Cirque de LeBron - A Circus Fit for a King

Originally, this was going to be a piece focusing on a series of possible outcomes for Decision LeBron Thursday night at 9 on ESPN, written with tongue firmly in cheek. We were going to laugh together, imagining LeBron sitting at a table with baseball caps of each of the potential suitors, like he was a high school recruit. We would chuckle, imagining Stuart Scott as Ryan Seacrest, keeping us hooked until 9:59 PM as he and a panel of NBA experts fawned over LeBron. We would shudder at the sight of James wooing the likes of Mikhail Prokhorov and Dan Gilbert over romantic candlelit dinners as if he were the Bachelor. But, then something struck me, and stopped me dead in my tracks. It was a tweet Tuesday night from the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Brian Windhorst, a man who maybe knows LeBron better than anyone in the media:

@PDcavsinsider Suddenly it is clear to me. LeBron has changed. A new website. Starting Twitter. This announcement. This isn't the guy I know.

Of course, Windhorst is referring to the announcement that James will be creating his own hour-long special on ESPN Thursday night with the sole purpose of announcing his free agency decision. But, that sentiment, that LeBron has suddenly become a different person, has literally been a chilling thought that has slowly sunk in since Tuesday night. Suddenly, LeBron James, the most recognizable athlete in the country, needs a website and a Twitter account to communicate with the masses? Ohio isn't big enough for the King's special, but neither is Bristol, CT...so, he has to host it in the most preppy suburb in the country - Greenwich, CT? A suburb of...New York City? The most famous athlete in the world today needs to become more famous? Something doesn't feel right about this. Clearly, LeBron James is dead and King James has been born in all his royal glory.

LeBron can't just announce his free agency decision like every other free agent in the history of sports, that's not fit for a King. He needs to have Stuart Scott and Jim Gray blow smoke up his a$$ (as if he hasn't been told how great he is since he was 12 years old) for an entire hour. And please, let's not be naive and pretend that this is about raising some money for charity. If LeBron gave two drops in a bucket about charity, he could write a check this second for $10 million and give it to any charity he wanted with no press conferences, no ESPN. No, this "special" is about one thing - inflating LeBron's ever-growing ego. As readers know, I have as little respect for Brett Favre as any other athlete on the planet; but even the Old Man wouldn't stoop to this level to garner attention for himself.

We haven't even factored in what decision the King is even going to make tomorrow night. But, really, we don't need to, because this entire circus has damaged the "brand of LeBron" perhaps irreparably. Think about this farce of a production Thursday night. Is there any scenario where the King doesn't come off as a selfish, self-absorbed egomaniac? Let's say he returns to Cleveland. What's the point of creating an hour special from just outside New York City to celebrate your loyalty to Cleveland, Akron, and the state of Ohio? It makes it seem as if Cleveland isn't big enough for the "brand of LeBron." Like Cleveland should just feel fortunate they are worthy of LeBron for another season, or two, or three, or six. If LeBron were staying, wouldn't it make more sense to humbly announce that you were resigning with the Cavs like Kevin Durant just did with the Thunder? Wouldn't it make sense to not completely put yourself on a pedestal above your teammates and organization? But of course, doing that wouldn't be fit for a King.

Instead, let's imagine LeBron does leave Cleveland on national television. Could you imagine a bigger insult to an entire fan base? Has a professional athlete ever hogged an entire hour of national tv just to break up with his current team? Wouldn't that just be driving a stake through the heart of one of the most downtrodden fan bases in the country? Wouldn't that be the most embarrassing event in your hometown's long sports history... a history you've claimed to be acutely aware of throughout your career? Wouldn't the hometown boy turning his back on everything he's known, without delivering his promised championship, be worse than the Browns being stolen? Wouldn't that be a death knell for a fragile Cleveland economy? If LeBron went through with that, Cleveland fans would have a right to hate LeBron James with a fury felt by no other single person in the world of sports. Don't worry though, I'm sure Jim Gray will be there to soften the blow and remind you all the proceeds of the commercials have gone to charity and that LeBron is still committed to the community of Akron. After all, a historic announcement like this has to be made in a style that's fit for a king.

There will be time enough to analyze the winners and losers the day after, to determine if LeBron made the right choice with his free agency decision. We'll be able to predict how many titles he'll win on his potentially new team. Economists can forecast if LeBron will grow his kingdom enough to become the first billionaire athlete, his true motivation behind tomorrow's decision. Years from now, sports fans across the nation will remember where they were when they were glued to ESPN, like the mindless peasants that sports fans have been forced to become, bowing to the feet of athletes like King James and entities like ESPN.

But sadly, fans may also remember July 8, 2010 as the day a small portion of what makes sports special died. We'll remember the day where the collective success of the team was cast aside for the fame of the individual. We'll remember the beginning of an era where athletes don't just nickname themselves as kings, but actually believe they are royalty, meant to rule over the common masses with a stroke of their mighty hand. See, King James might think he's doing a favor for his followers by flooding his ego with the eyes of millions of viewers on him and the fate of entire cities resting on his every word. But, what he'll really accomplish tomorrow night, no matter where he decides to rest his heavy crown, will be the permanent severing of the connection between fan and athlete. If only, it were fit for a King.

Special Comment: Fool-adelphia

Yesterday it was announced that Michael Vick will not be charged or implicated in any way with the shooting outside his birthday party in Virginia Beach, Virginia back on 25 June. To many this is a finding that they will cast aside with a shrug of their shoulders and either turn the page or flip the channel, never to think about it again. However, in the past 6 months, which has been dominated by the discretions of such athletes as Tiger Woods, Ben Roethlisberger, Dez Bryant, and most recently, JaMarcus "Sizz-urp" Russell, Vick's mere presence in the periphery of the shooting just casts another light on the attitude and utter ignorance exemplified by today's athletes.

Back in April we presented you with a hard-hitting, two-part installment of the RSS Roundtable (I and II) which focused on athlete conduct and the ever diminishing prominence of athletes as role-models. This story has more to do with the role-model aspect but the fact that as visible as these people are - nightly topics on SportsCenter, the rise of social media, in the sports pages or all over the internet - one would think they would be little more conscious about what they are doing in their lives. The TMZ-nature of today's press would lead one to think more deliberately and clearly before they were to go out somewhere late at night or who you hang out with... or who walks in the door at your party. It seems that, even after a nearly 2 year sentence in federal prison, Michael Vick has not learned this lesson.

He alreay is on thin ice with Don Goodell in regards to conduct and for him to put himself in a position to be involved in anything that would come under scrutiny of the NFL offices is dumbfounding. Why was he hanging around people with guns? Why was a co-defendant in his own trial there? Why did Vick put himself in a position for something like this to happen? To me it is just amazing that Vick would even do this. Vick even gave conflicting reports about the timeline of that evening. It casts doubt on the sincerity with which he has spoke with to elementary students and others while on his reclamation project since being released from prison. The Eagles are paying him millions of dollars to play backup QB for them and were one of the few teams to offer him a chance back in the league when many wouldn't. For him to do this not only makes him look foolish but the Eagles organization as well.

Vick stated that if he didn't get caught, he would have kept up his dog fighting ways. One would think that would mean that you don't associate yourself with the same types of people who led you into this realm and possibly encouraged it. To find that the co-defendant was in attendance at his birthday party shows, to me at least, that Vick has not had the necessary "Eureka!" moment to truly turn things around. He may be clear legal wise, but I wouldn't be too sure if Goodell felt the same way and the Eagles may not either.

