Gold Cup...4 teams left

[Hector]

I like and respect the USA squad...but coach Bradley (probably trying to save his job), is always making excuses, case and point...the fact that he lost defender Steve Cherundolo early...so he was singing that same song again. But Mexico also lost two defenders to injury during the game...Carlos Salcido and captain Rafa Marquez...so please...no excuses.

Having said that, Alexis Lalas did point that out, saying that both teams had lost key players, so props to him.

Donovan, was also classy in defeat, so I don't hate him so much right now, lol.

[toys2cool]

wasn't the Mexican team in trouble like 2 weeks ago for Performance enhancing drugs or something? maybe they should re-test those guys


ok I know I'm gonna get it for that one

[Hector]

It was the bad tacos they ate prior...

[Hector]

USA is now 1-4 in Gold Cup finals against Mexico.

[Hector]

Mexico is participating in Copa America action next month...but it's not going to be this team...the under-22 Mexican Olympic team is the one participating.

[toys2cool]

It was the bad tacos they ate prior...

lol

[Adam West]

Total props to Mexico. The way they played in the Gold Cup was beautiful....they could have beat anyone and if they continue to perform like this, they will be in the top 10 in no time. USA has no excuses. Their defense is weak (except for Howard) and has been a huge achilles heel. Also, as said ad nauseum, no super skilled striker. Dempsey and Donovan playing striker was a good strategy but they are better attacking mids. I was happy to see Freddy Adu back in the lineup and have two very good games. He was the teenage phenom and then just fell off the map. I realized his problems after watching him. He has great foot skills but holds the ball too long. I don't know what got him into this bad habit of knowing when to take on players with the footwork and when to pass. He also isn't very fast. Lionel Messi not only has sick foot skills but is super fast. The Mexican front is very fast. They were blowing past the US defenders no problem. Even though we were up 2-0; I still knew we were going to lose. After watching soccer for so many years and watching how games are played; I could tell it was just a matter of time before Mexico lit the USA up and they did. Way to go Mexico. They have the makings of a serious threat for the next World Cup....the sleeper team that could take it all. I know I might be jumping the gun but I know talent when I see it and Mexico has some sick talent.

[kennermike]

Total props to Mexico. The way they played in the Gold Cup was beautiful....they could have beat anyone and if they continue to perform like this, they will be in the top 10 in no time. USA has no excuses. Their defense is weak (except for Howard) and has been a huge achilles heel. Also, as said ad nauseum, no super skilled striker. Dempsey and Donovan playing striker was a good strategy but they are better attacking mids. I was happy to see Freddy Adu back in the lineup and have two very good games. He was the teenage phenom and then just fell off the map. I realized his problems after watching him. He has great foot skills but holds the ball too long. I don't know what got him into this bad habit of knowing when to take on players with the footwork and when to pass. He also isn't very fast. Lionel Messi not only has sick foot skills but is super fast. The Mexican front is very fast. They were blowing past the US defenders no problem. Even though we were up 2-0; I still knew we were going to lose. After watching soccer for so many years and watching how games are played; I could tell it was just a matter of time before Mexico lit the USA up and they did. Way to go Mexico. They have the makings of a serious threat for the next World Cup....the sleeper team that could take it all. I know I might be jumping the gun but I know talent when I see it and Mexico has some sick talent.

Mexico is very good But Spain is still the team to beat the next world cup that team is sick!

[Hector]

Total props to Mexico. The way they played in the Gold Cup was beautiful....they could have beat anyone and if they continue to perform like this, they will be in the top 10 in no time. USA has no excuses. Their defense is weak (except for Howard) and has been a huge achilles heel. Also, as said ad nauseum, no super skilled striker. Dempsey and Donovan playing striker was a good strategy but they are better attacking mids. I was happy to see Freddy Adu back in the lineup and have two very good games. He was the teenage phenom and then just fell off the map. I realized his problems after watching him. He has great foot skills but holds the ball too long. I don't know what got him into this bad habit of knowing when to take on players with the footwork and when to pass. He also isn't very fast. Lionel Messi not only has sick foot skills but is super fast. The Mexican front is very fast. They were blowing past the US defenders no problem. Even though we were up 2-0; I still knew we were going to lose. After watching soccer for so many years and watching how games are played; I could tell it was just a matter of time before Mexico lit the USA up and they did. Way to go Mexico. They have the makings of a serious threat for the next World Cup....the sleeper team that could take it all. I know I might be jumping the gun but I know talent when I see it and Mexico has some sick talent.

I don't know about Mexico taking it all (but I agree on the sleeper status)...I'm still not too sold on their defense...especially defending against set plays (especially corner kicks)......and have never liked any of their goalies...no...not even Campos...lol. Their own execution of corner kicks is also lacking...De Nigris is the only decent header in that team.

But they do have a super fast team though...I'd say one of the fastest in the world...the duo of Chicharito and Dos Santos...it's like watching the Road Runner and Speedy Gonzalez...lol. This is definitely the fastest Mexican team ever assembled.

It's also a very young team.

I'd say Mexico...as unbelievable as this may sound...would play a lot more effectively against a speedy team like a similarly sized Spain...then a tall and physical team like England.

[Hector]

Mexico is very good But Spain is still the team to beat the next world cup that team is sick!

I agree...but like I said...Mexico matches up better with a team like Spain than an England...it's like in boxing...a matter of styles making fights.

[Hector]

In years past...just about every Mexican player would stay and play professionally in Mexico...simply because it's a high-paid league...and they are adored there.

But now it's changing...more and more players are going overseas...especially Europe...players like Chicharito, Dos Santos, Marquez, Vela, Salcido, etc...and are gaining tons of experience...this is the key for getting better and being more successful internationally...and it's finally showing.

I'm still bummed that this team is not going to Copa America...the Mexican under-22 Olympic team is...and they are going to get spanked in South America...lol.

[Adam West]

Just to clarify, I am not at all implying that Mexico is at the level of Spain.

All I am saying is based on the way they played against the U.S. (who I didn't think played too shabby); is a top 10 team. They are ranked somewhere in the 20's but as their young talent really starts to mature and develop, they are a sleeper team for the next World Cup. Right now, I'd consider them right outside of Spain, Netherlands, Brazil, Germany.....

I know I will get my detractors but England and Argentina are overrated. On paper England is a really good team but they don't seem to ever play well in the World Cup. Argentina has Messi and is about the only reason they are even ranked as high as they are. France is another team that just baffles me. They should be ranked below the U.S. and Mexico as I believe either team could beat them but FIFA wants to keep them up near the top 10.

[Hector]

Mexico already beat France in the last World Cup..remember?

[Adam West]

Everybody beat France including South Africa....but there they sit at #19 while the U.S. sits at #22 and Mexico at #28. Italy is another one that baffles me. They are ranked at #9 had a horrible World Cup and have not won against anyone of high caliber since then. But I guess they're Italy so they will always get the free pass. Mexico and U.S. would both beat Italy straight up.

[Hector]

Agreed.

Just because a team is from Europe, and has a storied past...doesn't mean it will always remain powerful...like you said...Italy is a shell of its former self.