Yesterday's matches show that we're in for an exciting time when the WC opens late next month!

Argentina wins in Germany, delivering a strong message;
Brazil had to settle for a tie with the mother country, Portugal; and Italy also tied with Uruguay;
The U.S. loses to Ireland (2-1);
Beckham-less England wipes out Paraguay (4-0) -- with cute Michael Owen as the new captain.

I am so glad to see that there is actually another person that pays attention to the Soccer information provided in the sports section (provided the magnifying glass is close by). The entire world loves the sports, it is about time that the US realizes how exited even a 0-0 game can be.

Well,um, YEAH!!! A 0-0 tie is very excited, especially when you play defense!

Seriously, though, a 0-0 tie is just as much of a hallmark of a good game as a 10-10 game. In fact, quite frankly, a 10-10 game in soccer, hockey, etc is rather UNexciting because it means that there was too much scoring. I have fought against rules that increase scoring when it gets ridiculous, and I like the offsides rule because it means that the defense has to think AND the offense has to think too, and not just dump'n'chase. (Ok, you can in hockey but the puck can swing around the boards...)

A good defensive battle is worth watching and I can guarantee that you will see some great techniques in defenders that prevent scoring, which can be just as exciting as a great goal scored.

Eddie Pope, whom I was asking about in another thread, scored the loan U.S. goal against Ireland. The U.S. needs better defense, though, to be competitive. I think Argentina, France, Italy, Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands have the edge this time around. Can't wait till they start playing though!