World Cup 2010 South Africa: It's A Go

As i've written about here and here, World Cup 2010 has faced many difficulties, questions, and concerns regarding whether or not the country will be ready to host the event in less than two years time. It would appear, however, that those concerns have been put to rest.

At least that's according to both the CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee South Africa Danny Jordaan, FIFA Executive board member Chuck Blazer, and US Soccer President Sunil Gulati. All three expressed confidence this week that South Africa will not only be ready for the World Cup 2010, but also for the Confederation's Cup being held there next summer.

As for the US World Cup bid, it appears as if 2018 might be the soonest they could host, with a possibility of it being 2022. Looks like soccer fans in the US will have to wait a while to see World Cup action at home...

South Africa 2010

In the on-going saga that is the World Cup 2010, South Africa finally had some good news about it's stadium and security progress: Sepp Blatter was so happy during his recent trip to view their progress that he claims to have danced. 

While good news to South Africa and FIFA, i'm still not sure how convinced i am about it. I would imagine things will remain fairly quiet on the front until next June, when South Africa is set to host the ConFed Cup in advance of the World Cup in 2010. Four host cities will  be used for the ConFed Cup, and there will be plenty of FIFA officials on hand to tour the country. You can bet it will be an open audition for South Africa, and unless things go well it will be panic time for FIFA. Keep an eye on this in the coming year...

(H/T to my boy at The Beautiful Game. Check him out over there)

World Cup 2010

Ok, so we've had a few more developments in the on-going saga regarding the 2010 World Cup. According to at least one report, the preferred back-up host to South Africa in 2010 is none other than the 2014 host, Brazil. Which i guest, in part, makes some sense given the fact that Brazil already has a planning and organizing committee in place.

What's this mean for future World Cups? Well, here's where it gets interesting. According to SBI, Spain (who i threw out as a possibility for 2010 relocation) may add itself to the Portugal bid for 2018, making them most likely the favorite to land that World Cup.

And if Brazil hosts 2010, what becomes of 2014? Glad you asked. It becomes a Battle Royale between the US and England. Hard to say who the front runner would be, but it has been a LONG time since England hosted (1966 to be exact). If England were to land 2014, then it would likely push the US all the way back to 2022, though that's so far away speculating is pointless.

Speaking of pointless, this whole debate may in fact be just that, pointless. South Africa officials are still telling anyone who will listen that their country will be ready for 2010, and Sepp Blatter himself re-iterated his statement that it would only be moved in the event of a natural disaster, conveniently not making mention of stadium or security concerns...

World Cup 2010

So, we're just under 2 years away from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Only problem is, South Africa is looking more and more like it won't be ready for the World Cup in two years (shocking!).

FIFA President Sepp Blatter announced that he has spoken to three countries about hosting the 2010 World Cup, a Plan B World Cup officials have started to put in place after concerns over stadium and security issues in the would-be host country.

See, now this is the problem with awarding the World Cup to countries that aren't world-class soccer countries: They aren't ready for it. Note that this is not unprecedented that the World Cup has been moved on short notice, though it was the Women's World Cup. It was moved from China amidst SARS concerns to the US. However, this is potentially more of a nightmare than that was.

But keep in mind that move. The US has been rumored to be in the mix for the 2018 World Cup (The 2014 World Cup is already set for Brazil), as FIFA was impressed with the last World Cup held here and the US has vastly improved their soccer structure and stadiums since then. Blatter said he had spoken to three countries, though he did not mention them. Let me take some guesses.

1. The USA. As mentioned above, they've vastly improved their soccer structure in the States, and soccer is as popular as ever here with the arrival of David Beckham last year. They also have many soccer specific stadiums (SSS) already built (most notably the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles and Pizza Hut Park in Houston), with several more in the works for the next two years (Washington and Philly most likely). Not to mention we have several other 'big' stadiums that can easily hold large soccer crowds, such as Giants Stadium, the new Dallas Cowboy's stadium, and Phoenix's own University of Phoenix Stadium. Not to mention the US has the money and the manpower to put together a package and a plan very quickly.

