Well the Slovenia game has come and gone. Myself along with the rest of the USA ran the whole gamut of emotions during that contest. As per our Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) we fell behind a goal early, wasted numerous scoring chances, and then paid for our anemia in front of goal by getting caught out on the break. At the half down 2-0 many of the pundits and oatcakers believed our World Cup to be over – done and dusted. However, as per our SOP , we mounted a furious comeback, tied the game on two beautiful goals; one by the talismanic Landon Donovan and the equalizer by the coach’s son Michael Bradley. I was over the moon at this point to just be staring at an unlikely point from this contest when a tropical storm cut off the TV. Of course this was between the 84th and 87th minutes so I missed the highway robbery that occured. Luckily for me it has been replayed a million times since .. Needless to say that goes down as the worst call in the history of US soccer. (Had the referee been trained by Alan Wiley?) But no more time to cry over spilled milk. The scoreless draw between England and Algeria was just what the doctor ordered to give us a chance of moving on.
As for the next game, we win and we are in! Algeria will be tough, but they also have to play for a win if they hope to advance. If we can get the first goal I like our chances. We do not deserve to advance if we cannot win a game in the group. I’ll be pulling for an England win but they have a difficult tie against a well organized opponent. More to follow tomorrow …
Just a few quick lines before the USA’ HUGE World Cup game/match tomorrow against a well organized Slovenia. Sitting here on the Gulf Coast on Marco Island, FL waiting for the oil to come ashore in an empty beach resort it gets easy to put this game into perspective. Do or die for our World Cup hopes, but very insignificant compared to the pending environmental disaster. That being said most of the “soccer talk” at the resort is about England – Algeria! Seems like the only people in this hotel besides me are England fans! Oh the irony! At the end of the future nuclear armegeddon there will only be cockroaches and England fans left on the earth!
Not used to the USA being a favorite in a WC match and it makes me nervous. I predict 1-0 USA on a set piece where Landon Donavan’s 13th. beautiful set piece is finally put into the net by the wasteful Jozy Altidore. Tim Howard cements his place as the top goalie of the tournament and the USA is into the final 16. A guy can hope!
The real irritation with the vuvuzela is the one tone deadness of the din. No variation, no tune can be played. Just an ongoing honk. That’s all I intend to say about the aforementioned trumpet! Enough has been expressed elsewhere. It’d be hard to find an original angle!!
ANYWAY, The South Africa v Mexico game was a bright way to start it all. There seemed to be an abundance of space all over the park yet painfully few moments of craft to unlock either defence.After South Africa took the lead and celebrated with a delightful piece of choreography, Mexico looked beaten. Then South Africa, being the gracious hosts they are. allowed three opponents hatfuls of space at the far post to pick their spot and equalise. How could anyone have doubted their ability to host when they show such hospitality? Mexican manager Aguirre seemed to age about fifteen years during the game. At the start he was a dashing well dressed charmer. By the end he looked bedraggled and anxious.
As for France, well….their ideas drained away as they game went on. The worst thing was the late Uruguay red card because they set their stall out for the draw and rarely looked in danger. There was that late penalty appeal but it smacked of desperation. At least Thierry Henry had the decency not to look indignant. Him complaining that a handball hadn’t been given would be a rather ironic twist to proceedings. This will hardly help to brighten Domenech’s legacy.
As for tonights games, it’ll be fascinating to see if Maradona can be as entertainingly mad as he was in qualification. Anything can happen. A disputed throw in could result in him baring his backside or something. He makes Neil Warnock look like Bjorn Borg.
And tonight’s other poignant question is, if the USA take the lead, or just threaten to, how many references to Belo Horizonte 1950 will the commentators cram in? My prediction is 12. Hopefully it won’t come to that but the longer the game goes on without us scoring the more the ideas may drain away like France’s did.
This is Wayne Rooney’s time. In the last twelve months he has fulfilled all the rich potential and evolved into one of the world’s best players. He will also be aware that beiong our one truly world class player .so many of our hopes and dreams rest on his stocky torso. He can make as many appearances in Nike ads as he likes, now he really does have the chance to write the future. So come on Wazza, justify the hype!!
Come on England!!!