SuperWonderBang

France has been unable to do anything. The most interesting thing about the game so far is the announcers talking about Barthez dating Madonna and the effect it had on his game. Classic announcer banter.

With Zidane and Henry, the French should be mopping up this Swiss team. No offense to the Swiss, I lived in that beautiful country before and hope to again, but they just don’t stand on the same pitch as the French stars. It seems to be a matter of finding their rhythm. As the game moves on and the players get used to the WC pace and the atmosphere of this stadium, the French will almost certainly take over.

Technorati Tags: world cup, soccer

The Koreans take advantage of a red card (two yellows) and even it up. Chun-soo Lee scores directly from a free kick. The Togo team looked to be in control going into the locker room at halftime but the Koreans have adjusted well and have come out very strong in this second half.

The game has really stepped up several notches from the way it started. Despite the red card, I don’t think this has been a dirty game. It was two yellows and not an immediate red, so it wasn’t just one extremely dangerous or flagrant foul.

The Koreans take the lead as I am typing. A real blast by Jung-Hwan Ahn from the edge of the 18-yard box. It was really on a rope right into the top left corner of the goal. Really amazing.

Technorati Tags: world cup, soccer

The heat and humidity seem to be a factor as the pace of the game is very slow. Lots of talk about Togo’s coach and that whole drama. South Korea’s uniforms look almost pink in the weird light of the closed roof.

As I am typing, Togo scores in the 31st minute. A nice strike from Kader and the lethargic pace of the game quickly picks up.

Technorati Tags: world cup, soccer

I enjoyed writing about the U.S. loss today. Not because it was a loss, but it felt good to talk about this event that I have watched every minute of. So far, I have seen every game. It’s great that it’s on TV and that I can watch on the computer as well.

In light of that, starting with tomorrow’s matches, I will be doing a real-time blog of all the games from here on out. Hopefully, the real world outside my second bedroom here won’t intrude, but I should be able to handle it. Even more hopefully, a few of you might even read it.

What makes me qualified? Nothing. I’m a relatively new fan to the game, though I am fairly knowledgeable. However, I don’t know all the history, all the names, or all the nuances. So, maybe my perspective is one that many Americans can appreciate.

Technorati Tags: world cup, soccer

I've watched every minute of every game of the World Cup, so far. Even when I am working, I watch it via ESPN 360. I just watch 90 minutes of the worst soccer played yet. The U.S. team looked like anything but a team.

The Czechs absolutely tore them apart. If Koller hadn't have gotten hurt, the Czechs might have scored 5 or 6. What was worse than the defense was the absolute lackadaisical offense. Eric Wynalda made a great point right after the game about DeMarcus Beasley, "How many passes did you make that were going backwards? Your job is to attack people."

There was no leadership and no spirit. All the confidence and pride and energy that Landon Donovan had been touting in the weeks leading up to the Cup must have evaporated in the German sun. The Americans were ill-prepared and just plain boring. Claudio Reyna seemed to be a captain in name only. I saw him tugging at the armband as though it were uncomfortable. He certainly wasn't using that clout to do any sort of leading on the field.

Italy is now a must-win game, as of course is Ghana. Ties will not help us, especially with a goal deficit of 3-0. That's even more pressure on a team that looks sadly incapable of handling such pressure.

Technorati Tags: world cup, soccer, u.s. soccer