Cesare Prandelli Releases his Roster for the Euro 2012 Qualifers

Cesare Prandelli during the last Azzurri camp
in August.

Cesare Prandelli has released his roster for the first two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Estonia in Tallinn on 3 September and at home versus the Faroe Islands on 7 September 2010 from Florence. The Azzurri faced the Faroe Islands during Euro 2008 qualification.

Old Faces Return


Giampaolo Pazzini has been on scintillating form.
He scored three times against Werder Bremen in the
recent two-legged Champions League tie.

Andrea Pirlo returns to the mix along with Giampaolo Pazzini of Sampdoria and Fabio Quagliarella of Juventus.

New Faces

Prandelli will give several players their debut in European qualification.

Azzurri Roster

Portieri/Goalkeepers: Mirante (Parma ), Sirigu (Palermo), Viviano (Bologna).

Difensori/Defenders: Antonelli (Parma), Bonucci (Juventus), Bovo (Palermo), Cassani (Palermo), Chiellini (Juventus), De Silvestri (Fiorentina), Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Molinaro (VfB Stuttgart).

Centrocampisti/Midfielders: De Rossi (Roma), Lazzari (Cagliari), Marchisio-injured and sent home (Juventus), Luca Cigarini (Sevilla), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pirlo (Milan).

Attaccanti/Strikers: Cassano-injured and will be evaluated (Sampdoria), Gilardino (Fiorentina), Pazzini (Sampdoria), Pepe (Juventus), Quagliarella (Juventus), Rossi (Villarreal).


Mario Balotelli in action against Cote d'Ivoire.

Out Due to Injury

Amauri of Juventus, Mario Balotelli of Manchester City, Gigi Buffon of Juventus, Domenico Criscito of Genoa, Vincenzo Iaquinta of Juventus and Claudio Marchetti of Cagliari.

Teams with the Most Representation

• Five players from Juventus were selected.

• Four players from Sampdoria were selected.

• Three players from Fiorentina were selected. (Prandelli was the former Viola manager.)

Roster courtesy of La Gazzetta dello Sport, 28 August 2010.

Comments by Cesare Prandelli

“Vogliamo arrivare preparati alle prossime gare, ci sono giocatori nuovi che spero possano avere una continuità. Ci sono dei punti in palio quindi nessun esperimento... Ora vedo il campionato da tifoso dei giocatori che ho convocato. Cerco di capire come stanno, come giocano. E li seguo con un po’ di preoccupazione come quando ho visto gli acciacchi che ad esempio hanno colpito i vari Marchisio, Pepe, Antonelli e De Silvestri. Cosa non mi manca? Tutte le varie polemiche del dopo partita”.

"We want to arrive prepared for the next games. There are new players but I hope they can have a continuity. There are points up for grabs therefore no experiments...

Now I see the Serie A as a fan of the players I have selected. I look to understand how they are doing and playing. I follow them with a little bit of worry such as when I saw the knocks for example that struck Marchisio, Pepe, Antonelli and De Silvestri (over the weekend.) What do I miss as a club manager? All of the various arguments after the games."

Italian source courtesy of La Gazzetta dello Sport, 30 August 2010.

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Who Will Replace Bob Bradley? by Chris Behrens

by Chris Behrens for World Football Commentaries


Bob Bradley never played professionally
as is the norm for US National team managers.

Rumors of Bob Bradley leaving his position as US manager looking to become the first American manager ever in England for EPL side Aston Villa are circulating like crazy. If he does leave, a new opportunity will be presented to mix up the team and start off on a fresh 4-year cycle with new talent. With a 38-21-8 record through his tenure as national team manager according to ESPN, Bradley has set the standards high for whomever replaces him.

The best question now to ask is, “Who should manage the men in the USA jerseys?”

Here are 3 of my favorite candidates:

Jürgen Klinsmann

Jürgen Klinsmann won the World Cup in
1990 and the European Cup in 1996 with Germany.

A highly experienced player/manager, Klinsmann, who has resided in California for 12 years, is a proven winner and success story that the US would love to have. One of the most successful players ever to wear a German jersey, he began his managerial career with the German national team in 2004 and led the team to a third place finish at the 2006 World Cup, losing to eventual champions Italy.

