Brazil Storms Back to Keep U.S. Upset Bid @ Bay

Well for 45 minutes of play in the FIFA Confederations Cup championship match the U.S. team did what no one thought they could do, score two goals against mighty Brazil.

Fans everywhere knew, even with a 2-0 halftime lead, Brazil was capable of getting the lead right back. A lot of nervous energy was being felt by U.S. supporters. That quickly was ratcheted up a notch as Brazil scored their first goal only a minute into the second half, meaning the next 44 minutes of play were going to be very nerve racking.

True to form the Samba stormed all the way back and put the game away in the 86 minute on a text-book world class goal off of a corner kick to seal their second-consecutive Confederations Cup title (the first country in FIFA history to pull that feat off), and their third overall.

Was the result the ideal ending for the U.S. team? No, of course not. Did any U.S. fan ever real feel like the game was in hand, even up 2-0 at the half? Not any smart one that had ever seen Brazil play and know their penchant for scoring a lot of goals in a hurry. Are there some great experiences, lessons, and positives to take from the game, and the entire tournament from a U.S. perspective? You bet.

If the U.S. has been able to hold on and take the Confederations Cup title it would have easily been the biggest win ever for the team, clinching their first ever title in a FIFA international tournament. But it is important to put this match, and this tournament in perspective. At its core the Confederations Cup is meant to be a dress rehearsal for the host nation of the next World Cup, in this case South Africa. Giving those on the operations team, the host cities, media operations, and other aspects of the tournament a slight taste of what is coming the next year.

Likewise, it gives the teams a taste for what the stadiums look and feel like, scout out new training facilities and other important details that are vital to a World Cup effort. Then, there is the little issue of the actual matches themselves. It gives the players an opportunity to play great competition, and coaches to see what their team looks like in this setting. In that regard, the U.S. was able to play Brazil twice, Italy, Spain, and Egypt in matches that actually meant something (more than just an international friendly).

Players like Landon Donovan, Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey cemented their role in the starting 11 for the U.S. team while a good mix of young players also got to get their feet wet and have a good showing in the tourney.

Looking at the larger picture, the 2009 Confederations Cup was a massive success for the U.S., especially considering they were 90 minutes away of being sent home before the Egypt match started. Another step was taken and now the U.S. can only be happy with getting wins at these tournaments (World Cup included) and not just having a “good showing.” This new perspective for the players, fans, and coaches, means the bar has been raised and that in itself, could turn out to be the biggest positive for the National Team in a longtime.

Wacko Jacko is Gone

I write that headline not to make fun or light of a person's death.
I use the tactic only to drive home the point that I am among those in my generation who grew up loving the music and performance that was Michael Jackson. From his days with the Jackson 5 to Billy Jean, Thriller, even Man in the Mirror, Michael Jackson was without the King of Pop.
I realized today though that Michael Jackson, the one I knew and grew up listening to, didn't die today but a longtime ago.
The Michael Jackson that came out in the headlines, courtrooms and documentaries in the last 15 years wasn't the guy I was fond of as a kind, and certainly wasn't a person I was fond of as an adult the more I learned and heard about his personal life.
Unfortunately in this day and age of instant gratification and a 24-hour news cycle maybe we learn more about celebrities than we should, or more than we need. While Michael's career on the stage stands for itself and alone as one of the true pop icons of the TV and video area, his life off the stage can't be overlooked as well.
Michael's legacy was made in part due to the convergence of technology (the advancement of cable TV and music video), therefore that same technology (cable news, and cameras at every turn) was Michael's downfall and what ultimately tarnished that image.
Regardless of who you feel about the man, sympathay goes out to his family and those close to him. His music will still be enjoyed for generations to come, but admitidely with some of the luster worn off.

Historic Win Propels U.S. Into Finals of Confederations Cup

WOW.
What a victory for the U.S. over Spain in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup . If you missed the match, the highlights are above.
What was truly impressive with this performance was more than just the result on the scoresheet (2-0) but the fact that this was a game the U.S. deserved to win and more than held their own against the Spaniards the full 90 minutes and the entire length of the pitch. Landon Donovan officially worked his way out of my doghouse (I am sure a major relief for him), with stellar play in both the defensive end and great setup and distribution of the ball on the offense end of the field. Cap it off with Tim Howard standing on his head in goal for most of the game and you have what one of the best showings for the U.S. team in modern history.
Much debate has been made about where this win ranks among all time victories for the U.S. I put it at No. 3 (with the 1950 World Cup win over England No. 1 and the 2002 win over Mexico in the knockout round in the WC No. 2) all time, and the top non-World Cup win ever. I even rank it above the 1994 WC win over Columbia for the main reason that while the U.S. played their guts out in that match as well they had a) home field advantage and b) an own-goal by Columbia proppel them to victory (for the record I still put the Columbia win in the top 5 along with the win of T&T that put the U.S. in the 1990 WC).
Regardless it was a great win and soccer fans all of the U.S. have something to look forward to this Sunday.

