US Devour Turkey in Philly; French and Portuguese Training

Sounds like a sandwich, doesn't it? Turkey in Philly. :)


The US Mens National Team in their final "send-off" match before heading to South Africa to vie for the World Cup, looked like a Turkey sandwich in the first half. With poor passing and an up-tempo Turkish side, the Red, White, and Blue could only manage one shot on goal. In the 32nd minute they found themselves down 0-1 thanks to poor defending.  The Turks smartly packed the midfield, inhibiting the Americans from breaking play.
Bob Bradley's side looked out-of-place, literally. "Where do I play, coach?" That seemed to be the cry on the pitch for most of the first half. Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey couldn't sync well up front, but managed to thrill the crowd with an "almost" goal near the end of the half. Altidore shimmied around several defenders and nutmegged the last to find himself alone in the box...he slid a beautiful pass through the on-rushing Turks, committing the keeper...but it trickled past the open goal and Dempsey's outstretched leg by a mere foot.
The sigh from the crowd could be heard in New York.
After the half, Bradley immediately substituted four players. The tempo quickened and the US took off like a shot. The Americans were unlucky not to score on several attempts, and Robbie Findley of current MLS Champs Real Salt Lake found more space outside to feed the middle. His pacing befuddled the Turks and he won several corners, but also drew the ire of Landon Donovan for not laying off when he should.  His grittiness (reminds me of Patrice Evra) paid off in the 58th minute when he popped a ball over a defender and on to the foot of Landon Donovan, who fed a waiting Jozy Altidore. The Hull City striker easily made it 1-1.
More chances came quickly and the addition of Jose Torres sparked the Americans even more.  His smart play opened up many spaces and he nearly scored from a curling freekick that just hit the bottom of the inside post.
In the 77th minute Landon Donovan handled a short throw-in, finding Dempsey, who drew the keeper and fired home.
MOTM:  I am torn between Torres and Findley.  Still torn.  Okay...Findley.
The 2-1 was a nice send-off for the Yanks.  Their next friendly will be against Australia one week from today.  The Socceroos (sounds like a kids' team) who have only appeared in two World Cups ('74 and 2006) haven't made it past the second-round.  The Americans will have their hands full with the 'Roos' two main scorers, Tim Cahill (Donovan's Everton team-mate this year) and Brett Emerton.

Fulham striker Clint Dempsey sealed the win for the Americans

In other WC news:
!Ay Caramba!  Espan~a, the cup favorites after running away with the Euro 2008 title, found their friendly a tad unfriendly.  Down a goal to minnows Saudi Arabia, los Rojos eventually leveled, and needed a 91st minute strike from Llorente to seal the win.  The Spaniards boast some top talent, but names won't win matches.  After losing to the USA in the Confed Cup semi-final, Spain should've learned not to take the opposition lightly.  EVERYONE in South Africa will be out to win it.

Substitute Fernando Llorente saved the Spaniards in the 91st

WORLD CUP "TRAINING"
Some teams have tried unusual methods to hone their skills for South Africa.  I would imagine most going to a desert to get used to the dry climate.  But...they don't listen to me.

PORTUGAL:
Wargames and Water Ballet
The Portuguese spent a day with the Air Force in military drills on the pitch.  Dressed in camouflaged fatigues and facepaint, the Seleccao looked more like a combative police force practicing for the Cup:

Is this their plan to win?  Shooting the opposition? :)

Miguel Veloso and CR7 practice their best pas de deux moves in the water

CR7 and Nani take a breather at the Front

CR7 may be hiding behind facepaint if his side doesn't improve...Forca Portugal!!!

FRANCE
I can understand the French tactics of training at high altitude except that it's freezing!  I don't remember seeing snow in Johannesburg.  They'll be fit...and hot...

Yohann Gourcuff sending me a photo from Tignes...how sweet.

Yohann riding along as I maneuver a cone...we're such a team!

Yohann with his bodyguards, Patrice (so fierce!) and Planus (so oblivious!)

13 days and counting...