Spain's Xavi - Juan Mabromata/AFP/Getty Images

>Spain wins 2010 World Cup

The analysts called it an ugly win and the fouls would suggest so, but they expressed content at the “best team” deservedly winning the 2010 World Cup. Mark it up as two major trophies in the past two years for Spain who also won Euro 2008.

Andres Iniesta scored the lone goal in extra time to as Spain defeated the Netherlands in another 1-0 game for the Spaniards. They became the first team in World Cup history to win the tournament after losing its opening match.

>Goalkeepers most impressive in final

Though it might not have been the quintessence of “the beautiful game,” I came away totally impressed with both goalkeepers. Spain’s Iker Casillas and Netherland’s Maarten Stekelenburg made 5 saves a piece, each seemingly better than the last.

Casillas’ leg stuffed a breakaway attempt by Arjen Robben, who seemed to determine to score the goal that would have brought Netherlands its first cup.

Stekelenburg stood strong on many set pieces and corner kicks late in the game, especially on some plays that seemed to be defensive break downs by the Dutch. Even the game winning goal, which was the result of turnover just outside the penalty box, glazed off the fingertips of the Dutch goalie and just barely tickled the net on the far post.

It might not have been the prettiest final, but let’s not take away from an unbelievable defensive effort by both men in the net.

>Xavi is good

I know it’s already been said, but Spain’s Xavi is the best soccer player we’ve (the soccer-apathetic North Americans) never paid attention to. He flies under the American fans’ radar because he’s more known for setting up goals than scoring them. I can’t recall the exact stat at this time, but the World Cup telecast for the final said that Xavi had set up 25 shots on goal, eight more than any other player.

If you’ve never paid close to attention to him, it seems like the ball turns into a heat-seeking missile off his foot and always finds a teammate. In the World Cup semifinal against Germany, it was his assist that found teammate Carles Puyol that led to 1-0 victory.

The final against Netherlands was no different, as he sent a corner that at first appeared to miss its target, only to sail over all Dutch defenders to find an uncovered Sergio Ramos. Unfortunately, Ramos’ header had a little too much on it as it sailed over the Dutch goal unchallenged.

It was also his assist to Lionel Messi that made his Spanish club team, Barcelona, champions of Europe in 2008-2009 as well. My first exposure to him came in EURO 2008, where he earned player of the tournament. Indeed, a gifted playmaker that we Americans do not see enough of.

Maybe it’s a player like Xavi is the reason we don’t appreciate the beautiful game as much as we should in the States. We can name the defensive specialists, role players, and set up men in every one of our sports. But if a soccer player isn’t scoring goals, then, well, he just isn’t standing out. Xavi is the antithesis of that American apathy towards beautiful soccer skills.

>New York Red Bulls set to sign Thierry Henry

How has this flown under the radar in the States for so long? SI.com reports that The New York Post says a press conference will be held this Thursday introducing the international soccer star. No clue on any other details, whether this is a loan by his club in Spain, Barcelona, or if he plans a Beckham-like plight to perhaps make the MLS relevant.

Either way, Henry’s arrival can be nothing but good for the MLS and American club soccer IF he can stay healthy.

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Vincenzo Pinto/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

>Group C: Slovenia wins first ever, takes control of group

If you don’t know about Slovenia’s current World Cup run, you may want to start paying attention. Slovenia won its first ever World Cup match by defeating Algeria 1-0 (only other appearance in World Cup was a winless campaign in 2002). Captain Robert Koren scored in the 79th minute in a game that saw few shots contest the goal.

After a 1-1 draw between other Group C members England and the U.S. yesterday, the Slovenians take all three points in their opening match and sole possession of the group lead. All this after an improbable qualifying round.

Playing out of the European division, UEFA, which is a grueling task in itself, Slovenia finished ahead of recent Euro 2008 qualifier Czech Republic. Slovenia was then paired with Russia for a two legged playoff in order to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Russia, with more notable players and fresh off of a semifinal trip in Euro 2008, took early leads but ultimately lost on away aggregate goals.

Now the country that formely competed with Yugoslavia before gaining independence in 1991 can possibly advance out of the group stage. The United States has to view its match with this squad Thursday as a must win. Goal differential could be the tie-breaker in this group assuming England does not lose or draw another match.

>Group D: Ghana wins first match for African nation on African soil

Ghana defeated Serbia 1-0 to log the first win for an African nation. In a match that saw plenty of Serbian opportunities in the early going, it was a Serbain blunder that led to the game winning goal. Asamoah Gyan (pictured) scored on a penalty kick in the 84th minute. The penalty was a result of a hand ball in the penalty box off of a cross.