Klinsmann also managed German powerhouse Bayern Munich from 2008-2009 in a largely disappointing spell (According to Steve Goff of the Washington Post, Klinsmann was 25-9-9 in all competitions.) The US Soccer federation already has experience trying to lure in Klinsmann. They failed in 2006 to hire him as manager after Bruce Arena was sacked. The one problem that may keep Klinsmann away is his insistence on controlling player availability and involvement with the national team, which is an issue the US Federation will not back away from anytime soon.

Sigi Schmid

Sigi Schmid of the Seattle Sounders.

The Seattle Sounders manager has the most coaching wins in MLS history for a good reason. Many players of his have been quoted saying Schmid is the hardest working coach they have ever played for and a real joy to be around. He is a far cry from Bradley, as his personality sometimes explodes on the sidelines and his temper is a bit noticeable. Playing with emotion and heart, however, is the US national team's way lately and Schmid can certainly bring the best out in players in that respect.

Schmid also has been praised consistently for his defensive tactics (something the US desperately needs) and has an eye for new talent in general (Freddy Montero, anyone?) In addition, he also has experience managing the US U-20 national team so he’s familiar with the Federation along with MLS talent (he has managed at Los Angeles, Columbus, and Seattle). Sticking to hometown MLS-based talent instead of mostly European players would give the team a breath of fresh air too and introduce a whole new batch of talent.

Thomas Rongen

Thomas Rongen.

Never heard of him? He is the current US U-20 national team coach and he has loads of management experience to bring to the table if he comes on board with the senior national team. Rongen has managed four MLS franchises and the U-20 team twice (sounds bad, I know), leading the U-20’s to the 2007 and 2009 World Cups for the age group. Basically, he's put a lot of turf under his soccer cleats.

Rongen also has an eye for the young talent already as he sees and reads about it nearly every day for the U-20’s and has had some success along the way in his 25+ years of managerial experience. Rongen would invigorate new players directly into the senior team early on with all the experience he has with young internationals. A complete dark horse in my book, Rongen could and should be considered for the senior national team as he certainly has paid his dues.

About the Author

Chris Behrens is a syndicated columnist at Soccerpro.com.

Chris Behrens Archive

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Book Reviews About Soccer Themes by Steve Amoia

Image courtesy of Stock.xchng.

I have had the pleasure to review a number of soccer-related books:

• Both Feet on the Ground by David Beckham and Tom Watt
• Brian Clough: Nobody Ever Says Thank You by Jonathan Wilson
• Capello: Portrait of a Winner by Gabriele Marcotti
• Food Guide for Soccer by Gloria Averbuch and Nancy Clark
• Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life by Alex Bellos
• How to Win the World Cup by Graham McColl
• Outcasts United by Warren St. John
• Pele, My Life and the Beautiful Game
• Soccer Dribbling and Feinting/Passing and Ball Control by Thomas Dooley and Christian Titz (Also referenced here)
• The Beautiful Games of an Ordinary Genius by Carlo Ancelotti
  
• The Beckham Experiment by Grant Wahl
• The Boy Who Could Fly by Don Mullan
  
• The Fix: Soccer and Organized Crime by Dr. Declan Hill
• World Cup 2010: The Indispensable Guide to Soccer and Geopolitics by Steven and Harrison Stark

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The 25-Man Squad Rule in the Premiership by Adam Howard

by Adam Howard for World Football Commentaries

Carlo Ancelotti, manager of the defending
champions, Chelsea FC.

I sit down to write this article on the very eve of the 2010/11 Premier League season, and with England’s World Cup failure still agonisingly fresh in the memory. Which means that it is an apt time to consider the introduction of what has become known as the ‘25-man squad rule’, which is introduced to the Premier League this season and which many see as a sign that the Premier League has actually recognised its responsibility towards the future of English football.

However, as I will argue here, this is merely a small step in the right direction for English football, albeit a welcome one. Nothing major will change off the back of the introduction of this rule, but it does at least suggest that the Premier League – which until now has been very much caught up in its own phenomenal success – has realised the importance of its relationship with English football as a whole.

What is the 25-man rule?

But first, let us clarify what exactly the ’25-man squad rule’ actually is – because to be honest, it would perhaps be more accurately known as the ‘17-man squad rule’. Of course, it is named as it is because the new rules require each Premier League club to register a squad of no more than 25 players over the age of 21. However, this squad cap is only really important – indeed only really exists – so that each club can also register no more than 17 players over the age of 21 who are not considered to be ‘home-grown’.

A ‘home grown’ player is defined as a player of any nationality who has been registered to any club affiliated with the English or Welsh FA for at least three seasons before they turn 21. On top of the 25 players over the age of 21 (of whom 8 must be home-grown) that each club registers, they are free to field any player (home-grown or otherwise) under the age of 21.

