Despite coming from very different backgrounds, Team USA will forge unbreakable bonds of eternal brotherhood in the white-hot crucible of World Cup competition, especially the part where they get their asses kicked by Ghana.
More World Cup Predicitons ...
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Shit for Brains
Two former Florida State football players have been charged with stealing electronic equipment worth approximately $1,700 from the home of a current FSU player. One of those charged, Fred Rouse, was a top wide receiver prospect who was kicked off the team last year for unspecified idiocy. So, OK, he could be hard up.
But the other criminal mastermind behind this caper, linebacker A.J. Nicholson, was selected in the 5th round of this year's NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. The league minimum salary in the NFL is about $250,000 per year. This guy just threw away a job that pays a quarter mil a year -- to start -- in order to swipe two portable stereos, a DVD player and a pair of headphones. Which he would then have to split with Rouse. And he cut himself in the process. Genius.
But the other criminal mastermind behind this caper, linebacker A.J. Nicholson, was selected in the 5th round of this year's NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. The league minimum salary in the NFL is about $250,000 per year. This guy just threw away a job that pays a quarter mil a year -- to start -- in order to swipe two portable stereos, a DVD player and a pair of headphones. Which he would then have to split with Rouse. And he cut himself in the process. Genius.
Captain Obvious Reports Chelsea Sign Shevchenko
EPL title winners Chelsea have completed a deal for 29-year-old Ukranian striker Andriy Shevchenko. Sheva moves from Italian club AC Milan for a record fee of around 30 million pounds. He'll join coveted Feyenoord striker Salomon Kalou and Bayern Munich star Michael Ballack as the newest arrivals at Stamford Bridge.
Earlier this spring, Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho also announced the signings of Pele; Maradona; the corpse of George Best; Steven Gerrard's cousin, Gene; Shaquille O'Neal; Derek Jeter; Warren Buffet; Kris Ginthner; Dick Cheney; West Ham's entire roster; Hilary Duff; my left nut; Triumph the Insult Comic Dog; the Second Law of Thermodynamics; Kim Jong Il; Timmy, but not Jimmy; and the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Earlier this spring, Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho also announced the signings of Pele; Maradona; the corpse of George Best; Steven Gerrard's cousin, Gene; Shaquille O'Neal; Derek Jeter; Warren Buffet; Kris Ginthner; Dick Cheney; West Ham's entire roster; Hilary Duff; my left nut; Triumph the Insult Comic Dog; the Second Law of Thermodynamics; Kim Jong Il; Timmy, but not Jimmy; and the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Back, By Popular Demand
More World Cup notes, from the News of the Weird file:
- Mexico coach Ricardo La Volpe responded to criticism from the Mexican press with a profanity-laced tirade in which he accused the press of knowing nothing about soccer. "Don't break my balls between now and the World Cup," said La Volpe.
- Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar has also come under fire from the media, in his case for selecting his son Niko Kranjcar, 21, as the team's offensive playmaker. Niko has been tagged with the nickname "Fatty" for, well, for being fat. Word out of Croatian camp is that Niko's ass is so big that it has its own congressman.
- In happier news, Argentine wunderkind Lionel Messi is being heaped with praise for lifting his team to new heights by his coach ... wait, for it ... Jose Pekerman. Pekerman's comments were seconded by assistant coach Senor Douchebaggo.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
The Science of Football
This article was sent to me by a source from the other side of the pond. I thought our faithful readers would like to see what my British colleagues are up to in the realm of science...
The Beckhams' bash is over, Wayne's on the mend, and Sven's master plan is taking shape (we hope). But with only two and a half weeks to go until the World Cup, have the England team really grasped the football fundamentals? What do they know of free-kick trajectories, of passing permutations, of angular velocity? The game may be an art, but it's also a science - and as Ken Bray explains, every dug-out needs an Einstein.
1. Fitness: the key ingredient
Ask any coach at the World Cup for the most important attribute of his team, and you'll get the answer "fitness". Technique is worthless if players can't sustain 90 minutes of hard competition or if they fade completely in extra time.
Not surprisingly, energy consumption is closely related to how far players run in a match, but for many years, this figure was a matter of guesswork. It took the precise measurements of two scientists, Thomas Reilly and Vaughan Thomas of Liverpool Polytechnic (now Liverpool John Moores University), to provide the answer in 1976. Midfielders worked hardest, covering 9.8km during a match. Strikers and full backs came next (8.4km and 8.2km), then central defenders at 7.8km. Even the goalkeeper managed 4km.
In today's high-tempo game these distances have increased by 30 per cent, as the graphic below shows, and midfielders such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard will run distances approaching 13km over 90 minutes.
Studies of players' movement profiles are also revealing. In the average game, players execute more than 1,000 sequences such as sprints, tackles, headers, throws, rests etc. Switches in movements occur every five to six seconds, and sprints are made every 90 seconds. Players rest, on average, for three seconds every two minutes, but most surprising of all, only 2 per cent of the distance players run in a match involves contact with the ball. Football is a game played largely off the ball, which is why television, with its restricted camera perspectives, often gives a false impression of the play.
Research like this has had a profound effect on football physiology, and fitness training especially. The energy cost of 90 minutes of football amounts to about 66 per cent of the daily calorific intake of the average male. Carbohydrates in the diet (pasta, potatoes, bread) produce glycogen, the fuel that drives this prodigious effort. This is "burned" in combination with the oxygen we breathe and transmitted in the bloodstream to the active muscle groups. For footballers, glycogen replenishment is vital as reserves in the liver and muscles are often almost completely drained after a game. The body's potential for glycogen uptake peaks in the first few hours after hard exercise, which is why carbohydrate drinks are so popular. But a balanced diet is the key and if players follow nutritionists' advice, complete recovery is possible in 24 hours.
Conditions will be perfect in Germany this summer; no altitude problems as in Mexico in 1970 and 1986, nor the humidity of the 2002 tournament in Korea and Japan. But fitness will still be the priority as the competition unwinds, with fast recovery after hard games assured by good diet coupled with the careful resting and rotation of players in the squad.
