What Was Cristiano Ronaldo Thinking?

Thank you all for participating in the CR7 Boys Underwear Competition – it's been a real pleasure to see all of your photos.
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) October 22, 2013

To be fair, it has been a few years since Ronaldo played in Manchester so his English is understandably a bit rusty.  That, however, is no excuse for sending out the above tweet to your over 22 million followers.

On Second Thought...Pajtim Kasami with a Worldie

It hadn't been a full 24 hours after my Goal of the Week post before Fulham's Pajtim Kasami struck this thundering volley in a winning effort against Crystal Palace.  Not nearly the full team effort that Wilshere's was, Kasami's finish traveled about 60 yards without touching the ground where it found the side netting.  Wilshere immediately took to twitter to concede the title:

Well there's my 'goal of the month' prize gone!!!! Take a bow! #Player #MNF
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) October 21, 2013

I say not so fast.  While today's goal was truly spectacular, there is also something to be said of the finesse and intricate movement that went into the Wilshere goal.  We should still celebrate nonetheless.  Cheers to yet another world class finish.

Goal of the Week: Jack Wilshere vs. Norwich City

Definitely the best team goal scored in the Barclays Premier League this season, Jack Wilshere's finish against Norwich City was truly sublime.  This is what happens when a team in form strings together a series of pinpoint one-touch passes in dangerous areas on the field.  There is very little the Norwich defenders could have done short of fouling Cazorla, Giroud, or Wilshere.  This goal even prompted Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to claim that it was one of the top 3 goals he has seen in his career with the Gunners.

Here's to this goal and many more like it...

Joga Bonito

The All-NBA Starting XI

Manchester footballers were out in force to watch the Oklahoma City Thunder manage a narrow victory against the Philadelphia 76ers on their European preseason tour last week.  United players Ferdinand, Darren Fletcher, David DeGea, and Adnan Januzaj could be spotted courtside along with their City counterparts Jack Rodwell and Patrick Viera.  Yet another pertinent example of the globalization of sport, it appears that American leagues are looking to bolster their presence in England at the same time that the Barclays Premier League is taking the United States by storm.  In case you missed it, the NFL already held one game at Wembley Stadium this year, with another to follow.

USMNT Preview: A Dress Rehearsal for Those Waiting in the Wings

Perhaps the title is a bit of a hyperbole.  If Jurgen Klinsmann has proven anything, it is that he refuses to take any game lightly.  While I do expect him to rotate the squad a fair amount, I do anticipate that the likes of Landon Donovan and Jozy Altidore remain in the starting lineup.  The USMNT have nothing to gain in the Hex at this point, having already locked up a first place finish, but the opponents from Panama are anything but satisfied with their current standing.  Expect a raucous crowd and a quick start from the home side - probably not that unlike the way Costa Rica flew out of the gates in the US National team's last away match.

More Bollocks From the British Media

In case you missed it...

Goal of the Week: International Break Edition

Saturday's aren't the same without the usual dose of English Premier League football, but the international break can still produce moments of brilliance all the same.  With the euphoria that came with securing 1st place in the Hex for the United States, it was easy to forget that Mexico was in a fight for their lives.  A roller coaster match, you had to say that justice was ultimately served when Mexico stole back the lead late in the match.

Reaction to USMNT vs. Jamaica (Dos a Cero)

United States: 2

Jamaica: 0

Before anything else is said...We won the Hex!  This, by no means, is an easy feat, but, at the end of the day, we did precisely what we needed to do.  I look immediately to our home record: 5-0-0 with 0 goals against.  It has been proven each and every qualifying cycle that the key to success in the Hex is success at home, the foundation upon which the campaign is built.  Yes we did pick up some huge points on the road, including a grueling scoreless draw with Mexico in the vaunted Estadio Azteca, but we also looked totally inferior at times. 

Update: Omar Gonzalez Dropped from US World Cup Qualifier Roster due to Injury

Michael Orozco replaces injured Omar González in US camp ahead of USA-Jamaica.

— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) October 8, 2013

Ironclad center back Omar Gonzalez suffered a hip strain in the LA Galaxy's 5-0 win over their cross-town rivals (can they really be considered rivals at this point?) Chivas USA.  Gonzalez has been a fixture in Klinsmann's preferred starting XI having played in each of the previous 8 World Cup Qualifiers.  His ability to patrol the backline and his presence as an aerial threat will certainly be missed against both Jamaica and Panama.  No coach likes to change up the back four, least of all after there has been some semblance of a partnership between Gonzalez and Besler.

World Cup Qualifiers Squad Selection Special

With a ticket to Brazil 2014 already punched, we can breathe easy ahead of our final two qualifiers.  It appears that FIFA will use their own ranking system to determine the top 8 nations to be seeded in the upcoming 2014 World Cup Draw, and the US would need nothing short of a miracle to be included in those ranks.  From the standpoint of directly impacting our placement in the World Cup, these next two fixtures mean nothing.  Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann's squad selection, however, proves that this will be business as usual for the Von Trapps.  I would like nothing more than to see our beloved team roll into Brazil with a head of steam with two more victories to their credit.  This could also be a great chance for some of our fringe players, namely Aron Johannsson, to get a run with the starting XI.

I Remember Charlie Davies

On August 12, 2009 the U.S. Men's National team faced their biggest test in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup: El Tri and a capacity crowd at the Azteca in Mexico City.  Though Honduras and Costa Rica have emerged as bonafide CONCACAF foes in recent years (especially the away fixtures), Mexico has always been the United States' premier rival.  The U.S. was in decent shape in the formidable Hexagonal qualifying format with 10 points through 5 matches, but an away win in Mexico would go a long way in realizing the next step.  Restoring confidence after a 5-0 loss at the hands of the same Mexican squad in the Gold Cup just about two weeks prior was also a must.

The match, one which would prove to become an instant classic with wire to wire action, took a turn in the American's favor just minutes in when striker Charlie Davies outraced the Mexican defense and ended the move with a cool finish past the goalkeeper Ochoa.  The goal seemingly came from nowhere, highlighting Davies' dynamism on the counter-attack, a role that was invaluable on a Bob Bradley coached U.S. team that prided itself on disciplined defending.  Though the U.S. would go on to lose the match on a late strike from El Tri, Davies remained one of the lone bright spots on an American squad that had just dropped two straight to its fiercest rival.  It was clear then that Davies had solidified his role in the U.S. attack heading into their World Cup campaign in South Africa.  Unbeknownst to all of us, this would be Davies' last goal in a U.S. jersey.

Before entering into the professional ranks, Davies attended Boston College, but left after 3 years as he was set to be a high pick in the MLS Superdraft.  Ultimately, Davies would turn down a Generation Adidas contract offer, and instead signed with Swedish club Hammarby IF in December 2006.  It wouldn't be until 2008, however, when Davies' impact would truly be felt.  That season he broke out scoring 14 goals in 27 matches, and attracted attention from some bigger clubs in Europe.  Davies would return to Hammarby in 2009 where a lively start (4 goals in 9 matches) would see him purchased by French Ligue 1 side Sochaux.  Such a move would provide Davies with an opportunity to get first team experience in one of Europe's top leagues, important not only for Davies' personal development, but also for deepening the talent pool of Bob Bradley's World Cup Qualifying squad.  With a brace in only his second match with the French side, it seemed as though Davies was destined for even more upward mobility.

Success abroad seemed to translate well for Davies when he would return stateside to compete with the rest of the U.S. Men's National team.  With 17 caps for the senior side, he had contributed 4 goals and added 3 assists.  South Africa was set to be Davies' coming out party to the world of futbol.

The setback suffered in the qualifying match against Mexico was quickly corrected as the American side rebounded with 3 straight wins in the group, clinching a birth in the World Cup in the process.  The pressure was certainly off heading in the the final fixture in the Hexagonal against Costa Rica, but victory was still imperative as a means to propel the team towards what would be a formidable draw in the World Cup.

