Don't Blame the Ref

America, and the world, are abuzz today with the news that the "US got robbed" during its World Cup soccer match with Slovenia. It's true. Malian referee Koman Coulibaly did make a bogus call at the end of the game. When Maurice Edu slotted home the game-winning goal off a free kick, there was no foul. This is true. There was no offside infraction either. It was a totally incorrect call.

We are outraged. Americans everywhere are livid and feel that the World Cup win was snatched from their very own hands. This may well be true. But the thing is, in sports, you can only control certain things.

Had the game been tied 0-0 and Edu's strike was the only goal, perhaps I'd think differently. But, the game unfolded in a different way, with the US asleep at the wheel for the entire first half. Had they not let in those two goals early, they would never have been in desperation mode for the entire second half.

Having played the game myself, I can appreciate the ebb and flow of each match. As frustrated as I was after the game today, I just kept thinking that the US team played an amazing 45 minutes. If they would have played an amazing 90 minutes, none of the calls or refereeing would have been an issue.

Amazingly, the US is still in contention for one of two berths into the next round. With a win over Algeria, the US is in. There are a multitude of other scenarios should the US draw, but let's hope it does not come to that.

World Cup Fever!

The greatest tournament in the world featuring the world's most popular sport began today in South Africa. The opening game featured host nation South Africa and Mexico, who dueled it out to a 1-1 draw before 84,000 rowdy fans. South Africa surged to an lead early in the second half, only to give it up on a goal by Mexico’s Rafael Marquez in the 79th minute. The South Africans were so close to a dream victory as they opened the 2010 World Cup in their home country.

Here in the States, no doubt all avid fans will be glued to the TV tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. as the American squad opens its World Cup campaign against perennial power England!

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US World Cup Team Chosen!

U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bob Bradley named the 23-man roster that will travel to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The team heads to South Africa on May 30th. The opening game is against longtime foes, England, on June 12th.

Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Brad Guzan.

Defenders: Steve Cherundolo, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit, Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Clarence Goodson, Jonathan Spector.

Midfielders: Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden, Jose Francsico Torres.

Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, Herculez Gomez, Robbie Findley

Here's a little something to get us in the mood...

Will David Beckham Bring Down the US?

I came across an interesting article today about the possibility of David Beckham playing a coaching/advisory role for the English national soccer team during World Cup 2010. The move is strategic on the part of the Brits, as Beckham has spent the last few years playing for the L.A. Galaxy of US's Major League Soccer. Theory goes that he knows the ins and outs, strengths and weaknesses of the American players, and as a result, the English can prepare accordingly for victory.

We all remember the major hullabaloo a few years ago when Beckham, armed with his celebrity wife Posh Spice, was brought over to America for what seemed like a gazillion dollars. Becks was donned the "savior" of the fledgling MLS.

I never bought into the hype then, just like I don't buy into it now. When I strapped on my boots and stepped onto the pitch, I could care less about the opponent or the scouting report.

You play to win, try your best, and at the end of the day the better team will be victorious. That's all I need to know. Lets hope Team USA abides by the same mantra.

The US plays its first match of World Cup 2010 on June 12 against England.

Charlie Davies left off US World Cup training roster

In a surprising decision, US soccer star Charlie Davies will not get the chance to represent USA at World Cup 2010. The star forward's name was left off the training camp roster. Davies was attempting to come back to the national team seven months after a nearly fatal car crash left him with broken bones, a ruptured bladder, and bleeding in the brain. Though his rehabilitation was going well, he was not given a full medical release to attend the training camp.

30 players gather next week in Princeton, New Jersey for training camp. Coach Bradley will select the top 23 for the final World Cup 2010 roster. The Americans open their World Cup campaign against England on June 12.