#Italy, you've been #CONCACAFFED. #ITAvsCRC #WorldCup2014 #CostaRica pic.twitter.com/YsNkd4HDYj
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 20, 2014CONCACAF is 4-1-1 so far in this World Cup. Can Honduras join the party?
6/20/2014: Congrats Costa Rica..
CONCACAF is 4-1-1 so far in this World Cup. Can Honduras join the party?
6/18/2014: Deuce Dempsey Puts Out New Rap Album
6/18/2014: Deuce Dempsey Puts Out New Rap Album
Clint Dempsey showed his slick skills on the field against Ghana:
Now apparently Dempsey will be showing it again on the mic , off the field, with a new album coming out.
Dempsey has tried this out before with "Don't Tread":
And he has rapped in several interviews:
And has even been mocked a little about it in England:
But, don't doubt the Deuce. It's been about eight years since his last release, so Dempsey should have a little material.
6/18/2014: "Der Jurgen" Ghana Celebration Video
A remix I put together of highlights, bar celebrations, and some old school footage to get hyped up for Portugal. #IBELIEVETHATWEWILLWIN
6/18/2014: Yes and No.
Pictures of the game and of fan celebrations can be found here.
Talking about celebrating, how to celebrate if your in the red, white, and blue.
Hello. Yes.
No, lol.
Talking about celebrating, how to celebrate if your in the red, white, and blue.
Hello. Yes.
No, lol.
6/10/2014: Ghana Crushes South Korea In Final Tune Up
6/10/2014: Ghana Crushes South Korea In Final Tune Up
Last night, Ghana won 4-0 against World Cup bound opponents South Korea.
Should the result bother the US? Probably not. Ghana looked pretty abysmal in a 1-0 loss against the Netherlands last week, and South Korea is probably one of the weaker sides in this World Cup.
In my own pick em's I have South Korea (with all their players playing in the K League or J League) losing to Belgium, Russia, and Algeria. So, take it for what it is.
Seems Micheal Bradley isn't too worried either:
“It would be easy to look at the end and say, ‘4-0, what a performance,’” Bradley said. “But still it’s a warm-up game, regardless of how the game went [Monday]. We have a lot of respect for Ghana. They’re a good team. We know that they’re dangerous and cause trouble. “But at the end of it,” he added, “I’m not sure how much we can take from last night or any of the games, to be honest.”
Last night, Ghana won 4-0 against World Cup bound opponents South Korea.
Should the result bother the US? Probably not. Ghana looked pretty abysmal in a 1-0 loss against the Netherlands last week, and South Korea is probably one of the weaker sides in this World Cup.
In my own pick em's I have South Korea (with all their players playing in the K League or J League) losing to Belgium, Russia, and Algeria. So, take it for what it is.
Seems Micheal Bradley isn't too worried either:
“It would be easy to look at the end and say, ‘4-0, what a performance,’” Bradley said. “But still it’s a warm-up game, regardless of how the game went [Monday]. We have a lot of respect for Ghana. They’re a good team. We know that they’re dangerous and cause trouble. “But at the end of it,” he added, “I’m not sure how much we can take from last night or any of the games, to be honest.”
6/10/2014: Jermaine Jones Has His Best Game For U.S.
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| Don't doubt the JJ. |
6/10/2014: Jermaine Jones Has His Best Game For US, Could The US Haters Now Get Off His Tattooed Back?
Ryan Kozlowski, Der-Jurgen
He's German, He's only on the team because he's not on the German national team, he doesn't play the position as well as Beckerman.. Blah, blah, blah.
That's what Jermaine Jones detractors say.
But, perhaps Jurgen Klinsmann was doing Jones the biggest disservice by having him "stay home" and "be just defensive" in a soccer-sense. He's a player that can provide things both ways, he's not a player used to being the sole cover for a back line in a diamond formation.
Against Nigeria, with Beckerman as cover, Jones as a go between, and Bradley a little bit ahead of them; Jones was allowed to show his worth.
Also, Jones is one of the most experienced professionals in top Euro leagues on this team. Jones has over 200 appearances in the Bundesliga and spells in England and now Turkey. So, when push comes to shove in Brazil, Jones knows how to battle.
If U.S. Soccer fans have many worries about Jones beyond that, perhaps this will put you fully at ease that "JJ" should be in the starting 11 in Manaus.
