PlayBeautiful

Mexico: Group A (Group with Brazil)
CONCACAF’ed: Cameroon and Croatia
Draw: Brazil
Loss: None

Mexico were the team that struggled to qualify for the World Cup. Having won only two of their last ten matches in the World Cup Qualifiers, people were convinced this nation would not survive Group A. The team’s instability prior to this competition hasn’t affected players, however. El Tri have advanced to the Round of 16! Can you believe it?

With a goal drought from Chicharito, this made people even more doubtful of Mexico. When you think of this National Team, the first person who comes to mind is Chicharito. He’s the face of Mexico for international viewers. Chicharito has recently been excluded from the team’s starting XI on several occasions.Thankfully, the player ended his goal drought by scoring in the 82’ minute against Croatia. Will things finally turn around for the forward?

Mexico’s game against Cameroon was very tight. Having the linesman disallow two of Mexico’s goals made it a frustrating game. In the end, Mexico fought hard to secure a 1-0 win. CONCACAF’ed.

One player who stands out to World Cup viewers is Mexico’s goalkeeper, Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa. He has showcased some incredible saves, especially in El Tri’s game against Brazil. Everyone was surprised how well Mexico had performed in this match. Prior to kickoff, many were convinced Brazil would defeat Mexico at ease. This was not the case, however. This match ended in a exhilarating 0-0 draw. One may argue that their result against Brazil was not desirable, however, we can all agree that a draw is much more satisfying than a loss to either side.

Mexico knew facing Croatia would not be an easy thing to do. This nation was deemed as the Dark Horse of their group. Croatia gave a hard time to Brazil (despite their loss) and Cameroon. You would be foolish to undermine Croatia’s squad depth and talent. Mexico had to go into this match fully prepared. Surprisingly, El Tri managed to beat Croatia 3-1! CONCACAF’ed.

Gracias San Zusi.

Via @FOXSoccer

USA: Group G (Group of Death)
CONCACAF’ed: Ghana
Draw: Portugal
Loss: None

Going into this competition, many people have undermined the United States. The USMNT are viewed as inexperienced and are not considered a real threat in their group. From their last two games, most individuals have realized the potential Klinsmann’s men possess. These players may be a little rough around the edges but they have not made it easy for Ghana and Portugal.

The United States’ match against Ghana was a crucial win. Mentally, the outcome of this game would impact the players’ future performances. It was not the most pretty win but it  was significant for USMNT supporters. Ghana was the nation  that knocked the US out of the 2010 World Cup. It was more than just a win. It was redemption. CONCACAF’ed.



Germany, we’ll be waiting for you.

Monday morning. Bullets of rain are pounding on the pavement. There is a certain gloominess lingering around that I can’t shake off. I’m not superstitious by any means, but I’m searching for a sign of good luck. Something that will tell me it will be okay.

I was most anticipating World Cup Day 5. To those who are not supporters of the USMNT may not understand the string of emotions attached to this match. Ghana had knocked out the Americans in the last two World Cups. Needless to say, we waited four years to close an old chapter. In one word: redemption.

Clint Dempsey’s goal after 29 seconds broke the mental barrier. It eased our nerves. Whatever happens we weren’t going down without a fight. USA may not be the most technical or skillful team, but their best quality is playing with their hearts out no matter the circumstances. The opposition could sense this fighting spirit and they weren’t going to make it easy for us. USA had suffered setbacks with Jozy Altidore and Matt Besler’s hamstring injuries and Clint Dempsey’s broken nose. Ghana were countlessly bombarding the left flank, USA were exhausted due to the humidity, and Ayew’s equalizer was inevitable. Through all of this we managed to pull off a miracle with John Brooks’ game-winning header assisted by Graham Zusi who were both second-half substitutions.