Though there were visibly empty seats, the pulsating roar of the dominantly African crowd made it seem as though the stadium was overflowing. Ghana now sits in contention to advance to the next round as it did in its previous World Cup (2006).

>Group D: Germany unleashes its firepower, Cahill red carded

Germany dismantled Australia 4-0, surely on its way to winning the group. It took the Germans just eight minutes to register their first goal of 2010, and from there they continued to show why no one counts out the German national team in a FIFA tournament. They also did so without injured captain Michael Ballack. After several matches with few goals and more draws than even the avid soccer fan would like, Germany let open the flood gates and sent a message to other world soccer powers yet to play like Italy, Brazil, Spain and Netherlands.

Australia’s Tim Cahill, its leading scorer on this year’s team and sixth all-time scorer, received a straight red card in the 56th minute. The Australians will have to make it to the second round without their best offensive threat. Cahill’s was one in a line of questionable cards by the match’s referee.

After watching Ghana take all three points earlier against Serbia, Australia will have to at least draw with Ghana Saturday and start finding the back of the net as often as possible.

>Group C: United States still mum on Howard injury

The United States camp remains quiet on any possible injury to star-goalkeeper Tim Howard. Howard took the cleats of an English player in the torso during Saturday’s match. There is some concern that he may have broken ribs, but American manager Bob Bradley remains optimistic that Howard will take the field Friday against Slovenia.

Certainly the hopes of the U.S. advancing past the group stage rests on Howard’s shoulders after a stellar match versus world power England.

>Group B: Diego Maradona wins World Cup debut as Argentina’s manager

Heavy favorites despite some qualifying woes and a cavalcade of Argentinian players during that time, Argentina took the field with its most beloved player now at the helm. Diego Maradona’s squad did not disappoint. Argentina took to the offense early and often in their 1-0 victory over Nigeria as they managed 20 shots (7 on goal). Three of those shots on goal came from FIFA’s player of the year Lionel Messi in the first half. He had three deft touches with the left foot although all were deflected.

The lone goal, however, came in just the sixth minute. Messi’s first shot goal was deflected, which led to a corner. Defender Gabriel Heinze, left unmarked on the set piece, scored on a header in the very next sequence.

Speaking of deflections, Nigerian golakeeper Vincent Enyeama did all that he could to stop the offensive juggernaut of Argentinian scorers. It was his outstrectehd hand that stands out for Nigeria, who was otherwise out of sync until late in the game. The Nigerian offense managed 12 shots with only 1 shot on goal. Enyeama finished with 6 saves in a game that the broadcasters said could have easily been out of control without the valiant efforts of the Nigerian goalkeeper.

The story remains Maradona and his tactics towards achieving what he did as a player in 1982: win the World Cup. As previously mentioned, many of his decisions on and off the field have been questioned. Today, though, he looked energized and practically child-like in his sideline demeanor. From celebrating the quick strike to embracing his assistant coaches after the victory, one has to wonder if Maradona’s enthusiasm will spark the already super-talented Argintinian side.

Argentina will return to Group B action Thursday against South Korea. The Korean Republic looked impressive earlier in the day against Greece winning 2-0. Their offense was potent and because of goal differential, currently hold the top spot in Group B.

>Group C: US, England draw 1-1

The World Cup nightmares seemed to be happening again for the Americans. Just four minutes into the game, the United States conceded a goal to England’s Steven Gerrard.

That goal was matched later in the half by Clint Dempsey’s rather routine strike. England’s goalkeeper, Robert Green, was placed firmly in front of the ball as it approached. In his attempt to corral it, the ball hit off of his right hand and slowly slipped into the goal. In what has become the dominant storyline for England this World Cup, Fabio Capello’s decision to go with Green in goal suddenly became a catastrophe.

The first half saw plenty of opportunities for both sides. Landon Donovan had a free kick nearly converted, but the ball missed its intended target, Jozy Altidore, and careened off the head of defender Oguchi Onyewu. American manager Bob Bradley decided to start Altidore rather than hot-footed forwards like Herculez Gomez and Eddson Buddle. Altidore suffered an ankle sprain ealier in training.

The second half brought fewer opportunities but close ones to say the least. Altidore hit the post after Green deflected it. England’s Wayne Rooney took a shot at the near post off of a corner only to have the U.S.’s goalkeeper, Tim Howard, swallow it up.

