World Cup Predictions, US TV Schedule: Germany vs. Spain Semifinal

This is a semifinal worthy of a final, worthy of legend. Spain look the perfect team on paper, but the Germans look the perfect team on the pitch. The Spanish have enjoyed an obscenely large percentage of possession during their games, poking and prodding at defenses with composure, but ultimately producing few goals. The Germans, on the other hand, have sliced and diced nearly every team they've met, scoring 4 goals against Australia, England and Argentina.

Ms. FootyNut makes an appearance again for this final round of semifinal predictions.

Ms. FootyNut: Spain was the only prediction I've gotten right in this round. And I still think they don't have the muster to make it all the way to the final. They should have had an easier time beating Paraguay. Germany are young, fast and attacking machines! If they don't win by 3 goals I'll be disappointed.

FootyNut: This is going to be epic. But I'm sticking to my original bracket of a Netherlands vs. Germany final. The Germans are brimming with confidence and can back that confidence up with goals. Spain, on the other hand, have been stubborn in their tactical approach and unwilling to change their system even when it looks like they'll bounce out of the tournament because of it. Instead, the Spanish have relied on luck and David Villa to lift them through at the necessary moments. The Germans will slice and dice the Spanish defense and bounce into the finals.

Germany vs. Spain
Wednesday, July 7
2:30pm EDT, ESPN

World Cup Predictions, US TV Schedule: Netherlands vs. Uruguay Semifinal

And then, there were four. Tomorrow's semifinal between Uruguay and the Netherlands is a tough one to call. The Dutch are riding the momentum from knocking Brazil out of the tournament while Uruguay is in their first semifinal since 1954 and looking to fight their way into the final. Welcome Ms. FootyNut for the predictions.

Ms FootyNut: My how I've been failing at this predictions game. This is going to be tough! The Netherlands had an epic win against Brazil. After their game against Ghana, Uruguay just highlight how ruthless they are. I say Netherlands just because they've never won a World Cup and they deserve to.

FootyNut: The Netherlands recent win over Brazil is as big as motivators come. If the Dutch can't channel a result like that to push themselves into a final against Spain or Germany, then nothing will. Count on Kuyt, Roben and Sneijder to counter Forlan's prolific performance. The Dutch may have some continuing issues with the center of their defense, but I see Uruguay's run ending here and the Netherlands progressing to the final.

Uruguay vs. Netherlands
Tuesday, July 6
2:30pm EDT, ESPN

Top 3 Hot, Cold and Bargain World Cup Players for the Summer Transfer Window

When the World Cup comes to an end next week, the soccer world will focus on the transfer window in Europe. Traditionally headlining and breakout stars alike have used their performances in the World Cup to peak the interest of other clubs and gain leverage in transfer negotiations.

Here are three quick lists of players I think have improved their reputation, have lost a bit off their transfer fee, and who have positioned themselves as great bargains in terms of skill and price.

HOT

Carlos Tevez
As I mentioned in my Argentina-Germany quaterfinals prediction, Tevez is the engine of the Argentine team. His energy and bulldoggish never-say-die aggression has put him at the center of every team he's been on. Add to that his ability to score spectacular goals like his second one against Mexico and the fact that (love him or hate him, and I HATE him) he deserves Champions League Soccer, he might just become a transfer target.

Mesut Ozil
Germany has look clinically threatening and specatcularly dangerous when going forward during the World Cup. And at the heart of the German's success has been the 21 year old attacking midfielder, Mesut Ozil. And with Ozil and his agent have both indicated that he is open to moving to either England or Spain, a summer move away from Werder Bremen seems inevitable.

Wesley Sneijder
All the pre-World Cup buzz about the Dutch camp surrounded the fitness of in-form winger Arjen Robben. However, once the matches got underway, it was 26 year-old attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder who delivered the goods - including the two goals that lifted the Dutch past tournament favorites Brazil. With the impending shake-up of Sneijder's club, Internazionale following Jose Mourinho's departure, Snijder may be looking for a move and will have no problem finding suitors.

