Category Archives: International

Should “Blizzard Soccer” Be Part of the Sport?

  By O-Posts Team | May 18, 2013 - 21:58 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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The World Cup playoff game between the United States and Costa Rica on March 22, 2013 was especially memorable. Played in the middle of a storm in Colorado, the game was the closest thing to blizzard soccer fans had seen in awhile.

For 90 minutes, players had to contend with an increasingly torrential downpour of wet, white flakes. Afterwards, the severity of the conditions had millions of soccer enthusiasts wondering: should play in such treacherous conditions really be allowed?

 

Why Continue?

World Cup games are obviously the most important in the sport and can be difficult to reschedule. When a team and its fans have already traveled thousands of miles for the game, canceling is something to avoid at all costs. In addition, postponing the game may mean players won’t get enough rest before their next round.

In this particular game, it didn’t look like the weather would cooperate any time soon. If the game hadn’t been played that night, it wouldn’t have been for quite awhile.

 

Is It Safe?

In spite of tight tournament schedules and pending forecasts, the safety of the players should be the number one consideration when choosing to continue a game. Looking back, was it really safe to continue a game in the middle of a blizzard?

In defending their decision to continue play, refs saidthe players hadn’t been sliding on the snow very much. While this may be true, any soccer player will tell you injuries don’t necessarily happen during slides.

These players were cold, wet, and covered in so much snow that they could run it through an EDI water purification system and use it to hydrate themselves. In these conditions, even the slightest misstep can cause an injury. If nothing else, the players’ immune systems were lowered by the weather.

 

Who Should Make the Call?

If the game has already started, refs make the final call as to whether it will continue. However, is this fair? Shouldn’t the league, coaches and players have more of a say in whether conditions are safe?

 

Written by Michael Deaven

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2015 Women’s World Cup: Should artificial turf be used at the tournament?

  By O-Posts Team | May 5, 2013 - 19:01 | , , , ,
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Following the events from the 2011 Women’s World Cup which was held in Germany, the 2015 event has been shaped up as a must see experience. But the tournament and its organisers have been plagued with criticism after the announcement that five out of the six stadiums being used to hold the 52 matches have artificial turf.

If some of you reading don’t see the big deal in this decision, I will break it down for you.
Artificial turf first made an appearance at the Houston Astrodome where it was first installed in the 1960s. Ever since that day, artificial turf has caused many controversies. Many athletes have seen either a pause or the end of their careers due to injuries which have occurred on artificial turf.

Not only is the risk of injury high on artificial turf, but the turf also affects the state of play due to the synthetic texture. A U.S. study has concluded that artificial turf causes more than 40% of knee injuries rather than on natural grass, most of these including injuries to the ACL.

USWNT defender Ali Krieger suffered both an ACL and MCL tear during the CONCACAF Olympic qualifiers. Funnily enough, this injury occurred in one of the six stadiums chosen to play the 52 matches of the 2015 World Cup and yep, you guessed correct – it was also on artificial turf. The #11 was victim of a reckless tackle and due to the harshness of the fall and the way she landed, the artificial turf caused a larger impact on Krieger than if she were on natural grass.

This is a very relevant example as it shows the harsh effects of artificial turf upon football athletes. Also, the artificial turf affects the way the game is being played. Such as the ball bounces higher and irregular, some studs often gets caught in the synthetic turfs and, depending on resources, if the ground is too hot, it can cause severe carpet burns to players.

US football star, Abby Wambach, has voiced her opinions in various interviews and states her displeasure and frustration about the decision.

“For me, the first thought is disappointment” stated the US star. “I’m feeling like this is the women’s game taking a step back”.

The Women’s World Cup, due to be held in Canada in 2015, is a little over 2 years away and US Football star Abby Wambach has declared that it is enough time to hopefully change the minds of the event’s organisers.

“There’s enough time from now until then to sort this out, to talk with FIFA, to get the right people in charge so that this doesn’t happen,” Wambach said. “We’ve worked so hard as female athletes – not only here in the United States, but internationally – to grow the game and in my opinion I think this is taking a step back. All of the men’s international players around the world would argue the same point. A lot of these guys will not play on an artificial surface because it is an injury-prone surface and I don’t blame them.”’

“All we ask is to be heard. We believe this is a shame not only for the players but for the fans. The game plays differently on artificial surface, not only because of fear of injury but because it’s a different surface. You can also talk about it being a gender discrimination issue. Would they ever let the men’s World Cup be played on an artificial surface?

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes. There are standards that FIFA governs and promises to uphold. I think (a World Cup with artificial turf) would be a travesty and a nightmare for all of us”.

Wambach.... voiced her opposition over FIFA's controversial decision.

Wambach…. voiced her opposition over FIFA’s controversial decision.

FIFA had once banned the use of artificial turf but, as of late, as “resurrected” their interest in the turf. Proving that the turf is within FIFA recommendations, they have allowed clubs to lay down the synthetic grass.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has even states that artificial turf is “the way of the future”.

Various petitions have been made and one made by coworker.org has already exceeded 1000 signatures. These petitions are also publicly backed by football stars such as Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach, Carli Lloyd and Sweden’s Lotta Schelin and Caroline Seger.
If Thierry Henry can refuse to play on artificial surfaces, especially the one in Montreal’s Olympic Stadium, then why can’t the women also succeed?

