyewu. The two

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-28154495413485662532010-06-06T13:20:00.003-04:002010-06-12T15:26:22.076-04:00

Some positives came through after yesterday’s final tune-up match v Australia:The midfield seem to get more solid with each outing. This is an increasing trend since WCQs. The unit is tidy and and seems to be hitting its collective stride at the right time. On the attacking end, they offer options, hold onto the ball against pressing defenders, and distribute as and when; all have been historical

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-15894497567362595662010-06-01T15:34:00.009-04:002010-06-01T16:28:54.883-04:00

The match v ENG looms on June 12th for the US and all supporters of the Men’s National Team are on tenterhooks. It’s the sort of match that in some ways is meaningless but yet could mean oh so much. An hour ago, England coach Capello released his final roster, with few surprises. It’s a fine squad, with some illustrious names but eminently beatable.Since the WC draws were made, the CounterAttack

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-90512015676917858912010-05-29T11:03:00.002-04:002010-06-01T15:54:18.236-04:00

On the day after the afternoon before against Turkey, the CounterAttack found some causes for optimism ahead of lineup choices that Bob Bradley will have in South Africa. Certain things became more clear during the match. What is most encouraging is that certain players have started to step up, becoming impossible to overlook.The experiment to use Carlos Bocanegra as a left wingback seems to be a

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-553602544844729912010-05-26T12:17:00.017-04:002010-05-27T21:58:39.911-04:00

The CounterAttack is back, just in time for the 2010 World Cup. To get started, we’re going to predict Bob Bradley’s final 23 for the roster to South Africa.First, we can eliminate some players after last night’s match v Czech Republic. Defense was poor in Hartford, so Heath Pearce made the wrong mistake at the wrong time. Considering that Chad Marshall didn’t play, that speaks volumes. In the

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-13198003743211671892010-04-03T07:48:00.005-04:002010-05-27T21:57:59.680-04:00

The Manchester-Chelski match has just kicked off. Any points for Manchester means they control their destiny over the last six weeks of the season. A loss, however, means a gut-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat race to the finish. Manchester are playing with house money, though -- they can lose and still have a chance to make up the points in the last month and a half. Chelski, on the other hand,

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-18182808433127901952010-03-27T15:33:00.005-04:002010-05-27T21:57:34.358-04:00

Well, after a long absence, we return in time to warm up so that our wits are in shape for this summer's World Cup. The 2010 MLS season kicked off on Thursday, as last season's surprise Seattle faced the latest newcomers, Philadelphia. Some general comments:-- Seattle = good; Philly = not ready for prime time - they were that bad last night. At one point, Harkes (already in mid-season form with

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-71191830307327405432009-07-04T10:47:00.013-04:002010-05-27T21:55:24.983-04:00

The deed is done, the ink is dry and Michael Owen is indeed joining Manchester United. The CounterAttack thinks this is a brilliant move. Sir Alex Ferguson is renowned for his love of the horses and a spot of gambling but this could turn out to be one of his best bets. Mickey, still only 29, after all cost nothing to get. Manchester are paying relative peanuts for his services. The consensus,

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-72549034353537708542009-07-03T11:38:00.002-04:002009-07-03T11:41:37.151-04:00

And with a bang, the summer transfer season is off to one of its best starts. First came the successive record signings of Kaka (£56m) and Ronaldo (£80m) last week. Two days ago on Tuesday, Real Madrid sprung the news that the Bernebau was also going to be the new home for Karim Benzema (£30m). The Franck Ribery soap opera continues, with the Bayern midfielder claiming that now he does want to

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-20812471178457877342009-06-30T23:25:00.012-04:002009-07-01T00:18:23.333-04:00

There is nothing more frustrating than a buzz kill. And just as there is nothing more derisive than a German laughing at you, there are few things more condescending than being dismissed by an Englishman. To whit: a good time was had by all when the US beat Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinal last Wednesday. Well, maybe a few (million) Spaniards, and some Liverpool fans (cheering for

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-85633639456696050342009-06-28T20:39:00.013-04:002009-06-28T23:26:41.927-04:00

The better teams simply know how to step it up. In tonight’s Confederations Cup championship match, the US men’s national team played a brilliant first half, taking a 2-0 lead at the half, only to fade and let it slip away. The difference between fifth-ranked Brazil and the US, at #14 just one tier below: the better side knew how to raise its game when forced. Brazil roused itself and dominated

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-69707974752733634312009-06-28T12:41:00.011-04:002009-06-28T13:28:32.327-04:00