2. Up for the game: mental toughness
No demanding physical task can be accomplished without a corresponding level of physiological and metal alertness, a state known as "arousal" in the psychology of sport. Playing performance and arousal are closely related and, generally, performance improves as arousal increases. This graphic shows, however, that a point is reached at which performance peaks and then begins to decline. Why this happens is not difficult to explain. The highest technical skills in football demand great precision; forcing the skill introduces errors, and the harder players push things, the more likely they are to fail. Sometimes this failure is catastrophic. Instead of declining steadily, performance crash-dives when athletes appreciate the enormity of the task and their inability to generate output at the required level. Something of this kind occurred to Paula Radcliffe when she broke down in Athens in the 2004 Olympic Marathon.
So getting to the performance peak is important, but the problem for coaches is that players differ; some, the most anxious, reach peak arousal quickly, whereas others require more motivation. Keeping arousal at the optimum level can also be a problem as the game ebbs and flows, and is especially important for psychologically intimidating events such as the penalty shoot-out. So how do players lift themselves and what techniques do they use to suppress anxiety and restore focus during the game's critical events?
Various forms of calming techniques are available, ranging from controlled breathing to progressive muscle relaxation. These are especially good for so-called somatic anxiety (soma=the body) and help to reduce muscle tension, heart rate and rapid breathing. Its counterpart, cognitive anxiety, is associated with negative or threatening thoughts about impending competition and can be relieved by a powerful technique called "imagery". Many players prepare by running through a kind of "mental movie" where, because the images are divorced from actual competition, inadequacy or failure simply do not enter the equation.
To be effective, all of these remedies must be capable of quick application during the twists and turns of actual matches, so it is often the players themselves who must self-administer the remedy when concentration wavers.
Mental toughness is paramount; plenty of players at the World Cup will set out to destabilise opponents, from defenders who engage in petty, niggling fouls to provoke retaliations and sendings-off, to goalkeepers who psyche out attackers in penalty shoot-outs by outrageous (but perfectly legal) rubber-legged displays on the goal line.
3. All about the system: the great 4-4-2 question
Deciding which formation to play will not be a headache for Sven Goran Eriksson, who rarely departs from his favourite 4-4-2. More adventurous coaches such as José Mourinho of Chelsea relish the attacking flair of 4-3-3, whereas Bolton's Sam Allardyce favours (and claims to have invented) the more defensively-minded 4-5-1.
There are only two simple but very important criteria; the formation must be good at winning possession of the ball, and using it to score goals. Analysts divide the pitch into imaginary thirds along its length; the defending, middle and attacking thirds. Controlling the play is important in all zones, but especially in the attacking third. Research shows that in internationals only 13 per cent of the possession is won here, but this leads to 66 per cent of all goals.
Passing is the means by which possession is retained, so key questions are: 1) How many unique passes can a formation generate; and 2) How much of this possession is delivered to the attacking third?
The graphic shows two of the most popular systems played in today's game, 4-4-2 and 4-3-3. How many unique passes are there in each? To log them, we record how many team-mates there are within a specific radius of the player passing the ball. Passes above 40 metres (44 yards) have been excluded.
The 4-4-2 formation has 66 possible passing combinations, compared with 56 in a 4-3-3. These are not the total number of passes in a game; that often exceeds 650 per side. The sequences are repeatedly cycled, some forwards, some backwards, some involving exchanges between midfielders, strikers or defenders themselves. The interesting point is that 4-4-2 (66) is the richest in terms of passing options (and hence in terms of retaining possession) for the popular formations. It can be compared with 4-2-4 (54), 4-3-3 (56) and 4-5-1 (62).
What about attacking potential? The amount of possession in percentage terms that each formation delivers into the attacking third is easily determined: 4-2-4, 15 per cent; 4-3-3, 13 per cent; 4-4-2, 12 per cent; and 4-5-1, 8 per cent. This time, 4-2-4 comes out on top, but few teams risk this today because two midfielders are easily swamped in the modern game.
Eriksson's favourite, 4-4-2, is deservedly popular; good possession, attacking potential. But the ability to switch play as the game evolves is what often decides the result; in 2002, England failed to capitalise when Ronaldinho was sent off and they could make no impact against Brazil's 10 men when the game was there for the taking.
4. Set pieces: the game within the game
Set pieces - throw-ins, corners, free kicks and penalties - are a prolific source of goals in international football matches, and are frequently the deciding factor in closely contested games.
The free kick, the most spectacular of all, relies for its outcome on subtle aerodynamic effects, but it is the beauty of the spectacle that attracts even the most casual supporter. Expectations have been raised to unrealistic levels. A free kick or a penalty; what's the difference when elite players can do such magical things with the ball?
At the heart of every successful free kick is spin. Artists such as Thierry Henry strike the ball so that it spins about a vertical axis. Aerodynamic forces push the ball sideways; for a ball spinning anticlockwise, the movement will be right to left. Most elite free-kickers use sidespin but a few, like David Beckham, manage to inject a little topspin. When this happens, the aerodynamic force has a downward component, so the ball both swerves and dips. To achieve this, it must be struck with the foot ascending, a little like a racket in a topspin drive in tennis. This is very difficult to do with a ball on the ground.
If the striker gets it all right, a swerving free kick is virtually unstoppable. That's the catch: speed (60-70mph), spin (5-10 revolutions per second) and elevation (16-17 degrees) must all be precise. The ball then takes only nine-tenths of a second (900 milliseconds) to reach the net, but it's a split second packed with incident.
As the graphic shows, spin and velocity - in fact, everything that will decide the outcome - are determined by just 15 milliseconds of boot-on-ball contact. With attackers in the wall blocking the goalkeeper's view, the first he sees of the shot is 400 milliseconds later when the ball pops up over their heads. He can do nothing, however, until his brain processes the information during 200 milliseconds of reaction time. With 300 milliseconds of the drama left to play, the goalkeeper is only just beginning to move. This is not sufficient time to get across the goal for a well-hit shot. About 10 per cent of free kicks succeed in the English Premiership, rising to 15 per cent in international matches where elite players are involved.
England need an in-form Beckham and his dead-ball artistry, but he must learn restraint and leave some of the more routine deliveries to team-mates such as Gerrard and Lampard.
5. Crunch time: winning the penalty shoot-out
If free kicks are a good way to resolve close matches, penalties are the gold standard. The conversion rate for penalties in normal time is 80 per cent. This falls to 75 per cent in a shoot-out, as goalkeepers become better at anticipating the strikers' intentions. These are the kind of odds you'd bet your mortgage on. So why do strikers miss? And why do England fail so abjectly in shoot-outs?
