Beat teams up with Georgia soccer

February 17, 3:38 PMWPS ExaminerGiovanni Albanese Jr.

Atlanta Beat General Manager Shawn McGee and Georgia Soccer Executive Director Rick Skirvin announced a partnership between the newest Women’s Professional Soccer franchise and the Georgia State Soccer Association.

“As we strive to be the focus of soccer in the Southeast, this partnership plays a major role in supporting the local soccer community and provides both educational and entertainment value for soccer fans across the state,” said McGee.

The Georgia State Soccer Association, more commonly referred to as Georgia Soccer, is the authorized state youth and adult association for Georgia and includes over 100 youth soccer member organizations in addition to over a dozen at the adult level.

“We are tremendously excited about the first world-class soccer facility in the state of Georgia, and we believe in the growth this partnership will bring,” said Skirvin. Through this partnership, the Atlanta Beat will provide role models to young, aspiring players through interaction between Georgia youth players and the stars of the Beat, will work to create an affinity with the adult players in Georgia, and will also help generate revenue for the State Association by creating new sponsorship opportunities for Georgia Soccer.

“The Atlanta Beat is proud to partner with the Georgia State Soccer Association,” said McGee. “As the game becomes a key part of the local sports landscape, this partnership helps grow the number of players, coaches, referees, and fans,” said Skirvin. “It will ensure the longtime growth of the sport and will enhance the sustainability of soccer at every level possible.”

 

11:34 AM

For those who keep track and realise this is my weekend at Los Arcos (it's every other Saturday), pleasae note I have shifted it to NEXT WEEK, Saturday, Feb 27 due to a request to plat candlelight at Walk to Emmaus.   For those who don't already know about Los Arcos, at the intersection of Old Canton Rd and Rt120 Upper Roswell Rd:    It is a great Mexican restaurant, from 7-10pm (early start, reasonable finish time). It is smoke-free, family-friendly yet has a great bar, great food and it's local and handy!   In the coming weeks look for me to perform some of the not so usual numbers, many that I don't typically play week after week - it will be very interesting, I promise -- worth checking out if you appreciate really qualitative music!   Additionally, it will be Beatles (as ever), Stones, Steve Miller, Pink Floyd, Paul Simon, Eagles, Bee Gees, Van Morrison, Elton John, Talking Heads...over 270 songs in my repertoire (songlist attached!) - you pick 'em and I'll...pick 'em -- and sing 'em!  Los Arcos 3101 Roswell Rd # M2n,  Marietta, GA‎ - (678) 560-8222‎ Hope to see you! Cheers   Alan Vaughan Cobb Rovers Rust FC http://naasoccer.ning.com http://alanvmusic.com http://bigchickenbeatlesmusic.com 770.899.2922

9:09 AM

Opening day for Atlanta's only professional soccer team, The Atlanta Beat, is only a few months away. Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of a historic moment for the city of Atlanta.
The Atlanta Beat will play their opening day game on Sunday, May 9th, 2010 against Sky Blue FC from New Jersey. The Atlanta Beat has a group ticket offer for opening day.
Come out and support the Atlanta Beat with Georgia Soccer.

8:08 AM

If Atlanta makes the final cuts to host a World Cup soccer event, area businesses could see sponsorship opportunities that have a far more global reach than even the Olympic Games.

Atlanta is one of 18 American cities named Jan. 12 as part of the U.S. Soccer Federation’s bid for the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.

U.S. Soccer will make its formal bid to Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the World Cup’s governing authority, May 14. FIFA is expected to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments on Dec. 2.

With that award also comes sponsorships to the host nation, “which allows local companies to promote an association with the FIFA World Coup within the host country,” according to FIFA.

For example, the 2010 World Cup, to be held in South Africa, includes global sponsorships from companies like McDonald’s, Sony and Adidas, but also South African companies First National Bank and NEO Africa, an information technology company.

Those sponsorships will end once the World Cup games are moved to the next host country, according to FIFA.

The 2006 World Cup, held in Germany, included Bonn-based Deutsche Telekom AG as the telecommunications company sponsor. Deutsche Telekom AG is not a sponsor of the 2010 World Cup. That sponsorship now belongs to Telkom SA Ltd. in South Africa.

The rights include category exclusivity, association, local marketing programs and domestic media exposure, FIFA says.

