You would think a trip to the Westchester Mall to pick up a new suit and sunglasses for my Fourth of July weekend in Austin, including a stop to the Sprint store to transfer over numbers from my old phone(s) to my new one, followed by a trip to the eye doctor, would be simple enough, right? Wrong.
First thing i notice as i get to the mall is one of those stands that sells the designer knock off sunglasses. Perfect for what i need. I look around for a couple minutes see a few that i like, but decide to wait and go to the sprint store and get some shorts before i buy the glasses on the way back to my car....so wandering around the mall i finally find one of the mall directories so i can see where the sprint store is in the mall...go to electronics, and guess what i find? Not a Sprint store thats for sure. Obviously I should do my research before I head out on missions like this because the Sprint store is about 7 minutes away from the mall. Strike 1.
So after realizing this I decided to get some shorts, the sunglasses, and get the hell out of there so i can rush over the Sprint store, exchange my phone book and get back to work in a reasonable time. Get to the Sprint store in about 10 minutes (someone lied to me) only to be told I needed to wait 45 minutes to get my phone back. 45 mins? Are you kidding me? The process has to take about 45 seconds to complete. The excuse you ask? The "technician" is already working on other phones and cannot stop what he is doing to work on my phone...BS i say. Strike 2
Of course now its about 1:30 (left the office at noon, eye appointment at 2) and i am starving. Luckily I have food in the fridge at work. Unluckily 2 o'clock is creeping up quickly. I decide to rush to the office to get my lunch and eat it on the way to the eye doctor's office. When I get to the eye doctor, i sit in the chair for 20 mins only to be told that my insurance only covers eye exams every OTHER year. Which is fine except EYE PRESCRIPTIONS EXPIRE AFTER ONE YEAR!!!!!! Another worthless trip and another strike. Strike 3.....Im out!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
What is wrong with people?
No person in their right mind should leave the house wearing this. No wonder i hate NYC teams...
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
US (1) v Ghana (2)
I know in the last post I said that the Italy game was the most important game in US soccer history. I lied. The game against Ghana now holds this dubious title. Coupled with an Italian defeat over Czech Republic, a victory over Ghana would put the US through to the second round. If, before the World Cup started, you were told that all the US needed to do after the first 2 games was beat Ghana and they were through, as an American fan, you would be ecstatic. If there was any team the US could beat in the so-called "group of death", it would have to be Ghana right? Wrong.
The US end up losing a battle to the surprise African side in a game again marred by poor officiating controversial call which ultimately became the deciding goal. After a poor decision and clearance by Carlos Bocanegra, Ghana heads a ball towards the top of the box. Oguchi Onyewu appears to clear the ball out of harms way, but Ghanian forward Pimpong falls to the ground and the referee awards Ghana with a penalty kick. This may be the worst call of the tournament. Even worse than the red card calls in the Italy match because at least the two calls on Pope and Mastroeni could be called fouls in some circles. No one in their right mind would EVER call what happened in the 45+2 minute a foul on Onyewu. The call was down right appalling and after the converted pk by Appiah, the US were again down a goal heading into have time.
The goal would ultimately seal the US' fate as they never seemed to get over the emotional effects of the bad call and subsequent penalty score. The momentum going into halftime seemed to have shifted into the direction of the Yanks after an incredible goal by Clint Dempsey off of an equally impressive assist from Demarcus Beasley.
The Dempsey goal helped the US draw even at 1 goal a piece, but the elation was quickly taken away from them with the poor call on Onyewu. The second half of the match had the US create small chances, including a header by Brian Mcbride that hit the post, but didnt really look too dangerous (pretty much the story for the ENTIRE tournament). The Africans hold us scoreless in the second half and punch their ticket to the second round of their first World Cup. The US, ousted from the World Cup.
The US end up losing a battle to the surprise African side in a game again marred by poor officiating controversial call which ultimately became the deciding goal. After a poor decision and clearance by Carlos Bocanegra, Ghana heads a ball towards the top of the box. Oguchi Onyewu appears to clear the ball out of harms way, but Ghanian forward Pimpong falls to the ground and the referee awards Ghana with a penalty kick. This may be the worst call of the tournament. Even worse than the red card calls in the Italy match because at least the two calls on Pope and Mastroeni could be called fouls in some circles. No one in their right mind would EVER call what happened in the 45+2 minute a foul on Onyewu. The call was down right appalling and after the converted pk by Appiah, the US were again down a goal heading into have time.