COLD

Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez relished in flamboyant displays against weaker teams and all but nonexistent when it mattered most (see Spain and Brazil). He may make a move away from Italian side Udinese this summer, but it won't be on the grounds of his World Cup performance.

David James
With his domestic club Portsmouth suffering a painful relegation to England's second tier league, the 39 year-old English goalkeeper may have been looking to prolong his career with a summer move. His indecisive performance against Germany, however, put an end to such hopes. Retirement now seems likely.

Fernando Torres
El Nino's skills are undisputed, but his performance at this World Cup has left something to be desired. If Torres makes a move away from the hemorrhaging train wreck that is Liverpool this summer, it will more than likely be to follow his former coach and mentor, Rafa Benitez to his new club.

BARGAINS

Keisuke Honda
Many people, including myself, expected nothing of Japan's soccer team in this World Cup. However, the Blue Samurai pushed into the quaterfinals at the expense of Denmark and Cameroon. Leading the charge for Japan was the midfield stylings of 24 year-old Keisuke Honda. He can shoot, he can open up a defense with a penetrating pass and he can calmly slot home a penalty kick. Honda would be a great bargain buy for a big name team looking to shore up depth in the midfield.

Michael Bradley
Bradley has already been identified as a rising star in U.S. soccer, but his performances at the World Cup - including a crucial tying goal against Slovenia - have solidified his status as an integral midfield workhorse. And at only 22 years of age, his prospects will only improve. If Bradley makes any move away from Borussia Mönchengladbach this summer, you can bet his performances for the U.S. men's national team at the World Cup will be a factor.

Winston Reid
New Zealand was another surprise in the early group stages of the World Cup. After going down one goal in their opener against Slovakia, defender Winston Reid scored a fantastic stoppage time goal to give the All Whites their first ever point in a World Cup competition. The Kiwis went on to put on defensive showcases against Italy and Paraguay, at the surprise of the World. The experience Reid gained during the tournament will make him an ideal target for mid-level clubs looking for a bargain this summer.

World Cup Quaterfinals Preditions, Featuring Ms. FootyNut

Well, ladies and gentlemen, only 8 of 205 teams remain. Half of them are from South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay), while the three more are European powerhouses in Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. The remaining team, Ghana, carries the hopes of Africa on its shoulders.

Once again, please welcome Ms. FootyNut to help out with this round of predictions. Without further ado, let's get started!

Uruguay v Ghana

Ms. FootyNut: I'm going to stick with my bracket and say Uruguay for the win. Ghana are tough, don't get me wrong, but there's something about this lot of South American teams. They're just winners.

FootyNut: Funny thing: My bracket didn't reflect my predictions. And since my predictions for the Uruguay-South Korea game were correct, I'm going to claim that it was my bracket that was a mistake. Now that we've sorted that out, I'm going to agree with the Missus on this one, Uruguay has the composure and class to fend off the Guardians of Africa's dreams.


Netherlands v Brazil

MF: Brazil hands down. I just have this feeling that they're going all the way...much to the chagrin of everyone...except Brazilians.

FN: This is my biggest risk of the entire tournament. Truth be told, I think I am more than half willing Brazil to lose this one. However, after seeing the Dutch's consistent and dynamic attack, I think they might be able to pull this off. However, if Brazil wins, only a date with Germany or Argentina in the finals will see them lose. But on a perfect day for the Orange Tide of the Netherlands, they will go through.


Argentina v Germany

MF: Germany is a young and forceful team! But I think they're "too nice" much like this year's USMNT. Argentina are ruthless imho. Plus, I want them to battle it out in the final with Brazil.

FN: This is a tough one to call. Argentina has been solid. Tevez is the heart while Messi is the brain. But Germany has been inspired going forward, and that inspiration has been enough to compensate for a less than seamless defense. In the end, though, I feel this is Germany's year for another appearance in the final.


