Mexico v. USA
I've been staying up well past midnight the last couple of weeks, to watch the World Cup.
I'm one of those rare people in the US who actually LOVES international soccer. I'm not a huge fan of MLS, because the level of play just isn't very good, but I watch English Premiere League all the time, and I never miss a USA Cup qualifier if I can help it.
So I get pretty damn excited every 4 years, even though I have absolutely nobody in my circle of friends with whom I can discuss the matches.
Last night, I watched Team USA (who is actually pretty good for the first time in my lifetime) take on Team Mexico (who has been a VERY good team since about 1997, I guess). You can read more if you'd like to hear my ramblings on the match. If you're planning on watching the delayed match, don't click it. :)
--
MEX 0:2 USA
I can't believe that Team USA beat Mexico, and beat them by shut-out!
Not only is it the first time Team USA has survived an elimination round, it's the first time they've won by shut-out since 1950. Not too surprising that they get their shut out this time, though, because Brad Friedel is a freaking WALL.
People who know always say that goaltending wins tournaments, and they were proven right last night.
The only blemish on the Team USA victory, if you ask me, was the non-call against O'Brien for a CLEAR handball in the penalty area, when the score was still 1-0 USA. On all the replays it was obvious that he punched out a cross, but they said that the ref missed it...not quite mano del dios, but still...there was some chippy play, especially in the second half, and the head-butt on Cobi Jones was Bush League, but expected.
The rivalry developing between these two teams is awesome, especially here in Los Angeles! When I go the the Rose Bowl to watch Team USA play Mexico, and I'm one of 25 USA supporters. :(
I am so excited to watch USA play Germany on Friday, I may do something I've NEVER done in my life: go pick up a Team USA shirt, so people can ask me if it's for the Olympics.
Best moment last night for me was when USA scored in the 8th minute, and I jumped up, held my arms above my head, and ran circles around my living room, silently screaming "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!!!!"
Comments
First post - yay!!!
Played soccer in my youth - loved the game! Pele' was my idle growing up -- haven't followed it much as a grown up but perhaps it will be worth the view!
Be good!
-sam
Posted by: Sam | June 17, 2002 9:42 AM
hahaha...good for you Wil....
nothing like a victory to get the blood pumping....
I live In Little Italy In Toronto Canada, and have been listening to the parade of beeping and honking cars here for a while now....
anytime either Brazil, Italy or Portugal win, it's like a festival here....
gets a bit hard to drive, with all the thousands of fans getting in their cars and driving around waving flags, but it definitley puts a smile on your face to see everyone so excited...
Little Italy is a great area of Toronto, and I love it dearly...but every 4 years or so, it get's completely insane....
you'd love it! :)
Posted by: Tyson | June 17, 2002 9:43 AM
I'd watch it more if the guy announcing got all excited and yelled and held out words all the time.
I'm the third POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOST.
Posted by: Shelby | June 17, 2002 9:45 AM
Carry on Wil!
Once you'll get to Europe you'll find it difficult to talk about anything ELSE than soccer... I'm enjoying it too, german television is showing all the matches and all the goals.
Despite, I wouldn't be too opticmistic about the US team winning the championship... ;-)
Posted by: Thomas | June 17, 2002 9:51 AM
Soccer never caught my fancy... I prefer the major games... superbowl, world series, that sort of thing. Still, as long as we're in the win column, then Go Team!
Posted by: The Silent Strider | June 17, 2002 9:52 AM
Sadly enough, but Team USA will have to travel home after the quarter final, because Germany is going to win the Cup once again, and in 2006 at here in Germany its gonna be the same thing.
Deutschland vor noch ein Tor!!!!!
Posted by: André | June 17, 2002 10:00 AM
Heh.
I have no illusions about USA getting past Germany. I think we'll see a good match, though. USA played Mexico with a focus and intensity we haven't seen yet in this tournament, and I hope that USA will build on this experience and contend in the next 8 years.
However this is a major victory for soccer in the USA, and hopefully it will raise soccer's profile just a little bit more here.
Posted by: wil | June 17, 2002 10:03 AM
Well its that american fighting spirit again.
