Through some fortuitous timing on my part, and the benevolence of my wonderful wife, I was able to spend a large part of our recent honeymoon in South Africa…for the 2010 World Cup!  Since arriving back Stateside, I’ve attempted to settle back into a life devoid of 24/7 football and the sweet hum of the vuvuzela.  In reflecting on our trip, I wanted to share a few impressions and musings from our experience, the football portion, of course.

My wife and I arrived in Johannesburg from London the day of the US/England match.  As soon as we set foot in the OR Tambo Airport, we were greeted with the sight of colorful FIFA World Cup signage and booths hawking the latest World Cup gear and novelties.  The first question we were asked in customs was whether we were there for “the football.”  During our ride from the airport to our temporary residence in JoBurg, our driver was eager to discuss the World Cup; even while admitting he was more of a rugby fan.  He impressed upon us, as hosts of the World Cup, the casual South African soccer fan had been transformed into a full-fledged fanatic for the duration of the World Cup.

Our first match was the Netherlands blanking Denmark 2-0 at the Soccer City stadium.  The build up to the match was incredible.  While the traffic was thick en route Soccer City, the cast of characters entering the stadium was entertaining to say the least.  There were busloads of Danish supporters furiously waving their country’s flags.  This only spurred the Dutch fans walking beside the buses to reply with a frenetic chorus of vuvuzelas and their own flag waving.  Particularly amusing were the fans who had indulged in a few pints too many, and with no other option, were forced to handle their business on the side of the road.  All of this before we made it within a mile of Soccer City.  One of the cool sights along the way was seeing the level of entrepreneurial spirit exhibited by the vendors stationed along the path to stadium.  While you would expect the standard vuvuzela, replica soccer ball, or t- shirt, you could also find numerous national team specific wares, specifically targeted to the fans of the day’s match.  This day, it was all Denmark or Netherlands, from the flags being sold, to the pallets of face paint made available for willing patrons to have their nation’s flag painted on their person; all for a few South African Rand, of course.  Right before entering the stadium you could even pick up a pair of earplugs, just in case you wanted to drown out one of those recently purchased vuvuzelas.

While on the subject, a note about the vuvuzela.  There has been much made about the annoying nature of the instrument, and although I can sympathize with the unsavory hum while viewing at home, the vuvuzela is actually much less intrusive when present in the and around the stadium.  Much of the vuvuzela blowing is done in call and response fashion, and unless someone is blowing one right into your ear, you can pick up the musicality and interplay of the sounds much better in person.  Unfortunately, when you have 85,000 people all doing their own personal call and response, the interplay is lost in a cacophony of sound, thus the steady humming buzz you hear during broadcasts. I found the vuvuzela to be a unique addition to my experience…that being said, the random vuvuzela blowing outside of my window at 3 am was a tad annoying.  One final note on the vuvuzela, one of the funniest signs that I saw during my time in South Africa was a sign at the entrance of a shopping mall imploring people to please refrain from blowing vuvuzelas while on mall property.  Never mind that just about every sporting goods store and novelty shop within the mall had vuvuzelas for sale.  Again, the reach of World Cup fever is bigger than just the stadiums that host the games.

Our second match, Brazil/Ivory Coast, had an even more festive atmosphere than the Denmark/Netherlands build up.  The vuvuzelas were joined by drums and outlandish costumes.  We saw an Ivory Coast fan decked out as an elephant, faux elephant tusks and all, only to be rivaled by a Brazilian fan with fake four foot arms protruding from his Brazilian jersey.  There were joyful odes to Maicon and Luis Fabiano from the bus drop off point to the front gate of the stadium.  The crowd cheered every challenge and every corner.  One surreal portion of the match was Kaka’s sending-off for his second yellow card.  Without TV commentary, I’d venture to say the crowd didn’t know exactly what had happened, other than the fact that it was a bad situation.  The confusion on the pitch did little to quell the lively atmosphere in the stands.  When Didier Drogba scored the lone Ivory Coast goal, you would have thought that Ivory Coast had just advanced to the next round of the tournament the way the fans celebrated in their eye catching bright orange parka jackets.  While the final score line wasn’t indicative of a close game, the experience was still a memorable one, so much so that my wife claimed herself Brazilian for the evening (that’s not her on top of the celebratory pile though).

As much as I would have enjoyed having tickets to every match for the in-person experience, I realized that this wasn’t a reality; I was on my honeymoon after all.  Luckily, for matches for which we didn’t have tickets, the atmosphere in the many fan parks (we attended one in Cape Town that was set up to have the feel of a giant pub under a tent) was electric.  One of the more memorable moments was watching the South Africa/Uruguay match in one of the fan parks in Cape Town.  While South Africa’s performance on the day was far from their best, hearing the fans sing the National Anthem of South Africa was incredible.  For a nation with a bitter history of apartheid and racial segregation, the unified singing and the shared passion for the country’s national soccer team expressed a sense of pride that was inspiring.  As often as I’ve listened to my own country’s national anthem, during the World Cup, I came to view the singing of each national anthem as more than a routine precursor to the sporting action about to unfold.  Each anthem announced of a team, a country, its people.  Truly magical.

