Remember These Names for South Africa

There was a wealth of young and maturing talent on display in Germany during this World Cup, in addition to the aforementioned rising American stars. Many of these players could become household names through their club play over the next four years leading into 2010 and the South Africa World Cup.

Going into his third World Cup in 2010 would be Michael Ballack (above, left), who recently transferred to Chelsea, one of the world's highest payroll clubs. A controlling presence in midfield and a talented server and header, Ballack should be one of the keys to Germany's next push to reach the final.

Also rising out of the ranks of young German players are forward Lukas Podalski and midfielder Bastian Schweinscheiger, 22 and 21-years old respectively this time around. At 32 years old in 2010, German forward Miroslav Klose (above, breaking in on goal), this World Cup's leading scorer, could also be a key cog in that team's lineup, as will be then 26-year old defenders Philipp Lahm (above, right) and the imposingly tall Per Mertesacker.

One of this tournament's controversial players was Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who was an orchestrator of his Manchester United teammate, Wayne Rooney's sendoff in the match with England. Choosing to take on the wrath of English fans and return to Man U., Ronaldo should be steeled to the next level of international competition by South Africa, adding to his already formidable arsenal of talents.

Rooney himself will also be a rising star in advance of 2010, and could benefit from his 2006 disqualification against Portugal in much the same way David Beckham rebounded from a red card in 1998 against Argentina. Much of England's success will depend on this versatile goalscorer's maturation.

Another proven goal scorer at this World Cup was Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky, who notched two goals against the U.S. At 26, but looking about 18, Rosicky is capable of scoring from the outside on brilliantly struck balls, as he did against the U.S., or by creating or converting on break-throughs into the area, also as demonstrated against the Americans, who were admittedly, pushed up trying to get back into a 2-0 match on this particular occasion.

Another of the rising talents is Spain's 22-year old forward, Fernando Torres. Trailing 1-0 to Tunisia, Torres put Spain on his shoulders, and in lightning fashion, was in integral part of putting together a 2-1, come-from-behind win. Torres is a speedy and talented ball handler, with a knack for finishing that makes him an obvious successor to Raul.

There are a number of other players also worthy of note but will stop at these for now and encourage fans to follow these, and the other names, through the coming four years.

As with all the content of this blog, written and photographic, Copyrighted 2006, All Rights Reserved, Perry McIntyre, Atlanta, GA - USA.

But Back Again for 2010

While we do indeed lose some pioneers of U.S. soccer at the highest level, there is also considerable reason for optimism for our prospects in South Africa four years from now.

Leading the charge into his third World Cup, when he will be a very well-seasoned 28 years old, is Landon Donovan. He will likely be the first to admit his 2006 World Cup left a good deal to be desired, as average play from this exceptionally talented player is certainly not the norm. With Reyna's retirement, Donovan may well take over duties with the captain's armband for the U.S., and will also be the starting point for all discussions about the U.S. team.

Also entering his third World Cup, and also at 28 years old, will be DeMarcus Beasley, who has been playing along side Donovan in a U.S. jersey since their successful campaigns as U-17 players. Beasley should improve with age as both experience and an increase in size and strength should be assets to his game.

Two other players would also be representing the U.S., in a third World Cup come 2010, those players being Josh Wolff and John O'Brien. Wolff would be one of the team's elder statesmen by then, at the age of 33, but his history has always been one to beat the odds and make critical plays when called upon to do so. Also into his 30's by then, O'Brien (#5 photo,left) will be past his 32nd birthday by South Africa, but it's more his ongoing issues with nagging injuries, which will tell the tale for this talented, play-making central midfielder. Also an alternate in 1998, O'Brien could be worth a slot on the side just for that historical breadth of experience from four World Cup training camps.

In their prime as mid-20-somethings, three players' progress on the world stage will make a significant impact on the prospects for the U.S. From the back, Oguchi "Gooch" Onyewu (center photo) had perhaps one of the best tournaments in Germany of any American player. Hit with an unjustly called penalty for a solid, legal play in the Ghana match, Gooch, was an imposing figure in the back throughout the 2006 tournament and will just get better with time.