Step into the commissioner's shoes, or even Vick's probation officer. Vick's co-defendant (btw Vick can't associate with his co-defendants) was shot at a nightclub that hosted Vick's 30th birthday party and Vick gave conflicting reports about the timeline of the evening's events. Granted, Vick has been cleared of any involvement in the actual shooting and it appears that the two didn't "interact" during the party. But think, does that sound like an enviornment Vick should be surrounded by considering his past?

What do the next 6 months of 2010 have in store in regards to athletes in sports? I'm not sure, but don't get too comfortable. I have a feeling the precipitous fall of character in sports has begun and it only has one way to go - Down!

NBA Free Agency Update 7/6

Free agency is sorta kinda officially underway (free agents can't sign until 7/8). Already, some teams have made their moves with terrible signings, some teams have convinced their stars to stay home, but all of the big fish are still left in the pond... even that LeBron guy. So what do we make of the Summer of 2010 so far? Y2 and I will go back and forth and analyze the deals, rumors, and possibilities of NBA free agency!

3 Stars Who Stayed Put

1) Paul Pierce - Boston - 4 yrs $61 Million

Y2: Pierce, the Celtic captain, reupping with Boston was the biggest slam dunk of the offseason feeding frenzy. For a player who has matured into one of the great Celtics in their rich history, Pierce deserves saluted for recognizing his historical importance with this franchise. Would Bird or McHale or Cowens or Havlicek left the Celtics to sign with the Nets for more money? Of course not. Pierce knows this team has one more run left in them and that his resigning with the Celtics cements his legacy as one of the greats.

2) Dirk Nowitzki - Dallas - 4 yrs $80 Million

Y1: Nowitzki, like Pierce, gave his team somewhat of a discount to stay in Dallas. Dirk was really never going to leave and at his age (32), it was unlikely that a marriage with the Nets or Knciks to rebuild around an old star would work. And, let's face it, a Nowitzki-Wade/Lebron marriage was never happening. So, Dirk will continue to be loved in Dallas... and continue to not win a title.

3) Joe Johnson - Atlanta - 6 yrs $119 Million

-Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. On both parts! Atlanta gave a max deal and tied their franchise to a guy that was 17/57 and averaged 10 points per game in the 4 game sweep at the hands of Orlando. You know, the one where the Hawks lost by 25 points per game!!! The one where Joe Johnson bashed the fans of Atlanta while his team was playing like dogs! The Joe Johnson Hawks have clearly maxed out and extending the marriage for 6 years will only drive the both of them further to mediocrity. Johnson would have been much better served joining Amare, Bosh, or heck even Amir Johnson than going back to Atlanta for more playoff beatdowns.

3 Worst Deals

1) Amir Johnson - Tornto - 5 yrs $34 Million

Give the Toronto Raptors credit for being so determined... determined to be the big losers in the Summer of 2010. They've already got a head case on the books in Hedo Turkoglu for years to come. They may let Chris Bosh walk away for nothing. And now, the Raptors sign... Amir Johnson? A player who has averaged 4 PPG and 4 RPG in his illustrious 5 year career. While Johnson has decent athleticism, he is not a player worthy of such a commitment. He's had his chances (playing at least 60 games his last 3 years), but hasn't made a noticeable impact for either Detroit or Toronto. This type of signing is typical of the desperate nature some teams feel this time of year.

2) Darko Milicic - Minnesota - 4 yrs $20 Million

-Darko! How did one of the most infamous draft picks of our lifetime just get a $20 Million contract? Oh, that's right... David Kahn is still the GM of the Timberwolves. Apparently, he finally found a team in Minnesota where he felt at home and let him blossom into a star. Oh, what numbers did he produce for the 15-67 TWolves? 8.3 PPG and 5.5 RPG in 24 games and 18 starts. Don't worry, that's way above his career average of 5.6/4.1. Shrewd signing Kahn, shrewd.

3) Drew Gooden & John Salmons - Milwaukee - 5 yrs $32 Million & 5 yrs $39 Million

-Some will support what the Bucks have done, locking up two solid players to play alongside Brandon Jennings and Andrew Bogut. But, for a young team with real potential, it would have been nice to see them follow the OKC model of patience building around young talent. Instead, they reached for the lowest-hanging fruit, resigning Salmons, and giving Drew Gooden the opportunity to play for his 45th team. Not exactly the way to break into the Eastern conference elite.

3 Headscratchers

1) Richard Jefferson Leaves The Spurs... and $15 Million

-Richard Jefferson might be the greatest poker player the world has ever known, walking away from $15 millioin and the Spurs. Sure, his agent probably told him it was a great idea to cash in before the next collective bargaining agreement, but would any GM commit to RJ for any length of time after his game regressed so clearly this past season? Wait, this is the NBA, where teams give money away to fledgling talent.

2) The Suns Build Around... Channing Frye and Hakim Warrick?

-The Suns evidently could not reach an agreement with Amare Stoudemire - so they went to Plan B. Channing Frye (already on the Suns bench and nothing more than a 3 point specialist) and Hakim Warrick. Yes, I loved Warrick at Syracuse and he would be a good energy guy off the bench. But, he's never going to be Amare Stoudemire. Good luck Alvin Gentry, you'll need it.

3) Chris Bosh Being Chris Bosh

-By far the most confusing player in this entire drama is Chris Bosh and his impending divorce with the Raptors. First, Toronto makes waves that they won't help Bosh leave by participating in a sign-and-trade. Next, Bosh pins his free agency to the coattails of Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, basically insisting he'll follow them like a lapdog wherever they want. But, when reports surface today that the Raptors will relent and unite Bosh with James in Cleveland via a trade, "sources" intimate Bosh doesn't want to play in Cleveland.

Can someone please make up Chris Bosh's mind? He wants to play with a contender, but he wants a max deal, which he can only get through a sign-and-trade. He wants to play with LeBron, then he wants to play with Wade, then he wants to play with both. Never has a player inflated his own standing as a "superstar" so completely without any on-court achievements. Sure, Bosh is a nice player, but is he as good as Pau Gasol? I don't think he is. And with this diva act he's pulling this offseason (refusing to communicate with Toronto, wishing to play with another big man who can do the "dirty work", perhaps milking his decision for a documentary) it really makes me wonder if the team who doesn't end up with Chris Bosh might be the big winner in all of this hoopla.

Star Watch

*Amare Stoudemire

-The best fit for Amare was always going to be New York, where he signed a 5 year deal for $100 Million range. Umm... not exactly the guy that you tanked two years to get. Yipes. Now the pressure is really on the Knicks to find another piece to pair with Amare. Amare thinks that if he doesn't get LBJ this Summer that he'll get Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker next Summer? Well Knicks fans, there's always the Summer of 2015 when John Wall becomes a free agent!

*Dwyane Wade

-Wade was thought to be the one sure bet amongst the big 3 targets. But, his flirtation with his hometwon Bulls may throw a monkey wrench into Pat Riley's plans for a troika of stars in South Beach. Expect Wade to be tempted by joining the Bulls with Bosh, but its more likely he stays loyal to Riles and tries to recruit players to add to Miami's 2 man roster.