The goal would ultimately seal the US' fate as they never seemed to get over the emotional effects of the bad call and subsequent penalty score. The momentum going into halftime seemed to have shifted into the direction of the Yanks after an incredible goal by Clint Dempsey off of an equally impressive assist from Demarcus Beasley.
The Dempsey goal helped the US draw even at 1 goal a piece, but the elation was quickly taken away from them with the poor call on Onyewu. The second half of the match had the US create small chances, including a header by Brian Mcbride that hit the post, but didnt really look too dangerous (pretty much the story for the ENTIRE tournament). The Africans hold us scoreless in the second half and punch their ticket to the second round of their first World Cup. The US, ousted from the World Cup.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
US (1) v Italy (1)
In a game described as the most important game in US soccer history, the US and Italy battle to a unforgettable, if not, infamous draw, but not without its controversy. Unfortunately, the referees played a major part in this game with 3 red cards . In my opinion, only one of these cards were definitely deserved - the red card against De Rossi for elbowing Brian McBride. The straight red against Pablo Mastroeni and the second yellow against Eddie Pope were unnecessary. I will give the official credit in that Pablo Mastroeni put himself in a terrible situation and allow the ref to give him the red. It was only a yellow card offense in my eyes, but if Pablo keeps his feet, he stays in the game. Eddie Pope's foul on the other hand was no where near a card. It wasnt even a foul! He got all ball and then got the legs on the follow through. The referee definitely blew this one.
...Ok to the game. The US comes out decisively better than they did against the Czechs. In the first 20 minutes they look dangerous and create multiple opportunities highlighted by a dazzling attack down the right flank by the youngster Clint Dempsey. After multiple step overs, he stuns the Italian defender and sends a whipping cross thats makes its way through the box to left footed Bobby Convey. Unfortunately for the US, the ball ended up on Convey's right foot and his right foot failed him and the ball sailed over the goal. Failed chance for the US and it would come back to haunt them.
Minutes later the US gives up a goal on a set piece. As the ball is played into the box, multiple US players are seen raising their arms (the international sign for offsides) as their Italian marks run by them. One of them is Gilardino and his header puts Italy up 1-0. The US has given up the first goal of the game again. Luckily, though, the US does not hang its head and 5 minutes later they get the equalizer, albeit on an own goal. Off a free kick from Convey, Italian defender Zaccardo attempts to clear the ball and it awkardly hits his plant foot (and if you have played soccer you understand what it feels like for the ball to hit the plant foot. Not a good look) and ricochets into the net. 1-1.
The score stays that way despite the US playing with 9 men for almost the entire 2nd half. The US shows true American grit and battles to keep their WC hopes alive to see another day. That another day is Thursday at 10 AM EST against Ghana. We win and Italy wins we earn the right to play Brazil in the second round. Wouldnt it be great to beat the team that is assumed to be the best in the world? Yeah I think so too...
Saturday, June 17, 2006
So my next door neighbor is a wierdo....
So as Im cooking myself dinner (fries and a bacon cheddar burger if you must know) and just as im about to sit down to eat I get a knock on my door. I answer it and its my neighbor who I first thought was just crazy looking, but in the next 5 mins I realize she is more crazy than just looking....She proceeds to tell me, very stutteringly (is that a word) and quietly - she was whispering to me even though there wasn't anyone within 100 feet of us, that she doest want to bother me and she is very sorry for interrupting, but she wants to ask me a favor. She tells me that she has a restraining order out on this guy that she has recently seen over in the Old Greenwich shopping center. The front desk knows about him but because of the high turnover of the people working downstairs she wants to be able to request my help. In case this guy ever shows up to her house (still whispering), she asks if she could knock on my door. Of course I say yes (cuz im a nice guy, but you know that already). She says thank you and says she doesn't expect this to happen often, if at all, but not to think anything wierd is going on if I hear a knock on the door sometime in the future.....WIERD. YOU ARE WIERD LADY.....and to think, I just thought that she would be telling me to turn my stereo down.....
