Miracle on grass: January 2010

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

National team update

The dominant news surrounding the USMNT right now is Landon Donovan's recent debut for Everton at the Emirates. While I think the fervor surrounding his performance is a little ridiculous, there is no question that Donovan pulled off a fine debut, providing one assist and generally making life hard for the Arsenal defenders. The only instances where Donovan looked shaky were in defensive plays, including one failed tackle which lead to an Arsenal goal. Still, keep in mind that Donovan is no defender, and not being relied upon to defend, so his shakiness in the back shouldn't count against his overall performance. Next week Everton play the in form Manchester City, but I think Donovan's greatest test will be when he plays clubs like Birmingham and Sunderland, whose highly physical style of play could counter Landon's quick and skillful dribbling.
Another recent development is Stuart Holden's trail at Bolton. The American followed Owen Coyle (don't even get me started on his move) to Bolton from Burnley to continue his trail at the Reebok. I'm glad Holden choose to go to England and not to Rangers, as had previously been rumored. If Beasley and Edu have shown us anything, it's that it's basically impossible for Americans to stay in form in the heavy hitting SPL, and Holdon's slim frosted tip body would have made no exception. Weather or not Bolton is Holden's team I'm not so sure. They certainly are a team in need of help, and with almost no depth (and little quality to start) in their squad if Holden has a successful trial he could be almost guaranteed a significant chunk of playing time.
One piece of news which has largely slid under the radar is Wake Forest Universities Cody Arnoux's signing with Everton. The American signed his professional contract way back in August, following his final season with Wake Forest. I mention this because Arnoux has been a member of Everton's reserves since the the start of the season and with recent developments we could be hearing a lot more about Cody especially now the Landon is at Everton.

Sincere condolences to the Togo national team, and the families of those killed. It's really a shame that something so beautiful and simple as soccer can be drawn into conflicts it has nothing to do with.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

The Enemy Part 2: Algeria

Few people realize the popularity of football in Algeria, a nation to which Zidane, Samir Nasri, and Karim Benzema can trace their roots. The Algerian team unofficially predates the actual country, being formed just before independence from France in the 1950's. Despite the passion for the sport in Algeria, the nation has traditionally been a poor performer at the international level, with many young Algerians choosing to ply their trade in France rather then in their native country. A lone African Cup of Nations in 1990 is the only international distinction the side has won, and South Africa will only be the country's third world cup. Algeria's qualifying group was largely devoid of any significant opposition besides Egypt, who they beat out in a tense playoff.
The majority of Algerian players are based in their home country with some notable exceptions. The Portsmouth duo Nadir Belhadj and Hassan Yebda will both be donning the green jersey in the upcoming African Cup of Nations. While neither player is a real star, they are consistent players in a top (although maybe not for long) European club. One player who will no doubt be troubling to other group C members is Wolfsberg midfielder Karim Ziani, who was instrumental in Algerias qualification, and has made his round of top clubs including Marseille, Sochux, and recently Wolfsburg. This team is difficult to read in terms of style, and I'll be watching them closely when they play tough competition in the African Cup of Nations. As of yet all the USA fans have to watch is the Algeria Egypt game, which had a host of external factors affecting the players (like fear for their lives). Is we can take solace in anything, its that the game was close, with Algeria narrowly beating out Egypt, while the USA caned Egypt in the Confederations Cup.