Hitting a perfect penalty is not difficult. Research has shown that even the best keepers cannot cover every inch of the goal. However well they dive, there's an "unsaveable zone" that they cannot reach, as this graphic shows.
This is a very attractive target, 28 per cent of the goal area and easily within the capability of a professional footballer. The ball should be confidently struck into this zone - "place with pace". Full-blooded instep kicks are unnecessary; recall Chris Waddle's thundering miss against West Germany in 1990 and David Beckham's sky-er against Portugal in 2004. Again, the arithmetic is comforting. A ball hit at 60mph will take just over four-tenths of a second to reach the goal, and if it is well placed it will nestle in the net before the goalkeeper has completed his dive.
Notice what looks like an attractive target close to either post at ground level. Strikers should avoid these; goalkeepers are now adept at getting down quickly, and more penalties are being saved when they are hit low. Shots at about shoulder height invariably succeed if they are well directed.
The key to winning shoot-outs is practice. Coaches should know their players' penalty success rates. Penalties should be rehearsed, preferably after hard training to replicate the conditions. When players are selected for the shoot-out list, they should be ranked from weakest to strongest and shots taken in this order; research has shown this can increase the chances of winning considerably.
England are quite capable of going all the way this time, with world-class players and strength in depth. It would be good to see the demons of Germany, Argentina and Portugal exorcised in at least one penalty shoot-out success on the way to the final. What a psychological boost that would be for the team and supporters.
6. Did it cross the line? Technology's answer
So the team is fit, mentally tough and has the perfect formation. David Beckham is ready to take the free kicks, and the squad has rehearsed its penalties. What can go wrong? Sadly, a great deal. World Cups have been marred by inconsistent refereeing and gamesmanship. Then there is the current offside rule, so complex that coherent decisions are almost impossible.
One area of potential controversy could have been eliminated - the "disputed goal", where the ball crosses the goal line but returns into play. The problem for officials is the speed at which this happens; the ball can be in and out of the net in only 18 milliseconds.
The most famous disputed goal was Geoff Hurst's of 1966 (see below), but four decades later we are no better placed to resolve incidents of this kind. The solution was meant to be the "smart ball" carrying a microchip that transmits the ball's position continuously. A computer compares the ball's location with the known co-ordinates of the goal line, posts and bar, so deciding whether the ball is over the line is easy.
The technology, developed by a German consortium including the ball maker Adidas, was tested at the World Under-17 championships in Peru in September 2005. No detailed results of the trials have been published and,Fifa says, further testing is needed. Football history has a knack of repeating itself, and a high-profile goal-line incident is overdue.
Ken Bray's 'How to Score: Science and the Beautiful Game' is published by Granta, £10.99
http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/news/article570607.ece
The Beckhams' bash is over, Wayne's on the mend, and Sven's master plan is taking shape (we hope). But with only two and a half weeks to go until the World Cup, have the England team really grasped the football fundamentals? What do they know of free-kick trajectories, of passing permutations, of angular velocity? The game may be an art, but it's also a science - and as Ken Bray explains, every dug-out needs an Einstein.
1. Fitness: the key ingredient
Ask any coach at the World Cup for the most important attribute of his team, and you'll get the answer "fitness". Technique is worthless if players can't sustain 90 minutes of hard competition or if they fade completely in extra time.
Not surprisingly, energy consumption is closely related to how far players run in a match, but for many years, this figure was a matter of guesswork. It took the precise measurements of two scientists, Thomas Reilly and Vaughan Thomas of Liverpool Polytechnic (now Liverpool John Moores University), to provide the answer in 1976. Midfielders worked hardest, covering 9.8km during a match. Strikers and full backs came next (8.4km and 8.2km), then central defenders at 7.8km. Even the goalkeeper managed 4km.
In today's high-tempo game these distances have increased by 30 per cent, as the graphic below shows, and midfielders such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard will run distances approaching 13km over 90 minutes.
Studies of players' movement profiles are also revealing. In the average game, players execute more than 1,000 sequences such as sprints, tackles, headers, throws, rests etc. Switches in movements occur every five to six seconds, and sprints are made every 90 seconds. Players rest, on average, for three seconds every two minutes, but most surprising of all, only 2 per cent of the distance players run in a match involves contact with the ball. Football is a game played largely off the ball, which is why television, with its restricted camera perspectives, often gives a false impression of the play.
Research like this has had a profound effect on football physiology, and fitness training especially. The energy cost of 90 minutes of football amounts to about 66 per cent of the daily calorific intake of the average male. Carbohydrates in the diet (pasta, potatoes, bread) produce glycogen, the fuel that drives this prodigious effort. This is "burned" in combination with the oxygen we breathe and transmitted in the bloodstream to the active muscle groups. For footballers, glycogen replenishment is vital as reserves in the liver and muscles are often almost completely drained after a game. The body's potential for glycogen uptake peaks in the first few hours after hard exercise, which is why carbohydrate drinks are so popular. But a balanced diet is the key and if players follow nutritionists' advice, complete recovery is possible in 24 hours.
Conditions will be perfect in Germany this summer; no altitude problems as in Mexico in 1970 and 1986, nor the humidity of the 2002 tournament in Korea and Japan. But fitness will still be the priority as the competition unwinds, with fast recovery after hard games assured by good diet coupled with the careful resting and rotation of players in the squad.
2. Up for the game: mental toughness
No demanding physical task can be accomplished without a corresponding level of physiological and metal alertness, a state known as "arousal" in the psychology of sport. Playing performance and arousal are closely related and, generally, performance improves as arousal increases. This graphic shows, however, that a point is reached at which performance peaks and then begins to decline. Why this happens is not difficult to explain. The highest technical skills in football demand great precision; forcing the skill introduces errors, and the harder players push things, the more likely they are to fail. Sometimes this failure is catastrophic. Instead of declining steadily, performance crash-dives when athletes appreciate the enormity of the task and their inability to generate output at the required level. Something of this kind occurred to Paula Radcliffe when she broke down in Athens in the 2004 Olympic Marathon.
So getting to the performance peak is important, but the problem for coaches is that players differ; some, the most anxious, reach peak arousal quickly, whereas others require more motivation. Keeping arousal at the optimum level can also be a problem as the game ebbs and flows, and is especially important for psychologically intimidating events such as the penalty shoot-out. So how do players lift themselves and what techniques do they use to suppress anxiety and restore focus during the game's critical events?