Friday, June 16, 2006
Ecuador (3) v Costa Rica (0)
A game to be played by two South American teams that both like to play the game of soccer as it should be played. Although both sides would like to come out and play the same way, each squad is coming from a differrent places. Ecuador riding high off of their opening game victory over Poland, and Costa Rica coming off of a loss to the hosts Germany.
Even with the loss, the Costa Ricans still have ambitions of making it to the second round, but that was quickly diminished. The Ecuadorians get on the board quickly with a header goal from a cross during the run of play in the 8th minute. From the kick off to the final whistle the Ecuadorians dominate the match, creating chance after chance and end the first half up 1-0. The second half is more of the same but they are able to put away 2 goals this time, the second in extra time walk away with a 3-0 win. On goal differential, the Ecuadorians have taken the lead in Group A over the Germans and thus the Germans must win the match between the two of them to get out of the group avoiding playing England in the round of 16.
Even with the loss, the Costa Ricans still have ambitions of making it to the second round, but that was quickly diminished. The Ecuadorians get on the board quickly with a header goal from a cross during the run of play in the 8th minute. From the kick off to the final whistle the Ecuadorians dominate the match, creating chance after chance and end the first half up 1-0. The second half is more of the same but they are able to put away 2 goals this time, the second in extra time walk away with a 3-0 win. On goal differential, the Ecuadorians have taken the lead in Group A over the Germans and thus the Germans must win the match between the two of them to get out of the group avoiding playing England in the round of 16.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
WHAT THE F......?
So im walking down the street with a friend of mine today and we pass these 2 guys talking to each other. As we pass these guys the one closest to us let out this HUGE belch. He doesnt try to hide it, cover his mouth, or say excuse me. It was probably the most disgusting thing i have ever experienced....
Germany (1) v Poland (0)
In a battle between two countries who have a ton of animosity from previous world cup match and other political issues, Germany and Poland start this match amid a wonderful atmosphere of German and Poland fanatics. The first half is back and forth without one team gaining an edge. Both create a chance or 2 but excellent goalkeeping sets the tone for the rest of the game. Both the first and second halves are dominated by goalkeeper play - more so in 2nd half by the Polish goalkeeper who makes amazing save after amazing save keeping the Poles in the match.
In the 75th minute, the game changes....Radaslow Sobolewski takes down Klose dangerously a the top of the box and is awarded his second yellow and is sent off. The Polish side is down to 10 men for the final 15 minutes. During this time Germany picks up the pace and creates even more dangerous chances than ever but the Polish goalkeeper is up to the challenge and is destined to be the Man of the Match. 90th minute - Germany hits the crossbar twice in a matter of seconds. It seems as though nothing is going to break the 0-0 tie. That is until Oliver Neuville finishes a brilliant cross from fellow substitute Odonkor. Game over. Germany are through to the second round.
In the 75th minute, the game changes....Radaslow Sobolewski takes down Klose dangerously a the top of the box and is awarded his second yellow and is sent off. The Polish side is down to 10 men for the final 15 minutes. During this time Germany picks up the pace and creates even more dangerous chances than ever but the Polish goalkeeper is up to the challenge and is destined to be the Man of the Match. 90th minute - Germany hits the crossbar twice in a matter of seconds. It seems as though nothing is going to break the 0-0 tie. That is until Oliver Neuville finishes a brilliant cross from fellow substitute Odonkor. Game over. Germany are through to the second round.
