Editor's Note: While the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL rule the sporting world in the US, interest in the game of soccer is growing. The World Cup begins this week and even with the US amid a difficult group, there is still a lot to be excited about. Kevin Saad explains why you, even if you're not a soccer fan, should be paying attention to the World Cup. Be sure to follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinSaad93) and tune into his radio show, The Beef, on St. Joseph's University Radio in the fall.
Next Monday, the U.S Men’s National Team will be playing in its biggest match in years. When the World Cup campaign kicks off against Ghana in Natal, all American eyes should be glued to ESPN, regardless of your feelings for the squad.
A record setting 2013 has been dampened with a nauseating draw in Group G alongside powerhouses Germany and Portugal, as well as consistent World Cup nemesis Ghana. While many still remained optimistic in spite of the draw, Jürgen Klinsmann dropped a bombshell on the American soccer world by leaving 32 year old USMNT legend Landon Donovan off of the 23 man roster for Brazil.
Regardless of how you feel about the decision, it’s time to move on. Like a break-up with a long-time girlfriend, you don’t want to be the one who mopes and dwells on this moment forever. The tournament will start with or without Landon and only time will tell if Klinsmann made the right move in selecting MLS veterans Brad Davis and Chris Wondolowski as well as young unproven talent such as Julian Green.
Much of the talk in this campaign has been centered on how the United States is inferior to the talent that they will face in Group G. I have been one of those people at times, but I’m here to make my point clear: Advancing out of the group isn’t as ridiculous as it sounds.
It’s easy to write off the USA in this situation and slip into an inferior mindset that has become very popular and convenient in this land. We get it: Graham Zusi is not even on the same planet compared to Philip Lahm or Cristiano Ronaldo. Only a fool would deny that.
However, the World Cup is an elimination tournament first and foremost. There is a reason that Italy has 4 World Cups to their name: they’re simply hard to beat. Score a timely goal and defend efficiently with a fortunate call from a referee and you could find your team sneaking into the quarterfinals or further to the shock of the entire planet (Paraguay 2010, South Korea 2002, etc.). And with Germany losing Bundesliga Player of the Year Marco Reus and Portugal nursing injuries to the reckless Pepe, Raul Meireles, and the golden child that is Cristiano Ronaldo, the injuries are clearly favoring the United States.
If the Yanks can first overcome the kryptonite that is the Ghanaian national team and walk away with three points, a draw against Portugal would still be a great result in the humid Amazon city of Manaus. Keep in mind that Portugal is a team that needed to qualify in a dramatic playoff that they only won through a Ronaldo hat trick. Before the playoff, they drew the minnows of Israel twice. Also, they didn’t look very impressive against a sluggish Mexico side last week.
Don’t be fooled by the hype: Portugal is nothing more than average without Ronaldo in the lineup. Even if he is fit for the match, the US can still realistically contain Ronaldo by swarming him instead of making an aging Damarcus Beasley take him on 1 v 1.
Finally, the Germany match will most likely be too much for the shaky defense to handle and will most likely result in a loss. Still, 4 points just might be enough to advance from the group if everything falls into place with the other Ghana-Portugal and Ghana-Germany matches.
It doesn’t take a genius to see that the odds are stacked against the USA. The expectations are low and Klinsmann will definitely be crucified for not choosing Donovan for his final roster by soccer "masterminds" like Mike Wilbon. Wilbon said earlier this week that Klinsmann should “leave America” because Klinsmann was simply being honest about the USA’s chances in Brazil. Don’t pay attention to ignorant soccer minds like Wilbon.
The USA are coming off of three straight wins leading into next week’s Ghana match and Jozy Altidore looks to finally have a glimpse of confidence back in his sails. The USA have a shot at the knockout stage and can shock the world, but ONLY if they beat Ghana in the first match June 16th. So regardless of your opinion of Klinsmann or confidence in this team, clear your schedule and be ready to cheer on the guys who will play for the stars and stripes, because this opportunity won’t come around for another 4 years.
Agree or disagree with Kevin's excitement over the World Cup? Leave a comment below the link.
The Sports ReKap, hosted by Nick Kapetan and DJ Vogt, will begin airing again in September on MarquetteWire.org.
Follow The Guys On Twitter For The Latest Insight On The Happenings In The Sporting World:
Nick- @KapN93
DJ- @DvJ14
Kevin- @KevinSaad93
Like Us On Facebook
Be sure to visit Sobelman's this summer, the official sponsor of The Sports ReKap, and try their array of mouthwatering burgers. Visit their website: http://www.milwaukeesbestburgers.com/
It is still over 10 months away but please start considering joining a Relay For Life team at your school next year. For more information on how to join a team at Marquette please contact Kristen Krawczyk at kristen.krawczyk@marquette.edu
The Sports ReKap is happy to announce the additions of Kevin Saad, Michael Felish, Chris Linskens, Matt Barbato, Kevin Clancy, and Brendan Garrity as full-time contributors to the show. If you want to be a part of the show this year email Nick at nicholas.kapetan@marquette.edu.
