It Starts Here

Hard to believe that the start of qualifying is only two days away, when the pain of Germany 2006 still rings in the hearts of USA fans across the country. A lot has happened since then, and it was all in preparation for this. A preparation for another preparation if you will, as South Africa 2010 is obviously the main goal. Nonetheless, every qualifying game presents its own intensity and pressures. But even though the players are doing the politically correct thing by saying you can’t look past Barbados, it is hard for at least the supports not to when you take a look at the official site for the Barbados national soccer team. When any shmo off the streets could prospectively “Give Barbados a chance”, it is hard to be frightened. But that’s the best part about this crazy game. You just never know. Btw, lovin’ the duel Saturn graphics coming in from the sides on the Barbados site, adds a little something called “class”.

With that said, here are a few thoughts on the game this Sunday.

The thought has to be entering Bob Bradley’s mind to play a much more offensive formation to just pump in as many goals as possible after quite the scoreless streak the boys have been on. But love him or hate him, it is Bob Bradley we are dealing with here. What would satisfy me would be having the baby Bradley play as a lone destroyer with a plethora of attacking options in front of him such as Beasley, Donovan, Adu, Dempsey, and your choice of second rate striker. Even so, it isn’t that far out of the question to see Bradley playing his traditional empty bucket with the reason being something like, “We need to keep the tactics the same regardless of the opponent so we know what we are all about”. So don’t count on it.

Also, don’t count on EJ not starting. Yes, I know, it is a little terrifying. But if anyone out there still thinks there is any hope for EJ…. (crickets)

Yeah so just don’t be surprised, he must be doing something right in training to keep getting a spot. Maybe this game will be the chance to pump in like 5 by himself to get his swagger back so he can be diddy boppin in the back of one of Duece’s music videos again.

Yeah, so that’s just a few thoughts on this weekends match up. What do you think about the prospect of Bradley going more offensive? Think EJ should ever don the Stars n’ Stripes again? Didn’t think so…Discuss.