Vive la France! Vive le nouveau roi!
Yes, there is a new king....after France dives out of the Cup after not scoring a goal. While I knew they needed ZZ to do well, the implications are clear. Losing everyone else to injuries and then yellow/red cards was certainly not a positive. To be sure, three posts/crossbar were frustrating, but I didn't think that they were going to be able to win by two goals today.

I also watched the Ireland side today and it's great to see them put it together after all the controversy. That 3rd goal was unfortunate, but really not a factor in the game.

Surprises thus far? Spain...they have the talent and it's great to see them put it together as well as they have. They should be able to make a solid run and potentially face Ireland in the next round..another side that is making nice strides.

I'm shocked about this ... but I've gotten hooked on the World Cup.

I stayed up late to watch the 4th Member of the Axis of Evil - France! - get smashed like the bugs they are. And what a pleasure to see Danish goalie Thomas Sorenson (sorry, Cyd, BUT I'M A GUY, I couldn't help but notice him!) do the smashing!

And I was trying to watch Senegal and Uruguay at the same time (but I gave up when Senegal went up 3-0). The greatest Cinderella historically in international soccer (Uruguay) versus the exciting young French-destroying upstarts of Senegal.

Until I learn the rules of international soccer better, I'll be content watching those hot Uruguayan, Senegalese and Danish men battle it out on the field. And can we start getting that Senegalese percussion section to play at U.S. sports events?

Cameron vs Germany: The absolute *WORSE* ref'ing I have ever seen!!! --53-- fouls, 16 yellow cards, 2 expulsions and only **9** shots on goal!!

Germany did come thru to win, but they now have so many yellows and the one expulsion, that it's hard to picture who in the hell they're going to be able to field in the next round.

I think the other refs should have a "blanket party" for the Spanish ref tonite. What a dumb-f*ck!!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

---------------------------------------------

However, on a lighter note: Is is just me or does this German team have an inordinate number of hotties on it???? Torsten Frings (Wow!), and the GK Oliver Kahn (WOOF!) immediately make me stand up ... err... stand out.... uhhhh.... cum to mind... damn! You guys know what I mean. <grin>

My favorite German player is Lars Riken who probably
didn't even play. Their big scorer Klose seen [url="http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/en/020611/1/xk9.html"]here in what amounts to
an orgy[/url] of emotion for Germans, is also a fav.

It's interesting though that Gerald Asamoah is the first black african on the German team. Guess racial diversity is still not something taken for granted in Germany. Wonder if that lent to the number of fouls.

Another competition with a lot of fouls was Russia:Japan with over 53 (the last number I heard.) There is definitely bad political and ethnic rivalry there.

So did the Germans and Cameroons exchange shirts? Can't remember how many Russians and Japanese did.

How does Zinedine Zidane get named "Man of the Match" when at least three players on the WINNING side would be more deserving? -- Thomas Sorensen for his excellent goal keeping, Stig Tofting for his speed and great defense, Jon Dahl Tomasson for yet another goal.

Well, I guess France can have the MVP and go home -- Denmark will take the win and stay in Korea!

Sportinlife asked:
>> So did the Germans and Cameroons exchange
>> shirts? Can't remember how many Russians and
>> Japanese did.

Yes they did... and many of the Germans put the shirts on. My memory may be failing me, but isn't this unusual? Seems in the past, most players would just drape the traded shirt over one shoulder (and allow us fans to continue marveling over the sweat and physiques). Dammit! Keep traditions alive!!!

My WC thoughts: Denmark's goalie is the hottie of the tournament so far. I've watched way more soccer than I ever have and I'm not sure why, but I think it's b/c of the Americans big win over Portugal. The goodlooking guys help, but that's not it entirely. The South Korean crowd was the most amazing group of fans I have ever seen. My top three, solely on on looks: Denmark, Germany, USA.