A record setting 2013 has been dampened with a nauseating draw in Group G alongside powerhouses Germany and Portugal, as well as consistent World Cup nemesis Ghana. While many still remained optimistic in spite of the draw, Jürgen Klinsmann dropped a bombshell on the American soccer world by leaving 32 year old USMNT legend Landon Donovan off of the 23 man roster for Brazil.
Regardless of how you feel about the decision, it’s time to move on. Like a break-up with a long-time girlfriend, you don’t want to be the one who mopes and dwells on this moment forever. The tournament will start with or without Landon and only time will tell if Klinsmann made the right move in selecting MLS veterans Brad Davis and Chris Wondolowski as well as young unproven talent such as Julian Green.
Much of the talk in this campaign has been centered on how the United States is inferior to the talent that they will face in Group G. I have been one of those people at times, but I’m here to make my point clear: Advancing out of the group isn’t as ridiculous as it sounds.
It’s easy to write off the USA in this situation and slip into an inferior mindset that has become very popular and convenient in this land. We get it: Graham Zusi is not even on the same planet compared to Philip Lahm or Cristiano Ronaldo. Only a fool would deny that.
However, the World Cup is an elimination tournament first and foremost. There is a reason that Italy has 4 World Cups to their name: they’re simply hard to beat. Score a timely goal and defend efficiently with a fortunate call from a referee and you could find your team sneaking into the quarterfinals or further to the shock of the entire planet (Paraguay 2010, South Korea 2002, etc.). And with Germany losing Bundesliga Player of the Year Marco Reus and Portugal nursing injuries to the reckless Pepe, Raul Meireles, and the golden child that is Cristiano Ronaldo, the injuries are clearly favoring the United States.
If the Yanks can first overcome the kryptonite that is the Ghanaian national team and walk away with three points, a draw against Portugal would still be a great result in the humid Amazon city of Manaus. Keep in mind that Portugal is a team that needed to qualify in a dramatic playoff that they only won through a Ronaldo hat trick. Before the playoff, they drew the minnows of Israel twice. Also, they didn’t look very impressive against a sluggish Mexico side last week.
Don’t be fooled by the hype: Portugal is nothing more than average without Ronaldo in the lineup. Even if he is fit for the match, the US can still realistically contain Ronaldo by swarming him instead of making an aging Damarcus Beasley take him on 1 v 1.
Finally, the Germany match will most likely be too much for the shaky defense to handle and will most likely result in a loss. Still, 4 points just might be enough to advance from the group if everything falls into place with the other Ghana-Portugal and Ghana-Germany matches.
It doesn’t take a genius to see that the odds are stacked against the USA. The expectations are low and Klinsmann will definitely be crucified for not choosing Donovan for his final roster by soccer "masterminds" like Mike Wilbon. Wilbon said earlier this week that Klinsmann should “leave America” because Klinsmann was simply being honest about the USA’s chances in Brazil. Don’t pay attention to ignorant soccer minds like Wilbon.
The USA are coming off of three straight wins leading into next week’s Ghana match and Jozy Altidore looks to finally have a glimpse of confidence back in his sails. The USA have a shot at the knockout stage and can shock the world, but ONLY if they beat Ghana in the first match June 16th. So regardless of your opinion of Klinsmann or confidence in this team, clear your schedule and be ready to cheer on the guys who will play for the stars and stripes, because this opportunity won’t come around for another 4 years.
Agree or disagree with Kevin's excitement over the World Cup? Leave a comment below the link.
The Sports ReKap, hosted by Nick Kapetan and DJ Vogt, will begin airing again in September on MarquetteWire.org.
Follow The Guys On Twitter For The Latest Insight On The Happenings In The Sporting World:
Nick- @KapN93
DJ- @DvJ14
Kevin- @KevinSaad93
Like Us On Facebook
Be sure to visit Sobelman's this summer, the official sponsor of The Sports ReKap, and try their array of mouthwatering burgers. Visit their website: http://www.milwaukeesbestburgers.com/
It is still over 10 months away but please start considering joining a Relay For Life team at your school next year. For more information on how to join a team at Marquette please contact Kristen Krawczyk at kristen.krawczyk@marquette.edu
The Sports ReKap is happy to announce the additions of Kevin Saad, Michael Felish, Chris Linskens, Matt Barbato, Kevin Clancy, and Brendan Garrity as full-time contributors to the show. If you want to be a part of the show this year email Nick at nicholas.kapetan@marquette.edu.
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