Tim Howard Says USA's World Cup Failure Lies Squarely On The Players
USA goalkeeper Tim Howard has stressed the country's failure to reach the World Cup is not about the loss to Trinidad and Tobaga in their final qualifying game. The legendary shot-stopper believes the nation could not sustain their form through the qualification phase, and this eventually came to haunt them in their quest to play in another global tournament.
He said: "It's never down to one game. We didn't get the results over the course of 10 games. The Mexico game, we lost, 2-1, in Columbus. We needed one goal or to not concede one goal. The draw in Honduras, a few other games in there, any game we lost by one or drew, all we needed over 10 games was one goal. I wouldn't say the [problems are] systemic in any way. CONCACAF teams are getting better. No matter how good or bad you are, if you don't get results, you don't qualify."
The Rise of Both Teams To Score In Both Halves
It’s hard to imagine that any method of betting will ever outdo the traditional activity of backing a side to Win, Draw or Lose. The bizarre Both Teams To Score In Both Halves option is certainly giving all typical markets a run for its money though, with a mass of punters now placing bets in this category more often than the respected predecessors.
As all of the country’s biggest and best bookmakers continue to improve on the ways in which a wide range of punters can stake their bets, the Both Teams To Score In Both Halves market has started to rise through the ranks.
Even though there’s not been much coverage of this change, there are places that back up this claim like Footy Accumulators who even maintain a page devoted exclusively to Both Teams In Both Halves Tips.
Landon Donovan Admits Struggles With Depression
Landon Donovan has openly admitted that he had a problem with depression and it was the reason behind the move from Bayer Leverkusen to LA Galaxy in 2005. The former US International was one high profile players of the national team who was playing in European football. After stints with the likes of Everton and Bayer Leverkusen, he developed a huge reputation as a strong forward. However, he quickly returned to MLS after failing to settle in the new environment. Even with LA Galaxy, things did not turn out to be rosy with the striker announcing his retirement much earlier than expected.
The first signs of trouble were evident in 2012 when Landon Donovan took a sabbatical from the game. However, he has openly admitted that the problems with depression go back even further. Donovan’s great talent in front of goal earned him a move to Europe with the Leverkusen in 1999.
David Beckham backs Zlatan Ibrahimovic to join MLS in the future
Former LA Galaxy and Manchester United star David Beckham has backed Zlatan Ibrahimovic to pursue a move to Major League Soccer before calling quits on his professional career. The big Swede has endured a tough second season at United after failing to overcome a long-term knee injury, and reports have suggested that the 36-year-old could pursue a move to the Galaxy at the end of the season.
In an interview covered by Sky Sports, Beckham said that he would prefer the Swede making the switch to the United States after having won numerous honours during his 19-year career in Europe, he said: "He's one of the best players, one of the best people, and if he comes to this league at some point it would be great. But at the moment he's a Manchester United player and I'm happy about that, and I want him to stay there, but at some point, he might come here. Any mention of any great player like Zlatan coming to this league can only be good for the league."
Greg Vanney Claims a Toronto Player Should Win MVP
Toronto FC manager Greg Vanney claims that the MVP Player of the Year title named after Landon Donovan should be from his team amongst any other outfit. The critical title will judge the best player for the course of the MLS campaign, which has been quite exciting enough. Toronto were able to finally clinch the title by overcoming the Seattle Sounders in the final. It caps a memorable campaign for Toronto and manager Greg Vanney, as they have been able to dominate the division from the start to finish. Toronto were able to set numerous records over the course of the calendar year and this was largely down to the brilliance of two players – Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore. Between them, they managed to score more than 30 goals in the league.
However, Giovinco and Altidore are facing stiff competition from the likes of David Villa from New York City FC, Diego Valeri from Portland Timbers, Nemanja Nikolic from Chicago Fire, and more. These players have been able to dominate in terms of goals and assists, but the numbers from Giovinco and Altidore have been crucial in that they have helped Toronto to win the title. Apart from the MLS Cup victory, Toronto were also able to claim the Supporters Shield and Canadian Cup. Thus the team became the 1st to hold three titles at once.