Various forms of calming techniques are available, ranging from controlled breathing to progressive muscle relaxation. These are especially good for so-called somatic anxiety (soma=the body) and help to reduce muscle tension, heart rate and rapid breathing. Its counterpart, cognitive anxiety, is associated with negative or threatening thoughts about impending competition and can be relieved by a powerful technique called "imagery". Many players prepare by running through a kind of "mental movie" where, because the images are divorced from actual competition, inadequacy or failure simply do not enter the equation.
To be effective, all of these remedies must be capable of quick application during the twists and turns of actual matches, so it is often the players themselves who must self-administer the remedy when concentration wavers.
Mental toughness is paramount; plenty of players at the World Cup will set out to destabilise opponents, from defenders who engage in petty, niggling fouls to provoke retaliations and sendings-off, to goalkeepers who psyche out attackers in penalty shoot-outs by outrageous (but perfectly legal) rubber-legged displays on the goal line.
3. All about the system: the great 4-4-2 question
Deciding which formation to play will not be a headache for Sven Goran Eriksson, who rarely departs from his favourite 4-4-2. More adventurous coaches such as José Mourinho of Chelsea relish the attacking flair of 4-3-3, whereas Bolton's Sam Allardyce favours (and claims to have invented) the more defensively-minded 4-5-1.
There are only two simple but very important criteria; the formation must be good at winning possession of the ball, and using it to score goals. Analysts divide the pitch into imaginary thirds along its length; the defending, middle and attacking thirds. Controlling the play is important in all zones, but especially in the attacking third. Research shows that in internationals only 13 per cent of the possession is won here, but this leads to 66 per cent of all goals.
Passing is the means by which possession is retained, so key questions are: 1) How many unique passes can a formation generate; and 2) How much of this possession is delivered to the attacking third?
The graphic shows two of the most popular systems played in today's game, 4-4-2 and 4-3-3. How many unique passes are there in each? To log them, we record how many team-mates there are within a specific radius of the player passing the ball. Passes above 40 metres (44 yards) have been excluded.
The 4-4-2 formation has 66 possible passing combinations, compared with 56 in a 4-3-3. These are not the total number of passes in a game; that often exceeds 650 per side. The sequences are repeatedly cycled, some forwards, some backwards, some involving exchanges between midfielders, strikers or defenders themselves. The interesting point is that 4-4-2 (66) is the richest in terms of passing options (and hence in terms of retaining possession) for the popular formations. It can be compared with 4-2-4 (54), 4-3-3 (56) and 4-5-1 (62).
What about attacking potential? The amount of possession in percentage terms that each formation delivers into the attacking third is easily determined: 4-2-4, 15 per cent; 4-3-3, 13 per cent; 4-4-2, 12 per cent; and 4-5-1, 8 per cent. This time, 4-2-4 comes out on top, but few teams risk this today because two midfielders are easily swamped in the modern game.
Eriksson's favourite, 4-4-2, is deservedly popular; good possession, attacking potential. But the ability to switch play as the game evolves is what often decides the result; in 2002, England failed to capitalise when Ronaldinho was sent off and they could make no impact against Brazil's 10 men when the game was there for the taking.
4. Set pieces: the game within the game
Set pieces - throw-ins, corners, free kicks and penalties - are a prolific source of goals in international football matches, and are frequently the deciding factor in closely contested games.
The free kick, the most spectacular of all, relies for its outcome on subtle aerodynamic effects, but it is the beauty of the spectacle that attracts even the most casual supporter. Expectations have been raised to unrealistic levels. A free kick or a penalty; what's the difference when elite players can do such magical things with the ball?
At the heart of every successful free kick is spin. Artists such as Thierry Henry strike the ball so that it spins about a vertical axis. Aerodynamic forces push the ball sideways; for a ball spinning anticlockwise, the movement will be right to left. Most elite free-kickers use sidespin but a few, like David Beckham, manage to inject a little topspin. When this happens, the aerodynamic force has a downward component, so the ball both swerves and dips. To achieve this, it must be struck with the foot ascending, a little like a racket in a topspin drive in tennis. This is very difficult to do with a ball on the ground.
If the striker gets it all right, a swerving free kick is virtually unstoppable. That's the catch: speed (60-70mph), spin (5-10 revolutions per second) and elevation (16-17 degrees) must all be precise. The ball then takes only nine-tenths of a second (900 milliseconds) to reach the net, but it's a split second packed with incident.
As the graphic shows, spin and velocity - in fact, everything that will decide the outcome - are determined by just 15 milliseconds of boot-on-ball contact. With attackers in the wall blocking the goalkeeper's view, the first he sees of the shot is 400 milliseconds later when the ball pops up over their heads. He can do nothing, however, until his brain processes the information during 200 milliseconds of reaction time. With 300 milliseconds of the drama left to play, the goalkeeper is only just beginning to move. This is not sufficient time to get across the goal for a well-hit shot. About 10 per cent of free kicks succeed in the English Premiership, rising to 15 per cent in international matches where elite players are involved.
England need an in-form Beckham and his dead-ball artistry, but he must learn restraint and leave some of the more routine deliveries to team-mates such as Gerrard and Lampard.
5. Crunch time: winning the penalty shoot-out
If free kicks are a good way to resolve close matches, penalties are the gold standard. The conversion rate for penalties in normal time is 80 per cent. This falls to 75 per cent in a shoot-out, as goalkeepers become better at anticipating the strikers' intentions. These are the kind of odds you'd bet your mortgage on. So why do strikers miss? And why do England fail so abjectly in shoot-outs?
Hitting a perfect penalty is not difficult. Research has shown that even the best keepers cannot cover every inch of the goal. However well they dive, there's an "unsaveable zone" that they cannot reach, as this graphic shows.
This is a very attractive target, 28 per cent of the goal area and easily within the capability of a professional footballer. The ball should be confidently struck into this zone - "place with pace". Full-blooded instep kicks are unnecessary; recall Chris Waddle's thundering miss against West Germany in 1990 and David Beckham's sky-er against Portugal in 2004. Again, the arithmetic is comforting. A ball hit at 60mph will take just over four-tenths of a second to reach the goal, and if it is well placed it will nestle in the net before the goalkeeper has completed his dive.
