I got up early yesterday to see the Japan vs. Australia game. I'm glad I did. Although there were a number of very bad calls, giving Japan an early lead of one goal in the first half, Australia came back very strongly at the end of the second half for a 3-1 victory, the last two goals being without a doubt legitimate. Very exciting game.
CD Key Traktor DjThe United States lost to the Czech Republic 3-0, in a very disappointing performance. It really looked like the USA was not ready to play in the World Cup. They might have gotten a tie or even a win if it wasn't for the early goal by Czech Republic and the resulting demoralized play of the USA. They had some very close attempts at the Czech goal in the first half, and it's conceivable that with a tiny bit of luck in the first half, the US might have gotten their acts together in the second half. Next Saturday's game against Italy will be very important.
The first half of Ghana vs. Italy was very exciting. Besides some less-than-stellar Ghana defense strategy, the two teams appeared quite evenly matched. Until Italy scored again in the second half, it really seemed like the game might end in a tie.
Because the USA lost their first game and Italy won theirs, in order for the USA to stand a chance they need to win their next two games, and (here's the important part) win with high scores. Pretty much our only hope at this point is to win the group by point differential. If we come in second place in Group E, we'll more-than-likely face Brazil for our first game in round two. And of course, if we don't win our next two games, that'll it for another four years. Should be a great World Cup no matter how well we do, though.
Enjoy!
Posted by mrxak at June 13, 2006 12:00 AM