Substitutions for more fire power like Peter Crouch and Eddson Buddle did nothing to produce the goal that would have won it for either side. Check out the shots on goal here.

The remaining two teams in Group C, Algeria and Slovenia, will play tomorrow. Soccer analysts seem to think that Slovenia has the best chance of stealing the second spot whom most believe should go to the Americans.

Both teams return to Group C action on Friday, with England facing Algeria and the United States playing Slovenia in what may become a must win.

Share your World Cup thoughts on ‘The Pine’ below!

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

by Patrick ‘Rey’ Reynell

Setting: On June 11, South Africa will become the first host country from the African continent. The fifth match of this 2010 edition of the World Cup will be played the following day between England and The United States of America in the northwest city of Rustenburg at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Tickets have sold quickly for this match and surely the 44,000-plus capacity stadium will be abuzz with fans from both sides. The literal buzz heard will be coming from the many, many vuvuzelas.

Exposition: The English side, affectionately known as The Three Lions, will take on the American side for the tenth time in their history. Not surprisingly, England has dominated the previous nine matches by winning seven times. And, well, there’s also that whole revolutionary thing in the eighteenth century.

Plot: Despite its affluent footballing history, England has arguably had more disappointment on the international level, although much of that could be accredited to its own lofty expectations. They failed to qualify for the 2008 UEFA European Championship. The fallout involved bringing in Italian manager Fabio Capello to turn their fortunes in time for this year’s World Cup. But with the Americans serving as the only true threat in their 2010 group, the English have to be prepping for success during the knockout rounds.

On the other hand, the U.S side almost experienced a soccer renaissance of sorts during its 2009 Confederations Cup run in South Africa. They upset current European Champions and world’s #1 Spain in the semifinals. Then they nearly pulled off another monumental upset in the championship match against perennial football power Brazil, in which the American’s led 2-0 at the half (Brazil would eventually win 3-2). The national exposure of Bob Bradley’s squad took a hit, however, when they lost to neighboring Mexico on American soil in an embarrassing 5-0 thrashing in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup final.

England should be viewing this first match as its only challenge in the group stage; if not, at least their fans see it as easy. With American ambiguity toward national soccer restored, the “Yanks” may be able to rekindle its guerrilla tactics from its founding members to sneak up once again on the Brits and pull the upset. Only this time, the stakes are not nearly quite as high as the U.S. certainly could finish atop the other two group members, Algeria and Slovenia, and advance.

Narrative Hook: As many fans of both countries know, the only time England and USA met in a game that counted was the 1950 World Cup where the world witnessed one of the biggest upsets in football history. The U.S. team defeated heavily favored England 1-0 in its second match (Joe Gaetjens, a Haitian born player for the United States, is still revered in his native country for scoring the game’s lone goal).

The Americans would go on a long drought after their 1950 appearance. Meanwhile England continued its success on the international stage thereafter, winning their lone World championship in 1966. Most recently at the 2006 World Cup, the U.S. team finished at the bottom of its group while England was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Portugal.

But trouble can often ensue when you have two teams with such a dichotomy of expectations. England’s international play is plagued by near misses and its fans have watched countries like Germany, France and Italy win both World Cups and European championships while England remains monogamous in its championship love life.

Conflict: The injury bug has bitten both sides, but perhaps more so the Americans who may be without talented striker Jozy Altidore, who suffered a mild ankle sprain and recently sat out the final friendly against Australia. Bradley has a number replacements to choose from, but few who can match the skill set of Altidore. This after another striker, Charlie Davies, broke his leg in late 2009 and subsequently left off of this World Cup roster.

England’s conflict with injury comes has not only bitten its skill but its leadership as well. English captain Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of the 2010 World Cup with a knee injury. He garners plenty of experience having participated in the last two FIFA World Cups. Steven Gerrard, an experienced England national player himself, will captain The Three Lions in Ferdinand’s absence.

England’s biggest question remains who will stand between the posts when they open up their 2010. Goal scoring threats like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Herculez Gomez, Robbie Findlay and Eddson Buddle may find confidence with indecisiveness of the English goal keeping situation. David James brings the most experience though some English fans can recall some big game blunders on his part.

The U.S. side boasts many English Premier League players, but the least of their worries is who stands in the goal. Goal keeper Tim Howard will be tested frequently by the likes of Lampard, Gerrard, Terry and Rooney.