Notice what looks like an attractive target close to either post at ground level. Strikers should avoid these; goalkeepers are now adept at getting down quickly, and more penalties are being saved when they are hit low. Shots at about shoulder height invariably succeed if they are well directed.
The key to winning shoot-outs is practice. Coaches should know their players' penalty success rates. Penalties should be rehearsed, preferably after hard training to replicate the conditions. When players are selected for the shoot-out list, they should be ranked from weakest to strongest and shots taken in this order; research has shown this can increase the chances of winning considerably.
England are quite capable of going all the way this time, with world-class players and strength in depth. It would be good to see the demons of Germany, Argentina and Portugal exorcised in at least one penalty shoot-out success on the way to the final. What a psychological boost that would be for the team and supporters.
6. Did it cross the line? Technology's answer
So the team is fit, mentally tough and has the perfect formation. David Beckham is ready to take the free kicks, and the squad has rehearsed its penalties. What can go wrong? Sadly, a great deal. World Cups have been marred by inconsistent refereeing and gamesmanship. Then there is the current offside rule, so complex that coherent decisions are almost impossible.
One area of potential controversy could have been eliminated - the "disputed goal", where the ball crosses the goal line but returns into play. The problem for officials is the speed at which this happens; the ball can be in and out of the net in only 18 milliseconds.
The most famous disputed goal was Geoff Hurst's of 1966 (see below), but four decades later we are no better placed to resolve incidents of this kind. The solution was meant to be the "smart ball" carrying a microchip that transmits the ball's position continuously. A computer compares the ball's location with the known co-ordinates of the goal line, posts and bar, so deciding whether the ball is over the line is easy.
The technology, developed by a German consortium including the ball maker Adidas, was tested at the World Under-17 championships in Peru in September 2005. No detailed results of the trials have been published and,Fifa says, further testing is needed. Football history has a knack of repeating itself, and a high-profile goal-line incident is overdue.
Ken Bray's 'How to Score: Science and the Beautiful Game' is published by Granta, £10.99
http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/news/article570607.ece
Monday, May 29, 2006
Must Be Nice
Contradicting rumors posted earlier on this site, Ronaldo has turned down a ten-year, $120 million contract offer from the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer. Ronaldo's agent insisted that his client intended to play a few more years in Europe before taking his game to the United States. In other news, Nick Stewart turned down a 61-year, fitty-bagillion dollar offer from Faun's Beard, saying: "Negatory, good buddy."
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Nick Stewart's Indian Grandfather
If Nick was brown and fifty years older.
I am happy, I am relaxed.
I am happy, I am relaxed.
I am happy, I am relaxed.
Woo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo.
I am happy, I am relaxed.
I am happy, I am relaxed.
I am happy, I am relaxed.
Woo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Dirty Bar Romps, 7-0
And the Balls on Fire Action Team was right in the thick of things. Here's to ...
Bishop Macnamara, for his Gerrard-worthy goals.
Dick Trickle, for his dominance of the midfield and sublime through balls.
Snake, for his haphazard, yet mostly effective defending.
But, the game ball goes to ...
GinthMisterGrandeMax for not showing up and thus allowing the team to perform at its best.
Bishop Macnamara, for his Gerrard-worthy goals.
Dick Trickle, for his dominance of the midfield and sublime through balls.
Snake, for his haphazard, yet mostly effective defending.
But, the game ball goes to ...
GinthMisterGrandeMax for not showing up and thus allowing the team to perform at its best.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Hippie
Balls on Fire member Meat.Loaf is all up in arms today about a supposedly alarming new report indicating that Seattlites have an unusually high level of toxic chemicals coursing through our veins.
Oh boo hoo. As always, you're missing the silver lining in this cloud, Meat. Phthalates are found in fragrances, so they make you smell good. PBDEs are flame retardant so you won't catch on fire. Mercury is delicious and pesticides keep the bugs away. I say we're lucky to have all these selfless chemical companies around here dumping their expensive toxins into our food, water and air ... all for free! And all they ask in return is no class-action lawsuits.
As the saying goes, never look a gift horse in the mouth, because then you might notice its teeth have fallen out and its withered gums are oozing black pus from lead poisoning.
Oh boo hoo. As always, you're missing the silver lining in this cloud, Meat. Phthalates are found in fragrances, so they make you smell good. PBDEs are flame retardant so you won't catch on fire. Mercury is delicious and pesticides keep the bugs away. I say we're lucky to have all these selfless chemical companies around here dumping their expensive toxins into our food, water and air ... all for free! And all they ask in return is no class-action lawsuits.
As the saying goes, never look a gift horse in the mouth, because then you might notice its teeth have fallen out and its withered gums are oozing black pus from lead poisoning.
Justice prevails again?
So you've probably all heard that those incompetant crooks from Enron were officially judged GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY and are finally going to the slammer. Thank god that our legal system actually got that right, but bloody fucking hell, Skilling and Lay are only getting 5-10 years?!! They'll be all brushed up on tennis and ready to invest their next mill by the time they get out.
Bastards!
Arg.
Bastards!
Arg.
You Heard it Here First
OK, not really, but rumors are swirling that Brazilian National Team and Real Madrid star Ronaldo has inked a deal to play for the New York Red Bulls of the MLS following the World Cup.
Yes, Ronaldo has gotten tubby. And lazy. And a move to MLS would indicate he's more concerned with marketing opportunities off the pitch than playing at the highest level on it. But still, if the rumors are true, it's a big deal for MLS. I know I would start tuning in. Ronaldo's two goals in last year's friendly between Real Madrid and the MLS All Stars left little doubt he could dominate in the States. So I say, bring on the fat man.
Yes, Ronaldo has gotten tubby. And lazy. And a move to MLS would indicate he's more concerned with marketing opportunities off the pitch than playing at the highest level on it. But still, if the rumors are true, it's a big deal for MLS. I know I would start tuning in. Ronaldo's two goals in last year's friendly between Real Madrid and the MLS All Stars left little doubt he could dominate in the States. So I say, bring on the fat man.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Yeah, what he said.
A much more intelligent analysis of the U.S.'s defeat against Morocco than I was able to offer and what, if anything, it means for the World Cup.
I'm all fired up today...
From the Boston Globe on 4/30/06, as cited in today's Progress Report:
"President Bush has quietly claimed the authority to disobey more than 750 laws enacted since he took office, asserting that he has the power to set aside any statute passed by Congress when it conflicts with his interpretation of the Constitution."Good times.