Two nights ahead of the October 14th tie, Davies decided to forsake the player curfew and head out for a night on the town.  Most (or all) of that night involved a K Street club in Washington D.C. named Shadow Room.  After several drinks, Davies got in a car with his friend Maria Alejandra Espinoza behind the wheel, and University of Marlyand graduate Ashley Roberta - a car that would eventually veer off the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington, VA.  Roberta would die at the scene while the other two occupants would be lucky enough to escape with their lives.  In the wee hours of the morning Davies would undergo a surgery for what would be deemed non-life threatening injuries.

The United States would go on to tie Costa Rica 2-2 the following night, paving the way for what would be a largely disappointing showing in the 2010 World Cup save for Landon Donovan's last second heroics.  Any major loss can leave one thinking about the rhetorical what if? question.  What if Davies had made the right decision...what if things had been different?  I would like to believe that Davies, with his propensity for creating chances against the run of play, could have been a valuable asset in South Africa, perhaps even valuable enough to propel the squad past foes Ghana.

Whatever the case, Davies faced a lengthy rehab and break from the game.  I know there are those of us that were prepared to hold out for a dramatic return to glory for the promising young striker.  I was certainly among those ranks even after Davies made a return stateside to play for D.C. United and now the New England Revolution. During this new Klinsmann regime, one which proposes to change the paradigm to a more attractive, attacking brand of soccer, the squad lacks quality and depth on the left wing.  Like the elegant phoenix that he is (be sure to see this lovely mop of hair), Brek Shea came and went.  There is still time of course, but only Fabian Johnson has played the role with any kind of consistency.  I was thoroughly impressed with Johnson's poise over the last few qualifiers, but he may be more valuable to the U.S. team as a left back.  Though Klinsmann may not agree, I see great promise for Davies in just such a role.  As is typically the case in this game that we love, when one makes a critical error, it often leads to grave consequences.  In a few years time most of us will forget Charlie Davies, but I remember.

Weekly WAGs Matchup: AC Milan vs. Juventus

TGIF...Here's your Weekly WAGs Matchup (patent pending) between AC Milan and Juventus.  In reality, these two Italian heavyweights face off this Sunday, October 6th.  Plenty of talent below, but I still see this finishing as a low scoring affair:
(Note: Lineups are taken from each teams previous game)

Juventus (vs. Galatassaray)

Gianluigi Buffon

(Alena Seredova)

Giorgio Chiellini

(Carolina Bonistalli)

Andrea Barzagli

(Maddalena Nullo)

Leonardo Bonucci

(Martina Maccari)

Paul Pogba

(N/A)

Andrea Pirlo

(Deborah Roversi)

Kwadwo Asamoah

(Abena Asamoah)

Arturo Vidal

(Maria Teresa Matus)

Stephan Lichtsteiner

(Manuela Markworth Naomi Lichtsteiner)

Mirko Vucinic

(Stefania Scoditti)

Carlos Tevez

(Vanessa Tevez)

AC Milan (vs. Ajax)

Christian Abbiati

(Stefania Abbiati)

Philippe Mexes

(Carla Mexes)

Christian Zapata

(N/A)

Ignazio Abate

(Valentina Abate)

Kevin Constant

(N/A)

Sulley Muntari

(Menaye Donkor)

Andrea Poli

(N/A)

Nigel de Jong

(Winona de Jong)

Robinho

(Vivian Guglielmetti)

Ricardo Montolivo

(Cristina de Pin)

Mario Balotelli

(Fanny Neguesha)

Usually I don't like to see guys listed as N/A, but upon further review those guys are the ones doing it right.  Instead of my typical Friday night date with my Netflix account, these eligible bachelors will have first choice at Italy's finest single (or not-so-single, but definitely willing) women.  With that in mind, I think AC Milan takes this one in extra time.  I see Fanny Neguesha netting the winner only to rip off her jersey to reveal a "Why Always Mario" inscription.

P.S. How about Robinho's wedding photo - what a clown.

Let us know your thoughts!

House Hunters: Summer Transfer Window Edition

With the globalization of sport and the injection of big money into today's soccer clubs, enormous transfer fees and outrages wages are plenty reason for players to uproot and take their talents elsewhere.  What the news outlets tend to overlook is that these players must then face very real world challenges when completing these moves (perfect fodder for a reality tv show if I do say so myself).  Take for instance the issue of finding a home.