We all know artificial turf is also a cheaper option to natural grass but surely an association such as FIFA can scrap around for money so that some of the greatest female players around the globe can compete at a tournament friendly environment. The final is also going to be held on artificial turf and this is the FIRST EVER World Cup Final to be help on artificial turf. The question being raised by many female superstars, if men can make the decision and have a say against artificial turf, then why can’t they?

“At the end of the day it comes down to money,” Abby Wambach has stated after the FIFA announcement.  “If FIFA really wanted to have games on grass, they would; it would just cost more. They would lay the sod down for the tournament, get it to stick and if the stadiums had artificial surface prior, then you replace it with artificial surface after the tournament is done.”

“As a soccer player we would all rather play on grass fields. My biggest concern is the injuries. It takes several weeks to recover from playing on [artificial] turf. It’s bad on your joints, not to mention all those rubber pellets. Those pellets are there to help you slide, sometimes in the grass there’s no rubber pellets and your foot can get stuck and that’s when injuries can happen. I just don’t want soccer getting to that point where everybody’s playing on artificial turf.”

Carli Lloyd has quickly backed her American counterpart as she quotes on Twitter:

“Had a nightmare that the 2015 World Cup was going to be played on turf! … Wonder if the men’s World Cup would ever be played on turf? … Always more injuries on artificial turf. Bad enough we played our 2012 Olympic qualifying games on artificial turf. Never thought about WC.”

Fans have also expressed their opinions about the weird decision for what is the biggest stage for women’s football, especially after the success the women’s game had at both the 2011 WWC and the 2012 London Olympics. But some don’t see the problem.

“I don’t see a problem with it as long as they’re in good condition”. – @YL_CFC

US Soccer have also set the USWNT’s next home friendly against South Korea at Gilette Stadium, which has relatively bad artificial turf, during the teams stretch to have the decision changed. Ironic?

 

Written by Siobhan Pedroza

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The Upcoming Football Video Game That Plunges you Into the Seedy World of Match Fixing

  By O-Posts Team | April 26, 2013 - 19:33 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Video games and football have gone hand in hand for decades, with games like FIFA 13, Pro Evolution Soccer and Football Manager hitting the bestseller lists year on year, giving players the chance to play at managing or playing as their favourite teams.

A new game that is currently under development aims to turn the football management game on its head, taking players deep into the sinister underworld of football corruption and allowing them to play as a shady match fixer.

Game Changer – The Football Match Fixing Game is being made for iOS and Android mobile and tablet devices, and will be made available in early 2014 if the developers successfully gain funding with their upcoming campaign on popular crowdfunding site Kickstarter.

In Game Changer, you can bribe players, pay off police and officials, blackmail referees and do all kinds of other interesting and immoral things to try and ensure the results you want, and then make a fortune by betting on your fixed outcomes.

As you grow in influence in the criminal underworld, you can fix games in bigger and more prestigious leagues around the world to gain higher profits, as well as being able to team up with crime boss characters and even your real life friends (thanks to social media integration) to get better results.

The game promises to blend elements of conventional football games and sims with the kind of stories and gameplay you normally see in crime games and RPGs, as well as featuring a sophisticated gambling system that allows you to implement all kinds of interesting strategies to make your fortune.

The developers, Game Changer Games, are also keen to make sure the game contains plenty of dark humour, because match fixing is, after all, a pretty horrible thing.

If you are interested in finding out more about the plans for Game Changer and the Kickstarter campaign that will hopefully make the game possible, you can check out the official website at www.gamechangergame.com or follow the developers’ official Twitter account @gamechangergame.

 

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Dede: Towering Brazilian Attracting Some Of Europe’s Biggest Names

  By O-Posts Team | April 25, 2013 - 15:58 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Brazil have created some of the most talented and gifted footballers over the years. The likes of Pele, Falcao, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo have all dazzled the world with their samba brilliance, yet their footballing history has possibly been too top heavy. Too many attackers, not enough defenders to be held in such wondrous regard.

Even full-backs, Roberto Carlos, Carlos Alberto and Cafu have been marvelled at, but not centre-backs. Anybody but the centre-back, the unheralded job that provided the base to a side seemingly not cool enough for Brazilian recognition.

But now, with Bayern Munich’s Dante, Chelsea’s David Luiz and PSG’s Thiago Silva, that is all due to change. The Brazilian centre-back is entering a new age; big, physical, strong and extremely comfortable on the ball, they are all attributes that makes up the aforementioned trio as well as Dede, Cruzerio’s much-coveted 24 year old. Who is he?

Let’s take a look at Anderson Vital De Silva.

 

Background

After impressing with his hometown club Volta Rotunda in the Brazilian State Championship, the big defender earned himself a move to Vasco De Gama in 2009, only to find first team opportunities hard to come by upon his initial arrival. With his one year deal running out a year later, it looked like he may be returning to Volta, or even moving to South Korea.

Dede, however, had other ideas, “there was something I was determined upon” he told World Soccer Magazine back in 2011, “I wasn’t going to leave Vasco by the back door”. And so he didn’t, with injuries hitting the club in a Brazilian Cup game against Vitoria, he was given a chance, repaying the opportunity with a performance of such authority and assurance that it instantly certified him as first choice and earned himself a new contract, stretching to 2014.

He went on to produce some imperious form for Vasco, being recognised as the best right centre-back in the Brasileirao of 2010 and generating comparisons to the Fluminese-made Silva, then at Milan, who was widely-regarded as the most outstanding centre-half to recently hail from Brazil.