“FIFA has its own set of corporate partners that use the World Cup as a vehicle for them, but there are opportunities for companies both large and small to get involved,” said Scott Moran, principal at Berman Fink Van Horn P.C., who is serving as the attorney for the host city committee.

Sponsorships would come at the national level, but also at the city level, said Moran, who has been involved in Atlanta’s bid process from the start and has been involved in professional soccer for nearly 10 years.

Expect to see Atlanta’s “heavy hitters” get involved with the World Cup, said Bob Hope, president of Hope-Beckham Inc. in Atlanta.

The World Cup “has a greater power worldwide than the Olympics,” he said.

And it’s intangible what companies that sponsor the World Cup get back, Hope said. “Companies that get involved in the World Cup are world leaders. It establishes and builds relationships at all levels.”

Sponsorships of any major sporting event isn’t always about immediate financial gain, said Mark Dickens, spokesman for United Parcel Service Inc. (NYSE: UPS) in Atlanta.

UPS sponsors a NASCAR team, was a sponsor of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and will sponsor the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

“We view them very much as investments,” he said.

In the NASCAR sponsorship, UPS gets exclusive rights to all tracks to pick up items for racing teams, news media and officials, Dickens said. “That increases package volume in a real way.”

For the Beijing Olympics, UPS was the logistics sponsor, which included inventory management, warehouse control, transportation and logistics, he said.

“That opened up a lot of doors for us that will benefit us for decades,” Dickens said. “We’re looking at something similar in London.”

Although London is not an emerging market the way China is, UPS’ sponsorship will allow it “to showcase a wide range of our capability, that goes beyond what many people think of us,” he said.

Being a sponsor can foster customer relations by allowing UPS to host customers and employees at NASCAR events, “and that goes a long way, too.”

One Atlanta-based company that is already a premier sponsor of FIFA and the World Cup is The Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO). Coca-Cola has had a formal association with FIFA since 1974, according to the company, and its official sponsorship of FIFA World Cup began in 1978. Coca-Cola has had stadium advertising at every FIFA World Cup since 1950.

Hope expects other Atlanta-based businesses with global reach, including UPS, The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: HD), AT&T Wireless, a division of AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T), and GE Energy, a division of General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE), will likely get involved if Atlanta becomes a host city.

It’s been nearly two decades since the United States played host to U.S. Men’s Soccer in the World Cup. That was in 1994. Just two years later, Atlanta played host to the 1996 Olympic Games.

Being a host city for “the World Cup would be more powerful than the Olympics because it has more respect around the world,” Hope said. “Soccer is just enormous.”

U.S. Soccer has projected a $400 million to $600 million economic impact — and 55,000 to 100,000 jobs — for Atlanta during a monthlong round of games. That impact could be double the $292 million economic impact of the 2000 Super Bowl held in Atlanta.

Separately, Atlanta is also vying for the International Broadcast Center, which would be the headquarters for international media during the World Cup games. Atlanta, home to news giant CNN, other Time Warner properties TBS, TNT and Cartoon Network, played host to a similar media contingent during the 1996 Olympics.

Bid committee members are cautiously hopeful Atlanta has a very good chance at being a host city.

“We completely believe Atlanta should be in the final 12 [host cities for the U.S. bid],” said Jim Smith, vice president of marketing for the Atlanta Falcons, who went to New York with other city leaders to make the pitch for Atlanta. “We have to map out our next strategy to get to the final 12.”

But FIFA was “very impressed” with Atlanta’s bid, he said.

“We’ll probably be one of the few cities in the small fraternity that have hosted both an Olympics and a World Cup,” said William Pate, president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, also a member of the bid committee. “This continues to put us on a world stage, where we want to be.”

— Staff writer J. Scott Trubey contributed to this story.

Reach Schoolcraft at lschoolcraft@bizjournals.com

Atlanta Business Chronicle - by Lisa R. Schoolcraft Staff Writer

1:08 PM

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=7af_1266289189

10:56 AM

 

From South African Chamber: A Summer of Soccer

David Beasley

Toni Castel, president of the South African-American Chamber of Commerce, and Irene Bailey, a chamber board member, discuss Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010.

