The Complicated American.

What the World Thinks of America, from Gary Kamiya of Salon (premium). A fascinating read.

Maybe in 2006.

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.

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.