Compelling Soccer

Did anyone else feel more relieved than overjoyed at the US qualifying for the World Cup? Is it a sign my expectations are getting too far out of whack? Naahh, I live in 2009, not 1989.

-Ives Garlarcep has one of my favorite soccer blogs out there, but his logic about the US qualification somehow vindicates Bob Bradley is a fallacy. The logic only holds if the World Cup was an open competition in qualifying where the 32 best teams make it. But we know that's not the case. To make the Cup, the US only has to be one of the three best teams in it's region. Mexico is a good squad, but I refuse to give anyone else in the conference credit as even a second tier international side. The US is still talent wise, 1A or 1B with Mexico in CONCACAF. On that alone, they should qualify.

I would say the win against Honduras is a nice step for Bradley. It suggests the US team is moving in the right direction. But vindication? Qualifying for the World Cup isn't a big deal anymore for the US. It shouldn't be. It's nice, and you celebrate, but it's something that should be nearly assured at this point, especially given the US never loses to a non Mexico CONCACAF side at home. People may argue the US' expectations are too high, but they aren't fighting in UEFA or South America here. If they had to get through that gauntlet to qualify, then yes, Bradley praise would be well deserved. But as of right now, the points for Bradley are qualification for the World Cup and the Confederation's Cup run. The former isn't special; heck Steve Sampson qualified with ease for the 98 Cup and nobody is going to be erecting shrines to his genius anytime soon. The latter is a false idol, built on the idea that anything but luck allowed the US to beat Spain in the semis. (Or of course, forgetting that the US caught a massive break to make it in the first place)

The Bradley critics will be told to be quiet. And in some respects, we have to be. There won't be much to criticize now; qualification is in essence, over. Nothing remains but friendlies to see who gets to be included in the final 23. But that doesn't mean Bradley's the right coach for this team. His real litmus test comes in South Africa. Until then, both sides will go back and forth with little in the way of resolution.

-A far better take on the Bradley situation I feel is delivered by Jen Chang. His point about hiring someone like a Sven Goran Ericksson is fair as what would have the worst case scenario. But he also echoes the thought qualifying for the World Cup, while nice, isn't a grand feat in CONCACAF either. Speaking of Sven, or the wrath he has wrought, Javier Aguirre deserves much kudos for his work with Mexico. He transformed what clearly was a sinking ship and has El Tri into the World Cup. Say what you will of your dislike of Mexico, a good Mexican squad is better for the US. CONCACAF is lacking as is in truly quality sides and Mexico is usually the best competition the US can scrounge up in a high stakes (non friendly) atmosphere.

-While we're talking US Soccer, Sunil Gulati, president of the US Soccer Federation claims the US can win the World Cup next year. Not in eight years or four, this upcoming 2010 one. That makes two, after Charlie Davies said something similar last week. Look, I'm all for optimism. But when you are worrying pre game about beating Honduras, then you don't have a realistic shot of winning the World Cup. You might be able to go deep into tournament with a break here and there, but you aren't winning the thing. Not yet, not with these players and I feel, this coach. I'm not sure why Gulati would make statements like that anyway; I'd prefer it if other countries didn't necessarily know we were there. Walk before you can run, as they say.

-Fernando Torres played for Spain this weekend. Meanwhile Steven Gerrard has a groin issue. However unlike Wayne Rooney he claims he will play anyway, in a meaningless qualifying game as England has already secured their spot to South Africa. When I'm siding Rooney in matters of common sense and judgment, the world has truly gone mad. But for a Liverpool fan, this makes it Torres AND Gerrard. They might as well just end Liverpool's season if those two go down. At least Torres probably won't play Wednesday.