A Final Death Match

With Real Madrid recently falling behind in the La Liga title race, final game of the season appears to have all the makings of a perfect storm. FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid will be squaring off in a game that will likely decide which team earns the league title.

Currently, Atlético sits on top of the Spanish table with a single point advantage over Barcelona. Real Mardid's lost to Sevilla this past weekend sees them three points off the top of the table. With with all three likely to win their remaining games, this "Rayas Clásico" looks to be a season finale that will talked about for years to come.

Assuming the teams stay where they are in relative points, a win for Barcelona will see them finish in first place. If Atlético are able to pull off an away win, they will have won their first league title in 19 years. A tie between the two sides will also lead to Atlético finishing on the top of the heap. Mark May 6th on your calendars because this is not a match you want to miss.

Keys to Making the U.S. a Soccer Powerhouse

The U.S.'s lack of success in the soccer is rather embarrassing. A nation whose culture is almost obsessed with sport, but have been unable to produce world class athletes for the world's most popular game. What's that all about?

The U.S.'s dominance in the Olympics proves that Americans' successes aren't limited to football, basketball, and baseball. More than 3 million youth players are registered for US Youth Soccer. The 2012 Euro Cup final brought in an audience of more than 4 million people. 

The U.S. seems to be at the cusp of becoming a strong soccer nation. These are the key steps that need to happen before the U.S. can become a soccer powerhouse.

Quality Players to the MLS

The MLS needs to import skilled, international players. However, no more former superstars coming to have their careers fizzle out in the U.S. (i.e. Beckham and Henry.) They will have to be under-thirty-year-old all-stars. But who could these players be? Maybe under-utilized young stars, such as Mario Balotelli or Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.

Two World-Class Strikers Warming the Bench

It seems like a bit of wishful thinking to get these two up-and-comers on MLS teams, but with Mario continuing to wear out his welcome in nearing every league in europe and Chicharito sitting on the bench behind van Persie and Rooney, a move to an American team might look rather attractive to either of them. 

A Meaningful Club Cup to Win

Having quality MLS teams would mean little if they have no major prize to strive for. Even if the league's strong enough to support an exciting league and domestic cup race, American teams will need to compete with the headliners to gain prestige. 

Friendlies are the only MLS and Europe's elite are able to meet

If FIFA were to promote a world club tournament, MLS teams would have a stage to play against europe's best. A FIFA run tournament might be able to take over the role of UEFA's Champions League, which would be good for FIFA as well.

Celebrity Endorsement

Americans love celebrities. Fascinated to learn of their interests, pet peeves, fears, and hobbies, normal civilians are even willing to pay to gain this information. With celebrities' opinions in such high esteem, a few celebrities promoting soccer would do the sport a lot of good.

Celebs showing support

The list of existing celebrity fans includes (but isn't limited to), Tom Hanks, Kobe Bryant, Will Ferrell, Katy Perry, Sylvester Stallone, Mike Tyson, Steve Nash, LeBron James, Cameron Diaz, and Snoop Dogg. Now, if only Spike Lee would be a vocal for his admiration for Arsenal, as he was for the Knicks.

A Messiah

The U.S. needs a messiah. A patriotic young man to go over to europe and be a star for either Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool, Madrid, Manchester City or Manchester United. A golden boy playing for a top-shelf club will not only help the global opinion of U.S. soccer, but will peak the interest of people back home. 

Who will this mystery player be?

Having a player making monster money in a global sport might be enticing enough for another youngster to pursue being a striker or a keeper, instead of a running back or a power forward. A poster boy could be the last step in getting rid of the of the remaining "anti-soccer" minority in the U.S.

Balotelli: Soccer's Bad Boy?

Mario Balotelli is a rock star. Fast cars, a supermodel on each arm, and more than enough money for 5 lifetimes. He lives his life like no one is watching, but the press have made it clear that they have. They see him as a bad boy, which is great for selling papers. Balotelli's name in a headline is usually followed with a negative article about the Italian. 

