The past week has been dominated by international team games, including Euro 2012 qualifying and both the US men’s and women’s teams hosting friendlies in Philadelphia.
USA 1:1 China (6 Oct 2010) – The second of two games versus the People’s Republic as the US women tune up for the World Cup 2011 qualifiers (the USA won the first game in Georgia 2:1). The team looked to be outplayed by a young Chinese side, falling behind on a gorgeous goal by Ma Jun at 37′. The substitution of 21-year-old Alex Morgan in the second half gave the US a much needed spark (or “fresh young legs” as Julie Foudy kept saying) and Morgan scored her first ever international goal in the waning minutes of the match. Obviously the lackluster performance of the team overall must take into account players returning from injury as well as formations being tested out in this friendly match. Match report.
Slovakia 1:1 Ireland (12 Oct 2010) – When last we saw Ireland’s Euro 2012 qualifying efforts they had opened with convincing wins against Armenia and Andorra. This week they lost at home to Russia (in a game I didn’t watch) and drew with Slovakia in a game of wasted opportunities. Ireland took the early lead but then all-time leading scorer Robbie Keane missed a golden opportunity from the field and more stunningly had a penalty shot blocked. Ireland had to accept the tie and hold onto second place in Group B with the next match in March. Match report.
USA 0:0 Colombia (12 Oct 2010) – In the most sluggish and disappointing match of all I watched this week, the USA and Colombia slogged about with poor passing and poor finishing being the keys of the game. The USA didn’t get a shot on a goal until nearly an hour into the game. Again friendlies are a time to try out new players and strategies, so this isn’t the end of the world, but still, how can you go through a friendly without figuring out some way to score? Match report.
Related posts:
- Boston Breakers (18 July)
- Football at Fenway (22 July)
- Forming an Association with Football (8 Aug)
- This Week In Soccer (15 Aug)
- Soccer Week in Review (20 Aug)
- Soccer in Excess (25 Aug)
- Soccer Week (3 Sep)
- Slow Soccer Week (10 Sep)
- Soccer Weekend (13 Sep)
- Fútbol & Voetbal (20 Sep)
- Soccer Heartbreak and Gut Punches (27 Sep)
- Sister City’s Soccer (4 Oct)
Panorama of the Mountains 