*Chris Bosh

-Y2 is right, Chris Bosh is starting to annoy me. His constant twittering and pandering to the media is getting on my nerves (and evidently that of Toronto). Evidently, he's making a movie/documentary about the whole free agency process too, great. He seems more concerned with making a name for himself off the court than anything else. He wants to ride the coattails of Wade and LeBron to fame and championships. Bosh has shown up with Wade more than a few times (they share the same agent, although maybe he just finds Wade by coincidence during these meetings with teams) so it looks like that he'll join up with him in either Chicago or Miami. Right now, I would lean towards Chicago as the destination for both.

*LeBron James

-LeBron has heard all of the suitors come and go like it was some bizzare cross of the Bachelor and a series of congressional hearings. Two teams seem to have played themselves out, the Clippers because they're the Clippers, and the Knicks, with or without Amare. That leaves the Nets, Bulls, Heat, and Cavs. By all accounts, the Cavs Family Guy-style cartoon pitch hit close to the King's heart. But, with every passing day, all of Ohio grows more and more nervous. A quick decision would seem to favor sticking with the Cavs. But, it seems James is going to be deliberate as always, waiting to get a sense of where Bosh and Wade will land to make a decision. One thing is for sure, the Cavs could follow James around for the next week with planted fans and signs, but it won't make the King's decision for him. If anything, it comes off as desperate and tacky. Watch where James goes this next week. If he leaves Cleveland, I mean physically leaves the city, then he's gone. Maybe Dan Gilbert should just build a fence around all of NE Ohio. But, the sense that LeBron is trying to recruit Bosh to Cleveland might be the most convincing sign yet as to where LeBron will go.

Joey Votto IS An All-Star And Colin Cowherd Again Proves His Idiocy

Yesterday at noon was the straw that broke the camel's back in regards to the present-day selection of "All-Star" teams. The fan vote needs to be stopped because, like 90% of people who vote in the governmental elections, they don't know, as Jim Mora once said, "diddly-poo." This is just not me being a fanatical Reds fan but Joey Votto deserved to be on the team and as a starter, however, he got jipped by the voters.

For years now, the starting 1B spot on the All-Star team has been hard to come by. You have to out vote Pujols, Howard, Fielder, and others. If the teams were selected by you know, on-field performance, which truly makes someone an All-Star, than Votto would be starting on the 13th at 1B. He is Top 5 in the NL in BA, HR, RBI, OBP, SLG, and OPS. Not to mention he is in the midst of a 41-game streak of reaching base safely. However, based on the fan vote, Pujols gets the start... and Votto is completely left out because Adrian Gonzalez and Ryan Howard got the other 1B spots. Therefore, Votto is left off and now has to be voted in by the fans along with 4 other players. I'm not going to hold my breath. Look at the numbers and tell me who the real All-Star is:

Player AVG/HR/RBI - OBP/SLG/AB per HR

Votto: .312/19/57 - .412/.572/15

Pujols: .305/20/60 - .413/.567/14.9

Howard: .293/15/59 - .349/.502/21.13

Gonzalez: .291/16/51 - .386/.517/19.73

Clearly, Votto is the 1st or 2nd most deserving of the 4 players - not only due to the stats, but what he has meant to his team this year. Oh, and the Reds currently lead the Cardinals by 1.5 games in the NL Central. The MLB All-Star game is just a microcosm of how flawed fan voting has been. How many years does Yao Ming get voted to start at C for the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star Game or Tracy McGrady when he played for the Rockets? The All-Star teams should not be based on fan voting - they show they can't be trusted to stay informed and choose based on merit and achievement rather than name and prestige.

Colin Cowherd: You freaking dumb@$$. You believe that Joey Votto does not deserve to make the team because:

A. Nobody outside of Ohio knows who he is.

B. He doesn't have the name recognition of Pujols, therefore he is not a true All-Star.

C. He doesn't rank high on Google Trends.

The name recognition thing is just incredulous and is just another example of why Cowherd is a blowhard. If that is the case Colin, then how does your name recognition compared to Mike and Mike? Dan Patrick? Jim Rome? You are at least 4th in the rankings based on those 3 and probably lower because I'm sure your show has turned many listeners off of ESPN Radio to listen to some real sports talk. Sadly, compared to you, Jim Rome IS real sports talk.

PHE-NO-ME-NAL! Cowherd's last point is laughable. Since he does not rank high on Google Trends, he is not an All-Star worthy player?? Using that logic, Colin, you aren't a popular sports talk host. I see the 1812 Overture ranks higher than you as does "rent a friend." How does that make you feel Colin? People would rather search a discreet escort service than your name on Google. Of course, to most of them, a good, stiff rod in the @$$ is probably more comfortable than listening to your sham of a radio show.

The All-Star Game is where people become recognizable! It's where deserving players from places like Cincinnati and Milwaukee get their moment to show the nation how good they are outside their fanbase. With Cowherd's logic, you would never get to be a breakthrough star unless you played in Boston, New York, or LA. Votto deserves to make the team. I will vote for him and so should you: http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

Till next time, be careful out there.

World Cup Semifinal Predictions

4 teams remain in the 2010 World Cup, but only 1 can be etched into the history books forever as champion. One matchup features 2 of the soccer world's biggest powers in a rematch of the Euro 2008 Final (Spain v Germany) while the other features two teams that have had their day at or near the top of world soccer looking to reach a surprising final (Uruguay v Netherlands). Let's break it down and see who'll play in Soccer City July 11 for the World Cup!

Semifinal #1

Netherlands v Uruguay

All time WC record: 2nd Meeting (Series 1-0 Netherlands W 1974 Group Stage)

Netherlands WC History: 3rd Final 4 appearance, 2 final appearances, 0 wins

Netherlands Player to Watch: Midfielder Wesley Sneijder scored 2 goals against Brazil to take his tally to 4 for the tournament

Uruguay WC History: 2 time champions ('30, '50), 4th SF appearance

Uruguay Player to Watch: Without Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan will have to do the creating and finishing for Uruguay to advance

Breakdown:

-Luis Suarez's handball on the line against Ghana may have saved their tournament and cost them a shot at the final at the same time. Suarez is a huge loss for Uruguay - he's been perhaps the most valuable player for any team at this World Cup thus far. Also, captain and center back Diego Lugano might be an injury concern after having to leave the QF early on. So, Uruguay are faced with a major injury crisis. I will expect them to respond with a gameplan similar to how they played France in the opening game of the tournament. Defend. Defend. Defend. Uruguay will pack the back, crowd out Van Persie and Sneijder, and hope to frustrate the Dutch. Maybe they'll get a goal on the counter, but they're just as likely to be happy going to penalties 0-0.

For the Dutch, that means they will have to be extra creative in the final third. I don't know if they have that ability - frankly, their play has been fairly predictable in attack. Sneijder found little room to work against Brazil and scored his two goals rather fortuitously from set pieces. Then with Arjen Robben, the left footer playing on the right wing, constantly cutting inside the Dutch have little width and crowd the middle of the pitch. That would play right into a compact Uruguay defense. I think we'll see a game very similar to Spain v Paraguay in the quarters with the Netherlands dominating possession and territory. They may scrap a goal somewhere along the line, but I could see this going all the way to penalties also.