During the US vs South Korea game.... the Korean fans sounded every bit as good as ANY of the UK Premiership fans. Definately in "good voice". If you closed your eyes, you could easily have believed you were at a match at Ole' Trafford.

[ June 11, 2002: Message edited by: Tomm ]

Thanks for the info about the German-Cameroon shirt exchange Tomm - restores my ever-flagging faith in human nature and 'western civilization.'

Interesting comment about what-to-like about soccer. Yes I know the rabid fans response - what's not to like? - but seriously, I like the facts that

1-the one-on-one contact takes place without a lot of artificial protection

2-height is not so important. I know many great players are under six feet (my height) and the tallest player in the cup is a Cameroon who is only 6' 4" - barely point guard material by NBA standards

3-body types seem more natural and easier to identify with. Most baseball players are bulkier (or odd proportioned if they take drugs which are banned in soccer), basketball players are much taller than average fans, and American Football players have seemingly unattainable physiques, for me at least

There is also something appealing about the history of the game: evolving from the inter-town competition between British villages. From it's origin soccer has been about more than just a sport. I'm sure I left out some things but those are the ones that come to mind.

Historical sidelight on the German/Cameroons shirt swap. Kamerun was once a German colony in Africa and the Germans generally proved themselves able and humane colonial administrators. Think Albert Schweitzer and you get the idea. On the other hand, the Belgians and Portugese were about as bad can be imagined and the Dutch and French only slightly better. The Brits, Americans and Germans were about the best - and, for the most part, their former colonies' standing as nations today reflects that fact.

And the next time you open a bottle of Tsing Tao, drink a toast to the Germans who built a brewery in that former German concession in China long ago!

Didn't the Germans build breweries just about everywhere? Thank God! Their greatest contribution to both world cuisine and soccer riots.

Watching Sweden-Argentina, the Swedes seem content to lay back and let the Argentinans pound away for the first half. As pleasant as that may be from my point of view they're going to have to get off their backs in the second half if the Argentinans make one of that plethora of shots on goal they're getting.

Eye-candy galore! Love the 'camaraderie' when Claudio Lopez went way over the back of Allback and came down hard! Allback helped him up and they both had one of those 'special moments' of eye-contact that make this game so great. Can't wait for more.

[ June 12, 2002: Message edited by: sportinlife ]

and another one bites the dust -- first France, now Argentina. And Sweden wins the "Group of Death"! Who woulda thunk it? Who's next ... Italy? If Croatia beat Ecuador (likely) and Italy does not beat Mexico (stranger things have happened), then Croatia and Mexico advance ...

[ June 12, 2002: Message edited by: DCBucky ]

Argentina had many many chances here, and they sliced through the Swedish defense many times. A couple times they had touches inside the six-yard box--vintage Argentina. But they didn't get it done, and so they are gone. Add Portugal to the teams that might not advance; if Korea ties or beats Portugal, (the USA is beating Poland) then there go the Portuguese! It would be amazing if FRA, ARG, ITA and POR do not make it out of the first round. We're 1/2 way there. I wish I could have watched more of the ENG-NGR game; it was tough to get into the flow of things while watching SWE-ARG, but what I saw seemed to be dominated by the English, but it only really matters on the board.

!MAJOR NEWSFLASH! THE DEUCE ARRIVES IN SF!

AT&T Broadband cable subscribers in San Francisco can now finally get ESPN2 as part of their digital cable subscriptions. Just in time for World Cup and well in advance of college football season. Can WGN and Fox News Channel be far behind? Keep your fingers crossed!

So what happens if Croatia and Italy both win and Croatia has a larger final point differential? Does the fact that Italy beat Croatia earlier take precedence, giving Italy first or second place or is the differential the higher priority winning first or second for Croatia?

Since the games are played simultaneously the point differential would put pressure on Croatia throughout the game to score at least two more goals than Italy in the second scenario.

What's more, there be a three way draw? I'd almost like to see one just to force someone to explain the rules better.

It's getting weirder and weirder.