His commanding performances helped Vasco to win the 2011 Brazilian Cup and his partnership with Anderson Martins saw them both elected as the best central-defenders of the 2011 Campeonato Carioca. His impressive form also alerted former national-team coach Mano Menezes who included him in the squad for friendlies against Germany and Ghana in the autumn of 2011.

His transformation with Vasco from potential discarded talent was meteoric. By the end of 2012, he was considered as one of the best centre-backs in Brazilian football, seeing high acclaim from Vasco fans who endeared to him by giving him several nicknames; “O-Mito” (The Myth) and “Dedelicia” (or “Dedelicious” as female fans chose).

He was included in numerous advertising campaigns for the club and was elected by SBT, a Brazilian television network, as one of the 100 greatest Brazilian’s of all-time. His popularity in Vasco was clear and he honoured his potential departure by kissing the badge in one of his final games for the club. In total, he made 154 appearances for Vasco.

To date, Dede has received 7 caps for the Brazil national team, appearing often in friendlies and tournaments that are only eligible for native-based players, allowing him to win the Superclasico De Las Americas in September 2011.

Dede is currently the fourth-choice centre-half in the Brazil squad and he will be hoping that his exemplary performances, partnered with Luiz Felipe Scolari’s insistence that he will look more to the Brazilian league set-up for options, will help his cause for regular call-ups as the team head into a World Cup year.

 

Strengths, style and weaknesses

Dede is strong, powerful and athletic, making full-use of his 6ft 3 inch frame in order to be adept at winning challenges in the air or on the ground. His height means that not many strikers are able to beat him in the air whilst a fine reading of the game, impressive at the relatively young age of 24, sees him able to cut out danger on the ground. His imposing height also makes him a threat at set pieces, suggested by his 18 goals during his time at Vasco.

His extremely impressive pace also means that he is rarely out-foxed by the through ball, cutting out the threat that strikers pose lying on the shoulder of the back four. As well as boasting fine intelligence and strength to block and intercept many shots and dangerous passes, he also possesses superb technical ability that allows him to be comfortable in bringing the ball out of the defence and moving it on.

As well as the two nicknames Vasco fans creatively derived for Dede, they also named him “Dedekenbauer”, suggesting his likeliness to the famous German defender who revolutionised the role of the central-defender, operating on a fine reading of the game, imperious positioning and superb ability on the ball.

Dede really is a complete defender who has attracted the interest of Manchester United, Milan, Benfica and Liverpool during his time with Vasco, all top European clubs basing their interest in the knowledge that Dede, with his physicality and ability on the ball, would not look out of place on the continent should he ever head east from Brazil.

 

His move to Cruzeiro

With the Selecao heading into their home World Cup of 2014, Dede has seen best to stay in his native league and head to Cruzeiro in a deal that is worth £4.7 million. The two clubs are believed to have arranged a 55% and 45% share in player ownership which helps to ease cash-strapped Vasco’s financial troubles. Three players, Diego Rennan, striker Allison and Wellington Paulista will also head to Rio in exchange for the defender.

After moving, he voiced his reluctance to leave Vasco De Gama but understood such a move would help to aid the financial crisis at his former club. He said that even though he was moving to a new setting, his heart would remain with the Rio-based club.

There has been a financial dispute with the transfer, with the move being blocked by the FERJ, a main football institution from Rio, who claim Vasco owe a debt to the Brazilian Federal Justice. They have ruled that until the dispute is sorted, Dede is unable to play for any club, disrupting his immediate start with Cruzeiro. However, that will only be a small snag in a career that threatens to go very far.

Look out for Dede at next year’s World Cup.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Fan Culture: England vs Eastern Europe

  By O-Posts Team | April 21, 2013 - 16:49 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Football hooliganism is something which plagues the sport all around the world, but in England, it is something which is hoped to be just about extinguished. Long gone are the terraces which were last seen years ago with the Hillsborough disaster being the trigger for the reform in the English footballing culture , and in their place, are only all seater safe looking stadiums. But the events last Sunday, proved that football hooliganism is long from being diminished.

The Newcastle-Sunderland derby is always a passionate and highly charged affair, as shown by Paolo Di Canio’s vibrant celebrations on the touchline on Sunday, but the behaviour of the Newcastle fans was something which hasn’t been seen in England for sometime. Whether it be throwing bottles at police, or trying in vain to pick fights with rival Sunderland supporters, they have shown that the thug culture in English football is still very much present.

In other countries though, such events wouldn’t even make local news let alone national news. Eastern European football is synonymous with right wing fan groups making trouble, but if it will ever be stamped out, is a question that is surrounded by serious doubt.

An even bigger question though, is what football would be like, without so called ‘ultras’. From their spectacular pre match shows on the stands, which include banners of a high artistic quality, aided with the typically controversial fire crackers, they certainly do add atmosphere. But it isn’t just Eastern Europe that possesses such die hard fans. Well developed footballing countries with rich histories, such as Germany and Italy, haven’t seen their footballing cultures disappear with the success and money that have came their way.

In England though, it’s somewhat a different story. The country may lay claim to having the most popular league in the world, with clubs that consistently perform excellently on the European stage, but it is the only country in Europe, where no fan culture is in existence anywhere. Ever since the Hillsborough incident in 1989, in which 96 fans tragically lost their lives following a crush in the stadium after too many fans were let into the stadium, signalled the end of the English fan movement. Liverpool for example may still have their Kop, but you would be hard-pressed to find any other English club which has anything similar to hardcore fans.