Another solid performance in Germany was logged by Clint Dempsey (#8 photo, left), who could be a key component in the U.S. midfield mix for a long time. Dempsey's work rate and persistence, as well as the critical ability to score big goals, as he did to level the Ghana match, are obvious evidence of this player's value. The other player of growing value is forward Eddie Johnson (bottom photo), who could mature into one of the best goal scorers America has ever produced. Johnson will only be 26 in 2010, and if he can stay clear of injury and continue to develop, he could be the linchpin of the U.S. attack for the next two World Cups.

As with all the content of this blog, written and photographic, Copyrighted 2006, All Rights Reserved, Perry McIntyre, Atlanta, GA - USA.

Some Good-byes to Some Good Guys

One of the hardest parts of this World Cup for me is not just the disappointment in the showing by the U.S. side, but the fact some of the key personalities responsible for establishing the U.S. on the world stage won't be getting another chance come 2010 in South Africa.

Despite the U.S. being loaded with the promise of young and, now, experienced talent, there are a handful of players who are the true veterans, the holdovers from 1998, 1994, and even 1990. These are the players most responsible for the steady climb towards respectability and competitiveness against any team, any time. In their prime now, four years will very likely remove them from the international stage.

Eddie Pope, who will hit his 33rd birthday on Christmas Eve, has been a steady defender since his National Team debut 10 years ago. Battling through some major injuries, Pope has time and time again returned to form, which is that of a smooth and athletic defender of this highest order.

At 32, Eddie Lewis will also likely age himself off the team by South Africa, but his time with the U.S. has been marked by a versatility up and down the left flank, allowed by his being left-footed. His formidable pace, pinpoint services, big assists and big goals, such as the critical goal against Mexico at Azteca Stadium (the first by a U.S. player there since 1984 and the decisive goal in the U.S. winning their qualifying group) are all things that will be missed.

Celebrating his 34th birithday in Germany during the World Cup, Brian McBride's play was certainly not that of the oldest field player on the team, which he was. To this day, McBride remains one of the world's foremost players in the air and every team the U.S. played gave him special attention, oftentimes beyond the realm of the rules, all over the field whenever the ball was flighted in his direction. McBride's work ethic and big-play abilities are going to leave big shoes to fill for the next in line, if indeed there even is such a player out there.

Kasey Keller is simply one of the world's best all-around goalkeepers, even with his 37th birthday approaching. His positional play and quickness give the U.S. a chance in every single match. This stat alone says it all: in 92 matches for the U.S., Keller has posted 44 shut-outs. Some of those shut-out victims include arch-rival Mexico, several times, Argentina (3-0) in Argentina during the legendary Copa America tournament, as well as every single CONCACAF opponent, at least once, in a World Cup qualifying match. Some more, really big, shoes to be filled.

And finally, Claudio.
You don't even notice Claudio Reyna's play much of the time. He is so smooth and makes the correct decision virtually every time with the ball, that play seems to flow seamlessly through him. Named to the 2002 World Cup All Tounament Team, Reyna is recognized the world over as America's most elegant player. A veteran since the 1994 World Cup team, Reyna leaves a glaring hole in the middle of the field of play, as well as the signature calm and presence on the ball that cannot be taught or acquired, but that one is simply gifted with from the beginning.

No, the results in Germany weren't what we, or especially these guys, wanted, or deserved. The U.S. will be back and be better. One day our team will even convince the world we belong on that biggest of stages. These guys have already earned their place there, however, alongside whatever American team finally does get that done, because they all showed us HOW it should be done.

As with all the content of this blog, written and photographic, Copyrighted 2006, All Rights Reserved, Perry McIntyre, Atlanta, GA - USA.

Auf Wiedersehen to the 2006 Curtain Calls

Every World Cup marks the final international stage for a certain number of players. Germany 2006 is no different. Some very notable personalities will be missing from the game when 2010 in South Africa rolls around.

Despite the controversy in the way it ended, there can still be very little debate on Zinedine Zidane's career in the game. His leading France to two World Cup finals in the last three tournaments is evidence enough. The way he played the game is what should truly be remembered. Mostly, he was an spirited and energetic presence in the midfield, with ball skills and vision even the Brazilians are still at a loss to figure out. In and around the penaly box, Zizou remained one of the world's deadliest finishers throughout his international career.

Another presence on the international stage for even longer than Zidane was Sweden's Henrik Larsson. When the Swedes made their run to the semifinals in the U.S. during the 1994 World Cup, they were led by a dynamic attacking player with long, flowing dreadlocks. In his final World Cup, Larsson had gone all the way from those legendary locks to a smoothly-shaved pate. The finishing skills were still there, though, as in the match's final minute he salvaged Sweden a draw in a high-profile group stage match by cooly flicking a cross from the left flank into the backside of the English net.

For Portugal, captain Figo was the leader of that country's so-called "Golden Generation", and their run into the semifinals in Germany, seemed to validate, to some degree, the high expectations that assemblage of players carried as a burden for several years. Figo's power, vision and excellent service of the ball were again some of the very best of the highlights for Portugal from this World Cup.

When speaking of service, however, England's David Beckham is acknowledged as one of the game's greats. To 'bend it like Beckham' has become a generational icon. His swerving, darting, dipping shots off set pieces are the stuff of goalkeepers' nightmares. From a rocky start in World Cup play with a dramatic sendoff in 1998 against Argentina, Beckham stablized to rise to the role of long-serving captain of one of the world's most visible teams and prove his value there, as well as when the ball was at his foot.

For me personally, it was an honor to see each play in their final World Cup.

As with all the content of this blog, written and photographic, Copyrighted 2006, All Rights Reserved, Perry McIntyre, Atlanta, GA - USA.

Would Be Remiss to Ignore Femme Fans

For those who tend to think of the supporters of soccer, football, whatever, as a man's domain, am letting a few images dissuade that preconception. At every match, there were all manner of fans, these caught many more than just my eye...

As with all the content of this blog, written and photographic, Copyrighted 2006, All Rights Reserved, Perry McIntyre, Atlanta, GA - USA.

Tribute to the Fans

Have probably done an injustice throughout the breadth of these postings not giving ample credit to the fans of virtually all 32 teams in Germany. Their decorum, upbeat spirit and support of their chosen sides was universally commendable.

As a group, the Koreans are an amazing spectacle. They are so well coordinated with their chants, cheers and songs, one wonders when and where they all get together to rehearse. The Swedes apparently have a dress code for their matches, as virtually everyone shows up in their signature yellow.

As individuals, and believe me there are many individuals, how can one not pay homage to a man in a chicken, sorry, rooster suit?

Some of my favorites were the "mixed couples" at given matches (these two shots are Tunisia v. Spain and Germany v. Poland), who obviously came with their priorities in order. All in all, the FanFests, inside the stadiums, as well as outside, were almost as interesting to watch as the matches themselves...

As with all the content of this blog, written and photographic, Copyrighted 2006, All Rights Reserved, Perry McIntyre, Atlanta, GA - USA.

Maybe My Best Match Photo-Wise

One of the more anticipated showdowns of the Group Stage was England v. Sweden in Koeln. Because of the electric atmosphere, the just-right lighting of Koeln Stadion, the contrasting and brilliant colors of the teams' kits and the placement of the match's action, I had a pretty good night shooting.

The match itself was also dynamic. England led 1-0, then went level. England scored late to lead 2-1.

Sweden equalized in the closing moments. The Gerrard header and the full-goal shot are the last two goals.






Additionally, also had some further personal inspiration, which may, or may not, be shared in a later post.

As with all the content of this blog, written and photographic, Copyrighted 2006, All Rights Reserved, Perry McIntyre, Atlanta, GA - USA.

Some Images to Take My Mind Off the Final

The next two or three posts will primarily be photos from my having shot 12 matches in 13 days during my travels through Germany. Will let the images speak for themselves. May be grouping the next couple posts by some yet to-be-determined category, or another. Enjoy.





As with all the content of this blog, written and photographic, Copyrighted 2006, All Rights Reserved, Perry McIntyre, Atlanta, GA - USA.