SOCCER NEWS: San Diego Coaches on World Cup on SoccerNationNews Soccer News

SOCCER NEWS: San Diego Coaches on World Cup | Soccer News, San Diego Coaches, World Cup News, Colin Chester, Derek Armstrong, San Diego Surf Soccer, Billy Garton, CV Manchester, Shannon MacMillan, Mario Mrakovic, FIFA World Cup, Competitive Soccer, youth Soccer

Soccer Today: The World Cup is the biggest soccer classroom in the world

As U.S. Team resumes training to get ready for a win against Algeria, here is what our Southern California soccer coaches and experts have said about the World Cup:

Yan K. Skwara, President San Diego Boca FC, "The U.S. continues to show massive heart when its down but it needs to play like that for 90 minutes. Players seem to energize in a down mode versus having that intensity from minute one. Donovan had a good chance to put the U.S. on the score board in the first half but his hesitation cost him a goal. He seemed to wake up in the locker room. Again, lots of opportunity for the U.S. but it will also have to rely on the other game results to get through which is not the position you want to be in in a torny like the World Cup. Also, the U.S. needs to outperform the referee as refs can always be a poor excuse... Lets keep our fingers crossed. Go USA!"

John Napier, Olympic Development Development (ODP) Coach "After the first half performance I thought we were in trouble, the U.S. team looked second best to a very disciplined and talented Slovenia team. That early U.S. goal in the second half really changed the the belief of the players.

Coach Bradley with his new attacking formation started to break down the Slovenia defense, and it became more apparent it was only a matter of time for the equalizer. I was disappointed in the over all abilities of the referee at this level, some of his decisions really confused both teams. A very exciting second half right down to the final whistle, the U.S. players can certainly be proud of their come back. As England and Algeria tied at 0-0 today, this now puts the U.S. in with a very good chance of qualifying, it is in their own hands, beat Algeria and we are in. I must add this England performance today was shocking, absolutely terrible, supposedly one of the favorites going in to these games. They have showed lack of passion, desire and commitment.

There is no underdog in these games, big country, little country, does not matter, only what you leave on the field.There will be more shocks before it is all over. What can we learn from this World Cup? I have asked my young players on all my teams not just to watch the game as a spectator, but look at the players, their movement, their touch, their commitment, their creativity. Look for players that play your position, what can you learn from them. This is the biggest classroom in the whole world, so much can be learned by our young soccer players."

Mario Mrakovic, San Diego Surf Coach and Founder San Diego Futsal, "The technical sophistication of Algerians was amazing and their amazing poise on the ball --- just great. Also, love, love, love the tying goal by Michael Bradley in the U.S. vs Slovenia match. The drop-toe kick, How often do you see youth coaches teach the players that one? It is a rhetorical question, the answer is never. Even the commentators described it as a goal by sole of the foot. No. It was a toe-poke, with a hop in between steps. A very difficult technique to execute."

Earlier comment from local Southern California Soccer Coaches:

Colin Chesters, former pro soccer player in the English Premier League and Director of Coaching, San Diego Surf Soccer "I am looking forward to the game tomorrow. I am obviously rooting for England to both perform well and to win the game. After that my heart is hoping for an England v USA final, but realistically I see Brazil and Spain competing in the final match."

Chesters says "Serbia is my dark horse team. I think they have a chance to move deeper into the tournament than most of us would expect."

Derek Armstrong, former pro soccer player in England and Director of Coaching for the Nomads Soccer Club "The World Cup is of massive importance to the growth of USA's young players - I already feel that America has never been this ready for the World Cup - its like being back in Europe, there is is so much excitement around! The country is waking up at long last."

"England v U.S. is quite possibly the most important game. This is a massive game for the fans - However, I suspect the coaches have two different views: Capello will see it as a "must win" and Bob will see us "getting something from the game ". Although a big game if both teams tie, it does set both up for the opportunities to go through if they get their act together in next two games. Difficult to predict but our last result against Australia is encouraging."