When our time in South African had come to a close, I was definitely sad to leave, in part because I was leaving behind a beautiful country with friendly people, but also because the reality set in that once I was back home, and at work, I wouldn’t be able to freely watch and talk about the games all day.  Thank goodness for fond memories and ESPN3.

Now that Brazil is out of the 2010 World Cup after a underwhelming performance against a very strong Dutch team, the favorites no longer have a chance to win the tournament. But who do you think will now win the World Cup?

Before we get to the poll below, I would like to add that I thought Brazil’s performance today was dire. For a team with so much talent, why did they spend so much time arguing with the referee and trying to convince the official to award yellow cards against the Dutch? Yes, the Dutch are a physical side and Arjen Robben has a penchant for diving. But those antics by Brazil completely got them focused on the wrong aspects of the game.

Felipe Melo must feel a lot like David Beckham did in the 1998 World Cup. In a game that Brazil had the advantage, they quickly threw it away when Melo dug his boot into Robben who had just fallen to the floor. Sure, Robben is annoying and he likes he win free kicks. But for Melo to kick him so violently the way that he did is completely uncalled for. It lost Brazil the game just as David Beckham’s kick out lost England the game against Argentina in 1998.

The Netherlands today was lucky. They didn’t play up to their abilities but they did well to come back against a tough Brazilian side. And now they face the prospect of playing a World Cup semi-final match on Tuesday. Congratulations to the Dutch.

Four years ago, which seems like a lifetime in Internet years, the 2006 World Cup experience was very different than it is today. There were only a handful of soccer podcasts worldwide. Soccer blogs were a relatively new thing. And the TV coverage was decent. All games were televised but national anthems were skipped and the analysis and commentary on ESPN was, at times, comical.

In 2010, we’ve come a long way. But if 2010 has been so incredible in terms of the quality and quantity of coverage – and so successful when you consider that 34% of all Americans have watched some of the World Cup telecasts this summer – what will the 2014 experience be like?

World Cup 2010 has already crashed Twitter several times. I believe one of the biggest benefactors of the World Cup Twitter phenomenon will be the Premier League. When the new season starts up in mid-August, they’re will be a significant increase in the number of soccer fans conversing about the league on Twitter.

But in 2014, Twitter may not exist. Same with Facebook. Both of those social networking tools may be old hat by then such is the way MySpace is now. Or they may be bought and morphed into something new. There’s no doubt that social media will be an important facet of the 2014 World Cup – it has been a game changer for the 2010 one – but social media technology changes so rapidly that it’s almost impossible to predict how it’ll be so different in 2014.

One thing is for sure. I don’t see the TV coverage changing much. ESPN has mastered how a World Cup needs to be presented. And I don’t see them messing too much with the proven formula. The next World Cup will be in Brazil so hopefully some of the kick-off times will be more US-friendly, but knowing FIFA’s penchant for kowtowing to Europe by scheduling games that tend to be primetime there, don’t expect the kick-off times to be as reasonable as they should be.

A side note: England’s biggest viewing audience for a 2010 World Cup game, thus far, has been the 18.84 million who watched the 0-0 draw against Algeria (poor, unfortunate souls). In the United States, probably for the first time ever, the TV viewing audience for a World Cup game was bigger than in England. A record 19.4 million watched Ghana versus the US. That is a massive milestone in the history of the sport in this country.

One big difference with the TV experience of the 2014 World Cup will be the way we’ll consume it. By then, I predict more people will be watching the tournament online than on television. Online could be considered on mobile phones, on iPad like devices (but smaller, thinner and more powerful than the first generation Apple iPad) and on the web, where you’ll not only see the games as you do now, but you’ll also be able to choose different camera angles and customize your viewing experience to your taste.

Some of you may predict that the TV experience of the 2014 World Cup will be different because 3D technology will be commonplace and much more advanced by then. I still think it’s a fad. I don’t see how or why soccer fans would want to wear glasses – which would be very uncomfortable after two hours of wearing them – to watch a game that looks so good regularly.

So the 2014 World Cup will be a similar experience in many ways to 2010. I’m sure we’ll be watching many of the games on mobile phones. The TV ratings will be through the roof and will surpass all American sports except for NFL. That is, if the United States men’s national team can be significant improvements between now and then. Internet usage will be bigger than TV. World Cup advertising will be everywhere and will completely inundate us.

The whole world will be watching, including us.

