This morning, U.S. soccer fans are again wearing their rose-colored glasses and celebrating the home team’s necessary 1-0 win over Jamaica last night at Crew Stadium. &nbsp;With the win, the Yanks sit atop Group A and control their destiny in qualifying for the Hexagonal, the next step on the road to Brazil 2014. &nbsp;Unlike Friday’s result, Jurgen Klinnsman’s tactics seemed to work and the U.S. controlled the tempo for most of the game, looking every bit like a top 30 team internationally (according to FIFA) and playing as many fans have come to expect the U.S. to play against a Caribbean nation.
However, not all is well with the U.S. &nbsp;Beneath the smiles and victory celebrations, last night’s win contained elements that were disturbing and showed that the U.S., even if it controls its own qualifying fate, still has a ways to go before it can be in the same class as Mexico. &nbsp;Some of the flaws can be fixed, while others remain long term projects. &nbsp;Agree or disagree? Sound off in the comments section below:
Despite not allowing a goal, the backline is still a question mark for 2014
Setting aside the (hopefully) ageless Tim Howard, the two best defenders for the U.S. were Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo, both age 33. &nbsp;For all the talk of the need for young defenders to begin taking their places, both have revealed themselves in this match and Friday’s to be irreplaceable right now. &nbsp;Bocanegra was masterful in organizing the defense and serving as an on-the-field leader, while Cherundolo was excellent on the right flank. &nbsp;Geoff Cameron looks like he could be the answer at one center back spot, but he is still rounding into international form (as heard by Tim Howard explaining&nbsp;profanely&nbsp;what to do when he got the ball in the U.S. box) and will be 29 by the time Brazil rolls around. &nbsp;The youngster, Fabian Johnson, showed some pace up the left and played pretty well, but not dominant enough to make U.S. fans put this down as a strength. &nbsp;The Jamaica match showed again that it will be at least another few years before we can feel confident about who our starting back four will be in 2014 (and yes, the timeline is ironically intended).
Without the big names, the U.S. lacks playmakers right now
No Landon Donovan meant the U.S. was relying on players like Jose Torres and Graham Zusi to make plays from the midfield and create scoring chances for this team. &nbsp;Last night, it worked pretty well and I suspect both will be critical players in the future for this team. &nbsp;However, it is the loss of Michael Bradley that has shown the weakness in the U.S. midfield. &nbsp;Faced with the need for the team to control the run of play in the middle, Klinsmann seemed to have found a viable option with Danny Williams but when he needed to preserve the lead, had to turn again to inconsistent Maurice Edu. &nbsp;Jamaica took advantage of&nbsp;shaky&nbsp;U.S. play in the second half to threaten and try to deny the U.S. a full three points. &nbsp;Even Clint Dempsey, who looked a little rusty but effective, showed that even when not at 100% he needs to be on the pitch for the U.S. to play well. &nbsp;Being so dependent on a handful of players with internationally unproven backups could cause heartburn down the road for the U.S.
The Klinsmann favorites are not performing
We like to mock those players that inexplicably receive playing time even though they continue to play somewhat poorly, and last night it was the same song-and-dance for three players we know Klinsmann sees as the future stars of his squad. &nbsp;Brek Shea came on in the second half to provide a change of pace on the wings, but failed to really make any mark on the game. &nbsp;He’s very young but between his poor club play and&nbsp;inconsistent&nbsp;international play, he’s yet to show why he should be guaranteed a spot on this squad. &nbsp;Jermaine Jones, who obviously is seen by Klinsmann as a leader, was not given a yellow in this match but serving as a central midfielder was lackluster. &nbsp;Danny Williams in the back should have allowed him to be more of a distributor, but he too often failed to connect passes and reverted to his poor defensive form with questionable tackles. &nbsp;Maurice Edu was another second half sub that was supposed to provide a defensive presence in the midfield but, again, made poor passes and was the perfect example of how the U.S. was not able to get a cushion goal but instead allowed Jamaica to make some late runs.
This team cannot put games away
Eight shots total in this match and domination in the first half, but only one goal. &nbsp;At no point in this match did you feel as a fan that the U.S. had this match; I was dreading the late goal on a counter that I could see happening in my mind. &nbsp;Even with a raucous crowd and pristine pitch, the U.S. could not dominate this match where it mattered – on the scoreboard. &nbsp;Looking at some of the other results on the night (Panama 2/Canada 0 for example) you see the better teams asserting their will on their opponents. &nbsp;The U.S. cannot be in the same conversation as a Mexico without dominating a decent-to-good CONCACAF team at home in a must win game.

