Less than two weeks!

I actually can't believe how fast time is flying now as school is basically over and we are preparing to leave. I am getting so damn excited, especially after watching a bunch of friendlies this week. Most everything is in place. Most importantly, the dogs are set to be watched at home by our dog walker and spend a little time at their kennel; we have all of our documents with copies ready to go and are just putting together the last details.  I made a few last purchases this weekend, buying one of those awesome Mexico pregame windbreakers they have been wearing, as well as a simple white USA soccer T-shirt, then I finally upgraded to an iPhone5 today so that hopefully I can keep up with the world as well as update our trip, dependent on local internet services.  Since we have a tight turnaround in Rio to catch our flight to Salvador, and for traveling ease in general, we are going with just a carry-on and small backpack each, so we have to pack smartly and we have already begun to set everything out, debating what will make our final suitcase roster. My cheap polyester Spain jersey has been cut due to terrible breath-ability.  We have to bring enough toiletries for the 18 days (which are super expensive in Brasil) in one zip-lock bag, so that should be interesting. I also have to decide what I am going to read and download a few more books as it looks like we won't be bringing many real ones. Otherwise, it is just amping up and soaking in every piece of information on Brasil or the Cup.

USA and El Tri: I was surprised but not necessarily shocked that Landon Donovan was left off the USA 23, but like most, I still think he could have been an asset off the bench. There has been more than enough analysis of this so time to move on with the guys who have tickets to Brasil.  The USA still looked shaky in a win over Azerbaijan but they have yet to field their actual starting eleven, and with the cuts of Parkhurst and Goodson, it is unclear who the four starting four defenders will be and how they will line up. Dempsey was held out as a precautionary measure with a tight groin, but he should be fine.  Against Turkey the team showed some offensive prowess but was shoddy defensively and was lucky to only give up one goal. It is unlikely Ghana, Germany or Portugal will be as soft finishing.  The three youngsters-Brooks and Yedlin in back and phenom Green on the wing-but none of them really impressed. And I never thought I would say or write this (although maybe I did once before), but Kyle Beckerman just might be a better option over Jermaine Jones in the midfield. I also wouldn't mind seeing Diskerud play from the outset instead of Zusi.  Altidore had his best game in a while, but is still stuck in a finishing funk and needed to be subbed late as he was visibly tired. They have one more friendly against Nigeria and then a closed door scrimmage with Belgium in Brasil before they take on Ghana on June 16.

 

Even with the awful injury to Luis Montes, I still like Mexico's chances of beating Cameroon and Croatia and advancing to the knockout rounds.  Fortunately, Marco Fabian is playing very well and is hardly a step down from Chapo Montes, if at all.  Javier Aquino (the expected replacement) will add some speed and creativity on the wing off the bench.  After a slow start, the team generally played very well against Ecuador, a much stronger and more physical team than they had previously faced but they more than held their own won, dominating possession and winning quite easily 3-1, even after watching their teammate go down.  There is still some uncertainty in the midfield, but I expect them to settle on using Gallito Vasquez as the defensive guy in the middle, with  Hector Herrera and Marco Fabian flanking him (even though only a month ago I would have steadfastly held that Gullit Pena would be starting, but his play has fallen off some of late). However, I also like Andres Guardado coming off the bench into that defensive mid role to provide some offensive push if they are down late in a game. Up front I think it will be Gio alongside Oribe, with Chicharito becoming the super sub.  Captain Rafa Marquez also hurt his foot, but it is expected he will be fine for Cameroon.  Mexico has a few guys who like to take big shots from outside the box and this Brazuca ball seems to be to their liking.  I think we will see a lot of long rocket goals in this World Cup. El Tri has two more friendlies against Bosnia Herezgovina and Portugal before they head to Brasil to prepare for Cameroon.

Next up will be a couple of posts on language and hopefully a preview of the three cities we are going to visit.