The Look, The Feel of Holland ... South American Power

How much can we put into one look, one action or one picture ? Well, if you examine the talent of past Dutch National Teams - everything. On paper, Holland should have 3 World Cup titles and a case full of trophies. But the scene, behind the scene of infighting, egos and playing below expectations has been the plague of the Orange Crush. So when Robin Van Persie exchanged words with Dutch Coach Bert van Marwijk after being subbed out, it was a feeling of "here we go again".

But is it more damaging than Brazil playing Dunga-ball ? The boring, boring display of the five time Champion is a slap in the face of the magic associated with the Selecao (the selection). Kaka' has been less than spectacular and the rumors of conspiracy against the former World Player of Year are painted to cover the cracks in the midfield. Apologies for his sending off are not warranted as he deserved the first yellow card - which means he was always in danger of a second - rightly or wrongly.

This Dutch side is as deep in talent as ever and have every reason to believe they can be world champions - except for themselves.

This has been the problem for the African teams - shooting themselves in the foot (or both feet). The hosts and their neighbors have the skill and talent, just not the organization and the discipline. This is what the Netherland has - proven by the hundereds of coaches that they have employed all over the globe.

The excuses of the European teams having too long of season will only work as an argument if you don't count the multitude of South Americans playing in Germany, Holland, Italy and England.

Four of the last 8 in this tournament are from Latin America. THAT in itself is a great accomplishment. If even half of them advance, it is a testament to the technical aspect rather than a style that still exists "down there". The money is in Europe, but the desire is South of America ... (does US SOCCER get the hint ?) 

If the Dutch can paste over any cracks in the cake, they will sweep all before them. If not, the Cup will surely find a four year reservation south of the equator.

The Summer of Soccer ... in cards

Though a picture is worth a thousand words, no amount of trading cards can sum up what was dubbed "The Summer of Soccer". Crammed into a regular season of Major League Soccer was a summer of 101 tournaments, touring club and exhibitions games in 51 days ! That's 101 games in 51 days - my TV almost burned out.


The U.S. National Team reached the Final of two very exciting and important tournaments -both in two month period - the FIFA Confederations Cup - facing Brazil in the Final, and the Concacaf Gold Cup Final against rivals Mexico.


European based American stars who had just finished their season, first traveled to South Africa where the USA's Tim Howard faced Brazil's Kaka'. Howard immediately returned to the States to join his club team Everton to play the MLS All-Stars.




Meanwhile, Italian Champions Inter Milan joined rivals AC Milan and England's Chelsea in a 4 team tournament in 6 American cities. Kaka' did not accompany the Milan team as he was purchased by Real Madrid for a whopping $110 million (56 million pounds).


This was pale in comparison to the Real's next buy a week later when they broke the world record in obtaining Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. The Spanish giants splashed out a $120 million (80 million pounds).


Kaka' ended up touring America anyway with Real Madrid. Ronaldo and Kaka' visited DC United for a game after beating Toronto FC. Real Madrid's super stars still took a back seat to their biggest league rivals - F.C. Barcelona - who also came to the U.S. for three games.


With Barcelona aving swept the Spanish trophies, it is any wonder that Real were buying the best from around the globe to compete. But it was the World Player of the Year - Lionel Messi that everyone came to see. He did not disappoint - scoring twice against Seattle Sounders before a record crowd of 65,289.

That record was shattered when F.C. Barcelona met the Los Angeles Galaxy in front of 93,137 at the Rose Bowl ! L.A.'s David Beckham stole the show by scoring with one of his trademark freekicks.

One of the revelations of the summer has been defender Chad Marshall. The 6 foot plus Marshall, who led Columbus Crew to the MLS Cup last season, debuted for the US National Team. This newfound fame sparked bidding wars for this numbered autograph card. (below)

While the MLS season is winding up into play-off mode, the European season has launched with the new player signings at the big clubs.

One of the surprises was the $10 million dollar American teenager - Jozy Altidore - to English Premier League club - Hull City. The "Tigers" took the former New Yorker on loan with a possible $11 million dollar permanent move. Only time will tell if his 2008 Upper Deck rookie card (below) will be in demand.

The "good news - bad news" is that between the American soccer and European football season - the sport never ends. And for collectors, it means a constant stream of new product. This means having to budget, shop and choose carefully.

I'm Glad it's not Just Me ...

Beckham-mania may have cooled in America, but it may be attributed to the season being over ... and that the player has been loaned to Italian League Giants - AC Milan for a few months. So the craze has shifted back to Europe.

Proof, you say ? Well, how about this: " Panini Beckham Sticker Causes Panic"
Panini, the long time producer of sports and collectable stickers has produced a special sticker not included in the set. The Italian based company offices has been inundated with over 1,000 calls a day asking for a copy of the sticker.

In a related story of money, Beckham's teammate - the Brazilian KAKA' - is wanted by English club Manchester City. They are offering $160 MILLION dollars ! Yup - and they are willing to add another $100 million dollars to entice the player to sign a contract. Can you say Cha-Ching ! ... or is that Barra-Bing-o !

Lastly, in this vein of filthy wealth - comes the headlines that Manchester United's superstar CRISTIANO RONALDO has wrecked his $300,000 (200,000 British Pounds) Ferrari on the way to training.

No problem, he just called relatives to pick him up in another one of his luxury vehicles. Is it any wonder why so many American soccer players want to earn their living in Europe ?

On a side note, this Upper Deck SP of Ronaldo autograph card went for $700.00 at auction. Who needs a stadium seat when you can get a "sports car crasher" autograph ?