Resolution: Don’t be fooled by what the coaches are saying; both of these teams have to be thrilled with their group draw. It would come as surprise if these two teams did not finish first and second and advance. This match will give either side the jumpstart it needs to confidently compete in the knockout rounds.

Though the U.S. has played well under Bradley and has now seen some of its youth from the past qualifying stages now gain invaluable experience outside the States, Altidore’s injury creates a void not easily replaced. Goal keeping questions aside, England comes prepared more experienced and talented throughout the pitch and should continue to thrive under Capello’s guidance. Expect no revolutionary surprises here. England takes this opening match 3-1.

AP Photo

by Patrick ‘Rey’ Reynell

A championship run can be the result of many factors effectively employed by coach and players. Some coaches are key motivators. Others, tactical savants whose genius becomes the more apparent during a golden run. But the one mitigating factor that no coach, general manager or player has control over is injury.

An injury can occur at anytime, in any form, and on the most innocuous athletic circumstance. Prevention, however, should come with some logical preparation.
Maybe the logistics of Didier Drogba’s situation is lost on an American soccer fan. This past Friday, one week from the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Ivory Coast striker suffered a broken elbow. Not in training, not in a freak accident. No – Drogba suffered the injury during a friendly match against Japan as a final warm up for the World Cup.

A friendly match, an athletic euphuism if there ever was one, may only apply to the game’s exhibition-like final result. Athletes will compete no matter the stakes. And that’s just what Japan’s Marcus Tulio Tanaka did when he came in for a challenge with his right knee soaring across the pride of the Ivory Coast. Drogba immediately grabbed his arm then winced in pain and with him, millions of Ivoronians winced as well.

The thirty-two year old remains the country’s best hope to advance out of a brutally difficult group. Ivory Coast and North Korea are expected to be looking up at the international favorites Brazil and Portugal in order to reach the knockout stage. Drogba, fresh off of another English Premier League championship and golden boot award for his twenty-nine goals, remains hopeful after surgery that he can help Les Éléphants advance on their home continent.

Considering the importance of Ivory Coast’s all-time leading scorer and the magnitude of the event, shouldn’t this situation have been handled with logistics of supply-and-demand in mind?

Why did Ivory Coast coach Sven-Göran Eriksson even allow his best offensive supply to suit up in game where the endeavor did not demand it? Though this may not be uncommon in the soccer world, it seems like from a logistical standpoint a coach would want his best player to avoid competition before a championship tournament. The Ivory Coast’s most important player suffered a possible World Cup-ending injury in a game where the supply needed to be shelved for a more important demand.

If even a mild sprain would take a couple of weeks to strengthen, then where is the necessity of playing Drogba just one week before the World Cup? It seems like the preferred style of sports preparation has become the game itself.

Though soccer is not as violent, its American counterpart, football, never plays a game outside of its season schedule and even dresses its most important position in a brightly colored jersey during practice so as to avoid any contact (Should my American brethren suggest that soccer possesses no violence in its competitions, then please take a gander during a 50-50 ball this World Cup). Logistics management in sports takes precedence because the supply chain, if not analyzed carefully, could trump a team’s value of time and player utility.

The World Cup comes around once every four years. Great players like Drogba only have a select few years of their playing careers to capitalize on their prime and compete on the world’s biggest stage. Drogba will be thirty-six for the next World Cup and his prime will remain here in 2010. And for what?

Ivory Coast ended up defeating Japan 2-0 yet at quite a cost. Perhaps if Eriksson took some time to evaluate his team’s situation, he could have shelved Drogba as a precautionary measure. A week before the country’s biggest competition, would anyone have questioned him?

Now, he must reanalyze that warehouse of talent for the Ivory Coast and figure out a way to finish second in Group G. A considerable demand for a country that just lost its best supply.

Roni Rekomaa/AP

by Rey

The often misquoted and unofficial creed of the U.S. Postal Service on the James Farley Post Office building in New York City reads:

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.

The statement encompasses the attitude of not only the postal service, but the American people in general. No barrier will impede the hardworking federal employees.

The exact same rings true for soccer and its fans. It’s no surprise that when one looks worldwide for the game of soccer, no amount of inclement weather or debilitating playing surfaces can keep the beautiful game from engaging a community, nation or continent.

The pitch consists traditionally of 115 yards by 74 yards of gorgeous green grass. There are times and places, however, that the traditional turf will simply not suffice.

