In Brief: European Soccer Update

Somewhere, I have a shortlist of reasons for liking Europe. High on that list are Heineken, Guy Ritchie, and international soccer.

Earlier this week was the most recent qualifying leg for the 2008 European Championships, highlighted by Northern Ireland continuing to play out of their minds and beating Sweden on the strength two goals by David Healy (pictured at left). The Northern Irish at the top of Group F are the major story this week, even trumping my usual Maccabbi Watch in European competitions (Israel has improved by leaps and bounds since joining the European soccer federation; in a 3-way tie for second in Group E) and a win for my beloved Wales (though the Dragons are still far off the qualifying pace).

And though I never knew it was a part of Europe, I'm really pulling for Kazakhstan (with a recent win over Serbia) as a dark horse. Great success!

Furthermore, the UEFA Champions League (Europe's top club soccer competition) begins its quarterfinal round next week. But I'm keeping my eye on England's FA (Football Association) Cup semifinals in mid-April.

For the uninitiated, the FA Cup is a huge tournament for virtually every pro soccer club in England. As the oldest soccer competition in the world, it's like March Madness times 10. Usually, the top clubs of the English Premier League--like the ones still competing in the Champions League--dominate this competition as well. But fans of Cinderellas take note: this year, the small-market Watford F.C. (the English equivalent of, say, the Pittsburgh Pirates) has a date with Manchester United in the semis.


Watford has been languishing in the bottom of the Premier League all season with a mere three wins, which means demotion to a lower level of play is all but assured. (Imagine forcing the Royals and Devil Rays into AAA after a last-place finish; English soccer is something like that.) Yet by some combination of luck, skill, and gumption, they will face the big guns of Man U on April 14. Godspeed to Watford, and their American defender Jay DeMerit (pictured at left).

Coincidentally, DeMerit was recently named to the United States national team due to his stellar play in England. Taking a peek at the roster, defense seems to be strong suit of this national squad (as a recent 0-0 friendly against Guatemala will attest). If you need more evidence, take a look at the forwards: every single one of them plays in the MLS. In other words, the top European leagues don't need American goalscorers because the Yanks really have trouble putting the ball in the net.

Not since before Ben Franklin "entertained" the young women of the royal court in Paris have Americans had such a problem scoring with foreigners.