Don't Tread On Me

One of the most stressful runs through the first round of any world cup to date, the USA has clinched as the winners of Group C in the world cup and advance on to the next round. The USA scored 2 goals after being down 2-0 to Slovenia to tie the game and keep their hopes alive. The following game they won in the 91st minute by of course a Landon Donovan goal! In the past 2 games USA has had 2 goals disallowed for phantom calls making our run to the next round much more difficult! Once this afternoon ends, we should know who we face in the next round! Whoever it may be, they should be ready... we're angry... and you won't like us when we're angry! Our team has showed that they don't give up until the final whistle blows, and this truly American characteristic will hopefully keep our team moving forward in the knockout round

Deja Vuvuzela!

Every 4 years the world stops for almost the entire month of June surrounding one sporting event. That event of course is the World Cup. In most countries this is seen as the most important thing that takes place for the entire year, watching your country compete for the world's biggest prize. I have made a point of pretty much tuning in for as many games as I can for this fantastic event since the world cup was in the USA in 1994. I was lucky enough to be able to see a game at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX during the 1994 World Cup and really this was my first big exposure to world soccer. Even on family vacation in Hilton Head, SC I made my family pull over in order to see the penalty shoot out between Brasil and Italy!

As I became more of a fan of the World Cup, I watched Brasil lose out in France '98, triumph in Japan/South Korea '02, and an all European final in Germany '06 between France and Italy. This year it has already started with some great big games and also some major disappointments. I am hoping for a great result from the USA and Spain, but it has already started poorly for Spain with a tough loss to Switzerland. In the second week there was certainly a better showing for both the USA and Spain with both teams either winning or being robbed of one. By the end of the week we will know the outcome of the group stages, with already huge news of France collapsing over huge controversy and failing to do more than draw a single match.

While I could continue spouting my World Cup passion and excitement for days, I am just going to let the drone of the Vuvuzelas do the talking as I go watch another game!