As everyone knows, England and the US went down together in World Cup action Friday. A very disappointing evening, although at least we Yanks can hold our heads high (unlike the ’98 fiasco.) I’d say it’s Brazil’s to lose at this point, although South Korea is clearly exhibiting great mojo this Cup. In other sporting news, the NBA draft is on Wednesday, which along with the final four Cup games should proved oases of sporting excitement amid another long baseball summer. Ah well, at least there’s always the MLS.
Tag: Soccer
Eight is enough.
Michael Davies of ESPN offers World Cup Power Rankings for the final eight squads. In related news, Italian club Perugia cuts Ahn Jung-hwan (the Korean player who scored the Golden Goal that knocked out Italia) in a fit of self-destructive nationalism. At the rate Ahn’s going, I’m sure he’ll find a job.
Crazy Eights.
The US defeats Mexico 2-0 in a North American grudge match, and a new era begins for American futbol. Well, at least a lot of us hope so. At any rate, I’m glad we got the second goal to nip the “Hand of God” conspiracy theories in the bud. Alas, Ireland, Belgium, and Sweden – the three other teams (along with England) I’ve been rooting for — weren’t so lucky.
Don’t cry for me, Argentina.
You’ve got your own problems. Another Cup favorite falls as Sweden and England take 1 and 2 in the Group of Death. Meanwhile, over in Group B, Paraguay joins Spain in the winner’s circle.
Zzzzz…GOALLLLL!…zzzZZ.
World Cup 2002 sets new records for soccer in the US. Good to know I’m not alone in the dead of night.
So far, so good.
Ireland’s in, France’s out, and that’s just the beginning of this week’s qualifying madness.
Home cooking.
The US get lucky and pull out a 1-1 tie against host nation South Korea. Bascially, the American keep played off the hook, including stopping a penalty kick in the first half. The US team now controls their fate going into their final first round match against (already knocked-out) Poland…a win or a tie will send ’em through. Said match would have been much more enjoyable if everyone in the bar wasn’t forced to listen to the two wankers at the pool table complain about American ball the whole night. Guess what, mates? Nobody cares what you think.
Beck’s Revenge.
England defeats Argentina on a Beckham pk. It’s too bad about Nigeria falling, but if I had to pick two teams I’d like to see get through the Group of Death, it’d be England and Sweden.
How ’bout them Yanks?
With a slew of aerial volleys, America upsets Portugal 3-2 in their World Cup opener. And, unlike the fluke Colombia win in 1994, the US actually looked dominant throughout the game. With Ireland mustering a 1-1 tie against Germany, it’s been a good day for my teams.
Rah, Rah.
Y’know, between the World Cup beginning in the morning and two NBA conference final elimination games in the evening (in which both of my favored choices are up,) tomorrow might just be the best sports day ever. I’m going to have to rearrange my desk so it faces the TV or something.