If Its Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium - 2014 World Cup

The chant "I Believe We Can Win" was transformed into "I Believe We can Advance" on Thursday as the US National Team qualified for the next round at 2014 World Cup.

 

Their opponent on Tuesday will be Belgium ...

 

I remember this comedy movie from the 1960's for one simple reason : DONOVAN !

No not the USA's all time leading goal scorer, but the psychedelic folk / rock singer.

 

 

Of his many hit songs like Sunshine Superman and Mellow Yellow were tributes to the times of free love and recreational drugs.  He also had a way of evoking an illusion of things being better than they appear to be - much like the US soccer team.

 

While searching for a clip from the movie, I came across something which I thought was even more interesting - a clip where a fan finds Donovan in a café and films the meeting which includes getting his email and invite to tour South Africa. Lucky fan !

 

 

Belgium were one of the teams that played at the 1994 World Cup in the USA. They trained only a few miles from my home at the time in Florida.

 

Here are a set of player portrait pins that were issued in Belgium. On the very bottom is the current manager, Marc Wilmots, of the Red Devils in 2014 World Cup Brazil.

 

Even without Donovan (both of them) Peace, love and let's get a win against Belgium. Go USA !

Almost Liverpool: Arbitrary Trade pt. 2

The 2nd part of my trade with fellow blogger Martyn over at Arbitrary Crap contains a few more nearly (Liverpool) men. Under King Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool FC were beginning to develop a nice group of youngsters - including JAY SPEARING. 

Unfortunately, with new manager Brendon Rodgers, he has not been a starter.

Next up is one of the most hated ex-Liverpool players - FERNANDO TORRES who left for Chelsea so he could "win trophies".  While his teams have won them (Spain and Chelsea), he has played only a small part. He scoreless streak last season was longer than any droughts in our mid-west states.

Rookie ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN finally makes his Topps card debut. He has already been capped by England.

A shiny "Golden Moment" insert card of former Manchester City's Shaun Goater. 

A shiny "Hundred Club" insert of Champions Man. City  - DAVID SILVA.

A shiny "Man of the Match: insert of Champions VINCENT KOMPANY.

A shiny insert of Arsenal's young gunner - JACK WILSHIRE.

And a final shiny, Chelsea's European Champion's League Captain card of JOHN TERRY.

Added were 2 packs each of some Panini Premier League stickers. I'll be rippin' packs on Saturday while watching the games live on FOX SOCCER CHANNEL.

Martyn included some memorabilia from his home club BLACKBURN ROVERS

A lapel pin - mint in package.

A match ticket from Blackburn vs. Portsmouth from 2001. In the background of the ticket is former Liverpool and Scotland International - GRAEME SOUNESS. 

Thanks Martyn !