So the World Cup is now a week old, every team has played at least once. It is now becoming clear whether your team was a sound bet or as dodgy as a Northern Rock balance sheet.

There have already been a few surprises, and those following a minnow may have had a nice surprise. Also those struggling can cling to a few strands of hope as no team has been eliminated thus far.

If like me you have a team you know little about in the office sweepstake, or you have just not bothered with the World Cup so far, I have created a quick summary to get you up to speed.

How is your team doing?

Algeria – A poor start against Slovenia and elimination beckons, unless they pull of a surprise against England. Should Algeria qualify and you live in England you may be forced to change your name, address and seek alternative employment.

Argentina – In Messi you should trust, Argentina recorded one of the most crushing one nil victories you will ever see, in the first game and eventually ran out comfortable winners agains South Korea.  Blue and white fireworks will surely illuminate this tournament sooner rather than later.

Australia – Hammered by Germany and unlikely to progress, the players should start booking their plane tickets home.

Brazil – Although they made heavy work of the North Koreans, I would still be happy to have backed Brazil in this tournament. The quality is there for all to see.

Cameroon - Having lost their opening game, there is a lot left to do if Cameroon are to qualify, hope is not yet lost but I would not back my sweepstake team.

Chile – An opening game victory, playing attacking football, what more can you ask for?

Denmark – Lost to Holland but not out of it yet, Nicklas Bentdner and others will need to be at the top of their game for the next two games though.

England – If you don’t know how they are doing, just google ‘Robert Green’ and all will become clear.

France – Started with a draw and this side looks weary, improvement needed from a side that looks devoid of ideas.

Germany – Emphatic win against Australia, people are already taking notice of the Germans in this tournament.

Ghana – Flying the flag for Africa with an opening game win, this side will receive a lot of coverage in a tournament desperate for African success.

Greece – Poor and uninspired, if they cannot improve they will soon be back to the economic turmoil of their homeland.

Holland – Won their first game, should progress from their group with ease.

Honduras – Lost to Chile, things are already looking bleak for one of the teams no one really knows/expects anything from in this tournament.

Italy – Had a poor first game which was the ultimate defence vs. defence battle that somehow produced two goals.  After 2006 you should resist the urge to rule out these ageing slow starters.

Ivory Coast – After a battling draw against Portugal, Sven’s men need a big win against North Korea, or a miracle against Brazil to progress.

Japan – Secured victory in their opening game, they will be hoping to build on this as expectations back home grow.

Mexico – Only a draw to start the tournament off, massive improvements will be needed in order to prove they can make a mark on this tournament.

New Zealand – The point they got in their opening game was hailed as a miracle for New Zealand, read into that what you like given the opposition was Slovakia.

Nigeria – Massacred in a 1-0 defeat to Argentina, they will be ok if their goalkeeper keeps up the form he showed in that game.

North Korea – Fantastic start, strong favourites to win the tournament, well back home at least. In all seriousness the Koreans showed real passion against Brazil and even got a consolation goal. Unlikely to progress but their compact style may harm the chances of one of the other ‘top’ sides in the group.

Paraguay – Secured a great result against the holders, but may need to play with more attacking intent to progress.

Portugal – Things just don’t seem right in the Portugal camp, a draw in the opening game is ok, however much more is needed.  Only so much can be done as a one man team.

Serbia – Having lost their opening game, the Serbians look to be limping out of the tournament; however there is talent in this side. This will need to shine through if they are to reach the second round.

Slovakia – Having failed to beat the worst team in the competition in their first game, I think the Slovakians are finished in the tournament before it has really begun.

Slovenia – Top of England’s group with a win, Slovenia have a real chance to upset the apple cart and qualify ahead of the USA or England in group C.

South Africa – Full of heart and with their nation behind them, it looks like this will not be enough to help Bafana Bafana progress. Two gutsy displays have not made up for a lack of discernable talent, only a win against France and a miracle will see them through to the next stage.

South Korea – After winning their first game in an impressive fashion, the Koreans will dream of a repeat of 2002 or even better. Combining a strong work ethic with touches of flair. Despite  losing to Argentina, this team has the potential to have a stellar World Cup.

Spain – The favourites lost their opening match to Switzerland, potentially setting up a second round tie with Brazil. Still not out of the running, their Rolls Royce midfield engine needs to start ticking over, and fast.

Switzerland – After beating Spain this team must feel on top of the world, the second round may be their target, but they have certainly already made their mark on the competition.

United States – Brilliant result if not performance against England, confidence must be at an all time high. Slovenia must not be underestimated though and Friday’s game will be key to their campaign.

Uruguay – Almost through to the next round, they looked good against France and South Africa. Manchester United fans may not recognise the Diego Forlan of this World Cup compared to his days in England as he fires Uruguay forwards in the competition.

So this is where we stand after one week, in the next few days the group pictures will become a lot clearer and we may start to lose teams.