What the Fuck?
Yesterday on Lou Dobbs Tonight, CNN ran a graphic about immigration in the Southwest U.S. The source of that graphic: the Council of Conservative Citizens (CCC). Sounds reasonable, except for the part about the CCC being a white supremacist hate group. CNN didn't happen to mention that. When did CNN become FOX News?
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
We Stink On Ice
OK, as I said, Morocco is a good team. But, for the U.S. to lose to a merely good team, on our home soil, with all our first-teamers available, simply ain't good enough. Bobby Convey looks like a contributor, but other than that, ugh. Where are the goals going to come from on this team?
U.S. Soccer Federation, hear me now, believe me later: I'm ready. I've got the green lanterns. Put me in coach.
U.S. Soccer Federation, hear me now, believe me later: I'm ready. I've got the green lanterns. Put me in coach.
Key Matches for USA, Faun's Beard
The U.S. takes on Morocco tonight in that famous Moroccan stronghold, Nashville, Tennessee. Morocco didn't qualify for Germany '06, but they're no patsy. In fact, this is probably the toughest test the Americans will face before the World Cup. And, especially on friendly soil, we need a win to restore some of our swagger lost during that recent spanking by the Huns...er, I mean, Germans.
But all eyes will be on the other key match of the evening, Faun's Beard versus the Strikers, a bunch of fratboy douchebags. The Strikers laid a 4-1 whupping on the men in green last time they met and the Beards are eager for revenge. Bishop Macnamara, reached at his office, added fuel to the fire with these inflammatory comments: "Who is this? Why are you calling me at work?" Strong words indeed.
But all eyes will be on the other key match of the evening, Faun's Beard versus the Strikers, a bunch of fratboy douchebags. The Strikers laid a 4-1 whupping on the men in green last time they met and the Beards are eager for revenge. Bishop Macnamara, reached at his office, added fuel to the fire with these inflammatory comments: "Who is this? Why are you calling me at work?" Strong words indeed.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Worst Game Ever
To those of you who've been playing Poi Dawgs with me (see: Snake, GinthMisterGrandeMax), be grateful you weren't at the game Sunday. Awful.
We got waxed 7-2 and this guy on our team (who I've never seen before) was a complete douche all game. He ran his mouth off until one of the other team whacked him and then he threw a punch and we were off to the races. The embarrassing part was the guy couldn't back up his mouth. Neither could the rest of us: we sucked.
Sucky suck suck. I'm out.
We got waxed 7-2 and this guy on our team (who I've never seen before) was a complete douche all game. He ran his mouth off until one of the other team whacked him and then he threw a punch and we were off to the races. The embarrassing part was the guy couldn't back up his mouth. Neither could the rest of us: we sucked.
Sucky suck suck. I'm out.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Trickle silenced!
Dick Trickle who was a regular of Balls on Fire has suddenly disappeared some say out of fear! Balls members have organized a campaign to find Trickle this poster has been placed all over town looking for the one we call "Dicky"
HAVE YOU SEEN HIM?????????
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Caleb Holt Scores, Creates Pandemonium
This was the scene Thursday night when Caleb Holt scored a goal so breathtaking that the viewing of it made the Lord himself fall to his knees and wail, "I am not worthy!" "I know it was a meaningless NWCSL coed game," Caleb said of Dirty Bar's 4-1 win, "but I just couldn't contain my excitement." Added Holt's teammate, Nick Stewart, "That was the most glorious event I have ever been a part of. When Caleb curled that freekick into the net, I felt a warm presence inside my chest, as if god himself had nestled in my bosom. I have seen the Taj Mahal, the pyramids of Giza and the Sistine Chapel, and they are rectal leakage compared to the divine magnificence that was Caleb's goal."
John Smith, who plays for Emma Peel, Dirty's Bar opponent in the contest, was of a differing opinion: "When that guy scored that goal and did that victory sprint across the field, yeah, that was pretty gay."
Friday, May 19, 2006
Ginthner Captured after late night of marauding!
Story not yet known but authorities say there may be others on the loose. Band of vigilantes call themselves "Balls on Fire". Let me tell you, this reporter will not sleep easy until this band of desperados is put behind bars. Other member known only by there web names
Snake - Unconfirmed mastermind of Balls, and considered extremely dangerous. There are unconfirmed reports of a soccer game last night where Snake was involved in two incidents. One player from the other team ended up in the hospital with a broken face. Two dogs were left pissing out of fear!
Dick Trickle - Rumors abound regarding this character one thing is for sure do not feed whiskey or salami; this is a real tough character.
Bishop McNamara - Tends to be a light hearted compadre until left to his own accord on the computer. Better known for the 84 blackout Bishop is now suspected of trying to take over Microsoft through his brain eraser machine.
Meat.loaf - Authorities have little on this band member but fear this could be the real mastermind and some think most likely to incite the rest of the band.
Check back for more details...
Balls-on-Firer Caught in Conflict of Interest Scandal!
Longtime member of illustrious web-publishing outfit Balls on Fire has been caught out at his own game. Kris Ginthner, the serial perpetrator of Google-based privacy invasions, was found to have made the following web-quote during a recent Googling:"The purchase of real-estate is not only the largest transaction that people make during a life time it is also an emotional experience that can cause a great deal of stress. If you can bring a service to people that helps them make an informed rational decision then you are not only doing your job, you are working with your clients best interests in mind. I have been recommending Blue Ribbon Home Inspections to my clients for the last two years because Dwight delivers an excellent & reliable service to his clientsIt is unclear whether Ginthner, 31, who finished 164th in his age group in the Henry Weinhard's St. Patrick's Day Bash in 2004, realized that Balls on Fire, Inc. had an exclusive endorsement deal with Home Inspection of Puget Sound, LLC at the time he joined the opinion giant.
with there best interests in mind."
Kris Ginthner
Windermere Real Estate
Bellevue,Wa.
