The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

What a week it has been already in the footballing universe. Big results in midweek Champions League and EPL action, stunning developments surrounding the future of US soccer, and of course, far too many ugly incidences on and off the field. Think of this as a quick review of the week that has been.

The Good

I would be labeled a narrow-minded gushing Newcastle supporter if I started this section by praising them for a dramatic come-from-behind victory on Wednesday night at St. James' Park, so I'll first mention even a neutral observer would have been wildly entertained by the Magpie's battle with visiting Reading.

In a match that certainly did contain good, bad, and ugly elements, Glen Roeder's men showed impressive resolve to storm back to win after a trademark quick collapse, this time despite taking an early lead.

Goal-scoring hero (that's just scary) Antoine Sibierski gave the home side the lead with a simple headed finish from a Nol Solano cross in the 23rd minute. James Harper grabbed two quick goals before the break in demoralizing fashion. A wicked rebound on a partially blocked shot left 'keeper Shay Given with no chance on the first, and a bit of sloppy play allowed Harper to uncork the second not long after. Worst of all, however, was the jig Harper did with someone on the Royals coaching staff after the first goal. Thankfully, this is not as of yet available on youtube.

Second half strikes from Martins and Emre brought the Toon all the way back, got them a much needed three points, and saw them leapfrog to the astounding heights of 15th in the Premiership table. It didn't look to be their day before those strikes as Celestine Babayaro was being jeered by the home supporters and Sibierski had a second clear goal wiped away for no reason.

The Other Good

For most fans here in the States, the Champions League coverage this week featured the Barcelona/Bremen and the Man U/Benfica matches. The first twenty minutes of the match at the Nou Camp was certainly bad, ugly, and terrifying for Werder Bremen fans, but boy did they make Barca look good. The defending champs were all over the German side from the outset and were relentless in their quick strikes. Only blown chances prevented this match from being truly lopsided, but the field of 16 should be on notice: the champs aren't going anywhere quietly.

As for yesterday's match at Old Trafford, I would have to describe the first half of that match as the most entertaining I've seen in quite some time. Benfica needed a win on the road, Manchester only needed a draw, which you would think would lead to a rather defensive approach from the Red Devils unless they somehow found themselves behind. That's exactly what happened on Benfica's first shot on net in the 27th minute. Manchester had dominated possession up to that point and were hurt on a quick counter attack. Nelson's strike was a thing of absolute beauty. Forced to chase the game at that point, Sir Alex's boys were relentless in their pursuit of an equalizer. It came just before the stroke of halftime on a powerful header from Vidic. In the second half, United's pressure quickly tipped the balance of the game in their favor, but it was a truly exciting match in that opening 45 minutes.

The Bad

Bob Bradley?

Are you kidding me? What's going to become of Chivas USA? Please tell me he will maintain control of the Goats, for God's sake!

OK, maybe that isn't the real reason I am not very excited about Bob Bradley being named the next US men's national team coach. As opined here and half the known universe, Juergen Klinsmann was the ideal candidate for this job. It was reported earlier this week that he had accepted the position, then word came out that no deal was done just yet, and now finally today he released a statement stating that he will not be taking the job.

Well, crap.

The second best we've got is Bob "My Mission in Life is to Coach Every Team in MLS" Bradley? What happened to Jose Peckerman? Carlos Queiroz and Gerard Houllier? Mia Hamm?

That last one might not have been circulated as much, but she was my idea. I know she is busy these days, what with carrying our first child and all, but I digress (oh right Nomar, you think she's got nothing to do with you on those road trips?).

The only thing I can hope for is that this interim position will only last as long as it takes for Juergen or someone else with some clout, to get on board in 2008 at the latest to have the team ready for the World Cup in South Africa. I just hope it won't already be too late. Hopefully Gulati and the rest of the US Soccer Federation took enough notes on what Juergen would do and can pass out red, white, and blue wristbands with WWJD written on them to keep the organization moving in a positive direction.

Still, a bad day for US Soccer.

The Ugly

The ugly portion of this week comes from reports of violent incidents across Europe. There was the bruhaha between Spurs and Middlesbrough players on Tuesday night resulting in red cards and possible disciplinary sanctions against both clubs, a former Man United player stabbed nearly to death in a bar, and the disturbing (if not particularly well-written) piece on the state of Italian football appearing on ESPN.com this week.

Clearly, not all is right in the world. All the more reason to bring back what is good, pure, and beautiful in the game we all love.

And that is exactly why Mia Hamm should be the next coach of the US men's international team.

Pics courtesy of hanscomfamily.com, intheknow.co.uk, soccernet.com, hooligan.epp6.com