For some though, it’s only a good thing. To be able to go to the stadium with your family to watch a game, and being able to enjoy a family day out while feeling completely safe, is something which you couldn’t do in a country like Russia for example. When I went to an ice hockey in Moscow, a game that was even relatively low key, you couldn’t help by feel intimidated by the police on horses which greeted you around the stadium. It isn’t something that I wouldn’t recommend to parents wishing to take a young child to, but the opposing argument is just as strong.

So called ultras, the right wing hardcore fans, create a fantastic atmosphere at every game, an atmosphere that can seriously intimidate opponents and affect the end result of the game in a serious way. They are just completely non existent in England though, and the closest you will get to an ultra here, is a fan that quite happily join in with the somewhat monotonous and if I’m honest boring chanting, only after their team has scored. If the result isn’t quite going their way though, you shouldn’t be surprised to see the stadium already half empty with 10 minutes still to be played.

It is a problem that is shown up horribly, every time visiting European fans are visiting. Throughout the recent Tottenham-Basel Europa League game in London, you would be hard-pressed to hear any sort of noise that sounded like British and not Swiss voices. It’s hard to know who to point the blame at though, the fans themselves, or the English footballing system which you may say, is preventing any hardcore fans, from making any sort of impact whatsoever.

For me the answer is simple, English fans are too damn lazy to get off their backsides and make an effort, something which is just part of the English culture as whole. While fans in countries such as Russia – and in poorer Eastern bloc countries such as Bosnia and Serbia may be labelled as living in a timewarp with some of their beliefs and actions – no one can doubt, the amount of effort, that they put in to their team week in week out. Something which gives their club – and country as a whole – a real strong identity, an identity that England just doesn’t possess as a result of their own laziness. Any old so called fan can buy a season ticket and sit down at the stadium, but a real fan does more than the bare minimum.

Everything has its positives though, and one of the stand out positives, is that football is a real family game in Britain. Trouble is virtually never seen in the stadium or around it, excluding the odd drunkard that has a few too many. Events on Sunday have shocked everyone somewhat however. Newcastle and Sunderland may be major rivals, but no one predicted, that such behaviour from the Newcastle supporters would have been witnessed. But if you take into account how much alcohol they would have consumed preceding the incident though, and everything starts to appear more and more understandable.

While any behaviour that endangers the safety of other should always be condemned, passion is something that should only be praised. But if anyone calls what was seen on Sunday as footballing passion, then they are just a bit deluded. Young teenagers, who joined in with the incident for the fun of it, don’t deserve the right of being called football supporters.

A more appropriate title, is thugs. Some may argue it was a show of real passion for their club for the Newcastle supporters, but it’s just a shame, that English football passion is more akin to the state of being drunk, than actually being bothered to making an effort.

Eastern Europe may be a few steps behind in terms of infrastructure and commercialism, but are streets ahead with their fans – fans who may be old fashioned – would do anything for their beloved club, something which only deserves to be admired.

 

Written by Shaun Nicolaides

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USWNT vs Germany: Another draw, another country

  By O-Posts Team | April 7, 2013 - 20:04 | , , , , ,
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It was a battle between the first and second ranked teams in the world today as the USWNT faced Germany in Offenbach in an international friendly. The game ended in a 3-3 draw, seeing Abby Wambach scoring her 155th career goal. A rocketing volley from Megan Rapinoe and an excellent chip from Alex Morgan saw them both joining Abby upon the scoreboard.

Kim Kulig scored first for the Germans after a mix up within the American defence. Celia Okoyino da Mbabi and Anja Mittag scored within a minute of each other to lock the game at 3-3 in front of a boisterous German crowd of 16,000

 

Germany

 

Influential crowd and atmosphere

The Germans know how to party and their home crowd of 16,090 put on fantastic display. Especially during the first half, the German team really used their energetic home side to their advantage as they dominated the possession stats for the first half an hour of the game. Even as the USWNT quickly turned things around in the second half, there was no negating their fans were sticking til the death.

 

The Bundesliga effect

There is no denying that one of Germany’s secret to their success is their tight knit team bonds. This is a result of their fantastic women’s professional league. Their national team is highly saturated with players from both FFC Frankfurt and Vfl Wolfsburg who are two high prolific teams within Germany and out. Due to exceptional talent within these two teams, it gives the Germans the opportunity to frequently work and play together and against each other.

This gives the German team the ability to anticipate each other and grow stronger as a team, demonstrated repeatedly at times within this match.

 

Earth to Germany

The German national team are known for their dominance in possession but, although demonstrated this trait strongly in the first half, somewhat slipped in the second half. In previous matches against the Americans, Germany has outweighed the statistics, overpowering the Americans in both possession and shots on goal. However strong their dominance is though, they struggled to beat the Americans in their previous three games over the past six months.

In this particular match however, Germany almost fell asleep simultaneously with the referee’s signal of the beginning of the second half and woke up with the referee’s whistle for their penalty.

This spark of energy ignited their third goal of the match as the game ended in a 3-3 draw.