Midfield Jermaine Jones has a Stars and Stripes tattoo.
Also, in this picture, before the Nigeria game, Jermaine Jones is the player hugging the US Serviceman during the commemorative dog tags ceremony.
I'm guessing the ceremony touched him, as his dad was a U.S. Army soldier.
Oh, one more thing he has 42 appearances for the United States. So, shutup Sirius XM FC commentators and let's support him.
Jones appears to be keying up at the right time and his experience is definitely a need.
6/9/2014: Beats By Dre Commercial
What a cool commercial by Beats by Dre for the World Cup:
It's also cool to see a little of the US World Cup a little bit of everywhere.
Time to rev up for The Group of Death.
It's also cool to see a little of the US World Cup a little bit of everywhere.
Time to rev up for The Group of Death.
6/5/2014: Jurgen Klinsmann Master Motivator In Action
Klinsmann Says "US Can't Win World Cup", Delve Down The Motivation Rabbit Hole With Der Jurgen
By Ryan Kozlowski, Der-Jurgen
But, either way, I digress.
The real problem with this message isn't with U.S. Soccer fans. It's the message Jurgen is giving to American sports fans that just check in during World Cup time.
A perfect example being PTI's Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon.
America likes a winner, they don't have the attention span for losers in soccer, or anything else they can bandwagon ride for a few months.
So for Klinsmann to put out the message that the United States has no chance to win the tournament, normal Americans might say well then why watch?
I think a better approach would've been for Klinsmann to come out to the press like this:
Maybe in a way he is?
By Ryan Kozlowski, Der-Jurgen
Jurgen Klinsmann let the cat out of the bag yesterday by telling the New York Times, "The United States cannot win the World Cup."
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| Someone woke up on the wrong side of Das Wasserbett |
Klinsmann must of (finally) seen Timmy Chandler play fall over and "here's the ball other team" too many times.
Or perhaps realized his wing play consists of snail-like pace, MLS stars Brad Davis and Graham Zusi, or his most experienced center back is Sporting Kansas City's Matt Besler.
Besler, in arguably the most important position on a soccer team at a World Cup, only has 16 National Team Caps and 0 World Cups.
But Besler has played Mexico in Azteca.
Besler, in arguably the most important position on a soccer team at a World Cup, only has 16 National Team Caps and 0 World Cups.
But Besler has played Mexico in Azteca.
Which is like saying for the World Cup, I may not be Ronaldo but I have slept at a Holiday Inn.
Whether it was a look at his players or something else that prompted Klinsmann to say "that the US has no chance," why put it out there right now?
Why say it to an entire public that on the whole doesn't get soccer. A public that only checks in every four years? Even if it's true, even if all U.S. Soccer fans secretly know it, is it a message to be putting out there now to those who don't get futebol?
The answer is yes; because it's unheard of by any American coach in any sport to admit defeat before playing.
Der Jurgen wants to stir up some controversy (Landon anyone), so that all Americans tune into his World Cup master stroke, where 19 year old Julian Green (2 former US National Team appearances) scores five goals in the group stage.
There really cannot be any other conclusion, there can't be any other reason to go all defeatist a week before the official start of battle. Right?
Why say it to an entire public that on the whole doesn't get soccer. A public that only checks in every four years? Even if it's true, even if all U.S. Soccer fans secretly know it, is it a message to be putting out there now to those who don't get futebol?
The answer is yes; because it's unheard of by any American coach in any sport to admit defeat before playing.
Der Jurgen wants to stir up some controversy (Landon anyone), so that all Americans tune into his World Cup master stroke, where 19 year old Julian Green (2 former US National Team appearances) scores five goals in the group stage.
There really cannot be any other conclusion, there can't be any other reason to go all defeatist a week before the official start of battle. Right?
Most U.S. Soccer fans are aware of this. But, isn't that what your supposed to do at a World Cup?
Play the game of your life.
Leave it all on the field.
Every game?
Other than Brazil or Spain in a Group Stage game, most teams in this tournament need at least 6 out of 7 games of their lives or pretty darn close to hoist the trophy.
Even USA really only needs 6.
If the stars and stripes get blown out in one group game no big deal. The United States can still win the other two and they'll get to the knockout round with 6 points.
If the stars and stripes get blown out in one group game no big deal. The United States can still win the other two and they'll get to the knockout round with 6 points.