Armstrong says "If we can manage to get to half time and be level, I think we have a chance. England might just be an outsider for the semi-finals if the players take off."

"With regards to the USA team, obviously I want Steve Cherundolo to prove to everyone he can play at the "highest level" and shine. I know he can. I want the rest of the world to know! The team will do better than at the last world cup, we have more experience and the players have moved on from some of the naivety that was evident in the last world up. I think we will be represented very well. I wish Bob Bradley all the luck in the world."

Armstrong predicts "England should win but I think its so big that I am going for a tie 0-0."

According to former Manchester United player and co-founder of CV Manchester, Billy Garton, "This is the most exciting world cup open ever, the standard of international soccer generally has greatly improved. Any two of the 4 nations in the bracket/group, could advance. England rightly are favorites, but we have been here before and failed to deliver." Garton continues "I think the US have improved tremendously and have had a great preparation period with a couple of good performances. I think they can advance in second place, with England winning the bracket."

"In the Eng v US game on Saturday, I think it will be a tie, or a 1 goal win for England. Much closer than most would believe. Tim Howard is up with the best Keepers in the world and will play a big part in any success the US achieves."

Garton is very excited and says "let the games begin."

According to ODP coach and former pro player John Napier "I think the US/England game will be a lot closer than most people think, I think the U.S. will be in a defensive mode and rely on the speed of Donavan and Finley (if he plays) on the counter attack. The big problem I see for the US is the wide attacking capabilities of the English team, their 2 full backs Johnson and Cole really cause a lot of problems going forward."

Napier predicts "I take England to win 2-1."

"I expect the US team to be able to beat the other bracket opponents Slovenia and Algeria and advance behind England. Slovenia will be a tough game. I liked them in the preliminary rounds. After that it should be a real battle for every team."

"As in any professional sport there can be major upsets, also injuries can be crucial. I am expecting a team from the African nations to go deep in the tournament."

Napier says "I think Brazil and Spain will reach the final, with Brazil taking it all."

Shannon MacMillan, former pro player who was in the World Cup and is now with the Del Mar Sharks "It is impossible to put into words what the energy of playing in a World Cup is like. Bob Bradley has done a great job preparing the men. I believe they are ready to play and will feed off of the excitement."

MacMilan says "I am really looking forward to watching them play and I would be surprised if they don't advance to the next round."

Jeff Illingworth, Director of Coaching at CV Manchester "The U.S.are still underrated both at home and abroad. We can beat England and win the group. The U.S. defence is the main question mark."

Illingworth says "Donovan and Altidore can do really well against England's defence. We also have great goalkeeping."

Johnson Asiedu, Boys Director of Del Mar Carmel Valley Sharks "England vs. USA match is going to be a very cagey game. You have two coaches, Fabio and Bradley, who have prepared their teams so well, and two teams that know each other very well. So, I think it is going to depend on the team that can utilize their half chances and set pieces. I will not be surprised if it ends in a tie. I have a lot of English friends and I would not like to see them sad, but it will be great if USA wins mainly for the sake of the development of the game here in America. Watch out for Landon Donovan and Tim Howard who, I believe, will make the difference in this game.

Asiedu says "I will surely be glued to the TV on Sunday to watch my native Ghana (Go, Black Stars!!!) compete against Serbia. Get your Vuvuzelas and drums out and Let the games begin!"

Paul Wright, professional soccer player with the San Diego Sockers "I think the U.S. will advance out of the group. I like their team, although I think their defense is a little suspect."

Wright says "But they should be able to score some goals and make it exciting."

Jen Lalor-Nielsen former pro soccer player U.S. Women’s National team, played in the 1995 Women’s World Cup and is now soccer coach with JB Soccer "England has been looking great in the qualifying and tune up games prior to the World Cup. They now have an Italian coach that has them playing well and winning. All the pressure is on England which could play out to the U.S. favor."