Well, in this case hot...red hot. Red white and blue hot that is!!
Yess!! We did it! Team USA needed a win at home against Jamaica and we managed it beautifully. It wasn't perfect of course, it never is for us. I mean the number of shots that hit the post and the cross bar were ridiculous. The kind of bad luck that the US national team is kind of famous for. Though the final result was only 1-0 the US was definitely the better team throughout and deserved the win. The game winner came off a beautifully crafted free kick in the 56th minute by Hercules Gomez. The Klinsman camp should be so proud of this win, especially since I recently read in the headlines that it could be his fault that the US has been struggling so much. Well I hate whoever started that one!!! I love Jurgen Klinsman, I thought he should have taken the job to be our manager waaaaayyy back in 2006 when he stepped down from the same job for the German team. It took 5 years for the US soccer federation to finally realize what I've been saying for so long but, better late then never I guess. It hasn't been perfect, but he's making a difference. He's experimenting with the team, trying out some new guys. During last night's game I was blown away by newcomer Graham Zusi, who has got his start because of Klinsman. He also understands the importance of Clint Dempsey...I mean Dempsey is not only my favorite player in the entire world (yeesssss!!!!!) he is the backbone of our team and needs to be used as such. Some of my other favorites like Jozy Altidore and Maurice Edu have struggled to find a permanent spot under Klinsman, but they are both strong for their clubs, Altidore in the Netherlands and Edu recently signed for Stoke, that I think they will soon be able to bust their way back in. Well it's pretty clear how big a spot my national team has in my heart. Our next games are must wins, but I am optimistic. Watch out Brazil, the yanks are coming! Also in CONCACAF Mexico won (as always) and they are through to the next round (boooooooo).
Now on to UEFA qualification. There were actually some shockers there! I'll start with the game that I fully watched...90 minutes of my time went to this. I really hope I'm not a bad luck charm but I watched the England Ukraine game and...oh dear. England is lucky actually, that they even managed to scramble a point out of this one, Ukraine was the better side throughout the match, and that was without Shevchenko. I'm actually kind of pissed that England got the point, their goal was off a penalty in the 87th minute. Now I say kind of pissed because as expected, Frank Lampard took this penalty and no matter what colors he has on there is no situation humanly possible on this earth that would have me root for Super Frank to miss a penalty. He did his job, saved the team, he truly is super. Some not so super things for England, with captain Terry out because of injury Steven Gerrard took that role on, he unfortunately received a red card disqualifying him from the next match. Also, I'm not one to point fingers, but if there was a guy who just had a horrible game it would be poor Tom Cleverley, he missed some huge chances not helping at all with the situation.
Another team that drew was my team to watch for, Belgium, but it was to Croatia, one of the teams I already knew would be a threat. I attempted to watch the game online, it was a bit fuzzy and I eventually gave up, but it wasn't before I witnessed the amazing shot from range by Guillaume Gillet to equalize in the 45th minute and get the point for Belgium. Another game that I caught for quite a bit longer was the France Belarus game. Now the French team is one that over the past two years I am really starting to enjoy watching. I guess its true what they say, that when you hit rock bottom there is nowhere to go but up because after the horrific 2010 World Cup, France has improved so much, and I'll say it again I really enjoy watching them. I would rather watch them than Spain honestly, I'll say it I don't care, I'm soooooooo bored with Spain. They beat Georgia by the skin of their teeth with a goal in the 86th. Hugo Lloris made his way to Tottenham a few weeks ago, allowing me to see more of him in the premier league which is good. But my French player to watch and pretty much new favorite would probably be Oliver Giroud, it may take some time for him to settle at Arsenal, but when he does I really think he'll do some great things.
The subject of the French national team actually reminds me why I do like watching international soccer every once in a while. People are always super opinionated with club teams, love some, hate others. This is a way, for me at least, to enjoy watching players who have the unfortunate luck to play for a club team that I hate...and trust me, I hate a lot. Karim Benzema is a perfect example. It's my blog I'll just say it...I hate Real Madrid, maybe more than any other club in the world. When ever I see Benzema play for France, I always forget that he is French, I'm really able to appreciate him in a way that I never would if I were watching a Real Madrid match. The same goes for his teammate Mezut Ozil, I love the German team and think he's a great player, but with Madrid I'm just annoyed by everything. There are lots of other players I love watching play for country because I hate their club, Sergio Aguero or Samir Nasri (what other club could I hate?) However, there are circumstances where I just hate everyone, all the time, (coughhh Man U)
No shockers anywhere else around UEFA, Germany, Italy (yayyyy!!), the Netherlands, and Portugal all won their games and the groups are beginning to look as expected, with the stronger teams at the top of the tables.
As I predicted (because I really am just sooooo smart) CONMEBOL is getting all weird and Colombia is slowly rising to the top. They beat a Chile side 3-1, a Chile side that included Alexis Sanchez. They were no match for Falcao who scored 2!! I surprise myself with my predictions!! Colombia is currently 2nd in the table. Heavy hitters Argentina and Uruguay both drew again, to Peru and Ecuador respectively. This is an interesting group, considering that since Brazil are the hosts, they get an automatic spot, meaning that these teams don't have to deal with them at all in qualifying which is a big plus for them.
Unfortunately just as I was getting into the WC qualifying it has sadly come to an end. Not again until October will we be able to watch our countries battle it out for a spot in the 2014 World Cup. But, no fear, club play has returned to us once again!!! Chelsea plays QPR this weekend, and after what happened last year (I get soooo mad even thinking of it) you know I'll have some thought after that game. But, what I'm most excited for...next week the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RETURNS!!!!!!!! My Chelsea are defending the title against Juventus, am I scared? Umm Yes, if anyone knows how good they are its me, I wrote about them here before the draw even took place! I have faith in Chelsea though! We'll do it!! Cheer your team on no matter who they are!! As always may your days be as beautiful as the game we all love so much!! Ciao!!
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