At least I got a nap...

Remember kids, according to most people, soccer is a NON-CONTACT sport that only sissies play...

Okay, a day after one of the most dramatic days in U.S. soccer history is followed up by some absolutely boring garbage for most of the day. Neither Japan or Croatia has shown me anything in the first 2 games, and while it''s easy to say Brazil hasn't exactly played inspired soccer, Australia still found a way to make the game interesting in the 2nd half. I expect my prediction at the beginning of the Cup to stand, as the Socceroos will hold onto 2nd place and go through to the next round. Still, if you're a Brazilian fan, and it seems like most people are (according to Rob Stone), you've got to be a little concerned with their form right now. Yes, they're probably pacing themselves, but it's not always so easy to just "turn it on" when you want to do so, especially when you start to play against better competition. These first 2 games have shown that neither Croatia or Australia feared Brazil, which has always been one of their biggest weapons not named Ronaldo. I think they need to destroy Japan in game 3 just to make a statement that whomever they play in the next round and after, this is a team that can do what they want, when they want.

As for Group G, could France try to make things more difficult please? The coaching was ridiculed in 2002 as one of the primary reasons why they played so poorly, but what's the excuse now? Henry looks good at times and disinterested at others, as do Zidane, Makalele, and Wiltord. I think they miss Cisse more than they realized, as he was another weapon who could draw people away from Henry. I don't think they have another forward who can do that. Also, Zidane gets a stupid yellow card and will miss the vital game 3 match against Togo. Call me crazy, but I think they can beat Togo w/out Zidane. However, if they stumble and get another draw, it's not out of the realm for this team to be going home again after the 1st round. As of now, they will more than likely finish 2nd and play Spain in the round of 16. So, even if they advance, they'll go home soon anyway.

1 last thing. I actually took a chance and watched "Sports Reporters" on ESPN this morning just to see what they would say about the U.S. game. Well, they got a SOLID 2 minutes in, after discussing the all-important U.S. Open, but at least Bob Ryan complimented the U.S. and tried to explain what a remarkable achievement they accomplished on Saturday. Rick Reilly dismissed it, saying they still haven't really done anything, nor scored a goal, and Mike Lupica played Devil's Advocate and said they showed a lot of heart, but he still wasn't too impressed. I guess it beats getting ignored or being ridiculed, which is still all too common in the rest of the media.

That's it for today. Nobody's given any comment slately, so I hope you all are still reading...seriously, put up your thoughts on the tournament, the games, the fans, etc. Heck, feel free to insult me, if you want. I KNOW there's a ton of you who would love to do that!

See you tomorrow.