Sports: Soccer

Washington Post soccer writer Steven Goff was online Wednesday, June 7, at noon ET to chat about the World Cup.

Blog: World Cup Journal

The transcript follows.

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Steven Goff: Guten Tag, greetings from Hamburg, Germany!

Before we get started, let me just say how wonderful this city is. (No, the chamber of commerce has not paid me to say that) If you are ever in Germany or northern Europe, stop here for a few days. It's a gem...

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Washington, D.C.: Thank you, thank you for the pull out World Cup section in the newspaper today! For this newbie World Cup fan, it's exactly the kind of information needed to fill in the blanks. Great job, Washington Post!!

washingtonpost.com:

Post Coverage Online: World Cup 2006

Steven Goff: You are quite welcome. Much credit should be given to soccer blogger/futbol editor Jon DeNunzio and designer Greg Manifold for putting it altogether. Jon is probably beaming at the moment, but when injury-riddled Italy gets stuck with a tie against Ghana, his mood will change.

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Rockville, Md.: Hi Steven--I keep seeing on TV players with a certain number of 'caps.' What are the 'caps' referring to, and how do players attain them? Thanks.

Steven Goff: A 'cap' is soccer slang for a national team appearance in an official international match. As a guide, a player who reaches 100 caps has had a heck of a career.

Don't ask me the origin of that term. It's an English or Scottish thing, I believe. Anyone?

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Harrisburg, Pa.: Now that a country in the World Cup, Serbia-Montenegro, has broken into two separate countries, does this have any affect on the team?

Steven Goff: No, it does not. The "team" is still Serbia and Montenegro, even if the country is not. I believe two of their players hail from Montenegro.

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Baltimore, Md.: Guten Tag, Herr Goff.

Hard to imagine.. just 5 days to kick-off. Are you able to distance yourself from your reporting duties and be a passionate US team fan, or is that frowned upon ?

Steven Goff: I am a fan of nothing -- except a game that ends on time, is reasonably competitive and has a bit of drama and flair. Otherwise, I could care less who wins.

If I feel myself cheering for a team, I shouldn't be here.

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Arlington, Va.: Did I read correctly in a Post graphic yesterday on the last page of the sports section that the U.S. soccer team is ranked 5th in the world? How did this happen?

washingtonpost.com: Graphic: Around the World Cup: A Key to the Contenders

Steven Goff: TIED for fifth. Don't give them too much credit.

Yes, that is correct. But please PAY NO ATTENTION to the FIFA world rankings. They are a joke. Everyone agrees. FIFA's convoluted system of past results, World Cup performances, etc. makes no sense. Thus, the USA is tied for fifth.

In reality, they should be ranked in the lower teens, IMO.

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Washington, D.C.: What impact will the Juventas scandal have on the World Cup tournament? Is this merely a distraction for a few players or does it have the potential to get some of them dropped from the tournament?

Steven Goff: I don't believe it will cause any personnel changes, but it's certainly on the players' minds. My Post colleague Camille Powell is headed to Italy camp in Duisburg this week, I believe.

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Westport, Conn.: Steve,

What does the US have to do to tie or beat the Czech Republic? Besides Koller, Nedved and Baros, who are the Czech Republic's dangerous players?

Regards, Tim

Steven Goff: The Czech playmaker is Tomas Rosicky, who recently joined Arsenal. Goalkeeper Petr Cech is one of the best in the world.

Steven Goff: The Czech playmaker is Tomas Rosicky, who recently joined Arsenal. Goalkeeper Petr Cech is one of the best in the world.

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Fairfax, Va.: Any fallout from Beasley's complaints about not knowing the starting lineup against the Czech's?

Steven Goff: I'm sure the coaches -- who do read the stories being written about them via that Internet thing -- had a little chat with him.

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Herndon, Va.: The security surrounding the US team sounds pretty daunting. Is it all German police, or is there a US security team also protecting the players?

