America's Next Top Coach: The Housewives' Choice
Will it be the brooding Frenchman with a cleaning company, the flirty striker with a questionable co-host chemistry, or maybe the lovable German with a penchant for bear hugs?
Gregg Berhalter - the man who adopted the basketball bounce pass for throw-in returns.
It’s going to be hard to find that level of innovation in the next USMNT head coach, but try one must. Maybe Steve Cherondulo has an NFL-style onside kick-off routine up his sleeve, or Jim Curtin is desperate to unveil a Field of Dreams penalty kick where the taker points at the top corner then slots it to the keeper’s opposite side?
There are two schools of thought on what US Soccer needs next: either someone to ‘carry on the project’ or a Big-time Charlie top tier uber-coach.
Whoever it is, the spotlight will be on them during the World Cup, and not just in a footballing sense. As the World Cup draws nearer and should the US progress through the tournament, the non-traditional fan starts tuning in.
By all means, choose someone to play sexy football, but it’s going to be just as important to find someone who doesn’t look like they’re taking a training session wearing sandals with socks:
The Housewives’ Choice
Herve Renard - he’s French, he’s won the Africa Cup of Nations with two different teams, and been to two World Cups, most recently with the Saudi Arabia side that beat Argentina. After finishing his professional playing career he became a cleaner, and is currently managing the French Women’s team. May appeal more to the airport romance novel crowd who watch daytime soap operas, but they’ll have plenty of time to watch the afternoon games and interviews with him on The View.
Thierry Henry - another Frenchman currently managing the French U-21 in the Olympics. One of the best strikers the Premier League has seen, and part of the CBS team that covers the Champions League in the US. But, it’s the ‘are they or are they not’ chemistry with co-host Katie Abdo that’s a soap opera in and of itself that intrigues. Could be a winner if she goes primetime and the pair manage a few post-match interviews. Otherwise, his appeal is mainly for those who enjoy moody foreigners.
Jurgen Klopp - while the recently departed Liverpool manager turned US Soccer’s advances down (the tease), one of the fans’ favorites for the job, while not in the Mr. Darcy mold has a certain charm (if my sources are to be believed). There’s an empathy, warmth, and passion to Mr. Klopp, and when he engulfs his charges in one of his post-match bear hugs the viewing public also melts into his teutonic embrace. Might be a bit too touchy-feely for some, though.
Mauricio Pochettino - if brooding, troubled, tall-ish, dark and handsome - as well as Argentinian ticks your boxes then the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss is footloose and fancy free. Took Tottenham to the Champions League final and is very good with a young squad while hailing from the Bielsa school. He’s managed all over Europe and played (and roomed) with Maradona - meaning he’ll have some stories to tell and know how to have a good time. He scrubs up well and knows when it’s time to go. Perfect for a fling.
So, run these past your partner(s), and let us know what they (and you) think. Or is there someone else who you fancy who could do a job?
EURO 2024 Round-up
Where to watch: all TV broadcasters around the globe from UEFA
FINAL: SPAIN vs. ENGLAND - July 14th, FOX 3:00 PM
Olympiastadion, BERLIN — Spain are the favorites to win the Euro 2024 final against England, according to the Opta supercomputer, which predicts them winning in 60.4% of simulations.
La Roja has won all six of its matches at Euro 2024, a new record for the most wins in a single tournament having topped a challenging group with Italy, Croatia, and Albania, and defeated Georgia, Germany, and France in the knockout stage.
In the semi-final, Spain came from behind against the misfiring pre-tournament favorites France with goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo, securing a 2-1 win. At 17 years old, Yamal could become the youngest player to appear in a World Cup or European Championship final.
Spain has won their last three major tournament finals (Euro 2008, 2012, and World Cup 2010); and are looking to make it four, previously winning in 1964, 2008, and 2012.
England reached the final by topping a group that included Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia, while defeating Slovakia, Switzerland, and the Netherlands in the knockout rounds. England have managed two last minute escapes with a Jude Bellingham bicycle kick in the 90+5th minute against Slovakia and a 90th minute Ollie Watkins winner in the semi-final against the Dutch. They also beat Switzerland in a penalty shootout.
This is England's second consecutive appearance in the Euro final, but their first major tournament final on foreign soil. They have a good record in Berlin, having won four and drawn two of their six games in the German capital.
England has conceded the first goal in all three knockout games at Euro 2024, while Spain has scored 13 goals, the second-most in a single tournament behind France's 14 in 1984. However, England is unbeaten in their last six Euro games when conceding first.
England manager Gareth Southgate aims to become the third manager to lead a team in multiple Euro finals, while Spain's Luis de la Fuente could become the third-oldest winning manager in the competition.
This will be the third meeting between Spain and England at the European Championship. England won 2-1 in the 1980 group stage and progressed on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the 1996 quarter-final.
Spain has lost only four of its last 14 meetings with England across all competitions. England won 3-2 in their last encounter in the UEFA Nations League in 2018.
Odds: Spain +149; Draw +169; England +240
COPA America Round-up
FINAL: ARGENTINA vs. COLOMBIA - July 14th, FOX 8:00 PM
Hard Rock Stadium, MIAMI - On Sunday, Argentina faces a formidable Colombian squad in the Copa América final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Argentina aims to secure back-to-back Copa América wins and an unprecedented 16th title. Colombia seeks its second championship after a 2001 victory - their last defeat against Argentina, who themselves have lost only three of their last 63 matches over the last five years.
In fact, Argentina can become the first South American team to win the 'triple crown' of three straight major tournament titles if they can clinch on Sunday.
Argentina followed up their 2021 Copa America title with the World Cup triumph a year later and have advanced with little drama to the clash with the Colombians.
Spain is the only other team in international football to have won a World Cup in between two straight continental titles when they clinched Euro wins in 2008 and 2012 either side of the 2010 World Cup.
Colombia's success is attributed to coach Néstor Lorenzo's leadership and standout performances by captain James Rodríguez and forward Luis Díaz. The team's resilience no more evident than in their semi-final win over Uruguay in a bad-tempered affair despite playing with 10-men for the entirety of the second-half.
Colombia are in fact unbeaten in 28 games and have arguably had a tougher route to the final than Messi and Company.
Argentina, while dominant throughout the tournament, will need to be vigilant against a skilled Colombian side. A potential weakness for Colombia is the absence of defender Daniel Muñoz, who received a red card for an elbow in the semi-finals.
Key players to watch include Argentina's Lionel Messi and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. For Colombia, James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz are expected to be instrumental. The Colombian captain broke Messi’s assists record in a single tournament during the semi-final, and will be looking to add to that tally, as will Messi himself.
The final promises to be a thrilling match, both sides impressing in their progression to the final. While Argentina start as favorites, they have looked vulnerable at times, and Colombia should be exuding confidence after beating Uruguay.
Odds: Argentina +110; Draw +195; Colombia +320
In Other Soccer News
Transfers:
The Guardian’s interactive transfer thing.
Hansi Flick is to include dental examinations as part of the pre-season medical checks at Barcelona, a sure sign he won’t manage in England. (as.com)
Stat(s) of the Day
UEFA plans on sharing the Euros golden boot based on goals scored rather including assists as per other tournaments. They might get a discount for buying a job lot:
“Dear Gareth – do it for me, Sir Bobby and England.” - Sven-Goran Eriksson
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