2010 World Cup: US qualifies

[Zag 77]

They get criticized for having an inadequate coach and substandard players, but they somehow manage to win when they have to.

Good article discussing how they may be winning ugly, but they do the job.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...sey/index.html

[LongIslandZagFan]

Is there anything sadder than watching Argentina flop like a beached fish under Maradonut... I mean Maradona? It will truly be a tainted WC if Argentina is not there.

[Zag 77]

Won't miss the Argies

1.) The Argentines are world-class whiners and prima donnas;

2.) Bad karma from Maradona getting away with scoring a goal against England with his hand when he was a player.

[LongIslandZagFan]

Read a quote in SI that said:

"Maradona makes Isiah Thomas look like Phil Jackson."

Never has so much talent done so little.

[xjzico]

Hope Casey's play doesn't bode ill for Ching's inclusion in the WC squad. I would assume Bradley will carry four strikers. Right now you'd have to think they are Davies, Donovan, Casey, and Altidor- though both Altidor and Davies have things still to prove in my eyes. There's a little flexibility in that Donovan could be moved back into the midfield and an additional striker included but that really depends on how comfortable Bradley is with the midfield and what he envisions the US tactics to be in South Africa (typing that I would expect him to take four strikers).

[Zag 77]

Davies injured today in bad car wreck

http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/stor...after-accident

[xjzico]

Darn, and a passenger in the car lost their life. Awful news all the way around.

[LongIslandZagFan]

Thoughts on yesterday....

1. Ecuador... could not get the win they desperately needed which opened the door for Maradonut's squad. With my in-laws being from Ecuador, I was a touched bummed on that one.

2. Speaking of Maradona... Argentina... squeaking in with a critical late goal to beat Uruguay 1-0.

3. Costa Rica... went from being IN at 4 minutes and change in extra time to staring at an Uruguay playoff that will be a very very tough challenge.

4. Fans and teammates tribute to Davies was very touching at the 9 minute mark and after the game.

5. Injuries are going to be a major question mark for the US going into the WC.

6. With Gooch's injury, Ching's chances of getting a WC appearance increases.

Will wrap up with a huge Get Well Soon for #9.

[xjzico]

Conor Casey's play against Costa Rica also should help out Ching. Casey looked real slow and awkward.

It was shear joy to watch the US prevent Costa Rica from qualifying- maybe it's all those warm receptions the US receives at Saprissa!

And man I like the games of Torres and Bornstein (even before the goal).