I'll get them up ASAP... keep getting this 'upload failed message' .... stay tuned.. they'll get there...
Gooch is everywhere. He's the Chuck Norris of the USMNT Seconded. It's refreshing to be able to go into a thread and expect to actually read about the thread topic, rather than wading through 9 different side-topics. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rep for highlights, btw. I didn't have it in me to wake up for this one, up late last night getting ready for the residents to move back in today.
There is no question that DOnovan's heart and head were not in the last stint in Germany. But except for the Champions League game, he actually played well. (Kicker consistently projected him into the starting line up.) His mentality was wrong last time, but there are a lot of misconceptions about how he played in Germany. Nonetheless, he has a different mentatility this time. He is going to be very successful.
And apropos of nothing....I have been a Donovan fan since he's was a Youth Nat. I deeply look forward to his coming success in Germany followed the chance to tell his naysayers that the time has come to consume excrement and expire
And based on this opening effort -- OK, I know it's just a friendly, in Dubai, to keep things in perspective -- I'd say Landon's well on his way towards staying in Germany with Bayern Munich. He played the full 90, teamed up quite well with the team's other two leading strikers, assisted on one goal, could have had another assist, and took some of his own chances. I would think that Juergen Klinsmann would be very impressed. And at worst, LD's got his foot in the door.
You know if there's over 150 posts for a damn friendly against Al Jazeera. I can only imagine the number when he actually does play a league match. Or better yet a CL match where everyone and their cousin will have TV access! Yikes! I bet it will be near 1,000 posts.
http://www.troodi.com/media/7040/Al_Jazeera_vs_Bayern_Munich_10_January_2009_Live_Stream_Highlights/ Donovan's assist
how you can say 2 completely opposite things within the same sentence is beyond me! Today means nothing in isolation. The next game means nothing in isolation. It will be the totality of the performance over a LOT of games. It is totally jumping the gun to think today means anything (yet). He still has some real serious tests to pass.
Goal Highlights: Donavan's assist on Schweinsteiger Goal [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9mFzNZa_o0"]YouTube - AL-JAZIRA UAE . Vs . 1 . FC Bayern Munich[/ame] Other goals [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ye73B65hro"]YouTube - AL-JAZIRA UAE . 1 . Vs . FC Bayern Munich[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp26DzKK_4s"]YouTube - AL-JAZIRA UAE . 2 . Vs . FC Bayern Munich[/ame] (FK after Donavan is fouled) [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPLgq8c1THo"]YouTube - AL-JAZIRA UAE . Vs . 2 . FC Bayern Munich[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS6HKxKHrSI"]YouTube - AL-JAZIRA UAE . Vs . 3 . FC Bayern Munich[/ame]
Who gave the ball away for the first AJ goal? That was awful. Gorgeous strike though. Donovan's assist to Schweinsteiger was kind of a no-brainer, but I thought he showed composure by letting the ball go across his body and making the pass with a single touch. If he'd waited the chance might've dried up.
Hasn't Oddo been the regular starter at Lell's RB spot? Of the two new additions to the starting line-up, Donovan acquitted himself much better. It was smart of Klinsmann to play Landon with both of the regular strikers. I wouldnt' be surprised to see Donovan start again in the next friendly, but with Klose this time.
I have full highlights of the game. Looks like a great start for Landon: http://watchsocceronline.blogspot.com/
Don't forget Michael Bradley. Gladbach and the entire Eredivisie are clearly in on the conspiracy! So what's the over/under on posts before someone actually blames Donovan for Jazira's 2nd goal?
From Bild, Donovan's take on his play: http://www.bild.de/BILD/sport/fussb...yern-al-jazira/donovan-schoss-halbes-tor.html Donovan afterwards: "It wasn't perfect on my part. I was still somewhat imprecise in front of the goal. It was difficult, but was fun. Al Jazeera is not Hamburg or Stuttgart, though. I can play in the Bundesliga, I just need a chance." Donovan hinterher: „Es war nicht perfekt von mir. Ich war noch etwas zu ungenau vor dem Tor. Es war schwer, hat aber doch Spaß gemacht. Al Jazeera ist aber nicht der HSV oder Stuttgart. Ich kann in der Bundesliga spielen. Ich brauche aber eine Chance!“
I like his attitude, humble yet determined. This mid-season camp is just what he needs so he can round himself into form and shape.
Does donovan speak german or are they translating his english to german and we're translating back to english? If not then i'm empressed with his german.
It is the same Bild reporter who is with the team in training camp. In a video from a couple of days ago, Donovan was speaking German with him so I suspect this was also in German.
Wasn't Donovan in Bayer's youth/reserve system for almost two years prior to coming to MLS and the Earthquakes? I'd imagine he picked up a fair amount of German during his first stint in Leverkusen. Maybe he should look at playing in Italy.
Watching the highlights, I'm impressed with some of the passing that Bayern is doing around the goal. That type of game is perfect for Donovan. I also couldn't help thinking that it looks like he joined FC Dallas. That's just wrong.
actaully, it's probably my place to retract that as I forget how easily threads can be derailled with the smallest throway comment. For those who dont watch BM often, Toni gives everyone that look when he doesnt get his cross or pass. I wouldnt read much into it. That being said he will likely see fewer minutes going forward if they choose to use Donovan as a striker because some games will demand a speed option at that position over either himself of Klose.
Still impressed with the quickness of that pass which led to the first goal. A perfect point-man pass, really. Not surprised he has it in him, but just overall impressed with the pass, and his efforts on the day.