As South Africa prepares to host the World Cup soccer tournament this summer, and Atlanta vies for the games in 2018 or 2022, the South African-American Chamber of Commerce is tapping into metro Atlanta's growing enthusiasm for the sport with a tournament and other events.

Organizers hope Atlanta soccer fans will benefit, as will SOS Children's Villages USA, a non-profit group that provides homes for orphans and neglected children worldwide.

The chamber, formed a year ago, is organizing the Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010. It will start June 10 with a cocktail party at the World Trade Center Atlanta, said chamber president and one of its founders, Toni Castel, an Atlanta attorney.

On June 12-13, there will be a soccer tournament which will include 16 teams from bi-national chambers in Atlanta, local consulates and private companies. Teams will pay entry fees, with the proceeds going to SOS Villages.

The Fest will end July 11 with a large party to watch the final World Cup final match on big screens.

"This gives everyone an opportunity to come together around the celebration of soccer, an international sport, to mix and meet and get involved," said Ms. Castel.

SOS has eight villages in South Africa, said Irene Bailey, head of the SOS volunteer committee in Atlanta who is also  a board member of the South African-American Chamber. A native of Senegal, Ms. Bailey lived as a child in an SOS village in Germany. 

"I am a direct product of what the organization does, which is provide long-term care for either orphans or neglected children," she said. "The unique thing about SOS is that children are kept in one household in one family home together with their siblings, their biological siblings."

SOS also funds vocational and college education for children in the villages, she said.

"SOS provided me with an outstanding education, including support in earning my university degrees in the U.S. and Germany," said Ms. Bailey, a program coordinator at the Georgia Council for International Visitors. "But most importantly I was given a loving SOS mother, family, and home." 

While the South African-American chamber hopes to raise a substantial amount of money for SOS, it also wants to build on soccer's growing momentum in Atlanta.

Atlanta is one of 18 cities that could host the World Cup if the United States is awarded the soccer tournament in 2018 or 2022, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced in January.

"Soccer  has a huge following," said Derrick Jackson, executive director of the chamber and chairman of the Fest. "We have been inundated with enthusiasm and excitement."

For more information on the chamber, click here. For more on SOS Children's Villages, click here.

 

3:03 PM

12:25 PM

 

VIA: Franklin Young

Check out Atlanta Soccer News

I see why the ball is a little more expensive ($150).
Video of manufacturing--  http://www.wimp.com/soccerball/

 

1:30 PM

KENNESAW, GA (Feb. 4) - Atlanta Beat General Manager Shawn McGee announced Dispersal Draft picks Manya Makoski and Pavlina Scasna as the newest additions to the expansion team's roster. Both Makoski and Scasna were members of the Los Angeles Sol club which discontinued operations on Thursday, Jan. 28.

"As usual, Head Coach Gareth O'Sullivan did a great job identifying the best players available for our selections," said the GM. "Makoski was a starting right back for the LA Sol, and she will be a great addition to our defensive unit. Pavlina, who is more of a well-kept secret, will contribute to our attacking play."

"Manya is a very consistent performer," said O'Sullivan. "She has great speed and will add depth to the backline." Makoski started 15 of 17 regular season games with a defense allowing the fewest goals(10) in WPS. The 2009 Sol backline posted a league best .50 Goals Against Average on its way to a regular season title and an automatic bid to the WPS Championship.

The Beat's second pick, Scasna, is an attacking player from the Czech Republic. "Pavlina can draw on strong experiences from her time in WUSA with the Philadelphia Charge," said Coach O'Sullivan. "She most recently played with Malmo in Sweden and is renowned as a professional with strong training habits

"Our roster is pretty set now," said McGee. "We are excited to get on the field and to work towards a WPS Championship."

5:32 PM

---

Contacts:
Committee Member Contacts: Boys | Girls

US Youth Soccer ODP Web sites:

State ODP | Region I ODP | Region II ODP | Region III ODP | Region IV ODP | Europe ODP

Boys and Girls News Page:  [link]

Interesting Read:  What it Takes to be Successful in the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program, US Youth Soccer Technical Department: [link] 

US Youth Soccer ODP Boys Foreign Tour RFP: [link]

---

The US Youth Soccer ODP Philosophy
To identify players of the highest caliber on a continuing and consistent basis, which will lead to increased success for the U.S. National Teams in the international arena.