If you have backed Brazil or Germany you should be very happy with your investment, those following Slovenia, Switzerland, Chile or Uruguay may have been pleasantly surprised by last weeks games.

As we move forwards every team still technically in with a shout, each team is now  just 6 games from immortality.

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Predictions, right or wrong go hand in hand with the World Cup like some beautifully ironic couple you see walking down the street. At first glance, the awkwardly short man who’s pulled a 5’8 blond model strikes a questionable chord with your intellect.

You immediately resort to predicting and analyzing (if you’re honest with yourself) how you can land said women and how short man has figured out the secret. Your thoughts escape all rationality as you assume he’s either A. loaded and she’s with him for his money, or B. he’s loaded somewhere else. This pairing of short man, tall beautiful woman can’t possibly be in the realm of what humans understand to be factual or legit. Because, in fact (but not really) you are better looking, more funny, more charming and can offer her way more than George Costanza every could. Are our football clubs or nations compared so differently?

You continue to predict, to analyze, to formulate, to hypothesize until the couple wanders past you and out of your eyesight until you’ll ultimately never see them again. This unfortunate mental discourse occurs in our minds and with ourselves in situations ranging from birds to sporting events to why the cute bartender seems to always ignore you when ordering another round. Why? – you ask yourself. Realistically yet not satisfyingly answered: it’s what we do.

In football, everyone’s an expert, everyone’s a pundit. Why do we force ourselves to make such brash predictions and conduct analysis concerning the outcome of matches and tournaments when the eventual result can be a variable so minute and insignificant, it could never be planned, prepared or expected?

As we inch closer and ever closer to June excitement and thoughts of glory, we just can’t help trying to convince ourselves that our country can overcome anyone in their line of sight and why our rivals will ultimately fail. Is it simply our lack of faith in our own that provokes us to tear down those around us? (We’re taller and better looking than the short man) Must we see it in writing to convince ourselves and our fellow like-minded friends that YES! we can do it? We may never really know the intricacies of the mind, but until we land that 5’8 blond model, or until our country wins the World Cup, we’ll have to continue our insignificant little predictions (England, be the George Costanza).

There’s always one favorite when a World Cup approaches that usually begins with the letter B. This country is usually followed by 2 or 3 teams that “could win it”, which is then followed by 3 or 4 that have an “outside chance”. Mostly the phrase “with a little luck” proceeds these countries’ chances for world domination. By the eve of the opening match, all 32 nations seem to have a fortuitous or whimsical shot at glory which clearly means we know not of what we speak and we’re no closer to correctly predicting a winner than we were four years ago.

Brazil of course will exit their group most likely as winners. A fantastic crash and burn of first round elimination most likely won’t be seen in mine or any others lifetime. Yet their ability to conquer the world for a sixth time seems oddly impossible in 2010. Here’s a few reason why:

1. Weather – The much maligned and much talked about South African winter will be in full effect come June and will likely give a slight advantage to the European countries who are used to and comfortable playing in cold conditions. Brazil did in fact win last summer’s Confederations Cup playing under the same conditions, but it was a tournament of less games and lesser competition. Look for the chilly weather to change the style of the Brazilians play and unfortunately force those skimpy-top-wearing female Brazilian fans to cover up a little more.

2. Not Enough Brazilian Outfield Players Playing for Top European Clubs – With the exception of a few, the majority of the recently named Brazil squad aren’t playing club football in the top 15 European clubs. Maicon and Lucio represent Inter Milan, Dani Alves from Barcelona, Kaka with Real Madrid and a few Roma players thrown in are surround by representatives from across Europe and South America such as Cruzerio, Benfica, Panathinaikos, Galatasaray, Flamengo, Santos, Wolfsburg, Fiorentina and Villarreal. All solid clubs domestically, yet not tested on a major European stage. Will the domestic season they’ve just come off of prepare them for battle against the world’s best?

3. Kaká - The once talismanic figure of Brazil and best player on the planet, Kaka has been a quiet shell of his former self since moving from Milan to Madrid scoring only 8 goals and contributing 7 assists in La Liga with los Blancos this season. Has the 28 year old already lost his searing pace that saw him conquer Europe with AC Milan in 2007 and put fear in the hearts of defenders the world over? Brazil will need Kaka at his pacey and creative best if they are to overcome an equally as strong midfield and win the World Cup. I don’t see Kaka having a major impact at this tournament based on his form for club and believe his best days are already behind him. Kaka’s drop in form will be a loss to Brazil who naturally thrive on his quick passing and link up play with strikers from midfield.

