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.
Category: Europe
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.
So far, so good.
Ireland’s in, France’s out, and that’s just the beginning of this week’s qualifying madness.
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.
Woohoo!…mmm, ugh.
Senegal upsets France in the opening morning of the World Cup and New Jersey defeated Boston in the NBA…Nevertheless, for all the early underdog wins, the Lakers victory kinda took the edge off the evening (and the Avalanche…what happened to them?) Ah, well – Sacramento still has the floor in Game 7. All I know is getting up at 7am for the Cup opener was rough. And tomorrow’s game is at 5…