20231013 Raven Newsletter

Hail GFOP!

I type with fingers filled with a mix of profound sadness and fear for all that is to come. The horrific scenes coming out of the Middle East have been an agony to witness. The shocking sense of human darkness and mourning crushed together side-by-side. The fear of a death spiral we are all hurtling towards that we are powerless to stop. The knowledge there is nothing I can write that can alter it nor bring solace, bar to wish for peace and sanity.

On a personal note. My eldest son, Samson, has been in Tel Aviv this past couple of months. Last Friday night, I spoke to him on the phone and we laughed about the football that was to come over the weekend. He went to bed and woke up to the sirens, 48 hours in the bomb shelter, and a region gripped by death and fear. We were ultimately able to fly him home via Rome. A reminder that you never know what is going to happen in life, and that we all need to seize and make the most of every moment. In that regard, my dad, known to old-time listeners as Judge Ivor, is having a biopsy this morning. He is an avid reader of this newsletter but does not need it to know how much I love him, and what a hero he has been over the course of the last two months.

This week, more than any other, it feels like only the football is vaguely enabling me to hold it together. In that regard, this is the best thing I have seen this week: Norwich City’s Suicide Prevention video for World Mental Health Day. Please give it a watch. It is brilliant. The slow-build. The warmth and familiarity. The gob-smacking pay off.

2. USMNT Avengers Assemble to face Germany and Ghana 🇺🇸

USMNT vs. Germany (Saturday 3 p.m. ET, TNT, Peacock, and Telemundo) 🇩🇪

USMNT vs. Ghana (Tuesday, 8:30 p.m. TNT, Peacock, and Universo) 🇬🇭

Bring it on. Yes, they are just friendlies. And you know that first rule of friendlies is this: we never, ever, read too much into friendlies. Yet, our US Men's National Team are poised to play four-time world champions Germany. This is one of the few times the United States Men will face a European heavyweight in the run up to the 2026 World Cup, as the international windows are now so jammed with faux Nations League-style qualifiers on both sides of the Atlantic. With next summer’s Copa America 2024 in just 233 days, Gregg Berhalter has a crucial opportunity to deliver a signature win. Measuring Stick Time, Baby.

Warning: This is not the Germany of our imagination. The 11th ranked USMNT actually sit four places ahead of the Germans in the slightly-dodgy FIFA Rankings. Thomas Müller’s boys are a listing side who have won just one of their last six, were just thrashed 4-1 by Japan, and so are under the new management of noted skateboard enthusiast Julian Nagelsmann for whom this will be a first, experimental game. A strong result would be such a boon. With the Mexican National Team barnstorming around packed-NFL stadia in the United States, Lionel Messi drawing A-List celebrities and sold-out crowds to his Leagues Cup circus, and a record-setting 34,130 watching Megan Rapinoe’s final NWSL game last Friday, this US Men’s program could benefit from a winning goal that lights up TikTok and delivers a timely, energizing bump in profile.

We had the honor of travelling to Nashville for 24 hours on Wednesday to spend time with Matt Turner, Brenden Aaronson, King Tim Ream, and to eat all that Prince’s XXX Hot Chicken. Big picture, I can report this — the gents are in ebullient form. It is hard to overstate how much they love being together. The squad truly is a restorative experience for them all. A respite and a shelter from the European grind. There is so much individual talent on the roster. The big question is now, can they fulfill all of that undoubted potential as a collective?

The Pod with Matt Turner has JUST DROPPED. Fresh out the lab. Matt is one of the most emotionally intelligent people we have interviewed in a long time. We are so excited to release this conversation out into the wild. LISTEN TO ROG AND MATT TURNER HERE presented by the GFOPs at Bud Light. 🇺🇸🦅

🗣️ Programming note: We will Do it Live! after both of this week’s USMNT games. That is right. Live Podcasts where you can come and ask Rog your questions on the show. Join us RIGHT HERE at the final whistle of Saturday’s game and Tuesday’s game. And for Tuesday, we’ll have a special guest, host of VAMOS here on the MiB Media Network and “Fútbol Americas on ESPN+,” the inimitable Herc Gomez. Lessss go.

i. The goal for this Window: to prove ourselves to ourselves

After the numbing experience of being comfortably outclassed by the Netherlands in the Round of 16 and having Louis van Gaal laugh at our tactical naivete, turning Germany into currywurst is an opportunity to chip away at our long-held inferiority complex when we take the field against a traditional power. For all the buzzwords about changing the way the world sees American soccer and how we see ourselves, when you take out World Cups 1930 and 1950, our record in competitive play has been slender.