As a swede im actualy hoping for team USA to go all the way...would be good for the game.
Keep up the good work Wil!
Posted by: Zauner | June 17, 2002 10:07 AM
Wil~
I remember when the games were here in the States & I was in the UK w/ my then boyfriend. He'd be up so late to watch the games & wake me w/ cries when goals were made or wins/losses (typical brit soccer lover). We'd even joke about how a game could go on for eternity.
I played soccer as a young girl (goalie) & so did my brothers, we practically had our own team !!! It was one of few things we could all do together no matter our ages.
Long live back yard soccer!!!
P.S. I just realised I was rambling on...sorry about that.
Posted by: Krista | June 17, 2002 10:13 AM
Ah the beautiful game, im one of those random people who watches random matches and gets up at half 7 to do so. I got up this morning to watch The USA take out Mexico. Nicely done, Mexico are no mugs and the USA havent exactly been known for their footy skills (sorry)
Hope you beat Germany, who knows, we could end up with an England- USA final!
(I seriously doubt it though, theres Italy on the USA side of the draw and we have the little matter of Brazil in the Quarters!)
Posted by: ej | June 17, 2002 10:23 AM
Hey André (Hallo Nachbar - Komme aus der Schweiz *G*)
Nothing against Rudi and his team, but wouldn't you agree that the german team played a little bit of a minimalist's soccer this time? Altough the US are not a favourite, they could be tough to beat.. never never underestimate the enemy!
But surely, as a swiss neighbour and friend ;-), I'm going to support the german team with you: DEUTSCHLAND VOR, NOCH EIN TOOR!!
Posted by: Thomas | June 17, 2002 10:25 AM
I dunno, we (Ireland) managed to stave off the Germans.
They're team isn't the best they've had. You might beat 'em yet. :)
Posted by: Winston Smith | June 17, 2002 10:40 AM
I don't find soccer all that bad, but I'm not American. I think that this will raise the profile
of soccer in the States. Look what happened with hockey.
Posted by: angry penguin | June 17, 2002 10:47 AM
I watched the Korea-USA fight one night when I couldn't sleep, and USA played very well. I'm also very proud of my own country's team, even though they're not in the world-cup anymore. We sent France (the world-cup champions) home. Denmark-France 2-0
I loved when they won, hehe. But I also knew that England would win if they had to play against us, and they did. So my country is out of the world-cup. I still see it, but I don't know who'll win. Let's see :)
Bye, Helene
Posted by: Helene | June 17, 2002 10:53 AM
I beg to differ, San Jose is pretty kick ass. I find that this season MLS has become a VERY addictive sport for me... sure it's no Manchester United, but yeah, GO EARTHQUAKES =)
Posted by: Daniel | June 17, 2002 10:59 AM
We win! We win! USA! USA!
Really, I thought "Holy $#it!" when I saw the score this morning at 6:30 AM EST. I'm still trepidatious that we face Germany (think Xavier vs Duke in NCAA Regional Finals). But this tourney is so crazy, we may see Senegal take it all!
For America! For Brandi and BOOBIES!
Posted by: LittleGuy | June 17, 2002 11:01 AM
If you can catch a replay of the Ireland\Spain game it was by far the best game of the tournament.
Posted by: kentrel | June 17, 2002 11:04 AM
Hooray for the US. Welcome to the community of International Football(Patronising tone not intended). Have watched most of the world cup games and the US has been one of the real surprises and i cringe every time im reminded that i wrote them off at first. A big Sorry to all the fans. Good Luck to you but if you come up against England im afraid it will be back to the trenches!
Posted by: EnglishBen | June 17, 2002 11:10 AM
all i have to say is i love soccer and it suprises me that other people in this country do to. i was in germany for the 90 and 94 world cuop and over there it was like one of the biggest things ever.
Posted by: hurley420_182 | June 17, 2002 11:12 AM
I'm so glad you mentioned the World Cup. Here in the UK football-fever is gripping the nation and we take on Brazil on friday, Yikes!
Personally my household was in tatters on saturday as Denmark took on England (and Denmark lost 3-0) It totally sucked!!!