First, if I may, a slight correction in that Croatia beat Italy 2-1. Mexico has 6 points and is +2, Italy has 3 points and is +1 (3-2), Croatia has 3 points and is even (2-2), while Ecuador is at 0 points and is -3 (1-4). Mexico plays Italy and Croatia plays Ecuador. Here are the scenarios

Mexico wins or ties-- they move on

MEX wins/ties and CRO wins -- Mex and Cro advance

MEX wins and ECU wins -- 3 way tie and:
It would depend on the scores of the games. Italy would be at best even in goal diff, Croatia would be at best -1, and Ecuador could be anything from -2 to better. The team with the best GD advances. If two teams are tied with GD, then the team with the most goals advances.

If Italy ties and Ecuador wins, ITA and MEX go on

If Italy wins and Croatia wins, then there is a 3-way tie, but Italy will advance because they will have at least a +2 goal differential and will have scored more goals than Mex (they are tied now and will obviously score more if they win). If Croatia wins then they will have at least a +1 goal differential and Mexico will have at best a +1 goal differential. If Croatia wins 1-0 and Mexico loses 1-0, they will both have 6 points, 3 goals for and 2 goals against. The next tie-breaker is head-to-head, which means that Mex advances because they beat Croatia. If Croatia scores two goals and wins, it doesn't matter the score of the Italy-Mexico game because Croatia will go through (as Champion if Italy wins and runner-up if Mexico wins)
** Whoops--if Croatia scores two and Italy wins, then Italy could be champion if they outscore Mexico by as many or more than Croatia beats Ecuador; sorry was thinking if ITA-MEX was a 1-0 game)**

Hope that makes sense!
[edited for clarification found **above**]

[ June 12, 2002: Message edited by: Chip ]

That buzzing sound is my head spinning. I'll take your word for it chip. Thanks.

Here are the rules:

OFFICIAL RULES OF THE TOURNAMENT
Rankings in each group shall be determined as follows:
(a) greater number of points obtained in all group matches;
( goal difference in all the group matches;
© greater number of goals scored in the group matches

If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their place shall be determined as follows:

(d) greater number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
(e) goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
(f) greater number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned;
(g) drawing lots by the Organising Committeee for the FIFA World Cup

Can you imagine being eliminated by the draw of lots?? It could happen in the US's group. This page breaks down the possibilities. The last scenario shows how Portugal could win the group while the US and Korea are left to dumb luck. Rocks-Paper-Scissors anyone?

How's that spinning head now?

AAAAAHHHH much better..better than aspirin..now I can go back to drooling over soccer orgies!

Bless you curtj!

Well, England is through the knock-out round but they really have to play better or the HOT Danes are going to run rampant.

Emile Heskey is a stiff--and I'm not just saying that because he plays for The Red Scum!--and doesn't really help partner Michael Owen. Maybe they should start Robbie Fowler? The service from midfield was poor at best; England's best moves came from runs down the touch line. I was ready to do the Snoopy Dance of Joy when Scholes took his shot but alas, the Nigerian keepers hand and the woodwork intervened. And I hope Teddy Sheringham has nightmares for weeks about that sitter he missed; he could have gathered the ball on his right foot and still had plenty of time to shoot and score. At that point, typically fatalistic England supporter that I am, I thought: "f**k! Nigeria will score against the run of play and Argentina will score two miracle goals to advance". Luckily, it didn't happen. England has to feel fortunate to have advanced while playing so poorly.

If England can somehow beat Denmark, who are playing really well right now, they'd most likely play Brazil in the quarters. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted!

No games of real importance tonight at 11:30 pm Los Angeles time, so I'll go to bed at decent hour for a change. I'd love to see Mexico win their group, have the US finish second in theirs and thus set up a US v. Mexico match. The US can't underestimate the Poles; they have to play good, aggressive attacking football and not lay back and play defensively.

At this point, I'm picking Spain to win the whole thing.

