US Soccer fans, you may recognize this face from the killer blow we received at this summer’s World Cup. Premier League fans, you may recognize this face as one of the transfer deadline day’s biggest signings. But is there anyone that recognizes this face as rap superstar “Baby Jet”??? (The term “superstar” being used very loosely, of course.)
Allow me to introduce you, dear readers, to Ghana and Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan a.k.a. Baby Jet.
And do you know which stars of Liverpool and the USMNT have also recorded (not so) HOTT hip-hop tracks???
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 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: 2) USA! USA!, 5) World Cup 2010, 8) OWIE!!! (Injuries), England, Germany, Netherlands
The world’s superstars are dropping like flies heading into this week’s World Cup in South Africa. The latest name being added to the list of fallen heroes: Portugal Winger – Nani .
Cristiano Ronaldo’s countryman will not be doing this:
Nor this:
Other faces with tournament-threatening owies:
Ivory Coast Striker – Didier Drogba
England Defender – Rio Ferdinand
Netherlands Winger – Arjen Robben
Ghana Midfielder – Michael Essien
Germany Midfielder – Michael Ballack
USA Striker – Charlie Davies
England Winger – David Beckham
Netherlands v. Mexico
International Friendly
badenova-Stadion, Germany
Any good US Soccer fan should keep tabs on what Mexico is doing. Check it out!
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.
Inter Milan man Wesley Sneijder recently tied the knot with Dutch soap actress and model Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen. Only having had a quiet legal ceremony to make things official with their mothers as the only guests and witnesses, the couple plan to have a more public ballyhoo on July 17 at Italy’s Castel Monastero.
Congrats, Wes! That girl is FIIIIIIIIIINE!!!
US defender Jonathan Bornstein’s penalty giveaway, combined with being in the wrong place at the wrong time — deflecting a dutch shot past Tim Howard — made for bad day for all.
Team USA lacked creativity and drive. Shape up, boys! Only a few months to get your act together!
NED 2 – 0 USA
UPDATED:
After a bit of pep supplied from Demarcus Beasley, Team USA pulls back a goal — somewhat against the run of play. Nonetheless, nice to see ‘ol Bease look lively again. We’ll see if those old man legs liven up in the months leading into the big tourney.
Too little, too late. A goal after the Dutch lost focus in a friendly is hardly worth getting excited about.
NED 2 – 1 USA
v. 
