Wild American Gooner

When Sports Are More Than Just Sports


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Cameroon’s Embarrassment, John Lackey and Today’s Picks

Good morning, all. Strange one last night between Cameroon and Croatia. After the Indomitable Lions’ bright start, it was surprising to see them implode as they did. Benoit Assou-Ekotto should be ashamed of what he did. Never, and I mean never, should you show up a teammate on the field, much less headbutt him. If he isn’t suspended by the Cameroon soccer federation, it will be a crime. There is simply no place for that anywhere. And on another note, I guess Alex Song doesn’t read my blog. His action was rather childish as well, and cost his team dearly. As I said before, he needs to be better.

The Red Sox had a big win yesterday. It seems like the kind of stuff that could turn the season around. Nine shutout innings from John Lackey and then some tenth inning heroics from David Ortiz and Mike Napoli. In my eyes, Lackey deserves to be an All-Star this year. When the Red Sox have needed a stopper, he has been the guy, even if he isn’t piling up the wins. He and Koji Uehara should be the only Boston representatives in Minnesota this summer.

Now, to my picks. They’ve been going better lately.

Colombia 2 Ivory Coast 2

I expect this game between the two top teams in Group C to be an exciting one. Coming off of a strong performance against Greece, James Rodriguez will impress once again, setting up Teo Gutierrez for Colombia’s first. The Ivorians will strike next via Yaya Toure. With a match under his belt to regain some fitness, Toure should be better today. Colombia will score their second shortly after half through Victor Ibarbo, whose excellent play will be rewarded with a fine goal. But the scoring won’t be done, as a late penalty will see Didier Drogba tie the game from the spot.

Uruguay 2 England 1

The outcome of this game will depend completely on Luis Suarez. Initially, it looked like he was going to play. But recent reports suggest he won’t. If he does play, I think he scores a brace against many of his Liverpool teammates. Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka won’t be able to contain both him and Edinson Cavani. If Suarez plays, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Uruguay score three. But if he doesn’t, England will dominate. Whether or not that will manifest itself in a win is another matter, but Daniel Sturridge should have his way with the shaky Uruguay defense that will be without Pereira and Lugano. I’ll settle for in between my two predictions. Cavani will score first, and Suarez will add one off the bench for the winner. Sturridge will have set up one for Sterling earlier to get England on the board. This game should be fascinating.

Japan 2 Greece 0

I’m still disappointed in Japan’s performance against the Ivory Coast last weekend. But I expect them to be less intimated by Greece’s frontline. As a couple of my friends pointed out recently, there aren’t too many strikers like Greece’s Georgios Samaras – ones who specialize in not scoring. He certainly shouldn’t cause the same degree of fear that Drogba did. If Greece starts Konstantinos Mitroglou, this might be a match. But should he be on the bench, the Greeks won’t have much going. On the other side, Shinji Kagawa will have his way in midfield. He will set up Shinji Okazaki nicely for Japan’s opener, before scoring the second himself. He will put the Japanese back in the Group C race.

As always, thanks for reading. Check back later for more World Cup coverage. Please share any thoughts or suggestions for content, and have a great day.

 


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Spain’s Legacy Is One To Be Celebrated

In every story, there is an end. Some are happy. Some are sad. Some ends are sudden. And some are a long time coming. If last week’s loss to the Netherlands was the beginning of the end for Spanish football, today’s defeat to Chile was the final period. Spain will go on playing soccer. In fact, they even get to play another game in Brazil. But things will never quite be the same for Vicente del Bosque’s historic Spanish side of the last six years.

Maybe it was arrogance, or maybe it was simply having played too many games over the last few years, but Spain was not ready to take punches from the Netherlands and from Chile. Everything went wrong. Stars so long admired for their ability to win at all costs seemed to give up. Gone was the ability to create chances. Gone was the determination to overcome the adversity. And gone were the Spaniards. As ESPN analyst Steve McManaman said in the immediate aftermath of Spain’s exit, “They deserve to be going home.”

It’s hard to believe that tiki-taka is done. But it seems the world has figured out how to defend it. Barcelona struggled all year with it, and now this. Will this signal a return to more barbarian styles of play? Or will a young manager come up with a new world-beating tactic? On this day, Chile’s decision to press high up the field looked ingenious. They allowed Spain time on the ball, but held firm when they needed to. When they got on the ball, they immediately countered, and sent runners into the box. Alexis Sanchez looked twice the player he often is at Barcelona among the inspired Chileans today.

Many people, including me, called for changes to be made in the Spanish side before today’s game. Somebody had to provide a spark. But del Bosque only made two changes. The tactics largely stayed the same, and the result was much the same. It was as if he wanted to go down with his boat. The ship was sinking, and instead of jumping on a lifeboat and fighting for survival, he stuck with his men and watched it go down. A 0-0 draw could have kept the Spanish alive, but they never would have played for that. They are too proud to abandon what has marked them over the years, and in many ways, that is admirable.

It will be healthy for these players to get some rest now. Finally, they will be able to have a summer off. Barcelona could be back to their best next year with a rested Spanish contingent. But you can bet that Spain will look to the younger generation to fill many of the old guard’s spaces after this summer. The Spanish side that begins Euro 2016 qualifying might be entirely unrecognizable.

