77 Days Until The 2014 FIFA World Cup: USA and Mexico Disappoint
With each day that passes, we are getting closer and closer to the start of the greatest sporting event in the world. It's been a while since our last post, but hey, we aren't the only ones slacking here...after all, it was recently announced that Porto Alegre may not finish its stadium in time for the tournament! Things surrounding the beautiful game take time, except for the rate at which Cuauahtemoc Blanco ages. Also, we've added a fourth contributor to our weekly posts... Fernando Gireud is an ardent fan of El Tri, and while that may be a treacherous personal trait, he knows a ton about the game, having played and followed the sport far longer than Tito has been rocking a jerry curl (which really is a considerable amount of time). He should prove to be an excellent foil to my anti-El Tri rants that are only inspired by my love for the Red, White, and Blue. To keep you from waiting any longer, lets get into this week's topics.
1. The United States and Mexico both underwhelmed dramatically in their most recent friendlies. Given their performances, which country has more to worry about right now?
Garrett: There is no doubt that the performances of both teams left much to be desired. That being said, it's clear that Mexico has more to worry about at this stage of the game. Jurgen Klinsmann was missing a slew of important starters for the game in Cyprus. Both center backs, Omar Gonzales and Matt Besler, did not make the trip, and their value was proven immediately when Oguchi Onyewu and John Anthony Brooks conceded an easy goal. Also missing was Landon Donovan, whose importance needs no description. The most notable absentee though was Michael Bradley, the engine of the midfield. Sam's Army is a completely different unit when he is on the pitch, and he is the one cog in the machine that you cannot afford to lose.
Contrast that with Mexico, who had just about every player available to them for their match in Atlanta, and yet they still performed poorly. Furthermore, they were familiar with their opponent, as this was their second time playing Nigeria in the past year! Even though Miguel Herrera has had more time on the job, it's evident that he has not come anywhere near fixing the problems that plagued Mexico in qualifying. They still fail to play as a team, lack creativity and purpose when going forward, and are led by a center back who is so far past his prime that even Fernando could probably juke him.
Don't get me wrong, the result in Cyprus still caused a bit of concern for me as a USMNT supporter, but our problems are nowhere near as large as Mexico's.
Kyle: Both teams played poorly, but I think Mexico has more problems given their fans' expectations. Since 1986, Mexico has qualified out of the World Cup group stage every time (did not participate in 1990 due to a World Cup ban) and their supporters will be expecting the same thing in 2014. I believe most U.S. supporters will be thrilled to qualify from the most difficult World Cup Group.
I believe Mexico's biggest problem is their defense and its lack of pace. It may be odd to criticize the defense after a 0-0 tie, but the Nigerians had some good goal scoring chances that should have been converted to goals. Rafa Marquez, 35, is too slow to cope with speedy attackers and he has already been named as a starter and the team's captain. Positioning and experience can help an older player like Marquez compensate for a lack of speed. In the first half against Nigeria, Mexico was turning the ball over far too often and it led to counterattacks which exposed Marquez and his fellow lead-footed defenders. Additionally, Marquez was not distributing the ball well from defense. He is a skilled player that is capable of making difficult 40 yard passes, but in my opinion, he tries to complete those passes more often than is effective. Diego Reyes is probably the fastest central defender for Mexico, but he probably won't start since he is playing for Porto's B team. He is a young, talented defender but it seemed the game play was too fast for him. Unfortunately for Miguel Herrera, he isn't going to be able to make his defensive line faster for the World Cup.
I'm not as concerned about Mexico's offense. I think Oribe Peralta is a quality forward who can score in the World Cup. Also, Gio Dos Santos was injured and didn't make the game. He is a quality playmaker who can make defense splitting passes, dribble by defenders, and score goals.
If Mexico can't fix or minimize their defensive problems, it will be very difficult for them to make it out of their group.