The freezing weather of some areas can cause a pitch to become barren of any footwork. No worries, because “footy” fanatics can hone their skills in the confines of an indoor field. Soccer becomes a distant cousin of hockey as an elliptical enclosure of fiberglass and plywood allows the most avid of players to fancy skills in close proximity of one another.

Perhaps some soccer hearts desire both the cold and the game. Then Colorado may hold the panacea for their wintry wishes. Ice Soccer, played on a traditional hockey rink, calls soccer enthusiasts during the coldest months, and even some in the summer.

European football purists can travel to Germany for their dose of the frozen footballers. Players wear full pads like in hockey as they slide across the ice searching for adequate footing to blast a shot off the frozen field.

Summertime in any part of the world is a time for the outdoors. Most people want to find the closest beach, be it near an ocean or lake. No matter where one decides to soak in some rays, soccer always finds its way to the sandy paradises.

Beach soccer, in fact, is sanctioned by FIFA. You can catch some of the CONCACAF qualifying rounds for the Beach Soccer World Cup this summer. The games are shorter, but imagine how the legs must feel after a game on the unsymmetrical, bumpy, soft granules of the beach.

Shorter games or not, beach soccer can tire and dehydrate even the most able-bodied of footballing fanatics. No problems on the Asian continent where water soccer has become the pastime of summer frolickers.

This version can be played either on an inflatable “field” covered with a few inches of water or a stage with built-in sprinklers. This refreshing recreational adaptation will have some goalies involuntarily hydrating with every diving save.

As if water and sand does not pose enough of a maneuverable mishap, Finland decided that the pitch isn’t challenging enough if it doesn’t attempt to swallow players whole.

Created in Finland and also played in the UK, swamp soccer displays footy determination beyond any other form in the world. Bogged down in often knee deep muck, simply getting off a shot takes perseverance unknown to the professionals gracing Old Trafford and Anfield.

Since 1997, competitive teams from all over the world have been strengthening their leg muscles in the Swamp Soccer World Championship. Teams creatively pay homage to their soccer ancestors with team names such as Real Mudrid and Mudchesthair United. The marshy mayhem plays every year with a men’s and mixed champion.

No matter the season, geography, conditions or surface, the world’s most popular sport plays on. Just like the devoted mailmen and women of America, soccer finds its way into the competitive hearts of players and fans alike.

So next time you peer onto a baseball diamond or outdoor basketball court on a rainy, snowy or putridly hot day, just think—somewhere, somehow, people have brought out the soccer ball and started a friendly gathering to enjoy the game they love.

>Carlo Ancelotti newest Chelsea manager, already seeing transfer strain of EPL financial woes

Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti left AC Milan to become the most recent manager at Stamford Bridge. This is Chelsea’s fifth manager since hiring Jose Mourinho away from FC Porto in 2004.

While Mourinho brought the club two Premier League titles and many other trophies, none after him were able to do the same until this past FA Cup victory. Roman Abramovich, Chelsea’s owner, has longed for the manager that can handle the throng of superstars since Mourinho’s departure. His hasty hiring and firing practices has led him now to Ancelotti.

Ancelotti has already felt the financial strain of the Premier League. He wishes to sign a major player to help change the identity of the Blues, but realizes that might not be possible without a sale of his own. Surprisingly, Much has been said about captain John Terry’s possible sale.

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe

Some even suggests that the sale of Terry may be the financial gain they need to change the identity of the team to Ancoletti’s liking. Crazy to think of Terry in anything other than Chelsea blue. If Terry or Chelsea actually go through with such a move, one has to question the loyalty in sports today as Terry seems to be of the character of said trait.

Speaking of John Terry…

> Manchester City pulling its best Real Madrid impression, sign Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor

While other clubs have felt the strain of worldwide economic woes, big spending Real Madrid and Manchester City have thrown any financial caution to the wind and have spent. The team making the most headlines this summer in Manchester is not the one you would think.

Manchester City has signed Carlos Tevez away from neighboring Manchester United as well as Arsenal’s Emmanuel Adebayor. City has plenty of fire power and have to be considered a huge threat for the top four positions and Champions League and possibly even the Premier League title.

It’s looking more and more like they won’t get their English star in Terry, as Chelsea have already rejected two offers in the realm of 30 million pounds. Regardless, City have added expensive players like Robinho, Tevez, and now Adebayor. The battle for Manchester may augment itself and become the battle for the Premier League.