 

Germany should have done “Boxercise”

Boxercise is a popular exercise regime recently brought in by the USWNT. It is a fitness program designed to keeps players heart rates up and to develop somewhat “jaunty” personality traits. Germany’s defence especially, lacked the ability to forcibly stop the USWNT’s attack, Megan Rapinoe particularly.

‘Angry’ Angerer

If one player on the German team did show a feisty spirit, it was their goal keeper Nadine Angerer. The aggressive goal keeper was not holding back her anger towards not only her own team but also to the visitors as the goals continued to pile up.

The home crowd were backing her up before Alex Morgan seemed to quieten them down with not only her goal, but her sassy goal celebration.

 

USA

No Heath, No Krieger, No O’Hara…No thank you

Despite this match being a friendly, there is no denying both teams were hungry for a win, especially after the Algarve Cup. When the starting line-up for the USWNT was announced, many eyebrows were raised questioning why Tom Sermanni would leave such influential players like Tobin Heath, Kelley O’Hara and Ali Krieger out.

Considering Ali played with and against the majority of the German side during her 5 year stint with FFC Frankfurt, many were considering her as a number one candidate, but not Tom Sermanni.

Although Tobin was eventually subbed in to the game, her absence was noted as her ball handling ability in the wide open flanks was duly missed along with Kelley O’Hara’s dominance in defence.

 

Absence of Carli Lloyd and Hope Solo

Other duly noted absentees were Carli Lloyd and Hope Solo. Carli Lloyd’s effectiveness in midfield would not have gone astray during periods of time within the game where the away side were lacking movement and fluidness between their defence and attack. Although Lauren Cheney was doing a brilliant job of keeping the US’s movement flowing, Carli’s hard edge and prevailing stride would have kick-started the USWNT earlier on within the game.

Nicole Barnhart has proved herself a worthy candidate as Hope Solo receives treatment for her wrist but Barnhart’s lack of experience within herself and her back four proved to be tricky and the Germans sensed this uneasy imbalance throughout the match as they confidently pursued at goal.

Especially during the incident of Germany’s first and third goals, communication seemed to be non-existent as the Germans rolled the ball into the net. Hope Solo’s overriding goal keeping personality would have taken care of these issues in place and perhaps prevented the goals.

The defence had a lot to do with the goals, but a leading goal keeper should be keeping their defence in place.

 

Pinoe for President

Megan Rapinoe absolutely outshone her German opponents today between her sassy nutmegs and, ultimately, the goal of the game. Along with Lauren Cheney, Megan Rapinoe captivated audiences with her brilliant style of play and her attacking dominance. Not only did she score, but also assisted in Abby Wambach’s 155th goal.

A big talking point was her goal in the 56th minute, assisted by an airborne Abby Wambach. Megan Rapinoe’s first touch volley was sent like a bullet towards goal, doubling the USA’s lead to 2-0.

 

Rookie Mistake

Tom Sermanni loves switching the team and integrating the young stars in with the national team and this game seemed to be the perfect time to test their ability to work together against a world class team. Crystal Dunn was the star, despite a couple of unlucky touches and decisions. She was quick, feisty and gutsy against Germany, traits not a lot of player would exhibit against such a well notched team.

Despite her inauspicious positions within two of Germany’s goal, Dunn looks promising as a future leader as numerous times throughout the game she outperformed some her striking German adversaries. Kristie Mewis, however, wasn’t as successful during the game and this was the result of an off putting position Tom Sermanni put her in.

Mewis is naturally a central player but Sermanni’s left-back choosing did not suit her at all, causing for some disruption.

 

Chasing Mia

Now, who could not pass up Abby Wambach’s goal? Scoring her 155th career goal, this now sits Abby 3 goals behind Mia Hamm’s all time record of 158. Although the USWNT didn’t attain the desired win, the striker will definitely make amendments next game where a hat trick or more could see her make history.

  • Fun fact: The USWNT has won 99 games so far where AbbyWambach has scored. A win today would have been a nice centennial anniversary present for US Soccer.
Wambach...... legend.

Wambach…… legend.

 

The USA now heads to The Hague to meet the Netherlands on April 9.

 

Match summary:

USA – (47′) Abby Wambach (Megan Rapinoe)
USA – (55′) Megan Rapinoe (Abby Wambach)
GER – (63′) Kim Kulig
USA – (71′) Alex Morgan (Lauren Cheney)
GER – (85′) Celia Okoyino da Mbabi (pen)
GER – (86′) Anja Mittag

 

 

Lineups

USA : 18-Nicole Barnhart; 6-Crystal Dunn, 3-Christie Rampone (capt.), 14-Whitney Engen, 8-Kristie Mewis; 9-Heather O’Reilly (17-Tobin Heath, 77), 7-Shannon Boxx, 12-Lauren Cheney, 15-Megan Rapinoe; 13-Alex Morgan, 20-Abby Wambach (2-Sydney Leroux, 80)

Substitutions Not Used: 4-Becky Sauerbrunn, 5-Kelley O’Hara, 11-Ali Krieger, 16-Yael Averbuch, 19-Rachel Buehler, 21-Adrianna Franch, 22-Meghan Klingenberg, 23-Christen Press, 24-Ashlyn Harris, 25-Julie Johnston 

Head coach: Tom Sermanni

 

GER: 1-Nadine Angerer (capt.); 25-Leonie Maier 3-Saskia Bartusiak, 22-Luisa Wensing, 4-Babett Peter (2-Bianca Schmidt, 57); 10-Linda Bresonik (11-Anja Mittag, 60), 8-Kim Kulig, 26-Nadine Keßler, 7-Melanie Behringer (15-Verena Faißt, 46);  13-Celia Okoyino da Mbabi, 14-Dzsenifer Marozsan (9-Alexandra Popp, 88).

