O'Donnell's Observations: WC Qualifying
by Paul O'Donnell
T&T came to Chicago with no fewer than 5 of its best 11 not even on the plane and Team USA took advantage in a 3-0 win. Dempsey notched his 4th goal in as many games with Ching and Michael Bradley also contributing goals both coming on set plays. For Team USA that is a good sign as they haven't consistently used free kicks to put much pressure on the opponent's defense. Nice play between Donovan and Dempsey created the first with Clint's strong low drive well placed in the 9th minute.
Split second indecision by T&T's keeper led to him picking the ball out of his own net twice. If a keeper comes off his line for the ball he must get there; if he doesn't only bad things happen for his side. On the first one he was frozen in that space "between two minds" as they say in England and by then it was too late. A quality and threatening ball from Donovan's free kick led to Bradley deflecting it in off his right foot and the 2nd came off Onyewu's header toward the back post and off the keepers hands which Ching nodded into the open net. It has to be said that better and more timely execution by the keeper would have denied both, but on this night T&T was punished which in itself was a good sign for Team USA. When you force the opponent to execute and are there to take advantage when they don't good things happen.
Team USA's 100% record and 5th straight clean sheet puts them in great shape for the next round of CONCACAF qualifying.
England also had a terrific game in Zagreb winning 4-1 on a hat trick from teenager Theo Wolcott with Wayne Rooney breaking his scoring drought for the 4th. Some are saying this emphatic win avenges the two defeats the Three Lions suffered at the hands of Croatia in last years Euro 2008 qualifying; not a chance, but it surely is a shot in the arm for their wounded pride and confidence.
The match also marked the 105th appearance of David Beckham and the pundits are speculating it could be his last. The emergence of Wolcott at the senior level as well as Sean Wright-Phillips regaining his form there may not be a place any longer for Beckham according to some.
Others say that Capello values his experience and proven qualities especially his expertise on free kicks and pin point delivery of crosses into the danger area. Any decision will be his of course. Seems to me that having a man like Beckham to bring into a close match that appears headed for a draw for his 20 minutes could very well keep him on the roster for longer than many suspect. Capello values those "situation" type players and has used them to advantage for years. The question is, is that enough to keep a spot warm for Beckham with these talented young men challenging for more playing time in the England shirt. Frankly, having such a question facing the chief bodes well for England's short term future and certainly provides grist for the rumor mill in the British press too.
Germany also got a hat trick of their own from Miroslav Klose but they needed every one of them just to draw level with Finland in Helsinki.
Denmark proved their serious about making life difficult for their opponents with a 3-2 win over Portugal and Spain continued their good form with a solid 4-0 victory over Armenia.
Elsewhere in European qualifying France recovered from their opening round loss to defeat Serbia 2-1 and Italy got a brace from De Rossi and handed a clean sheet to conflict torn Georgia.
Canada fans had a disappointing break managing only a draw and losing to Mexico. Across Canada fans felt confident they would get beyond this stage when looking closely at their group but now they're not feeling quite the same.
Fans in Brazil are also in an uproar with the less than stellar games played by their national side watching Bolivia get a draw in a stalemate 0-0 while Argentina ended 1-1 with Peru.
Back to the EPL; don't forget the big one this weekend with Liverpool entertaining Man United in the early game Saturday. For nearly all fans of the EPL this is the big one of the round and for Liverpool fans it is one of the biggest of the entire season. Expect the debut of Berbatov in a United shirt too. Rovers entertain Arsenal which could be a real disaster while in the other headline match the revitalized City will face Chelsea's Blues.
Almost forgot, Zola is the new manager at West Ham.
Big weekend to close out a big week in soccer.