The Warning Signs in a Big Win for U.S. National Team - World Soccer Talk

The Warning Signs in a Big Win for U.S. National Team

<div id="attachment_10779" style="width: 260px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div>Former AS Roma manager Luciano Spalletti has long been linked with Zenit St. Petersburg.</div>
In partnership with <a href="http:\/\/www.russianfootballnow.com">Russian Football Now</a>, EPL Talk presents the second episode of RNF’s podcast.
An active week in papers sees former AS Roma manager Luciano Spalletti take an additional step toward the long-rumored more to Zenit. Meanwhile, Roman Pavlyuchenko gets priced out of his move to St. Petersburg, instead staying in London. While this was happening, the Russian National Team was gathering in St. Petersburg in anticipation of the week’s World Cup qualifiers, for which they look to be without Yuri Zhirkov, Denis Kolodin, and Andrei Arshavin (at least for the first match).
Russian Football Now’s podcast discusses all the plus runs down the Premier League table for you in this, their second full-length podcast.

Russian Football Now Podcast: Spalletti, Pavlyuchenko, and WCQ Preview - World Soccer Talk

Russian Football Now Podcast: Spalletti, Pavlyuchenko, and WCQ Preview

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
“Capello was exactly what we needed!” —Frank Lampard
“He is one of those managers in that handful around the world who are the best!” —Steven Gerrard
“He’s given the players confidence and the team a huge amount of respect!” —David Beckham
“Who knew?” —Steve McClaren
Okay, so I made up that last one. And I may have injected some exclamation points just in case anybody wants to&nbsp; commission me to design the film poster for “Gafferissimo: The Fabio Capello Story.” But the fact remains: England’s top dogs are raving to no end about their current manager. 

Now, of course the England players are going to sing the praise. They’ve got to. It’s a public relations responsibility, right?&nbsp; It’s the same reason you don’t look to your favorite club’s homepage for the hard, breaking news. And you don’t go to the cigarette manufacturer for health tips on taking care of your lungs. Public relations diplomacy wins out over the hard facts.
 But dutiful kudos aside, the Capello effect has been undeniably remarkable. We can believe Stevie, Lamps and Becks because their words ride atop England’s persistent, shining results. 

With Saturday’s victory over Kazakhstan, England have enjoyed six straight wins. They are top of their World Cup qualifying group.They’ve leapfrogged Argentina in FIFA’s world rankings. Not that any of this should be too surprising. In their current form, England should be considered favorites in their group and qualification should theoretically be assured… but the Three Lions failed to make it into last summer’s Euro despite seven wins during qualifying… 
We cannot take anything for granted.
McClaren had essentially the same talent at his disposal when his England couldn’t find the goals in pivotal fixtures against Macedonia and Israel. It is not as though new brilliant players have become English (Almunia pending) since Croatia beat them twice in the run-up to Euro 08. Some injuries and suspensions plagued McClaren’s selection pool on his way out the door, but Capello has had his own swarm of nagging injuries with Carrick, James, Jagielka, Downing, Ferdinand and Lennon all among the infirm. And despite such handicaps he’s still getting the results.
The major difference is Capello has figured out how to arrange the pieces in the complex puzzle that is the England team. The diatribe for ages has been that Gerrard and Lampard cannot fit into the same lineup. England’s best two midfielders played too much alike, said critics. But Capello has found a way to play them together without any tactical redundancies. And he’s made room for Gareth Barry as well. With Barry and Lampard in the center of proceedings, Gerrard is allowed a freer attacking role, similar to what he’s been enjoying at Liverpool. For England, Gerrard might drift between left and middle, looking for opportunities and keeping defenders guessing, while Barry holds up the ball and Lampard dictates play. This is a generalized description of their chemistry, but the important thing is Capello’s established that chemistry with a brilliant midfield trio and the rest of the side can thrive around that strength and quality.
With six qualifying matches in the bag and a seven point lead over Croatia (who they’ve already beaten once), England are looking strong. And the above comments from the England players underline the confidence and resolve that Capello has injected into the side who were forced to watch Euro 08 from their couches.
When McClaren popped up at a league or cup match to watch the England players in action with their clubs, it seemed a bit routine. Maybe even more so because he wasn’t able to use his field studies to mold England into a dominant qualifying force. But when Capello materializes in the stands and casts his stoic gaze on the action, it feels like real plans are cooking behind those thick-rimmed glasses. The man’s going to come to the next England practice and use what he’s learned to fine-tune the already deadly machine. 
He makes England’s future more exciting than it has been in a while. If he can keep spirits and form soaring when England come up against tougher sides than Kazakhstan and Andorra, his work with the team could be long and fruitful. 

