Manchester United Ratings vs Braga 10/23/12

David De Gea – 6
An unfortunate start for the keeper who despite conceding two goals in twenty minutes didn’t have too much to do. A slight mix up with Tom Cleverley in the second half almot gifted a chnace for Braga to level the scores.

Rafael da Silva – 7
A vibrant display by the fullback tonight. Proved to be a threat going forward and dealt with Ruben Micael very well on their left hand side.

Michael Carrick – 5
A poor performance in an while playing out of postitin .Unfortunately got beat very easily by Eder for Alan’s second goal of the night.

Jonny Evans – 8
Another top performance by United’s most stable centreback. The Irishman continues to be improving at the back for United and added another goal to his collection.

Alexander Buttner – 5
The Dutchman got caught out for both of Braga’s goals in the opening 20 minutes. Proved to be a good threat going forward and improved immensely in the second half.

Darren Fletcher – 6 He continues to improve on his comeback to full fitness and tonight was another solid performance on his road to recovery.

Shinji Kagawa – 4
Had a poor showing and got caught out on regular occasions. However, it was his advantage after van Persie was fouled, which led to our first goal of the night. His  cross found Hernandez who got us back in the game. Later limped off at half-time with an injury. 

Tom Cleverley – 8
Another great performance by the young midfielder, ran all night and created the eventual winning goal with a brilliant cross. His excellent progress isn’t going unnoticed with him rightfully being selected regularly by the England senior side.

Wayne Rooney – 7
Captain on the night and Rooney is making a great claim to be United captain when others aren’t selected. . He looked fit and very sharp. Much more effective on the inside left position in the second half.

Robin van Persie – 7
Despite not being directly involved in a United goal, incredibly, he proved a constant threat when dropping deep and his silky feet were a joy to watch.

Javier Hernandez – 9
A quite stunning display from "Little Pea" tonight. He proved his game isn’t all about finding the net, but also beating defenders. His two brilliant headers saved United too. Man of the Match.

World Cup Qualifying October Ties

This past week has been a bust week in the world of international football.  All over the world, international teams have been competing for a chance to qualify for the next World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

In the CONCACAF region of the raw where the U.S.A play they have just qualified for the Hexagonal portion, which is the final round of qualifying in the CONCACAF region.  From there they will take on five other teams in a home and home competition, fighting for a place in the World Cup.  The top three teams are secured a spot in the draw for the World Cup Finals and the forth place team will play two ties against a team from the Oceanic region.  It is hard to imagine that the U.S won't qualify, but football is a funny game.

Group matches

Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Costa Rica	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Honduras	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jamaica	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Mexico	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Panama	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
USA	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Team USA played two matches, one against Guatemala and one against Antigua and Barbuda.  In the match against Antigua and Barbuda, team USA went on the road in a hostile environment to take a valuable three points.  In the 20th minute Eddie Johnson, who is a forgotten man in the US setup rose highest to meet a cross to send the ball passed the goalkeeper and into the ol' onion bag!  Following a goal from Dexter Blackstock in the 25th minute the US began to press for the valuable winner. And it came very late in the match, in the 90th minute Eddie Johnson broke lose from marker and headed another goal into the far corner.  This match was very important  because it ensured the US only needed a draw from its final group game to progress into the next stage of qualifying.  It was also an important game because Michael Bradley, who is a vital part of the team came back from injury.

With the next round of qualifying being announced shortly, it is very important for every member of the team to get fit and healthy.  One of America's biggest players is Landon Donavon.  Landon Donavon gives this team width and speed from the wing position.  Landon can also link up very nicely with the forwards in front of him.  Clint Dempsey is a another big player for the United States.  Clint has a very tumultuous off-season and is finally getting back to playing the soccer we know he can play.  Clint Dempsey can play that final ball to the forwards, but he is also a great finisher of the ball.  One of the most important players as stated above is Michael Bradley.  plays at the heart of the united States midfield.  He is the engine that makes the US move.  He is good at playing that final ball, has a good shot, and he breaks up play very well.  Michael Bradley is different from every player the US can employ in the center of midfield.  Most of the American midfielders are holding midfielders, who specialize in breaking up play but they can't play that ball to get into an attack.  The next player on the list is Tim Howard, who is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.  He is the truest sense of a number one you can get.   His shot stopping ability is second to none and no offense to the other American goalies, he is head and shoulders above everyone else. 

Here's Hoping every one stays healthy and I'll cya on the other side of the pitch!