4. Dunga Doesn’t Seem Confident – Brazil produce some of the best and most naturally talented footballers on the planet and thus have a huge talent pool to pick from. Dunga left out three of the (arguably) most talented of the lot in Ronaldinho, Alexandre Pato and Adriano. The three players combined have 73 goals scored for Brazil between them. Also, going against the grain, Dunga has already picked his final 23 man squad to go to South Africa with 7 waiting in the wings as last minute replacements as opposed to picking a 30 man squad to start with and trimming it down like other nations. Does his over confidence breed recklessness? Why leave out the brilliant Pato and experience of Adriano and Ronaldinho? Questions that will soon be answered when Brazil take the field in June.

5. Who is the Star on this Brazil Team? – Don’t get me wrong, this is a darn good squad. Brazil will always compete on the international stage, but in my opinion, this Brazilian squad lacks a natural leader who will take the enormous weight of expectations off that of the other players and take the hopes and desires of a nation as his own burden. Brazil’s best player is quite possibly Dani Alves at right back who may not even start as he’s recently been second choice to Maicon. Robinho has been in great form at Santos scoring goals left and right, but we all know his rock star tour of the Brazilian league and his subsequent terrorizing of center backs in Brazil won’t prepare him for the staunch and physical defenses of European countries (see under his high-tailing it out of England for home).

Kaka has been out of form, the midfield is solid yet not striking fear in opponents, central defense will be class and I’m sure Luis Fabiano will score goals. However, there remains a large ? around the ability of this Brazil squad to congeal and put together a World Cup winning run this time around in the cold and competitive South Africa.

5 Reasons Why England Could Win the World Cup

1. Weather – As adversely as the cold conditions in South Africa could hinder teams who thrive in warm weather, it will benefit those who thrive in cold. Look for England, Germany, France and others to have no problem adjusting to the winter as they play the majority of their domestic seasons in harsh winters and will enjoy a tournament without the physically demanding warm temperatures. As silly as it sounds, weather could play an interesting factor as the tournament progresses on.

2. Wayne Rooney and the Emergence of a Natural Leader – As Brazil looks for a natural attacking leader, England have one chomping at the bit and ready to carry the hopes and dreams of an entire nation on his shoulders. Not prone to succumbing to pressure in recent years, Rooney makes players around him better and is sure to be match fit and in top form after the short, but much needed rest he’s been on in recent weeks. Four years better, smarter and more mature than his moment of madness-not 100% match fit appearance at the 2006 Cup, England’s success or failure will ultimately depend on Rooney’s ability to create for those around him and score goals himself. Look for Wayne to have a breakout World Cup performance and take England deep into the tournament.

3. England Players are Peaking or Reaching Match Fitness at the Right Time – Chelsea FC just completed a domestic league and cup double with an English spine of John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole contributing off the bench. All will be involved for the national team with other players from Manchester United (runners up), Tottenham Hotspur (fourth) and Aston Villa (sixth) surrounding the Chelsea players who enter the World Cup with all the confidence in the world. Ledley King and Rio Ferdinand seem to have put the worst of their injury concerns behind them and at the right time for their country.

4. England Players are Tried and Tested Against the World’s Best – The debate may never be settled, but England’s Premier League is widely considered to be the strongest domestic league in the world where the top footballing talent come to work. Take for example this weekend’s FA Cup Final that witnessed a battle of first against twentieth. Relegated Portsmouth gave Chelsea a truly good game where Pompey realistically could have taken the lead or won and remained in the game until the final whistle blew. All of England’s final 23 man squad will apply their trade in the Premier League and most have seen Champions League football in their career. Their experience playing against the best footballers in the world will come in handy when the World Cup starts in June. The England players are physical, strong and know how to see out competitive, close fought matches.

5. The Brilliant Fabio Capello – When it comes to tactics, discipline and instilling confidence in your players, England have an advantage in the talent of an Italian master. Capello has won trophies everywhere he’s been and will not stand for lackluster or sorry performances from his players. He’s eliminated distractions while getting better results from a group of England players who failed to qualify for the last major tournament, Euro 2008. England’s success at the World Cup will be set up by Capello and executed by the players. The formations, tactics and substitutions you see from England this summer won’t be circumstances of coincidence, they’ll be well thought out, calculated movements from a brilliant manager like those on a chess board.

Regardless of what happens, I feel this tournament will be one of the best, most watched and most analyzed tournaments in World Cup history. If anything I say is correct, it will most definitely be my favorite.

Last year, I was lucky enough to do a fabulous series on English football legends, which saw me delve back through history to cover 11 players that perhaps never get the credit they deserve. Football is such a fickle sport that these days, people forget just how many great players passed through the annals before we became used to such wall to wall coverage as we have today.

It was a pleasure to write about such legends as Steve Bloomer, Dixie Dean et al and next month I’ll be tackling 80 years of World Cup history to whet your appetites as the greatest show in football hits South Africa. Not only is it monumental that the World Cup is coming to the African continent for the first time, but the quality of players on show could be up there with some of the greatest tournaments we’ve seen. Add to that wall to wall HD coverage for the first time as well as the highly unusual decision to screen some games in 3-D and we could be in for a treat.