Much of this is now on Gregg Berhlater and Triple G 2: Electric Boogaloo. Now entering his fifth year as bounce-passer in chief, can he show he has the ability to learn crucial lessons from his first cycle? There can be no doubt: This squad is talent-soaked individual for individual. Yet, outside of CONCACAF, we still crave a signature win which can be held up as a symbol of real progress. With Pulisic, Musah, Scally, Flo Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie and Matt Turner, we can do this. The tactical idea of football must now follow, so we can be more than the yap of a small dog that thinks it is a big dog.

🎧 LISTEN: I preview the Germany and Ghana games with Herc Gomez in this Vamos Crossover pod. Really love taping with mighty Herc – his analysis is always thought provoking. 

ii. Gio Reyna is BACK 🙌

For the first time since Gregg Berhalter’s second coming, Gio Reyna has been recalled to the United States squad in the shadow of the traumatic and ugly public feud involving Berhalter and the Reyna family post-World Cup exit. Gregg admitted in a Vanity Fair interview at the end of August that he had not so much as spoken to Gio and that he was planning on consulting with “experts in mediation work,” so the two can resolve the dispute “in the right way.” We have since learned the pair spoke last month via Zoom and Reyna’s subsequent message has been to downplay the scandal by asserting his reunion, which has been delayed by injury, but has been "completely normal.” Let’s just say, this is one of the few times it is a benefit to all that the US Soccer program still flies in the shadow of the NFL and MLB playoffs and this sensitive moment can be lived without the white-hot glare of major media scrutiny. Gio is undoubtedly one of the most talent-soaked creative forces on this US roster. His link-up play with Flo Balogun before Berhalter’s return was a delight to witness. Let the healing begin.

iii. Can CP11 continue his sizzling club form in a CP10 US jersey? 🤌

Christian Pulisic is on clinical, ebullient, confident match-winning form, revelling in club play for the first time in forever. It was magical to watch him spin and “Armpit of God” home an 87th minute winner off a Yunus Musah pass last week. Just two Americans casually performing heroics to send AC Milan top of the table. Behind the scenes, Musah is establishing himself as a stealth leader on this young US team. It will be fascinating to see if our gents can carry their club partnerships – Juventus duo, McKennie and Weah, and the PSV Three, Dest, Tillman (sadly injured) and the mighty Ricardo Pepi.

More: Read this profile of the pride of Long Island, Joe Scally. The US players all adore him. A gent who is truly establishing himself as a glue guy on this young squad. He will make a big move in the next 12 months.

iv. Can Berhalter find out a way to build around Flo Balogun’s strengths rather than force him into his “system”? 🤔

Flo Balogun is a signature striker the US has long been crying out for. The 22-year-old just made a $43 million move to Monaco at the end of August and already has three goals and an assist in five games to fire the team to the top of Ligue 1. Away from the penalty spot, gent looks hungry and confident every time he pulls his boot back to shoot. This is the key test of Berhalter Cycle 2. First time round, Gregg talked about his squad as if they were a club outfit designed to play systems football. But clubs can custom-select the players they want through the transfer market. International football is far more about making the most with the best players you have, and building a system around your strengths. Flo is that gent. Can our system bend to, and serve, his strengths?

More: Lovely piece on Flo’s Journey here.

3. This Week at Men in Blazers World Headquarters

The Highway sets the Traveler’s Stage. We cannot tell you how good it was to be back out on the road this week, visiting that magical city of biscuits and gravy, Nashville. A real content haul for us, to be honest, including that quite magical Matt Turner convo we mentioned at the top of this newsletter. Also, a Brenden Aaronson convo for the ages that drops Monday. We never take any of this for granted and always appreciate the good people at Bud Light for making this come to life. Being able to travel this nation, revel in its beauty and wonder, and speak to those who love the game we love.

ii. Also this week, we loved chopping it up with Herc Gomez for a USMNT international break preview where we went DEEP on the biggest storylines heading into these games with Germany and Ghana, including the Gregg and Gio dynamic. LISTEN HERE.

