Filed under: 2) USA! USA!, Argentina, Brazil, England, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain
FIFA, the world’s soccer governing body, released it’s monthly world rankings yesterday. Though there was little movement in the ranks in comparison to July’s list, US Soccer took a significant tumble downward. This might come as a surprise after a respectable showing in South Africa, but FIFA provides explanation on its website:
“Only two international matches have been taken into account for the new edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, which is hardly surprising for the period immediately after the FIFA World Cup™. Consequently, virtually all of the moves of note – whether up or down the ranking – are due to points won in previous years dropping in value. USA … are the biggest victims this month as their four victories at the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2009, which were valuable in terms of points, have now been devalued.”
One word: Boo.
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking – Aug 2010:
1. 
Spain
2. 
Netherlands
3. 
Brazil
4. 
Germany
5. 
Argentina
6. 
Uruguay
7. 
England
8. 
Portugal
9. 
Egypt
10. 
Chile
KEEP GOING — Click here to see how far the USA and Mexico each fell.
The USMNT struggled to do much of anything against Brazil last night. In a competitive match, this might have been excusable… But given Brazil started its B-minus team and the USA started its A-minus team, the result was slightly shameful.
Honestly, there’s not much to be said about the match. Both teams ran around at 70%, so given talent levels, this led to the US having 2-3 solid chances… and Brazil having 7-8.
The USMNT certainly let a golden opportunity to endear the hearts of many on-the-fence soccer fans slip by without seeming to care all that much. The folks at www.GoUSAbid.com will be none too pleased. That’s for sure.
Maybe this was a sign that Bob Bradley has his attention focused elsewhere.
International Friendly – USA v. Brazil:
Despite being linked with an open coaching position in the English Premier League, Bob Bradley has his sights set on exacting revenge (well, kinda) on Brazil after a devastating loss in the two teams’ last meeting.
Though tonight’s match is just an international friendly, it’s not just any old opponent facing the US. With Brazil historically standing as the best team in the world, American victory — competitive or not — would instill further confidence and interest within the US fanbase.
The average rest-of-the-worlder will know that Brazil won’t be giving it their all tonight, but the average American doesn’t. Thus, in the minds of many, a US victory could be seen as a coming of age story for our national team.
The USMNT competed valiantly against Brazil in the 2009 Confederation Cup final. Here’s to another respect-garnering performance and to another step forward in the nation’s eye.
Also catching an eye or two:
SEE MORE – Click here to watch match highlights from the USMNT’s roller-coaster ride against Brazil in 2009.
The Netherlands displayed a few pieces of magic today in their Quarterfinal match against Brazil. Though the tourney favorites got off to a soaring start with a 10′ goal from Robinho, La Seleção were never able to shut the door.
In the 53′, the Dutch took a quick free kick, with Wesley Sneijder sending a towering cross into the box. Atypical of their defensive wall throughout the tournament, Brazil’s Felipe Melo got a head to the ball, which flicked straight into the back of the net. Goalkeeper Julio Cesar was left helpless. Own Goal.
With the game tied 1-1, it always seemed to be the Oranje who would sneak a goal in before the final whistle. And sure enough they did. Off of a Arjen Robben corner kick, Dirk Kuyt masterfully flicked the ball behind him and across the face of the goal, straight to Sneijder, who blasted a header past the keeper.
Brazil mustered little response after the 68′ goal, and Felipe Melo decided to make his day worse by stomping on Robben and receiving a straight red card.
The Dutch held strong and pulled off a memorable victory.
With one expected finalist out, all eyes will be on Spain tomorrow to see if the other favorite will be able to continue the trek to the Final.
WATCH MORE — Click here for Low-Def highlights of the NED/BRA match… and a closer view of Melo’s red card.
Filed under: 3) Sex Sells Soccer, 5) World Cup 2010, 9) Video (Misc.), Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy
(Source: Umbro Blog)
After 19 intoxicating days of world class soccer, the FIFA World Cup 2010 is observing its first day of rest. While the world’s top players most likely welcome the break — and the assured, out-of-this-world naughty time — the spectators on Planet Football are left feeling a bit empty… a bit lonely.
To the rescue, FANunited seeks to fill that void with the hotties from the Umbro World Champions Collection.
(Source: Umbro Blog)
Note: You may recognize Abbey Clancy — sporting the England dress — from an earlier post about her mishap with love-toy Peter Crouch.
WATCH NOW — Click here to see footage of the seven lovely ladies modeling their nations’ dresses!
Filed under: 2) USA! USA!, 5) World Cup 2010, 9) Video (Misc.), Brazil, England, France, Spain
You MUST WATCH Nike’s new ad for their “Write the Future” campaign.
Prepare yourself for a World Cup boner, ladies and gentlemen.
***STAY IN TOUCH*** Click on the link below to receive updates from F.A.N. United on Facebook!
***SEE MORE*** Click here for two short follow-up scenes to the “Write the Future” commercial.
Filed under: 2) USA! USA!, 5) World Cup 2010, Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain
Brazil retake the top spot… Spain, England, and France all slip… and Team USA bounces up!
1. Brazil
2. Spain
3. Netherlands
4. Portugal
5. 
Italy
6. Germany
7. Argentina
8. England
9. 
Croatia
10. 
France
***CLICK HERE*** To see where the USA, MEX, & CAN ended up.
Brazil‘s head coach, Dunga, was none-to-pleased this weekend when he arrived home on Saturday evening to find a TV comedy crew blasting light into his home. The group were hoping to film the coach’s reaction to their banners and plea for him to select Santos striker Neymar for his World Cup squad.
The wet-blanket manager did not hesitate to call the police to put an end to the riffraff… and any hope for a little fun.
An observer commented:
“His house has a lot of glass and the crew had four cars and trucks and were shining those bright lights into the house… His family were forced to hide and he was taken by surprise when he arrived.”
On a related note:
The cover story of Brazil’s celebrity mag Quem breaks the news that AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato is suffering from marital turbulence with his FINE wife, Sthefany. Apparently, the striker has been clubbin’ a bit too much with full-of-vices teammate Ronaldinho — who was basically let go by Barcelona for having partied too much.
PATO! Get it together, man! The girl is FINE!!!
Filed under: 6) Rumor & Scandal, 9) Video (Misc.), Argentina, Barcelona, Brazil
Pele – considered the greatest striker in history – is getting sick of comparisons between himself and young Argentine Lionel Messi, who has been dominating La Liga and Champions League in recent weeks.
The famous Brazilian opined:
“They are always trying to compare someone to Pele… I always joke with my Argentine friends that they must first choose who is the best player from Argentina.
“Then, when one of them scores a thousand goals, then we can start talking.
“Messi did not win the World Player award [in 2007], but I remember that I said to him, ‘you’ll be the next’… It took a little longer, but he eventually won. He’s a great player.
“He plays very well for Barcelona, but has failed to show his talent with the Argentina team. Maybe he can at the World Cup. Let’s wait and see.”
Though it’s next to impossible to compare greats from different generations, check out the videos below to start forming an opinion of your own.
But, any way it goes…
Feeling THREATENED a bit, PELE???
