Among the great pleasures of being part of the PCA Movement is connection to so many like-minded people. One of those is Alex Kos (right), whose soccer background includes playing, youth coaching and training, entrepreneurship, and his blog, Improving Soccer in the United States.
In addition to blogging for PCA, Alex is conducting World Cup East Bay 2010,
a World Cup-themed soccer event for players and fans of all ages. Held at Northern California's Antioch Indoor Sports Center, the event comprises live World Cup game viewing, youth Futsal tournaments, soccer instruction, and quizzes tied to countries competing for the Cup and world geography.
We hope you enjoy, learn from and comment on his writing below.
Friday, June 11
The disallowed Mexico goal off the corner in the first half was absolutely the right call. It was a very unusual situation given that the last defender was not the goalkeeper, which confused the fans and comentators alike. It goes to show that referees know what they are doing. However, at too many youth matches, too many fans would have you convinced that they are the true experts and that the referees are incompetent.
Saturday, June 12
Greece is ranked 11th and South Korea 49th, but South Korea dominated. The lesson learned is that on any given day, any team can beat another. Players and coaches should never take a team lightly. Always prepare as if your next opponent is the best opponent you have every played.
Argentina and especially Messi had a great game against Nigeria. But the final was only 1-0, and Messi did not figure in the scoring. Players and coaches get hung up on goals. However, the number of chances Messi created and the difficulty he presented to Nigeria was immense. It is important for youth coaches to recognize good defense, goalkeeping, assists, and hustle, as much if not more than goals. A goal is simply the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae. A lot more goes into a sundae than just the cherry.
The most notable aspect about England's goalie gaffe against the U.S.: you have to forget mistakes as quickly as possible and move on. Robert Green did exactly that based on his post-game comments.
I have mixed feelings about professional goalkeepers. Many of them are terrible teammates, always yelling at their defenders. The defenders know when they make mistakes. They don't need the goalkeeper to compound the situation.
When Green made his mistake, only one player made any kind of gesture. John Terry gestured to keep his 'chin up.' It would have been nice to see more players console the goalkeeper. We all make mistakes and with over half a game left to play, the team was still going to need him. Youth players and coaches are much better at consoling each other.
Wednesday, June 16
It was great seeing the emotion on the North Korean players before the start of their game against Brazil. When I was young, I slept in my uniform before each game because I was so excited. I don't see or hear much of that excitement these days. Perhaps, that is because so much is organized and choreographed, with so little free play, where kids simply play on their own. Or, maybe it's because kids have so many activities that few strike them as exciting or unique.
Saturday, June 19
One thing no one has mentioned about Landon Donovan's goal against Slovenia: Four years ago against Italy, he was presented with almost an identical situation. However, instead of dribbling toward goal, he dribbled toward the sideline for a cross. This year, he showed he had learned from his previous experience.
One thing I always like to ask youth players during a teachable moment is, "what else could you have done?" By engaging them in conversation and having them figure out alternative solutions on their own, their answers will stick and stay with them longer.
Monday, June 21
I think it is safe to say that almost all young athletes want to play professional sports, and if given the opportunity, represent their country. I always thought that would be cool. I would have a blast, wouldn't I?
Maybe not. The French are not. The controversy swirling around their team seems to have sucked a lot of the fun out of the game. Soccer is still just a game. And boy, if I am advocating that professionals should be having more fun, then certainly youth players should be having tons of fun.
Wednesday, June 23
AAMMMMAAAAZZZZIIIINNNNNGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If the U.S. vs. Algeria did not get your pulse racing, nothing will.
What I liked most about Landon Donovan’s goal was that he did not stop running after he passed the ball to Jozy Altidore. Oftentimes, even at the professional level, players end up spectating and then react instead of anticipating their next move. Donovan anticipated the goalkeeper’s save and was in position to score the goal that ensured his team advanced to the knockout stage.
Congratulations U-S-A!
--Alex Kos
Posted by David Jacobson at 06/23/2010 03:54:03 PM |
Enjoying the World cup till now. Though the performance of all of the big team was not well and lots of crucial mistakes by referees.
Posted by: Five a side Soccer leagues ( Email: | Visit ) at 7/8/2010 1:34 AM
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Youth do often dream of representing their nation someday in the sports they enjoy playing. We have a kids' sports and activities magazine and I'd love to talk with you about a future article on <a href=http://www.activealex.com>youth soccer in North Carolina </a>.
Posted by: Sarah ( Email: ) at 7/23/2010 11:43 AM
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