The big dogs can keep raving. As long as the results continue, we’ll believe every word.

Fabio Capello's England FC - World Soccer Talk

Fabio Capello's England FC

<a rel="attachment wp-att-334" href="http:\/\/www.serieatalk.com/countdown-to-italy-vs-georgia/331/stadio-friuli-udine-italy-v-georgia-wc2010-qualifying/" title="Stadio Friuli Udine-Italy-v-Georgia-WC2010 Qualifying"></a><div><figure class="image"><a rel="attachment wp-att-334" href="http:\/\/www.serieatalk.com/countdown-to-italy-vs-georgia/331/stadio-friuli-udine-italy-v-georgia-wc2010-qualifying/" title="Stadio Friuli Udine-Italy-v-Georgia-WC2010 Qualifying"></a></figure></div>
<h4></h4>
Thank you Mr. De Rossi for your two goals against Hector Cuper’s Georgia and what goals they were.&nbsp; With a cannon&nbsp;shot in the 16th minute,&nbsp;coming from over 25 yards out, <a href="http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniele_De_Rossi">Daniele De Rossi</a>&nbsp;would provide Italy&nbsp;the match winner.&nbsp; No chance for the Georgian keeper as De Rossi’s kick from straight out was rising and curved into the upper right-hand corner.
De Rossi went on to&nbsp;add a second goal&nbsp;in the final moments&nbsp;closing this one&nbsp;down&nbsp;for the Azzurri.&nbsp; Aquilani went close on two occasions of his own and&nbsp;the big difference for the Azzurri was the forced switch to a Roma midfield (exception Pirlo).&nbsp; It was a breath of fresh air with De Rossi and <a href="http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Aquilani">Alberto Aquilani</a> on at the same time&nbsp;now if Lippi would only add <a href="http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simone_Perrotta">Simone Perrotta</a> to that mix.&nbsp;&nbsp;For too long&nbsp;have Azzurri coaching stuck to&nbsp;the favored AC Milan midfield of Pirlo,&nbsp;Gattuso etc.&nbsp; If it takes a Gattuso injury to see the light so be it.&nbsp; Love the emotion and commitment&nbsp;of Gennaro Gattuso but the man can’t play&nbsp;the total 90 anymore.&nbsp;
Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie would make the starting XI after surviving a late injury scare.&nbsp;Legrottaglie&nbsp;played the entire 90 minutes while Andrea Pirlo, Antonio Di Natale and Luca Toni&nbsp;all made way for second half substitutes.&nbsp; The back four were still finding their places in this one and&nbsp;Georgian&nbsp;midfielder Levan Kenia really should’ve levelled 1 – 1&nbsp;but he stumbled when he had a chance to tap in from six yards out.
<h4>Match Highlights</h4>
[display_podcast]
<h4>Starting XI</h4>
Italy: Buffon; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Legrottaglie, Dossena; Pirlo (Palombo 46), De Rossi, Aquilani; Camoranesi, Toni (Iaquinta 70), Di Natale (Del Piero 56)
Georgia: Loria; Lobjanidze, Salukvadze, Kaladze, Eliava (Kvaskvhvadze 46); Kenia, Khmaladze, Kobiashvili, Menteshashvili (Odikadze 68); Iashvili, Mchelidze (Siradze 54)