Steven Goff: There is a lot of personnel involved, but it doesn't seem as intimidating as in Korea (when the WC took place so soon after 9/11).

It's a challenge for the security forces because the team is based in a large warehouse-type building with stores on the ground level and pedestrians and vehicles everywhere.

Indeed, there are American security folks here. State Department, I believe?

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Annandale, Va.: Steven--great work this year(as usual) by you and I'm looking forward to your comments from Germany the next 30+ days. Two issues for you to address...

1. The recent public comments from DeMarcus Beasley about not knowing his status for the openner. What gives? Seems to me that "the Bruce" always plays his starting lineups close to the vest and that DMB's irritation at this point seems to imply that he fears he won't start. Your take on this?

2. Nowak's recent comments after the New England match about "bullying us won't work"--usually coaches just whine about the refs (rather than taunt teams for a tactic that won't work). Do you see a strategy behind Nowak's comments? Is this a clever way to milk the referees' support or is it just a heat of the moment response by Nowak?

Steven Goff: Great questions!

Beasley was speaking his mind -- he feels it's in the players' best interests to know farther in advance whether they are starting. But certainly Beasley's status is not as certain as it was, say, last year. I do think he will start, but I've got a feeling it will be on the right.

I loved that Peter quote! That is SO Nowak. Teams are trying to mess with DCU and it just isn't working. He doesn't back down to anyone, even with his postgame comments.

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15th and L, Washington, D.C.: DeNunzio here ... I hate to say it Steve, but I have begun to expect the worst for Italy. A tie (or loss) vs. Ghana will not surprise me. I think the scandal will distract them, the injuries (Zambrotta and Nesta) could really mess things up on defense, and as we have said all along, Group E is darn tough. Oh yeah, and I have little faith that Totti is healthy enough to make a difference. Agree?

Steven Goff: Who is this DeNunzio character??

Police, escort him out of my chat room!!!

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Reston, Va.: Petr Cech doesn't impress me. Some undrafted MLS kid from Florida beat him pretty cleanly last summer......

Steven Goff: That would be DC United's Bobby Boswell, ay?

:-)

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Sobering Stat: Hey Steve,

Wow. So according to the World Cup insert in today's WaPo, less than 5% of the teams that lose their first match in group play make it to the next round. So, getting a win or draw against the Czech Rep. is paramount. How many goals do you see the MNT scoring in the 3 games within its group? I predict only 2. 1 against the Czech Rep. and 1 against Ghana. Zilch against the Italians.

Steven Goff: Less than 5 percent in, I believe, the previous two World Cups. So, yes, it is vital that the Americans win or tie against the Czechs. If they lose, they are going to need to at least tie Italy -- not an easy feat. Even if they do that, Ghana is no pushover, despite its inexperience in the Cup.

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Spotsylvania, Va.: Thought it was interesting to see some of the comments by Beasley and Eddie johnson this week. Looks like they might have their own agendas in Germany. Have you seen any signs of this, or is this the tight group that we've come to expect from Bruce Arena teams?

Steven Goff: It's a very tight group, but some players are bound to be upset when they're not selected to start. Whether they start or not, Beasley and Johnson will play prominent roles. Keep in mind that the U.S. starting lineup will very likely change from game to game depending on the opponent, injuries and other circumstances.

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Fredericksburg, Va.: Who's your sleeper team for the Cup?

Steven Goff: I don't think there are any sleepers to WIN the World Cup, but certainly some darkhorses to reach the later stages: Ukraine, USA, Czech Republic, Sweden...

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Richmond, Va.: I know you're in the middle of World Cup fever, Steve, but I was wondering if you had spoken to either Landon or Albright about the coaching change in L.A. and what they think about it?

Steven Goff: No, I have not had a chance to do that. For those of you who haven't heard, Steve Sampson was fired as LA Galaxy coach last night. Frank Yallop, the Canadian national team coach who guided San Jose to MLS supremacy (and a former DCU assistant), is the replacement.