Limits on Foreign Players

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, right, with new signing Mario Balotelli
after a press conference held at the Carrington Training ground, Manchester, England,
Tuesday Aug. 17, 2010. Balotelli was signed from Inter Milan.
Image and text courtesy of AP. Picture source courtesy of Daylife.com.

What this means, basically, is that the Premier League is simultaneously limiting the amount of foreign players a club can register and encouraging the development of young British talent at its elite clubs, in a bid to counter claims that the Premier League, and its emphasis on buying rather than raising, is overtly responsible for the English national team’s failings in recent years.

Walk in the steps of England's best with a pair of Nike Legends available at soccerpro.com.

The moniker ‘the 25-man squad rule’ is inappropriate really, because no club will actually be limited to a squad of 25 players. Every Premier League club will field players aged 21 or below, and so I prefer to look at it as a ’17-man squad rule’ because only 17 non-home-grown players may represent any club in one given season. That, really, is the major change.

But, it also demonstrated clearly why this new set of rules is only a small step in the right direction for the Premier League, and not an effective measure to kick start the development of young British talent in the top flight. Because in the previous paragraph I write “only 17 non-home-grown players may represent any club in one given season”, which seems almost paradoxical.

Ways Around the Rule?

After all, on any given match day a Premier League club can name a match squad of 18 players, which means that a club could theoretically abide by the new rules and still not field any home-grown players at all throughout their Premier League season, supposing that for each fixture they named at least one home-grown player on the bench, and didn’t use him.


Steven Gerrard of Liverpool Football Club.

For instance, Liverpool – who currently have the most non-home-grown players of any Premier League club (yes, more even than Man City at the time of writing, as Mario Balotelli has not yet completed his move) – could name the following XI and substitutes for every game this season:

(Editor's Note: Balotelli has finalized his transfer to Manchester City from Internazionale.)

Reina

Agger – Skrtel – Kyrgiakos – Aurelio

Mascherano – Poulsen

Kuyt – Jovanovic – Milovanovic

Torres

Subs: Cavalieri, Aquilani, Lucas, Babel, Rodriguez. El Zhar, Gerrard.

Of course, the likelihood of this occurring is extremely slim. For one, Gerrard will play whenever he is fit, and the likes of Joe Cole and Glen Johnson will probably be first choice too. Then there is the fact that injuries are a case of ‘when’ and not ‘if’ in the modern game, but this should illustrate the fact that allowing clubs to register “only 17 non-home-grown players” is actually a very small step indeed.

In fact, if you consult the BBC’s handy squad analysis you’ll note that most of the current crop of Premier League clubs will not be affected by the new rules really at all, as most clubs don’t currently have close to 17 foreign players over the age of 21 registered to them.

And then when you consider those clubs who may have to leave some of their over-21 players unregistered for the current season, it seems as though it may in fact be the ‘home-grown’ players who miss out on making the final 25.

Manchester City

Let’s look at Manchester City, for example, and list all of their current squad that are over the age of 21.

Joe Hart of Manchester City.

Home grown: Gareth Barry, Craig Bellamy, Wayne Bridge, Kelvin Etuhu, Shay Given, Joe Hart, Stephen Ireland, Adam Johnson, Michael Johnson, Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards, Stuart Taylor, Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Non-Home grown: Emmanuel Adebayor, Jerome Boateng, Felipe Caicedo, Nigel De Jong, David Gonzales, Jo, Aleksandar Kolarov, Vincent Kompany, Robinho, Roque Santa Cruz, David Silva, Carlos Tevez, Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure, Patrick Vieira, Pablo Zabaleta.

Incoming: Mario Balotelli, James Milner.

Here the names in red (to follow) are the players that will most likely be included in Man City’s 25 man squad come September 1st. Assuming, as seem a safe bets, that Mario Balotelli and James Milner arrive, Robinho doesn’t go anywhere and Stephen Ireland leaves, I’ve picked 24 out of 25 players (there could well be another summer arrival) and it’s clear to see that the British players miss out more readily than the foreign ones.

What this all means, really, is that any optimism about the future based on the implementation of the Premier League’s new rules is a little premature. While injuries etc. will almost certainly mean that home-grown players do get more of a chance than they may have done in the past, the rules are loose enough to allow most clubs to continue to depend mostly on their foreign imports.