PICK: Netherlands 1 Uruguay 0

Semifinal #2

Germany v Spain

All time WC record: 4th Meeting (Germany leads series 2-0-1) Germany W 1966 Group Stage, 1982 2nd Round, Draw 1994 Group Stage

Germany WC History: 3 time champions ('54, '74, '90), 12th Final 4 appearance and 3rd straight semifinal

Germany Player to Watch: Striker Miroslav Klose needs 1 goal to tie Ronaldo for the most World Cup goals of all-time

Spain WC History: 2nd SF Appearnce (1950), most WC victories without a title

Spain Player to Watch: David Villa is the tourney's top scorer with 5 goals but watch the Barcelona central defense pairing of Puyol and Pique and how they handle the robust German attack

Breakdown:

-This will be a classic game. Finally Spain will be able to play against a side that just doesn't bunker down in defense and will find some room to operate. Vicente del Bosque came out this week in support of struggling star striker Fernando Torres , so I would expect to see him start again - especially considering he got the winning goal in the Euro 2008 Final against Germany (although I would expect him to be subbed early in the 2nd half if he's ineffective again). Spain has been the master of the 1-0 win thus far in the knockout rounds, but it will certainly take more than one goal to beat Germany Wednesday. Unlike against Argentina, Germany won't be able to dominate Spain's midfield and unlike Messi, Tevez, and Higuain in the quarters - Spain's attackers are excellent at spacing and finding gaps, especially with Villa coming in from the left. Spain should be happy to find a little more freedom to attack, but it could leave them open at the back.

However, Germany are playing so well at the moment that it's hard to see them lose, even missing young stud Thomas Muller. They should keep the same 4-2-3-1 formation with Piotr Trochowski or maybe Cacau filling in on the right wing for the suspended wunderkind. I wouldn't expect Germany to dominate Spain like England or Argentina, but they should have plenty of chances on the counterattack once again - especially on the left hand side with how much Sergio Ramos likes to get forward. Against Argentina, every goal came from the attacking left hand side! Germany's width might really expose Spain's crowded midfield (none of Busquets, Alonso, Xavi, or Iniesta are true wide midfielders) and that would really show up on the counterattack. I'm hoping for a classic and giving the slight edge to Germany because of the mojo they have going. Plus, I had Spain winning pre tournament, so really, I'll be right now either way - now that's Prognostication 101!

PICK: Germany 3 Spain 2 ET

World Cup Quarterfinal Recap

Time for our World Cup roundup. The quarterfinals certainly presented us with games worthy of falling into World Cup lore. The Netherlands shocked Brazil. Spain snuck by Paraguay. Uruguay crushed the hopes of Africa. And, Germany made the World Cup dreams of Argentina and Diego Maradona go up in smoke!

1) Biggest Winner - Europe

-All of the talk coming into the quarterfinals was South American domination. 4 of the 5 teams reached the quarterfinals with Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay all looking to book places in the semis. It was a record number of South American teams... and a record low of European teams - just 3! Holland, Germany, and Spain. And, all of them were victorious. South American teams were only 1-3 in the QF round while Europe was a perfect 3-0. Holland was able to come back to beat Brazil in a stunner (detailed here), Spain fought like mad to break through Paraguay in a 1-0 victory, and most impressively Germany destroyed Argentina 4-0. Now, with Germany meeting Spain we'll have at least one European finalist and most likely another with the Netherlands battling Uruguay without Luis Suarez. A European team has never won a World Cup off European soil, but it's looking very likely to happen in 2010.

2) Standout Performer - A New German Golden Age

3) Highlight - German Domination

-It's almost impossible to single out one German player in their rout of Maradona's Argentina. While it's not refreshing to see Germany in a major semifinal again (their 3rd straight in a WC plus the Euro 2008 final), it is refreshing to see this German team play soccer. The young stars like Ozil, Muller, and Khedira have only lifted up the magnificent Miroslav Klose (now 1 goal shy of tying Ronaldo's all-time goal scoring record in the WC), Podolski, Schweinsteiger, Lahm, and the other veterans of the decade. As of now, they have to be considered the favorite of the Final 4 with the way they hammered Argentina 4-0. As we said before the tournament,

"Another World Cup. Another underappreciated German side. Another likely long tournament. Three things in life are certain: death, taxes, and Germany playing well in the World Cup. It always happens!"

Maybe some brilliant sociologist can study just why Germany always play so well, but for now, let's enjoy the brilliance of their play. The counterattacking displays against England and Argentina has been some of the simplest and best soccer I've ever seen. This team is a joy to watch. It's more of a joy with Legos and in German commentary...

4) Biggest Loser - Brazil

-Dunga's Brazil was the favorite going into the quarterfinals. In our QF preview, we discussed the tactical advantage that Brazil had against Holland. But, they never actually took advantage of that advantage! Maicon rarely got forward, Kaka was in and out of the game, and the rock solid defense gave up two weak goals to Wesley Sneijder (who was well marked in open play). But, the worst part of Brazil's loss was that they lost their cool - symbolized by Felipe Melo's stamp on the infuriating Arjen Robben. It was a game they could and should have won. With the 2014 Cup heading to Brazil, expect Dunga to be out as manager ***UPDATE: he was just fired*** and the soul of Brazilian football to be brought back from the iron grip of the defensive style that was supposed to win tournaments. Well, at least if they lose in 2014, they'll lose beautifully!

5) Best Game - Uruguay 1 Ghana 1 - Uruguay 4-3 on PKs

-This was a very even game that featured a lot of chances and a lot of drama. Ghana and Uruguay needed extra time to settle things and once Luis Suarez punched the ball off his own line in the last minute of extra time the game went from pretty good to the stuff of legends. The Hand of Suarez saved Uruguay because Asamoah Gyan's PK went off the bar. Uruguay survived and won on penalties to go to their first semifinal since 1970. It really has to be seen to be believed...

6) Biggest Surprise - Uruguay Remains South America's Hope?

-Who would have thunk it? Heading into the tournament, you would have been given 500-1 odds on Uruguay being the last remaining South American team. Of course, Brazil was the big surprise, but it also seemed like people fell in love with Maradona the showman and ignored his team squashing little people on their way to the quarters. They were always going to be destroyed by an equally talented German team as Zonal Marking writes:

Argentina are out in the way many expected with Maradona as manager. Early on in this tournament he seemed to be proving his doubters wrong by playing a solid team that worked well together, but everything fell apart in dramatic circumstances here today. No organisation in defence, not enough numbers in midfield, no cohesion in attack. This defeat will take a long, long time for Argentina to get over.

Paraguay was always an underdog to beat Spain and did well to only lose 1-0... although, if Cardozo's penalty would have gone in it could have been a different story. Alas, Uruguay is the last team standing and will face a huge challenge without their supremo goal scorer Suarez against Holland. It will take a defensive performance ala their 0-0 opener against France and a little bit of luck for them to stunningly make the final. But hey, who had them going this far?

7) Extra Time - Heartbreak Hotel

-Ghana's loss to Uruguay - with all of Africa rooting them on - was one of the most painful losses that I've ever seen. World Cups and Olympics and events of the same ilk are unique in that you aren't just representing your team or a fan base, but your country. In this case, Ghana was the hope of a continent. And, they were cruelly denied by a handball on the line in the dying minutes, a winning penalty off the crossbar, and a penalty shootout loss. Asamoah Gyan, the hero against the USA and the shining light of the African teams, was inconsolable after the game because of his missed penalty at the end of extra time. I can't think of a more shattering defeat. Now, Scott Norwood's plight doesn't seem so bad (sorry Bills fans). Seriously though, the visible anguish of the Ghanian team ripped out the viewers' hearts and it was a heartbreaking loss that few of us American sports fans can even imagine.