The World Cup is just something special for me, I just immerse myself in it, taking in everything, every game, every supplement. I have to digest as much information as I can to sate my appetite for the tournament. The first World Cup final I watched was 1978 when Argentina beat the Netherlands and by 1982, I was hooked. The gap between tournaments seemed to last forever and I remember 1994 so sorely as England had, quite rightly failed to qualify.

I been priviledged to see some off the worlds greatest players and some of the best matches in my life in the World Cup but I’m going to be looking at players who have perhaps been left behind as football marches ever onward. I’m choosing ten players from 1930 that have slipped through the cracks and try and bring you up to date with them. Some of them should never be forgotten, so I hope you find the series as informative and interesting as the England Legend series.

For a lot of people, it could be the first time they get to experience the World Cup in all its glory. As football continues to grow in popularity around the world, especially in America, I hope you find something to entertain you and also make you look more of a connoisseur of the beautiful game. The fact that this could be the most open World Cup since 1982 adds even more spice to the pot and with some great group games coming up, it promises to be one of the more memorable tournaments.

Of course, I’ll be rooting for England, but don’t mistake my patriotism for blinkered xenophobia. I love football from all continents and I cannot wait to see how Argentina’s disaster can be transformed, how Spain can try for the international double and if Italy can successfully defend their title. All in all, I want a great tournament full of great football and hopefully the new series will get you all in the mood for it when it kicks off on June 11th

It was the marquee signing that announced that Manchester City had money to burn and were determined to usurp the comfy old pals act at the top of the Premiership. Fans flocked to Eastlands in tea-towels to show their new Arabic allegiance and the shock that seemed to follow such a transfer.  £32.5 million had brought Robinho from Real Madrid to Manchester in a matter of hours and English football was in shock.

At first, the plaudits rained down on the little Brazilian as his pace and trickery dazzled the fans and replica kits bearing his name flew out of the club shop. Sheik Mansour had offered the highest profile player he could lay his hands on as that frenetic day came to a conclusion with City making bids all over Europe. The City fans were in raptures but every silver lining has a cloud.

For some reason, Robinho’s form began to tail off and soon it became evident that he simply didn’t perform away from Eastlands. Almost anonymous for most of the away games he appeared in, it took until April last year for the player to finally turn it on in an away game. Facing a tough trip to Goodison, he was effervescent throughout the game and showed true glimpses of his undoubted skill. 9 months later, a game at the same opponents has Robinho’s critics sharpening their knives.

I don’t think anyone can honestly understand how low a player feels when you join as a  substitute only to be then substituted. It sickens you to the stomach, unless injury has forced you off and that can still rankle as much. Similarly to being substituted at half time, the effect on the footballers psyche is deep and unremitting. To put it bluntly, it hurts like hell and everyone can see it. Pride and shame bubble up from deep inside you, you hope a giant hole will appear to swallow you up but it never arrives.

This event happening in a Sunday morning pub league is bad enough but in front of 37,728 fans and millions more watching around the world it’s almost catastrophic. The effect can be spirit crushing, especially for such a precocious and mentally delicate player as Robson De Souza clearly is. I appreciate that Mancini has to be strong and coming from Internazionale, he is used to dealing with the largest of ego’s but is Robinho egotistical or simply one of those players that constantly needs to be told how good he is? For me it’s the latter.

It’s difficult to explain why some players constantly need to be told how good they are, despite all the evidence pointing to the contrary. Everyone knows they’re good, so surely they must realise it also? It doesn’t work like that, inside your head, you don’t think like that, you don’t think you are that good, you don’t think you can do it every game. Think that’s infuriating for a fan? How do you think the player feels?

Away from home, opponents can figure out players like this, it’s easy. A bit of needle, a few choice words, a foot left in the tackle a little bit longer than it should be or a body check is all it takes to get the player questioning himself. At home, the fans can make you shake the cobwebs out of your head, clear your mind and get you focused back on your abilities and shut out the opposition and their fans baying for your blood.Away from home, it is a very different ball game. Robinho can be talked out of a match away from Eastlands.

Just because someone cost £32.5 million doesn’t make them immune to bouts of self doubt or a loss of confidence or form. Robinho is clearly a confidence player who needs an arm around the shoulder to keep him on side. Regardless of the image and the wages, it’s the battle inside your mind that makes you the player who you really are. Once Robinho can deal with his own self doubts and lack of confidence, then he will truly unlock all of his potential. Mancini needs to show patience and guide him, rather than chastise him.

