Heard that Giuseppe Rossi ... born in NJ, plays for Italy ... did not make the cut for the Azzurri. He could've played in three, maybe four world cups had he accepted Bruce Arena's offer for a spot on the US squad. He chose to get an Italian passport and now he may never have an opportunity to play in the World Cup.
"The players make the manager, it's never the other way." - Sparky Anderson
That's a shame for the guy but it's one of the things in International soccer that interests me quite a bit. As the world becomes more and more interconnected there will be even more families moving from one country to another. How FIFA and other international sporting agencies deal with players deciding which country to represent will be an interesting debate that I'm not sure I have an answer for.
While Rossi has given up his chances to play for the US, Freddy Adu probably could have helped Ghana qualify for the WC and played for them if he liked. 4 years ago can you imagine how terrified US fans would be that Adu might not play for the United States in the 2010 World Cup?
It seems as though there will be more and more competition to "recruit" players to play for the national teams at even younger ages.
I think most USA soccer fans have serious doubts about defensive capability. Obviously teams that hunker down and play for the counter need a steady defense. Demerit, Bocanegra, and Onyewu being nicked up is a major problem.
I can only hope that Edu has a major role in CDM.
This is the time. The real Reds organization is back.
I'm not so sure the US is going to hunker down and counter. The England game will obviously require a great defensive effort and you'll see them bunker in quite a bit there. But against Slovenia and Algeria? I'm not sure the US isn't a comparable or superior team, so it's not like they have to hunker down and hope for the best.
After the group stage, it will really depend on what the matchups are. Admittedly the US will be at a pretty big disadvantage against most teams in the knockout phase.
It looked to me that Bradley Sr. may have finally been cured of his 'hunker down and pray' tendencies. We can play with England.
Ghana has been knocking down the door to get Balotelli (Inter/Italy) to play for them. But I think he's committed to trying to make the Italian national team. He's still very young, and will have a chance again in 4 years if he starts showing more maturity on and off the field.
"The players make the manager, it's never the other way." - Sparky Anderson
I know I shouldn't, but I'm laughing my ass off at Rossi.
Kid could've been a star for the USMNT but gets left off the Azurri.
CNNSI ranks all 32 teams. USA checks in at # 14. I thought others might be interested to see the rankings.
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...#ixzz0pgb8aQjvWhen you look at the clubs where the Americans play and consider that the U.S. has yet to produce a soccer superstar, you realize that coach Bob Bradley's team actually punches above its own weight. Part of the reason is excellent team chemistry. The Yanks looked good in the second half of Saturday's 2-1 win against Turkey after a brutal first half, especially on defense. Questions on the back line will probably persist until Oguchi Onyewu, fresh off a seven-month injury layoff, shows he can perform against Wayne Rooney and England on June 12. The attacking keys will be two players who haven't been slowed by injuries: Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, who will most likely continue prowling the flanks, where they have the freedom to cut inside with the ball at their feet.
Gasp and Dismay, Jozy Altidore sprained his ankle today in practice.
He's day to day, but as Dan and Keith used to like to say, "Aren't we all."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-c...cc=5901&ver=us
Altidore hurt his right ankle during a workout on a shortened field Wednesday, U.S. Soccer Federation spokesman Neil Buethe said. Altidore was taken to a hospital for X-rays and was diagnosed with a mild sprain.
Totti retired from international duty.
Miccoli suffered a knee injury in Palermo's second to last game.
Balotelli is immature ... a red card waiting to happen. Can't be trusted in the spotlight. Same with Cassano.
I would have taken Toni or Rossi over Iaquinta, though.
Not sure what you don't like about DiNatale, Gilardino and Pazzini. All are solid choices.
"The players make the manager, it's never the other way." - Sparky Anderson
Not exactly the US team, but I just heard that Drogba is out with an injury. Shame. He can be fun to watch.
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