U-20 World Cup

[AmadeusDC]

Has it been getting any coverage back home at all? A lot of players make their names at this tournament.The U.S. have actually been doing fairly well and topped their group (which included Brazi). Freddy Adu had a hat trick against Poland and did a ridiculous piece of skill to set up the game winning goal against Brazil. Jozy Altidore scored both the U.S. goals against Brazil and he looks like a real prospect. He is already starting in the MLS at 17 and has a goal every other game. Unlike Adu he is also a big strong forward so I'd say he'd be more suited to going to Europe at a younger age. Hopefully he'll become a top tier striker over time and earn the U.S. players some respect overseas. It boils my blood that Landon Donovan is content to be a big fish in a small pond when people like Clint Demphsey force moves to the Premier League because they want to prove themselves. He's not a bad player but talk about a lack of ambition. It pain me sometimes that he is the Sports poster child in the U.S. As for Altiodore though, watch this space I'd say...........
Also, I'm glad to see the U.S. doing well in this tournament after the "scratch" senior teams shambolic display in the Copa America. As great as it is to play in that tournament and all, if their participation isn't Fifa sanctioned (or whatever the word is) then the U.S. can only bring a scratch squad and that isn't really any good at all. They produced a brave display against Argentina but it felt like it was always just a matter of time. They won the Gold Cup last month beating Mexico once again. Considering how strong Mexico now look in the Copa America that result says more about where the U.S. is at than the performances of the 3rd string team in Venezuela. -AmadeusDC-

-AmadeusDC-

[lyspy]

I have watched bits and pieces of it, been most impressed by the Mexicans and the US. I actually backed the US after the game against Brazil,(I had them to win 3-1 in that game at 52/1) but I think Mexico have a great chance aswell.

At least The Copa America gave some more players a bit of experience. They were very good tactically and well disciplined, just lacking a bit of quality. I'd say in the next 4-8 years they could well become a force to be reckoned with.

[the puerto rican feen]

Landon Donovan is a tosser of the highest order.


He is a world class choker.



Did you see the concacaf Gold Cup ?


He missed an absolute sitter from about 3 yards with the keeper beaten.

[MonTheHoops]

Amadeus,

Donovan was linked with a move to Celtic a few seasons ago when things weren't going well in Germeny for him. What do you think of Shalrie Joeseph? He was also linked last season and recently said he hasn't given up on a move after the MLS blocked his move to Celtic last season.

Didn't Messi make his name at this tournament?

[AmadeusDC]

Amadeus,

Donovan was linked with a move to Celtic a few seasons ago when things weren't going well in Germeny for him. What do you think of Shalrie Joeseph? He was also linked last season and recently said he hasn't given up on a move after the MLS blocked his move to Celtic last season.

Didn't Messi make his name at this tournament?

Donovan is a chicken shit, happy to hide away here in the states. The funny part about it is that most the American guys I know here who have played to a decent standard readily acknowledge this fact. They find it cringeworthy that American soccers "poster child" is afraid to test himself in Europe after one bad experience. There is generally a lot more respect for guys like Clint Demphsey and DeMarcus Beasley who are willing to give Europe a try and people like Reyna and McBride in the past. It really is the U.S. media (who don't have a clue about soccer really) and sadly European publications (who in fairness generally have smug views on American soccer) who push Donovan to the forefront.
As for Joseph, I'm not very familiar with him but from what I have seen he looks like a very solid player. He's also big, strong and physical which would obviously help him in Scotland. Also, I'd say that in general defensive minded players from the states have it easier coming to Europe than the attacking/flair players. I think Shalrie could be a good signing for Celtic but with their limited budget I wouldn't be going above a couple of million. Maybe they'll pick him up on a free down the line? -AmadeusDC-

[MonTheHoops]

How will Beasley do at Rangers? Is he the same player he was a few seasons back?

[AmadeusDC]

How will Beasley do at Rangers? Is he the same player he was a few seasons back?

Beasley is a very good player and has amazing pace. IMO the major thing that determines his form like with a lot of other players is confidence. If he gets off to a good start in his first few games he could be fantastic, if not then he could fall off and become a bit player. He was unlucky with Man City in that they were shite while he was there. Very few players were playing with any confidence in that team but it affected DeMarcus as much as anyone. Personally, I'd say he will do well North of the border but you'd never know (especially with Rangers!!). -AmadeusDC-