Simon Kuper and Stefan Syzmanski titled the American version of their new book Soccernomics (review is here), but their title for the release in the UK is Why England Lose.  In the book, Kuper and Syzmanski identified the US as a rising power in soccer and England as a permanent disappointment to their rabid fans.  With all the caveats that their analysis is designed to look at trends over time and not the outcome of one game, the June 12 match-up between the US and England in South Africa will be a mini-test case for their theory.

Kuper and Syzmanski believe that national team greatness is based on three factors – wealth, size and experience.  For purposes of this argument, England and the US are equally as wealthy.  The soccer playing male population over the age of 12 is probably a little larger in England, but the US is catching up fast and will probably surpass them any moment now.  However, it is in experience where, according to Kuper and Syzmanski, the US is outgunning England.

Kuper and Syzmanski define experience as the collective different types of soccer under which a team and its coaches have played.  For example, one of the main reasons for Brazil’s success, according to Kuper and Syzmanski, is that their players have played in a large variety of leagues all over Europe.  The Brazilian team is full of players who play in the EPL, La Liga, Serie A, and other great leagues in Europe.  When he was considered the best player in the world, Ronaldo was a one man soccer travel guide.  He had done a stint in Holland (PSV), two tours of Spain (Barca and Real Madrid) and two tours of Italy (Inter and AC Milan).  By experiencing these different leagues, and learning how to master them, Ronaldo made himself unstoppable.

Conversely, Kuper and Syzmanski believe that England always disappoints because the English players only master how to succeed in England.  English players rarely travel across the channel to gain experience anywhere else.  They play for English clubs, usually under English managers, against English opponents, and learn only how to beat other English teams.  Unfortunately, when it comes time to go to the World Cup or the Euro tournament, the team that they are best suited to beat (England) is the one team they will never oppose.  It is for this reason that England has not reached the final of a major tournament in over 40 years, and during that time did not qualify for either a Euro or World Cup Finals seven times.

If you project out the most likely team to line up against the US in South Africa, you see this problem in spades.  My projection of the starters and reserves England will field next June is a team that not only plays all its club soccer in England – it does not have a single player who has ever played for a non-English club team.  The only country in the World Cup Finals that can match England’s insularity is North Korea.

English Starters (Club Team Country)

• David James – England
• Ashley Cole – England
• Rio Ferdinand – England
• John Terry – England
• Glen Johnson – England
• Aaron Lennon – England

• Frank Lampard – England
• Steven Gerrard – England
• Joe Cole – England
• Wayne Rooney – England
• Jermaine Defoe – England

English Reserves (Club Team Country)

• Paul Robinson – England
• Wayne Bridge – England
• Mathew Upson – England
• Theo Walcott – England
• Gareth Barry – England
• Michael Carrick – England
• Darren Bent – England

Conversely, the US team is a tribute to diversity.  In my projected starting XI, nine different nations are represented in the players’ club history.  Add in the reserves, and you are adding in another two countries.

US Starters (Club Team Country)

• Tim Howard – US/England
• Jonathan Spector – England
• Oguchi Onyewu – Belgium/Italy
• Jay DeMerit – England
• Carlos Bocanegra – US/England/France
• Landon Donovan – Germany/US
• Michael Bradley – US/Holland/Germany
• Benny Feilhaber – Germany/England/Denmark
• Stuart Holden – US
• Clint Dempsey – US/England
• Jozy Altidore – US/Spain/England

US Reserves (Club Team Country)

• Brad Guzon – US/England
• Steve Cherundelo – Germany
• Jermaine Jones – Germany
• Fernando Torres – Mexico
• Maurice Edu – US/Scotland
• Robbie Findley – US
• Conor Casey – Germany/US

With Holden and possibly Donovan set to go to Europe in the January transfer window, this diversity of experience will continue.  With the US learning under different systems, playing against different types of players, and refining different skill sets, they are more apt to absorb the challenges of international tournament like the World Cup.

Does this mean the US will win the game on June 12?  There is no crystal ball for that.  The only statistical theory that Kuper and Syzmanski could say about that game is that the team that scores the most goals will come out ahead.  However, according to Kuper and Syzmanski, the US is coming on fast and England is a stagnant, creaking soccer power.  Over time, if this trend continues, the US will certainly overtake England on the world stage.  The question is whether that Rubicon is crossed on June 12 in Rustenberg or sometime a little further down the road.

Q: Why did he mention Dempsey and Howard in the title?

A: It’s a sneaky writer’s trick. He name-dropped Americans who play in the Premier League to justify writing about USA v Brazil for EPLTalk.com.

Q: Is that why he posted that hastily sketched drawing of Dempsey’s mug as well?

A: Yes indeed.