Ginthner was unavailable for comment at press time. His mom said she'd show me some houses, though.
www.ginthner.com
Word of the Day
Listen up kiddies, your word of the day is: celebutard. Meaning: a celebrity who is famous primarily for being stupid. Examples: Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, Olsen twins. That is all.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Gerrard vs. Norris
Stephen Gerrard, football star for club and country, challenges action hero Chuck Norris for 'World's Most Powerful Kick' honors. The midfielder made his latest play for the title with two blistering goals in Liverpool's recent FA Cup Final victory. The second was reported to have broken the sound barrier, proving Gerrrard's status as a real contender.Norris, when contacted by phone for comment, spoke briefly about his life after the show Walker, Texas Ranger. He then demonstrated his own fitness for the throne by feinting with a roundhouse kick that brought down communications along the entire west coast. Telecom officials say the damage was severe, but connections should be restored by the end of business tomorrow.
Meh.
I am the only one who was underwhelmed by the Champion's League final? It wasn't a bad game, certainly, but it also didn't quite live up to the hype (nor last weekend's FA Cup final). Henry and Ronaldinho were subpar (for them) and none of the goals we're exactly highlight reel quality. Most of all, of course, there was the sending off of Jans Lehmann in the 20th minute. Today, the referee admitted he acted too rashly and would have been better off allowing the goal and awarding a yellow card. Who knows how the game would have turned out if he had.
Dick Trickle "King of Suck"
Dick Trickle - was seen in northern Washington last summer in tight clothing. Believed to have been working on new mode of transportation "power of huge legs and Ass"! Trickle’s new mode of transportation consists of one mans ability to propel vehicles with only the use of his Ass. Washington State authorities report that Trickle has applied for permits for his alternative form of power "Methane" last year. The WSDOT has not yet given full permitted use of this power, as the effects to the environment have not been fully studied and some fear that people south of him could suffer from dizziness or possible blindness. Top University researchers have measured Tricles power output at thundering levels leaving most in utter amazement. Ass man as he has been nicknamed is seen in this photo propelling a Dodge 2500 Truck up hill with a smile.
Trickle has stated that with only a healthy serving of salami he can propel for hours. This could be a breakthrough for energy generation in the future.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Greetings and Salutations...
...to Bishop Macnamara, the newest and shinniest addition to the Balls on Fire team. We're humbled to have you, your eminence.
You're Getting Warmer...
In the latest FIFA rankings -- the last before the World Cup -- the U.S. dropped from its previous and alltime high of No. 4, into a tie for 5th with Spain. Said rankings go like thusly:
- Brazil
- Czech Republic (one of our opponents in the group stage of the World Cup. Personally, I think they're a little overrated, although still better than us.)
- Netherlands (my upset pick to fail to make it out of the Group of Death).
- Mexico (no way)
- U.S. (tie)
- Spain (tie)
- Portugal
- France
- Argentina
- England
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Only in France ...
Two armed gunmen burst into a city council meeting in a Paris suburb today, demanding free tickets to tomorrow's Champion's League final. No word yet on whether they also asked for cheese, baguettes and crappy moustaches.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
The lead story on Q13 FOX News tonight ...
... people who don't use the crosswalks around Greenlake. Seriously. The next two stories were about car accidents. The two after that -- shootings. Then one about a stabbing. Then another stabbing. While I'm not usually too big on conspiracy theories, the only way this makes any sense is if this is part of FOX's plan -- as the mouthpiece of the right-wing -- to keep America scared and stupid.
The New Iron Man
Consecutive days I've eaten butter chicken from Taste of India: 4. I am unstoppable and gassy!
Friday, May 12, 2006
New Name
From here on you shall all know me by my "Wu Tang name Generator" Bitches! My Name is Profound Bandit, stealing your lunch money and pinching all the girlies asses!
Word!
Word!
Quick Hits from the Around the Soccer World
- AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko has announced he wants to play in the EPL next year. While he'll no doubt end up at Chelsea (everyone does -- see Ballack, Michael), he would make an intruiging replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has left Man U in a huff.
- FA Cup final this weekend between Liverpool and West Ham. I say Liverpool takes it, 3-1.
- Here's a bold thought for U.S. National Team coach Bruce Arena, who has until Monday to finalize his World Cup roster: beg Giuseppe Rossi to join the team. Rossi, the sensational teenage striker who recently got his first EPL start for Man U, is currently playing for Italy's U-19 national team. But he was American born and is therefore eligible to play for the Stars & Bars. Rossi seems like a bit of an arrogant prick, but he is fearless and can score goals, which is more than we can expect out of Brian Ching.
- Seems there's some massive, earth-shaking match fixing scandal erupting in Italy's Serie A. I'm too busy to get all the details. Do it yourself.
- Toronto has been awarded MLS's newest franchise, to be called ... wait for it ... Toronto FC. Ah...ad wizards.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Break out the Cristal!
What a day it's been for America's #1 rated blog, Balls on Fire! From the additions of Ginthmistergrandemax, Meat.Loaf and Ethan (who really needs a sweet nickname) ... to the triumphant return of Dick Trickle/John Stud/Buck Naked ... there's a lot for the shareholders in Balls on Fire Inc. to be excited about.
I could make a wolverine purr
Jake invited me to join this blog...no, not because I know anything about soccer. Of course, if that were a requirement, Jake wouldn't be on this blog either.
Here's my first comment:
"I know what you're asking yourself. And the answer is yes. I have a nickname for my penis. It's called the octagon. But I aslo nicknamed my testes. My left one is James Westfall and my right one is Dr. Kenneth Noiswater. You ladies play your cards right, you just might get to meet the whole gang."
Here's my first comment:
"I know what you're asking yourself. And the answer is yes. I have a nickname for my penis. It's called the octagon. But I aslo nicknamed my testes. My left one is James Westfall and my right one is Dr. Kenneth Noiswater. You ladies play your cards right, you just might get to meet the whole gang."
What's a World Cup without Hookers?
As part of a crackdown on prostitution in advance of next month's World Cup, German police have arrested nearly 100 people in brothel raids. In a related story, Kris Ginthner has canceled his plans to fly to Germany for the tournament, saying: "I might as well watch the games at home now. Thanks a lot, fun police."
Meat
Who are you?????????
Jake are you addicted to the computer????
Nick did you forget to wear your pants again?????
Why am I now addicted to this thing??????????
Jake are you addicted to the computer????
Nick did you forget to wear your pants again?????
Why am I now addicted to this thing??????????
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
We Have Meatloaf!
Balls on Fire is proud to welcome Meatloaf, our newest contributor! We're all expecting great things from her.
