It is no coincidence to me that Lionel Messi (above) has garnered the reputation in Argentina and Europe as the "next Diego Maradona." It is easy to see the comparisons because of the amazing attacking runs, the sharp crosses, the clinical finishes... and the way he cheats? That's right. The next great Argentinian player has not fallen far from the tree, as clearly evidenced by the above picture. With Barcelona tied with Real Madrid for the lead in the Spanish la Liga, Messi's goal using his hand could very well save the championship for Barcelona. I have never rooted for Real Madrid before in my life, but next weekend I will be. Barcelona deserves no part of the league title because of this goal. While fate did step in and level the playing field (Barcelona conceded a late goal and only earned a tie), they should have lost the game and be a point behind Madrid, not merely level.
All that said, I believe this is an instance where league offices need to step in and hand out suspensions. If Messi had been caught by the referee it would have easily been a yellow card, if not a red card. How Messi was not caught by the referee or the linesman is a whole different story. It is sad that one of the youngest and brightest stars of the game has said that the goal he scored with his hand is just how the game of soccer plays out sometimes. While soccer does play out that way, it is still cheating. Let's just hope Messi doesn't pull another Maradona (either in skill or in thievery) against the USA later this month at the Copa America.
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FC Dallas' Kenny Cooper is out for six to eight weeks with a broken tibia after the 89th-minute foul committed by Tyrone Marshall of the Los Angeles Galaxy. Cooper, a second-half sub, is a regular starter for the Hoops and his absence will certainly have an effect on Dallas' offensive abilities, especially with Carlos Ruiz on duty for Guatemala. The real issue here is what the league office of the MLS will do. Marshall was given a straight red card by the referee so he will serve at least one game of suspension, but should he serve more? With the MLS seeking to bring in big name superstars to bolster attendance, shouldn't they be concerned by the reckless nature of many of the league's players? Yes, there is certainly "hustle" in the MLS, but is it hustle when players are getting knocked out months at a time. What would the MLS do if, for instance, David Beckham was rashly fouled by a frustrated defender late in a game that was already decided? The MLS needs to set a precedence now that fouls of the nature which has put Cooper on the shelf for two months are fouls that will bring lengthy suspensions.
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Odds and Ends:
- The United States takes the field tomorrow night for the final game of the group stage in the Gold Cup. The Stars-and-Stripes will take on El Salvador in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Landon Donovan stated that the US won't be taking the game lightly, even though they have qualified for the knockout phase already. If nothing else, the team needs to focus on finishing its opportunities and a third straight shut-out wouldn't look so bad either. Be sure to tune in tomorrow night on FSC or Telefutura for the 7pm start.
- Even though the tournament has never received its deserved press or marketing, the 2007 Lamar Hunt United States Open Cup kicks off tomorrow evening. With all the qualification rounds completed, teams from all over the country will be vying for the ultimate Cup in United States soccer. Amatuers, semi-professional, and professional teams take part in the tournament, and the MLS teams won't join in until several rounds into the competition (very similar to the English FA Cup). The USL is doing its best to get the word out as they are streaming three free broadcasts from their video site. Check out any of these games to see some quality soccer being played by amateurs and semi-pro's alike:
Central Florida Kraze (PDL) at Charleston Battery (USL1) 730 PM
RWB Adria (USASA) at Carolina Railhawks (USL1) 730 PM
Long Island Rough Riders (PDL) at Rochester Raging Rhinos (USL1) 735 PM