Tito: I began watching the Ukraine vs. US game with an analytic eye and ended up just shaking my head in disappointment. Seeing "Gooch" start at center back for the Red, White, and Blue made me understand that his name is a double meaning (check out urban dictionary to catch my drift); with him in the back I already felt like US was in an uphill climb. The exposure on the defense was evident, as much as I root for Castillo (considering I played against him), he kept getting caught out of position and not quick enough to handle the counter attack, or 1v1 defending for that matter. Dempsey was careless, lost, and had on his normal IDGAF face. Granted, there were glimmers of hope and a couple of minutes of strong play. They just were lacking a few clutch players (as my colleagues have recently mentioned).
Despite giving the US a hard time about how their game went, I really think that Mexico has much more to worry about for this WC showing. Their play was incredibly bad, lacking order, didn't show any sign of zeal, and their defense... OMG their defense is the worst I've ever seen. The fact that they had to bring back Rafa Marquez, who in his prime was impressively good (even got accolades while playing at Barcelona), is a sign that they don't trust any of their current defenders; like the one below. Mr. Huiqi plays just as good as the host from "Tales from the Crypt," and even kind of looks like him.
The creativity that the attack used to have seems to be lacking any ingenuity. They look like a passion-less team. The Mexican crowd is ruthless and they'll let their players know when they feel misrepresented. I have a feeling that they might be on track to have a showing a la France 2010. I am however, holding out a little until the little showing between USA and Mexico in Glendale April 2nd.
Fernando: The performances of both national teams was disappointing given the fact that this is the last official FIFA date available to all the players. That being said, the biggest disappointment was by far Mexico.
As a strong supporter of the Mexican National Team, seeing the team in such a state of disarray so close to the World Cup is troubling. Although I understand the reason that "El Piojo" Herrera has brought on Rafa Marquez, this is reminiscent of Javier Aguirre bringing Cuauhtemoc Blanco to the 2010 World Cup. Both Marquez and Blanco were brought back to the team during a time where the national team was lacking character and leadership. Except there's one thing missing from this equation. Blanco was not a defensive liability. Sure he was a shell of himself when he was on the field, but he was still able to get a free kick in a dangerous situation, or create a dangerous play every once in a while. All of these plays came on the attacking half of the field. Marquez on the other hand is slow. Very slow. When you're on defense, this is a recipe for disaster. Garrett, you're right, I would be able to juke him. Nigeria was able to run past him countless times and it's not going to get much easier when facing the speedy Brazilian and Cameroon forwards.
Mexico also has other problems all over the field. European players such as Andres Guardado and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez are not responding well in either club or country. Guardado was recently sent on loan to Bayer Leverkusen after he failed to break into the Valencia starting XI. Both Chicharito and Guardado are struggling to find meaningful playing time and are having a hard time winning the trust of their coaches. This was also supposed to be an opportunity for Gio Dos Santos to rejoin the Mexican National Team under Herrera and demonstrate the ability he's been showcasing at Villarreal. However, due to injury, Gio Dos Santos was not able to make the trip.
There are a few bright spots though. Oribe Peralta demonstrated once again that he should be one of the starters come World Cup time. Guillermo Ochoa also made the argument that he should be in the running for starting goalkeeper after his performance against Nigeria.
All in all, the Mexican National Team is in for a very short run at the World Cup unless they are able to fix their positioning, personnel, and attitude before the World Cup. That's a lot of issues.
2. The USMNT and El Tri weren't the only ones partaking in friendly action, as nearly every World Cup team also took the pitch. Which teams and performances stood out to you most?