But like all stories, the overall message is about so much more than just the ending. Is How I Met Your Mother a bad show just because the ending was terribly disappointing? Absolutely not. Ultimately, it’s the highs that should be remembered. And this Spanish team had some unbelievable highs. They should go down as one of the best national team sides of all team. They changed the way soccer was played, ushering in an exciting era of tiki-taka unlike anything seen before.

As they depart Brazil, they leave behind that legacy of tiki-taka. It may have diminishing returns now, but for many years, the revolutionary style was almost unbeatable. Xavi, Iniesta, Villa and company should hold their heads high. Their story with Spain has come to an end. But the incredible story of how this side changed the way the game is played is one to be celebrated.

 


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Analysis of Arsenal’s Fixture-List

In what was the game of the tournament so far, the Socceroos nearly upset the Netherlands in a thrilling 3-2 loss earlier today. This game had everything you could want from the neutral standpoint. It had spectacular goals, an inspiring underdog, near-misses, and a little controversy. The swing from Australia nearly going up 3-2 on one end to Memphis Depay’s goal for the Netherlands on the other was brutal for those hoping for the upset. It was an impressive effort from the Socceroos, one that will endear them to millions of people across the world, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.

The other news this morning is the arrival of the Premier League fixture-list. The reveal of the schedule is a sign that the next campaign is nearly upon us. In just a couple weeks, teams will be traveling across the world for their pre-season preparations. Usually this should be an exciting day. But in World Cup years, this particular day holds less intrigue. But at least it gives us an excuse to discuss something about Arsenal other than silly transfer rumors.

There is a lot to like about Arsenal’s fixtures. Unlike last season, there aren’t entire months in which you look at the schedule and say we’re one injury away from four straight losses. The big games are nicely spread out this time, with the only exception being a four game stretch in late September and early October that includes Manchester City and Tottenham at the Emirates followed by Chelsea away.

With all of the players at the World Cup needing an extra break this summer, they might not be completely ready for the first couple games in August. That’s why hosting Crystal Palace in the opener is ideal. A weaker Arsenal side might still be able to cope with Palace, whereas a trip to Anfield, as it was suggested might happen yesterday, would have been especially tough. Knowing there will also be a Champions League tie to play in late August, easier fixtures will be nice. Everton away might prove tough though in the second match.

April will be a big month for the Gunners, with Liverpool and Chelsea coming to the Emirates. Hopefully there will be some Champions League games to play then as well, so that could be a important stretch. A trip to Old Trafford in the second to last week of the season could also hold massive importance, but finishing at home against West Brom should see Arsenal finish the year with a win.

The other thing about the schedule that stands out to me is the Christmas/New Year’s stretch. I know there are always a lot of games to play in a short stretch then, but having to play two games in three days (QPR at home on Boxing Day and West Ham away the 28th) is asking a lot of these players. Having lost Aaron Ramsey to an injury during this period last year, Arsene Wenger will have to be extra careful to give his players the necessary rest to avoid injuries. Younger players could very well see valuable playing time in December.

While the release of the fixture-list isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, it does officially tell us that we are now 59 days away from the season opener. August 16 vs. Crystal Palace. Get ready.


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Daniel Bard’s Tragic 175.00 ERA

It’s not often that you see a professional baseball player with a 175.00 ERA. Or one with 9 walks, 7 hit batsmen, and 2 outs in 18 batters faced. You’d assume that pitcher had no talent, no hope for making the major leagues. You wouldn’t assume that pitcher was a 28 year-old Daniel Bard.

Most casual baseball fans would know Daniel Bard as the smoke-throwing Red Sox set-up man, the heir apparent to Jonathan Papelbon at closer a few years ago. Some might remember his famously failed move to the starting rotation in 2012, one that saw him lose his ability to throw strikes. But few would recognize Daniel Bard on the mound these days, as he is hardly a shadow of his former self.

When people ask who my favorite Red Sox player is from the last few years, I say Daniel Bard. He was everything I loved in a pitcher. He had a triple-digit fastball and a nasty breaking ball. I watched his University of North Carolina team that made it to the final of the College World Series and instantly liked their number two pitcher (Current Red Sox Andrew Miller was their ace). I then closely followed him as he sailed through the minor leagues. He was the first Red Sox player that I had watched in college, in the minors and then in the majors.

With the big club, Bard was incredible at times as the Red Sox’s 8th inning man. In 2010, he had a 3.1 WAR while posting a 1.93 ERA in 73 appearances. And in 2011, he was even better for most of the year, owning a scoreless streak of 26 and a third innings over the course of the summer. Like most of the Red Sox that year, he imploded in September, but there wasn’t too much concern about Papelbon’s exit that offseason, as Bard seemed more than capable of replacing him. However, Bard wanted to be a starter again like he was in college and implored the Red Sox to give him a chance.

Bobby Valentine did a lot of things wrong in Boston. But his most harmful decision has to be letting Daniel Bard try to become a starter. Bard started the year okay, but quickly lost all control, walking more men than he struck out. A particularly ugly start in Toronto was the beginning of the end. He went to the minor leagues to figure things out but only saw things unravel further. The Red Sox finally gave up on him last September, letting Theo Epstein and the Cubs have a shot at straightening out Bard’s problems on the mound.

