You hear stories now and then about soccer bringing nations together and ending civil wars. It was a topic that inspired ESPN’s 2006 World Cup promos, narrated by Bono, that reminded us that “a simple game” can change the world. As crazy as it sounds, it’s true–and it recently happened again this past spring when Didier Grogba led his Ivory Coast side against Madagascar in a 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in his country’s war torn city of Bouake.
Vanity Fair writer Austin Merrill was there for the game and put together one of the best accounts of the power of soccer I’ve read in some time. Didier Drogba, a mere soccer player, has become a national hero in his native land and, for one day, was the single most important figure to help reunite his country which has been destroyed by civil war.
The Young Americans fell to the Young Austrians in the quarter finals of U-20 World Cup yesterday, 2-1.
It was a great match and a lot of credit has to go to the Austrians who played their best game of the tournament. Their tenacity led to the winning goal in the 105th minute when Erwin Hoffer, subbed in only 3 minutes prior, threw his legs behind a ball that was slowly trickling towards the American’s goal line. It wasn’t pretty but it ended up being the game winner.
Despite the early exit, the U.S. team has a lot to be proud of. Let’s not forget they beat Brazil in the group stage, 2-1.
And the upcoming talent looks incredibly promising. Freddy Adu, Jozy Altidore, and Michael Bradley can straight up play and deserve to be up with the senior team ASAP. Personally, I’m curious to see how the Adu/Atidore combo works with the big boys because it appears that they have some real chemistry together. Freddy’s cross that led to Jozy’s first goal was pure class. Altidore, as far as I’m concerned is the best American striker playing in the red, white and blue right now.
C’mon, Coach Bradley, put him in and let’s see what this kid can do!