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Annandale, Va.: Can we expect to see photo packages, audio and video from Post reporters/photographers on the Post's Web site. I think this is an event--because of time differences, etc.--that begs for strong online coverage.

washingtonpost.com: Post Coverage Online: World Cup 2006

Steven Goff: You bet...

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Washington D.C.: Do you think that the United States soccer team can beat Ghana

Steven Goff: Yes. Will they? We will see. That is the third game for both teams, so it will be interesting to see what is at stake.

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Arlington, Va.: This is the first World Cup that I am actually paying attention to, though I'm not sure why. I think because I have been watching more soccer on TV because more soccer has been on TV. That being said: Is Wayne Rooney over-rated? Every time I listen to any UK radio station on the 'net, it's Wayne Rooney vigil time! Can England do well without him?

Steven Goff: It's rather amazing that there are now two digital U.S. cable/satellite outlets -- Fox Soccer Channel and GolTV -- that have made the game more accessible to American sports fans.

Rooney is very important to England's championship hopes, but they can certainly go a long way without him. Gerrard, Lampard, Beckham, Owen, Terry are among the best in the world, and 6-foot-7 Peter Crouch brings an added dimension to the attack in Rooney's absence.

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Washington, D.C.: Any buzz on O'Brien's status? I was suprised to see he wasn't listed as an expected starter in the Post. He is one of the best on the team in my opinion.

Steven Goff: When healthy and fit, O'Brien is a definite starter. However, he has been slow to regain his form this spring and, at the moment, doesn't appear to be in the starting plans. Arena is always full of surprises so that could change.

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washingtonpost.com: The Washington Post and washingtonpost.com will team up over the next 32 days to provide comprehensive coverage of the World Cup on the Web. The Post's World Cup package will include:

- Live discussions with The Post's three reporters in Germany: Steven Goff, Jason La Canfora and Camille Powell

- Live commentary on all U.S. matches and other top games

- Audio reports previewing the day's matches

- Postgame audio reports from Germany

- Fantasy World Cup game

- Jon DeNunzio's World Cup blog

- Photo galleries from every match

- In-depth stats

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Ess Eff, Calif.: Is the rumor true that Gooch jetted off to sign and have a physical with 'Boro?

Steven Goff: Where there's smoke, there's fire. We'll see what happens, but it is pretty clear he is headed to England next season.

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Reston, Va.: Will the Post's World Cup coverage be comparable to the Winter Olympics coverage? Specifically, will anyone be filling Steinberg's shoes (since he's filling in admirably on your regular D.C. United beat) in finding the best in local cheeses? Or will you be brining some home with you so he can do a post tournament evaluation?

Steven Goff: Ah, if only Steinberg were here to explore German cheese (and perhaps bier). We'll try to paint a colorful picture of what it's likein Germany, but no one does it quite like Dan, who will be keeping watch on United while I am away.

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Washington, D.C.: Steven, love reading your articles. One comment, one question:

Question: If the US plays really well but doesn't make it out of its group (or does make it out of its group but comes in 2nd, faces Brazil, and loses), how can us soccer-loving fans explain that the US still has arrived as a real presence on the international soccer stage

Comment: I think to grow interest in soccer in the US among the not-yet-soccer-initiated sports fan base, it would be really helpful to do what is done in the Post for the Skins and Wizards: more human-interest stories on the players (how they got to where they are, obstacles, their soccer-playing approach, how they train...) Can you get your editors to give you more column inches in the Post on the background to the players, coaches, games, etc.

Steven Goff: Not advancing out of the first round would be the end of the World Cup for the Americans, but not the end of the world. However, it would certainly help their cause among mainstream sports fans to keep it going for another week. Losing to Brazil is no dishonor.