Garrett: Belgium's game against Cote d'Ivoire provided one of the more intriguing matchups among the friendlies that contained two World Cup teams. The matchup provided important opportunities for both teams: for Cote d'Ivoire, it allowed them to gauge where they stood against one of the World Cup favorites; for Belgium, it gave them an opportunity to get back on track against a good team that they should beat, after a string of uninspiring results (home losses to both Japan and Colombia). When the final whistle blew with both teams level on two goals, we were still left with some questions about both teams. Belgium was able to jump out to a 2-0 lead, but Cote d'Ivoire controlled possession, and conceding two goals in the final fifteen minutes of the game has to cause some to ponder if this team lacks focus or a "killer instinct" due to its youth, even if this was just a friendly. Conversely, Cote d'Ivoire has to be proud of themselves for fighting back the way they did, but falling into such a hole has to be worrisome when you take into account how difficult it is to erase a deficit in a World Cup, where the level of focus and emphasis on defense is much higher.
All things considered, the game really didn't provide us any new information. Belgium is still likely to win its group, yet you can't have any confidence in predicting how this team will perform against quality opposition in the knockout rounds. Predicting the winner of Cote d'Ivoire's group is still a crapshoot after Falcao's injury, as Didier Drogba and Co. failed to announce themselves as favorites to come out of Group C on top.
Kyle: I was able to watch some of the Chile-Germany game and I was very impressed with Chile even though they lost 1-0. The game was played against Germany's first team in Stuttgart, but Chile was the attacking team. Chile presses high up the field and plays a fast paced attacking style that can leave them vulnerable to a counterattack. In their loss to Germany, Chile demonstrated they can play that same style in a hostile environment and compete with one of the best teams in the world.
Make it a point to watch Chile play this World Cup. Chile were last held scoreless at Peru early last year (12 games prior) and during that span of games beat England 2-0 at Wembley Stadium. This is a team which attacks and scores. Chile fields well known world class players like Arturo Vidal (Juventus) and Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona) and have hard working players such as Gary Medel. They are in a very difficult group with Spain, the Netherlands, and Australia, but I like them to qualify as the second team from the group and face Brazil in a replay of the 2010 World Cup knockout round.
Tito: During this set of international friendlies, I was really looking forward to seeing the teams that make up Group G. Although the games like Spain v Italy (to watch good soccer), Colombia v Tunisia (to see the front line without Falcao), and England v Denmark (because I like watching the Brits squirm), were incredibly appealing, I did want to focus on the probability of the United States advancing. As Kyle already discussed the German game, and Fernando broke down the Portugal thrashing... I want to discuss the game that the Black Stars signed up to play. Ghana sent a strong side to Montenegro in order to get a good team play just a few months before the World Cup. The likes of Asamoah, Essien, and Ayew were sent to represent their country.
Within the first minute,
Ghana's left side of the defense was exposed by Montenegro. Montenegro was able
to get a penalty kick due to a filtered pass and a tackle inside the box. Once
the game settled, Ghana did show to be the more dominant team infiltrating the
Montenegro defense on many occasions. Furthermore, the physical nature of Ghana
was far superior to that of the home side. Both teams did have their chances, but I would say that Ghana's defense seems to be the weakest part of their
team. Although they didn't score (on a very defensive side), their pace and
very direct tactics can cause problems for those in Group G. The speed that
Ghana possesses will wreak havoc on slower defensive players (Gooch, Castillo,
Besler, etc). African teams, especially in the more recent World Cups, have been
breaking ground and getting into the deeper parts of the tournament. This Ghana
team is said to be the best team coming out of Africa and should definitely be
seen as a team that can do well if disregarded. USA will have a tough task, but making
sure that they establish a slower paced game, one with possession, player
positioning, and ball movement, will stifle Ghana's need for explosion and
directness.
Fernando: Although I'm not as concerned as Garrett, the result in the USA v. Ukraine game brought back memories of problems the US has faced before.
First, I want to point out that Klinsmann is a great coach and motivator and has proven throughout his tenure as the USMNT coach that he is able to bring in the appropriate players at the right time and during the most pressing situations. Taking into account the circumstances surrounding the USA v. Ukraine game, I think the USMNT was able to respond well during a time of uncertainty and chaos. Going from canceling the game last minute, to traveling to Cyprus to play a friendly, was difficult enough.