Step in the Right Direction

That said though, it is not all doom and gloom, because this is at least a step in the right direction, however small a step it is. It shows that the Premier League have at last recognised their responsibility to the English game and have started to take action. What we must ensure, is that this is not the only action taken, and that the ‘25-man squad rule’ is not a token gesture from the money men at the Premier League.

If this initiative is to have a long-term impact on the development of English footballing talent and the success of the Three Lions in future World Cups and European Championships, this has to be a stepping stone to greater things. Change does not come easily in football, especially when the clubs with most of the power – the ‘big four’ – are those who have made the most use of foreign players in the Premier League era.

Let us hope then, that this is not an attempt by the Premier League to pacify the nation without upsetting their biggest assets. Let us hope that they are hoping to ease their biggest assets into constructive development to benefit the national game, which will mean that in another season or two the limit on non-home-grown players must come down again.

Finally, let me say that I am in no way suggesting that non-home-grown players have no place or value in English football. The Premier League is the great league that it is because it does attract such amazing foreign talent, and we all count ourselves fortunate that we are able to see such players on show at our clubs week in and week out.

James Milner and Jack Rodwell in action last season.

However, it is important that a balance is struck, because for every brilliant foreign player that pulls on a club shirt, we need to see young English players doing the same. Any fan will tell you the immense satisfaction of seeing local boys made good playing in their team – as an Evertonian I am just as thrilled to see Jack Rodwell playing in our midfield as I am to see the mercurial Mikel Arteta.

If this is to continue, and if as hoped the England team can be revitalised towards future success by youngsters such as Rodwell and Wilshere, then the ‘25-man squad rule’ can only be the beginning. Let us hope that this Premier League season is not only great in terms of its usual drama, excitement and entertainment, but also because it marks the beginning of a brighter future for English football as a whole.

About the Author

Adam Howard is the founder of They Think It’s All Over…

Adam Howard Archive

HEY! yah, YOU. Visit the best Soccer Shop, SoccerPro.com, for the best deals on ADIDAS AdiPures and quality soccer uniforms. And remember, "There's No Charge For Awesomeness!"

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Italy - Cote d'Ivoire 1: Friendly from Upton Park in London

Cesare Prandelli points to the new way.

The Prandelli era begins with a friendly tonight at Upton Park against Cote d'Ivoire. Kick-off is at 1945 local time. Mister Prandelli promised to make changes and the Azzurri lineup has a definite new look compared to a few months ago. It is younger, provocative and potentially more vibrant. But the proof will be seen on the pitch.

A-B-C for the Azzurri


Cesare Prandelli with Mario Balotelli.

Amauri, Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano will start tonight. The first two are making their Azzurri debuts. Cassano has been out of the Italy set up since Euro 2008.

Anticipated Lineups

Italia: 4-2-3-1

Sirigu

Motta, Bonucci, Chiellini, Molinaro

De Rossi (captain), Palombo

Balotelli, Cassano, Pepe

Amauri

Manager: Mr. Prandelli

Cote d'Ivoire: 4-3-3

Yaboah

Demel, K. Toure (captain), Zokora, Tiene

Eboue, Y. Toure, Tiote

Kalou, Doumbia, Gervinho

Manager: Mr. Zahoui

Match Official: Mr. Atkinson of England

First Half

The crowd was sparse but pro-Italian at rainy Upton Park (which is the home of West Ham United). The Azzurri jumped out of the gate with conviction. Balotelli had two quick shots on goal. Cassano was running the offense from his deeper role. Italy looked incisive and quicker but missed several passes. Chiellini in defense had several clearances and appeared to be the most fit Italian on the pitch.

Cote d'Ivoire were positive in attack, organized and very dangerous on the break. De Rossi had a close chance in the 21st minute from a free kick that sailed close to the far post. Gervinho had the best Ivorian chance in the 31st minute. He danced around the Italian defense with only the keeper, Sirigu, to beat but shot wide left. A few minutes later, Cassano crossed perfectly to a leaping Amauri who couldn't head the ball down. The half ended, 0 - 0.

Second Half

Italy chased the goal and almost scored when Motta struck the left post but Cote d'Ivoire found the net. In the 55th minute, Kolo Toure headed home a perfect cross from Demel past Sirigu. Italy made several substitutions after the goal. Quagliarella replaced Balotelli and Borriello came on for Amauri. Cote d'Ivoire held possession well as Italy tried to get the equalizer. Cassani and Giuseppe Rossi came on for Motta and Cassano. Rossi chipped a nice ball to Borriello in the box but he couldn't finish it. There was more urgency by the Azzurri but an organized Ivorian defense closed them down. The game ended, 0 x 1.

