Group G Watch
Podolski, Klose, Ronaldo, Gyan Are All Playing Well
Several European leagues are still on winter break, but American Soccer Now's weekly Group G Watch makes its return nonetheless. Remember: Keep your friends close, and your enemies Klose.
Premier League
Germany’s Lukas Podolski makes his debut in the Group G Watch following a successful return from injury in Arsenal’s 3-1 Boxing Day win at West Ham. Podolski picked up a goal and an assist in an electrifying substitute appearance. The goal showcases a classic Podolski finish—low and hard to the far post. It’s unlikely that he’ll start in Brazil, but the 28-year-old striker will probably be used as an impact sub. He has an incredible 111 caps and 46 goals for Germany, with five of those goals coming in the World Cup.Serie A
Kwadwo Asamoah (Ghana) didn’t score or assist but put in an excellent performance in Juventus’ commanding 3-0 win over fellow title challengers Roma. Asamoah has become a vital player for this frighteningly good Juventus team and has excelled in his left wingback role in recent weeks. Germany’s Miroslav Klose is keeping himself in the conversation for a World Cup roster spot by continuing to plunder goals for Lazio. He may have lost some of his pace, but Klose is still physically robust and capable of scoring fantastic goals. His wonderful volley fired Lazio to a late 1-0 win over Inter over the weekend.Lazio 1-0 Inter (Goals & Highlights) 6.1.2014 by AllGoalsHD The striker is second on the all-time World Cup goals list and—though most thought 2010 would be his last hurrah—he looks as if he may get the chance to break Ronaldo’s record this summer in Brazil.
La Liga
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) scored yet another brace in Madrid’s 3-0 cup win over Celta Vigo. Both goals came via one-touch finishes from crosses. Ronaldo’s pace and clever running in the box make him virtually impossible to mark in crossing situations—on his second goal, note the superb late movement to free himself from his defender and get on the end of Gareth Bale’s cross.Real Madrid 3-0 Celta Vigo (Goals & Highlights... by AllGoalsHD Ronaldo’s club and international teammate Fabio Coentrao has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the January transfer window. Reports suggest that Coentrao is keen on the move but Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is reluctant to let his No. 2 left back go. It’s a somewhat curious situation. With the highly regarded Patrice Evra still playing left back for United, Coentrao wouldn’t be guaranteed any more playing time in Manchester than he’s getting in Madrid. It may be a move with an eye toward the future—Evra is heavily rumored to be on the way out of United in the summer.
