Wednesday, May 28, 2014

USA Defeat Azerbaijan, Pochettino Take Over At Tottenham, The Sids, Phil Ball In Spain, Luis Suarez, More Brazilian Protests


What up, Hump Day? The United States played the first of three prep matches last night at Candlestick Park in San Francisco and it was a rather dreadful affair. The Yanks ended up winning 2-0 but the fare on offer was rather stale. Clint Dempsey was a late withdrawal because of a groin complaint but said in his classic style, "it's all good." Jeff Carlisle claims the diamond looked rough. Here are some Player Grades for you. And...Three Thoughts from Grant Wahl!

As expected, Tottenham have named Mauricio Pochettino as their new boss. Jacob Steinburg has a list of five things that Mauricio must do at White Hart Lane to improve the vibe.

Yesterday we had the Bandinis and everything that was Serie A in 2013-14 and today we're treated to The Sids and everything that was La Liga in 2013-14. For starters...From a flashing backside distracting Diego Costa to Carlos Vela presenting a match ball to his dog, it’s time for the annual end-of-season Spanish football awards.

Phil Ball is back, baby! He's been off the pages for ages after his Qatar confusion (scroll down to the last segment entitled, "Conflict of Interest") but returns not to ESPN, but to The Guardian. He's obviously still in Spain, and this is what he's got for us: Could Eibar’s astonishing rise to La Liga end before a ball is kicked? The smallest club to enter the top flight of Spanish football, described as a ‘model club’, could be demoted before the season starts due to ‘unfair’ regulations.



We all know the World Cup is all about cash. So who's winning the brand war? Best commercials? Check it.

Wright Thompson is a damn fine writer and he's got a new piece out on Luis Suarez entitled, "Portrait of a Serial Winner." Enjoy. Sam Kelly is also down around the Rio Plata but he's more interested in Angel Di Maria than Luis.

And finally...Snoop Dogg sends his best.

Onward!!

-SSN

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