First 4 Games

  So Groups A & B have had their first 2 games. Lets look at them


USA vs Columbia-  The U.S. lost the opening game 2-0. This is about the worst result we could get and very disappointing. It is not however the end of the world. In my opinion the U.S. looked very good. They played very well and yet they lost. How does this happen? First the horrible mistake on the corner kick. Geoff Cameron lost his mark and left him wide open at the penalty spot. You just can't do that. I said that our defense was capable, but that they also made mistakes. This was the mistake and it is not acceptable. The Second goal was the PK that resulted from the really harsh call on Yeldin. These things happen, but is still stings. It is one of the frustrating aspects of soccer that luck is so obviously a part of the game, and that goal was lucky. It also allowed the Colombians to pack in on defense and make it virtually impossible for the U.S. to score. Once the game was 2-0, it was a good bet that it would remain 2-0, and it did. Hopefully the USA does not change much in the way they played. I thought it was attractive and interesting and I really feel they had the better of the play, They just need to go out and win the next to games, which they can, but mistakes have to be avoided and they need to make their own luck.

Costa Rica vs Paraguay- This game ended in a 0-0 draw. This is by far the best result for the U.S. It puts our destiny back in our own hands. If we win both games we will advance, and if we win 1 and tie the other...we might advance. The game itself was very boring and later on it got rough. There were fouls galore and Watson, the Costa Rican defender was sent off in stoppage time with a straight red card on a harsh tackle. There is not much to report as defense and lack of imagination were the main points. Neither team looked very good and the U.S. should feel confident that they can get the result that they need on Tuesday.

Brazil vs  Ecuador- This game was disappointing. There were a few flashes of talent here and their. One can see that Brazil has some real play makers on the team, but seldom was the play put together in any meaningful way. It was as if they were waiting around for the game to start. Well the game almost ended for them when late in the second half, a low cross/shot from Ecuador was misplayed at the near post and the ball slipped into the net for what should have been a goal. Instead the Brazilians were saved by a bad call from the linesman who decided that the ball had crossed the end-line before it was struck and as such was out for a goal kick.In soccer, like Hockey, the entire ball must be across the line before the ball is out. You can follow the link to thttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoKpRJ-ggKYhe video and you decide.

Peru vs Haiti- This game went about according to form. Peru was the better team all game and deserved the 1-0 win, but they did not look that enthusiastic. They clearly had a better sense of space and made Haiti work for every possession, but after watching the game, one wonders if either team will be able to secure a point against the other two teams in the group, Ecuador and Brazil. My prediction seems safe at this point.


Today's Games:
Mexico vs Uruguay, and Jamaica vs Venezuela

The Mexico game should be really fun to watch.