Dear Italy what did you think? #pizza? #ITASVE pic.twitter.com/WR0wdcCo9J— Oktai Gholami (@MMughol) November 13, 2017
They sure could have used one in the two games--they had some chances. It's surprising how they've struggled over the years. Recently it seems they've been propped up by Buffon and Juventus's great centerbacks. The attackers have seemed like lesser guys; decent pros but not stars. The kind of guys who'd get called up for those oddly timed friendlies when B and C teams get run out.
And one of them was actually born in the USA Giuseppe Rossi https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...-rossi-italy-usa-international-football-agent
Go time in Portugal. Introducing your final #USMNT starting XI for 2017.Lineup notes » https://t.co/xFzwHdG4xN pic.twitter.com/UXyGXDIqbr— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 14, 2017
I was going to bring up that sad story ... I guess that is among one of the many reasons I do not feel sorry for Italy. I do feel sorry for Verratti though, he is just such a 'happy-joy-joy' player that I really enjoy watching. And maybe Ibra will re-join Sweden (un-retire) if his return to Manchester United works out? They were already short on their attack weren't they? ;>)
Maybe it will actually 'disaster proof' him for that type of mistake in the future? I watched as disinterested as I have ever been for the Nats, friendly or otherwise, but was somewhat impressed when at the end they said Portugal is FIFA ranked (yeah I know) #3 in the world.
OK, with the WC field down to 33 (Peru/NZ to be decided tonight), who you got? I'm backing Sweden (and maybe Denmark as well) but expect Germany to win.
Well Neither team was going with an "A" line-up, Although we can argue the USA was closer given the advanced age of our "A" WCQ failure sides
My family came to the US from Hamburg in 1850, so I'm going WAY back and pulling for Germany. Iceland as a backup because it's easy to identify the players if you're not familiar with the kit/team. Just look for the last name ending in "son".
Iceland - population is about that of Boulder County. Must be a WC record for least populous country to qualify. After that I usually go for an African country and the motherland, England.
In order (if they meet) I will have more interest in: France Sweden (esp. if Ibrahimovic un-retires) Germany (my 'roots') Brazil (PSG contingent) Mexico (our Federation's best hope) Also some interest in Argentina and Uruguay (for Di Maria and Cavani), might be sweet to see Uruguay beat Brazil on a pk taken by Cavani. (#PSG drama) And of course Russia now that we are jointly ruled by them. ;>) Some of the teams I could put up as dark horses or wild cards should be (even further) embarrassment for the USA (and Italy).
Soccer news that is important to me: Memphis to get USL team in 2019. They'll be playing in AutoZone Park, on the field of the Redbirds MiLB team. It's a nice facility in a great location (5 minute walk from Beale) but I'm always skeptical of soccer in a baseball park.
- England, because I want to continue to be disappointed - Denmark, because I have a lot of Danish friends and they will be/are crazy
To me Giovinco's in that same group. Gabbiadini, Florenzi (who was being used at fullback a lot for Roma), Immobile (always thought that was an unfortunate name for a forward), Belotti, Bernardesci, Eder, Zaza, El Shaarawy. They're not horrible but not guys that lift a national team. Super Mario has (had?) the talent but I guess they've given up on him. Insigne does seem better but he's not really a star either. Now, that's a lot of guys--it would be great if the US had that kind of depth. But they don't seem to be in a class that matches the sort of expectations a country like Italy has.
This summer I'll root for Sweden (my daughter will probably be living in Stockholm, plus heritage) and Iceland (because Iceland).
First impressions, subject to repeated changes, are Germany and Brazil until proven otherwise. It will be interesting to watch Argentina: is it their last shot with Messi?
BREAKING: Multiple league sources indicate Caleb Porter is out as head coach of the Portland Timbers https://t.co/fEA6XygeeK pic.twitter.com/LTVTopeEch— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) November 17, 2017
England, because my family is from there. Also: Peru, I like the sash. Mexico, lots of friends. African sub Sahara countries, they're poor so I root for them. Columbia, they got screwed last time.
Orlando City SC homegrown GK Mason Stajduhar was diagnosed with bone cancer. He's 19 years old. That's really scary. Best wishes to him and his family as he begins treatment.