iii. Talking of Gio Reyna, hear directly from him what it’s like to be back in camp. He went on Tim Ream’s The American Dream Podcast, along with his childhood mate and scorer of Gladbach bangers Joe Scally, for a conversation filled with joy. It is Gio’s very first interview since his return from that Nations League injury. LISTEN HERE. And, it’s important to remember The American Dream is on a different POD feed from regular Men in Blazers. SUBSCRIBE HERE.

iv. We aren’t the only country playing Germany and Ghana this week. El Tri and the red hot Santi Giménez also face those nations in the rare case of friendlies with very real stakes. Listen to Herc and ESPN’s Eric Gomez break it down on an all new VAMOS, presented by Bud Light.

v. And Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have now officially been eliminated from MLS Playoff contention. How did it all go down… not with a bang, but with a brand new episode of our digital YouTube Series, “This Week in the Messiverse.”

Coming up next week at Men in Blazers World HQ, we sit down with Mikel Arteta. That Arsenal change agent. Send your questions for him HERE. And a conversation with The Athletic’s Serie A expert James Horncastle about how our American diplomacy corps to Italy (Christian, Yunus, Timo and Weston) are getting on in that land of Pasta e Fagioli and Pinched Fingers. 🤌

🚨 Men in Blazers Early Kickoff. Our new Podcast that is like a Full English for your ears, but one that won’t leave you stuffed and concerned about your cholesterol. We are so proud of this Podcast, which drops every Monday through Friday and brings you all of the day’s biggest football stories, straight from Europe’s back pages. If you are enjoying this Podcast, we have just one favor, please send it to a football curious-friend and help us grow this beauty. Just send them THIS LINK and ask them to support and subscribe. And if you would be so inclined, please also leave us a review. It takes two minutes and will help more than you know. 🙏

☕️ I wanted to personally thank and congratulate Margaret R., Craig C. and Mike L. on winning their very own Early Kick Off mug (which you may have seen on social) after they responded to last week’s Raven with a screenshot of them subscribed to Early Kick Off. Men in Blazers is a community, and to have people support the new things we do means the world to us. Margaret, Craig and Mike, you are the people who make us go. Winners - you’ll be getting an email from us shortly to make sure we know where to send your mugs. We can’t thank you enough for the support. ☕️

4. England. It might be Coming Home, but right now, it is round the corner, having a quick pie, and thinking about the football. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇦🇺🇮🇹

England take on a Socceroo squad no doubt still buzzing from an Ange Postecoglou visit Friday afternoon (2:45 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Plus) in their last friendly before their Euro Qualifier against Italy on Tuesday (2:45 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1). Friday's match will mark the first time a female referee has taken charge of a men's international at Wembley, and marks only the third meeting of Australia and England men's football teams in the 21st century (their last meeting came in 2016).

Tuesday's match offers a replay of the 2020 Euro final, with the Italians craving a result to boost their chances of qualifying out of Group C alongside an unbeaten England. Euro-winning manager Roberto Mancini has decamped for Saudi Arabian cash, leaving former Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti in his stead. Tottenham's Destiny Udogie is with the Italian squad for his first international call up while England are without the talents of Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Callum Wilson due to injuries.

More: Jude Belliingham can take Southgate’s team and propel them to the heights.

And: Storylines to watch in Euro qualifying this week.

5. NWSL-A-Geddon!!! Decision Day is upon us

This Sunday is the culmination of one of the closest and most complex playoff battles in NWSL history, as eight teams kick off simultaneously (5 p.m. ET) hoping to land one of four remaining playoff slots. Both the Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave have secured entry into the playoff semifinals, while the North Carolina Courage, Gotham FC, Washington Spirit, OL Reign, Orlando Pride, Angel City, Racing Louisville, and the Houston Dash compete to earn a coveted slot in the quarterfinals. "Decision Day" 22/23 marks USWNT legends Megan Rapinoe and Ali Kreiger's final regular season league games in a NWSL season that saw record ticket sales and viewing figures.

Here’s the breakdown of the stakes and carnage: A win by the Thorns against Angel City will secure them the Supporter's Shield. A win by the San Diego Wave against Louisville and a loss by Portland could see them clinch the shield in only their second season in the NWSL. A matchup between level-on-points North Carolina and Washington could decide which of the two make the playoffs. The mighty Ali Kreiger's final home match sees Gotham's playoff fortunes decided against 11th-in-the-league Kansas City. Megan Rapinoe's OL Reign aims to retain their current playoff position with a win against Chicago. Finally, the Houston Dash attempt a last-dash (pun intended) run at playoff qualifying in their match against the Orlando Pride. Got all that?