Paraguay v Spain

MF: Paraguay's game vs Japan was painful. I don't see them advancing. Spain for me here.

FN: Yeah. The missus has this one absolutely correct. Paraguay is starving for goals. And as I've said before, Spain my stumble before the end, but it won't be against Paraguay.

Don't forget to catch the matches tomorrow and this weekend on TV at home or in your local soccer pub!

World Cup US TV Schedule Quarterfinals: July 2

FRIDAY, JULY 2

Brazil v Netherlands
10:00am EDT, ESPN

Uruguay v Ghana
2:30pm EDT, ESPN

What's Next For U.S. Soccer?

And so another World Cup has come and gone for the United States' soccer team. But instead of crashing out of the tournament like in 2006, the Americans fought on until a heartbreaking ending saw them exit with unfulfilled potential and questions of what might have been.

Now that the din has died down and half of America has forgotten what a yellow card is and what the World Cup is all about, the long-term question arises: What's next for U.S. Soccer?

5. Youth Development













In the next two decades the United States Soccer Federation and its top tier professional leagues need to fine tune their youth development system. As Stateside Soccer reported back in February, United States U17 star Luis Gil was the center of a supposed signing battle in which Major League Soccer beat out Arsenal to sign the youngster. In doing so, however, the MLS arguably robbed a future USMNT star from experience in one of the world's best development systems. I'm all for developing US players at home, but the MLS has neither the resources nor the competitive level to properly develop the talents of our youngest players. The result is a stunted growth wherein the players reach their peak later than many other world talents.

4. MLS Expansion














With wild speculation flying around about the make-up of a 20 team MLS, the consensus seems to be that MLS is growing and will continue into the next decade. Whether the league will creep past 20 teams or the US Soccer Federation will step in and develop second and third tier leagues is yet to be seen. But either way, soccer will be growing over the next four years and - as long as the speed of growth is kept at a responsible level - it can mean nothing but good things.

3. 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup














If there's one thing the 2009 Confederations Cup taught us it's that experience matters and confidence counts. Without their spectacular run to the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup it is hard to see how the USMNT would have found the realistic confidence to go up against world powers like Spain and Brazil. So the first step to the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil starts with the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup next summer. It's simple if the US wins, it books its ticket to the tournament and with it some much needed tournament experience ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

2. Michael Bradley












If there was one high quality constant throughout the World Cup for the U.S. it was the 22 year old midfielder and son of the coach, Michael Bradley. He was ever-present in the midfield, winning balls, linking up with the forwards and even scoring the crucial tying goal against Slovenia in the U.S.'s second group game. Bradley's performance for the National Team has long been one of a consistent but relatively unsung backbone for an otherwise schizophrenic midfield and the U.S. soccer community has sensed greatness. Now the NY Times Goal Blog has given statistics to his performances, placing him high in rankings such as tackling and distance covered. And with as many as two more World Cups ahead of him, he may just be the future of US Soccer.

1. The 2018/2022 US World Cup Bids











When the curtain falls on South Africa in two weeks, the world's focus will turn to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the announcement of the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup. The United States has bids to host the 2018 or 2022 tournament. MLS Commissioner Don Garber, US Soccer president Sunil Gulati, Henry Kissinger and Michael Bloomberg are on a board who has offered forth nothing but American football stadiums as venues (though, admittedly, they had few alternative options). The announcement for the host nations will take place some time in December of 2010.

World Cup US TV Schedule Round of 16: June 29

TUESDAY, JUNE 29

Paraguay v Japan
10:00am EDT, ESPN

Spain v Portugal
2:30pm EDT, ESPN

Will the Bump in TV Ratings for the World Cup Translate to Interst in MLS?

US fans look on as Landon Donovan scores a goal against Ghana (AP)

ABC/ESPN is reporting that viewership for the US vs. Ghana game on Saturday was up 10% compared to the US vs. England game two weeks ago.