2. England. England last hosted the World Cup in 1966, and has been rumored to be the front runner for 2018. Like the US, England has the resources to put it together quick, not to mention the stadiums. England has a huge soccer history, and has been lobbying for each of the last three World Cup's. They are certainly due.

3. The Dark Horse. Could be a variety of countries, though almost positive it will be a country in Europe. South America is hosting in 2014, Asia had 2002, and I don't think any country in Africa has the capability to put something together quick enough. Germany hosted the last one, so they're out. Switzerland/Austria could be a possibility because they just finished hosting Euro 2008 so they have the stadiums and the know-how, but i think they will be eliminated precisely because they just hosted the Euro's.

So,we're down to two realistic possibilities. Italy, which lasted hosted the World Cup in 1990, and Spain, which hosted in 1982. Each country has the history and the ability to host the World Cup. That said, if i were taking guesses, Spain would get the nod here. It's been longer since they hosted, and right now Spain is on a roll .

So, with three choices, who's the favorite? It comes down to which continent, really. If it's Europe, i have to believe it would be England since it has been 42 years since they last hosted the World Cup.

So, it comes down to England vs. the US in my opinion. Both countries could easily pull off the feat on short notice, and both countries would be an excellent host. Whichever country didn't get the 2010 World Cup would certainly have to be the favorite for the 2018 World Cup. So really, both countries win.

As much as it pains me, if i were a betting man i would have to bet on England. It has only been 14 years since the US hosted, and England is still England when it comes to soccer.

As Sepp Blatter stated, nothing has been decided yet, and in all likelihood i think the most likely scenario is that South Africa gets its act together and is ready to host the World Cup in 2010. But, if for some reason it isn't, look for England to be the fill-in host.

Soccer (again)

The US Men's National Team (US MNT) got a much-needed and much-deserved win today, beating Switzerland 1-0. It was a rare win on European soil for the Americans, something which they traditionally struggle at. Being as it rained the entire match, the game wasn't particularly pretty, but the Americans found a way to win. And that's all that matters.

The MNT are getting ready to gear up for World Cup 2010 Qualifying, which begins next year. They went with a mostly European based line-up, and introduced several young guys into the mix today, including some members of the US U-20 team that played so well over the summer. Freddy Adu came on late and played well, as did Danny Szetela.

While just a friendly, and with the US missing some of its best players (LanDo, Tim Howard, Pablo Mastroeni, etc.), the US came away with the win. And indoctrinated some of its young guys, who will play an important part in World Cup Qualifying, and the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. If nothing else, it was a good sign...

US vs. Brazil!

I'm a day late on this one, but it was announced yesterday that the US MNT (that's soccer, how many times do i have to tell you?) will be playing a match against the number 1 ranked team in the world, Brazil, here on our very own soil in Chicago next month. Billed as the 'Clash of The Champions', it pits the winner of the two teams regional tournaments against each other. The US got there by virtue of a fantastic run through the Gold Cup, while Brazil took their own Copa America tournament last month. The US was scheduled to face off against Mexico on Sept. 9th in Mexico City, as was announced just last week. However, due to contract disputes, that game was cancelled and the game against Brazil in Chicago was decided upon instead on the same date.

The good news? The US is getting some quality competition, with Brazil expected to bring their full roster, including world-class midfielder Ronaldinho. The US is also expected to play with their full roster, something they did not do while competing in Copa America last month. Brazil has not played a game in the US in quite some time, though has fared very well against the Americans in the past. Their only loss to the US side was a 2-1 defeat in the Gold Cup in 1998, in which Brazilian legend Romario called American Goalkeeper Kasey Keller's effort 'the greatest performance i have ever seen from a goalkeeper'.

The US will gear up for this game by travelling to Sweden to take on the national team there on Aug. 22nd. That match will be telecast live on Fox Soccer Channel and Galavision. The game against Brazil will be broadcast live on ESPN2 on Sept. 9th. I urge everyone to tune in to both of these games and show the US MNT some support. They will soon be entering into World Cup 2010 qualifying, and these two matches will prove important tune-ups heading into that gauntlet.

