Viva España!

So the Spaniards were able to handle Germany...and rather easily. It was very one-sided for a 1-0 result. Regardless, the best team won and the long list of Spanish players added to the "Team of Euro '08" shows how strong the full side was throughout the tournament. All that's fine and good...but until you've watched the goal that won it, from every possible angle (well, I haven't found, "bird's eye view" just yet), you just haven't actually seen it yet.


A picture of the team I found weeks after the tournament.
Nice to see the tribute shirt that Sergio Ramos is wearing... "Siempre con nosotros," always with us. [sorry, didn't mention, that's Antonio Puerto in case you aren't a Spain or La Liga/Sevilla fan.]

Really?!?!

Evidently the U.S. Men's national soccer team has jumped up seven positions to number 21 in the FIFA World rankings. Personally, i'm still a fan of the ELO Ratings where the U.S. is in 18...even though I think they both have the US a little higher than they should be. Guess we shall see how we do in the next few friendlies leading up to the World Cup Qualifiers. Coming up we have a couple in Europe, with England on 28 May and then Spain on 4 June, followed by a return trip home and a match with Argentina (#1 in FIFA and #2 in ELO) on 8 June.

Anyone care to comment on their thoughts on the new U.S. jerseys? Not sure I like the new color, but I need to get a U.S. jersey. Of all the jerseys I have, both pro and national teams, I don't have a single U.S. jersey. Not right.

Edit: Just found out the U.S. Women's National team have now qualified for the Olympics as well. Let's Go U.S.A.!

U.S. in a few important friendlies

Today is the first of a few friendlies that the U.S.M.N.T. have lined for them. In our last two meetings with Poland, the U.S. has faired rather well winning in both European meet-ups. But, this go around everything changes, the Polish side has a new coach, who helped them reach the Euros this year (even beat Portugal and Belgium). Poland poses a formidable test for the Americans ahead of upcoming meetings with world powers England, Argentina, and Spain, all scheduled for later this spring. U.S. Coach Bradley will be fielding a mostly European based roster...said to be one of our strongest teams since our Gold Cup win last summer...which we won with a Benny Feilhaber goal that is still one of my all-time favorites.

Though this will be one of the strongest teams the U.S. has ever fielded, it will be tough as they haven't played together since the Gold Cup. A match or two at the least will be needed to give the team some cohesion and confidence I would imagine. This is what I would imagine these friendlies are for as we prepare for World Cup qualifiers that begin in June. Poland is probably doing the same as they work towards Euro 2008 which is also this summer. (Edit: That's On Point has another take on this "strongest team" thing, definitely check it out as well.)

Good luck the the U.S. Match is at 3:30p ET and airs on Fox Soccer Channel...which I can't watch at work! :(

(Newer edit: Can't record it but found another online ticker stream for the game. And it's on blogger.