Purpose
The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program was formed in 1977 to identify a pool of players in each age group from which a National Team will be selected for international competition; to provide high-level training to benefit and enhance the development of players at all levels; and, through the use of carefully selected and licensed coaches, develop a mechanism for the exchange of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.

How do I participate?
Contact your local US Youth Soccer State Association office to find out more about getting involved with US Youth Soccer ODP. You can find State Association by clicking here. Or, simply contact the US Youth Soccer National Office at nationaloffice@usyouthsoccer.org.

Program Description History
In 1979, the program expanded, the organization became more efficient and multi-year plans were developed. State Associations were encouraged to develop programs which supported and worked in tandem with National and Regional programs. At the beginning of 1982 a formalized program for girls was created, with the addition of a full committee (one member from each Region).

Current Organization
From 1982 until the present, international events for youth national teams have increased substantially and the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program has kept pace by instituting trials and player pools for five age groups in the boys' program, and five age groups in the girls' program.

The US Youth Soccer ODP Selection Process
Each State Association holds ODP try-outs on an annual basis. Age Groups and try-out dates may be different from state to state, based on seasonal and state considerations. Your first contact should be to your State Association for try-out information.

How are Players Selected?
Players are selected, in most states, on the basis of open tryouts. These tryouts are conducted by state association coaches who are recognized for their ability to identify and train players with superior skills. Some state associations combine scouting techniques and invitations to certain players with the open tryouts. Selection of these players is not an easy task. The state association head coach or State Coach will, in most cases, be assisted in the selection process by several other qualified coaches from the club or league level. Players are evaluated on the four components that make up a soccer player:
1. Technique
2. Tactics
3. Fitness and Athletic Ability
4. Psychological Component (attitude)

What are Regional Camps?
US Youth Soccer is divided into four regions, each which offers a regional camp for state association ODP teams in each eligible age group. The camps are designed to provide high level competition and training for participating players. During this training and competition, players who are capable of performing at a higher level of play are identified for possible national team camp, pool, or team participation. Each region varies somewhat as to the specifics and the cost of their camps. Your state association or regional administrator should be contacted for more information.

What is a National Camp?
National Camps and Interregional events are held throughout the year at various locations in the United States. The National Team Coach or a National Staff Coach is present at these events to observe, train, and indentify players for placement in the national pool or on a national team.

What are the Benefits of Participating in US Youth Soccer ODP?
1. Development as a player. The opportunity to train and play with the best player's in one's age group.
2. Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches.
3. Quality competition. Games against other state association ODP teams.
4. Exposure to regional and national team coaches.
5. The opportunity to represent one's state, region, or country in competition.
6. Exposure to college coaches.

 

8:56 AM

Your US Youth Soccer State Association and the US Youth Soccer National Office  offer many great resources for coaches, parents, administrators, referees and players. To learn more, check out our Web site, at www.USYouthSoccer.org.

If you would like to sign up for more news and information from US Youth Soccer, click here.

Online registration ends Feb. 15 for the US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop
Register online through Feb. 15 or after that date in person for the 2010 US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop, to be held Feb. 25-27 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas. See the complete sessions schedule and descriptions here.

What you need to know:
Feb. 15: Online Registration ends
Feb. 8-15: Save of the Year online voting
Feb. 15-21: Goal of the Year online voting
Feb. 26: Awards Gala: National award winners announced via Twitter
Feb. 27: Kick Zone for kids and Exhibit Hall are free and open to public

Kick Zone includes fun games for kids. The first 100 children receive a free 2010 FIFA World Cup Jubulani replica ball by adidas. All Kick Zone participants can enter for a chance to win adidas Tabela uniform kits for their team. The kit includes a jersey, shorts and socks for each player. You do not need to be present to win.

For more information, visit USYouthSoccer.org/Workshop/index.asp.