However, there is cause for concern in what has typically been the U.S.'s achilles heal, the forwards. Clint Dempsey is still trying to find his form with Seattle Sounders and his most recent loan to Fulham didn't do much to reinforce his reputation as one of the USMNT's best players. Jozy Altidore is also struggling to find his form as he continues to try and earn a consistent place on Sunderland's starting XI. Come World Cup time, I have full faith that Klinsmann will have this sorted out and be able to bring out the best in the USMNT.
The other game that comes to my attention is the Portugal v. Cameroon game. Both teams are World Cup bound, but I felt that Portugal made the greatest statement. The USMNT already knew it was going to have a tough time containing Cristiano Ronaldo, but Portugal's recent 5-1 thrashing of Cameroon should have served as a wake up call if they weren't already aware of the power that Portugal would be bringing to Brazil. Many people have predicted that the key to the USMNT's success at the World Cup would be the game against Portugal, and I agree. I believe the U.S. will get past Ghana in the first game but will be overmatched against Germany in the last group game. Unfortunately for the U.S., Portugal demonstrated that other players besides Ronaldo can score and this came from the likes of defenders as well as midfielders. If the U.S. has any chance of making it into the second round, I believe that beating Portugal is key.
3. It seems that no one is talking about the African or Asian teams ahead of this year's tournament. Which team from these confederations are you most looking forward to watching this summer?
Garrett: Considering what happened in last year's Confederations Cup, I'm really looking forward to seeing if Japan can continue to bounce back from their dismal showing in Brazil. The Samurai Blue were always going to be underdogs last summer after being paired with Brazil, Italy, and Mexico in the group stage. Yet no one could foresee the defensive collapse the Japanese endured as they failed to attain any points in the group. Though their last two games against Italy and Mexico were close, entertaining contests, Alberto Zaccheroni's men conceded nine goals over their three games, a stunning average of three per game.
Since then, Japan has been on a roll, garnering a very impressive string of results in friendlies. Wins against Ghana and Belgium, two very formidable opponents, and a draw against the Dutch (2010 World Cup runner ups) showed that this team is capable of hanging with, and beating some of the world's best teams. They have world class attacking talent in AC Milan man Keisuke Honda, and Shinji Kagawa, who can still impress for his country despite David Moyes not favoring him in Manchester. Given Falcao's injury for Colombia, Honda and Kagawa have a very good chance at firing their country to winning Group C. It all just depends on which back line shows up for the Samurai Blue in Brazil...
Kyle: In order to provide some variety, I'll select Ghana. In general, I enjoy watching both the Asian teams with their focus on passing, running, and playing as a collective unit as well as African teams' joy, individual brilliance, and attacking flair. Although I don't want Ghana to do well, they have the talent to survive The Group of Death.
The Black Stars have impressed in the past two World Cups where they eliminated the U.S. on both occasions. In 2006, Ghana lost in the Round of 16 to Brazil and in 2010 were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Uruguay. In the infamous Luis Suarez handball game, Ghana was on the verge of qualifying to the semifinals when Suarez stopped a definite goal late in extra-time by using his hand, Asamoah Gyan missed the ensuing penalty, and Ghana lost in a penalty in shootout. Ghana's players have recent World Cup knockout experience which is more than can be said for the other African or Asian teams.
In addition to their World Cup experience, Ghana's players ply their trade with top football clubs. For example, Sulley Muntari (AC Milan), Kwadwoh Asamoah (Juventus), Michael Essien (AC Milan), and Kevin Prince Boateng (Schalke) all play for Champions League teams. Ghanaian players are also found playing in France, Belgium, and Greece. The Black Stars are accustomed to training with elite players and playing in high pressure games. Given their history and talent, I think Ghana will embrace their underdog status and play quality soccer in Brazil.
