"Predictions are for hopeless gamblers. I am not one of them. They are also for guest columnists whose editors ask for them. In that regard, I am guilty as charged. That does not necessarily mean that I go into soccer games hoping for my predictions to come true. Quite the contrary is probably more often the rule. Take Day Two at the World Cup: While most observers probably forecast a fairly difficult victory for England and got it in a tight, somewhat flat 1-0 performance against Paraguay, many thought Ivory Coast could be the surprise package from Africa. The "Elephants" of civil war-torn Ivory Coast still might be but as game as they were, they still fell short in their 2-1 loss to Cup contender Argentina. The proverbial box of chocolates came instead in Dortmund's Westfalen Stadium... Believe it: This was a big deal, possibly the most exciting scoreless draw I have ever seen live. For me, viewing the World Cup as a pure soccer fan ended Saturday night. No more saying, "May the best team win" or wanting the underdog to overcome impossible odds.
Today, I put my game face on. First, I watch my native Portugal. Monday, I go see the Czech Republic take on the U.S., my adopted country. Things will get personal - very personal. Win at all costs. Suffer for all 90-plus minutes. Live and die with every near miss."
Read the full report from Marcos at the Tampa Tribune >>
About Me
- USL
- The largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America, United Soccer Leagues is dedicated to growing the sport at the grassroots level in every community. The USL First Division and Second Division (North American men’s professional soccer), the USL Premier Development League (U23 North American men’s amateur), the USL W-League (North American women’s amateur), the USL Super-20 League (U20 North American men’s and women’s amateur) and the USL Super Y-League (North American boy’s and girl’s elite youth amateur) have provided a platform for thousands of players to reach their dreams since 1986. This vision and commitment to develop a soccer nation by fans, investors, administrators, coaches, and players has created the foundation for the growth of the sport, while presenting affordable, exciting family entertainment in over 100 cities and towns on the continent.