SVERIGE!!! SVERIGE!!! GOOOOOO SVERIGE!!!

Now that I am "awake" from a night of games...I could barely stand the last few minutes of the game with Argentina. I kept thinking that sooner or later, one of their shots would go in, but they never really got many shots on goal (only 4 vs 3 for Sweden).
Thought England slept through most of their game...I am worried that England does not put as much effort tracking players as does Denmark or Sweden or even South Korea.

Keep the upsets coming....what a great World Cup!!!

With all due respect Mr. Allen, I would love to see the USA defeat Poland and move on as the Group D champion, and then have Italy beat Mexico by one goal and have Croatia only beat Ecuador by one goal so that Mexico is the runner-up. Then the USA could play Mexico as Group G runner-up. It would also mean that we would then play the winner of Spain-Ireland (as opposed to the winner of the Germany-Paraguay match) and then face the winner of the DEN/ENG and BRA/JAP game in the semis. Ok that's a lot of conjecture on my part, esp when the POL game hasn't even come up yet!

On the other hand, a G1-D2 matchup with Mexico would lead to a game vs GER/PAR, which would in turn lead to a game vs SWE/SEN or TUR/RUS, which would be pretty cool and could launch the USA into the finals....hmmm...one day at a time, ok?

Italy - Mexico was a great match-up -- the Mexican goal was beautiful. Now the poor Croatians must be kicking themselves that a win over Ecuador would have gotten them into the next round.

I really like having the two games from the same group being played at the same time -- adds even more intrigue to it -- but it is hard to watch two TVs at once!

Hvertska (Croatia) wins over Italy but can't beat winless Ecuador????

they deserve the rioting and stone throwing that they'll receive back in Zagreb and split.

....just kidding guys. stop getting all PC on me. But they did suck the big one though. and not in a good way

Check out the BBC's Funny Old World Cup series. It's no Monte Python but some pretty good stuff - typically dry Brit humor.

An interesting story from the BBC site about British men's knowledge of soccer. Apparently most of them don't know what rule number 11 (off side) really means either. I feel better already.

-scroll to bottom of page to headline: Offside Trap-

[ June 13, 2002: Message edited by: sportinlife ]

Well we succeeded in not doing what we didn't need to do...and we have the 'speed skating' Korean soccer team to thank. What irony.

The U.S. are the luckiest losers on the planet! GO USA -- (thank you South Korea)

Oh wow....ok I'll take the advancement. Big picture, that was the goal; I can at least see that. Bruce is smart and will be able to get the plan in place for Mexico, a team he knows very very well. Keep it up USA!!

On the other hand, it's funny that #1 France, #3 Argentina, #4 Colombia, #5 Portugal, #9 Netherlands and #10 Yugoslavia are out of the mix (COL, NED and JUG not even coming to Asia). What a series!

But what will the plan be vs. Mexico? -- I think we're hurting that Hejduk has to sit it out due to his yellow cards. He was the best American player out there today. And what do to with Agoos? Hate to say it, but I was actually glad to see him leave the game on his injury -- both those early goals came on his defense ...

On behalf of Korea, I wil accept your thanks from you Yanks.

I am glad Korea won/. But I am sorry to see Portugal go. especially Cuoto and Figo.

The next matchups are very tricky. Mexico is paying awesome right now. and I guarantee you. they will have a huge fan presence in the game. the same will not be true of the US. (by the way, saw the US match against poland on Univision entirely. their coverage is much beter then ESPN)

The Korea-Italy match poses problems for me. You see..... as a korean I would like korea to do well. But as a gay man who appreciates fine male beauty (or is that male "bootie"?) I would love to see more of Italy.. MUCH more. Like Cannavaro and Totti in a jacuzzi.... or Cannavaro, Vieri and Totti being jailed for public indecency and I happen to be in jail for speeding tickets and they decide to have their way with me..... ok. gotta stop and adjust my pants.