Just this summer the young, Welsh winger Gareth Bale moved from the North London side Tottenham to the Galacticos of Real Madrid for a world record transfer fee somehwere in the vicinity of $132 million.  The Madrid faithful welcomed Bale with open arms, but the Welshman had other fish to fry, namely finding a brand new MTV Cribs-style mansion.

Here is where it gets interesting.  Ultimately, Bale set his sights on former Real Madrid superstar Mesut Ozil's vacant house as the young German maestro was departing Madrid and on his way to North London to play for Tottenham's bitter rivals, Arsenal.

Ozil, who left Madrid amid uglier rhetoric, would ultimately get the last laugh as he is rumored to be moving into the house pictured below:

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how the game is played.

It's Zlatan's Birthday Today - Time to Dominate

World soccer aficionados know him as one of the most dominant strikers on the planet.  His habit for dominating opposing defenders/goalkeepers has earned him his own word in the Swedish dictionary, which literally means "to dominate".  Today we celebrate the birthday of Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Paris Saint-Germain.  Please go out and dominate accordingly.

Assist of the Week: Angel Di Maria

Sure, Angel Di Maria's name was thrown around quite a bit over the summer as part of the transfer whirlwind that perpetually surrounds Real Madrid.  Di Maria must have felt some pressure with the arrival of superstar Gareth Bale who presumably occupies the same tactical position on the field.  Despite all this, the Argentinian winger decided to stick it out at the Santiago Bernabeu determined to keep his place in the side.

This week, Di Maria was rewarded with some solid playing time in Madrid's Champions League clash with Copenhagen.  Streaking down the right side of the pitch, Di Maria produced a flash of brilliance with a clever rabona cross to Cristiano Ronaldo.  Winning the award this week by a landslide, here is Angel Di Maria's world class assist:

American Invasion of the London Tube

Hopefully the majority of us remember the four young, British gents that would change the music industry forever.  Now, however, it is becoming much clearer that the flow of cultural capital is heading in the opposite direction.  This time, Americans have taken over key stops on the London Tube system.

Before you freak out, please keep calm and carry on - this is merely part of the 150th anniversary of England's Football Association.  The likes of Brad Friedel, Tim Howard, and Clint Dempsey all have designated stops named after them on this celebratory tube map.

Introducing America's Top DJ

Like most DJ's, this individual plies his trade in Europe. His sounds vibrate up and down the fjords of Norway.  The man I am referring to, of course, is none other than the legendary Mix Diskerud:

For those of you keeping up with the USMNT you know Mix as the silky central midfielder that contributed in the latest CONCACAF Gold Cup title.  Mix also came in off the bench in the last World Cup Qualifier to provide the assist on the 2nd goal against Mexico that sealed a trip to Brazil in 2014.

The Pivote Initiative

If you are reading this then it means that you probably didn't mean to be here at all.  Rather than return to the chasm that is the interweb, however, I suggest you keep on reading and return from time to time to keep up with all that matters in the world of soccer.

If you are still reading this then you are probably wondering what a pivote (pi·vo·te) is.  Simply put, a pivote is a term for a more defensive-minded central midfielder.  Though the position can be played with power or finesse (and, at times of brilliance, both), players are less flashy than their attack-minded colleagues, and often understated in stature.  There is a saying in soccer (and if there isn't, there is now) that behind every great maestro, every great number 10, there is a great defensive central midfielder.  Think Claude Makalele as the man behind Zinadine Zidane.  They enable and facilitate the creative portion of the game - often lauded by pundits for its artistic form - by taking care of the dirty work.

If you are going to finish reading this then I bet (more than once) you were tempted to open a new tab (let's be real - you were going to close out of this tab) and read something else (I am right there with you).  Keep reading and we will continue to provide you with all you need to know about world soccer (and probably a lot you don't).  In the nature of a true pivote, this blog will never be flashy (or interesting), and will probably (definitely) be understated.