Brazil v Netherlands Instant Analysis

As Martin Tyler said, it was the result of the tournament. Holland upset Brazil and the millions around the world watching the World Cup were sent into shock. The 2-1 victory puts the Dutch into great position to reach the Final. If you had either Uruguay, Ghana, or the Netherlands in the Final - kudos to you... I sure didn't! But how did the Netherlands pull out the victory? Let's instantly analyze!

*Brazil Fell Apart

-After a strong start on a brilliant goal from Robinho, Brazil pushed for a second. The key moment was a huge Maarten Stekelenburg save off of a brilliant passage of play and a wicked Kaka shot in the 31st minute. After that moment, Brazil's push for a second goal never quite had the same impact. Then, in the second half, Brazil capitulated. The Dutch were never amazing in open play - but their first goal came after a missed punch from Julio Cesar and the second came off of a flicked header at a corner. Those are 2 goals that you simply cannot allow at the World Cup level. Brazil was simply shocking in the second half and fell apart - clearly seen with Felipe Melo's stamp on Arjen Robben that effectively ended the game.

*Dunga Will Bear The Blame

-Brazilians despise the way that their team played under Dunga. After a QF exit, he's likely gone and another coach will come in to restore the samba legacy. But, I don't think Dunga will get a fair shake. He crafted the team in his image and had the best backline in the competition, two competent defensive midfielders, and a potent strikeforce. However, his players simply didn't execute today. Maicon didn't get forward enough, Kaka never got a foothold in the game, and the defenders and goalkeeper were caught out on the two goals.

*Holland Is Into The Semis... And They Still Haven't Played Their Best!

-The Dutch were industrious today - which is a nice way of saying they didn't offer much going forward in open play. Robben was hemmed in. Sneijder was marshalled by the two central midfielders (aside from the 2 goals off set pieces of course) and as Efan Ekoku said - Mark Van Bommel must have had to kick the referee to get a yellow card. Sometimes in these tournaments though that is crucial - to get a result and advance without playing your absolute best...

*Holland's Most Important Quality Is Resiliency

-This isn't a Dutch team of Total Football and Johann Cruyff. This is a hard working, gritty, resilient team with Dirk Kuyt, Mark Van Bommel, Nigel De Jong, and today Andre Ooijer stepping in to defense. It wasn't brilliant passing movements that got the winning goals today - just a hopeful ball into the box, and a clever flick from Kuyt to Sneijder. This Dutch team has a real chance to deliver its first World Cup back home because of their resiliency and resourcefulness. It's not a quality we're used to seeing from the Netherlands, but it has served them very well so far.

World Cup Quarterfinal Predictions

2 days without the World Cup have seemed like an eternity. Having to watch Skip Bayless talk about LeBron James instead of the world's biggest spectacle is a fate worse than death. Thankfully though, the quarterfinals of the World Cup return tomorrow with 2 games and 2 more on Saturday including a couple massive encounters. So, who will win the quarterfinal games and get one step closer to immortality? Let's find out!

Netherlands v Brazil

All time WC record: 4th Meeting (Series Tied at 1-1-1) Holland W 1974 2nd Round, Brazil W 1994 QF, Brazil advanced on penalites after 1-1 draw in 1998 SF

Netherlands WC History: 5th QF appearance, 2 final appearances, 0 wins

Netherlands Player to Watch: Arjen Robben started his first match against Slovakia in their R16 match and scored a goal

Brazil WC History: 5 time champions ('58, '62, '70, '94, '02), 14th QF appearance

Brazil Player to Watch: Maicon has had a storming tournament from his RB position and could cause the Dutch defense problems

Breakdown:

-If both teams play up to their potential, this will be the game of the tournament. We finally saw Brazil take off a bit of the shackles in their 3-0 win over Chile while the Dutch were just ok in beating Slovakia 2-0. However, the Oranje have shown some flashes of brilliance while not playing 90 minutes of Total Football just yet. Brazil's unique system (broken down brilliantly by Zonal Marking, one of my new fav sites for the World Cup) takes perfect advantage of the grit in defense and midfield while showcasing the abilities of Kaka, Robinho, and Fabiano. While Dunga gets a lot of crap from Brazilian fans, he shows his coaching genius with this unusual staggered system. Two key figures will be Robinho (up front on the left) and Arjen Robben (on the right wing) both cutting in from their inverted winger positions towards the middle and looking for shooting opportunities. But, I think Dunga's system will win the day for a few reasons - 1) Maicon and Dani Alves will eat Giovanni van Bronckhorst for lunch on the Dutch left, 2) Gilberto Silva and whoever his midfield partner will be will nullify Wesley Snejider, and 3) LB Michel Bastos getting forward will hurt Arjen Robben's offense. All in all, it will be a fascinating contest, but Brazil will pull it out.

PICK: Brazil 3 Holland 2

Ghana v Uruguay

All time WC record: 1st Meeting

Ghana WC History: 2nd World Cup, 1st QF Appearance

Ghana Player to Watch: Striker Asamoah Gyan has scored 3 goals including the matchwinner against the USA

Uruguay WC History: 2 time champions ('30, '50), 6th QF appearance

Uruguay Player to Watch: The strikeforce of Diego Forlan (2 goals) and Luis Suarez (3 goals) has been the best front pairing in the tournament

Breakdown:

-This game is the most unpredictable of the quarterfinals. Let's be real, nobody expected either of these teams to be in the quarters, let alone playing each other for a trip to the semifinals. While Uruguay's strike partnership has been massive, their defense led by CB and captain Diego Lugano has been outstanding as well. Asamoah Gyan might struggle to find holes against the Uruguay D like he did against Carlos Bocanegra and Jay DeMerit. But, Ghana has the intangibles with them in this match - playing in the massive Soccer City stadium with all of Africa behind them. It won't be about tactics or talent here, but heart and determination and in that department, Ghana is unmatched.

PICK: Ghana 2 Uruguay 1 ET

Argentina v Germany

All time WC record: 5th meeting (Series Tied at 1-1-2) '66 Draw, they traded victories in the 1986 (ARG) and 1990 (GER) finals and met at the same stage in '06 where Germany advanced via PKs after a 1-1 draw.

Argentina WC History: 2 time champions ('78, '86), 6th QF appearance

Argentina Player to Watch: While he hasn't scored goals, Lionel Messi has been brilliant in setting up his teammates leading the tournament with 4 assist

Germany WC History: 3 time champions ('54, '74, '90), 15th QF appearance - 7th straight in current tournament format

Germany Player to Watch: Central attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil has been the breakout star of the tournament and has to like the site of Argentina's aging defense

Breakdown:

-This is simply a must-see game. Their '06 encounter ended in penalties and pugilism and already the verbal barbs are being traded back and forth. These two teams have been the darlings of the tournaments with Germany's youth movement and Argentina's freewheeling style under Diego Maradona. But, here lies Maradona's first true test - don't tell me Greece, Nigeria, South Korea, or Mexico were challenges for a side of such prodigious attacking talent. Germany can match Argentina talent for talent. Higuain for Klose. Tevez for Muller. And, dare I say, Messi for Ozil. The major difference in this game will be Argentina's defense not being able to keep up with the young German speedsters. Ozil's runs will open space for Podolski and Muller and their overall speed is as big of a mismatch here as against England - and we saw how that turned out.