Saudi Arabia (2) v Tunisia (2)
In a game that I thought was going to be only "so-so" turned out to be one of the most exciting games of the first round. The first half was more or less dominated by Tunisia, who ended the half with a 1-0 lead from a great finish off a side volley from Zied Jaziri. The Saudi performance left a lot to be desired in the first half and it looked like the Tunisians were headed to a victory going into the second half. But something happened at halftime. Maybe the Tunisian coach lit a fire under their asses, or maybe the Tunisians let off the gas a little bit, but whatever happened changed the course of the game. The second half was dominated by the Saudis who first got even with a goal in the 57th minute and then took the lead in the 87th minute, the latter of which was scored by the Saudi Arabian legend Sami Al Jaber. 2-1 Saudia Arabia...but dont count the Tunisians out even as clock eases its way past the 90th minute mark, Tunisia looks unwavered, still creating chances. And in the 92nd minute they come up huge with a tying goal off a fabulous display of skill and composure in the box by a Tunisian player who crosses the ball to an oncoming teammate for a tremendous finish - and one point! Elation for the Tunisians and heartbreak for the Saudis. Great game. Great finish.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Spain (4) v Ukraine (0)
No Siesta for the Spanish -
Spain have been the epitome of underachievers in the world cup. Despite having one of the best leagues in the world and a slew of class player, Spanish fans have experienced let down after let down. I can still picture the crying faces of all the Spanish fans in 98, when they didn't make it out of group play. Its an understatement to say that the Spaniards are due for a run deep into the tournament (in 2002 they lost to South Korea on penalties in the quarterfinals- somewhat of a controversial match where the home squad seemed to get the benefit of the doubt in more than a few calls).
From the start of the game, Spain comes out strong. Dominating play and creating chance after chance. The Ukraines have very little possession and are stuck on their heels. Spain opens the scoring from a Villa header from a corner kick in the 12th minute and then repeat the feat on a free kick from Alonso that glanced off of a Ukrainian player standing in the wall. The deflection wrong foots the goalkeeper and hits the back of the net. 2-0 by the 16th minute. Spain continues to dominate, but not score for the rest of the half.
The second half starts very similar to the 1st half - Spanish Domination. Spain gets on the board just 2 minutes into the second half after a horrendous penalty and red card call (as if Spain needed any more help). Now playing with 10 men the Ukraines have no shot of coming back. They continue to be dominated until the final whistle, but not before Spain come up with a beautiful goal. Great build up and great finish. This team looks poised to make a run.
PS - The Ukraine is a very good team and their loss by 4 goals to none is probably more of a shock than the US losing 3-0 to the Czechs. I still believe they will make it out of their group by beating Tunisia and the Saudis. Hold out hope Americans. We can still do this!!!!!
Spain have been the epitome of underachievers in the world cup. Despite having one of the best leagues in the world and a slew of class player, Spanish fans have experienced let down after let down. I can still picture the crying faces of all the Spanish fans in 98, when they didn't make it out of group play. Its an understatement to say that the Spaniards are due for a run deep into the tournament (in 2002 they lost to South Korea on penalties in the quarterfinals- somewhat of a controversial match where the home squad seemed to get the benefit of the doubt in more than a few calls).
From the start of the game, Spain comes out strong. Dominating play and creating chance after chance. The Ukraines have very little possession and are stuck on their heels. Spain opens the scoring from a Villa header from a corner kick in the 12th minute and then repeat the feat on a free kick from Alonso that glanced off of a Ukrainian player standing in the wall. The deflection wrong foots the goalkeeper and hits the back of the net. 2-0 by the 16th minute. Spain continues to dominate, but not score for the rest of the half.
The second half starts very similar to the 1st half - Spanish Domination. Spain gets on the board just 2 minutes into the second half after a horrendous penalty and red card call (as if Spain needed any more help). Now playing with 10 men the Ukraines have no shot of coming back. They continue to be dominated until the final whistle, but not before Spain come up with a beautiful goal. Great build up and great finish. This team looks poised to make a run.
PS - The Ukraine is a very good team and their loss by 4 goals to none is probably more of a shock than the US losing 3-0 to the Czechs. I still believe they will make it out of their group by beating Tunisia and the Saudis. Hold out hope Americans. We can still do this!!!!!
Its a godsend...
A coworker sent me link to espn360's online stream of the all the games of the world cup...its amazing. yesterday it was very choppy and skipped a lot (so i decided to leave work to watch the second half of the Brasil match), but today its great. Dont want to jinx myself but it is performing wonderfully. Productivity way way way down....