The final blow to Bard came this past January when he underwent surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, an injury that might have caused all of his problems from the start, one that forced Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter into retirement. I’m no doctor, but the injury sounds pretty gruesome. After the surgery, Bard faced a long road back.

The Rangers offered him a new start this year. He worked hard to get himself back on the field, and finally returned in early June. But in four appearances in low-A this month, Bard has only gotten two men out. Technically, he hasn’t allowed a single hit. But he’s walked nine and hit seven batters. Bard simply is not the same pitcher he once was. At this rate, his career will probably end soon, and for a player who was seen as the Red Sox long-term closer as recently as thirty months ago, it is truly a remarkably upsetting turn of events.

Alfredo Aceves took over Papelbon’s closer role for Boston in 2012. But Bobby Valentine could have made the simple choice of putting Daniel Bard in that role. That decision cost the young man a long career, millions of dollars, but most of all, it caused Bard to lose his dignity on the mound. One has to wonder what might have been. There aren’t too many baseball stories as tragic as this one.


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Imagine Kangaroos Playing Soccer

Good morning, everyone. Yesterday was a busy one for me, but fortunately I was able to see all of the Brazil-Mexico game. Having attended the Mexico-Portugal friendly, Mexico’s last before the World Cup, I have to say I am absolutely stunned at how well they are playing in Brazil. Guillermo Ochoa was the hero in goal, but for long periods of time yesterday, Mexico was the more impressive side. Should they advance, they will prove a tough out in the round of 16. I never would have guessed that after their uninspiring performance against Portugal. Brazil was unlucky not to win this game though, as Thiago Silva should have placed his free header anywhere but right at Ochoa. They will be fine, even with the draw, but they certainly do not look unbeatable on home soil, despite what the media keeps telling us.

I was at the Red Sox last night and saw another wonderful game by Brock Holt. Playing in center field for the first time, Holt made one of the more unbelievable plays I’ve seen at Fenway, coming out of nowhere to dive behind a lost Jonny Gomes in left field. Check out the video on the bottom of this article for the best look at this catch. Holt also scored both runs, and showed once again that he needs to be on the field every day. Were it not for Holt, the Red Sox would be borderline unwatchable right now, but the kid is playing out of his mind, keeping this team afloat. I should have a Red Sox themed post later today for you so stay tuned.

Now, after getting rather unlucky with my picks yesterday, I’ll try to rebound today.

Netherlands 3 Australia 0

The name Socceroos is perfect. Every time I watch Australia play, I can’t help but try and picture kangaroos playing soccer (I’ve looked on Youtube and can’t find a video of it). Wouldn’t that just be amazing? I don’t care if this Australian team isn’t as good as prior ones. They are exciting merely because of their name. But unfortunately, the Socceroos don’t have the talent to beat the Dutch today. As the tournament’s new it-team, the Netherlands are rolling. And they will face little adversity seeing off the Aussies. Robin van Persie will score two and Wesley Sneijder will add the third for the Dutch. The Netherlands will all but seal their place in the round of 16 with this win.

Chile 2 Spain 2

In what might be the tournament’s most important group stage game, Chile and Spain will battle it out in a hotly contested affair. Whether or not Vicente del Bosque rings in the changes, Spain will be fired up to prove to themselves that last week’s embarrassment was not an accurate representation of the state of Spanish soccer. However, things will not start brightly for the reigning champions. The defense will be left suspect once again, as Alexis Sanchez, who will be playing many of his Barcelona teammates, will find the net within twenty minutes. A second goal from Chile before the half, this one a brilliant effort from Arturo Vidal, will send the world into a frenzy. But the Spain we all know will be back in a big way in the second half, as a series of substitutions will turn the game around. Jordi Alba will set up Spain’s first goal for Cesc Fabregas. And with time running out on Spain’s World Cup hopes, Sergio Ramos will tie the game, scoring yet another huge goal. The lone point will barely keep Spain in the running for Group B’s second spot in the round of 16, but it will feel like a win after being down and out at halftime.

Croatia 2 Cameroon 0

With Croatia still steaming from last week’s controversial loss to Brazil, Mexico’s draw yesterday will only serve to add more fuel to the fire. Knowing a win is a must against Cameroon, Croatia will be ruthless, relentlessly attacking the Cameroonian defense. Likely without star striker Samuel Eto’o due to injury, the Indomitable Lions won’t be able to relieve any pressure up top, and Croatia will have their way. Luka Modric will deservedly get the opener midway through the first half. Without his long hair that marked his Tottenham days, he is a much more likeable player in my eyes. He will be excellent today. Their second goal will be set up nicely by Ivan Rakitic, who will feed Ivica Olic on the break for a beautiful goal. More pressure will be piled on in the second half, but no further goals will come for the impressive Croatians. This game should be very one-sided.

Enjoy the soccer today and continue spreading the word about this blog. Check back later for the Red Sox piece and for more World Cup coverage. Thanks for reading.