PICK: Germany 3 Argentina 1

Paraguay v Spain

All time WC record: 3rd meeting (Spain leads 1-0-1) A scoreless draw in 1998 and a 3-1 Spain win in the 2002 Group Stage. Interestingly, Spain CB Carlos Puyol has the only Paraguayan goal against Spain in the World Cup.

Paraguay WC History: 1st QF Appearance

Paraguay Player to Watch: Defender Paulo da Silva has been key to a defense that has only allowed 1 goal in 4 games

Spain WC History: 6th QF Appearnce, 1 SF Appearance (1950)

Spain Player to Watch: David Villa is the tourney's joint leading scorer with Gonzalo Higuain and Robert Vittek on 4 goals

Breakdown:

-Paraguay will likely sit back and try to get the game through 120 minutes and advance through penalties like they did against Japan. The South Americans will do their best Portugal impression and try to slow down, frustrate, and fence in the Spanish attack. It's a strategy that has worked for Paraguay (337 consecutive scoreless minutes), but they haven't seen a side like Spain. La Furia Roja (I love that nickname) have yet to play their best, and let's face it, an average performance should be enough to get through here. The interesting dilemma for Spain is what to do with Fernando Torres. He's been ineffective thus far in the front man role with David Villa cutting in from the left and scoring goals at will. I would expect Vincente Del Bosque to give him every chance to break through and get the mojo going against Paraguay after his injury layoff. Spain will pass and possess the ball in Paraguay's half for most of the game. How quickly Spain get on the board will tell us how high the scoreline gets. Paraguay holds on for 40 minutes, and then the Spanish Aramada strikes.

PICK: Spain 3 Paraguay 0

Who Really is LeBron James?

The sports world now waits with bated breath as the hour approaches midnight on July 1st. NBA free agency begins, and perhaps the biggest free agent in the history of sports, LeBron James, is opening himself up to all suitors. We've heard the rumors, stories, and predictions as to where the King will reign this upcoming season. With all of the questions surrounding his impending free agency, it's impossible to know where he'll ultimately call home. But, wherever he does land will answer the most intriguing question of all, who really is LeBron James?

Is LeBron a hometown savior?

-If the answer is yes, Lebron will stay in Cleveland with a maximum contract for the maximum length in order to work towards retiring as a Cavalier. All along, Cleveland fans have pinned their hope on Flight #23 ending the championship drought that has hung over their city for over 40 years. And while LeBron certainly has become a citywide, statewide, and nationwide icon without delivering that championship, staying in Cleveland and winning that elusive title would make him an eternally divine figure in the history of Cleveland sports. The importance of being the savior for his hometown fan base can't be underestimated, no matter how many max slots teams like Miami and Chicago have. No championship would mean more to the King, or any fan base in the country, than a Cavs championship.

Is LeBron a puppet for other interests?

-If the answer is yes, Cavs fans should kiss goodbye to LeBron. The reason Cavs fans can feel uncertain over the King deserting his team is the influence of his other "team". Just minutes after being eliminated from this year's playoffs, LeBron already seemed more in tune with his cast of thousands advising him than his Cavs team that had just been upset. This crew of agents, businessmen, cronies, and the elusive, but influential World Wide Wes (seen above holding insane Ron Artest at Malice in the Palace) will certainly have an influence over LeBron's decision. If reports are to be believed, World Wide Wes has the ear of LeBron and is pushing him towards a bigger market, specifically Chicago. Meanwhile, his childhood friend and business partner Maverick Carter was rumored to be pushing LeBron to L.A. and the Clippers. So, who will ultimately make this decision? Will LeBron be tempted by these outside sources of influence to shun his hometown team for supposedly greener pastures? If so, he may only be accepting an apple from a serpent.

Is LeBron not afraid to walk in the shadows of greatness?

-If the answer is yes, then LeBron James will sign with the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have the young talent in Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah that the Cavs do not. They have the ability to sign another elite player (Bosh, Boozer, Amare, Joe Johnson), which Cleveland does not. There's one thing that would be held over LeBron's head the moment he walked through the door in Chicago.

That's right, Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player who's ever lived. From his entrance into the NBA, to his choice of #23, LeBron has seemed to embrace the inevitable comparisons with MJ. But, playing in a building where his statue waits outside its doors? Living up to that comparison each and every night? Knowing that anything short of 6 championships would be viewed as a failure? That might be a crown too heavy for even the self-described King to wear.

Is LeBron a businessman first, a basketball player second?

-If the answer to this question is yes, LeBron will be calling the greater New York area his home. Much has been made about LeBron James's interest in becoming the first billionaire athlete (although with Tiger's wife about to rake in $750 million in a divorce settlement that might be debateable). LeBron not only counts other pro athletes amongst his friends, but also rap mogul/Nets part-owner Jay-Z (who along with LeBron have referred to themselves as the "Two Kings") and investor Warren Buffett. There's some doubt that LeBron's first priority is basketball, instead of building the brand of LeBron. If LeBron's priority is his business, he'll sign with the biggest market (the Knicks) or the owner who can build his brand worldwide, the Nets and Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov. However, each of these options will only prove LeBron is not about the championships, because these teams won't be competing for titles anytime soon, with or without the King.

Is LeBron just a prima donna attention hog?

-If the answer to this question is yes, then we won't find out LeBron's ultimate destination anytime soon. The King has truly boarded on Brett Favre territory in the last several weeks with all of the stories leaked and the sources reporting his every whim. Some say it's because LeBron never got to feel the joy of being recruited in college. I say it may be because some people just like being the center of attention. At least LeBron and his "team" had the good sense and the decency to the people of Ohio to not go on a jet-setting tour of the country. The odds are though, that this saga will not be ending soon after we hit midnight on July 1st. This means LeBron will be front and center of the sports universe long into the summer months, which might make the King and his court of jesters happier than anything.

Is LeBron a fraud?

-If the answer to this question is yes, then the fans of Cleveland and Ohio will make LeBron James the most hated sports figure in the entire state. For those living in their ivory towers in New York and Los Angeles, it seems like an easy decision to leave podunk Cleveland, OH for the bright lights and big city of a larger metropolitan market. The thing about LeBron though, is that he's aware of his city's history, his city's plight, and the affect his departure would have on his city. LeBron must know that if he were to leave, he would be more hated in Cleveland than Art Modell, the man who moved the Cleveland Browns! There's no way the fans of Cleveland could ever forgive their hometown son "quitting" on his team in the playoffs, and then leaving the city entirely.

This is the comforting thought Cavs fans will adhere to when they sleep at night in this time of uncertainty. Only someone who was born-and-raised in Ohio would understand the pain losing a once-in-a-lifetime figure like LeBron James would inflict on a community, not just in terms of sports, but in terms of its general health. If LeBron leaves Cleveland, not only are their hopes for a championship dashed, but millions of dollars will be lost for the franchise and city. But...and this is a big but. LeBron has always opined about his loyalty to one city...Akron. That's his hometown. That's the place he has a deep, spiritual connection to, not Cleveland. And as far as anyone knows, LeBron can be just as loyal to Akron from Chicago or Miami than he can be from Cleveland. That's the thought that may keep all of Cleveland awake at night.