As the Confederations Cup championship match looms, the CounterAttack is getting bored with all the talk of “miracle” about the US victory over Spain. The American media, which doesn’t pay attention to soccer, has no idea how good its Men’s National Team is. The foreign media, on the other hand, is still stuck in 1998. Fair enough. After all, the MNT performances are not anything you can call

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-39110727692058486582009-06-25T06:46:00.010-04:002009-06-28T13:07:18.468-04:00

What a match. The US toppled Spain, FIFA's top-ranked side, 2-0. A side that just one week ago was being buried for poor play has instead made it to the championship game of the Confederations Cup. An improbable result, a thrilling one, but not a shock to some.This match was all about US discipline and tactics. As the CounterAttack had hoped, the US consistently stepped into Spanish passing lanes

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-86254569783285906392009-06-22T21:34:00.014-04:002009-06-25T06:44:26.704-04:00

This afternoon, the CounterAttack and Fellow Football Junkie Friend were discussing the improbable: how the US can beat Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinal on Wednesday. Almost all will say, that's impossible, and with good reason. This is the hottest team on the planet: European champions, winners of a record 15 consecutive international matches, unbeaten since November 2006, FIFA's

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-59176437201290256562009-06-22T12:07:00.011-04:002009-06-23T00:31:20.980-04:00

After leading the Men's National Team to a 3-0 win v Egypt, Michael Bradley rounded off on all MNT critics. His legitimacy was the squad's improbable advance to the Confederations Cup semifinal: "All the fucking experts in America, everybody who thinks they know about soccer, they can all look at the score tonight and let's see what they have to say now. Nobody has any respect for what we do,

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-53439349169009486582009-06-21T16:32:00.021-04:002009-06-21T22:05:04.080-04:00

Wonderful result, absolutely wonderful on so many levels. The US indeed did win their match v Egypt, 3-0.Brazil did the US a favor by beating Italy by the same score, so as improbable as the MNT's performance in its first two matches were, the US will advance to the Confederations Cup semifinals v Spain.This is by dint of having scored four goals in the first round to Italy's three, and having

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-60779784834371377052009-06-21T10:59:00.021-04:002009-06-21T15:43:06.383-04:00

The last match of the Confederation Cup's first round is later today. Prediction: the US will score first, and will defeat Egypt.Whether they have the talent and more importantly, the will and desire, to try to overcome the goal deficit to have a chance to move on is another story entirely. But this US squad is more talented than previous MNT squads. They can play against the top international

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-64123034415568927762009-06-21T09:04:00.010-04:002009-06-21T14:58:17.129-04:00

First of all, let's get it clear: the CounterAttack would have preferred to welcome back Carlos Tevez than see him go.The little Argentine is a dynamic force who has a knack for scoring important goals wherever he goes. With Ronaldo's departure, Tevez would have either landed a starter's role or would have seen increased playing time - considering he had more appearances than Rooney or Berbatov

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-41540862282296220502009-06-15T23:50:00.008-04:002009-06-16T00:36:01.988-04:00

The one that got away came back to bury the Men's National Team. Giuseppe Rossi, born and raised in New Jersey, decided to ply his footballing wares for Italy, land of his parents. Rossi came on in the 56th minute, replacing Gattuso, signaling Italy's slight desperation as coach Lippi had to find some goals to make up for the 1-0 deficit.Clearly Italy were the better squad on the night but the

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-31190924394540018792009-06-11T19:07:00.001-04:002009-06-12T01:27:40.479-04:00

Um, wow - the CounterAttack wrote on Sunday that Cristiano Ronaldo should go to Real Madrid, that Manchester should take the money and run. We even said that the fee would be around £80 million. Oh heck, we actually flat out said it would be for precisely £80 million. Now, if Manchester wind up with Wesley Sneijder on the squad, we are shopping our CV around....