Wow... what a way to go thru to the knockout phase for the US! What the f**k happend out there?? Poland doesn't score the entire cup and WHAM! 2 goals in the first 5 mins?

Bad call by the ref in waving off our goal.

Poland's defense was phenomenal.. and their goals were all quality. Gotta give em their due. Proves that when you have nothing to lose, you are indeed a dangerous team.

RE: Agoos: I've always been a big Goose fan, but he is done... (pass the fork please). I'm thinking that he may have taken the "gentleman's option" by saying someone threw something from the crowd and hit him. I think even he knew he had to come out in order for to help us save our bacon.

Good to see Cobi come on... seems to me that he did inspire the team to suck it up and come on strong.

But we're THROUGH! Wooo Hoo!!!

GO U-S-A!!

Mexico v USA is gonna be one helluva matchup!!

ADDENDUM:
Just came across this post CNNSI about Goose... ouch!

Gray Goose

[ June 14, 2002: Message edited by: Tomm ]

Poland really played like they had something to prove. Their defense was amazing. I think we're lucky the score doesn't reflect how out-played the US really was. Can you believe Freidel saved another penalty kick??

I think we're better off playing Mexico. Not because they are easy. I think Italy will wake up in the next round and disappoint our new best friends, Korea. Mexico is as familiar with our game as we are theirs so it will be an interesting match.

[quote]Originally posted by ung:
(by the way, saw the US match against poland on Univision entirely. their coverage is much beter then ESPN)

---

Even though I speak only about 10-20 words of Spanish, I've been watching some of the Univision broadcasts too. I get a better understanding of what's happening from the tone and emotion of the Spanish-language announcers than I do ESPN's colorless broadcast.

Speaking of colorless: Can someone please explain why the color on the ESPN broadcasts are all washed out and totally pale ... while the color on the Univision broadcasts is vivid and equal in quality to the broadcast networks? The ESPN signals look awful, lie it's archival footage from the 70's.

[quote]Originally posted by Tomm:
ADDENDUM:
Just came across this post CNNSI about Goose... ouch!

Gray Goose

---

Good article, I've been suspicious for sometime about the inclusion of Jeff Agoos as a player for the US national team. Pity he couldn't be an advisor or second coach or something. Then they would benefit from his experience while letting a younger player take the field.

I also think Eddie Pope's position could be better played by a younger player though he would probably be more difficult to replace (and there is certainly noone better looking at that position but that's neither here nor there )

I look forward to the day when people start to take more interest in the sport and the level of play catches up to the rest of the world - not that we're doing badly. Still a famous golfer we all know can respond "You got the wrong country" when asked about the popularity of soccer in the US.

(and Grant Wahl is cute)

[ June 15, 2002: Message edited by: sportinlife ]

[quote]Originally posted by Tomm:

Poland's defense was phenomenal.. and their goals were all quality. Gotta give em their due. Proves that when you have nothing to lose, you are indeed a dangerous team.

RE: Agoos: I've always been a big Goose fan, but he is done... (pass the fork please). I'm thinking that he may have taken the "gentleman's option" by saying someone threw something from the crowd and hit him. I think even he knew he had to come out in order for to help us save our bacon.
[ June 14, 2002: Message edited by: Tomm ]

---

Poland played good defense, but the U.S.'s defense was pretty bad. The main culprit was...AGOOS! Cook the Goose, he's gotta go! He's slow and no matter how decent and hardworking he is, the U.S.'s aim is to play the best it can and win. There's more on the lousy play of Goose in today's online NY Times (subscription needed).

His his misplays led to the first two Polish goals; he missed the header that Olisadebe knocked in. In the second goal, he was literally just pushed out of the way. Coach Arena has got to try Llamosa or someone else against Mexico, a team the U.S. has beaten 4 out of the last 5 times we've played. But with play like that against Poland, we'll be fighting an uphill battle against Mexico.

Brazil (so hot, so talented) and Germany look very strong, Spain is showing some flare, and England also isn't looking so bad (especially with Sol Campbell, Kieron Dyer, and Ashley Cole on the team).

