shnsajax

I'm sure you know this, but seeding rankings are half based on FIFA rankings and half based on WC performances from 2002 and 2006 (2006 performance counts for 2/3 of this, 2002 for 1/3). So, the Netherlands not qualifying for the 2002 WC really kills their performance score (14, where 32 would be a perfect score), and the US finishing last in their group in 2006 really kills their performance score (13.7). Teams like Argentina (21), France (23.3) and Portugal (22.3), on the other hand, are really helped by their performance rating. As for how the selection pods will work out, if neither Mexico nor the US make a seed, and Argentina does make a seed (OK, let's just assume all holds to form): Seeds (Pod A): Brazil, Spain, England, Italy, Argentina, Germany, France, South Africa Pod B (Europe): Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, Denmark, Greece, Serbia, Russia, Slovakia Pod C (Asia/CONCACAF): Australia, Bahrain, North Korea, South Korea, Japan, USA, Mexico, Honduras Pod D (Africa/CONMEBOL): Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, Algeria, Tunisia, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay So, potentially, the US could end up in a pool like Brazil, Netherlands, Ivory Coast, USA. If, on the other hand, Costa Rica/Honduras win the CONMEBOL playoff, or one of Mexico/US gets a seed, the pods don't line up perfectly according to confederation, which could mean the US had a shot at an Asian team in their pod. Something akin to South Africa/Chile/Bahrain/USA would be best-case scenario. Yeah I know, I just think the WC from 2002 has zero relevance, and the one from 2006 is minimal. Performance in any WC does rely on some luck simply based on the draw.

The seeding thing drives me nuts even though it puts the US closer than they really should be. Why is France 8th and Portgual 9th when they have a legit chance of missing out on the WC all together. Why Holland is currently behind Portugal, Argentina, and France is beyond me.

He'll probably get an "A" in English for Athletes.

All 4 of those sites would allow Honduras to outdraw the US. Well maybe not Chicago, but it would be close. Chicago wouldn't be close. They'd get outdrawn 4-1. it just happened this summer. I knew they would get outdrawn, forgot it was in Chicago :-).

All 4 of those sites would allow Honduras to outdraw the US. Well maybe not Chicago, but it would be close.

He's a freshman, he'll learn. Jimmy Claussen was the same way a couple of years ago and he turned out ok. Aaron Corp is actually a redshirt sophomore, but this is his first year getting collegiate playing time. Was thinking about Barkley for some reason. Brain cramp. Still, this is his first time actually facing live in-game action. I still think he'll be an all right QB. I agree with that. What does the Voice of Reason think?

FIFA is looking into moving the Hondurus match to a neutral site, I doubt it would happen but the fact that they are looking into says something. That would be a huge break even though the match would still probably be somewhere in Central America.

Not that mind seeing all of the keepers grow from our youth teams, but its going to be nice when we see that midfield leader come up at a young age and just dominate.

The article also says they expect him to be on the Cubs radar not that he is. Plus that would be tampering, everything is speculation.

Wow Bellamy escapes with just a warning. I'm a little shocked at this.

Hello

A healthy Corp already beat a healthy Barkely for the starting job earlier this year. But since then, it appears Carroll has fallen in love with Barkely and wants to dick around Corp. He's probably still pissed that Sanchez left since he is not ready for the NFL :-).

All three of the US U20 WC games will be on ESPN2 or Classic starting on Saturday.

Hahaha, what a jag! Not only does he have a tough enough mountain to climb for playing time on a squad with Robinho, Tevez, Santa Cruz and Adebayor, but then he does something like that. Both of his goals vs. United were great too, then he does this.

Looks like Craig Bellamy could be missing some time in the future. http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2009/0921/craigbellamy20090921fan_275x155.jpg

Jermaine Jones paperwork has been completed with the US, now its just up to FIFA.

I wouldn't doubt it, Floyd is great. Potential WR class next year with Bryant, Crabtree, and Floyd is pretty good. Followed by some smaller speed guys like Jordan Shipley and Golden Tate and there are a lot of options suddenly, plus a lot more I am not even thinking of. Floyd isn't even eligible to enter the draft until 2011 - he's a true sophomore. Makes his ridiculousness all the more impressive. I would be very surprised if Tate came out, but I guess wonders never cease. He reminds me a little of Steve Smith, but I don't think he's on that level. We'll see, though. Oh, I thought he was the same age as Tate.

I wouldn't doubt it, Floyd is great. Potential WR class next year with Bryant, Crabtree, and Floyd is pretty good. Followed by some smaller speed guys like Jordan Shipley and Golden Tate and there are a lot of options suddenly, plus a lot more I am not even thinking of.

Good start, the run defense looks great but Newman's side of the field continue's to get beat.

Great Manchester Derby today, unbelievable finish. United were the better team they deserved the 3 points.

A few years ago Peyton Manning (still with the Colts) ran a fake spike play right before the half. Every defensive player thought he spiked it, so they all stopped. The Colts ended up scoring on the play (can't remember if he threw it or ran it), but it was called back because the refs thought he spiked it so they blew the play dead. I say all that only to point out that I don't know whether trick plays are always communicated to the refs or not, but it's happened before that trick plays will confuse even the refs. Refs actually got that call right in the Texas, though I had no idea that was the rule prior to that play.

Yeah that first goal was a thing of beauty. Liverpool's defense especially on set pieces is brutal right now though. Carragher was awful.

Fernando Torres is kind of good.

i know, how is texas tech vs texas the primetime game? who cares Its not like anyone cares about OU/Tulsa ;-)

Thats what I was thinking.