Analysis

This was a decent performance but after only three days of training, more work needs to be done ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifiers next month. The defense displayed weaknesses against an organized and very fit Cote d'Ivoire side. The Azzurri still lack a consistent playmaker and a defined offensive vision despite the use of three strikers. But let's give Mister Prandelli time to sort the situation. This team showed fight and spirit which was only seen in the last twenty minutes against Slovakia in South Africa. The Italian attitude was different and that might be the most important result from this friendly. The next match will be 03 September away to Estonia.

Post-Match Comment by Prandelli

He made a brief comment to RAI Radio:

"Ho visto cosa ho chiesto dalla squadra."

"I saw what I asked for from the team."

Longer Commentary by Prandelli

"Antonio molto bene, Mario era alla prima in assoluto ma lo volevamo con noi. Di sicuro con tre attaccanti serve più equilibrio, dovremo lavorarci molto". E arrivare più preparati all'appuntamento con l'Estonia per le qualificazioni all'Europeo, il 3 settembre: "Lì dovremo cogliere un risultato importante. Ma tra 25 giorni le condizioni dei ragazzi saranno diverse e avremo anche più sicurezza".

"Antonio Cassano did very well. Mario Balotelli was the best of the lot and we wanted him with us. Surely, with three strikers, it gave more balance. We will have to work a lot."

To arrive more prepared for the appointment with Estonia for the Euro 2012 qualification on 3 September:

"We will have to get an important result there. But in the next 25 days, the physical condition of the lads will be different and we will also have more security."

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 10 August 2010.

Video Highlights



Notes

• Prandelli gave five players their Azzurri debut.
• Five Juventus players and one former one (Molinaro) started the game.
  
• Cote d'Ivoire became only the second African team to defeat Italy in 17 attempts. The first was Egypt at the 2009 Confederations Cup.
• Enzo Bearzot in 1977, Marcello Lippi in 2004 and Roberto Donadoni in 2008 also lost their first games on the Azzurri bench.
  

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The Prandelli Era Begins: il Mister Releases His Roster for the London Friendly with Cote d'Ivoire

New Italy boss, Cesare Prandelli.

Cesare Prandelli wasted no time to distance himself from Marcello Lippi and the dismal Italian performance in South Africa. He released his first roster on Friday with names that Italian fans had demanded on death ears: Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano.

Many New Faces

Nine players who featured in South Africa were selected; however, as you will see, the majority of this squad are new faces to the Azzurri set-up. Daniele De Rossi was the only player from the World Cup 2006 winning team selected for this side.


Antonio Cassano of Sampdoria was exiled during
the second Lippi era. Here he is with his new boss,
Cesare Prandelli.

The Azzurri will face Cote d'Ivoire in London on Tuesday evening.

Omissions

Interestingly, Mister Prandelli omitted Alberto Gilardino and Giampaolo Pazzini. He managed both players at Fiorentina.

Azzurri Roster

Portieri/Goalkeepers

Mirante (Parma: He replaced the injured Claudio Marchetti of Cagliari), Sirigu (Palermo), Viviano (Bologna).

Difensori/Defenders

Antonini (Milan), Astori (Cagliari), Bonucci (Juventus), Cassani (Palermo), Chiellini (Juventus), Lucchini (Sampdoria), Molinaro (Stuttgart), Motta (Juventus).

Centrocampisti/Midfielders

De Rossi (Roma), Lazzari (Cagliari), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pepe (Juventus).

Attaccanti/Strikers

Amauri (Juventus), Balotelli (Inter), Borriello (Milan), Cassano (Sampdoria), Quagliarella (Napoli), Rossi (Villarreal).

Mario Balotelli of Internazionale: An explosive
talent with an equally volatile attitude.

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 6 August 2010.

Mister Prandelli on Sunday

“Una convocazione è sempre importante, anche in amichevole. Ho scelto quelli che hanno più condizione fisica e magari conosco un po’ meno. Cassano e Balotelli hanno molta qualità, ed alla mia presentazione dissi che sulla qualità volevo puntare. Proporli subito serve anche a responsabilizzarli. Antonio ha un’età matura, per lui è una grande occasione. Se riuscirà a sentirsi un riferimento per i compagni, la sua avventura in Nazionale sarà lunghissima. Parlare con Balotelli? Questi sono ragazzi che hanno un grande talento, ma hanno anche bisogno di dimostrare che sono adulti.?.

