Cup Crazy - 22 June
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Day 14 was full of drama with spots in the Round of 16 up for grabs. Those who took the initiative and attacked were rewarded, while those who did not went home. Brian explains to our faithful readers...
We Have Lovely Parting Gifts for you Backstage...
We start, of course, with the Americans today, who really just weren't good enough at this World Cup. The United States and whine and moan all it wants about the phantom penalty called on Onyewu late in the first have that eventually put the game out of reach. But Ghana outplayed the Americans and belong in the Round of 16. The Ghanians have played excellent football throughout this World Cup, and congratulations to the Black Stars for their remarkable achievement. But we can't help but be disappointed with the manner in which the Americans are exiting this World Cup. Key players just didn't show up. Among them: Donovan, Beasley, Reyna, McBride, Pope, and Onyewu. The most disappointing of that lot was Donovan, who was completely out-classed in this World Cup. Landon, you might be the best in the MLS, but on the big stage you simply can't cut it. American coach Bruce Arena also deserves a lot of the blame. Arena's preparation for this tournament turned out to be disastrous. In three warm up matches, Arena played three different line-ups and three different formations. No one - including the team - knew who would start for which formation he'd use until the day before the first game against the Czech Republic. The 4-5-1 was disastrous. The US couldn't, or refused to use one of its best assets - it's speed. There was no penetration up the middle. And when the chips were down, there just wasn't the sense of desperation needed to win. There are some talented players in the US system. Now US Soccer has four years to try to get it right. I wish them luck, but don't have much faith after what I've seen the last two weeks.
Forza Italia
Excellent performance from the Italians today, who deservedly won 2-0 over the Czech Republic. The Czechs started well, but Italy scored in the 26th off a Materazzi (on for the injured Nesta) header against the run of play. After the goal, Italy played confidently and effectively, and the Czechs never seriously threatened despite eight shots on net. Italy killed off the game late with a Pippo Inzaghi goal, taking advantage of being a man up after Jan Polak was sent off just before halftime. For the Czechs, this turned out to be a disappointing World Cup after a bright start. But injuries, age, a suspect defense, and lack of depth did in the Czechs. The Italians, playing increasingly better football, now have a favorable draw in the Round of 16.
And in Group F...
After getting a bit of a scare in the first half, Brazil coasted to a 4-1 win over Japan today to wrap up the top spot in Group F. Brazil will face Ghana in the Round of 16. That made the other contest, Australia-Croatia, a battle for second place. Croatia needed a win, while the Aussies could settle for a draw. Croatia landed the first punch early with a beautifully taken free kick in the second minute. But what you have to love about the Socceroos is their tenacity and willingness to fight back. Australia came back from the early goal, and another goal early in the second half to get the tie and a first-ever trip to the Round of 16. The historic goal was scored by Harry Kewell, who of course was my pick as "Key Player" for the Aussies. Australia only knows how to play one way - attacking at full speed. That should make their Round of 16 battle with Italy one not to miss.
Brazilian Fan of the Day
Time once again to find our Brazilian Fan of the Day. Lots of strong candidates today, but only one winner. Actually, we're all winners. We don't know the name of this mystery lady, but we love that her underwear is peaking over the top of her pants. We don't know much about her besides that. That's enough for us:
Tomorrow's Predictions
The first round comes to a close tomorrow. Here's what's going to happen, in my expert opinion:
Ukraine 3, Tunisia 1
Spain 4, Saudi Arabia 0
Switzerland 1, South Korea 1
France 2, Togo 0
Goodnight now.
Photos courtesy yahoo.com and fifaworldcup.yahoo.com. Send those emails to bookableoffense@gmail.com.
We Have Lovely Parting Gifts for you Backstage...
We start, of course, with the Americans today, who really just weren't good enough at this World Cup. The United States and whine and moan all it wants about the phantom penalty called on Onyewu late in the first have that eventually put the game out of reach. But Ghana outplayed the Americans and belong in the Round of 16. The Ghanians have played excellent football throughout this World Cup, and congratulations to the Black Stars for their remarkable achievement. But we can't help but be disappointed with the manner in which the Americans are exiting this World Cup. Key players just didn't show up. Among them: Donovan, Beasley, Reyna, McBride, Pope, and Onyewu. The most disappointing of that lot was Donovan, who was completely out-classed in this World Cup. Landon, you might be the best in the MLS, but on the big stage you simply can't cut it. American coach Bruce Arena also deserves a lot of the blame. Arena's preparation for this tournament turned out to be disastrous. In three warm up matches, Arena played three different line-ups and three different formations. No one - including the team - knew who would start for which formation he'd use until the day before the first game against the Czech Republic. The 4-5-1 was disastrous. The US couldn't, or refused to use one of its best assets - it's speed. There was no penetration up the middle. And when the chips were down, there just wasn't the sense of desperation needed to win. There are some talented players in the US system. Now US Soccer has four years to try to get it right. I wish them luck, but don't have much faith after what I've seen the last two weeks.
Forza Italia
Excellent performance from the Italians today, who deservedly won 2-0 over the Czech Republic. The Czechs started well, but Italy scored in the 26th off a Materazzi (on for the injured Nesta) header against the run of play. After the goal, Italy played confidently and effectively, and the Czechs never seriously threatened despite eight shots on net. Italy killed off the game late with a Pippo Inzaghi goal, taking advantage of being a man up after Jan Polak was sent off just before halftime. For the Czechs, this turned out to be a disappointing World Cup after a bright start. But injuries, age, a suspect defense, and lack of depth did in the Czechs. The Italians, playing increasingly better football, now have a favorable draw in the Round of 16.
And in Group F...
After getting a bit of a scare in the first half, Brazil coasted to a 4-1 win over Japan today to wrap up the top spot in Group F. Brazil will face Ghana in the Round of 16. That made the other contest, Australia-Croatia, a battle for second place. Croatia needed a win, while the Aussies could settle for a draw. Croatia landed the first punch early with a beautifully taken free kick in the second minute. But what you have to love about the Socceroos is their tenacity and willingness to fight back. Australia came back from the early goal, and another goal early in the second half to get the tie and a first-ever trip to the Round of 16. The historic goal was scored by Harry Kewell, who of course was my pick as "Key Player" for the Aussies. Australia only knows how to play one way - attacking at full speed. That should make their Round of 16 battle with Italy one not to miss.
Brazilian Fan of the Day
Time once again to find our Brazilian Fan of the Day. Lots of strong candidates today, but only one winner. Actually, we're all winners. We don't know the name of this mystery lady, but we love that her underwear is peaking over the top of her pants. We don't know much about her besides that. That's enough for us:
Tomorrow's Predictions
The first round comes to a close tomorrow. Here's what's going to happen, in my expert opinion:
Ukraine 3, Tunisia 1
Spain 4, Saudi Arabia 0
Switzerland 1, South Korea 1
France 2, Togo 0
Goodnight now.
Photos courtesy yahoo.com and fifaworldcup.yahoo.com. Send those emails to bookableoffense@gmail.com.
posted by Brian at 6/22/2006 10:13:00 PM 
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