Photo by Omar Martinez/ISIphotos.com
Bob Bradley isn't the only American making waves as coach of a non-U.S. national team.
Thomas Rongen won his debut as coach of American Samoa, which defeated Tonga, 2-1, in an Oceania World Cup qualifier for its first-ever victory. American Samoa had never led a match let alone win one and had been outscored 229-12 since 1994, according to the Associated Press.
Rongen, who was axed as head coach of the U.S. Under-20 national team after failing to guide the side to the U-20 World Cup this past summer, was hired by American Samoa for the qualifying campaign.
If Rongen can get American Samoa to outlast Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands during this stage, it will qualify for the second round of qualifying in July.
Here are a few more stories to get your Wednesday going:
USA REMAINS AT 34 IN FIFA RANKINGS
After a win and a loss in its pair of November friendlies, the U.S. men's national team didn't make any movement in the latest FIFA rankings, staying put at No. 34 in the world.
The top four teams in the world also remained unchanged, as Spain, Netherlands, Germany and Uruguay maintained their spots, respectively. England leapfrogged Brazil to take the No. 5 spot, while the Selecao, Portugal, Croatia, Italy and Argentina round out the top 10.
Mexico, which continues to be the highest-ranked CONCACAF nation, is up two spots to No. 20, while Bob Bradley's Egypt dropped a couple of spots to No. 31.
FA FINES VILLAS-BOAS
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas was fined £12,000 for comments made about the officiating following a Premier League game against Queens Park Rangers in October.
Villas-Boas' remarks came following a 1-0 loss in which his side had two players sent off and QPR was granted a penalty. He was hit with a misconduct charge by the FA, and despite denying the charge, he was found guilty by the sport's ruling body.
EVERTON LOOKING AT LUKAKU LOAN
Everton could receive a much-needed boost up front by potentially securing Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku on loan this winter.
The 18-year-old Lukaku has played sparingly for Chelsea since joining the club from Anderlecht, playing in five games in all competitions while fighting for playing time with the likes of Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Daniel Sturridge.
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What do you make of Rongen's victory? What's your take on the latest FIFA rankings? Think the punishment fits the crime for Villas-Boas? Think Everton would benefit by adding Lukaku?
Share your thoughts below.