CZECHO’S SOCCER CORNER

Cristiano Ronaldo-Real Madrid

The Cristiano Ronaldo saga is on again. Real Madrid’s coach Bernd Schuster once again saying that Ronaldo will move to Real next season. “I think that next year it is going to be a little more complicated for his club to retain him. There is hope that next year he could be with us,” said Schuster. It’s a known fact that Ronaldo wants to play for the Spanish super-club. Manchester United filed a tampering complaint with FIFA in June accusing Madrid’s club of actively pursuing the player.

USA-World Cup

The US national team scored a fourth victory in a row by trashing Cuba 6-1. DaMarcus Beasley scored twice and  Landon Donovan, Brian Ching, Jozy Altidore and Oguchi Onyewu added one each. This win means the US team is in the final round of 2010 World Cup qualifying with two more matches to go. Next match is with Trinidad & Tobago on October 15.

Petr Cech-Slovenia

The Czechs received another blow in their quest to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Thier goalie Petr Cech and defender Marek Jankulovski are most likely out of next Wednesday’s match against Slovenia. Both players sustained their injuries in Saturday’s match with Poland. The Czech team lost to Poland 2-1 and has only one point from two matches in their Group 3. They were also missing their captain Tomas Rosicky who is recovering after a knee surgery.

Brian McBride-Chichago Fire

Brian McBride faced his old team Columbus on Sunday, but that didn’t stop him from scoring twice and helping to secure a playoff spot for the Chicago Fire. McBride spent eight seasons with Columbus Crew before heading to England. The 36-year-old McBride returned to his hometown Chicago this summer to join MLS where he wants to end his career. He played in nine matches so far and scored four goals.

Kevin Kuranyi-German team

German striker Kevin Kuranyi walked out on the national squad on Saturday during a match with Russia. Because of that, he won’t be playing for the national team again. Kuranyi didn’t make the 18-man team for the match with Russia and had to watch from the stands.  Coach Joachim Loew said, “I have not heard a word from him, but given the way things have gone, as a coach, I cannot nominate him again.” Sources close to the player said he is ready to announce his retirement from international competition.

Canada-CONCACAF

Honduras’ 3-1 win over Canada means that the Canadians were eliminated from 2010 World Cup qualification. Canada stands last in the Group 2 with one point from a draw. Last time Canada qualified for the World Cup was back in 1986. In another qualifying disappointment, Mexico lost to Jamaica in Kingston 1-0. It was coach Eriksson’s first loss since taking over the team. The Mexicans will face Canada next and a win will guarantee them qualifying for the fourth round.