Sevilla Romps in UEFA Cup Final
In today's UEFA Cup Final (essentially the championship of the loser's bracket), Spanish club Sevilla spanked English side Middlesbrough, 4-0. I've never seen Sevilla play before, and only watched Boro once or twice when there was no better EPL game on, so I can't comment much on either team. But, Sevilla certainly looked the better team today.
Folks, that's the kind of insight and analysis you just can't get anywhere else.
Folks, that's the kind of insight and analysis you just can't get anywhere else.
Sigh...
U.S. security officials have announced that they have decided not to paint the American flag on the side of the bus the team will use during the World Cup this summer. All of the other 31 official buses will proudly bear the flags of their countries, but W. has done such a spectacular job tarnishing our nation's image and putting a big target on our backs, that it's supposedly no longer safe for us to admit we're Americans. Fanfuckingtastic.
First of all, despite the mess Bush has made of Afghanistan, Iraq and our relations with the UN and nearly every other nation on earth, I don't buy that Americans are not safe outside our borders. At least, not less safe than everyone else. I seem to recall that, since 9/11, both London and Madrid have suffered horrific terrorists attacks. Yet, England and Spain have no plans to hide their identity at the World Cup next month.
Second, this is another lesson in the competency of the Administration's security team. Let me get this straight...we're going to fool would-be terrorists by riding around in the only official World Cup bus with no flag emblazoned on its side. Yeah, OK, good one guys.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Say what?
Sven-Goran Eriksson, England's lameduck manager, has just announced his 23-man World Cup squad . OK, let's see here, Robinson ... check, Becks ... yup, Lampard ... right there, Gerrard ... natch, Theo Walcott ... um, seriously?
Walcott, the 17-year-old sensation who has yet to play a minute for his club this year, much less his country in any year, was selected as one of four forwards. Walcott got the nod ahead of proven strikers like Tottenham's Jermain Defoe, Charlton's Darren Bent (the leading English goalscorer in the EPL this season) and Chelsea's little-used, yet still more proven, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Joining Walcott up front are Peter Crouch, who has a mere five caps to his name; Wayne Rooney, who has next to no chance of playing because of his recently suffered broken foot; and Michael Owen, who is also currently injured, and figures to be rusty and out of game shape at best.
Good luck with that.
Walcott, the 17-year-old sensation who has yet to play a minute for his club this year, much less his country in any year, was selected as one of four forwards. Walcott got the nod ahead of proven strikers like Tottenham's Jermain Defoe, Charlton's Darren Bent (the leading English goalscorer in the EPL this season) and Chelsea's little-used, yet still more proven, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Joining Walcott up front are Peter Crouch, who has a mere five caps to his name; Wayne Rooney, who has next to no chance of playing because of his recently suffered broken foot; and Michael Owen, who is also currently injured, and figures to be rusty and out of game shape at best.
Good luck with that.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Why the Long Face?
Word has it that Man U striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is as good as gone this summer, with AC Milan his most likely destination. While it's hard to argue that United haven't been stronger with Frenchman Louis Saha in the lineup in van Nistelrooy's place, I'm still going to miss the horse-faced Dutch striker.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
This Week's Edition of "Guess Who's Totally Gay?"
Guess who's totally gay? Nick Stewart.
Join us next week for another edition of "Guess Who's Totally Gay?"
That's All Folks!
Another season of the English Premier League wrapped up today. Arsenal thumped Wigan to secure fourth place and the final spot in next year's Champions League. Thierry Henry scored a hat trick in what will hopefully not be his final EPL game. Rumor has it that Henry will be moving on to FC Barcelona this summer, but that would suck balls, so hopefully he'll reconsider.
Meanwhile, Birmingham, West Brom and sad sack Sunderland get relegated, while Sheffield United and Reading, led by Bobby Convey, have already secured promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship.
With the EPL in the books, and the FA Cup and Champions League about finished too, those thirsty for soccer are facing a long, dry summer. Oh wait, the 2006 World Cup kicks off in a month. Shazam!
Meanwhile, Birmingham, West Brom and sad sack Sunderland get relegated, while Sheffield United and Reading, led by Bobby Convey, have already secured promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship.
With the EPL in the books, and the FA Cup and Champions League about finished too, those thirsty for soccer are facing a long, dry summer. Oh wait, the 2006 World Cup kicks off in a month. Shazam!
My Top 15 Favorite TV Shows
Dear faithful readers:
You asked for it, and now you got it: my all time, top 15 favorite TV shows. Why 15? Because I watch too much TV to only list 10. Shows are not necessarily in any particular order, but not necessarily not in any particular order, dig?
You asked for it, and now you got it: my all time, top 15 favorite TV shows. Why 15? Because I watch too much TV to only list 10. Shows are not necessarily in any particular order, but not necessarily not in any particular order, dig?
- The Simpsons
- Seinfeld
- Buffy
- South Park
- Strangers with Candy
- Six Feet Under
- Family Guy
- Aqua Teen Hunger Force
- Arrested Development
- The Office (British version, although American version is steadily gaining)
- The Daily Show
- Freaks and Geeks
- Upright Citizens Brigade
- TV Funhouse
- The 700 Club
Saturday, May 06, 2006
World Cup Thoughts
- The injury to Wayne Rooney is a huge blow to England's chances. With Rooney likely out, and Michael Owen yet to return to the field (much less form), England becomes a much slower, less dangerous side. Hopefully Joe Cole can inject some pace and attacking flair into the squad. With guys like Frank Lampard and Stephen Gerrard in the midfield, England should still be able to hold its own, but goals could be hard to come by.
- Taylor Twellman lost out to Brian Ching for the fourth attacker spot on the U.S. team. Taylor has struggled in MLS play this year, but I've never seen Ching do anything at the international level. The U.S. is going to have an even harder time scoring goals than England, especially against the Italians' always stout defense and the Czech Republic's formidable Petr Cech.
- Germany got a cake draw ... If Iran advances to the second round, and the U.S. doesn't, does that mean the terrorists win? ... Carlos Tevez will win the Golden Boot ... Iran and Togo will tie for shortest country names ... the Netherlands, ranked No. 3 in the world, will not make it out of their group.
The Green Lantern
The other night I totally botched a shot from about six yards out. I hit it sideways; totally shanked it good. But it doesn't matter, because my shoes are green. Green! No matter how bad I play, I can't help but look good doing it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