8:54 AM

Canada calls for TFC five - thestar.com

1:19 PM

The 18 cities that have been selected for inclusion in the official USA Bid Committee bid book that will be presented to FIFA are, in alphabetical order: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, Seattle, Tampa and Washington, D.C. For more, click...

http://gousabid.com/BidCities

Atlanta Soccer Georgia Soccer gousabid.com/atlanta National Team US Soccer World Cup World Cup Bid for Atlanta

4:02 PM

Togo soccer team 'shot at like dogs' in Angola - thestar.com

2:28 PM

http://www.photosbymcd.com/downloads/Atlanta-WorldCup3b/worldcupatl

Atlanta Soccer Georgia Soccer gousabid.com/atlanta National Team US Soccer World Cup World Cup Bid for Atlanta

12:35 PM

Bert Leonard, well known in Georgia coaching circles and currently an ODP coach, has worked over the last several years to develop the use of video analysis tools to better understand what actually occurs in a game. Bert has become one of the leading proponents and experts in this field in the US, attracting many to this approach. His work has continued to expand to cover programs at the highest level, including leading club teams, prominent college programs, and others.

Recently, Bert has begun working with the US Women's National Team program to provide comprehensive video analysis of their games.   Congratulations, Bert ,and keep Georgia Soccer proud of your efforts! 

original post from gasoccer.org

Atlanta Soccer coaching college soccer Georgia Soccer Georgia Youth Soccer High School ODP State US Soccer video game analysis Women's Soccer Youth Soccer

5:01 PM

Damarcus Beasley hopes his World Cup dream can be resurrectedPremium Article !Your account has been frozen. For your available options click the below button.
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« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryPublished Date: 11 December 2009
By Lisa Gray
DAMARCUS Beasley is hoping his efforts in the Champions League clash against Sevilla can help him resurrect his Rangers career with the World Cup looming this summer.

The United States international's first team opportunities have been limited this season and the 27-year-old was recently quoted on a website saying he wanted to quit the Scottish champions in search of first team football elsewhere.

He has held t
ADVERTISEMENTalks with manager Walter Smith over his future but refused to be drawn on the comments attributed to him about wanting a move elsewhere.

Instead, he is hoping his involvement in the final European match of the season can prove to be the catalyst for the remainder of the campaign ahead of South Africa in the summer, where he is set to come up against club-mate Madjid Bougherra's Algeria, as well as England.

"It's always a bonus to start and to play," he said.

"I've always said that I want to play and I've always said I want to stay. The gaffer and I have had a talk and what was said remains between me and him.

"He knows I want to play and hopefully over the next month if I keep working hard and training hard, I can try to get back in the team. Personally, I will take it one game at a time and hopefully I can retain my position for Saturday.

"I don't have anything to prove. I'm confident in my own ability.

It's just about me playing well and playing for the team. Obviously I want to show my best. I want to show that I belong in the team, that I belong at the World Cup. It's an important six months for myself."

Rangers ended their Champions League campaign without a single win and with just two points picked up during the group stage.

Beasley admits the Glasgow giants will look back on the European season with some regrets but insists it is more important to focus on the future now – and retaining the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title.

"We played better away from home than we did at home," he said, reflecting on matches against Stuttgart, Unirea Urziceni and Sevilla.

"The teams we played, we gave them the games, we didn't make them work hard enough for the wins. It's tough when you look back on it and think about that.

"We didn't come through this round but now we just focus on the SPL. I think there will be a difference, there will be more time to rest in between games for the boys who are playing.

"December is going to be a very tough month, we have Dundee United and Hibs and Celtic away. If we can get through these games, I think we will have a good chance of retaining the SPL title."

A Frederic Kanoute penalty after eight minutes proved to be the difference between Sevilla and Rangers, with the Ibrox side failing to trouble their hosts until the final minutes of the match.

Beasley said:

"It was just unlucky that we gave a penalty away in the first few minutes. All in all, I think we did pretty well."






Page 1 of 1

Last Updated: 10 December 2009 10:33 PM
Source: The Scotsman
Location: Edinburgh
Related Topics: Rangers FC
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9:46 AM

Hey Soccer Fans --

There are still six days left to be the face of U.S. soccer.

Over the past month we've been collecting letters written to FIFA by U.S. soccer fans like you. Soon we'll choose one of these letters to feature in the opening pages of our official Bid Book -- so you can tell FIFA in your own words why they should pick the U.S. to host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2018 or 2022.*

The deadline to enter is December 15th, 2009. Don't miss this amazing chance to represent all U.S. soccer fans -- submit your letter and photo now:

http://www.gousabid.com/LetterToFIFA

There are some incredible stories in the hundreds of letters we've already received. Here's one I'd like to share with you today:

Greetings. For more than 35 years, I have lived and breathed soccer in the United States. As a player, as a high school coach, and even as a Political Science professor (yes, I have taught soccer at university), I have experienced first hand the meaning of the often-quoted phrase that "soccer is democracy on grass." Anyone can play, whether small or large, quick or slow, black or white, immigrant or native, rich or poor, tall or short. But what makes "democracy on grass" so special in the United States is that here it reflects the incredible diversity of the sport worldwide.

