Yesterday, the World Cup field was finalized. There were 6 play-off games that were all pretty exciting. My favorite was Algeria sending Egypt home. I'm also glad that Ireland were eliminated on such a controversial goal. I've never liked them.

Here are the 32 teams that will compete.

My voice is officially gone. I literally can't speak at the moment. I'm going to MLS Cup in Seattle next weekend. Nah Nah Nah Nah NAHNAH!

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

When you watch the USA x Costa Rica match tonight, stand up for the 9th minute for Charlie.

He was going to bring it for the USA in next year's World Cup. I was going to buy his jersey. Now he's got a year of recovery after a horrible car accident.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Back in my prime, there was one method of scoring I never mastered, the heel-flick. I pulled the move off in training many times, but in matches I made a fool of myself by whiffing on multiple occassions. I really want to score on a heel flick in a meaningful match because it's just so cool.

This week in the Champions League, three goals were scored on heel flicks.

This was the first weekend of AYSO matches. I'm coaching 3 teams with Eddie.

U-16 Burbank - It was an ugly game as we lost 3-1. Our girls have skills, but the 8:00 AM kickoff seemed to make them forget how to play. They made way too many mistakes and couldn't focus at all. We've got some work to do.

Look at these nice friends I made at a soccer game in Mexico City!

Ok, so it was much more than a friendly little match. Here's my story of a day I'll never forget.

Carlo, Chris, and I arrived in Mexico City the day before the match. We took it easy, knowing the following day would be quite an experience.

Story and pictures to come tomorrow. It was easier for me to upload these today and get them out of the way.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

12 hours from now, I'll be on a plane to Mexico City.
24 hours from now, I'll be settling into the city.
In 40 hours, I'll be in one of soccer's most storied stadiums, Estadio Azteca, watching the Yanks take on El Tri.

The USA has never won there, and there is no reason to think we will this time despite having our top squad that would beat Mexico at any other venue on Earth.

2006 - captains England in the World Cup, doesn't do well
2006 - loses captaincy, is told he'll never play for England again
early 2007 - Signs deal with the LA Galaxy, Madrid coach benches him, but not for long
early 2007 - Becks plays key role in turning Madrid around to win La Liga (Spanish league)
Mid 2007 - Is asked to rejoin England
Mid 2007 - Starts playing with LA.

I gave David Beckham many chances. When the Galaxy schedule was fixed in 2007 so that 12 of the last 14 matches would be away, I assumed it was only the LA ownership being stupid. When stupid friendlies in the middle of the MLS season were arranged I assumed it was the same stupid ownership. When key players were traded away and crappy ones were brought it, I assumed it was ALL the fault of the coaching staff and management.

In one week, I received two new yellow Israeli soccer shirts.

First, my friend Donna from work went to Israel for her sister's wedding. She brought me back a yellow Maccabi Tel Aviv shirt on Monday. Thanks again Donna!

Second, on Thursday I received a new Maccabi Haifa shirt from my Massachusetts family.

All the adjectives you could apply to an inspirational performances apply to the USMNT's handling of Spain yesterday. The Yanks went end to end, side to side, non-stop for ninety minutes. The most telling play of the match for me wasn't either of the two goals, but it was Ricardo Clark's sliding block on a shot destined for goal from Sergio Ramos.

Let's all laugh at these guys.

Then let's thank Brasil for getting the job done.

After my last post, I called Coach Bradley's coaching decisions into question. I was specifically concerned with his personnel choices. Shortly after that post, my point was validated with an absolutely sad performance against Brasil.

June 3 - WCQ - USA gets worked 3-1 in Costa Rica. Costa Rica couldn't replicate that today. Most of our squad had only been together for 3 days and some had just flown in from Europe. Our team was comprised of players who play in Belgium, Mexico, France, England, Spain, Germany and of course the USA.

English Premier League

Bundesliga

Italy - Serie A

France - Ligue 1

Netherlands - Eredivisie

Champions League

There isn't a good La Liga compilation yet, but here are the top 10 Messi goals.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.