While this may be all well and good for the quadrennial soccer bandwagon and flag waving fans, what does it mean in terms of the long-term viability of the sport? It's one thing to draw in the casual fans who will cheer for anything if it has the American flag on it and another thing entirely to turn them into fans of the sport. A large number of Americans will watch the Olympics once every four years, but it's not like they're chomping at the bit for skating or gymnastics during the other three, you know what I mean?

But the outlook is looking good. Some reports have this season's overall MLS attendance to date up 10% compared to this time last year. More people are going to see their local team in person. And even though this year's numbers to date include the numbers for Philadelphia's two home games at PPL park with an average attendance of more than 29,000, they remain promising. More people are joining in the culture of American soccer. The sport isn't growing everywhere (that same report has attendance for New England and San Jose down by double digits), but it's growing. And I count that as a win.

World Cup US TV Schedule Round of 16: June 28

MONDAY, JUNE 28

Netherlands v Slovakia
10:00am EDT, ESPN

Brazil v Chile
2:30pm EDT, ESPN

Look on the Bright Side: The US Loss Against Ghana Wasn't Entirely the Players' Fault

U.S. Coach Bob Bradley (source: TheFinalThird.com)

The pitch is not even cold yet and fans everywhere are throwing around reasons why the U.S. experienced a second-straight World Cup ending loss at the hands of Ghana. I may not be the only person to say it, and I'm sure I'm far from the first, but the loss was primarily fueled by poor coaching and team selection on behalf of head coach Bob Bradley.

THE BAD NEWS
Playing a lathargic 4-4-2 formation that included an out of form Jozy Altidore, an inexperienced and clinically deficient Robbie Findley, and a Ricardo Clark incapable of keeping possession and tracking runs in his own half, Bob Bradley failed to contain the fast-paced passing of the Ghanaians. As a result, the U.S. found themselves down a goal in the first five mintues of the game.

After Bradley substituted Maurice Edu for Clark in the 31st minute, Benny Feilhaber for Findley in the 45th minute, and Hurculez Gomez for Altidore in the 91st minute, Bradley had wasted his substitutions on correcting his initial tactical miscalculation. At that point the U.S. was left with no other option than to pin their hopes on their default mode: Heroic Acts of Magic. Well, Santa Claus isn't real and even this edition of the U.S's men's soccer team runs out of magic eventually.

THE GOOD NEWS
The U.S. Men's Soccer Team is experiencing some growing pains, it's safe to say. The talent, the desire and the experience existed in the roster for this team to go far. Injuries and attacking questions aside, players such as Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard were set to lead the side at least into the quarter-finals and possibly beyond, a la the team's miraculous Confederations Cup run the year before. The fact that Bradley was unable to properly channel and direct the team's potential is a sign that the Americans' viability is growing on the global stage. We're not quite there yet, but give it two more World Cups and the U.S. team won't just be in the knockout round by the (well earned) skin of their teeth. They'll be regularly fighting for the top position in their group and a force to be reckoned with.

Now if we could only get a coach that had the ability to adapt before a game starts.

Oh well, back to Major League Soccer and my good ole Columbus Crew.

Stateside Soccer's World Cup Round of 16 Predictions, Featuring Ms. Footynut!

In light of the less than flawless results from my World Cup Group predictions (one measure of success has me at 56% for correctly predicting which teams will get out of the group), I have decided to bring in guest blogger Ms. FootyNut to make the predictions for the Round of 16.

Uruguay v South Korea

Ms. FootyNut: This was really tough because South Korea beat some big names. However, Uruguay took their group without conceding a single goal. They beat South Africa on their home turf! I just feel like they are stronger at defense than South Korea. Uruguay to win.

FootyNut: It's plain and simple for me, this World Cup is shaping up to be a display for South American teams. While Korea has had a somewhat of a surprising tournament (Asian teams have fared better than the African teams), I believe their luck runs out in the Round of 16. Uruguay will advance to the Quarter Finals.


