6 Days Left: World Cup Preview - South Africa

South Africa

World Cup
Appearances 2 (First in 1998)
Best result Round 1, 1998 and 2002
African Nations Cup
Appearances 7 (First in 1996)Best result Winners, 1996
Confederations Cup
Appearances 2 (First in 1997)
Best result 4th place, 2009

All eyes will be on South Africa the nation, but what about the football team? Being the home squad does have it's advantages, as in 98 when France won it all and then again in 2002 as 40th ranked South Korea finished the tourney in fourth, the Germans didn't really surprise anyone but finished the 2006 WC they hosted in third. So the big question is will South Africa make it out of their group?

South Africa is in the formidable Group A along with France, Mexico and Uruguay. Their coach may be their biggest advantage, Alberto Parreira, who led the 1994 WC champion Brazil. Their tactics will be simple, try to hold the ball and serve long balls to the strikers. Getting out of round 1 will be an astounding victory for this team.

Timber's Jersey Display at Nike World Headquaters

We attended the Boca Junior's practice at Nike World Headquarters last week and decided to explore the campus a bit. The campus includes many sports fields including perfect pitches, where some of the best youth teams across the US were playing in a Man U sponsored tourney. The Nike Campus is filled with bright shinny fancy things like huge office buildings, life-size bronze statues and some of the best sports memorabilia you could ever find on the planet.

We were happy to see a collection at Nike and football titled "The DNA of Nike Football," and it was very cool. The pictures tell the story best, for bigger sizes click on them.

Timber Bits - Videos and Recaps

Videos, videos and more freaking videos.

• Video - Lopez goal a view from the crowd.
• Video - Lopez goal another view from the crowd.
• Video - Oregon Sports TV, great view of the last two goals.
• Video - Boca's coverage of the game.
• Video - The celebration.
• Video - Timbers new crest, clue #2
  

Boca game recaps

• The Timber Mill - Timbers rally for dramatic 3-2 win over Boca Juniors
• Oregon Live - An electric night for the Timbers
• Timbers Offside - Friendly: Timbers 3 – Boca Juniors 2
• US Open Cup - Timbers vs. Sonoma County Sol June 15th, 7:00 Pm PGE Park.

More Timber related links...

• Strong At Night - John Strong interview the coach, Lopez and others.
  
• Throw Ins - Love reading the old newspaper clippings.
• You are Timbers History - Timber fans are getting together to document Timber's history and need your help.
• Portland Soccer Bars - Get your World Cup viewing sites.

7 Days Left: World Cup Preview - Slovenia

Slovenia

World CupAppearances 1 (First in 2002)
Best result Round 1, 2002
European Championship
Appearances 1 (First in 2000)
Best result Round 1, 2000

Slovenia enters their second World Cup in the same group as the US and with a bit of a chip on their shoulder. Slovenia was able to upset Russia for a spot, and are this year's smallest nation by population to qualify. It will be difficult for Slovenia to move out of group play as they lack firepower and star power. The style of play by Slovenia in qualifying is defensive, and the head coach Matjaz Kek was ridiculed for it, but now is considered a national hero.

If you haven't seen it yet, Philly's no look goal

Shea Salinas, you have to give it to him. To start this run from half-field and then burn everyone down the field and just when you think he has to pass it, he cuts the angle no lookie. Now that's gangsta.

Portland vs. Boca Juniors Video Highlights

Fantasy Standings Update

We have an unexpected 13-way tie for first place.   So far the best strategy is the have Ryan Pore on your team strategy.  Everybody in first place also got the first Cascadia bonus.   Things should shake up a bit at midseason with the bonus, and as more Timbers get involved in goals.

Ranking	Team	Score	Forward	Midfielder	Defender	Bonuses
1	ACES Utd.	21	Mandjou Keita (2)	Ryan Pore (16)	Mamadou Danso (0)	C1
1	Allen	21	Mandjou Keita (2)	Ryan Pore (16)	Steve Purdy (0)	C1
1	Chrisbers	21	Mandjou Keita (2)	Ryan Pore (16)	Josh Cameron (0)	C1
1	FC Chainsaw the Monkey	21	Mandjou Keita (2)	Ryan Pore (16)	Stephen Keel (0)	C1
1	Happy Up Here	21	Mandjou Keita (2)	Ryan Pore (16)	Ross Smith (0)	C1
1	harmsway01	21	Mandjou Keita (2)	Ryan Pore (16)	Mamadou Danso (0)	C1
1	Irvington Utd.	21	Mandjou Keita (2)	Ryan Pore (16)	Stephen Keel (0)	C1
1	Little Beirut Bombers	21	Mandjou Keita (2)	Ryan Pore (16)	Ian Joy (0)	C1
1	Monkey Herder	21	Mandjou Keita (2)	Ryan Pore (16)	Quavas Kirk (0)	C1
1	Nashville Cosmopolitans	21	Mandjou Keita (2)	Ryan Pore (16)	Scot Thompson (0)	C1
1	No Coast FC	21	Mandjou Keita (2)	Ryan Pore (16)	Quavas Kirk (0)	C1
1	Team Awesome	21	Mandjou Keita (2)	Ryan Pore (16)	Mamadou Danso (0)	C1
1	The Moon is made of Ribs	21	Mandjou Keita (2)	Ryan Pore (16)	Ian Joy (0)	C1