NO FAIR - the Brits brought their weather to the Wold Cup. Don't want to hear anymore about Senegal witchdoctors. No more about "slippy bits." These guys love mud more than the 1970's Redskins.

Beck is back. Smack one on me the way you did Owen after that goal.

Didn't think Rio Ferdinand could look any better 'til I saw him dripping wet. UNHH! Better than a wank. Along with Sinclair and Archie Cole playing brilliant defense, these guys are looking like ole times for ole England..for now.

Germans had a rough time with pesky Paraguay but managed in the end. Tough to break that Berlin wall on defense. Think they're gonna wear down eventually from penalties, heat, lack of speed and agility.

But for now GO Germans, Go Brits, on to the next round.

Well, they'll be dancing in the streets of Scunthorpe today, that's for sure. Great win for England, rain and all. Man, it was like watching Newcastle v. Leeds from St. James' in December! To be fair, Denmark was ghastly for about the first 25 minutes; at that point, they were already down 2-0. Sorenson gifted England the fist goal and that really seemed to take the wind out of Denmark's sails. Owen's goal was brilliantly done. I thought Sorenson should have had Heskey's goal too, but that one was 50/50.

England is playing great defense, the midfield is solid and the forwards are getting more involved. I think Brazil should beat Belgium and as much as I love England, I think the Brazilians will toy with them.

Germany is playing typical German football: grind teams down, play patiently and take the few chances that are created. They're not a lock on the semifinal slot; the Mexico v. US winner can beat them. I suspect it's going to be a Brazil v. Spain final, which could be incredible.

I taped the US v. Poland match, but having seen the "highlights", I'm not going to bother watching the whole thing. The game with Mexico will be huge here in Los Angeles; I can't wait to chant "USA! USA! USA!" to the security guard in the lobby at work. Providing, of course, they win, not a sure thing, despite the 4 out of the last 5 thing. If the US loses, I may take the back entrance in to work.........

Oh to be in England today!!! What a party must be going on !!!! EN-GA-LAND! EN-GA-LAND! EN-GA-LAND!

I only caught the 2nd half of the England v Denmark game on Univision, will be watching the full game today tape...

For the shirt-swap watchers out there:
It was shown on Univision, but don't know if gringo telly will show it, but keep your eyes open for a shirtless Stig Tofting....

WOOOOOOOF!!!!! Man, I would go up against him any day!!!

Also, did anyone notice Becks kissing all the goal scorers? Damn.... !!!! Makes me want to score!!!
Becks kissing Fredinad
Becks with Seaman on his chest


RE: Goose
Is it just me, or is the press unusally quiet about Agoos' injury? Hmmmmmmm.....

Addendum: Of course right *after* I posted that about Goose, I come acrossthis article.

[ June 15, 2002: Message edited by: Tomm ]

Thomas Sorensen - Englamd's new no.1
If you have a taste for Scandies and are missing the lovely Tommy already go to www.thomas-sorensen.com

[ June 15, 2002: Message edited by: jamesw ]

[quote]Thomas Sorensen - Englamd's new no.1

---

Haha! I can hear Martin Tyler saying something like "Oooh, he'll be having nightmares about that first goal for weeks to come". Wonder if Sunderland's opposition supporters will cheer him loudly in the coming season?

I wish Nigel Martyn were England's No. 1, but oh well. I'm gonna fire up the VCR for the Spain v. Ireland match tonight. Getting up at 4:30 am has wiped me out.

WOW! What a match between Sweden and Senegal. Wide-open, offense-minded, flowing futbol. Great goal by Camara, to be sure, but the Swedish team should have nightmares for years: in the last 15 minutes of regulation and during the Golden Goal period, I counted at least 4 goals that should have been theirs.

What terrible defense by the Swedish defender #4 on the winning goal. He lunged for the Camara's legs instead of playing the ball. And it was great ball control by the one Swedish guy (sorry, I don't know the Swedish players) and he rifles it off the woodwork. Wow.