As for your comment, we've done several human interest stories on U.S. players (and DC United players, for that matter) in recent months. Check out the long story I did on Oguchi Onyewu in late March/early April and the pieces we've done on Cherundolo, Convey, Hahnemann and others. The Beasley story yesterday mentioned his early years in Fort Wayne, Indiana with his brother.

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Washington, D.C.: The term "Caps" in soccer/football(I'm a purist of the game) are for appearances. Back in the early days of the game, players would receive actual caps (hats) for their appearances in mathces, hence the tradition is continued today only in meaning that the player starts for their team

Steven Goff: That's what I thought. Thanks!

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Reston, Va.: Emough about the World Cup, who who do you like in the big Ridge Heights/Lake Anne swim meet on Saturday?

Steven Goff: Massive Swimming Showdown in Reston this weekend!

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Roanoke, Va.: I had the same question about Caps a few months ago, and looked it up on Wikipedia...Here is the short version:

A cap is an appearance for an international team in sports. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in an international match of Association Football, however, the act of awarding a cap is now international and is applied to other sports. The practice was first approved on May 10, 1886 for Association Football, after a proposal made by N. L. Jackson, an Old Corinthian.

Steven Goff: More cap info...

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Bethesda, Md.: Hey Steve have you talked to teams or officials from other countries and if so what do they think of the US chances of making the 2nd round?

Steven Goff: The German reporters are fascinated by the American team and think they have a shot to advance.

Around this time, it's always humorous to read the British media's take on things. The Americans are always called "industrious" and "strong" and "tireless runners". I wonder if they've ever compared the quality of the American goals in the last World Cup compared to England's. Sure seemed like the U.S. team displayed a bit of skill four years ago. Stereotypes never die, I suppose.

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Fairfax, Va.: Any update on Quaranta's hamstrings? It seems like this is an uncharacteristically long recovery, even by Santino's standards.

Is there a chance a trade deal is in the works and United is holding him back so as to not risk hurting him again?

Steven Goff: Who?

:-)

He seemed to be making progress before I left for Germany, but haven't heard anything lately. I don't know how much trade value he has at the moment (injuries, big salary, etc)

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Bethesda, Md.: Have the acting agencies started calling since your debut on the USSF video package the other day? You would be a perfect replacement on 24 in the fall!

Steven Goff: Just call me Bauer.

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Chantilly, Va.: What's the deal with Stokes? He made some significant progress last year and it seems like the reserve league could be making his skills rise significantly.

Any chance he's back from injury soon?

Steven Goff: Who?

:-)

He's healthy now, but will have a hard time getting onto the active game-day roster.

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Laurel, Md.: What's the temp? Have you figured out the the Celcius to Farenheit thing yet?

Leaving in a few hours...

Steven Goff: I think it hit 70 degrees today.

Pleasant days, cool evenings.

It's going to warm up over the weekend, though.

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Virginia: Did any of the U.S. players visited the U.S. military bases in Germany? Many are soccer fans.

Steven Goff: The U.S. team visited a U.S. base in March before their friendly with Poland in Kaiserslautern. I don't believe there are any plans during the World Cup.

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Baltimore, Md.: One of Bruce's mantras all along was team chemistry. How is it panning out? The Studio 90 pieces certainly paint a good picture, but is the reality like that? Are these guys as tight as some of the video shows?

Steven Goff: That Studio 90 stuff is fun for the fans, I'm sure, but it is produced by the US Soccer Federation. Nothing but positive news...

Having said that, this team does have strong chemistry. We'll see how well it holds together throughout the tournament.

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Dave Brother, Alexandria, Va.: How's the beer?

Steven Goff: Hiccup.

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Fairfax, Va.: So am I the only one with pants-peeing excitement in anticipation? Can't miss much work, but there's a great place in Sterling (The Buffalo Wing Factory) with 30 flavors, 30 beers, and BIG SCREEN! Woohoo!

Anyway, my question: Do I remember correctly that the ranking system that puts us tied for fifth is being changed after this Cup? What was the impetus for this change? Was it simply the US being ranked so highly, or were the traditional powers upset?

