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.

Azzuri but lots of Asterisks

Well, well, well. The ghost of Roberto Baggio's 1994 miss (photo, left) in Pasadena's Rose Bowl has finally been laid to rest. For the first time since 1978, Italy finally found a way to "beat" France in a major competition.

Instead of the team which chose to play and try to win by attacking, the brutes and bores triumph.

Instead of adhering to the FIFA directives to banish racial slurs and hatred from the game, one of your World Champions uses it as a tool to incite one of the game's greats into a disgraceful sendoff.

Instead of calling the rules, refs continue to call results.

Instead of backing up the integrity of the game, once again as in 1982,
the Italians are rewarded for match-fixing at home by lofting the Cup.

On the positive side, your new World Champions, after having run a succession of the most impotent corner kick routines in World Cup history against Germany and prior, finally hit a couple nice ones. One of these, by the match's hero and villian, Materazzi, ripped the nets. Nine minutes later, another rattled the crossbar.

But, sorry, one man's opinion, France deserved to win this game.

Forget the 51st minute mugging in the box that should have been whistled as a second PK against the team whose country brought you the Mafia. It was the French spirit and possession throughout the second half that created scoring chance after scoring chance. Sure, Italy got one good trap, turn and shot off on goal after intermission -- when the forward settled the ball with his hand, the third blatant handling by Italy ignored in the match to that point. And the delays and diving? Despicable.

Second only to Brazil in number of Cups won?
Truly, travesty lives in the beautiful game.
Long live ugly soccer.
Enjoy your "victory", as well as life in Serie B and/or C.....

P.S. USA 1 Italy 1.

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

Nice Consolation for a Job Well-Done

It was a just result to see Germany go out on top of the match for Third Place. The team, sold short by their fans going into the tournament, built up great momentum in their second Group Stage match with the last-minute win against rival Poland in Dortmund.

From there, the home team's play improved to the point that in making their run to the semifinals, they would have indeed been a worthy finalist had Italy not risen to the occasion in the waning minutes of the final overtime period.

Against Portugal in the Third Place match, the first half dragged a bit as the teams played their way into the spirit of the game. Portugal being without their spiritual leader, captain Luis Figo, whom Scolari chose not to start, no doubt had some significant impact on the Portugese. On the other bench, German coach Jurgen Klinnsman proved himself a fair man by starting the 2002 hero, Oliver Kahn, in goal. Another starter, however, would be the catalyst for the Germans in the second half.

The entire tournament, 22-year old Bastian Schweinsteiger had been on the verge of erupting. His high work rate and pace off the flanks had been troublesome for every opponent he faced but his work on the defensive end cost him his starting spot midway through the tournament.

Against Portugal, Schweinsteiger was just the tonic for a German offense, withering under the month-long pressures of hosting and building expectations of an entire nation.

In the 55th minute, Schweinsteiger unleashed a 25-yard rocket shot from the left side of the circle after breaking in off the flank. Portugese goalkeeper Ricardo had no chance on the blast, as Germany went up 1-0. Five minutes later, a free kick by Schweinsteiger, from nearly the same spot as the scoring strike, was deflected in for an own goal by defender Petit.

A done deal by this point, in the 77th minute, Schweinsteiger, a favorite among fans of both his Bayern Munich club and his country's side, nonetheless did more damage from outside the box as he let fly another powerful, bending blast, beating Ricardo again for a 3-0 German lead.

A Portugese goal in the closing minutes, off a Nuno Gomes back-post header when a late-entering Figo served a beautiful ball from way off the right flank, was to keep Kahn from having a clean sheet in what may be his last World Cup match for Germany.

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

Allez Les Bleus AND Zizou!

OK, just about time to retire the two-decade attachment to the phrase "Michel Platini, considered by many to be France's greatest player ever."

There can no longer be any argument, as France reached its second of the past three World Cup finals on the coattails of their magnificient midfielder, Zinedine Zidane, affectionately known as Zizou. It is this soon-to-be retired maestro, who is in fact, France's best ever.

The three-time FIFA World Player of the Year effectively dispatched Portugal with a justly called 33rd minute penalty kick to move his team into Sunday's final against Italy. France had to dodge a couple of near misses by Portugal, early and late, but then France was also unlucky not to be ahead 2-0 shortly into the second half as a Thierry Henry shot off his breaking the left flank spun off Portugese goalkeeper Ricardo's wrist just wide of the near post.

Of late, the French have had the Italians' number, beating them in both the 1998 World Cup, on PKs in the quarterfinals, and in heart-breaking (if you're Italian) fashion in a 2-1 win at the 2000 European Championships. In that match, Sylvain Wiltord tied the match at one with only 30 seconds left in second-half injury time, and then the French won when David Trezeguet scored the winner with 13 seconds left in sudden-death overtime.

Sunday, Les Bleus have their chance to cement their place in history as one of the era's best. Italy, chip on their collective shoulders, feeling it's them against the world (and with a number of world-class players soon to be relegated to second and third-division sides as a result of the country's match-fixing scandal), is a formidable object in that path for France.

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

Just Not Portugal Too, Please...

Am almost too depressed to write anything.

As well as they played against Germany, and indeed, throughout the entire World Cup, I just cannot enjoy watching Italy play.

First, their slimy tactics of delay and diversion, falling to the ground when an opponent's shadow crosses their path, then rolling around like they'll never walk again, is SO obvious, yet veteran referees just cannot get it. Secondly, while defense admittedly does win championships, that brand of soccer is hard to watch. This World Cup has been the unfortunate 'coming of age' for the ultra-conservative 4-5-1 formation. With just one forward, most teams are relying on winning 1-0 on a counter-attack goal.

Couple that with the different set of rules applied for fouls in the penalty area, leading to a dearth of penalty kicks, which would at least force some action, and the traditional complaints of 'not enough scoring' and 'boring tactics', have some validity. While soccer afficiandos can appreciate a titanic scoreless struggle such as the Germany-Italy semifinal, one can also lament the lost art of finishing one's chances surgically to the far post, not just blasting the ball towards frame with as much velocity as can be mustered.

The consolation, small though it may be on this end, is Italy's first goal was struck with the former, not latter, skill set. A truly great finish, but the photos of five young German defenders standing by and watching an Azzuri defender set up for this strike are hard to look at.

From this point, have to swallow hard, again, and root for France, which is playing brilliantly at the moment. The potential of an Italy-Portugal improvisational acting display is not worthy of even the slightest consideration as a World Cup final.

Sorry, no photos for this post.
The only Italy shots I have are against the U.S.,
you know, the maligned side which is the ONLY team
NOT to lose to Italy in this World Cup.....

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

Final Four Insures European Champion

The samba line to the 2006 World Cup has turned into a waltz.

With the surprise outster of pre-tournament favorite, Brazil, by France, 1-0 in the quarterfinals, along with Portugal prevailing, 3-1, in penalty kicks after a 0-0 play out with England, this year's World Cup will be staying in Europe. It is the first all-Europe final four since the 1982 World Cup tournament in Spain, when Italy prevailed, 3-1, over Germany in the final.

Three superb spot saves by Portugese GK Ricardo made misery once again for the English, who have now gone out of their last four international competitions via the penlty kick route. The English had made a valiant effort of it, playing down a man for over 50 minutes due to Wayne Rooney's straight red card in the second half. It could be argued England actually had the better chances at goal in the run of play, but chances only goals make if they're finished.


Finishing with French flair, Thierry Henry buried Brazil's hopes of a sixth World Cup title until 2010, when he blasted a volley home off a Zinedine Zidane free kick in the 57th minute. Billed as Zidane's swan song, the match would now seem to be another step towards the magnificient midfielder's march to a repeat of the 1998 World cup title, the last time Brazil lost in World Cup competition. On the day, it was the French who played fluid football, filled with flair (sorry, I'm just on one of those alliteration rolls). For the match the Brazilians managed only one shot on frame, though several other dangerous chances flew by goalkeeper Fabien Barthez' goal.

The semis are now set, with Germany playing Italy, July 4th in Dortmund, site of the host's thrilling last-minute win over Poland in this tournament's First Stage, followed by Portugal and France the next day in Munich. Both matches are set for 9:00 p.m., local kickoff, being 3:00 p.m., on the East Coast in the States. If past tournaments are any indication, the semis are usually some of the most exciting and compelling drama of the entire tournament, with the "Big One" only one step away.

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