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-80405001840018575622009-06-11T00:02:00.006-04:002009-06-12T01:28:47.357-04:00

The usually perceptive Ives Galarcep apparently has a blind spot when it comes to Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio. Time and again he has defended the coach, for unsatisfactory reasons each time. The CounterAttack wanted Osorio to succeed, to believe that the 2008 Cup final was no fluke. He also seems a genuinely nice man. In a recent article, Ives accepts for the first time that Osorio may

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-89146140026818661452009-06-07T15:18:00.008-04:002009-06-12T01:26:36.632-04:00

The CounterAttack picked up a Dutch friend at the airport yesterday, and asked: “Which of the Real Madrid Dutchies would be good for Manchester?”   “Well, van der Vaart is silky smooth on the ball,” he said, “but Sneijder has more bite on the field. Then again, why not get Robben or if you need a striker, Huntelaar? Why?”   Because it says here that Manchester United should finally take advantage

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-43365021018324209422009-05-27T23:20:00.006-04:002009-06-11T23:47:16.931-04:00

It was one of the rarest of exhibitions - Manchester United went to a Champions League final and forgot to play.  This is not a rationalization of a game that was lost, it is an indictment of the worst tactical game Sir Alex Ferguson ever devised. There is such a thing as too much respect and clearly Ferguson read every report on the might of Barcelona. After all this time, after reaching the

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-89145286272600301122009-04-21T22:49:00.059-04:002009-04-26T01:47:15.014-04:00

A friend directed The CounterAttack to a Premier League-focused blog yesterday, EPL Talk, that revealed that Fox Soccer Channel show host Steve Cohen has managed to rip open old wounds. Cohen, who also hosts the World Soccer Daily radio show, wheeled out the old line that Liverpool fans were responsible for the Hillsborough disaster that killed 96 men, women and children.It boggles the mind that

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-32596514005440229922009-04-18T14:39:00.019-04:002009-04-22T14:55:30.574-04:00

Yesterday, a Soccernet article celebrated the rebirth of Frankie Hejduk as a defender for the Men's National Team. The article's author, Ives Galarcep, is a respected analyst of the goings-on of the US soccer scene. But while his articles are typically fair, this time Ives has drunk too much of the Kool-Aid. Right back is a funny position, sort of like playing third base for the Mets - it's

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-77039996541414291062009-04-15T16:11:00.008-04:002009-04-19T00:33:25.006-04:00

We take this moment to remember the 96 Liverpool fans who were killed at Hillsborough Stadium, in Sheffield, England, 20 years ago today. May they rest in peace, and always be remembered. Let us also not forget the 766 fans that were injured on that day, and indeed, anyone who was actually at the ground and saw the tragedy in person. We recognize the feelings that they must have felt as

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-12485309257421633212009-04-05T17:39:00.029-04:002009-04-19T01:40:25.769-04:00

After two sub-par matches and 80 minutes into a third one, Manchester United reverted back to its attacking - and winning - form. The final 10 minutes of the Villa match saw again an intimidating United, one that can impose its will on a match.Sir Alex Ferguson again transformed a desperate situation into magic. His revelation this time was reserve Federico Macheda, the 17-yr-old unknown who came

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-90435312082847821812009-04-02T20:39:00.005-04:002009-04-22T14:19:50.388-04:00

Back to back matches for Jozy Altidore, and four more goals to his tally. Six in nine games is a legitimate pace. Can anyone doubt that he is the future of American soccer? Nah, this is what everyone expected from Altidore, the first true international striker the US has ever had. The fun begins now, though. For the first time, the Men's National Team is solid up the middle. Altidore is a true

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-49013975481356279562009-03-29T01:32:00.007-04:002009-04-22T14:18:34.668-04:00

One could look at the match v El Salvador as a negative. Leading the Hexagonal in Concacaf's World Cup qualifiers, the US should have been able to win in Tegulcigalpa. The MNT has only one loss in Bob Bradley's career in WCQs while winning 15 qualifying matches. So by rights, a 2-2 result should be an indictment. Here's the thing: I can't recall the last time the MNT came back from two goals so

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-83393867575845638912009-03-25T14:30:00.009-04:002009-04-22T14:59:52.188-04:00

Pathetic. Simply pathetic. The FA ruled that Brad Friedel's red card should be rescinded. The Villa keeper now gets to play in a match that is critical for both Villa and Manchester United. Considering that referee Martin Atkinson got the play right, this could be a very momentous and expensive ruling. Frustratingly, there is no explanation from the FA for its decision but there damned well

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-82754266217779864162009-03-22T23:22:00.003-04:002009-04-06T00:30:07.529-04:00

There's been a lot of controversy about Brad Friedel's send off in the Aston Villa - Liverpool match earlier today. I haven't seen a clip of the play yet but let's hope Atkinson didn't get the call wrong. It would be a stroke of fortune for Manchester United, who play Villa next. Having Friedel, one of the best keepers in the league, out of the match can only help a Manchester side that is

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-40712303880422349162009-02-06T15:04:00.008-05:002009-04-19T01:37:12.368-04:00