Or sometimes they don't need any game of their life performances to get out of their group; as in the 2010 World Cup the United States played 0 games of their lives but made it to the final 16.
Think about it. I wouldn't consider any of the US performances against England, Slovenia, or Algeria in 2010 to be game of their life inspiring.
Really the only World Cup game I would put the Game of Their Lives tag on was USA vs. Germany in the Quarterfinal of the 2002 World Cup, and the US lost.
But, either way, I digress.
The real problem with this message isn't with U.S. Soccer fans. It's the message Jurgen is giving to American sports fans that just check in during World Cup time.
A perfect example being PTI's Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon.
America likes a winner, they don't have the attention span for losers in soccer, or anything else they can bandwagon ride for a few months.
So for Klinsmann to put out the message that the United States has no chance to win the tournament, normal Americans might say well then why watch?
I think a better approach would've been for Klinsmann to come out to the press like this:
Maybe in a way he is?
6/5/2014: Denim Red, White, & Blues
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| U.S. defender Cle Kooiman Looking Classy in the 1994 Denim kit. vs. Clint Dempsey in the 2014 Bomb Pop |
6/5/2014: What Do You Think Clint?
The 1990 World Cup team made a rap video for their World Cup in Italy with Dej Jef and Dj EricVaughn.. With guest stars OJ Simpson and Marcus Allen? Hmm.
They took their shirts off and high fived on the beach while spitting about getting an education and inspiration.
Not exactly a classic tune. Clint and Drake your turn.
6/5/2014: Jurgen's "Lost-Cycle"?
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| Mix Diskerud was the only player from the U-23 squad for 2012 Olympic Qualifying to make this World Cup. |
By Ryan Kozlowski, Der-Jurgen
When the United States was unable to qualify for the 2012 Olympics with their under-23 team, Jurgen Klinsmann said it has since led to a "lost-generation of talent" that the United States is still making up for.
According to Jurgen, the careers of most players on that team have stalled since; as only Mix Diskerud has made the 2014 World Cup Roster from Caleb Porter's then squad.
A squad that didn't qualify from CONCACAF after a loss to Canada and draw with El Salvador.
U.S. U-23 MNT 2012 Olympic Qualifying Roster By Position
GOALKEEPERS (2): Bill Hamid (D.C. United; Annandale, Va.), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire; Lilburn, Ga.)
DEFENDERS (6): Perry Kitchen (D.C. United; Indianapolis, Ind.), Ike Opara (San Jose Earthquakes; Durham, N.C.), Kofi Sarkodie (Houston Dynamo; Huber Heights, Ohio), Zarek Valentin (Montreal Impact; Lancaster, Pa.), Jorge Villafana (Chivas USA; Anaheim, Calif.), Sheanon Williams (Philadelphia Union; Boston, Mass.)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Freddy Adu (Philadelphia Union; Potomac, Md.), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana; Chula Vista, Calif.), Mix Diskerud (Gent; Oslo, Norway), Jared Jeffrey (Mainz; Richardson, Texas), Amobi Okugo (Philadelphia Union; Sacramento, Calif.), Michael Stephens (LA Galaxy; Naperville, Ill.)
FORWARDS (6): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls; Barnegat, N.J.), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund; Berlin, Germany), Teal Bunbury (Sporting Kansas City; Prior Lake, Minn.), Joe Gyau (Hoffenheim: Silver Spring, Md.), Brek Shea (FC Dallas; Bryan, Texas), Tony Taylor (Estoril Praia, Jacksonville, Fla.)
That team was without then eligible Jozy Altidore, Timothy Chandler, Alfredo Morales, Josh Gatt, and Danny Williams because their teams would not release them.
But, still out of that twenty plus the added five, only three have made the 2014 World Cup.
And one of those three is Jozy Altidore, who was already a US senior team international as a 2010 World Cup member.
Jurgen stated:
"[Diskerud] is coming from a group of guys that we had real trouble with getting to the next level, and I mean our Olympic team that was supposed to go to London," Klinsmann said. "There were a few guys, very special players coming with that team, and for whatever reason it just didn't work out the way it should have worked out.Perhaps Jurgen's dependency on German-American players in this World Cup squad (six of them) and his future focus will be slated a bit from that failure.
People say that Jurgen has more faith in Bundesliga-based American talent; but that may have to do with a lack of development at this level.
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