Spain Finishes 2008 as the World’s Top Team
Posted by Zane | Filed under Uncategorized
FIFA released its final list of world rankings for 2008 by placing Spain at the top of the list and naming them this year’s “Team of the Year”.
Since winning UEFA Euro 2008 the Spaniards have remained perfect, capping off a memorable year for Spanish soccer. Spain’s biggest challenge came in its match against Italy in the Euro 2008 Quarterfinal when Spain defeated Italy in penalty kicks.
For all you USA fans…in a down year (or couple of down years) for U.S. Soccer, the U.S. team finished out 2008 ranked 22nd–an incredible fall from their terribly inflated 4th place ranking two years ago.
Surprisingly, the Brazilians finished out the year ranked 5th–Brazil’s lowest ever year end ranking.
The top 25 teams at the end of 2008 include:
- Spain
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Italy
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Croatia
- England
- Russia
- Turkey
- France
- Portugal
- Czech Republic
- Cameroon
- Ukraine
- Egypt
- Paraguay
- Israel
- Nigeria
- Greece
- Romania
- USA
- Uruguay
- Switzerland
- Ghana
Source: FIFA.com
Tags: Brazil Soccer, Euro 2008, FIFA World Rankings, Spain Soccer, US Soccer, USA Soccer
United States Beats Guatemala 2-0
Posted by Zane | Filed under Uncategorized
In their final match of World Cup 2010, the United States Mens National Team took care of business versus Guatemala, beating them 2-0. The victory places the United States at the top of Group 1 with 15 points and secures a spot in the CONCACAF final round of World Cup Qualifying.
Other teams making up the final round of qualifying include Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras.
Commenting on his team’s performance, U.S. Head Coach Bob Bradley commented: ÒIt’s a good way for us to finish up this round,Ó said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. ÒIt caps a successful run, and now we focus on the challenge ahead. There was an opportunity tonight to see some different players and, as always, there were some things that were positive and some things that need work. Al in all it was a good night for us.Ó
Goals came in the 54th and 69th minutes from Kenny Cooper and Freddy Adu, respectively. The United States statistically outplayed the Guatemalan side with 16 shots, 11 on goal.
The final round of World Cup qualifying will begin February 11, 2009 for the United States.
Tags: Bob Bradley, Freddy Adu, Kenny Cooper, U.S. vs Guatemala, United States Mens National Team, US Soccer, USA vs Guatemala