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
World Cup Games 6-12 (less the US v Czech - see below)
I missed out on the chance to see the 2 games from yesterday that acted as the bread to the US v Czech Republic game sandwich so I cant really comment too much on them in terms of the game played. Sorry but work does call...sometimes. But what I can do is comment how the Italy v Ghana game will affect the US' chances to advance. From the time the US got the draw way back when, the goal was to get a single point (a tie) from one of the first 2 games and then put the entire tournament on beating Ghana to get them through to the second round. It still seems as this is possible because if they are able to tie Italy, they will have that 1 point they desired. And then if they beat Ghana they will have their 4 points....This is exactly how they got through in 2002, going 1-1-1 and getting 4 points.
So what is the problem this time? The problem this time is that they lost 3-0. When you only get 4 points out of a possible 9 in group play, there will more than likely be another team in the group with 4 points leaving who goes into the next round up to goal differential. In this regard, US is, as they say in Mexico, "chingado". With a -3 goal differential they US will have to either beat both Italy and Ghana, and hope that Czechs beat or tie Italy to avoid a tie breaker in the event that Italy beats the Czechs OR draw with Italy, beat Ghana by a significant margin, and hope the the Czechs can destroy both Italy and Ghana hopefully giving the States an advantage over Italy in goal differential.
The fact that Italy beat Ghana 2-0 puts the US 3 points and 5 goals behind them for second (and they are actually in last place in the group by goal differential) . We have a tough road to ahead of us but if the US are prove that they belong to the elite, the MUST make a better showing than yesterday's performance.
Oh, and a note on the Australia v Japan game...I didn't watch it but it was awesome to hear the Japan were up 1-0 in the 83rd minute and ended up losing 3-1! 3 goals in 10 minutes. AMAZING.
And im out
So what is the problem this time? The problem this time is that they lost 3-0. When you only get 4 points out of a possible 9 in group play, there will more than likely be another team in the group with 4 points leaving who goes into the next round up to goal differential. In this regard, US is, as they say in Mexico, "chingado". With a -3 goal differential they US will have to either beat both Italy and Ghana, and hope that Czechs beat or tie Italy to avoid a tie breaker in the event that Italy beats the Czechs OR draw with Italy, beat Ghana by a significant margin, and hope the the Czechs can destroy both Italy and Ghana hopefully giving the States an advantage over Italy in goal differential.
The fact that Italy beat Ghana 2-0 puts the US 3 points and 5 goals behind them for second (and they are actually in last place in the group by goal differential) . We have a tough road to ahead of us but if the US are prove that they belong to the elite, the MUST make a better showing than yesterday's performance.
Oh, and a note on the Australia v Japan game...I didn't watch it but it was awesome to hear the Japan were up 1-0 in the 83rd minute and ended up losing 3-1! 3 goals in 10 minutes. AMAZING.
And im out
Monday, June 12, 2006
US v Czech Republic
Watchign this game was so depressing. And I know we didnt play to the best of our abilities today but we definitely could have had a better showing. Personally, I think a lot of our ineptness had to do with Bruce Arena. He didnt put together a team that makes us the most dangerous. Having Landon playing up front with his back to the goal is not our best look. Donovan is most dangerous when he is running at players making things happen. Also, Reyna and Mcbride need to get the hell out of there. Reyna (other than the shot that hit the post) was pretty much a non-factor, expecially if you compare him to Nedved - however unfair that is. But as far as attacking midfielders go, Nedved is the cream and Reyna is the crap. I have never been a huge Reyna fan but for some reason we always put our hopes on if he is healthy enough to play with us. Donovan in that position is a much more dangerous team for the US. Now, Brian Mcbride. he is atrocious with the ball at his feet and only poses a danger with an arial game. He doesnt take players on, doesnt make dangerous runs opening up space for his teammates. In my opinion, he is worthless. If you are going to use a player like that, use brian ching.