>Seattle Sounders drawing consistent crowds, currently sit second in MLS standings in first year

How many people attend an MLS game? I can’t tell you the average across the league, but I bet Seattle’s franchise can debunk your prejudices concerning MLS attendance. For their home games in 2009, they currently average 29,983. Yes, I typed that correctly. In fact, they exceeded 31,000 on three occasions, two of which have been their last two home games. I have plenty of questions.

Should I be surprised? Something tells me that their attendance will drop dramatically after this inaugural season. I have mentioned before that I am a big fan of the Philadelphia franchise building its stadium in Chester, PA. There will be much more of a demand there. But I don’t know if interest in the MLS can be sustained like it is in Seattle.

It might also help that the Sounders, who formerly played in the USL divisions, are one of the league’s best teams. They only trail Houston in terms of standings, attaining 28 points with a 7-3-7 record. Their goal differential is also tops in the leagues along with Houston at +10.

They aren’t without their noticeable players either. Former U.S. national team goalkeeper and Fulham goalkeeper Kasey Keller plays in the net. The Washington state native has recorded five clean sheets so far.

Forward Fredy Montero leads the team with 9 goals and 6 assists. The twenty-one year old Colombian, who celebrates his twenty-second birthday this coming Sunday, is fun to watch. He has skills to become a great player and not just in the MLS. He was very popular in playing in his native country and has four caps for the Colombian national team.

But here is the key for the MLS: can they hang on to a young star like Montero? They’ve lost Jozy Altidore, Maurice Edu, and many others to European transfers. As far as Seattle, it seems to be a beakon of hope as far as soccer interest. European clubs have made many a summer trips to the city because they know there is a demand there. Chelsea returned for a friendly against the Sounders this past Saturday and I think Real Madrid was there a couple of years ago.

You can see Montero’s ability to settle the ball and find the back of the net here. His debut in the MLS where he scored 2 goals and had an assist against New York below. An amazing player.

Got any soccer news or comments? Take a seat on the bench and let your ‘pickins’ be heard.

>Landon Donovan and David Beckham exchange words; MLS could use the publicity

Six months away playing for one of Europe’s elite teams, David Beckham made his return to the Los Angeles Galaxy for practices earlier this week. His return did not come without media attention thanks to teammate Landon Donvan. Apparently Donovan bashed the beloved international star in an upcoming book questioning Beckham’s commitment among other things.

Here’s a rundown of what Donovan said in the book:

The Galaxy currently find themselves out of a playoff spot and could use the savvy play of Beckham. Still, MLS officials have to be happy about the timing of this story. Beckham returning was not nearly as big a story in America as his initial arrival, and even that subsided after less than a week.

Photo by Toby Canham/Getty Images

One of America’s best players calling out what was once one of the world’s best players? Publicity gold! Playoffs or not, this should cause more than expected to pay attention to Beckham’s return. Beckham, who still says he will honor his five-year contract with the Galaxy, will return to play tonight against New York. Seems as though his time spent with AC Milan has the thirty year old midfielder in top form and impressing Galaxy teammates.

The spat with Donovan, according to Beckham, has now been resolved. This is nothing new to the American sports frontier. In fact, this might be Donovan’s way of challenging Beckham to see his vision of improving the MLS through. Many MLS faithful were displeased when the Galaxy agreed to loan him to Italian power, AC Milan, which meant Beckham would miss most of the first half of this season.

>South African workers spent past week striking, will resume work on 2010 World Cup facilities Thursday

Workers in South Africa spent this past week on strike for wage increases. The Washington Post reported that some workers were earning as little as $1.50 an hour and an average of about $200 a month.

Here’s a brief rundown of the wage dispute:

The striking workers could have caused a delay in the reported December deadline of all World Cup facilities. Some officials even worried early on that the strike could push back the start of the World Cup in June 2010.

The workers agreed to a slightly less wage increase (1 percent less than what they were seeking) and were expected to resume construction today.

This issue has done nothing than bring more international attention to the dire situations in one of African’s more affluent countries. Violence ensued earlier in the week, which has to be World Cup promoters worst nightmare.

>Can the 2010 World Cup have a lasting impact on host South Africa?

Additionally to the strike, the selection of South Africa as the first African country to even host the World Cup is not without its critics. Some believe hosting the World Cup will do little to shed light on the economic woes of African nations. One has to ask: is it FIFA’s concern what happens to a host city after one of its major tournaments leaves?