Tito: Group B.. incredible Group B... upon a quick glance of the group you automatically think Spain and Netherlands will advance. Then you start to dive into how Chile is a very capable team and could upset one of those big two. Then you look at the fourth team and just shake your head.... you think... poor 'Roos.... they've been put in a stacked group! Australian soccer has come a long way. This will be their 4th appearance in a WC, their third in a row as they made it to the Round of 16 in 2006 and failed to get out of group play in 2010. 2014 seems like it will be a repeat of 2010, but I am really looking to them to mix some stuff up in that group.... Get a win here, a tie there. I want Australia to hold their own.
Compared to the
"Big Teams," the Socceroos have found some difficult times, losing to
Brazil and to France quite heavily late in 2013. But they also beat Canada 3-0 and
Costa Rica 1-0, and being from CONCACAF, I can honestly say that these last two
teams aren't too bad. Do I expect them to come of the group? No. But do I want
them to? Also, no. I am rooting for Spain and Chile... I just want the Aussies to
get third and finish ahead of those damn Dutch!
Fernando: The team I'm looking forward to watching is Cote d'Ivoire. This team has come into the last two world cups as the strongest team out of the African Continent and one of the favorites to advance far in the tournament. Unfortunately for them, they have also crashed out in the group stages after having to face two powerhouse teams. In 2006, they faced Argentina and Netherlands while in 2010, they faced Portugal and Brazil. This shouldn't be an excuse due to the fact that if you're considered a top team, you should be able to compete and beat other top teams. This unfortunately wasn't the case.
The reason I'm so intrigued by this years team is because of the fact that this is certainly the end of Cote d'Ivoire's golden generation. Players such as Kolo Toure (32), Yaya Toure (30), and Didier Drogba (36), are all nearing the end of their career. While they have become great players for both club and country, the team has not been able to succeed outside of Africa. This most likely will be the last chance for the golden generation of Cote d'Ivoire.
4. "Throwback Thursday" and "Flashback Friday" seem to be all the rage amongst the kids these days on social media, so lets end this week's edition with a look back to the past. Which game, individual performance, or goal comes to your mind when you think about the World Cup?
Garrett: The USMNT's run in the 2002 World Cup may have solidified my love of this great game, but nothing epitomizes what the World Cup is about than Zidane's performance in Germany in 2006. No individual performance provided so many incredible stories from so many different angles.
Before the tournament had even begun the narratives were already beginning to unfold. Zidane, at the urging of manger Raymond Domenech, came out of international retirement to rescue France in the qualification stage and seal their ticket to Germany. He then set the tone for the entire summer by announcing that he would retire from the game altogether at the end of the World Cup. Zidane would always be a national hero for leading France to victory on home soil in the 1998 World Cup, and one of the game's greats for his performances for both country and club. Yet by announcing his retirement before the tournament began, it provided him one last opportunity to seal his place in history. Boy did he ever, in more ways than one.
After barely escaping the group by beating Togo 2-0 in the final game (where Zidane had to watch from the sidelines due to suspension), Zizou led France to a 2-1 comeback victory over Spain in the Round of 16. While Zidane did play well in that game, it wouldn't come anywhere close to the display he put on against Brazil in the quarterfinals. The Selecao were defending champions, and heavy favorites against the French despite both being two of the world's best teams. Yet this Brazilian team was absolutely loaded. They may now be shells of what they once were, but Brazil's 2006 squad was led by Ronaldinho and Kaka, arguably the two best players in the world at the time. Throw in a formidable center back pairing of Lucio and Juan, and veteran leaders like Roberto Carlos, Cafu, and Ronaldo, and it's clear why this team was favored to win it all. But none of this mattered to Zidane...
What Zidane did to Brazil that night in Frankfurt will be remembered for ages. At the age of 34, he was at the death of his career, and his physical abilities had started to fade, as they do for every aging athlete. Despite not having the speed and power he once possessed, Zidane still controlled the game from the middle of the pitch. Every touch on the ball was simple, and filled with beauty and grace. It often times looked like Brazil players where sprinting all about the pitch in pursuit of Zidane, who was just taking a leisurely stroll in the park. He single-handedly ruined the Selecao midfield. Just about every set piece threatened Brazil's net, not to mention the game-winning delivery he provided Thierry Henry early in the second half. I could go on and on about this performance, but you only need to watch the video below to see for yourself.