USA v Ghana

MF: Ok, this prediction is about 50% desire, 50% logic. But I think our boys have done an outstanding job attacking (if only their goals are allowed!!), and Tim Howard is an amazing keeper! It's not going to be an easy win. Ghana was top of their group for a while, but they looked sluggish to me, like they lack self-esteem and they're ready to go home. USA to advance!

FN: Throw me up on a gibbet and burn me in effigy, but I'm calling this one for Ghana. Although my faith in the massive home turf advantage the African teams would experience in South Africa failed me in my group match predictions, Ghana's U20 men's national team became the first African team to win a FIFA tournament on African soil when it defeated Brazil in last year's U20 World Cup. Expect a hard fought, but ultimately heartbreaking game for the Yanks.


Netherlands v Slovakia

MF: The Orange tide of the Netherlands just won their group so easily! Slovakia only barely beat Italy. I don't know if the Slovak's defense/goalkeeping combo is strong enough to stem the Dutch attack.

FN: I agree with the Missus on this one. Slovakia's success in their group was - honestly - due less to their skill and more to the train wreck of an Italian team slowly but surely self destructing. The Netherlands will put on their requisite display of flash and substance on their way to the quarter-finals.


Brazil v Chile

MF: Well, I mean...what can you say? Brazil wins this one.Chile just isn't strong enough for this powerhouse. Brazil just seems unstoppable (and their fans insufferable ... but I digress).

FN: Well, poor Chile. They've had an unlucky draw this cup. In any 2 out of 3 other groups Chile might have been drawn in, they would have won and been in a much more favorable position in the knock-outs. But as it sits, their dynamic performances weren't enough to hold stop Spain from topping the group and now have to face Brazil, a team they lost to twice in qualifying, with an aggregate score of 7-2. Brazil goes through.


Argentina v Mexico

MF: Mexico got through by the skin of their teeth. The beat France - which was easy given they are falling apart, and tied with South Africa who just weren't that strong this time around. Again, Argentina = obvious choice.

FN: So if Messi is going to shine, now would be the time. However, it may be that - like his evil and much taller twin Cristiano Ronaldo - Messi's best role will be as an orchestrator for a stronger defense. And unlike Ronaldo, Messi has a wide selection of fellow, world class attackers to feed. Argentina wins.


Germany v England

MF: Again, more than 50% of this prediction is biased desire. This is not going to be an easy match. Germany have been excellent. England have not. I want to believe that the boys of the Three Lions will pull it together, start thinking and playing as a team, and start feeding Rooney some good passes! He knows how to find the back of the net, help him do it!! Rule, Britannia, England rule the game!

FN: A star crossed lot this English team be. I'd love to see the Three Lions go through, but the Germans are a more cohesive unit who look threatening and ruthless in the final third. Germany will edge out England in this latest installment of World Soccer's greatest rivalries.


Paraguay v Japan

MF: I feel like Japan never expected to get through to the knockout rounds. They did well in their group but they're up against Paraguay who I abstractly view as another South American Powerhouse. Japan does have a chance though and could surprise me. I would welcome it actually, but I see Paraguay going through.

FN: For an unengaged fan, this may be the most obscure match in the Round of 16. Japan has done nothing but exceed expectations and I think they will continue for just one more match. The Blue Samurai of Japan will make the quarter finals.


Spain v Portugal

MF: One word: Spain. I just don't like Ronaldo. Is that a good enough reason? But seriously, this was tough. I actually have no strong feelings about this decision. Spain were on top of their group (and European Champions in 2008), so why not, right?

FN: Yeah, I'm still not convinced Spain will win it all, but I can say that Portugal and Ronaldo just won't be able to make enough of an impact against the savvy possession of Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso and Villa. The Spaniards might not win the tournament, but they'll win this one. Spain to win.


If you want to see how both Ms. FootyNut and I predict the rest of the World Cup to go - including all winners and losers down to the champions and third place teams - check out our dueling brackets.

Dueling World Cup Brackets: Who Will Win It All?