"A selection on the national team is always important even for a friendly. I chose those who have better physical conditioning and those I know little about.

Cassano and Balotelli have a lot of quality. At my first press conference, I said that I wanted to focus on quality. To put them right away into the mix also serves to give them responsibility. Antonio is older and for him it is a great time. If will succeed to become a reference point for his teammates, his national team adventure will be very long.

Speaking of Balotelli? These are lads that have great talent but they also have to show that they are adults."

On Their Playing Style

“Noi abbiamo una mentalità diversa, pensare che l’unico modo di giocare sia quello della Spagna sarebbe un errore. Dobbiamo abbinare la qualità del gioco al risultato, questo è il nostro obiettivo. Senza snaturare il modo di fare calcio tipico italiano. Voglio avere sempre una squadra molto generosa”.

“Chi indossa la maglia azzurra rappresenta una nazione, chi non si comporta bene è giusto stia fermo”.

"We have a different mentality. To think of playing like Spain would be wrong. We need to match the quality of play to the result. That is our objective. Without going against the nature of typical Italian football. I want to always have a side that is very generous."

"Whoever wears the Azzurri shirt represents a nation. Who doesn't behave well, it would be right to leave out."

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 8 August 2010.

The Possible Starting XI for the 2014 US Men's World Cup Team

Oguchi Onyewu training with AC Milan in Detroit.

A guest post by Chris Behrens for World Football Commentaries

Sure, the next World Cup is just under 4 years away, but doesn’t mean we can’t talk about it, right? So let’s break it down position by position to project a possible starting lineup.

Goalkeeper

Tim Howard in action against Ghana.

By the time Brazil 2014 comes around, Tim Howard will be 35 years old. He’ll still be as solid as a rock I think so he should be starting come time for the World Cup. Brad Guzan should finally be the starter at Aston Villa once Brad Friedel retires so he’ll be a reliable number two for the Red White and Blue. As for number three, Troy Perkins looks to be set to get a chance, but really, it’s anyone’s guess. Nick Rimando is my dark horse for now for getting the #3 spot.

Defense

The place that always needs help. Oguchi Onyewu will undoubtedly be wearing the USA soccer jersey, assuming that he establishes some sort of rhythm at AC Milan or another club. His size is too daunting not to feature in the lineup. The 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year, Omar Gonzalez, should also break through the US National team, especially if he moves on to Europe. He definitely has the ability with his monstrous size.

Jonathan Spector should establish himself and finally become a reliable outside back for the Stars and Stripes. Prayers will be shouted to keep Jonathan Bornstein out of the squad but undoubtedly he’ll be on the roster somewhere. Marvell Wynne should also be an interesting addition to the squad. He has loads of pace and potential. Fill in the rest of the squad with Heath Pearce and a random choice (Michael Parkhurst or Kevin Alston?)

Midfield

Landon Donovan scoring against Slovenia.

By far the most reliable part of the field for the US, the roster should largely look similar to how 2010 looked. Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, and Clint Dempsey should all be hitting their stride in Europe and the primes of their respective careers. Benny Feilhaber could easily challenge for a starting spot, too, since his creativity in the lineup is much needed. Ricardo Clark and Stuart Holden will begin to establish solid roots in Europe and should be a part of the roster.

Jose Torres has shown flashes of brilliance in the squad, and he’s young, so I’ll pencil him into the roster. Jermaine Jones is also a contender for a spot if/when he begins getting CAPS for the US squad. It’s a tough decision to leave someone like him or Sacha Kljestan off the roster. The midfield is quite deep, regardless, and should look very familiar to casual fans. Don’t ever forget about Freddy Adu, either. The 21 year-old could finally break through and live up to some of his potential if he moves to MLS and re-establishes his career.

Forward

Jozy Altidore in action against Ghana.

The toughest group to call. Jozy Altidore is the only guarantee in my mind. Charlie Davies' condition will be unknown for awhile. We can only hope he regains all his form back after the devastating accident. I really don’t see Edson Buddle, Herculez Gomez, or Robbie Findley being a part of the plans of whomever coaches the US in the future (I’m thinking not Bob Bradley). Justin Braun is a solid young pick for forward. Big, strong, and relatively consistent in MLS and he’s starting to attract some buzz about going to Europe. Which can only mean positive things. As for a fourth option, it’s anyone’s guess. I’m hopeful of Kenny Cooper.