Though that performance against Brazil was arguably the masterpiece of his career (which is really saying something when taking into account he scored the first two goals of the 1998 World Cup Final), Zidane's performance at the 2006 World Cup will always be remembered primarily for the head-butt he gave Marco Materazzi in the final. After scoring one of the cheekiest chip penalties in history (seriously, he had the ONIONS to hit a CHIP PENALTY in a WORLD CUP FINAL), he was sent off notoriously in extra time for his conduct, and France later lost the trophy in penalties. Had he not put his head into Materazzi's chest, his place in history is forever changed, regardless of the final result. Combined with all that happened before it, Zidane's 2006 World Cup provided every emotion you can think of when the tournament comes to mind. You had the suspense, when France not making it out of the group was a real possibility. You had the jaw-dropping amazement induced by his performance against Brazil, the likes of which people will never forget, in addition to the underdog upsetting the perennial favorite. Lastly, you had the heartbreak, and the forever lingering "what-ifs?" caused by his actions in the final against Italy, as Zidane left the game in shame, instead of victory.
In my mind, he's still the greatest player of all time, despite the popular notions people have about Pele and Maradona. While all the club accolades are great, what he meant to France is the proving point. His leadership, skill, and ability to inspire those around him is evident from the contrast in how bad France tanked in 2002 without him (as defending champions, with a squad full of talent), and how he led France to the World Cup Final in the two tournaments he was healthy, at the bookends of his career, winning the one on home soil. But it will always be the performance in 2006 that makes me think about the World Cup more than any other, especially that incredible night in Frankfurt.
Kyle: I agree with my colleagues' selections. I agree with Garrett about Zizou being the best individual performance I remember watching in a World Cup. To me, Zidane's penalty kick was the most memorable World Cup goal I've seen live on television. Maxi Rodriguez's goal against Mexico was fantastic and was devastating as it came in injury time against one of my favorite teams. There is no way I can argue with Tito's selection of what many believe is the best goal ever scored.
Since my colleagues have done such a fine job detailing some of my favorite World Cup moments, I'm going to go off-script. The thing I remember most about watching the World Cups is the Brazil airport commercial for World Cup 1998. Yes, a commercial. I know I've linked to the commercial before, but I have the pulpit so it's time to discuss in detail.
I was amazed by the players' joy generated by messing around with the soccer ball. It was the first time I remembered thinking that kicking a soccer ball can be fun in itself. Soccer shouldn't be all about hard work and tough tackling. Look, the Brazilians have fun playing soccer in an airport after their flight is delayed! It was then I realized that soccer should be fun and not a chore. It's about enjoying either playing or watching the beautiful game.
Also, I loved the music. If you don't like Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66, then don't talk to me. Finally, I want to give a shout out to my mom who had a Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 album in the house growing up (I'll be claiming it next time I'm in town). The album was a sign from a higher power that the Brazil World Cup commercial was going to have an unnaturally large impact on my life.
In sum, have fun playing and watching soccer. Then drink a caipirinha and listen to the sweet sounds of Sergio. Obrigado, Brasil.
Tito: Note: listen to this song as you're reading my section: Rodrigo - La Mano de Dios... You're know you're a badass when you have a song dedicated to you...
Although
I was born in 1985, I have seen so many games that they tally to before I was
born. One of my hobbies is to look at old videos and games to see the
progression of games. So going through my mental catalog of all the World Cup
games that I have seen, one game really stands above the rest. One individual
that shows his influence over a game. One individual that embodies leadership,
skill, and natural ability. This game has been in the record books as one of
the best displays of an individual, and furthermore, has more controversy
than a "Jersey Shore Episode."