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So the US gets a shot at the best in the world. I for one couldn't be happier, and you better believe i'll be watching live. Hell, if i wasn't going to be in Chicago the weekend before, i might even fly up there just for this game. It's not often you get to see the best team in the world come to your house to take on the best you have to offer. The game should be fantastic, and should be a good gauging point to see how our young team is developing. Assuming we have our new, young midfield tandem of Michael Bradley and Benny Feilhaber, paired probably with Pablo Mastroeni playing a tad deeper in there, it will be interesting to see how they fare against Ronaldinho and Kaka, perhaps two of the best midfielders in the world. And a defense that has looked shaky in recent outings will have its hands full with Robinho from Brazil, but will be fun to watch.

I'm ready to put down here that i expect the US to lose by a count of probably 3-1, but for some reason i have a good feeling about this game. It may be a bit of homer-ism, but i think the Americans can hang with the Brazilians in this game, and maybe catch a lucky break or two. I expect the US to be ready to play and bring it, and think they may be able to sneak a couple of goals past the Brazilian defense. So, i'll go ahead and call it. 2-2 tie, with the Americans giving up a late 2-1 lead when Brazil starts pressing in the last 15 minutes of the game or so. A tie is not exactly a stunning result, but against this team it would be a tremendous result, and one to build on heading into qualifying and World Cup 2010. Let's go Yanks!

The Arrival Of a Savior?

As big of a soccer fan as I am, I just couldn’t go any longer without writing on the arrival of David Beckham to the US, and to MLS with the LA Galaxy. Following the love fest that was his official welcoming party at the Home Depot Center on Friday, July 13th, Beckham spent the weekend getting to know his new teammates and adjusting to life on the other side of the pond.

While his wife seems to be doing ok, with a reality show that debuted last night (no, I did not watch it. Something about blatant and inherent self-promotion carried all the way to this point makes me not want anything to do with it), it remains to be seen how David will react and assimilate himself to not just the US culture, but also to the MLS. After all, this is not the Spanish La Liga he has been playing in with Real Madrid in Spain the last few years. As much as the soccer in the MLS has improved in just the last few years, it is still far behind the best leagues in the world.

And the absolute best league in the world is where Beckham just finished up, having helped Real to a late surge and League title. While much has been made of his loss of pace the last two years, or his ability to sustain himself for entire games, Beckham is still instantly one of the top five players in our league, if not top three. His ability to bend the ball on free kicks, as well as his pin-point accuracy on crosses and balls through the air, are breathtaking and unparalleled.

It is this feature which should gain Beckham a following within the US among casual soccer fans, as he can play ‘the beautiful game’ as well as anyone in the world, making it spectacular and fun to watch. I can already picture him making 50 yard through balls to an on-rushing Landon Donovan, perfectly placing the ball at his feet as Donovan breaks away from the defense and slots one in the corner.

Then again, you have the other side of Beckham’s arrival, the variable. Will he be able to make soccer in the US relevant? Will he be able to elevate the play in the MLS, making it a viable league and possibly attract more big name players to come play here? This seems to be the pressure put on Beckham, the expectation. Beckham wasn’t brought here to play in the MLS. He was brought here to save it, and to save soccer in the US.

Then again, I’m not sure I buy the idea that the MLS needs to be saved. The league is in probably the best position of its history. It has major sponsorship and TV deals in place to last many years, and its popularity is at an all-time high, albeit partly because of Beckham’s impending arrival on the scene. The US team is showing signs it could become a powerhouse, with a lot of the young talent trading their wares in MLS. All in all, the league is in a good position.

But it can be better. The MLS’s ultimate goal is to barge its way onto the national scene in the same way the Big Four have done, the NFL, MLB, NBA, and the NHL. It is seeking to become number 5, alongside those other professional leagues. Though the way I see it, they have a chance to flat-out replace hockey on the Big Four list, as Gary Bettman is doing everything in his power to make hockey completely irrelevant. This leaves a large, gaping hole in American sports, one the MLS is attempting to fill.

Personally, I think they have a great chance. With David Beckham comes increased national exposure, and while this exposure is not necessarily geared towards the game but Beckham himself, eventually the soccer story will be told by Beckham. He is a fantastic ambassador for the game, one the likes of which this country has not seen. And he has stated many times, and I believe him, that one of his goals for playing in the US is to increase the awareness of soccer in the US.