We are now in hole so deep its going to take a miracle to get us out of. We now probably have to be italy and ghana, or tie italy and beat ghana by 3 goals or more. Gonna be a tough task and if we are going to do it we need to have our best on the field. This is what i suggest:
GK: Keller
Defenders: Pope, Onyewu, Lewis, Albright
Midfield: Beasley, O'brien, Convey, Donovan
Forwards: Johnson, Ching
We are now in hole so deep its going to take a miracle to get us out of. We now probably have to be italy and ghana, or tie italy and beat ghana by 3 goals or more. Gonna be a tough task and if we are going to do it we need to have our best on the field. This is what i suggest:
GK: Keller
Defenders: Pope, Onyewu, Lewis, Albright
Midfield: Beasley, O'brien, Convey, Donovan
Forwards: Johnson, Ching
Marie and Sean Carlos
How did eddie land marie and how did he produce such a cute kid? Just kidding. I love you Ed
Sunday, June 11, 2006
World Cup - 6-11
Argentina (2) v Ivory Coast (1) - I wasnt able to watch this game unfortunately (had a soccer game - we won and I scored) so again i have to make my assestment through highlights and hearsay...Argentina, a perennial world cup contender versus Ivory Coast, the leader of an upstart group of African countries making their first appearance in the World Cup. Argentina has a list of world class players while the Ivory Coast has only one that anyone has really heard of, Didier Drogba. Again, i didnt watch the game, but from what i have seen/heard, it was a fairly entertaining and competitive game. Crespo and Saviola score for Argentina in the first half on 2 less than spectactular goals. Drogba gets one back in the second half on a brilliant one time finish.
Netherlands (1) v Serbia & Montenegro (0) - Due to a VERY late night in NYC i was only able to stay awake for a small part of this game. From what i saw, it wasnt all too exciting but Arjen Robben was the most dangerous player on the field and scored the game's lone goal.
Mexico (3) v Iran (1) - I actually got to see this game! Yea me....This was one of my upset specials of the opening round. I thought the Iranians were going to beat "La Raza" it wasnt to be. Mexico put a once close and competitive match out of reach with 2 goals in 3 mins in the last 20 mins of the match. The first, a result of a horrible mistake from the Iranian goalkeeper and the second a beautiful goal from a header off of a cross from the wing. Half-time score 1-1, Final score 3-1. Viva la Raza!!!
Portugal (1) v Angola (0) - Exciting first half, boring second half. Portugal scored in the 4th minute after an amazing run by Figo, who still has some juice left in him, passing to Pauleta for an easy finish. The Portguese seemed to take the second half off and go throught the motions but it was obvious the Angolans were overmatched. The youngsta Christian Ronaldo had some great chances, hitting the crossbar and forcing a tough save from the Angolan keeper. He lived up to his billing as an exciting young player pulling off some flashy moves, but apparantly his coach was not impressed and took him off around the 60 minute mark as if to say, "less french pasty, more bread and butter" (thanks Michael). Ronaldo didnt seemed to happy with the move as you could see the dissapointment, if not disgust, on his face as he came off the field.
Netherlands (1) v Serbia & Montenegro (0) - Due to a VERY late night in NYC i was only able to stay awake for a small part of this game. From what i saw, it wasnt all too exciting but Arjen Robben was the most dangerous player on the field and scored the game's lone goal.
Mexico (3) v Iran (1) - I actually got to see this game! Yea me....This was one of my upset specials of the opening round. I thought the Iranians were going to beat "La Raza" it wasnt to be. Mexico put a once close and competitive match out of reach with 2 goals in 3 mins in the last 20 mins of the match. The first, a result of a horrible mistake from the Iranian goalkeeper and the second a beautiful goal from a header off of a cross from the wing. Half-time score 1-1, Final score 3-1. Viva la Raza!!!
