Czech Republic - USA: 3-0Okay, who didn't see that one coming? I expected the US team to have a little bit more umph in their defense. Well, not really, having seen a friendly game a couple of months ago. And defense is not really the MLS forte. See any games by the Houston Dynamo or the New York Red Bull, where the star player is Youri Djorkaeff. Yes, that Youri Djorkaeff, striker of the French team for the 1998 World Cup and the Euro 2000.
But, I mean, first goal within 5 minutes?? Granted that does not beat the goal scored within 11 seconds during the South Korea-Turkey match for the 3rd place during the last World Cup, but that was a thing of beauty. Here, meh.
The game against Italy does not bode well either. I think the Czech Republic will come out first of their group, followed by Italy.
Other disappointment in the first games, Australia vs. Japan, with 3-1 in favor of Australia, with the first goal scored by Japan's Nakamura during the first half. But then again, Australia is coached by Gus Hiddink, who masterminded South Korea's fantastic run during the last World Cup.
My predictions for tomorrow:
-Brazil vs. Croatia: 1-0
-France vs. Switzerland: 2-0
-South Korea vs. Togo: 3-1
Also watched the NBA Finals yesterday night, Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat. All I have to say is that Dirk Nowitzki (center, Mavs) has the strangest way of dribbling and shooting. Meh. The NBA Finals are a non-event this year.
Recently acquired:
-Demo (AIT/PlanetLar), by Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan
-nextwave (Marvel Comics), by Warren Ellis and Stuart Immonen
Coming in the mail:
-foursquare (Outside Voices), with work by Elizabeth Treadwell, Shanna Compton, K. Lorraine Graham and Linda Russo
-Steam, by Sandra Simonds
-Occupied (Kelsey St. Press) and Mediated (Factory School), by Carol Mirakove.
And other stuff sent for review for miPOesias.
In other news, the Bush administration dismissed the three Guantanamo suicides as "a good PR move." When has the War on Terror become a marketing war between American fascism and Sunni extremism? Or why are we so surprised at the disdain for human life displayed by this administration?
Currently listening to Noir Désir - Des visages, des figures (which John should receive whenever I figure out how to fix my CD drive)
Comments
Ghana was awesome! They got screwed on at least one penalty kick. I was really rootin for them. The last goal was a terrible mistake. Still, props to Kingston, despite being so wild. He had some great saves.
It's been a long time since I listened to that Noir Desir album... I think the title track is my fav. 'Des Armes' is too much for me.
You can watch all the games on your computer if you download ESPN 360 (for free!).