At long last, the week of the World Cup opener is upon us. I for one cannot wait to see Bafana Bafana smack down on our southern neighbors in Fridays’ kickoff match; even if my mind tells me that a young and talented Mexico squad has a great chance to win Group A. And on Saturday, the most anticipated match in U.S. soccer history awaits, as the Yanks get a chance to take Rooney and Co. back to 1776. Once again, I seem to be getting a bit ahead of myself, so first let’s discuss recent friendly action.
The U.S. played Australia on Friday in a final tune-up for both squads. The result strongly favored the U.S. as they won 3-1 thanks to two goals from L.A. Galaxy striker Edson Buddle. His opening goal was particularly impressive, presenting his case to start next to Jozy Altidore, who sat out the match with a slight ankle sprain. While the U.S. did look strong, this seemed to be more of a result of the Soccerroo’s ineptitude than it did U.S. brilliance. We all remember the strong, Gus Hiddink led Australia squad that was narrowly edged out of the ‘06 WC by Italy on a late Totti penalty, but this current squad appears nowhere near as strong. In fact, they looked so weak that I wouldn’t consider Group D a group of death, as I don’t see where Australia will be able to pick up any points. The woeful pitch in Roodepoort did not help either squad, but neither did the air, as the altitude appeared to make the controversial Jabulani ball appear magical to multiple U.S. defenders, who saw more than one attempted header miss them completely. Overall, the match was a positive one for the U.S., particularly for Buddle. On the other hand, it was a big negative for Australia and Robbie Findley, who proved with two shocking misses that his speed is the only part of his game that belongs on this level.
In other news, the Chelsea curse is official, as John Obi Mikel’s injury makes it four of Chelsea’s stars (Drogba, Essien, and Ballack are the others) that are now out of the WC via injury. While they all have the consolation of pulling off the double with Chelsea this season, it is of little consequence to many that the star players of four nations all have significant injuries. When one considers that three of them are from African nations for the first ever WC in Africa, the injuries are particularly devastating. The only good news is that Drogba has already had surgery, and there is still a decent chance of his participation. Although there is little hope of him performing at the absolute peak of his powers, I eagerly await the first unfortunate defender he clubs in the head with his new cast. As far as their respective team’s chances, I think that Ghana will be affected the most in the tough Group D, and will be the only one of the affected four nations to not make it out of the group stages. With that being said, the injuries to Ballack and Drogba eliminate whatever slim chance Germany and the Ivory Coast had of winning the entire thing.
The other significant injury thus far has been to one of my least favorite players, the leering Rio Ferdinand. His England team played Monday against local squad Platinum Stars, and was as unimpressive as one can be in a 3-0 win. This could be seen as good or bad news for the U.S., as England’s struggles against such a weak side show some real weaknesses, yet also could be the catalyst that will anger England and encourage them to play their best football on Saturday.
Monday also saw favorite Brazil demolish Tanzania 5-1, with two goals coming from Robinho and Ramires respectively. The good news? These ridiculous friendlies against inferior opposition are almost over, and the real games begin early on Friday. And no, it’s not too early to set your DVR for the 6:30 AM kickoff Friday morning.
For those who haven't seen the highlights of the U.S.A.-Australia match, enjoy and dream about the goals flying in on Saturday.
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