There was a point, after the USMNT had been destroyed by Brazil, lost to Mexico, drew Trinidad and Tobago and lost against Guatemala, that Jurgen Klinsmann's job seemed very much on the line.
The dizzying heights of the 2014 World Cup seemed an eternity ago. The constant cut-and-paste approach that Klinsmann seemed to take resembled a six-year-old playing FIFA. The USMNT was at its lowest point in years.
I have to imagine that the match that took place between Argentina and Bolivia last night was a worst case scenario for Copa America 2016. It was boring, god awfully boring. Argentina was up 3-0 after half an hour and from then on in the first half the most action we saw was when the camera showed Messi sitting on the bench.
Since the crowd was shown the same footage we were on TV, they cheered at the sight of him. Those were some of the loudest cheers heard all evening.
Less than 12 months after last year’s big win at the 2015 Copa America, Chile seemed to be struggling at the group stage of this Centenario edition. Last year Chile certainly made good use of the sold-out stadiums when it was hosting the Copa America. It helps when walls of red jerseys spur you on. However, this time around, in the US, the team could only rely on its own skills.
A great goal deserves a great call, and Jesus "Tecatito" Corona's goal against Venezuela Monday definitely deserved a great call.
Fortunately, a great call was provided by Univision announcer Pablo Ramirez Gomez.
Peru vs. Brazil in the Copa America group stage Sunday saw an unprecedented refereeing decision regarding a handball.
No, not that one.
You know that thing where players go down as soon as they get bumped and they grab the ball while they're on the ground, but before the ref can call anything, and force the ref to decide between a foul and a handball? I f****** hate when players do that.
Je-Vaughn Watson scored Jamaica's first-ever Copa America goal. The problem with that is Je-Vaughn Watson scored the goal into Jamaica's net.
Uruguay's second goal of the night comes courtesy of Jamaica's Je-Vaughn Watson. #URUvJAM https://t.co/LSpdtZ4r70
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 14, 2016
OK. OK. Now that I have had time to breath after Mexico’s thrilling 1-1 draw with Venezuela, a result that gives Mexico first place in Group C, I can relate to all of you what just happened.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?!
Honestly, this Copa America has been one of the most exciting tournaments I have ever seen. Euro 2016 has been good, but not this good. The last World Cup was good, but not this good. And Jesus “Tecatito” Corona just scored the best goal we have seen so far, and we have seen some really good goals.
Don’t believe me? Just watch:
Fourteen goals in the Copa America's first round of group stage matches were sort of a disappointment for fans.
Well, never mind that since the first round is in the past. Brazil, Argentina, and team USA combined for a total 16 goals scored, beating the whole field in the first round. In total, we had 30 goals scored in the second round of group stage matches.
Hopefully, the goals will keep raining, and we will get to watch more and more shows like we’ve seen this week.
Top of the world:
Argentina
Soccer is cruel.
Before we show the video, you know which one, we need to get some things straght. First, Brazil did not deserve to win that game. They were lethargic in attack and only slightly less lethargic in defense.
Second, a case can easily be made that Brazil did not even deserve to advance. They scored seven goals against Haiti, but didn't score any goals against Ecuador or Peru. To win in soccer, you have to score goals. I've always said that.
Some players feel that the colors of their country fit better than anything else. The whole team speaks the same language and shares the same culture as them. A whole country supports them.
Maybe it is the honor in wearing your national team’s jersey, maybe it is the positive pressure that international games produce. Whatever it is, it is hard not to see a pattern with some players who simply play better for their country than for their club.
Here is a short list.