It has been said many times, at various points throughout the last 30 years, that soccer in the US was at the brink of becoming a national pastime. I truly believe we are at that brink in the US, and all it will take to overcome that is a few years and some lucky breaks. With another three years until the next World Cup, I believe when we reach South Africa in 2010 soccer will have taken a great hold on the US.

Beckham is one of those lucky breaks we need, coming to America at just the right time to jumpstart the sport here. Combine that with what could be the best 1-2 punch in American soccer history coming up through the youth ranks, Jozy Altidore (who has just started getting national attention) and Freddy Adu (who we have all heard about for several years), and you could really be garnering the attention and coverage needed to push American soccer into the mind’s of Americans once and for all.

As for Beckham, I will be watching intently how he handles the MLS, and also how he handles elevating the awareness of soccer in the US, and the awareness of US soccer to the world. It’s an exciting time to be a US soccer fan, and I can’t wait to see what the next three years bring.

Off Topic: US U-20 National Team

That's soccer folks. Stay with me here. The U-20 stands for Under 20 years old, as in teenagers. As in the future of American Soccer. And boy does the future look bright for the Americans.

The US Men's U-20 team is currently at the U-20 World Cup in Canada, and they are making quite a name for themselves. After a sub par 1-1 draw with South Korea in the opening match of the tourney, US came back strong with a 6-1 thrashing of Poland behind Captain Freddy Adu's hat trick.

In their third and final game of the opening round, played round-robin style, the US went up against a Brazil side that was 1-1 in the tourney. Always a tough foe, Brazil was also playing for perhaps it's tournament life, adding incentive for them going into the game. The US, however, played well and came away with a hard fought 2-1 win. Now to the meat:

This US U-20 team is good. I mean, scary good. I watched almost all of the Brazil match (with flip-backs to the Cubs game for my Chicago friends i was visiting, even as the Cubs were getting smoked), and i was impressed. This team is a Team, in the true sense of the word. Both goals, set up by Adu and finished by Jozy Altidore, were fantastic. Adu knew where Altidore was going to be, and Altidore knew where Adu would put the ball. They KNEW. Before anyone else did. Watching it reminded me of watching top-notch level soccer.

The other thing that i came out very impressed with was our ability to hold the ball in the midfield. Something the US National team has traditionally struggled with has been keeping the ball in the midfield and overall time of possession. This U-20 team was superb at it. The balls they played, the way they moved without the ball.... All of it was world class soccer. This team was better than the senior team we sent to play in the Copa America.

And it starts with our two forwards on the team, Adu and Altidore. Adu has struggled in the MLS at times, and quite frankly i have not been impressed when i have seen him play lately (not many have). But he looks at his absolute best at this level, gathering the ball in the middle, pushing it forward, and looking to make great outlets to streaking players either up the middle or down the wings, looking for Altidore in particular. I was surprised to see him carrying the Captain's armband for this team when i tuned in, but after watching him play i am all for it.

And Altidore... how good has he looked? He has been getting a lot of buzz this year, making waves in the US. It is justified. This kid has the potential to be scary good. He is a fantastic finisher, with a killer instinct inside the box, something the US MNT has been desperately seeking for, oh, forever.

Also, let's not forget another member of this team that is already making his mark on the senior team, Michael Bradley, son of MNT Coach Bob Bradley. At just 19 years old, Bradley has had an impact on the senior team, as well as holding the ship steady for the U-20 team.

There are other members of this team i could touch on as well, including Goalkeeper Chris Seitz, who appears to be the next great American GK, following in the footsteps of Meola, Freidel, Keller, and Howard. But the greatness of this U-20 squad, at least so far in this tournament, has not been about individual players. It has been about the team.

This team will make up a large chunk of the next senior World Cup, in 2010. We need to start getting behind these guys, and the time is now. In their own U-20 World Cup, they are into the second round, facing a Uruguay side Wednesday at 4:45pm Pacific Time. And while it is not easily accessible, being shown only on ESPNU and Galavision, you should be watching.

This team is the future of US Soccer. And the future is looking mighty good...