Is he a winner?

-This is the one remaining question that won't be answered by LeBron's free agency decision. So far, the answer is a resounding no, LeBron is not a winner. Individual awards, MVP's, endorsements, and all of the other perks that come with being a global icon are fantastic and certainly fit for a King. But, only one thing will determine his legacy...winning championships. Currently, LeBron's total wins in the Finals is the same as you and me...none. If LeBron doesn't make the right decision at this career crossroads, then he may never win a championship, a fate that would place his career among the all-time failures in the history of sports. If LeBron does make the right choice, and does fulfill his potential to be one of the greatest champions in history, he will be placed in the Pantheon of sports history. Maybe the answer to this question isn't that important to the King, as long as he can reign over a worldwide kingdom. Whatever the answer to these questions, we'll know soon enough, because LeBron James is on the clock.

Those are our thoughts on LeBron's historic free agency, what are yours? Where will LeBron land when the dust settles? Keep up with RSS for all your LeBron analysis, along with our continuing coverage of the World Cup. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter too @RSS_Sports. Until then, it's bye for now!

World Cup Round of 16 Recap

Time for our World Cup roundup. The 8 games of the Round of 16 brought us a couple classic encounters, a couple bizarre decisions, and some of the world's stars beginning to shine. So, let's break it all down from the Round of 16 at the World Cup.

1) Biggest Winner - Ghana

-The African team that was left for dead before the tournament started and missing star midfielder Michael Essien now remains as Africa's hope. Cote D'Ivoire is no more. Nigeria is no more. Cameroon is no more. While Ghana has been the most successful African nation on the world scene in recent years (2006 QF, 2009 U-20 World Champion), not a lot of people gave them a chance in this tournament because of their tough group and injury problems. However, the sometimes maligned Asamoah Gyan has been huge up front and they've shown heart the size of the continent to push through to the quarterfinals. There, they meet another Cinderella, Uruguay, but they'll be playing in Soccer City with all of Africa behind them. Ghana has enough fight, defense (with John and Jonathan Mensah), and speed to give any team trouble... it'll be interesting to see how far they carry the African flag.

2) Standout Performer - Luis Suarez

3) Highlight - Luis Suarez - The Real Last AirBender!... God those commercials are terrible...

-Perhaps no player has done more for himself at the World Cup than Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez. Would you believe that Suarez scored more goals this year at Ajax in Holland (49) than Lionel Messi (47)?! With Messi's remarkable season, it's amazing that Suarez could fly so far under the radar coming into the World Cup. Then again, Dutch club football is a far cry from what it used to be... but 49 flippin goals!! We said before the tourney that Uruguay would go as far as Suarez and Diego Forlan would take them and they look like they're only just getting started. With Forlan conducting the orchestra, Suarez has been the pure goalscorer. His two against Korea sent Uruguay into the quarters for the first time since 1966. Suarez's second, the matchwinner, was a real thing of beauty...

4)Biggest Loser - FIFA

-FIFA has morphed into some combination of Major League Baseball, the Nixon Presidency, and BP with 1) their refusal to implement technology into the game, 2) commitment to secrecy and stamping out controversy, and 3) terrible PR moves and general incompetency. The governing body of the world's most popular sport has been atrocious and thankfully the world is finally taking notice. The terrible refereeing decisions that cost England and Mexico can pressure FIFA into installing goalline technology at the very least. But the attitude that bans replays in stadiums, turns a blind eye toward cheating and diving, and hides information better than Kim Jong-Il is what is most troubling about FIFA. Let's hope some common sense and decency infects FIFA before 2014 comes around so we don't have to put up with this garbage anymore.

5) Best Game - Ghana 2 USA 1 ET

-You can check out our full thoughts on USA soccer here. This game was clearly the most competitive and intense of the R16 (and no, I'm not counting that goalless snoozer between PAR/JPN). The USA had their chances, but couldn't get that second goal to get the win. Asamoah Gyan split the defense and beat Tim Howard rather too easily for Ghana in the first minutes of extra time. Heartache at home, but it was a deserved win for Ghana in the most dramatic of games.

6) Biggest Statement - Brazil Is Back

-It was a highly anticipated encounter between the top two South American qualifiers in the Round of 16 - Brazil v Chile. Through the group stage Chile had played more of the samba style that we were used to from the Brazilians. However, Brazil showed their true colors in a 3-0 demolition of Chile, even showing that the bag of tricks isn't completely empty. This team has such a good match of flair and steel that it's hard to see anybody beating them now.

7) Extra Time - 10 More Awards For The Round of 16!

*Best Coaching Job - Bert Van Marwijk (Holland)

-Van Marwijk made an important adjustment for the Dutch team - he didn't rest them in Game 3 of the group stage like in the '06 World Cup and Euro 2008. In those tournaments, the Dutch went out in the KO stage even though they played amazing football in their group games. In South Africa, the Dutch haven't played at their absolute best, but Van Marwijk has his team playing better and better. Brazil should be wary of Agent Orange in the quarters, especially with a fit Arjen Robben.

*Worst Coaching Job - Fabio Capello (England)

-Capello is getting ripped all across England for his archaic tactics, puzzling lineup choices, and inability to get England to play one minute of inspired soccer in the World Cup. Sadly for Capello, the genius of 6 months ago is now a victim of the hype and praise England threw on him before the tournament. In truth, he's as much of a victim of the English media and unrealistic hype machine more than anything. At least England's loss looks better in Legos!

*D'Oh Moment - Bob Bradley Starts Ricardo Clark

-The biggest single coaching mistake though was from Bob Bradley and his selection of Ricardo Clark in the midfield against Ghana. Clark's turnover led to the Ghanian first goal and Bradley acknowledged his mistake to the world by pulling Clark after 30 minutes. D'oh!

*Best Young Player - Mesut Ozil

-Of all of the great young players to shine, Ozil pulling the strings for Germany may be the player of the tournament so far. His timely runs, deadeye passes, and pure pace have lit up the competiton. Germany have mixed youth and experience well in the World Cup and Ozil is the main reason why.

*Biggest Surprise - Paraguay & Uruguay

-Yes, everyone expected Argentina and Brazil to represent South America in the quarterfinals... but these two? Their exceptional performances led to group wins over favorites France and Italy. Their longterm outlook for beyond the QF round isn't great, but they have shined so far. And hey, at least one American can locate one of these two countries on a map...

*Biggest Disappointment - USA

-England can take up permanent residence in this category, but given the chance that lay ahead of the USA and the way they played the first 30 minutes against Ghana, they are the most disappointed team heading home from South Africa.

*Sorry To See You Go - Chile

-The unlucky 5th South American team played so well and brought life to a tournament that has featured a few sides (cough, Portugal, cough) just playing to get through 90 minutes at 0-0. Chile always attacked and had some success trying to play the beautiful game, especially with their blazing winger Alexis Sanchez.

*I Told You So - The Goals Have Come

-Through the first stretch of games, World Cup scoring was at an all-time low. People were blaming the Jabulani, the altitude, the vuvuzelas, and everything in between. But, as we said, as players have figured out the ball and the altitude and needed to open up play, the goals have come aplenty. Hey, I have to remember when I'm right every now and then to make up for all of those terrible predictions!

