FIFA Confederations Cup

[lickedlollipop]

was pretty surprised about result, but hey, thats football...

and yes, spaniard go home early

[johnly]

Granted, this is MLS (don't let the ****e pitches get in the way), but here's his highlight reel. All of these goals were scored before last summer; He is now 19 years old, so this is all under-18 stuff. He scored a hat trick in WC qualifying this year (again, granted, against Trinidad and Tobago)... He is one of our best hopes for a forward. He record so far:

-Youngest player to score in Major League Soccer Play-offs.
-Youngest American to score in their first international start.
-Youngest American to score in a World Cup Qualifier.
-Youngest American to score a hat trick in World Cup Qualifier.
-First US International to score in Spain's La Liga.

I've seen a LOT of him for Red Bull NY and he was always one of the best on the pitch (take that for what it is worth). He is also a very good person, always has time for the fans (took photos with my friend, signs for the kids, talks with them) and has a good head on his shoulders; well spoken, intelligent, etc.

At this point, he is a prospect and needs to learn the nuances of the position, but the physical ability and mentality is there. Is touch was VERY heavy tonight, but you can see his physical gifts; He just needs a proper coach to train him and he should be very, very good in a few years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=<obje...kim?rel=noskim

Hmm video looks decent, but we'd all look good on youtube Definitely one to keep an eye on that's for sure. How do you think he'd hack in in the UK? Not just the premier league, but maybe the championship? Having time for the fans etc is a good thing, some of our lot over here need to learn that skill

[little dave hedgehog]

Name's Garrett by the way, but I'm short and there was already a spud gun....

[Joe King]

no i've said it for ages. Torres had a relatively poor euro's until villa got injured then he was star man. the fact that they're both exceptional players means they will score goals together but is a good partnership up there with past greats? No. Not even close to rush dalglish, beardo alridge, keegan toshack, even cole yorke!

[little dave hedgehog]

I think he's physical enough to play in the UK. It just seems to me he needs to expand his game beyond trying to find one on one situations and learn to support his midfield players. He might even get a shout somewhere like Stoke, but I think that would be bad for his development. He needs to get into a team that actually plays football

[BrooklynRed]

Hmm video looks decent, but we'd all look good on youtube Definitely one to keep an eye on that's for sure. How do you think he'd hack in in the UK? Not just the premier league, but maybe the championship? Having time for the fans etc is a good thing, some of our lot over here need to learn that skill

He is not ready for the Premier League, but he would do very well in the Championship, I think. Right now, he needs a long run of games; He simply needs to play at a higher level than is available in the US and develop his skills in match situations. Over time, if he gets games, he will become one of our best (whatever that is worth). In 2-3 years, he will be ready. Physically, he'd be fine, but the speed of the game would be too much right now, I think.

Of our side, I am really surprised Landon Donovan has not been given a go in the Premier League. He was not good enough for Bayern, but he would be great for a side like Fulham or West Ham. He has loads of pace and fitness, gives his all for the shirt and, despite his lack of international club ambition (which I will never, EVER understand), could bring something special to a mid-table side. He runs hot and cold, but he is the star of the USA, plays alongside Beckham at the LA Galaxy (why?!?!?) but again... I think he'll look back and ask "what if?" once the California lifestyle seems less important than his professional legacy (which is currently ZERO).

That said, Dempsey looks a steal at £2 million, no?

[JohnDoe]

I think last night's game showed Spain's biggest weakness. They might have two of the best strikers in the world as well as two of the best central midfielders in the world, but without Iniesta they're missing a player who can beat players and open up space, since their attacking midfielders aren't all that. I think they should **** Fabregas off the team and play Iniesta and Mata in midfield at the world cup.

[MrsB]

Thursday, 25 June 2009

Brazil v South Africa, SF, 19:30

[little dave hedgehog]

come on south africa!

hehehe

[-V-]

3-0 or 4-0 to Brazil

[Craig_H]

So much for Brazil -1, they're playing **** and creating nothing.

[JohnDoe]

I don't think I remember a more ordinary Brazilian side than this one. They've got perhaps two outstanding players while the rest are very far from that level.

It says a lot about the Italian side that faced them recently.

Brazil, Italy and France have really deteriorated in the last few years. Shadows of their former selves.

[Skrtelmania]

Absolutley woeful Brazilian side this, commentator has just said they've got Pato and Baptista on the bench....FFS get them on

[fah-q]

How much of a cunt is Lucio?

[Joe King]

How much of a cunt is Lucio?

A massive rat faced one. Never been a fan of his.