So guest blogger and supposed fiancee of yours truly, Ms FootyNut, decided to draft a bracket to compete against mine for the knock-out rounds of the tournament. I have the Netherlands winning a final over Germany with Spain edging Ghana out for third place. She has an epic finish with Brazil triumphing over Argentina and Spain taking third place at the cost of Uruguay.

To be fair, Ms FootyNut's was probably a bit more methodical. In truth, I took my lead from the Wall Street Journal's old dartboard contest. Random, unpredictable selections may end up making me look like a psychic.

Stateside Soccer's Bracket:


Ms. FootyNut's Bracket:

World Cup US TV Schedule: June 26 & 27 - The Biggest Weekend in the History of American Soccer?

Image: Seattle Sportsnet

There has been a lot of talk about the stakes for this World Cup being the highest ever when it comes to soccer in the United States. If I'm being completely honest, it's been a little too much hype. But when it comes to tomorrow's knock-out game, the notion that Saturday is the biggest day in the history of US Soccer might just have some legs. Even US coach Bob Bradley - a man with a poker face that would make Lady Gaga blush - has expressed gleeful optimism ahead of the match, stating this year's team "could go far" in the tournament.

If the US wins tomorrow, they will most likely be in a strong position to meet Brazil in a semi-final rematch last year's Confederations Cup final. But while it's okay to dream, it's not okay for a team with a shaky first 15 minutes and an overly strong penchant for heroics and fighting back in a game rather than holding on and securing a win, let's be realistic and take one game at a time.


SATURDAY, JUNE 26

Uruguay v South Korea
10:00am EDT, ESPN

United States v Ghana
2:30pm EDT, ABC


SUNDAY, JUNE 27

Germany v England
10:00am EDT, ESPN

Argentina v Mexico
2:30pm EDT, ABC

World Cup US TV Schedule: June 25

FRIDAY, JUNE 25

North Korea vs. Ivory Coast
10 a.m. EDT, ESPN 2

Portugal vs. Brazil
10 a.m. EDT, ESPN

Switzerland vs. Honduras
2:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN 2

Chile vs. Spain
2:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN

World Cup US TV Schedule: June 24

THURSDAY, JUNE 24

Slovakia vs. Italy
10 a.m. EDT, ESPN

Paraguay vs. New Zealand
10 a.m. EDT, ESPN 2

Denmark vs. Japan
2:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN

Cameroon vs. Netherlands
2:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN 2

Truly Epic Wins

Download Stateside Soccer's World Cup Knock-Out Round Bracket HERE. Fill it out in pencil or in pen, share it with your friends, enjoy the great soccer that is yet to come.


What a finish for Group C!!! You could not ask for more drama, suspense, or beauty in the USA's story. Robbed of two goals, both disallowed in objectionable circumstances during pivotal matches, only to come back in the 91st minute of the final game to win the group. Beautiful. There are hardly words. And I can't forget to mention England's showing, which was just as well done, holding off Slovenia's attacks for a clean 1-0 final. Magnificent.

Now that we are closer to the Final 16 I'd like to share with you the reusable, printable bracket I made. It's hosted on Google Docs for all the world to see and print here.

As a reminder, here are the standings so far:

Group A:
1. Uruguay
2. Mexico

Group B:
1. Argentina
2. South Korea

Group C:
1. USA
2. England

Group D:
1. Germany
2. Ghana

Also guaranteed a spot:
Group E, Netherlands and Group G, Brazil

Group D plays their final games today at 2:30pm EST. Can Ghana beat Germany and hold onto the top spot? Will Australia come from behind to get the win required to go through?! [Edit to Add] Yeah, that didn't happen...Germany and Ghana are through.

It's all terribly exciting!!

In case you missed it, Ms FootyNut is guest blogging here to give a layperson's view of footy and the World Cup.