Last year, the 50th since the Munich air disaster that took the lives of eight Manchester United players (and 15 others), there was at least some karmic justice as Manchester lifted the Champions League cup. The eight are still missed, however, even by those who never saw them play. To know the story is to understand Manchester United.Manchester's Busby Babes were the first English club to play

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-21987016736209188362008-05-25T00:40:00.013-04:002009-04-18T13:52:44.026-04:00

Manchester United were justifiable winners of their third Champions Cup title, this past Wednesday. United did not lose a match in the entire tournament, and scored the most goals. Like all champions, they received a dose of luck, but also created enough of their own to deserve what they received.The championship game v Chelsea properly went the full distance. Both sides were evenly matched, and

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-1055697089791247272008-02-06T15:03:00.002-05:002009-04-19T00:55:18.169-04:00

The Flowers of Manchester, may you rest in peace. Never to be forgotten, always to be honoured.And a beautiful tribute from Sky Sport:

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-1151354907508975222006-06-26T16:23:00.003-04:002009-04-05T23:09:42.360-04:00

During the first week of the tournament, I felt that the referees were being unfairly criticised. Their calls were technically correct, and actually allowed flow to the game. Commentators were mostly wrong about the nature of the calls the referee were making, but a worrying trend regarding cautions started to creep into view. And as World Cup 2006 continues, it's become quite clear that the

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-1151004204432391542006-06-22T14:33:00.005-04:002009-04-05T23:12:11.356-04:00

The Group of Death finished properly, with one favorite knocked out. I suppose it's a measure of some improvement that we go home as "disappointments," signifying that we were meant to have accomplished more. One of these tournaments we'll win Game 3 and decide our own fates.We were not as bad as the Czech game, as we demonstrated in the next two matches. Ghana are a quality side, and should not

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-1150734800573777512006-06-19T12:21:00.003-04:002009-04-05T23:07:15.403-04:00

Thanks for the memories, Bruce, you done well. And now - good-bye.No question -- the most successful MNT coach ever. But then again, it wasn't a very high bar to jump over, was it? And the plain truth is that when it comes to tactics, Bruce is sorely lacking. He has also shown time and again that he's willing to play too conservatively when aggression is needed.The Italy match on Saturday was a

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-1150678775852368112006-06-18T20:43:00.003-04:002009-04-05T23:15:05.086-04:00

I've read several comments criticizing the referees. When a person with the prestige of a Franz Beckenbauer says that the referees have been too influential in the games, it sounds like a truism.Having watched all but two matches so far, I can say that with a few exceptions Herr Beckenbauer couldn't be more wrong.There haven't been any boring games that I've seen so far. No dour, defensive games.

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-1150677779517670162006-06-18T20:18:00.001-04:002009-04-05T23:15:42.075-04:00

It was the sort of match that can echo in the archives. Forever onward, there will be the concept of "after Kaiserslautern." The game of June 17, 2006 set the benchmark for how the MNT can play this beautiful game, and established the bar from which future American squads will have to compare.The killer draw that put us in the Group of Death (surely there's no question of that designation now, as

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-1150565134599745922006-06-17T13:18:00.001-04:002009-04-05T23:16:10.072-04:00

Ghana are still beating the Czechs, nearly 15 minutes into the second half. After losing to the Italians, you might expect the Black Stars to come out flat. Quite the contrary -- they came out with a loose, attacking style that has so far stymied the Czechs.Watching the first 60 minutes of this game, I keep going back to the MNT. So few players that have soul -- one of the few is Dempsey. Johnny

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-1150564697197564662006-06-17T13:11:00.006-04:002009-04-05T23:30:12.258-04:00

It's hard to decide whether the US or Ukraine are the bigger flops so far. While there can be no question that neither showed up on their respective game days, it is the former that came in with grand expectations.It's almost a little embarassing to think that we actually made it to the quarterfinals in Korea. Until and unless we put on a convincing performance versus Italy on Saturday, the run

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29663591.post-1150439999914803722006-06-16T00:53:00.001-04:002008-05-25T01:46:38.661-04:00

Now that the first teams have qualified for the second round, there can be no question that Ecuador are the surprise of the tournament. Then again, maybe it shouldn't have been such a shocker: they did qualify third in CONMEBOL. They trailed only Brazil and Argentina, and beat both of them during WC Qualifiers. (Okay, in Quito, at nearly 10,000-ft elevation, with both Brazilians and Argentines

The CounterAttackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01625478060161215639noreply@blogger.com0