So, here’s my final 23 man roster.

Goalkeeper: Howard, Guzan, Rimando

Defense: Bornstein, Spector, Wynne, Gonzalez, Onyewu, Pearce, Parkhurst,

Midfield: Donovan, Dempsey, Bradley, Edu, Feilhaber, Holden, Adu, Jones, Torres

Forward: Altidore, Davies, Braun, Cooper

About the Author

Chris Behrens works for SoccerPro and has written for a variety of soccer publications.

Chris Behrens Archive

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"Me, President? It is very strange to be called president." Robert Baggio

The "Divine Ponytail" of Italian calcio, Roberto Baggio, has returned from a figurative and literal wilderness. He retired in 2004 and has rarely been seen or heard. He makes annual hunting trips to Argentina and has appeared in a few benefit friendlies. Mostly, Baggio has maintained a very low profile up until recently.


His moment of personal agony at the 1994 World Cup
final. It was the only spot kick that Baggio ever missed
for the Azzurri. In his Serie A career, he converted
91 percent.

Last month, he took coaching badges at the famed Italian Federation school at Coverciano outside of Florence. There were rumors that Baggio would take some type of role; however, few expected it to be so high: President of the Technical Sector for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

There are a few contractual details to iron out; however, Baggio is expected to be named officially in a few days. Renzo Ulivieri, head of the Italian Coaches Association, and Azzurri legend and all-time leading scorer, Gigi Riva, also weighed in with their thoughts.

In Baggio's Words

In comments made to the Milan sports daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Baggio discussed his new position.

"Ho dato il mio assenso, da parte mia c'è la massima disponibilità a ricoprire il ruolo di presidente del settore tecnico di Coverciano. Adesso però devo aspettare il Consiglio Federale di mercoledì".

"I gave my assent and on my part, there is the utmost availability to cover the role of Technical Sector President at Coverciano. Now I must wait for the Federal Commission on Wednesday."

L'annuncio di Roberto Baggio è arrivato dopo due ore di riunione con Abete e il presidente dell'Assoallenatori Renzo Ulivieri. Sul tavolo della discussione, la volontà di affidare a Roberto Baggio il ruolo del settore tecnico federale come successore di Azeglio Vicini.

The announcement by Roberto Baggio arrived after a two-hour meeting with Federation president, Giancarlo Abete and Head of the Coaches Association, Renzo Ulivieri. On the table was the discussion to put forth Roberto Baggio into the role of the federal technical sector as the successor to Azeglio Vicini (Baggio's former coach at the Italian World Cup of 1990).

"Sarà un'esperienza impegnativa, ma spero divertente - ha aggiunto Baggio -, sapremo mercoledì se tutto andrà in porto. Il mio ruolo? Ci sono tanti settori di cui si deve occupare il settore tecnico, però ci vuole un pò di tempo e bisogna capire tante cose".

"It will be a tough work experience but I hope enjoyable," added Baggio. "We will know on Wednesday if everything is in place.

My role? There are so many sectors in which to occupy the technical area but it will take some time and a need to understand so many things."

Baggio carried the Azzurri on his back during the
1994 World Cup in the United States.

"Io presidente? È stranissimo essere chiamato presidente".

Me, President? It is very strange to be called president."

"Sogno che il calcio italiano possa tornare ad avere talenti importantissimi. Mo occorre credere nei giovani perché sono il futuro, bisogna dare tutto quello che abbiamo dentro per farli crescere bene".

"I dream that Italian football can return to have very important talents. But young people have to be believed in because they are the future. You need to give everything that we have inside to make them grow up properly."

Renzo Ulivieri, Head of the Italian Coaches Association

"Quello di Roberto Baggio al settore tecnico sarà un ruolo attivo e operativo: non sarà un uomo immagine... Il suo lavoro sarà impegnativo e faticoso, avrà potere su tutto quello che riguarda il settore tecnico, ma chiaramente non influirà sulla gestione delle nazionali".

"The role of Roberto Baggio for the technical sector will be active and operative. It won't be a figurehead job... His work will be difficult and exhausting. He will have control over everything in the technical sector but clearly it will not influence on whom plays on the National team."

Azzurri Legend and Team Manager, Gigi Riva



Gigi Riva with Roberto Baggio after
Bulgaria v. Italia at World Cup 1994. Riva scored 35
goals in 42 international appearances which is the
all-time Italian record. Baggio scored 27 times for
Italy.