The VCR is all set for Spain v. Ireland. Must. get. some. sleep....

[ June 16, 2002: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]

I was sooo pissed to miss the Senegal-Sweden match. Had to drop off the jalopy for repairs and couldn't find anything on the radio - bummer. If only someone would show a rebroadcast...sorry wrong country.

[quote]sorry wrong country

---

Who knew that behind the bland corporate facade, Tiger was a comedian?

Well, these (part) Irish eyes are cryin' now. The cruelty of sports: Ireland basically played Spain off the pitch but due to a missed penalty shot in regulation and poor penalty taking after the extra time, they're headed back to Dublin. The Spaniards have a virtual All-Star team and through hard work and belief, Ireland played them tough. Roy Keane who? The referee, Anders Fisk, kicked butt and took names in this match--the penalty award in the 90th minute was correct, the Spanish defender nearly pulled Niall Quinn's shirt off--and I loved how he would just glare at a player and the player would back off. Great work.

On to US v. Mexico. I have no idea who'll win; it's a toss up and with Agoos put out of his--and our--misery, maybe the US defense will be stronger. Is it 11:30 yet?

Heartwarming: a brilliant 1-2-3 punch leading to a first USA goal in the Mexico:USA game.

Heartbreaking: Brian McBride MWC. Oh well I still love you as long as you score on the field.

That goal if planned would have been brilliant design and execution, if not, then great instinct on the part of each of three players. Imagine three pool players timing and hitting a single ball to get it in a pocket.

Sorry not to see Beasley in the mix yet. He could help USA on the outside. But if we get through this game without him it will say a lot about the team.

GOOOOAL USA!!!

2 - 0 in the 70th minute and Mexico is starting to fall apart.

WE ARE HUGE! 2-0!! Good night!!!

U.S. Wins! How AWESOME is this? Jim Allen, I may be a futbol fan yet

To put this win in perspective:

- It's the first time the U.S. is in the quarterfinals of the World Cup;
- It's the first elimination game victory EVER for the U.S.;
- It's the first shut-out the U.S. has pitched since 1950.

[ June 17, 2002: Message edited by: Cyd at Outsports ]

God, I'm not the only person awake.

Cyd, buwhahaha! If you had watched Sweden v. Senegal or Spain v. Ireland, you'd see what I've been boring the hell out y'all on Sundays about. Passionate, well-played and more drama than 10 Shakespeare tragedies.

What an ugly, cynical affair this game turned in to. Mexico's play in the final 10 minutes was a disgrace; brutal tackles that had only one intent: to inflict injury. Geez, what has Cobi Jones done to Mexico to deserve the thuggery that was thrown his way? The one guy totally deserved the red card and Cobi was mugged, pure and simple, by the two guys at the corner flag. What a shame, as Mexico had had a great tournament up to that point.

Though their play in the last 10 minutes or so is totally undefensible, I can see why they were frustrated. That totally was a handball by the US guy (sorry, don't know who it was) on the corner; whether it was intentional or not, it still should have been a penalty. And Mexico has to really feel hard done by since Hernandez really was fouled inside the box (you could clearly see the US defender stomping on his foot), it wasn't a dive; if the penalty was given as it should've been, it would have been 1-1 and it's a whole different ballgame.

So, the US basically had 3 or 4 good chances, but they converted two. Great first goal, as mentioned, and a great run down the left by Lewis and an incredible cross and finish by the hunky Landon Donovan. Um, England could really use Lewis on the left side, any distant relatives from Blighty? Strange how solid the defense was without Agoos in there!

So, on to the match with Germany. I feel that Germany can be beaten; they play negative, safe fussball and if the US can get an early goal and are patient and careful with the ball, the Germans can be had. Why does the match have to be on at 4:30 am (Los Angeles time) though? Rats!

[ June 17, 2002: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]