Is there such a thing as a great loss in football? As a Liverpool supporter, I am told I enjoyed two great draws this past season. 4-4 against Chelsea and 4-4 against Arsenal. I was too devastated by Liverpool being knocked out of the Champions League and sliding out of the title race to notice I enjoyed anything. Out of context, I can appreciate the matches’ greatness. The bombardment of goals. The tension and drama. I get it. But in light of the repercussions of a cup exit and key points dropped, these matches leave a bitter, clinging residue. It still stings to think about them.

Yet, as an American North American USAian Statesman, ahem… Yet, as a Yank, I can say I enjoyed the USA’s great loss to Brazil yesterday.

The first half was a dream. Jonathan Spector’s service was brilliant but Dempsey’s shot looked awkward. It bounced optimistically toward goal. I was positive Julio César had it covered. When it bounced just past his fingertips, I couldn’t believe it. USA were one-nil up on Brazil. I still felt sure we’d lose 4-1. But I’d said before the match I’d feel better losing 4-1 than another 3-0. And now we’d scored first. Beautiful.

The US continued with convincing possession and driving play.  And while Brazil created some chances in the first half, Tim Howard continually read the attacks perfectly. He snatched, scooped and punched the danger away each time it knocked on his door.

Then there were two USA players running down the Brazilian defense with loads of space. Almost a mirror image of Brazil’s charge off the failed US corner kick in the previous match. Charlie Davies had the ball out wide and Landon Donovan made the perfect run. Davies found him with a sharp pass past two defenders and Donovan turned his man before launching the ball into the far corner. Was this the same team that bumbled and stuttered against Brazil just ten days ago? Had the USA and Brazil players swapped shirts before the match instead of after? Would Real Madrid be making a €50m bid on Donovan? I considered dumping a glass of cold water over myself just to make sure I was awake.

If you’d told me before the match we were going to finish the half two nil up on Brazil, I would have hurled rotting vegetables at your head to teach you not to say such ridiculous things. But the whistle blew. And 2-0 was the score. I couldn’t relax though. If it had been 8-0 maybe I could have taken a deep breath and relaxed. Maybe. But I was still too elated for words.

A minute into the first half, and Luis Fabiano was there to guide me back down to earth with a stunner. His back to goal and defender Jay DeMerit, he spun toward the target, slinging the ball between DeMerit’s legs and past Tim Howard. DeMerit gave him too much room and the shot came off before Howard could process the ball’s movement. The keeper lunged but it was no use.

At this point, I thought the US could still prevail. Brazil had gotten one off, but if our boys kept their heads they could create another like the Dempsey or Donovan goal and we could win it 3-1.

But Fabiano’s goal had thrown our side off balance and Brazil would take advantage with blistering resolve.

Against Spain, the US were able to congest the box. There was plenty of room for Spain on each wing, but no one open in the box no matter how good the service. Against Brazil, this same space on the wing was an open invitation to an onslought. The Brazilians would just keep coming. Wave upon wave of attack. Another goal from Fabiano and one from Lúcio would smother my hopes. Kaká should have been credited with a goal as well, but Tim Howard got the ball out before the officials could see it had crossed the line.

Brazil’s goals stung my heart, but when the final whistle blew I wasn’t devastated. We’d had no business getting past the group stage. We’d had no business beating Spain. But there we were in the final against Brazil. We lost by a mere goal.

After the miserable group stage loss to Brazil which was plagued by horrible US passing and embarrassing concessions, all I wanted from yesterday was for the US to play well. They could lose to Brazil as long as it wasn’t a dismal display. The biggest problem the US had in the previous encounter was they let Brazil’s reputation overwhelm them. They played infinitely better against Spain, The Best Team in the World™. But Spain haven’t been The Best Team in the World™ long enough for the US to let it shake their psychology. They kept their heads and managed an upset.

Brazil have been Brazil for decades. It’s not just that they are great players, but their legend is a long-standing institution which looms large. The idea of Brazil put the US on the back foot even before the opening whistle of the group stage match. That the US were able to overcome this psychological hurdle yesterday and play out of their skin and go two nil up is massive. An important leap before South Africa 2010.

I didn’t expect us to win the final. But then I didn’t expect us to escape the group stage and I certainly didn’t expect us to oust Spain. So yesterday I was open to the boys flipping my reality on its head one last time. Which they did, if only in the first half.

Thanks for giving me that dream, boys. The Brazilian comeback may have been inevitable. But the great fight of the first half was pure joy and a big step for the future of team USA.

Watching Brazil against Argentina in the semi-final of the Olympic games this morning, I felt like I was in a timewarp back to the late 1980′s. That’s because NBC, in their infinite stupidity, are breaking for TV commercials in the middle of the game.

And just as it routinely happened in the late 1980′s (including the 1986 World Cup when televised by U.S. TV), the broadcast of the game came back to show that a goal had been scored during a commercial.

Wake up NBC. It’s 2008. Let’s come up with a better solution for televising soccer matches that doesn’t include breaking for commercials.