"È un segnale, un grande riconoscimento per Roberto. Con Bearzot e Vicini il settore tecnico è stato in buone mani . Ora lui ha la possibilità di modificare qualcosa. Può portare idee nuove basandosi sulla sua esperienza sul campo: il settore tecnico è la parte più importante del mondo del calcio".

"It is a signal, a great recognition for Roberto. With Enzo Bearzo and Vicini, the technical sector has been in good hands. But now he has the responsibility to modify something. He can bring new ideas basing them on his experience on the pitch.

The technical sector is the most important part in the world of football."

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 2 August 2010.

Official Announcement from the Italian FA

"Roberto Baggio è il nuovo presidente del Settore tecnico di Coverciano, Gianni Rivera presidente del Settore Giovanile-Scolastico e Arrigo Sacchi il coordinatore delle nazionali giovanili. Con queste nomine, alle quali si aggiunge anche quella di Renzo Ulivieri come direttore della scuola allenatori di Coverciano."

"Roberto Baggio is the new President of the Technical Sector at Coverciano, Gianni Rivera will be President of the Scholastic Youth Sector and Arrigo Sacchi will be the coordinator of the youth national teams. With these appointments, Renzo Ulivieri is also added as the director of the coaching school at Coverciano."

Italian source: FIGC, 4 August 2010.

Pele' to Attend Copa NYC Final Today

A guest post by Elicia Banks-Gabriel of Anomaly and Copa NYC for World Football Commentaries.

DEAR FRIEND, Sorry for late notice but just got word Pele and Mayor Bloomberg will be attending COPA NYC 2010 FINAL today! Pele to deliver a speech at half time and Mayor Bloomberg to award the winner of Copa NYC 2010! Please invite all of your family and friends to be apart of this historic event. Spread the word to make this the best event New York City has seen! TODAY 4 - 7 PM COPA NYC 2010 FINAL AT FLUSHING MEADOWS FIELD 8 Come be on TV! The Final will be broadcasting live on NYC TV! DIRECTIONS! Click here for a map of Flushing Meadows and keep in mind we're on Soccer Fields 8&9. DRIVING - Park under the Van Wyck Expressway. Use 131-04 Fowler Ave Flushing, NY as an address. Walk south until you see the soccer fields 8 & 9 to the east. They are in between the Van Wyck Expressway and College Point Blvd. SUBWAY - Take the 7 train to Shea Stadium stop. Walk east and then south to Flushing Meadows park. Then follow Perimeter Road to the east and around the bend. Once you're walking beside Van Wyck Expressway, you will see the soccer fields 8 & 9 on the other side (the east side) of the Van Wyck Expressway. BUS - Take the Q58 to the corner of College Point Boulevard and Folwer Avenue. Walk north on Fowler Avenue to the front of the recreation center. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL! WE ARE SO EXCITED TO SEE ALL OF NYC REPRESENTED AT COPA NYC 2010!!! YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS ACROSS THE WORLD CAN WATCH COPA NYC 2010! Check out our LiveStream channel here. Just forward the link to your family and friends and tell them to watch the Copa NYC 2010 Tournament live this Saturday, 8 am - 8 pm EST. When you're at the event this weekend, come say hi to your family and friends watching! If you'd like to follow the action on Facebook or Twitter click here Be sure to RSVP for the event and see who else is coming! Who want's a Copa NYC t-shirt? Be apart of Copa NYC by purchasing this t-shirt at the tournament this weekend at Pier 40 & next at Flushing Meadows. You can also find it at Upper 90 soccer store. Thank you for all of your support! We hope you're as excited as we are to see the outcome of this year's Copa NYC Tournament. WHO WILL WIN COPA NYC 2010? Copa NYC is an annual soccer tournament consisting of 16 "National Teams" assembled from a selection of participating communities from the NY area, representing their diverse cultural heritages. Each "Nation" will be represented by a team president, coach, and a roster of 25 players, whose heritage they represent. Check out our LiveStream Channel right here!

Here were a few photos from the event:


Pele' signing autographs.


Pele' and former teammate, Carlos Alberto.



Former New York Cosmos Owner Peppe Pinton,
President of the United States Soccer Federation Sunil Gulati,
Pele' and Chairman of The New York Cosmos Paul Kemsley.


Pele' and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.


Pele' and Mayor Michael Bloomberg with Copa NYC
winners, NYC Poland Football Team.

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