Tony Meola - WC 2006 Goalie

[QuakeAttack]

Seems Tony is setting his sights on WC 2006...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A33847-2002Aug1.html

[kasai]

More power to Tony, but I doubt Bruce will give him the opportunity.

[Brownswan]

All it takes is an injury, the need to stay with the club there -- and you have Tony backing up Timmy or vice versa! We could do worse.

[togneter]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!


Oh, man, let me catch my breath.

There...better...














HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[jamison]

Well, he will be 37 then, still younger than David Seaman at this year's WC for England, but I'm guessing that-just like now- he won't be as good as Seaman then, either.

[geordienation]

By 2006 he will have eaten all the pies, so it's possible.

[pething101]

Always good to have goals, no matter how unlikely they may be.

[Ringo]

I thought Tony's last comment was spot on:

"East versus West all-star games are going to happen all the time, so it's a little different but it's going to be fun," he said. "Without guys like John Harkes and Mike Burns, and Alexi [Lalas] obviously, the national team, I don't care what anyone says, wouldn't be where it is today. Let's just hope the Landon Donovans of the world understand that. I think they do. But we've all come a long way."

I'm not sure if it will happen for Tony in 2006, but you gotta love the fight in the man.

[thacharger]

The article said anyone can compete. Does that mean I can?? Bruce, cap me NOW!!

[supersport]

If anyone can pull this off it would be Tony.

[MadSirAlexxx]

Originally posted by togneter
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!


Oh, man, let me catch my breath.

There...better...!

'nuff said. "near post" Meola should give it up now, not wait for '06

[irishFS1921]

i dunno. i don't think he should give it up yet. but setting your goals on "taking charge" in '06. that's pretty poor. Seaman lasted till old age because he is in amazing shape and has always played strong. Meola isn't quite Seaman's caliber. he won't last 4 more years. especially not at WC performance levels. there is alot of youth coming through in 4 years meola will be coaching somewhere or in an office.

[Mason16]

Originally posted by supersport
If anyone can pull this off it would be Tony.

agreed, well maybe Friedel and Keller too.

[CbR]

he's good insurance

[saroccer]

I'm skeptical but I have to admire the ambition and fight in him. More power to him.

Still like Timmy better though.

[The Wanderer]

He needs to work on his foot skills. Anything's possible, especially with a rash of injuries.:) I just seriously doubt that he's got the self discipline to put together a program that allows him to surpass Keller and Friedel.

[Casper1377]

I don't think Meola was ever that great world caliber 'keeper for the US. He's good, mind you, just not 'that' good. He deserved his roster spot in the past, but I didn't think he deserved it this time around. It seemed like more of a consolation for his past performances and a pat on the back than he really could beat out the other prospects.
Anyway, I've read in 'Freekick' and I agree completely that for WC '06 and the future we're looking at Zach Thorton(Fire), Tim Howard(MetroStars) and Kevin Hartman(Galaxy) and maybe even Nick Rimando(D.C.). These guys are definately the future and deserve to be playing in most of the future friendlies and internationals. Not that Friedel and Keller should be just dropped, but phased out over the next 4 years, definately. And this is coming from a big Friedel supporter.
Secondly, look for Carlos Bocanegra(Fire) and Danny Califf(Galaxy) to be on the squad full-time in the future with Mastroeni and company. Maybe even Jim Curtin(Fire) in a few years if he keeps developing like he is. All these guys are going to be amazing national team players for the future.

cheers

[GoHawks4]

Remember this:

It's not the size of the pig in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the pig.

[todda74]

I think Meola's attitude is great and even at the minimum it will keep the younger guys on their toes while competing for the starting spot.
I do like Howard though as the #1 in '06.

[ballsmahoney]

Friedel,Howard than Tony as the third. I Don't think Tony is a legit #3, but if we lose the top 2, his experience and poise will go a long way. It's about time we let Keller and his sulking ways take a walk.