At the
tender age of 25, Diego Armando Maradona (captain of Argentina) influenced the
1986 World Cup more than any other person, in any World Cup I dare to say. The
manner in which Fernando describes Zidane in the '98 WC is the same way that
Maradona influenced the '86 WC. Furthermore, Zidane's controversy occurred 8 years later, Maradona was not only larger than life leading Argentina to their
second title, but this was the first sighting of "the hand of God."
The game that I most remember, and I'm sure for that matter so does anyone watching that WC will remember, is how this diminutive 5'5" legend of the game destroyed the entire country of England in 2 plays. Check em out! "La Mano de Dios (the Hand of God)" is seen by many as cheating; I'll assume those are just the British. Mostly everyone else, sees that as genius. Looking at the video, you can hear the announcer say that England had done a good job in keeping Maradona contained, and the moment those words left the announcers lips, Maradona's change of pace killed 3 defenders, and with his pass (that luckily came back to him considering the defender popped it in the air) ruled out another 3, leaving him to jump and put his fist into the ball... which then goes into the goal. Marvelous! That takes creativity and some large confidence to pull a maneuver like that in the World Cup.
Although
"the Hand of God" is a great goal, I think the better goal is the
second of that game. When receiving the ball he knows exactly where he wants to
go, but leads the lead defender with his body to fake like he will do something
else. That sets him up to have an open run down field. From the moment the ball
touches his feet, it takes him just under 10 seconds to get the ball into the
back of the net. His ball control on a full sprint is incredible. As a kid, the
impression that Maradona had on the field stayed with me. Not many people have
the impact that Maradona has had on an national team, and that is why the likes
of Pele with Brazil, Zidane with France, and even Beckenbauer for Germany has
left a resounding impact on the game. These types of legends will never be
forgotten. I hope that for this year's WC, we can talk about a player's impact
on a team the way that so few have done in the past.
Fernando: I'm going to go ahead and list two games because of the stark contrast that they have regarding my memories of the World Cup.
The first is the France v. Brazil final in the 1998 World Cup. Although I'm a heavy supporter of El Tri, I am proud to be of French heritage and therefore, was excited when Zidane and Co. got to showcase their skills against the all powerful Brazil. The anticipation for this game was beyond belief as this was the first World Cup that I was able to watch in its entirety. The game featured two great styles of play, including a game for the ages by Zidane. He had previously been labeled as a choke artist in his biggest games with Juventus in the Champions League, but he would remove that label once and for all with his performance throughout the World Cup and the Final. However, what stands out the most from this game, is that I was able to tell before the game started that France was going to take the match. This right here is the reason why. Seeing the energy in the crowd made me believe that there was no way that France was going to lose the game. The resulting 3-0 scoreline proved me right. Thank you Zidane.
The second game that comes to mind is one that caused me so much pain. As a lifelong fan of El Tri, watching Mexico step up in the biggest competitions only to lose has been a lifetime of suffering. There is a saying when it comes to the Mexican National Team in big games: "Jugamos como nunca, y perdimos como siempre!" (Translation - We played like never before, and we lost like always!) The 2nd round game between Mexico and Argentina in the 2006 World Cup in Germany was a good example of that. The game went into extra time and Argentina won the game with a score of 2-1. This game made me experience a range of emotions. Starting with an excitement that this would be the first time I witnessed Mexico qualify to the quarterfinals, to a "we got this" feeling, followed by anxiousness as El Tri went into extra time, and finishing with complete disbelief at the game I was seeing. This moment right here caused me the most pain. At the time I was in a state of shock. I couldn't believe what I was watching and when the game ended I remember walking around the streets of Brussels wondering if I had really just finished watching that game.
I look back at these games now and realize that it displays both the beauty of football, and the agony of it as well. One second you're in a state of euphoria, while all the while expecting the worst. Simply put, its like striking the ball perfect and away from the keeper, only to see it go off the post.
We hope you enjoyed this week's post, and stay tuned for another edition of Off The Post!