World Cup US TV Schedule: June 23

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23

Slovenia vs. England
10 a.m. EDT, ESPN 2

USA vs. Algeria
10 a.m. EDT, ESPN

Ghana vs. Germany
2:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN

Australia vs. Serbia
2:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN 2

World Cup US TV Schedule: June 22

TUESDAY, JUNE 22

Mexico vs. Uruguay
10 a.m. EDT, ESPN

France vs. South Africa
10 a.m. EDT, ESPN 2

Nigeria vs. South Korea
2:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN 2

Greece vs. Argentina
2:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN

World Cup US TV Schedule: June 21

MONDAY, JUNE 21

Portugal vs. North Korea
7:30 a.m. EDT, ESPN

Chile vs. Switzerland
10 a.m. EDT, ESPN

Spain vs. Honduras
2:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN

World Cup Week One Round Up

Three England fans looking only slightly less ridiculous than their team (Telegraph.co.uk)

As we're coming to the end of the second weekend of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, we find ourselves faced with a compelling final five days of group stage games. And even with 29 of 48 group matches played, only the Netherlands and Brazil have guaranteed themselves a spot in the next round. Needless to say, my predictions have almost all been thrown out the window.

Draws Dominate Crucial Group C Games
Through almost freakishly unpredictable circumstances, three draws in the opening four games of Group C have left Slovenia on top of the group table with four points. The United States sits in second place with two points, edging England to third on account of goals scored.

After leaving their first match against England with a well-deserved 1-1 draw, the United States showed the spectacularly gritty nature of its team character when they fought back from a two goal deficit at half time to draw and nearly beat a slick Slovenian side in their second match.

England, on the other hand, apparently forgot to eat their Wheaties and struggled to produce any sort of attacking threat in a 0-0 draw in their second group stage match against Algeria.


World Powers Stumble, Self-Destruct
Spain, the reigning European champions and a prominent favorite to win this year's world cup found themselves on the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline against a lucky and well organized (imagined that) Swiss side.

After pummeling a lackluster, befuddled Australian side 4-0 in their opening games, tournament regulars Germany lost 1-0 to a stalwart Serbian side.

Defending World Cup winners Italy not only came from behind to salvage a draw in their opener against Paraguay, but they found themselves in need of a similar performance to salvage not only a point but their dignity from their second game against a spectacularly organized New Zealand side. The Azzuri now sit on 2 points going into the final day.

If it wasn't enough that France all but cheated its way into a spot in South Africa, they opened their tournament with an uninspired 0-0 draw against Uruguay. Then the French proceeded to fall apart in a 2-0 loss to Mexico. The self-destruction continued into the weekend when forward Nicolas Anelka was sent home, the French players refused to train and many of the coaching staff simply quit.

And as ESPN the Magazine's World Cup preview so astutely put it, "There will always be an England and it will always disappoint." And with a goalless draw against Algeria of all teams, the Three Lions of England have surely disappointed.


Quality of Refereeing Goes from Amazing to Appalling
The refereeing of the opening dozen games or so was nearly impeccable. The most prominent example of the outstanding refereeing came in the opening match of the tournament when Mexico's Carlos Vela was correctly called off side against the protests of about 85% of the matches viewers, including the ESPN commentating crew.

However, come Friday, the wheels starting coming off the refereeing cart. Germany's loss came within the context of Spanish referee Alberto Mallenco's 10 cards, including the sending off of the German's World Cup Talisman, Miroslav Klose. Then, with only 10 minutes to go in the US's match against Slovenia, Malian referee Koman Coulibaly disallowed a US goal by calling a foul that remains unfathomable in the face of dozens of slow motion replays.


Regardless of what the past 10 days have brought us, they are sure to bring exciting match-ups and edge-of-your-seat moments. Will New Zealand pull off the unthinkable and follow Paraguay out of the group, leaving the Italians behind to ponder what might have been? Will the US and Slovenia leave England equally befuddled by elimination? Will the cards fall just right for Australia? Will it be Portugal or the Ivory Coast who advances from the group of death? Will an African team be able to make it to the knock out stages in the first tournament held on African soil?

We'll just have to watch some more to find out.