Thursday, June 19, 2008
Euro 08: do or die stages are here
Wow. Just finished watching the first half of the Germany-Portugal Euro quarterfinal on espn360, and while I expected Portuguese skill to win the day comfortably, I am FEELING the Germans right now. Though I should probably shut up until I see the second 45 minutes.
The buildup leading to Bastian Schweinsteiger's opener was gorgeous, flowing football that few would readily associate with Deutschland, even in the midst of their World Cup 2006 run -- which relied on heart and hustle as much as anything. But it provides a timely reminder that few teams can defend against speed of thought and movement married with sharp passing.
Even the fastest player can be left in the dust if her or his opponent lets the ball do the hard work. It's a lesson that DC United and, to a lesser extent, New England and Houston, have often taught the rest of MLS and it might be the top priority for improvement in U.S. soccer, at both the domestic and international level.
[ADDENDUM] 3-2 Deutschland, and suddenly the Germans look formidable. But I still think this is Spain's tournament to lose.
The buildup leading to Bastian Schweinsteiger's opener was gorgeous, flowing football that few would readily associate with Deutschland, even in the midst of their World Cup 2006 run -- which relied on heart and hustle as much as anything. But it provides a timely reminder that few teams can defend against speed of thought and movement married with sharp passing.
Even the fastest player can be left in the dust if her or his opponent lets the ball do the hard work. It's a lesson that DC United and, to a lesser extent, New England and Houston, have often taught the rest of MLS and it might be the top priority for improvement in U.S. soccer, at both the domestic and international level.
[ADDENDUM] 3-2 Deutschland, and suddenly the Germans look formidable. But I still think this is Spain's tournament to lose.
Comment posted by Charles Boehm @ 8:46 PM 
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