Although there are those who will argue that USA didn’t deserve to win and Ghana were far superior in terms of play, this shouldn’t take away from what the US have accomplished. From Day 1 of taking the reigns of U.S. Soccer, Jürgen Klinsmann has emphasized the need to adapt to uncomfortable situations. When the defense was continuously being tested, the team collectively worked together to confront it. Besler and Jermaine Jones supported DaMarcus Beasley from oncoming threats, Kyle Beckerman put his body on the line, and USA remained organized while absorbing tremendous pressure. Jones was often criticized for being rash, Beckerman’s work-rate would go unnoticed, and Brooks was considered too inexperienced. Throughout the course of Klinsmann’s tenure, people were often skeptical of his methods. They were quick to point out the flaws in his decision-making, but in reality Jürgen’s thought process hasn’t failed us yet. Not only is this indicative of our progress, but it is a true testament to the team chemistry USMNT are building for the future. They faced adversity and came out on top.

Winning one game against Ghana doesn’t mean we are anywhere close to Portugal or Germany. However, this one game holds much more significance. We have faith. We have an increase in morale. We have come this far. Emerging out of the Group of Death alive would exceed my expectations.

The rain had finally stopped. Smoky, black clouds wisped around the sky, but I could finally see the blue peek through.

"We have a great spirit and fight until the last minute. It was a grind but it was a wonderful one at the end of the day.” - Jürgen Klinsmann

Via USA Today

Via Getty Images

Via Getty Images

Via Nike

Today, Real Madrid released their new home and away kits for next season. What had many people talking was their away kit.

Everyone has a say, regardless if he or she is a fan of Real Madrid. Most male supporters do not like the concept of this kit. The fact that it's pink is a major turnoff. Why would we want our players to wear pink? What does pink have to do with Real Madrid? Who would buy these pink kits?

One may argue that it's a reminiscence of last season's second and third away kits. Bright colors such as sky blue, orange, and magenta is too loud. Although these colors give a modern edge, most supporters prefer classic colors that are more subtle.

Via  Twitter (@AdidasSoccer)

From a marketing perspective, I believe Real Madrid took a positive step by releasing a pink kit. I appreciate that the club took a risk and chose to reach out to a different target audience. It is obvious that this kit’s aim was to attract the attention of Real Madrid’s female demographic. Perhaps I’m inclined to this “marketing ploy” since I’m a part of the small minority of female football supporters who seem to go unnoticed.

The idea of a magenta colored jersey appeals to women, regardless if they are a football supporter or not. What I like about this jersey is that it goes against the norm and makes a statement. Overall, the response from females was very positive.

At the end of the day, the jersey plays no importance. It's all about the love for the crest.

Besides, I look forward to seeing Ronaldo in pink. #RealMenWearPink

Hala Madrid.

Via Real Madrid

Jürgen Klinsmann’s focus is to bring forth a fluid style of play from our USMNT. The key is to maintain possession and execute effective passing. This can only be successful if there is a strong midfield present. Midfielders like Michael Bradley, Mix Diskerud, Alejandro Bedoya, and Jermaine Jones will establish a solid link-up with the backline and attack against Turkey. What makes these individuals stand out is their high work-rate. Klinsmann will most likely implement a 4-4-2 diamond formation in this friendly since we’ve recently seen him experiment with this formation against Azerbaijan and Mexico. Our defense is something Klinsmann must focus on against our friendlies against Turkey and Nigeria since that is where we look the most vulnerable. 

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Since Clint Dempsey has recovered from a groin injury, I suspect he’d be incorporated in the starting XI. I also believe Klinsmann will play Aron Jóhannsson up front alongside Dempsey. Jozy Altidore didn’t display a spectacular performance against Azerbaijan so I believe he’d be benched. As far as midfielders, I would like to see Klinsmann integrate Michael Bradley and Mix Diskerud since these two players always standout. They will all provide great service to the backline and the men up front. In the backline, it would be interesting to utilize newcomer Yedlin. Although we haven’t seen much of him, I believe he has a lot to offer.

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The ability to adapt to various situations is crucial in these friendlies. The purpose of adaptation is to help players counteract difficult or stressful circumstances on the pitch. For instance, this squad will need to think on their feet when handling stronger opponents like Portugal or Germany in the World Cup. If our team is better able to adjust to opposing teams, this will work to our advantage. Going into this game, I believe the US will have no problems securing a win.

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