Another Soccer Post

[Adam West]

Ok, now that the U.S. Men's National Team was obliterated in the Copa America, I won't make excuses as to why they stink because they do but I do wish they would have had their "A" squad there to see how they would have stacked up.

Anyway, the men's U-20 World Cup is going on right now in Canada. It is getting a lot of attention because it is a good precursor to World Cup 2010 since these players will be in their prime.

The U.S. has played two matches so far...a 1-1 tie with South Korea, and the other day, they squashed Poland 6-1 (Freddy Adu scored a hat trick) and the world is taking notice. Granted, it's Poland but beating anyone at this level 6-1 tells you this team is good (Poland by the way beat Brazil this year who has won the last 4 U-20 World Cups).

The U.S. is playing Brazil this evening 6:30 pm Eastern Time and they have finally decided to televise it on ESPN. Should be a good game and even some European Soccer Afficionados who stick their nose up to U.S. Soccer are saying that the U.S. might have a shot at winning the entire thing which would make the world shudder and finally give the U.S. some credit for the great strides we have made over the past decade in the quality of players coming up from youth organizations.

[Hector]

Ok, now that the U.S. Men's National Team was obliterated in the Copa America, I won't make excuses as to why they stink because they do but I do wish they would have had their "A" squad there to see how they would have stacked up.

No one is playing with their A squads in Copa America either, the Euro leagues are in full swing now, and all the top South American players are over there as we speak.

So yes, no excuses.
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Watch out for the Mexican team in the sub-20, they won the sub-17 WC, so it's the very same team only three years older.

[Hulk]

Hopefully Freddy Adu will be the real thing come World Cup time. It bodes well that the U-20 team is doing well, but I'll wait to see 2010 before getting my hopes up.

[Hector]

My fellow beaners are steamrolling all the South Americans, they beat Brazil, beat Ecuador, drew with Chile, and in today's quarterfinal, they blasted poor Paraguay 6-0.

Come on Argentina, win your quarterfinal, so we can get it on this coming Wednesday semifinal game.

[Adam West]

No one is playing with their A squads in Copa America either, the Euro leagues are in full swing now, and all the top South American players are over there as we speak.

So yes, no excuses.
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Watch out for the Mexican team in the sub-20, they won the sub-17 WC, so it's the very same team only three years older.

I thought Mexico had their "A" squad in Copa America? I was listening to a Soccer station on Sirius and they were talking about how it was in poor taste for the .S. not to show up at such a prestigious competition with their 2nd string so to speak but mentioned that Mexico had their premiere players.

With that said, the -20 .S. team is looking very good right now and with the win over Brazil so I don't discount that they could take the whole thing if they keep playing like they are right now.

[Hector]

Actually, yes, they are almost at full strength, they are missing two starters who are currently playing in the German league, but you are right, I just wanted to boost Mexico's mystique a bit more...

Argentina has its full squad as well, it's going to be a firecracker of a semifinal this Wednesday, rematch of last World Cup. Are you going to watch it? Game starts at 5:30 pm PST on Univision.

The other semi, Brazil vs Uruguay is tomorrow Tuesday, same bat time, same bat channel.


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...and yes, Adam, it's a shame USA didn't show up with its real squad, these tourneys are great for national teams, this only hurts American soccer further.

[Wee67]

As far as this US fan is concerned, Mexico needs nothing added to their mystique. I love watching Mexico play the US. Usually a great match.

The US play against Brazil was heartening, but I'm with Paul as far as what this means for 2010. I'm cautiously optimistic.

On a separate note- this soccer talk kills me. I've been out three weeks with 2 herniated discs and no return in sight :( I just hope my team doesn't fall in love with my replacement!

[Hector]

Don't depair, in the FIFA Sub-20 World Cup, today the USA shocked Brazil, 2-1...YEAH!!!

http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/7009090



Now to Copa America...

Man, that was a great semifinal game between Brazil and Uruguay, the game ended in a 2-2 tie, they went to penalties, and Brazil pulled it out, damn, for a moment there, Uruguay sure looked like it was going to take it, but Brazil is Brazil for a reason.

Tomorrow, Mexico vs Argentina, man, come on beaners, avenge your 2-1 loss to Argentina this past World Cup.

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_yl...v=ap&type=lgns

I hope it's Brazil vs Mexico in Sunday's Copa America final.


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I can't friggin' wait when the senior national team calls Giovanni dos Santos up, man, this kid is going to be a monster for Mexico.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giovanni_dos_Santos

[Hulk]

Apparently Adu scored an amazing single handed goal against Brazil. Fifa has video of it, but it crashed my PC.

[Adam West]

But of course...and yes I'll be pulling for Mexico in the upset special. Argentina will be the team to beat so if Mexico can get past Argentina, I think they have a shot at Brazil. Unfortunately, Univision is the only station I get that plays matches regularly.

As far as the -20 Brazil/.S. match Josmer Altidore scored both of the goals for the .S. but Freddy Adu had some great assists and almost smacked a couple in himself....he has a wicked bend to his kicks and being left footed makes it even more threatening to goal keepers.

Rumor has it that he will be leaving MLS when his contract is up in the next year or two and heading to one of the premiere European leagues. I don't blame him. Why bother making $500K or so here in MLS when he can make millions overseas.

Actually, yes, they are almost at full strength, they
are missing two starters who are currently playing in the German league, but you are right, I just wanted to boost Mexico's mystique a bit more...

Argentina has its full squad as well, it's going to be a firecracker of a semifinal this Wednesday, rematch of last World Cup. Are you going to watch it? Game starts at 5:30 pm PST on Univision.

The other semi, Brazil vs Uruguay is tomorrow Tuesday, same bat time, same bat channel.


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...and yes, Adam, it's a shame USA didn't show up with its real squad, these tourneys are great for national teams, this only hurts American soccer further.