Here's something that has been kicking around in that empty space between my ears: What if Bruce Arena was still coaching the U.S. national team.
How could that happen? In 2005, when the groups for the 2006 World Cup were announced, the U.S. and Mexico were running neck-and-neck to get a top spot in one of the groups. Ultimately, Mexico got the nod. But what if FIFA had correctly given the top spot to the United States?
Instead of Italy, Ghana and the Czech Republic, the U.S. would have been grouped with Portugal, Iran and Angola. There's a good chance that the U.S. finishes second in the group and ends up playing Argentina in the round of 16.
Even if the U.S. had lost to Argentina, wouldn't the perception have been that the U.S. had a pretty good showing in the World Cup? It's not a leap to think Arena keeps his job and we never have to suffer through that messy Juergen Klinsmann courtship.
More dominoes: The Wizards would be playing a Bob Bradley-led Chivas USA instead of Preki. And maybe, Mo Johnston is still in New York facing New England, while Bob Gansler finishes his first season in Toronto.
For more on the MLS playoffs, check out today's soccer notes in the Star:
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/wizards/story/338189.html
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1 comment:
I think even with a good run, Bruce would've still left or been let go. I think he was trying to use the World Cup as a platform to become the first American manager in Europe.
No one should have the same manager for 3 World Cup cycles.
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