Ronaldhino

The unmistakable Ronaldhino, one of the greats to ever and still play the game. He's a two time FIFA player of the year, who's videos and pictures are plastered all over the web. In his peak years he was a starter on the Brazilian national team and vital part of Barcelona. he recently went into a slump and lost his spot on the Brazilian team and was traded from Barcelona to the Italian League to AC Milan. Now one the counter making a come back, Ronaldhino is third in the Italian League in goals and second in assists. However, the worlds biggest stage is approaching and brazils biggest star is going to be left off the squad. Talk about a mistake, a young team needs an experienced player like ronaldhino to lead the team. He is back to the peak of his career, thats why the head of FIFA called Brazil's head coach an idiot for not putting him on the squad. If he does not get back on the team, and his presence will be missed. in my opinion Brazil will not do as well without him.

Armed Forces Day Cup

Off topic of the World Cup and onto some local soccer. This past weekend Moline United held their 2nd annual Armed Forces Day Cup. The weather hasn't been the best supporter the past two years, with it raining every day the week before. However, the weather wasn't enough to stop the U 14 Moline United team. First beating rival East Moline 3-0 on friday afternoon, then carrying the momentum into saturday mornings game winning 5-0. After winning the second game they were guaranteed to be in the championship game, although on sunday the weather and fatigue weren't so kind to the U 14's. The team got 2nd place in their first tournament as a team. On the other hand the U 17 team wasn't as fortunate, losing two and winning one. A positive for the U17's is that they beat rival Genesco. They also suffered a tough loss to a 2nd ranked Indiana losing by 4 goals to none. all in all it was a good turn out for all the moline teams and for Moline United. Next year were all hoping for better weather and more moline teams taking home hardware.

Ronaldhino makes the cut of 30. However, the head coach said that Ronaldhino would not make the final cut of 23. Another surprising cut from the French international team, Benzema will be left off the final squad. Many people are saying even if France wins the World Cup, the head coach will more then likely be fired. The coach that led the team to victory in 2002 will take his place. France's Henry has announced that after the world he wont be returning to Bracelona and will be coming to the united states to play for the New York City Red bulls. The MLS is also looking to expand and attract more players from overseas. David Beckam is still out with his torn tendon, although the Galaxy are still number one. Beckam will be missing out on his last chance to appear in the World Cup for England.

Countdown Continues

As the United States looks to prepare for England in a month, they will have to do so with out one of their top strikers Charlie Davies. The USA forward was injured in a car accident some odd months ago now, but doctors say he wont be up to par for the start of the World Cup. This is a huge blow to the U.S. his speed and presence will be missed. The U.S. needs to focus on excellent defense if they want to get passed England in group play. England has a lot of talent on the team, but the leader is Wayne Rooney. Rooney is a pure goal scorer and a brilliant one at that; he has a knack for find the back of the net with any strike. However, USA's own Landon Donavan was able to turn head with performances at the club Everton. USA's goal keeper Tim Howard also had a great season for Everton and looks to carry this play over to the World.

The World Cup is now exactly one month away. As of today Espn.com released the first cut of 23 players for the 32 teams. The biggest news out of this recent post is the absence of Ronaldhino and Ronaldo on the roster of Brazil. Personally i think this is an outrage, the two most experienced players on Brazil's team and in my eyes the two best. Ronaldo who has received FIFA's player of the year 3 times and Ronaldhino has received this award twice. Ronaldhino who is currently playing for AC Milan in Italy's Series A league is First in assists and third for most goals. As a coach you think you think you would want this kind of experience in the locker room. Brazil has won 5 World Cups, the most successful team in history. I think its time for the new head coach of brazil to get his head out of his ass and face the facts; although I am from the U.S. and a fan of the National team it is a huge disappointment for me also being a supporter of Brazil.

2010 Fifa World Cup

The worlds biggest stage is almost here! the opening ceremony will begin june 11, 2010. the world cup happens every four years and brings together the worlds best players, teams, and of coarse fans. Team USA never really having any sucsess in the world cup in past years, anxiously waiting to overcome the odds and make it farther then four years ago in Germany. soccer still lacks superier support in america but support risies every year. The American national team is over looked and lookd down on by the rest of the world. That being said USA had a chance to turn some heads during the Confederations cup last year. They did just that knocking off number one Spain, however placing second due to a tough loss to number two Brasil. Its a new year and a new U.S. national team. USA got a some what fortunate first round group with Algeria, Slovenia, and a top contending English national team. Only the top two teams make it out of their groups, but in the world cup no one is to over looked. This years tournament will be held in South Africa. A great oppertunity for South Africa's economy and for the U.S. national team to put America on the map of the soccer world.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/?ver=us&cc=5901