Ah, Belize.
Gorgeous place. The remote, northern-most country in Central America, just a tad south of Cancun. Protected by the world's second-largest barrier reef, its water is crystal-clear green and calm, no waves crashing onto its pristine white-sand beaches. Go to the town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and it's like
Land of the Lost, where there are no cars, tons of golf carts, only music from the '80s and exclusively Belikin beer.
Oh yeah, did I mention soccer?
No, and that's because Belize sucks at its national sport.
Vacationed in Belize over Christmas 2011 and loved it. Watched the Belizeans pratfall against the U.S. on the pitch last night and was significantly less impressed.
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10. Not exactly sure what the Gold Cup is - a tournament between North and Central America and the Caribbean, I think - but with fodder like Belize, Martinica and Haiti littering the schedule, can't we just fast-forward the U.S.-Mexico title match July 28 at Chicago's Soldier Field?
9. The crowd of almost 20,000 in Portland was raucous and all soccer-singing, but wondering why one of these games isn't played at Frisco's
Pizza Hut Park FC Dallas Stadium? Initial guess would be that it's too small, but capacity is 20,000.
8. Far as I could tell the U.S. trotted out its junior varsity, with the only regulars being Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley. Guess that's all you need against a team that had to hold fund-raisers just to make the trip from Belize.
7. Bad news? Belize actually scored. And, from a U.S. perspective, it was an ugly goal. Guy in the box was left unmarked, so much so that he was able to head the ball into the net without jumping or being the least bit bothered. Horrible marking.
6. The U.S. exploded for six goals, which is akin to the Cowboys topping 50 points in an NFL game. The outburst came less than a week after a 6-0 win over Guatemala, making it the first back-to-back, six-goal games for the Americans since 1993.
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5. I realize he's a German soccer icon, but isn't it a little humiliating that a country as big and as proud as ours has to look overseas to hire Jurgen Klinsmann as our soccer coach? I guess all those who drive a BMW would disagree.
4. This wasn't the same American team that embarrassingly lost to Honduras in February. Or, perhaps more appropriately, this was a much weaker opponent. The U.S. is ranked 22nd in the world; Belize 130th.
3. I actually enjoyed the game. Maybe because the Rangers were done and nothing else was on TV at 10 p.m. Still, not a bad watch. Don't know if I'll schedule my Saturday around U.S.-Cuba but, check that, I do know. And I won't. Let's not get carried away.
2. Props to Donovan. The veteran has persevered, and even excelled, during soccer's relative anonymity in this country. Last night he added a goal and two assists, giving him 52 scores and 51 helpers in his career. No other American has reached 50 in either category.
1. Chris Wondolowski produced a hat trick. In the first half. Dude plays for San Jose in Major League Soccer, so it's not like he's a nobody from nowhere. Explain that to the American team's "seamstress", who inexplicably crow-barred an extra 'w' in the middle of his last name. Imagine the Miami Heat printing Wade's first name as "Dwyane". Wait, that's right isn't it? Yet oh so wrong. Whatever, dare I say Chris' performance was Wondo-ful? U-S-A! U-S-A!!
No games at FCD Stadium because the semi-finals are at Jerryworld
ReplyDeleteAwesome that you enjoyed the game. Come out to an FC Dallas game. The atmosphere is much better, maybe not quite as portland or seattle but its much better. Im sure you will like it. This saturday at 8PM we play Real Salt Lake. Winner will be at top of the Western Conference. When was the last time you went? Go check out the Beer Garden as well! I got 2 free tickets for you if you decide to go. @edwin3790
ReplyDeleteSemi-Finals are at Cowboys Stadium. So that stadium will be packed if USA and Mexico make it to Semis. Which most likely it will. You know Jerry wants soccer money.
ReplyDeleteIf I can make an analogy since I don't know much about soccer...Is Landon Donovan playing in the US akin to if Romo was playing in the old WFL, like for Barcelona or someone? Like you're pretty good in your sport but not the best, and playing in a country that doesn't appreciate the sport?
ReplyDeleteI think Donovan is good but past his prime... The level of MLS soccer is good but not great... European Soccer is MLB and MLS is Double AA. He is still good enough to compete in this level of soccer. He gets paid decent and doesnt have to live away from his family country... Plus many players want to promote soccer in the USA which is why they stay.
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