The FIFA Men’s Rankings are out

Italy is at the top of the rankings, followed by France, Brazil, and Argentina. Where did the USA go? They jumped to #16. Personally, I think that the FIFA rankings are the equivalent to the BCS rankings. Let’s review who the USA have faced recently.

1. USA def. Denmark 3-1. (Friendly)

2. USA def. Ecuador 3-1. (Friendly)

3. USA def. Mexico 2-0. (Friendly)

4. USA draws with Guatemala 0-0. (Friendly)

5. USA def. China 4-1. (Friendly)

6. USA def. Guatemala 1-0. (Gold Cup)

7. USA def. Trinidad and Tobago 2-0. (Gold Cup)

8. USA def. El Salvador 4-0. (Gold Cup)

How many powerhouse teams outside of Mexico (who are stinking it up themselves might I add), do you see? I really think that friendly matches mean nothing, and even the friendly matches are against mediocre teams. The Gold Cup matches are nothing special considering that none of them are powerhouses. Trinidad and Tobago’s world cup run was nice, but they are not that good of a soccer team. The USA needs to stop facing soft teams from Central America and the Caribbean and start going up against clubs like England, Argentina, and France if they want to beat the major squads in the 2010 World Cup.

As for the stars of the squad Landon Donovan seems to be it. Landon is by far overrated in international competition, flamed out in Germany in league play and in the World Cup, and yet he’s the poster boy for the USA. The one thing that they must realize, is that you can’t win the World Cup with just 1 so-called star.

A teaching moment with Mookie

Toronto FC acquire Buddle from Galaxy – TSN.ca

Goal.com

Toronto FC acquire Buddle from Galaxy
TSN.ca - 30 minutes ago
TORONTO (CP) – Toronto FC acquired an all-star defender Wednesday, trading forward Edson Buddle to the Los Angeles Galaxy for Tyrone Marshall.
TFC trade Buddle for defence Sportsnet.ca
Toronto FC obtains Marshall from Galaxy for Buddle International Herald Tribune

Let’s review then. Acquire means to receive. Edson Buddle plays for Toronto FC. It is impossible to acquire a player you already have! The title should read “Toronto FC acquire Marshall from Galaxy”. Great job by TSN, who by the way, is the sister company of ESPN.

Ten Spot #7

The Five Spot is always on the weekends, and the Ten Spot is on Wednesday’s only, send your links to tjxanda@gmail.com to make my job easier.

Don’t worry, I’ll talk about last night’s game later.

1. A great new feature called lolsprts. (More Credible)

2. A nice piece on why you should watch the Rugby World Cup. (Shot to Nothing)

3. Elijah Dukes is on pace for 756, run-ins with the law that is. (Our Book Of Scrap)

4. Two Florida Gators get suspended for pot possession. (Rumors and Rants)

5. Is this the worst NBA season ever? (Five Tool Tool)

6. Let’s redo the 2006 NBA Draft. (Complete Sports)

7. John Daly needs help. (Signal to Noise)

8. Disrespecting Cleveland. (Flyers Fieldhouse)

9. Another recap about the Spurs/Cavs abomination last night. (WBRS Sports)

10. Vince McMahon is dead. Or is he? (Awful Announcing)