*Biggest Mirage - Diego Maradona's Coaching Genius

-This isn't the popular opinion at the moment, but I just have a feeling that Maradona will be exposed against Germany as a paper tiger on the sidelines. Look at who he's played so far - Nigeria, South Korea, Greece, and Mexico. 2 teams that were willing to attack (KOR/MEX) and get sliced up by Argentina's amazing frontline and 2 teams (NIG/GRE) that sat back and just let Argentina pile up shot after shot while offering minimal counterattack threat. Neither will be the case against a storming German side. This game will be the truest test of Maradona's so-called coaching ability.

*Overrated Story of the World Cup - Vuvuzela Madness

-Vuvuwho? After watching 50+ matches, I've almost stopped hearing them completely. Almost...

USA Soccer World Cup Review

With the USA exiting the World Cup it's time for us to use our combined Yoder power to reflect on the 2010 World Cup and its impact on American soccer. There were some great moments and some great disappointments, but in the big picture, what does the South African experience mean for the future of US Soccer and the sport's popularity here at home?

How Successful Was This World Cup For The USA?

Mr. Yoder I: I'd say it was a 5 out of 10. On one hand, winning the group for the first time since the first World Cup in 1930 is quite an achievement (especially considering that France, Italy, England, and Portugal didn't this year). Getting a draw against England is quite an achievement. The thrill of Landon Donovan's goal against Algeria is an unmatched moment in US Soccer history. But, the USA never put together a great 90 minute game. We'll also look back on 2010 as the biggest missed opportunity at a World Cup. Ghana and Uruguay are good teams, but we might never have a better opportunity to reach a World Cup semifinal. Maybe it's good that the USA is disappointed, but there's too much of a sense that there was a lot left behind in South Africa.

Mr. Yoder II: I agree with the sentiment that the exit in the round of 16 leaves an empty feeling in the pit of your stomach. But, I don't think it is either an abject success or failure. Think of all this team has been through in the last year. A shock run to the final of the Confederations Cup, the loss of Charlie Davies, being drawn in an easy group, meeting those expectations by winning the group, then the disappointment of missing a golden chance at the semis. At best, you'd have to say it was a mixed bag for Team USA.

Should Bob Bradley Stay As Head Coach?

Y2: I say he should go. He's put in a good stint as national team coach, taking the team to heights they haven't seen before. But, there were still too many lineup mistakes (playing Ricardo Clark against Ghana, not starting Benny Feilhaber once) and you have to place some of the blame for the continuallly sluggish starts on the coach. It's time for Team USA to go get a high-profile manager to take us to the next level.

Y1: I think you've won me over. Very rarely these days does a head coach stay on for two World Cup cycles. Bradley pulled a lot of the right strings, but at the World Cup level you can't afford any "my bads" like the Clark start over Maurice Edu against Ghana. Bradley had a great run after the Bruce Arena failure, but it is time for US Soccer to write Jurgen Klinsmann a blank check or go after another world class coach to go to that next level.

Who Was the Standout Performer?

Y1: As much credit as Landon Donovan gets for his goals, the standout performer for me was the coach's son Michael Bradley. Bradley was the most consistent player throughout the 4 games and played very well in the center of midfield. He got that tying goal against Slovenia and his 2 way capabilities mean he should be a fixture in the lineup come 2014. Playing every game with Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany also means he should get a lot of seasoning in the Bundesliga and keep improving his already stout game.

Y2: I totally agree. Bradley is the type of player who is still young enough (22 years old) to be a fixture on the USMNT for years to come. While players like Donovan and Dempsey are more fancied, they disappeared too often and didn't have a consistent impact throughout any of the 4 games. GK Tim Howard also picked a bad time to have his worst performance of the tourney against Ghana. Bradley meanwhile, should get looks from more prestigous European clubs for his two-way midfield play. By the time 2014 rolls around, expect Bradley to be the focal point of the team.

Where Do We Need The Most Improvement?

Y2: Obviously the biggest room for improvement is at our weakest positions, striker and defender. Each of the goals given up by the U.S. in the WC could have been snuffed out by better defense, expecially in the center of the pitch. And, we're going on almost a decade without a goal at the WC from a striker. Maybe Charlie Davies could have helped, but we'll never know. Until a consistent threat in front of goal develops (paging Jozy Altidore) the U.S. will be held back.

Y1: I think those are clearly our weakest positions on the field, but I think the underlying problem is our lack of technical ability as footballers. As hopeful future coach Jurgen Klinsmann pointed out after the Ghana game on ABC - the first touch is the most valuable in soccer and it was consistently poor from the USA. Maybe it takes more experience from our top players in better leagues, maybe it takes decades to hone the craft from youngsters playing the game, who knows. But, in the end, it's a lack of footballing skill that holds us back.

What's The Current Outlook for 2014?

Y1: The outlook is partly cloudy. 2009 and 2010 should provide hope for the USA that we can compete and beat some of the world's best nations (W v Spain, Egypt, draw v England, up 2-0 against Brazil). However, as you said, the USA had their easiest group at this year's World Cup and only made it to the last 16 losing to Ghana. What if we're drawn with Spain, Ghana, and Chile in 2014? There's no guarantee players like Donovan and Dempsey will be at top level in 4 years and it will take some of our young players reaching their ceilings as players and a lot of pieces falling into place to surpass the results from the past 2 years in Brazil 2014.

Y2: Unfortunately I think the US still has a long way to go to reach the ultimate goal, winning a world cup. The decline of some of our more influential players makes this the most important transition in our team's history if we're going to a new coach because there are young players ready to contribute, but they need more sophisticated coaching and need to play in the best leagues in the world. I think the short-term success should open some doors for some of our players, but guys like Bradley, Altidore, Donovan, and Dempsey have to continue being trailblazers for success abroad at the highest level to take the national team as a whole to the next level.

Has Soccer Made It?

Y2: As i said, for soccer to truly "make it" we have to win a World Cup and MLS has to break into the top 10 of leagues worldwide. But, after the gripping drama of the last two summers, I think soccer is in a better place now in this country than ever before. You should see ratings for the WC continue at record levels even with the U.S. being KO'd. But, it all depends on how U.S. soccer and MLS take advantage of new soccer fans. Can we convince our young athletes to go for soccer instead of football/basketball? Can MLS draw more fans and better talent than they have been? Can our best players break in with clubs like Manchester United or Real Madrid? The answers to those questions hold the key to soccer's long-term viability in the U.S.

Y1: I think soccer had made it even before this World Cup started. Think about it, more soccer matches are shown on TV than almost any other sport. At the flick of a button we can check out the local MLS game, EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Champions League, or international games around the world. But, this World Cup has brought the sport what it really needed - the full backing of ESPN and a landmark, exciting moment (Donovan vs Algeria). With the American sports media juggernaut pumping out soccer around the clock and replaying highlights of that goal, the sport is reaching across the country like never before. You're right that MLS needs to seize on the World Cup bounce... but would you believe it if I told you average attendance this year is over 16,000 per game? With the success of the 2010 World Cup, we'll pay more attention to our players overseas, World Cup Qualifying, the EPL, the Champions League, Euro 2012, and everything in between. Soccer has certainly made it in the USA and it will continue growing in anticipation of 2014.