Partying a few days after the EURO Cup final

Every wild celebrity has list of sensational stunts, but Mario's would make Keith Richards' jaw drop; starting a sword fight in a restaurant, trespassing at an all women's prison, setting his house on fire while playing with fireworks, throwing darts at youth players, and having his Maserati impounded 27 times. And that's just the most interesting stuff (more here). Young Mario seems out of control.

The future of Italian soccer

However, Balotelli also has many examples of being a reputable person; sharing £1,000 of a night's casino winnings with a homeless man, offering to pay the fees for all overdue books at a Manchester University library, and meeting with a school's headmaster to discuss a young fan's bully problems. Now that seems like a guy with a good head on his shoulders.

Young, gifted, and making millions

So, which is the real Mario Balotelli? Truth is, they both are. Mario is just an impulsive young man with too much money and even more scrutiny. His impetuous behavior and an overabundance of money lead to a shopping spree where he bought a giant trampoline, an expensive set of RC cars, two Vespa scooters, and a pingpong table. But Mario's character and wealth has also lead to him dress in a Santa Suit and passing out £20 bills to strangers on the street.

That's a good question Mario

Balotelli is by no means the only player behaving recklessly, so what's with all the haters?

The first, and most obvious, explanation is his skin color. But, come on, that's not the real reason.  It's true that soccer has been plagued with racism, but that sickness is mainly quarantined in eastern Europe. Black soccer players such as Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Thierry Henry, Vincent Kompany, Nani, and Yaya Touré were/are fan favorites of English supporters. Besides, Mario was supported by the press for saying, "If someone throws a banana at me in the street, I will go to prison because I will kill him."

Maybe it's his on field performance? Although there is a lot of debate over the skill-level of Mario, no one doubts that he has raw talent People complain about his hot-headed temperament  his work-rate, and attitude. But when he shows up to play, he delivers. And if he is able to completely shake these demons, he'll be one of the world's most lethal strikers. 

So, why is Mario normally portrayed as a two dimensional wild boy? Jealousy? Wanting to sell papers? 

The press needs to understand that we are not able to tame this guy and all this criticism does little to help him mature. Mr. Balotelli is only 22 and will grow to become more responsible, on his own.

In short, let him buy fast cars, let him swim with sharks, let him be who he is. He isn't hurting anybody and is staying true to himself.     

Caveats for Neymar

Neymar, Neymar, Neymar. Everywhere you look you see the young, wild, and fast Brazilian. At the tender age of 20, Pele has already deemed Neymar "better than Messi". His performance with Santos has put Neymar at the top of nearly every European club's transfer list, including (but not limited to): Barcelona, Chelsea, Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid.

It may look like smooth sailing for Neymar, but there have been plenty of promising players who ended up fizzling out. Three Brazilians in particular: Robinho, Kaká, and Ronaldinho. All great players, but none of them truly lived up to their potential. 

 Robinho

"O que aconteceu?"

The early careers of Robinho and Neymar are strangely similar. Robinho's explosive style of play earned him impressive numbers as a teen at Santos. Pele spoke very highly of him, naming the young Robinho his heir apparent. Nearly every team in Europe wanted the Brazilian prodigy.  Sound familiar?

At 21, Robinho took over as Real Madrid's number 10.  Everyone was eager to to see what the newest member of the Galácticos could do. But his stats started slipping. Only averaging .247 goals a game in La Liga, Real no longer wanted to invest in Robinho and let his contact run out.

After becoming a free agent, Manchester City hoped he'd have better luck in the Premier League. But after one and a half seasons, one mediocre and the start of a terrible one, City loaned Robinho back out to Santos. Since then, he has joined AC Milan were he is seeing some success. But this is by no means the Robinho that was supposed to take over the world of soccer.   

Kaká

From Player of the Year to soccer's most skilled beachwarmer

When dressed his AC Milan kit, it looked like the sky was the limit for Kaká. As a reserve member of the 2002 Brazil squad, Kaká won his first world cup at age 20.  A few years later, Kaká was named FIFA Player of the Year. With one generation of legends retiring, Kaká looked like he would be ushering in the new era of soccer.