Portugal (1) v Angola (0) - Exciting first half, boring second half. Portugal scored in the 4th minute after an amazing run by Figo, who still has some juice left in him, passing to Pauleta for an easy finish. The Portguese seemed to take the second half off and go throught the motions but it was obvious the Angolans were overmatched. The youngsta Christian Ronaldo had some great chances, hitting the crossbar and forcing a tough save from the Angolan keeper. He lived up to his billing as an exciting young player pulling off some flashy moves, but apparantly his coach was not impressed and took him off around the 60 minute mark as if to say, "less french pasty, more bread and butter" (thanks Michael). Ronaldo didnt seemed to happy with the move as you could see the dissapointment, if not disgust, on his face as he came off the field.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
World Cup - 6-10
Yesterday the world cup started...quite possibly the greatest month ever four years. My assessment of the first 4 games:
Germany (4) v Costa Rica (2) - Great entertainment value. 6 goals. 4-2 to Germany. At first glance looks like a blow out and Germany unstoppable, but the Germans looked very susceptible. The offside trap let them down twice and led to both of Los Ticos goals. They will most likely make it through to the next round, but playing as they did yesterday it will be difficult for them to go deep, despite the home country advantage.
Poland (0) v Ecuador (2)- Unfortunately, I was not able to watch the game, but what I have heard is that Poland dominated possession and most of the game, but couldnt take advantage of their chances. Ecuador did and were rewarded it for it. That the beauty of the game of soccer. No matter what the flow of the game, if you finish your chances you will be rewarded.
England (1) v Paraguay (0) - I hope you didnt wake up like I did (I feel even worse for those on the west coast) for this one. It was a terrible game in my opinion. England dominated possession but really didnt create many dangerous chances and their only goal was an 'autogol' off of a free kick from David Beckham (which will only make even more Americans think that he is the best player in the world which he is nowhere near - see Ronaldhino, Tierry Henry, Zinadine Zidane, etc). Paraguay didnt do to much of note either. Hopefully future games for both sides will gives us more.
Sweden (0) v T&T (0) - The reason why we all love this game is demonstrated in this game right here. To the common fan 0-0 tie doesnt mean much, but for a country that is 1,864 sq mi in size (to compare know that the US is 3,718,711 sq mi) was able to gain a point from a European squad in Sweden is AMAZING. Sweden is traditionally one of the better teams in the world and are consistently in the world cup. This is Trinidad's first trip to the world cup EVER. Playing with 10 men for 45 mins, T&T showed incredible heart holding off the Swedish attack and even hit the cross bar down a man. Man of the Match, Trinidad GK Hislop made save after save and kept his countrymen in the game. It was as incredible a 0-0 game you will ever see.
Coming soon: Argentina v Ivory Coast
Germany (4) v Costa Rica (2) - Great entertainment value. 6 goals. 4-2 to Germany. At first glance looks like a blow out and Germany unstoppable, but the Germans looked very susceptible. The offside trap let them down twice and led to both of Los Ticos goals. They will most likely make it through to the next round, but playing as they did yesterday it will be difficult for them to go deep, despite the home country advantage.
Poland (0) v Ecuador (2)- Unfortunately, I was not able to watch the game, but what I have heard is that Poland dominated possession and most of the game, but couldnt take advantage of their chances. Ecuador did and were rewarded it for it. That the beauty of the game of soccer. No matter what the flow of the game, if you finish your chances you will be rewarded.
England (1) v Paraguay (0) - I hope you didnt wake up like I did (I feel even worse for those on the west coast) for this one. It was a terrible game in my opinion. England dominated possession but really didnt create many dangerous chances and their only goal was an 'autogol' off of a free kick from David Beckham (which will only make even more Americans think that he is the best player in the world which he is nowhere near - see Ronaldhino, Tierry Henry, Zinadine Zidane, etc). Paraguay didnt do to much of note either. Hopefully future games for both sides will gives us more.
Sweden (0) v T&T (0) - The reason why we all love this game is demonstrated in this game right here. To the common fan 0-0 tie doesnt mean much, but for a country that is 1,864 sq mi in size (to compare know that the US is 3,718,711 sq mi) was able to gain a point from a European squad in Sweden is AMAZING. Sweden is traditionally one of the better teams in the world and are consistently in the world cup. This is Trinidad's first trip to the world cup EVER. Playing with 10 men for 45 mins, T&T showed incredible heart holding off the Swedish attack and even hit the cross bar down a man. Man of the Match, Trinidad GK Hislop made save after save and kept his countrymen in the game. It was as incredible a 0-0 game you will ever see.
Coming soon: Argentina v Ivory Coast
Friday, June 09, 2006
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