Substitutions Not Used: 12-Almuth Schult, , 18-Svenja Huth, 21-Kathrin Langert, 23-Josephine Henning, 27-Jennifer Cramer, 28-Tabea Kemme   

Head coach: Silvia Neid

 

Stats Summary: USA / GER

Shots: 13/8
Shots on Goal: 7/4
Saves: 1/4
Corner Kicks: 5/5
Fouls: 7/10
Offside: 4/3

 

Misconduct Summary: 

USA – Shannon Boxx (caution)        50th minute
USA – Christie Rampone (caution)  84

 

Officials:

Referee: Christina Pederson (NOR)
Assistant Referee 1:  Katrin Rafalski (GER)
Assistant Referee 2:  Imke Lohmeier (GER)

 

Written by Siobhan Pedroza

Follow Siobhan on Twitter @briefcase_wanka

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UEFA Champions League: Quarter-final First Leg Previews

  By O-Posts Team | April 2, 2013 - 15:20 | , , , , , , , ,
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In previous years, the Champions League has tended to get more and more dramatic as it goes along. However, this year, both the group stage, and the round of 16 have been full of drama with world class teams Manchester United, Shakhtar Donetsk, Arsenal, last year’s winners Chelsea, to name just a few, already being dumped out.

So with this season’s tournament already being full of excitement and tension, these quarter finals promise to be nothing less than spectacular.

 

Bayern Munich vs. Juventus

Both these teams are considered “dark horses” to win the competition by many, but only one will make the semi-finals as these two European giants clash, with the first leg being held in Munich.

Both teams look set to win their respective domestic leagues, and won impressively at the weekend. Bayern tore Hamburg apart, winning 9-2, while Juventus picked up a colossal three points in a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro. Both these sides are flying, with Juventus having one of the most organised teams in world football, and Bayern having the most well rounded and energetic sides.

Bayern’s attacking trio of Müller, Kroos and Ribery will look to create chances for the deadly Mario Mandžukic, but if any side can neutralise the threat posed by these four, it is the expected Juventus defence of Barzagli, Chiellini and Bonucci, helped by energetic wing backs Lichsteiner and Asamoah.

Bayern’s Javi Martinez is suspended for this game, so Bayern will need to rely on Luis Gustavo to help Bastian Schweinsteiger keep Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and goalscoring midfielder Arturo Vidal quiet. Juventus tend to keep the ball regardless of the opposition, but against a creative Bayern side in the expectant Allianz arena, this may be difficult.

A genuinely mouth-watering tie.

 

PSG vs. Barcelona

Barcelona have fond memories of the French capital, having won this very trophy in Paris back in 2006, in a 2-1 victory over Arsenal. However, despite having virtually won La Liga a while back, this Barca team arrives in Paris with question marks regarding their ability to play away from home.

In the round of 16, Barca were beaten 2-0 against Milan, with many suspecting they wouldn’t be able to overturn that result. Barcelona managed it however, winning 4-0 in Catalonia, so PSG will need a huge result if they are to go into the second leg with strong hopes of going through.

PSG’s defence that includes Brazilians Thiago Silva, Alex and ex-Barca left back Maxwell, will need to remain fully focused and determined if they are to silence Messi and co., and knock out the side who many consider tournament favourites.

 

Malaga vs. Dortmund

At the start of the tournament, many considered Malaga a side too weak to make waves in the Champions League and Dortmund a side just too young to compete against Europe’s elite. However, both of these hard working sides are just two games away from a place in the Champions League semis.

Malaga’s well-oiled machine of a defence has conceded a mere 6 goals in 8 champions league games this season, while Dortmund possess one of Europe’s most feared attacks, with Reus, Götze, Lewandowski and Błaszczykowski all hitting form right now.

Malaga do possess creative players themselves though, such as the highly regarded Isco and Joaquin.

Definitely one of the most tactically unpredictable quarter finals.

 

Real Madrid vs. Galatasaray

After getting through to the quarter finals in a highly controversial manner against Manchester United, Jose Mourinho’s quest for an historic third Champions League triumph runs through Turkish champions Galatasaray.

Although Galatasaray aren’t the most feared team left in the competition, their impressive 3-2 win away to Schalke in the round of 16 second leg is a prime example why they shouldn’t be dismissed, especially with the champions league’s top scorer (along with Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo) Burak Yilmaz in absolutely unbelievable from, as well as a presumably determined Wesley Sneijder returning to his old stomping ground of the Bernabeu.

Galatasaray’s Hamit Altintop and Felipe Melo will be expected to do a great deal of running to prevent Mesut Özil and Xabi Alonso from controlling the game too much, although this may prove a task too much for this tenacious Galatasaray side.

 

Written by Joshua Sodergren

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Germany: Heirs to the Footballing Throne?

  By O-Posts Team | March 28, 2013 - 18:39 | , , , , , , ,
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Whilst the world was apparently stopping to watch two of England and Spain’s, indeed the world’s, biggest clubs go head to head in the Champions League, just across the continent something big is happening.