I’m more ignorant to the problems there than anyone else, but I can’t imagine that hosting the World Cup would hurt the nation in any way. It isn’t FIFA’s job to save it from any of its problems; certainly by choosing South Africa to host allows officials to shed some light on what is plaguing nations there and how the world can help.

For one, the facilities look as though they will be top-notch. This has to give South Africa the edge in hosting other international tournaments, soccer or not, in the near future. Cricket is very popular as is rugby.

If the World Cup goes off without a hitch, why wouldn’t this happen? More tournaments means more jobs for stadium workers, hotels, food services, transportation and so on. It may not be the answer, but certainly FIFA envisioned this by selecting South Africa.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Outside the Lines investigated just what the conditions are for some of the poorest South African residents.

Most powerful line from the piece with Bob Ley comes from a young South African man who realizes that it will be life after the World Cup that truly matters to South Africans:

“The money coming in is just to make the streets look better so that the stadium look good for people to say it looks like Germany over here. But actually we’re not eating like Germans, we’re not.” Tells it like it is.

Got some soccer news or comments from around the globe? Take a seat on the bench and let your ‘pickins’ be heard.

The 2009 FA Cup, to be played on Saturday May 30 at Wembley Stadium in London, pits a battle of the Blues, Chelsea and Everton. Each makes its return to the final game since its last FA championship.

Chelsea returns after a one year absence from its 2007 win over Manchester United. Everton returns to the FA Cup final for the first time since its 1995 championship also against the Red Devils. This is also Everton’s last major trophy. In fact, Toffees have not been to a final since.

Chelsea, on the other hand, has experienced a bit more success since 1995. They’ve won the FA Cup three times (1997, 2000, 2007 only prior final victory was 1970). The London club of course won back-to-back Premier League titles between 2004 and 2006 (ending a fifty year drought) and also reached its first Champions League final in 2008 losing to Manchester United.

Ironically, Chelsea has experienced most of the club’s success as it juggled several managers. Everton have had five managers since its 1995 FA Cup win, but have remained with current Scottish manager David Moyes since 2002.

Moyes and Everton have only qualified for Champions League once, when they finished fourth in the Premier League in 2004-2005. Consistency has not reigned at Goodison Park as Toffees have qualified for Europe and narrowly avoided relegation since the arrival of Moyes.

Chelsea will certainly double Everton’s number of managers since 1995 when current manager, Guus Hiddink, leaves the club. Claudio Ranieri experienced the longest stint with the club between 2000 and 2004.

Regardless, these two sides carry with them expectations, whether old or new, that will certainly reach an apex this Saturday.

Two sides, both who see the world through blue eyes, vow for the prestige of England’s most famous crown.

Two sides, one with a history as rich as any other club in England without much recent success in championships; the other who’s had more success in this decade than perhaps all its others combined and wish the reach that pinnacle yet again.

Two sides that view this cup as a very different statement; one for a vision come to fruition after a acquiring a coveted manager and his record signings; the other who is desperately trying to maintain its status as one of Europe’s elite clubs.

For these two sides, Saturday serves more than just a trophy presentation at the center of the pitch with thousands of its most loyal fans cheering and exulting with them. Chelsea’s Frank Lampard said that it is important for the direction of Chelsea, with its vast array of international players considered to be top in the world, to not have two seasons in a row without a trophy celebration.

Surely some Everton fans would love to be faced with the same demands at the moment. They haven’t sipped from the chalice of champions in quite some time, though their prosperous English history boasts ten league championships (one in second division) and five FA cups.

More importantly for Everton are the what seem to be cosmic signs. They’ve had the toughest road to the final, defeating Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester United to reach it. They’ve become a little more consistent the past couple of seasons, qualifying for Europe and remaining on the fringe of the top four.

Although with consistency come greater expectations, and it won’t be too much longer that even Everton fans become a little critical of beloved David Moyes and the void of silverware during his reign.

Just the same, lofty expectations forever replaced fallow ones when Jose Mourinho guided Chelsea to Premier League Championships and the Blues of London became a guaranteed fixture in the latter stages of Champions League.

Saturday’s endeavor will be a crossroad of expectations. A win for Everton will cleanse the palate at Goodison Park until next season, then wants will transform into needs.

Stamford Bridge will search for a new manager, but the fact of the matter is the core of players and talent have remained much the same. Saturday can be a day of vindicated summer signings and managerial jugglings, or it can turn into a brooding of misfortunes and shortcomings.