Oh, and for the Serbia/Montenegro question, Trinidad and Tobago are two nations, but they share a team too.

Steven Goff: Buffalo Wings, mmmmmmmm......

Once again, ignore the rankings. It is the BCS of international soccer. Yes, it is being changed after the World Cup. At that point, continue to ignore the rankings.

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Washington, D.C.: Any idea why in the World Cup England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, etc., all field individual teams, but in the Olympics they compete as the United Kingdom?

Steven Goff: Perhaps, by competing with four nations, they actually have a chance to win an Olympic medal in something.

Uh oh...

:-)))

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Union, N.J.: Steven.. I've read that Bruce Arena may stay on as US manager for the next World Cup; but previously he had expressed interest in managing in Europe. Which is it and do you think a European side would hire him?

Steven Goff: He wants to go, but I can't imagine he'll receive any serious offers unless the U.S. team gets out of the first round.

He will have other options, besides the USA and Europe jobs...which I will discuss in an Arena story early next week. Sorry!

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Steven,

You seem to give a very good account of yourself and your knowledge of the game. However, calling the US team "industrious" isn't a stereotype. Yes, our keepers are some of the best in the world (may have to do with all the hand-eye coordination sports American kids are brought up around) and are making waves in European league such as England and Germany. However, you must agree that the US team lacks flare and the individual skill that the top temas have. In order for the US to be successful they are going to have to out work their opponents. Agree or disagree?

Steven Goff: The U.S. NATIONAL team has players with world-class technical skills, so to say the team relies solely on work rate is tiresome. Some of the lads can actually play the game. In the 1990 and '94 World Cups, they could not. Now, things are different.

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Waldorf, Md.: What is your favorite bar in Hamburg (so far)?

Steven Goff: There are bars in Germany???

Where?

Too busy to drink

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Washington, D.C.: I had a dream last night Italy beat Ghana 13 to 1. AH great dream. What really are the chances of a Ghana upset?

Steven Goff: Better than before, thanks to the Italian injuries.

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Rockville, Md.: Steven -- glad to hear you're having a great time in Germany. Sky Sports News is reporting that Milan Baros is doubtful for Monday. If he doesn't play, are the U.S. favorites or still underdogs against the Czechs?

Steven Goff: One player won't turn the game in the U.S.'s favor. They've still got Koller to worry about up front.

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Arlington, Va.: I just bought a ticket via ebay for $775. It's a Category 1 ticket for the Round of 16 game in Nuremberg. How did I do on price? Good, So-So, or Sucker?

Steven Goff: Keep in mind the German organizers SAY they are going to check every ID stamped on the ticket with the fan's ID. In that case, you are a very big sucker! Enjoy the exterior of the stadium.

Seriously, I just can't imagine every single ticket holder will be checked.

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Frederick, Md.: Do you support to notion of changing the world cup to every two years? I like the build-up with four years.

Steven Goff: Every four years is fine.

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Burtonsville, Md.: Hey Steven, Aside from the obvious homers, have you noticed any countries having more supporters than others? How is everyone behaving thus far?

Steven Goff: All the European nations will be well-supported.

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McLean, Va.: Which team will be the first to score an own goal?

Steven Goff: Costa Rica.

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Alexandria, Va.: Steven, Do you know if anyone is showing the games live on the Web somewhere?

Steven Goff: I don't believe so.

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Soccer Intelligence: Do reporters from other countries ask you for background information about the US team? Do you provide misinformation (such as "Ben Olsen is our most dangerous scoring threat") to confuse our opponents?

Steven Goff: And with that...

Farewell until next week.

Keep an eye on DeNunzio's blog and La Canfora's chat this Friday.

SG

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washingtonpost.com: Blog: World Cup Journal

Friday, June 9, 10 a.m. ET: Jason La Canfora on World Cup

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