Kaká's € 65M move to Real Madrid meant he would be joining superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuaín,  Rafael van der Vaart, Raul, and Sergio Ramos. It was Kaká's chance to become a legend: join one of soccer's most famous clubs and return them to their former glory.

However, Kaká has struggled in white. In his three years, Kaká has been unable to hit double digits in either his single season goal or assist tallies. Kaká's unimpressive form lead to Madrid sign German superstar, Mesut Özil, in 2010. With Kaká being one of the most expensive benchwarmers, Real are rumored to be looking to transfer the 30 year old. Sad situation for the once promising star.

Ronaldinho

Only two years at the top

Possibly the saddest story of all is that of Ronaldinho. His crooked tooth smile made him one of soccer's most familiar face. His style of play dazzled fans and made defenders tremble in their cleats.  Inventive, skillful, and lethal. Unleashing never before seen tricks at PSG, eager eyes looked towards this special player.

Moving to Barcelona in 2003, Ronalindho brought new energy to the struggling giant. Ronaldinho lead FCB to two league cups and one Champions League title. On the individual side, Ronaldinho was crowned back-to-back FIFA Player of the Year awards. But soccer's happiest player was plagued with all sorts of injuries during the 2007-2008 season. 

Looking for a clean start, Ronaldinho left Barcelona for AC Milan in 2008. Unfortunately over his three seasons at Milan, Ronaldinho only manged to net 20 goals (1 less then his 2006-2007 tally). Now Ronaldinho is bouncing between no-name Brazilian clubs, looking like a shadow of his former self.     

Another young Brazilian destined for disappointment?

And what can young Neymar learn from his fellow countryman's woes?

Robinho: Nothing. Just pray his God given talent doesn't give out.

Kaká: Neymar needs to be ready to adapt to the most competitive leagues. Neymar has proven his skill in the Brazilian league, just as Kaka had in the Italian league. However, if Neymar ends up in La Liga or the Premier League, he needs to be ready to match the intensity of those leagues.  

Ronaldinho: He can't get complacent. Ronalinho rose to the top and fell into mediocrity in a span of 5 years. Had Ronaldinho returned from his injuries to Barcelona, there's no saying what he could have accomplished with the team that was tailored around him. Instead, he felt that he had left enough of a legacy and entered his "declining years" four years too early. Neymar needs to compete with his past performances, always striving for more goals, more titles, and more highlights.     

So will Neymar become a soccer idol, worshiped by generations to come, or will he ended up being yet another Brazilian flop? Only time will tell!

Ibrahimovic: Lord of Arrogance

Ibra: King for the Day

Mario Balotelli, Carlos Tevez, Didier Drogba. All respectable candidates for "Soccer's Most Arrogant Player", but none truly measure up to the great Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Want a good endorsement? Kevin-Prince Boateng (a man who is also on the shortlist for this title) was quoted saying, “I thought he [Ibrahimovic] was an arrogant bastard!”

More proof? Ibra once threatened Pep Guardiola, his former boss. Feeling he should start over Lionel Messi (a ridiculous request), Zlatan got so upset that he threw a box of gear across the room. That temper tantrum may have a lot to do with why he was loaned out to Milan.

 Zlatan has been passed around 4 different teams in the last 3 years

But recently, Ibra has had a lot of buzz around him because of his amazing performance against England on the 14th. Yes, he did play incredibly and yes his final goal would have been spectacular in FIFA 13, let alone real life.

So, this is arrogance a flaw players need to overcome?

There are classic examples of players looking foolish by their egos. Mario Balotelli's infamous failed backheel is a prime example. "Super" Mario felt that he could treat Man. City's friendly against LA like a training session, which lead to him making a fool of himself and pulled from the match. 

But there is a very thin line between arrogance and confidence. A player needs to be extremely arrogant (or confidant) to says, "I can score this bicycle from 30-yards out." The same arrogance Messi displays when he puts his head down and says, "Screw this ticky tacky. I'm taking this in on my own."