Germany are amassing a talent pool that is fast becoming the envy of the world and could easily see them adding to their already imperious World Cup and European Championship collection. Though being one of world football’s traditional powerhouses, their depth of talent over the past two decades declined, despite winning Euro 96. It was their failure at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 that led to an overhaul of the German youth football system by the German FA (DFB) that was implemented in 2002.

It was decided that for every club academy, at least 12 of each season’s intake must qualify to play for Germany. Currently, 64% of Bundesliga footballers are eligible for the German National side, whilst in the Premier League the percentage of overseas players is roughly the same figure.

So, not only does this give Germany’s manager, Joachim Loew, a higher quantity to select from, but the quality has also improved.

No other country in the world has the number of goalkeepers of the calibre that Germany has to choose from: Manuel Neuer of Bayern Munich is arguably the best in the world, but Rene Adler of Hamburger SV has been as good as any keeper in Europe this season and is pushing Neuer all the way.

Behind them is the hugely impressive and promising Marc-Andre ter Stegen of Borussia Moenchengladbach, who is unsurprising being linked with Barcelona; there’s Bernd Leno of high flying Bayer Leverkusen, Oliver Baumann of SC Freiburg, Kevin Trapp from this season’s surprise package Eintracht Frankfurt, Ron-Robert Zieler of Hannover, even the experienced Roman Weidenfeller of champions, Borussia Dortmund.

Where there is an undisputed plethora of talent at goalkeeper, the strength in depth in terms of top quality is not necessarily there in the defensive positions. There is, for my money, the best full back in the world in the shape of Bayern Munich’s Philipp Lahm. The pivotal figure at centre half is the classy Mats Hummels of Dortmund, who encapsulates the cliché: Rolls Royce at the back. Whilst the imposing and impressive Benedikt Hoewedes of Schalke might not necessarily be Loew’s first choice to pair him with in central defence, he would certainly be mine.

Howedes and Hummels….. gifted defensive talents.

Beyond them though, the standard is not quite so high. Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker is a veteran of the international stage and although he has the turning circle of an oil tanker, he can be a smart and astute defensive asset, providing a higher defensive line is not played.

Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng of Bayern are unquestionably capable and swell the ranks. Marcel Schmelzer of Dortmund and the experienced, though sometimes shaky, Heiko Westermann of a slowly improving Hamburg arealso squad regulars this season. Though that has created some debate as many feel Frankfurt’s Sebastian Jung is more deserving.

Midfield is another area where they have an embarrassment of riches: Bayern provide the imperious class of Bastian Schweinsteiger, the promise of Toni Kroos and the industry and attacking skills of Thomas Mueller, who can play left, right, in behind the striker or even up front, if needed. Following their rise to prominence at World Cup 2010, Real Madrid acquired the work rate of Sami Khedira and the brilliance of Mesut Oezil.

Schalke’s Julian Draxler recently became the youngest player ever to reach 100 Bundesliga appearances. He’s a prodigious talent starring in his preferred central attacking midfield role and at just 19, he’s a star of the future, but already pushing his way into contention now. Dortmund also contribute heavily in this department, Ilkay Gundogan’s defensive know-how, technique, vision, guile and fantastic passing ability has seen his reputation grow.

Marco Reus, a summer signing from Moenchengladbach, has been a revelation, his movement, interplay and finishing have left Dortmund fans saying “Shinji who?”. Reus (as well as Thomas Mueller) can play the much debated ‘false 9’ role that Germany seem to inevitably moving toward and his understanding with club and international team mate Mario Goetze seems telepathic at times.

Gotze and Reus... telepathic.

Gotze and Reus… telepathic.

Goetze has the potential to be the most special of all the fabulous talent in the German ranks, with mouth-watering natural ability, style, panache, technique, power and finishing that will surely see Barcelona and Real Madrid soon come calling with the huge bids it would take to tempt BVB to part with their star.

Lewis Holtby, who recently joined Tottenham Hotspur from Schalke, is another attacking midfield talent who mixes technical ability with a strong work ethic and has received his first International caps. Holtby finds himself down the pecking order, though when you consider the names above, it’s perhaps not surprising.

Currently, Germany do not have such luxury when it comes to out and out strikers, the abundance of prolific attacking midfielders, with their versatility and genuine goal threat means there is less reliance on an orthodox striker. Having said that, Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez may have some limitations to his game, but he is a proven goal scorer; as is the veteran Miroslav Klose, now of Lazio, although he is in the twilight of his career.

Stefan Kiessling of Bayer Leverkusen is another striker with a good goals record, though he’s consistently overlooked by Joachim Low. His young Leverkusen team mate, Andre Schurrle, can play either out wide or through the middle. His technical ability, work rate and finishing prowess have put him on the radar of a number of leading Champions League clubs.

Schurrle.... highly-rated.

Schurrle…. highly-rated.

Lukas Podolski has only given glimpses of his quality in his first season at Arsenal, not helped by him being played out on the wing. Though he is an accomplished wide forward, he is by trade a striker and his 44 international goals lay testament to that.

It could be argued that Germany could provide two squads capable of challenging for international honours and with the average age of the squad around 25, they have the all-important blend of youth and experience. The progression is clear when you consider that of the 2009 U21 European Championship winning squad, four were an integral part of their impressive 2010 World Cup side and seven are now regular first teamers.