On soccer fields across America, you find virtually every type of person playing the game: whether you are in Iowa or Texas, Illinois or Florida, Oregon or New York, soccer in the United States unites people across languages, races and cultures in ways most other countries cannot. American soccer fields are little U.N. General Assemblies scattered throughout the American countryside where diverse people come together in a common bond, with a common purpose. I have learned Spanish, German, Arabic and even a little Ibo on American soccer fields. Soccer in America gives us the example of democracy as sport that is transferable to democracy as governance. What better lesson could I offer my students than in engaging them on the soccer field?

Can you do a better job of telling FIFA why the Game Is In US? Click here to submit your letter now:

http://www.gousabid.com/LetterToFIFA

Thanks, and I'm excited to see what you've got to say.

-- David

David Downs

Executive Director

USA Bid Committee

*see official rules for eligibility rules:

http://www.gousabid.com/pages/face-of-the-bid

Americans Contest Georgia Soccer Georgia Youth Soccer gousabid.com/atlanta National Team US Soccer World Cup World Cup Bid for Atlanta

8:39 PM

World Cup

9:59 AM

The inevitable happened in the World Cup draw last week - The Old Empire was set on a collision course with the New; England were drawn to play against America in the group stage of the tournament but fortunately were also drawn with Slovenia and Algeria, two weaker teams so regardless of the result, both teams are expected to progress into the knock-out stages of the tournament.

This isn't the first time the teams have met in the World Cup. In 1950, America beat England 1-0 in one of the biggest upsets in Football history.

The draw was met with great fanfair and acclaim here - more than you would think actually; and treated with a seriousness that I have never seen given to Football with in the US. That said, the sports news announcer on 1230 ESPN2 The Fan in Atlanta couldn't resist a dig, announcing that the US would be playing Merry Olde England and her hooligans on June 12th. I composed a well-thought, measured and succinct reply via email which ended with an ultimatum to cease and desist all such untrue xenophobic comments at once lest I come round to the studio and slam a copy of The Collected Works of Shakespeare off his bonce.

Every US football fan I know is ecstatic and excited about taking on the Motherland and home of Football and finally getting the chance to test their progress and prowess against one of the giants of the world game. Every England fan I know is delighted with the easy draw and the idea that we might be even to rest players before the end of the groups to remain fresh for the second phase.

The US have made great strides as a team in the past few years, as well as qualifying for consecutive World Cups, they made the final of the Confederations Cup last year, beating reigning European Champions, Spain, on the way and losing a 2-0 lead in the final to Brazil. A genuine big fish in their own pond, the US have now surpassed a declining Mexico as the leading football power in the North and Central Americas and will be looking to impose their young physical presence on the world. Sadly, a lack of key personnel and ability in certain positions will let the team down. Star defender Oguchi Onewu, unbelivably of AC Milan, embodies all the grace and finesse of a pantomime horse after a session on the Jack Daniels and attending a World Cup Finals with Jozy Altezode, Hull City reserve, as your main attacking threat is the equivalent of turning up to the OK Corral armed with a spork.

One area the US are catching up with and possibly surpassing the old world is in support. The Guardian reports that the US are going to be the most well-supported team at the tournament, with the exception of the hosts and the ubiquitous Orange dutch with their colonial ties.

Personally, I am looking forward to six months of trash talk, craic and anticipation of 2.30pm EST on Saturday June 12th, 2010 where a corner of some foreign bar that is forever England is rocking to both The Star Spangled Banner and The Great Escape - one side looking for proof that a New World Football Order is in the ascendancy and that a nation that is not used to being second best to anybody at anything, isn't - and the other looking for the constant comforts of 1945 and 1966, that everything that was, is and forever will be - that England (shorthand for Great Britain) is the Greatest.

We shall meet on the field of battle with no quarter given and none asked save this,

How would you like your asses served sir, flambeed, roasted or rare?

10:37 PM