More: Catch up on the major storylines across NWSL in our new weekly feature This Week in NWSL.

More: Meg Swanick previews the chaos game-by-game. She’ll recap all the action in our Women’s Game Newsletter, which flies every Monday. SUBSCRIBE HERE.

Also: USWNT still needs a coach with the Olympics on the horizon. Are there any good candidates?

Men in Blazers x Bud Light Sweepstakes - Exclusive Prizes for GFOPs 🍺

You’ve long known about the GFOPs at Bud Light’s support of the game we all love. Now, they’re giving us the chance to give away some exclusive prizes only to those of you reading this newsletter. Entering is easy: just head to budlight.com/MIB to enter for your chance to win signed gear, exclusive Bud Light merch, and more.*

6. More Football, Did Ya Say? 🥧

i. Premier League and war. Ukraine set a precedent. But what does it do about Israel and Gaza when teams are owned by Gulf States?

ii. Staggering piece on 777 who want to take over Everton but struggle to pay casino debts. Tariq Panja’s piece flashes warning signs everywhere.

iii. Tom Brady’s Birmingham City take bold but immensely risky coaching change: Enter Wayne Rooney.

iv. 50 Cent Sponsors Welsh U-14 Team. As Louis Van Gaal would say, “In What for World We Live?”

v. UK and Ireland to host Euro 2028. Incredible days coming.

vi. The wearable tracker Playermaker is planning to grow and grow in the United States now FIFA has greenlit its use by players in games.

vi. Marshall Islands: The last country on Earth without a national football team. A staggeringly thoughtful piece. BTW I now know about a dozen people who have purchased Marshall Islands jerseys this week.

7. Not Football and All the Better for It

i. Suffering from a case of triskaidekaphobia? Smithsonian Magazine asks Why Are We So Scared of Friday the 13th? 

ii. Harrison Scott Key tests Amtrak's food policy in Fast Times on America’s Slowest Train. “A writer cannot have too many powdered donuts." A life truth I couldn't agree with more.

iii. Eddie Bauer changed its logo because Gen Z doesn’t read cursive. I'd argue this is the real Millenial/Gen-Z divide.

v. Who Killed the Fudge King? Tom Donaghy (possibly) solved a decades-old cold case on his summer break. I systematically ranked all the breakfast burritos in NYC. Success looks different to everyone.

vi. It's truly the most wonderful time of the year: Fat Bear Week: female bear 128 Grazer wins after ‘stuffing salmon in her face’. Take that, 32 Chunk!

vii. I evacuated from Yellowknife this summer. Coming home was the hardest part. Every politician who creates climate policy should read this. Harrowing stuff.

viii. Confessions of a Pop-Tarts Taste Tester. Laura Holson, how does it feel to have lived my dream?

ix. I adore this photographic collection of newsstands of the world. I love a good newsstand. As a kid, I used to go and stand outside of a local one, and read every single magazine on the shelves. Sadly no Puli on the cover of Gazzetta.

x. Reeves Wiedeman profiles the Fabrizio Romano of the NBA: Shams Charania’s Scoop Dreams. Have never felt better about my average screen time.

xi. Top 20 greatest concert films of all time. Matt Turner pre-game national anthem singing footage, a shocking omission.

xii. Holy Crap this Song is amazing: Caroline by Kingfishr. It has been the soundtrack to this brutal, brutal week, giving me energy when I have had none. I hope it does the same for you.

That is it for this week. The real joy of my week has been watching my wife Vanessa release her book, This is So Awkward into the world. She is such a power, and the book is packed with human truth. She began a 46-date national tour and to watch her engage audiences in a crucial human conversation has been a thing of wonder. When you launch a book, it is such a hard thing to do and it takes the support of thousands of people to make it a success. I am so grateful to all of you who have supported her and will never forget what you have done in this moment. Read more about Ness and her work here. 

To better days ahead for all. With love and hope for peace.

Courage.

ROG

‎Early Kick Off: 10/13/23

Brazil's bicycle blow, international preview, Welcome To Wrexham's dodgy map - Oct 13, 2023

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