Italy 2 - 0 Georgia Highlights - World Soccer Talk

Italy 2 – 0 Georgia Highlights

<a rel="attachment wp-att-311" href="http:\/\/www.serieatalk.com/cyprus-1-1-italy-halftime-highlights/309/italia-national-football-team-crest/" title="Italia National Football Team Crest"></a><div><figure class="image"><a rel="attachment wp-att-311" href="http:\/\/www.serieatalk.com/cyprus-1-1-italy-halftime-highlights/309/italia-national-football-team-crest/" title="Italia National Football Team Crest"></a></figure></div>Despite&nbsp;an early lead&nbsp;off a well struck&nbsp;ball by&nbsp;Di Natale&nbsp;into the bottom left-hand corner&nbsp;of the islander’s goal, Cyprus with their attacking play,&nbsp;equalized in the 29th minute off the foot of&nbsp;Aloneftis.
Italy have been the victim of poor defending however no blame can be given to Gigi Buffon the Italian keeper, as Cyprus kept pushing and eventually dominated the back four of Italy with a well deserved goal.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Manager Lippi was forced to make two substitutions early on&nbsp;(a possible excuse for their disorganized state) so that will limit&nbsp;options for the second 45.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gamberini(4′) and Gross (18′)&nbsp;are the players who made way for substitutes&nbsp;Barzaghi&nbsp;and Cassetti. &nbsp;Alessandro Del Piero did not start for the Azzurri because of pre-match injury concerns. Manager Lippi has decided to play a two prong attack with <a href="http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luca_Toni">Luca Toni</a> and <a href="http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Gilardino">Alberto Gilardino</a> up front, supported by <a href="http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Di_Natale">Antonio Di Natale</a> and <a href="http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauro_Camoranesi">Mauro Camoranesi</a> on the flanks.
Head to Head Meetings between these two have seen Italy win 5, and draw 1 with 17 goals for and 2 goals against.
For game stats see below, and remember the 2nd half coverage&nbsp;is viewable LIVE&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http:\/\/www.sportsxchange.tv/">SportsXchange[dot]com</a>&nbsp;for FREE.
Starting XI &nbsp;for&nbsp;Italy – Buffon, Zambrotta, Gamberini, Cannavaro, Grosso, Camoranesi, DeRossi,&nbsp;Pirlo, Gilardino, Di Natale, Toni
NEWSFLASH – <a href="http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gennaro_Gattuso">Gennaro Gattuso</a> brought on for Luca Toni at&nbsp;the start of the&nbsp;second half, Lippi has no more substitutions, looks like the manager feels some holes have to be plugged.
<h4>Late Update</h4>
ITALY WIN 2 – 1 in the dying moments literally off the last touch of the ball&nbsp;Gilardino backheels the ball to Camoranesi who chips it over the final defender for Di Natale to score the winner and his second goal of the match.&nbsp; This was the most entertaining play of the entire 90 minutes&nbsp;for the Azzurri in my opinion. Marcello Lippi&nbsp;was probably pleasantly pleased with the late recovery but he definitely kept that to himself as&nbsp;the rest of the bench&nbsp;celebrated the late winner by&nbsp;Di Natale.&nbsp;
<a rel="attachment wp-att-312" href="http:\/\/www.serieatalk.com/cyprus-1-1-italy-halftime-highlights/309/312/" title="cyprus-v-italy-fulltimestats.jpg"></a><div><figure class="image"><a rel="attachment wp-att-312" href="http:\/\/www.serieatalk.com/cyprus-1-1-italy-halftime-highlights/309/312/" title="cyprus-v-italy-fulltimestats.jpg"><img src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20080906_WST_64018_cyprus-v-italy-fulltimestats.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=310" alt="cyprus-v-italy-fulltimestats.jpg"></a></figure></div>

ALL POSTS TAGGED "world cup qualifying" - Page 3

Leagues: MLS

The Warning Signs in a Big Win for U.S. National Team

General

Russian Football Now Podcast: Spalletti, Pavlyuchenko, and WCQ Preview

General

Fabio Capello's England FC

Alberto Aquilani

Italy 2 – 0 Georgia Highlights

Antonio Di Natale

Cyprus 1 – 1 Italy, Halftime Highlights