*****UPDATE******
Brazil defeated South Africa on Thursday setting up a rematch for the U.S. from their group match against the Samba. This is another great chance at redemption for the Red, White and Blue and could go a long way in developing this team as an international power and a team to be reckoned with in the 2010 World Cup.

USA vs Spain -- Semifinal Match of Confederations Cup

The U.S. Men's National Team looks to continue it improbably run today in a semi-final match against Spain in the FIFA Cofederations Cup.

The U.S. got to the semis after a 3-0 thumping over Egypt. If that wasn't enough, the U.S. got the much needed perfect score with Brazil thrashing Italy by the same 3-0 score. This perfect storm combination meant there were three teams in the U.S. group with 1-2 records, so the tie-breakers ensued and it come down that the the Red, White and Blue advanced.

Win or lose in this semifinal, it will be a great experience for the younger players on the squad to get to play in such a high-profile match. Just hours before kickoff, I would have personally liked to have seen U.S. coach Bob Bradley go with a younger group in his lineup and rewards those players who played so well against Egypt, but instead we have to rely on veteran players, that so far in this tourney have looked less than impressive, to get the win and advance to the finals.

Highlights and a match re-cap will be posted at the conclusion of the game.

U.S. DoJ Freezes $30 Million of Online Poker Players Money

Much as already been made about the recent actions of the U.S. Department of Justice's efforts to freeze $30 million in player deposits that were sitting in accounts with online financial transaction operators.

The key here is to note that the money was NOT in accounts managed or operated by the online poker rooms but actually companies that serve the poker sites but facilitating the funds for them. Now of course, anyone with half a brain knows that the processors couldn't exist without the sites and the vice versa.

My hope is that this action will finally get players fired up enough to get a grassroots effort going to get serious about regulating the industry once and for all. Up to now the DoJ's actions have been aimed at companies (and you could argue that this is aimed at them again), but this time the players are directly involved as they can't access funds which are legally and properly theirs. If that doesn't fire up a consumer I don't know what would.

Here are some good stories to read about the fallout from the DoJ's actions.

A letter to the editor to the Las Vegas Sun Times

A opinion column written by Chuck Blount of the San Antonio Express-News

Dave Matthews Band Back in STL

The Dave Matthews Band found itself back in St. Louis as part of the first leg of its US tour supporting its new album Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King.

This album is a tribute to the bands former sax player (and founding member) LeRoi Moore. Critics have said the album is reminiscent of the bands roots. I have had the album since its release date and as a die-hard DMB fan I think it is one of their finest works yet.

The band was back in St. Louis last night (6.17.09) for a show at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (probably the worst venue in all of St. Louis for a show). The last time DMB was in St. Louis was for a June '08 show of historic significance in that it was the first concert at the new Busch Stadium.

For those that are interested, here is the set list from last night's show:

– “Pantala Naga Pampa”

– “Rapunzel”

– “Shake Me Like a Monkey”

– “Funny the Way It Is”

– “Typical Situation”

– “Anyone Seen the Bridge”

– “Too Much” (Fake)

– “Lie in Our Graves”

– “Seven”

– “Corn Bread”

– “Best of What’s Around”

– “Crush”

– “Why I Am”

– “Dreaming Tree”

– “Grey Street”

– “Dive In”

– “Shotgun” (tease)

– “Squirm”

– “Time Bomb”

Encore

– “#40″

– “You and Me”

– “All Along the Watchtower”

Was Artie Lange Out of Line?

First things first, I am a Joe Buck fan, and in full disclosure I know who Artie Lange is and use to watch him on Stern, but other than that, I have no real opinion on him.

While Joe is from St. Louis, I have never had any personal interactions with him. I have been at the same function as him numerous times but the stars have never been aligned for us to ever talk, even briefly.

So much of STL was eagerly awaiting the debut of the Joe Buck Show on HBO Monday night. Buck had booked Brett Farve as his top guest and the interview was superficial for the most part but Joe was very good. 

I was enjoying the show and then for the last segment Joe brought on Artie Lange to be a part of a panel discussion. A train wreck ensued and while I thought Artie had some funny lines Joe clearly was uncomfortable with the direction the show was going. Even in that light I thought Joe handled himself well. Other hosts might have taken the bait and sunk the entire ship, Joe was able to at least keep it afloat. 

Way too much has been made of this in the media so I will keep it brief, but what else would people expect when you mix premium cable (i.e. HBO) with a comic who has made his name as a cast member on the Howard Stern Show?

HBO has taken the clips of the show off of YouTube but the program will be reairing this month on HBO, I would suggest you check it out if you can. If you can't read Joe's take courtesy of SI.com.  

FOLLOW UP:

The saga continued today on the Mad Dog show on Sirius  radio: