Silliman on Sports
By Stan Silliman
DON’T CONFUSE YOUR RENALDOS

In the World Cup, the U.S. is getting ready to play Portugal, a team with the highest paid and perhaps greatest soccer player in the world – Cristiano Renaldo. Now, just because the match is being played in Brazil, don’t be like a lot of us and confuse that Renaldo with the Brazilian soccer playing Renaldo (now retired) who was also once considered the best in the world, known as “The Phenomanon.” We confuse them all the time. One is 29, the other is 37. One is Cristiano Renaldo, the other is Renaldo Lima. Cristiano, when he plays pro soccer is being paid $ 21 M tax free. Renaldo Lima is retired. Both like to party, which makes us suspicious about Cristiano Renaldo’s injury. But not as suspicious as we would be if it were the other Renaldo... based on this story from 2008:

Tranny Tryst Tries Ronaldo

Soccer star Luis Ronaldo, known as a striker, claimed he did not strike her, when he was hauled into a Rio de Janeiro police station. Easy to prove, says The Phenomenon (El Fenomeno): he did not strike her, referring to a motel party with three prostitutes, because there were no hers.
Turns out all the pros were transvestites, cross dressers, so all the she’s were he’s.

Meanwhile, north of the equator, three women have been linked with Roger Clemens. Hmmm? Three Flings for the Rocket or Three Trannies for El Fenomeno. Which makes for a better movie title… starring Tommy Lee Jones? We don’t know.

We do know Roger Clemens is a headline hog. Here was a soccer player’s chance for some pub, maybe even get into the Caught-with-a-Tranny-Hall-of-Fame and Roger has to wet on his spotlight. A bit smirky of Roger, we say.

Of course we have a vested interest. We want a sports figure in the Caught with a Tranny Hall because we don’t write about actors paying penance by putting on fat suits and calling themselves Norbit or voicing a donkey buddying up to an ogre. We favor the sports guy even if the sports figure is a soccer player.

Of course Ronaldo, a three time FIFA World Player of the Year, isn’t your average futbol player. Your average soccer player isn’t a sucker for guys in high heels. Ronaldo claimed he didn’t know the “ladies” were packing. It’s like the scene out of “Crying Game” where under the skirt there’s a surprise. Only this time, triple. Ronaldo says when the surprises came he short circuited the party, tried to kick them out when one of them turned la bruja. A spiteful bruja who stomps into the street yelling “El Fenomeno didn’t want to pay” and then returning to rip out phone lines so Ronaldo couldn’t call for help. Then Ronaldo says when he offered the three pros $ 600 each, the crazy one, la bruja loco, tried to jack him for $ 50,000 reals ($30,000) to not call the papers.

So are you with us, feeling sorry for Ronaldo? There’s the indignity of the motel video clip making the rounds on Brazilian YouTube taped by one of the transvestites. There’s the indignity of being known as one of the world’s greatest ball kickers and yet when the time came… And then there’s the indignity of having been one of the greatest but having been out of the spotlight for a while and then just when a juicy story thrusts you front and center… that bastard Roger Clemens trots out all his girlfriends… including a 16-yr-old country singer.

That Clemens, what a creep, right? El bastardo! Stomps on the soccer boy’s parade. Ronaldo goes out to celebrate a victory by his favorite Brazilian soccer team, the Flamengo, and gets fooled by trannies. I know what you’re thinking, Pink Flamengos? We didn’t ask. The point is… Ronaldo had the front page and Roger pushed it to the inside, deep inside.

Here’s our theory: Every few days a new Rocket girl comes forth, enough women to make you think that private jet Roger was bedding more women than Wilt Chamberlain. No way he could have that kind of sex drive taking steroids, you have to think. He must be mainlining Viagra or at the least, B-12 shots. But wait, didn’t Roger tell us he was taking B-12 shots and not steroids? Hmmmm? Who’s outing all these paramours? Not Ronaldo. He’s not that savvy.

Is this cricket?

Someone with more soccer-smarts please explain to me why with under 5 minutes to go the US didn't try to score - and instead were content to play defense and run the clock out. Is that the soccer version of the prevent defense (which only succeeds in preventing a victory).

Someone with more soccer-smarts please explain to me why with under 5 minutes to go the US didn't try to score - and instead were content to play defense and run the clock out. Is that the soccer version of the prevent defense (which only succeeds in preventing a victory).

I didn't see it that way at all.

The U.S. will advance only in these scenarios:

- Win/draw vs Germany (simply, a point assures a trip to the knockout round)

- Loss and Portugal-Ghana draw (POR and GHA would end two points behind USA)

- Loss and win tiebreaker vs Portugal-Ghana winner
Current Goal Differential
USA +1
GHA -1
POR -4

If the US loses by 2, and Ghana wins by 1, GHA are through to the knockout round. If the US loses by 1 and Ghana wins by 1, goals scored is the next tiebreaker (Currently, USA: 4, Ghana 3). So we'd want to score at least as many goals against Germany as Ghana does against Portugal, and stay within a goal. ANY RESULT BETTER THAN THAT DESCRIBED get the USA through to the knockout round, provided Portugal does not win by 4 goals.

After processing the bitter disappointment, I still feel better about today's heartbreaking draw than I did after the win against Ghana.

Today we were the better team; we pretty much stole that Ghana match.

And after all, Ghana drew with Germany, so that shows how close all these teams are.

The trademark of this U.S. side is their battling spirit, and I still feel very good about our chances to advance.


My one fear is that a desperate Portugal throws everything forward and ends up getting thrashed. They have to not only win, but win by 3 goals and then hope we lose, so they have very little at risk.

WOOOW! The KOCO story about the crowd at Skinny Slims watching the World Cup was awesome. Definitely thought they were showing footage from a bigger city at first!

Someone with more soccer-smarts please explain to me why with under 5 minutes to go the US didn't try to score - and instead were content to play defense and run the clock out. Is that the soccer version of the prevent defense (which only succeeds in preventing a victory).
While I didn't see that, I can maybe explain it a little, if you did.

Pushing up to score goals, quite often, leaves you open to a counter attack. With the lead, the LAST thing you want to do is give away an easy goal.

Again, I didn't really see us do this, but it may give you a little understanding on why a team would.

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After processing the bitter disappointment, I still feel better about today's heartbreaking draw than I did after the win against Ghana.

Today we were the better team; we pretty much stole that Ghana match.

And after all, Ghana drew with Germany, so that shows how close all these teams are.

The trademark of this U.S. side is their battling spirit, and I still feel very good about our chances to advance.


My one fear is that a desperate Portugal throws everything forward and ends up getting thrashed. They have to not only win, but win by 3 goals and then hope we lose, so they have very little at risk.

I agree - much better on time of possession alone. I really like the direction Klinsmann is taking the teams style of play and tactics.

Someone with more soccer-smarts please explain to me why with under 5 minutes to go the US didn't try to score - and instead were content to play defense and run the clock out. Is that the soccer version of the prevent defense (which only succeeds in preventing a victory).

If you are referring to taking the ball into the corner toward the end of the match, that is the best way to run time off with minimal exposure to a counter attack. If you throw too many players forward pressing an attack, you risk a long ball over the top often leaving your defenders at a disadvantage.

That cross from Ronaldo and the finish was a thing of beauty - the US had done a great job containing Ronaldo and he had not been particularly dangerous until those last 30 seconds. Bad luck more than unsound tactics.

WOOOW! The KOCO story about the crowd at Skinny Slims watching the World Cup was awesome. Definitely thought they were showing footage from a bigger city at first!

Link: Oklahomans cheer on team USA in world cup | Oklahoma City - OKC - KOCO.com (http://www.koco.com/news/oklahomans-cheer-on-team-usa-in-world-cup/26613718)

Link: Oklahomans cheer on team USA in world cup | Oklahoma City - OKC - KOCO.com (http://www.koco.com/news/oklahomans-cheer-on-team-usa-in-world-cup/26613718)
they posted on Facebook a little while before the game started that they were approaching 2000 people there.


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If you are referring to taking the ball into the corner toward the end of the match, that is the best way to run time off with minimal exposure to a counter attack. If you throw too many players forward pressing an attack, you risk a long ball over the top often leaving your defenders at a disadvantage.

That cross from Ronaldo and the finish was a thing of beauty - the US had done a great job containing Ronaldo and he had not been particularly dangerous until those last 30 seconds. Bad luck more than unsound tactics.

...


While I didn't see that, I can maybe explain it a little, if you did.

Pushing up to score goals, quite often, leaves you open to a counter attack. With the lead, the LAST thing you want to do is give away an easy goal.

Again, I didn't really see us do this, but it may give you a little understanding on why a team would.

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So it is the soccer version of a prevent defense - with the same result as in American football. I think I am starting to see why Soccer has a hard time catching on here in the States - playing not to lose is just not the American way of doing things :).

So glad Skinny's and the Outlaws had the foresight to organize the watch parties.

Thursday match is at 11AM Oklahoma time, so not sure how that will work out.

...



So it is the soccer version of a prevent defense - with the same result as in American football. I think I am starting to see why Soccer has a hard time catching on here in the States - playing not to lose is just not the American way of doing things :).

Do you recall the four corners offence Dean Smith used at UNC? Pretty much the same thing. Of course American impatience and "need" for instant gratification led to the shot clock..... :D

Kind of like the difference between BubbaCAR and Formula 1 / road racing. Still a great sport regardless of its popularity in the colonies relative to the rest of the world. Doesn't bother me a nanosecond most Americans don't get it or whine about a draw. The tactics involved at the higher levels is pretty interesting and good lord, at least they aren't stopping to rest every 10 seconds!!

You may be on to something from a sociological viewpoint though.

...



So it is the soccer version of a prevent defense - with the same result as in American football. I think I am starting to see why Soccer has a hard time catching on here in the States - playing not to lose is just not the American way of doing things :).

I don't quite understand the logic here. In American football, when a team has a lead late in the game, they primarily run the ball to run out the clock. Is this playing not to lose as well? I would say employing a more conservative strategy with a late lead is something common in most, maybe all sports.

I don't quite understand the logic here. In American football, when a team has a lead late in the game, they primarily run the ball to run out the clock. Is this playing not to lose as well? I would say employing a more conservative strategy with a late lead is something common in most, maybe all sports.

I think JTF was mostly joking as was I, but you have a point.

American football bores me to tears; I might watch 2 or 3 games a season max. Give me soccer and basketball any day.

I quit worrying about the prevailing attitude of most Americans toward the world's most popular game long ago. As witnessed by this year's USMNT, the US is improving and playing very well against just about anyone despite a lingering penchant for mental lapses at inopportune moments. With the growth of youth leagues and training opportunities over the last couple of decades I could only dream about when I was a kid, I think the MNT can sustain this level of play and continue to improve.

There has been a remarkable increase in interest in the U.S. since the last World Cup four years ago.

I suspect that is due to a whole generation that grew up playing the game reaching adulthood.

These massive watch parties all over the country, 150,000 Americans in Brazil, very organized and enthusiastic support... The rest of the world had better watch out because I think we've turned a corner regarding the Beautiful Game. I wouldn't be surprised if our national team showed big improvement by Russia 2018.

Makes you wonder how good we would be if all of our top athletes played the game. just imagine if athletes like Russell Westbrook or an Adrian Peterson were on the "pitch"

I don't quite understand the logic here. In American football, when a team has a lead late in the game, they primarily run the ball to run out the clock. Is this playing not to lose as well? I would say employing a more conservative strategy with a late lead is something common in most, maybe all sports.

They might run out the clock but they don't do it by giving the other team the ball in front of their own end zone and hoping the defense can hold for the final 10 minutes of the game.

Makes you wonder how good we would be if all of our top athletes played the game. just imagine if athletes like Russell Westbrook or an Adrian Peterson were on the "pitch"

I was thinking about this last night actually. We have 330,000,000 people to pick from and it only a matter of time before we can find 11 of them that can beat everyone in the world on a regular basis. It is safe to say that the best US soccer player in the US right now has probably never even touched a soccer ball, or at least hasn't since 6th grade.

I remember an interview with Geoff Gordon many years ago and someone asked him what it was like to be the greatest race car drive in the world (I know - like I said, it was a long time ago). His reply was that he wasn't the greatest race car driver. That title probably went to some NYC cab driver who doesn't know he is the greatest race car driver because he didn't try it.

They might run out the clock but they don't do it by giving the other team the ball in front of their own end zone and hoping the defense can hold for the final 10 minutes of the game.

Sure they do - it's called punting. Can't go for it on 4th down every time - or should they? :D

You just described one of the best parts of real football however. The flow of the game can switch in an instant and the same 11 eleven players go from attacking to defending and vice versa. No trotting off the field so 11 different players can.......... zzzzzzzzzzzzz

I was thinking about this last night actually. We have 330,000,000 people to pick from and it only a matter of time before we can find 11 of them that can beat everyone in the world on a regular basis. It is safe to say that the best US soccer player in the US right now has probably never even touched a soccer ball, or at least hasn't since 6th grade.

By this logic India and China should have the best teams in the world, and that's not even close to true...

I was thinking about this last night actually. We have 330,000,000 people to pick from and it only a matter of time before we can find 11 of them that can beat everyone in the world on a regular basis. It is safe to say that the best US soccer player in the US right now has probably never even touched a soccer ball, or at least hasn't since 6th grade.

I remember an interview with Geoff Gordon many years ago and someone asked him what it was like to be the greatest race car drive in the world (I know - like I said, it was a long time ago). His reply was that he wasn't the greatest race car driver. That title probably went to some NYC cab driver who doesn't know he is the greatest race car driver because he didn't try it.

Or Michael Schumacher.....

I quit worrying about the prevailing attitude of most Americans toward the world's most popular game long ago.

I'm quickly finding that's probably good advice.

The best teams in the world have had soccer as an integral part of their culture -- and not just sports culture -- for generations.

It's all about youth programs and coaching and attracting the best athletes. And elsewhere, soccer is an urban game (kids kicking a ball on every street and playground) while in the U.S. it is obviously basketball.

The U.S. is doing much better in this regard but we still have a long way to go, especially since so few Americans cared until recently.

just for the record, I am not knocking soccer. I'm just trying to understand the strategy better. I just happen to think the best way to avoid a 2-2 tie is not to try and hold your opponent to 1 point - but to score 3 points yourself.

I play a lot of 21 with my kids on the driveway hoop. If they make a basket and get to 18 they have three free throws to try and get to 21. My oldest son came up with the 'brilliant' idea that if he made the first free throw that he would miss the second one on purpose. He thought his chances were better at making another basket instead of hitting two more free throws in a row and risk going back to 11. Of course, he would never get that chance because I would never let him score again. I finally convinced him to "win the game right now" instead of hoping to win it later. I guess seeing the players (and coaches) reactions to the tie left me at a little loss. Their attitude was, well we just have to tie Germany. Screw Germany - the German game shouldn't even matter. You should have won this game right now. Show a little emotion for losing (tying - same thing).

RyyGgcRqrhs

Does anyone remember OSU Head Coach Pat Jones' halftime interview against Nebraska in 1984. OSU had a 3-0 lead at halftime and he was asked what his plan was for the second half. He said his goal was to win 3-0. OSU lost 17-3.

I know what you are saying. But one of the most common ways to quickly score is on a counter attack. Say the US had pressed the attack rather than doing the smart thing and running time off. In that case a saved shot on goal is very likely to be turned into a counter attack by Portugal. Once their keeper secures the ball the forwards and midfielders break toward the US goal and the Portuguese keeper plays a long ball over the top of the US midfield and defense. It takes less than a couple seconds for the ball to go from the Portuguese penalty area to a 3 on 2 or 4 on 2 break with the US keeper exposed. Think of it kind of like a blocked shot in basketball with a long outlet pass to a breaking Russell Westbrook. I often tell people to think of soccer more like basketball on a much larger playing surface rather than American football. Does that help?

We won't start on off sides just yet though!!

Makes you wonder how good we would be if all of our top athletes played the game. just imagine if athletes like Russell Westbrook or an Adrian Peterson were on the "pitch"

We'd smoke every country in the world. [On edit: lest anyone take me too seriously, this is a bit hyperbolic]

It helps to have 320,000,000 people almost all of whom have some relative chance to display their abilities in a variety of markets at some point in their lives. You look at a guy like Ronnell Lewis who played 8-Man football in no-name Oklahoma and ends up playing for one of the Top 5 programs in college football. You have guys like Lebron James who are being hailed as the next Michael Jordan when he's not even old enough to vote…

The only 2 countries with more people are China and India, and their educational and social systems and are so utterly horrendous that there's no chance that talented people get a chance to show what they have in a wide variety of markets.

I don't pay enough attention to fútbol outside of the World Cup to know who the truly great athletes are in that sport along with other sports where there are sure to be amazing athletes like Tennis and Track.

I will say that there are handful of players in Football and Basketball that I have no doubt would be world-class if they had dedicated their lives to Fútbol as well.

People like

Lebron James
Russell Westbrook
Calvin Johnson
Adrian Peterson
LeSean McCoy

I don't think people like Kevin Durant or Jerome Bettis or Barry Bonds would provide a lot of help, even though they are great in their sports. But those people listed above are all people that insane control over their bodies…they are strong, quick, fast, and agile. Lebron might be a bit too tall, as the tallest player in the world cup this year is 6'7 and Lebron is 6'8" and he's a bit more of an upper-body strength guy, but he looks the part of a complete athlete.

To be sure…I'm not saying that anyone of those guys could just jump over today and start playing soccer at even a moderate level. But if they had spent the last 10 to 20 years of their lives working at soccer rather than their current sports.

You can teach/learn skills, though that takes lots of time and energy. You cannot teach/learn athleticism.

LeBron James could be a pretty good player I think with time and training - and going back in time about ten years. Imagine him as a defender and going forward for set pieces in front of the goal? His size and speed would be pretty impressive anchoring a defense.

I imagine Lebron as a possession guy in the mid-field. Who can get up into the box when the offense is pressing, and use his height for heading crosses.

Or goalkeeper!

You need to be big, tall, athletic and quick.

Or goalkeeper!

You need to be big, tall, athletic and quick.

Sounds like Tim Howard actually. That guy recovers from mistakes with his reaction time better than most keepers. He made a couple excellent saves yesterday (and got lucky a time or two.)

Or goalkeeper!

You need to be big, tall, athletic and quick.

Calvin Johnson

Could you imagine the coaching bloodline? Give the US team a Popovich or a Phil Jackson and a video screening room and we would be scoring 20 points per game.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/10427246_10152409445643941_2841501182466250314_n.p ng

Could you imagine the coaching bloodline? Give the US team a Popovich or a Phil Jackson and a video screening room and we would be scoring 20 points per game.

:lol2:

Could you imagine the coaching bloodline? Give the US team a Popovich or a Phil Jackson and a video screening room and we would be scoring 20 points per game.

Don't make me find that NBC Sports video of the American football coach trying to coach real football!!

Ghana tying up Germany makes this whole situation a lot less secure. I think the US needs to score at least 2 goals on Thursday. Can't really afford to lose anymore than 3-2, because Ghana is definitely in a position to overtake us. Portugal probably needs a lot of help.

^ We need to score at the same clip as Ghana and keep it close: if they win by one, we need to lose by one. If Ghana blows out Portugal, then a tie+ is the ticket.

Don't make me find that NBC Sports video of the American football coach trying to coach real football!!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaksPADgh1A#t=70

Ok, that was lol funny!

Tie and no playoffs. Why do you even do this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnb6PQnjpXU

Uruguay just beat 10-man Italy 1-0 to advance along with Costa Rica who drew with nothing-to-play-for England today.

BUT Suarez for Uruguay BIT an Italian player! The ref didn't see it but the camera did and FIFA will likely suspend him for the remainder of the World Cup.

For those that don't know, Suarez has already received two other suspensions for biting in club play.

Round of 16...no England, no Spain, no Italy. Amazing.


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Wow…if you had told anyone that Costa Rica and Uruguay were going to make it out of that group with Italy and England sitting out the round of 16, people would shave looked at you like you were drunk.

Yet another 2014 World Cup bit of extreme drama...

Greece scores a penalty kick to advance at Ivory Coast's expense with less than a minute left in added time.

Sounds like Tim Howard actually. That guy recovers from mistakes with his reaction time better than most keepers. He made a couple excellent saves yesterday (and got lucky a time or two.)

I thought he went down way too early and actually cost us the goal. Of course he was on the move from right to left and it was basically a pk for nani(ugh) and you have to gamble. Howard went low and lost. I really think he lost his footing. Should not have had to worry though, what a piss poor clearance. Or, was it a cross?

It was a clearance

So, despite the loss today we advance to face Belgium next Tuesday.

All the teams are very good at this point but we could have had a worse draw.

The way this team battles, we have a good chance against anyone.


This WC has been so much fun to watch!

I can honestly seeing us grinding out a win against Belgium. Where we hit a stumbling block is the next round, where we would probably face Argentina.

Pulsating match thus far between Brazil and Chile. Man, it's got to be tough to play the home team in that country... Something like 60 straight matches without defeat!

And I love Brazil has a player with the surname of Hulk.

Wow, Brazil baaaarely scrapes through on penalty kicks over Chile.

Horrible that someone had to lose that match, the best of a competition that seems to keep getting better.

:( :( :(

I thought Chile should have stayed at least a bit more aggressive in the last 40 minutes of play that they had. It seemed like they shut it down around the 80 minute mark. Not having 2 of their strikers didn't help their case in the last 40 or in the penalties.

And it's not like Brazil was having any shortage of opportunities on the offensive end once Chile decided to play for penalties. I think Chile lost the game because they didn't play to win. That Panilla crossbar was heart stopping.

Wanted to ask what educated soccer fans thought of the handball call on Hulk? Seems to me if it was a borderline call they should have let the play stand.

Wanted to ask what educated soccer fans thought of the handball call on Hulk? Seems to me if it was a borderline call they should have let the play stand.

Can't use any part of your arm and the ball pretty clearly came off his bicep.

I thought it was absolutely the right call.

I like the Dutch but I think they screwed Mexico with a dive in the very last minutes.

Holland had done well to get a late equalizer but the penalty kick to put them ahead was highly dubious.

Mexico goes out in the Round of 16 for the 6th (!) straight time.

Yet another unbelievable match.

Thought they deserved one earlier in the game but that call was pretty iffy, the ref had let worse get by before that.

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