The changes in youth set up implemented by the DFB a decade ago have not only given the national coach a larger number of players to pick from, but the upturn in standards reflect well on the standards of coaching at grass roots and academy level in Germany and just how good the system they have in place is; it’s a system British football would do well to take a deeper look at and learn from.

So whilst some of the stars of the all-conquering Spain and Barcelona sides are moving past their prime, it could easily be German football that takes their crown.

 

Written by Andy Wales

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Another Irish disappointment: Is it time for Trap to step down?

  By O-Posts Team | March 28, 2013 - 17:54 | ,
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Like every other eager, excited Irish man I watched the last two crucial qualifiers against Sweden and Austria with hope. These games were the pinnacle of Ireland’s qualifications chances, 6 points were needed, 4 was the minimum… but what followed will leave long in my mind.

After a 0-0 draw with the Swedes (a game where Sweden played poorly and Ireland should have done more to capitalize on) it came down to the Aviva this Tuesday night, pitting Ireland vs Austria, nothing but goal difference separated the two and it was sure to be a tough encounter.

Nobody, and I mean nobody could believe Connor Sammon starts for Ireland against Austria in a must win game, a Wigan reject who has nor the skills nor likeability to get the juices flowing for any fan. Seeing players like Hoolahan, Doyle and Brady on the bench in a home game was paint staking, especially knowing the lack of qualities Sammon brought to the side.

I’m not going to discuss the match, the last minute equalizer by the Austrians or how terrible Connor Sammon is. Instead, I’m going to discuss the manager, “Trap”.

This old man has done it all in the game, that is not in doubt. What is in doubt is his current frame of mind. Against Austria he got it tactically wrong, completely. He played a slow, muscular striker against a defence that struggled with Shane Long- Ireland’s quick, zippy striker.

In the second half, and whilst holding a two goal precious lead he takes off the dangerous Long for Paul Green, and let’s face it, who cares about Paul green? He is not going to retain the ball, and feed the channels, especially as a right winger!

The mind boggles at such thinking from a once great manager. Ireland were not out of options, Wes Hoolahan – a Premier League standard midfielder who possesses enough technical football skills to maintain the ball in a pressured situation – sat there, and watched his country squander their chances at another World Cup qualifying campaign.

So there is one question that needs to be asked, should “Trap” go? I think yes, my compatriots think yes, what do you think?

 

Written by Kieron Ryan

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England: Time to Back the Youth

  By O-Posts Team | March 27, 2013 - 18:45 | , , , , , , , , , ,
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The whole farcical Rio Ferdinand and England episode in the run up to the qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro highlighted something that has plagued England for too long: an obsession with looking back.

The fact the debate centred on whether or not Ferdinand pulling out of the England squad and travelling to the Middle East to be a TV pundit was a deliberate act of revenge towards the FA or an innocent PR disaster, glossed over a recurring theme. England seem frightened of moving into the future. Petrified of actually committing to the next 5 – 10 years and beyond, rather than only the next tournament.

There’s no denying Ferdinand has been in very good form since the turn of the year and integral to Man Utd improving the defensive record in the second half of this Premier League season. His form is worthy of an international call up, but Ferdinand is 34 and has to carefully nurse his fitness.

He made it be known he was available for International selection and his many backers in the press clamoured for his inclusion; some even suggested that, should England qualify, he should be a part of the World Cup squad.

By the time the 2014 World Cup in Brazil comes around, Ferdinand will be 35.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of how the England captaincy was taken off Ferdinand, his non- selection at Euro 2012 and his row with Ashley Cole, his withdraw from the England squad, explanation and subsequent pundit job was handled spectacularly badly.

Personally, I wouldn’t pick Ferdinand for England again; not because of the recent debacle, but for the same reason I wouldn’t consider John Terry, Scott Parker, Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry for selection: it’s time England moved on. That’s not to say anyone over 30 should be dismissed, indeed

I believe Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole still have a role to play, though I think the World Cup should be their swan song. Euro 2012 was the ideal tournament to give many of England’s next crop tournament experience, but rather than be brave, England once again harped back to the so-called golden generation, but got the same result as always. As the mantra goes: if you keep doing what you’ve done, you’ll get the same results.

A decade ago, Germany tore up their system and started again. They are already seeing the benefits from the changes they implemented, but I doubt English football would ever have the bravery to do the same.

Also, the Premier League holds too much power to allow the FA to implement the type of changes that were in Germany. Add to that, the changes needed in philosophy at grass roots level with too many coaches and parents of young players mean that it would likely take longer for England to feel the benefit of change to the extent desired.

Wilshere.... young players like him need to be backed.

Wilshere…. young players like him need to be backed.

It’s not as though England don’t have any talented young players coming through, but the selection pool and technical level is not as big as it could be. England need to focus on the future and bed some of the best young players in, rather than keep looking at players some way past their peak.

If the so-called golden generation failed to win a tournament in their prime, why makes anyone think they can do it in their mid-thirties?

Rather than fear of failure and going for the safe option, I think it’s time to back the youth, believe in them and look forward, not back.

So, based on England’s reluctance to move on, here’s the squad I expect to be named for World Cup 2014:

Hart, James, Seaman; Terry, Ferdinand, A. Cole, G. Neville, P. Neville, Adams, Carragher; Gerrard, Lampard, Parker, Barry, Milner, Carrick, Beckham, Cleverly; Rooney, Owen, Heskey, Welbeck.

 

Written by Andy Wales

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