The songs will echo Saturday from Wembley Stadium, surely all extolling the rich blue that both teams adorn. Whether it is Everton’s fans belting out “Onward Evertonians /Onward for to see / See the Royal twin towers / And Royal Wem-ber-ley” or Chelsea’s fans singing “Flying high, up in the sky, / We’ll keep the blue flag flying high / From Stamford Bridge to Wemb(er)ley / We’ll keep the blue flag flying high,” the songs will encase with them a pride that only the FA Cup can strengthen.

No, Saturday isn’t the most important game for Chelsea and Everton – it’s now the only game, and one fans will use to fuel the plight of another decade full of tradition and hopefully championships.

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Football fans, January and February probably seems like heaven. The BCS bowls and National Championship followed by the pinnacle of the pigskin: The Super Bowl.

Maybe you’re a baseball fan. The best times of year are certainly book ends for you. Many try to suppress elation when pitchers and catchers report, but most find their pastime bliss in October and early November.

Basketball and hockey fans seem to have an eternity of a season. Ask most and you’ll certainly here about June.

For me, none qualify as the best time in sports. As the title states, the best time of year is the end of May. Not because the English Premier League will be crowning a champion, but due rather to the battle at the other end of the table: the fight against relegation.

For those unfamiliar with relegation in soccer, allow me for a moment, soccer connoisseurs, to explain to those novices like me reading.

Take all levels of professional baseball for example: A, AA, AAA, and the Major League. Eliminate the whole farm system affiliations and make each team its own business entity that can hire and fire as it pleases.

The EPL replicates this idea with the Premier League (Majors), League Championship (AAA), League 1 (AA)and League 2 (A). The only difference is the top three teams get promoted at season’s end, and the bottom three teams get relegated.

So based on last season, The Washington Nationals, Seattle Mariners, and San Diego Padres would be competing this season in AAA. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, Louisville Bats, and Pawtucket Red Sox, all of the International League, would be playing Major League baseball in 2009.

Think of how that might change professional sports in America.

Even though I’m a basketball guy, the last few weeks of May present to us something quite unique in sports.

The majority of sports fans are average Joes, but more times than not, professional sports is a tale of nobility. The biggest, strongest, richest, and athletically gifted win the championships. Players who could not be further from who we are or the roles we have in society prevail while the ordinary begin reciting the infamous sports maxim, “there’s always next year.”

Sure we want our favorite teams to win, but since that is rarely the case, we often look for an underdog. Why? Because the underdog represents us.

Why do you think the best story come March is a Cinderella team? It’s a reflection of who we are.

Every season, The bottom the EPL becomes a perfect microcosm of middle-class America. The CEOs, like Manchester United, continually challenge for the top spot while the average employee, such as Sunderland, just wants to survive another day with the company.

The rich prosper and bask in the glory of championships and trophies. Meanwhile, the peons like me struggle to make ends meet month-to-month and are left only with delusions of grandeur.

American sports are unrealistic. If a team fails miserably, there’s no consequences. In fact, fail bad enough, and teams get rewarded with picking the new hot shot player for next season.

Not in the EPL. Finish in the bottom three and it’s a punishment. Moreover, teams won’t be bidding on top players; they’ll struggle to keep those who are good enough to be loaned to Premier league team. That’s more representative of life.

Time and again we see smaller clubs fighting for their Premiership lives by the end of May. Big clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea may feel dejected if they don’t win a championship, but smaller clubs, like Fulham last season, feel uninhibited respite when they narrowly avoid being relegated.

The joy of fans’ faces as the referee blows the final whistle exudes a feeling not often seen in sports: the feeling of accepted mediocrity only relative to those bidding adieu to the topflight football.

West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough, Hull City, Newcastle United, Sunderland, and Portsmouth will all be playing for the Premiership lives in the final two weeks of the 2008-2009 season.

Their respective matches are sure to be entertaining and hard fought. Fans will either sob for their club’s demise, or, for those lucky clubs who narrowly avoid the bottom three, revel in the fact that for another season, even if by only an inch, they can say that they’re competing with the best.

I’m a little guy. I love my teams, but they aren’t me; they suffer no consequences if they tank a season.

So you can have your NBA Finals, Stanley Cup, and game sevens. Take your Super Bowl Sunday and Mr. Octobers. Every year, I can’t wait for the end of May to watch the purest form of sport on display in any professional league.

Where teams are playing at their highest level until the very end. Where fans are more than proud to finish seventeenth. Where the common man takes center stage and plays with more heart and grit than a jaded, inflated payroll ever could.