But at least now I can root for England un-biased LOL
Soccer RULES!!
Posted by: Annie | June 17, 2002 11:21 AM
HELL YEAH, Wil! I stayed up until 4 a.m. last night watching the game, and I was facing the prospect of having to do a felony aggravated assault trial in the morning! I just couldn't stop watching. Love the site!
Posted by: Patton Zarate | June 17, 2002 11:22 AM
My God, you sound like my husband!!
Not since 1930 have they made it this far. That's what I hear from my husband every time they make it to another round. He also stays up to wee hours of the morning watching the games.
Posted by: Robin | June 17, 2002 11:26 AM
Heh wtg Will! I am English and fanatical about football (soccer). I am so pleased USA are doing so well, and I know you can do it and go beat the Germans!! (England 5 Germany 1 ((had to rub it in again lol)) You really should try to get to Europe and see some games sometime, you'll love it!! GO GO GO USA!!! ( Oh and England lol!!)
Posted by: nicky | June 17, 2002 11:28 AM
*boggle* We _beat_ Mexico? Go us! (Er, go US!) But man, Ireland lost to Spain after half an hour of sudden death overtime and having to go to penalty kicks. Maaaaan.
But GO TEAM USA! Wow. we, like, didn't have a chance. that's so COOL.
(I like soccer. Unlike football (american), I can tell what the hell is going on. *grin*)
Posted by: catie | June 17, 2002 11:30 AM
We were all astonished to watch that Maxico v USA game today. Jolly good show! The ref had a couple of dodgy calls during the game, but the US fully deserved their win.
You guys are surprising everyone in this World Cup, long may it continue - I heard even George Bush had something to say about it, which in itself is unimpressive. The fact that it actually got onto the public agenda is a different matter entirely.
Perhaps now Soccer won't be seen as just a ladies sport in the US, although that's an utterly cool thing in itself; here in the UK we lose most of our female soccer talent to the States - a reverse of the US male situation.
I am nearly wetting myself in anticipation of the excitement that will be UK vs Brazil on Friday. I have a big widescreen TV placed on my desk at work in readiness (hey, if it means I can't use my keyboard, I'm ok with that).
C'mon England, 1966 and all that.
Posted by: Bowner | June 17, 2002 11:37 AM
Hey !! I know I'm supposed 2 stick 2 the topic and I hope you are having a blast but I can't help but say that you are extremely talented - (NO Im NOT an obsessed fan!)LOL BEST WISHES!
Posted by: Amy | June 17, 2002 11:37 AM
Hey !! I know I'm supposed 2 stick 2 the topic and I hope you are having a blast but I can't help but say that you are extremely talented - (NO Im NOT an obsessed fan!)LOL BEST WISHES!
Posted by: Amy | June 17, 2002 11:37 AM
Hey !! I know I'm supposed 2 stick 2 the topic and I hope you are having a blast but I can't help but say that you are extremely talented - (NO Im NOT an obsessed fan!)LOL BEST WISHES!
Posted by: Amy | June 17, 2002 11:37 AM
Hey !! I know I'm supposed 2 stick 2 the topic and I hope you are having a blast but I can't help but say that you are extremely talented - (NO Im NOT an obsessed fan!)LOL BEST WISHES!
Posted by: Amy | June 17, 2002 11:38 AM
Hey !! I know I'm supposed 2 stick 2 the topic and I hope you are having a blast but I can't help but say that you are extremely talented - (NO Im NOT an obsessed fan!)LOL BEST WISHES!
Posted by: Amy | June 17, 2002 11:38 AM
Yeah I was up watching too.
And I do the same thing.. I am huge into the English League, but not so into MLS. Hopefully we can start having as much fun playing soccer as other countries do
Posted by: JennInHouston (now) | June 17, 2002 11:38 AM
Hey Wil,
The match sounds fun, I didnt catch it though, but your ramblings sounded great!! Now I dont have to watch to boring parts of it!!!!
I saw an ad of you and your family in People. It says your going to be in St: X. Is that for sure now or what?? I know it was up in the air for awhile.
Lily
Posted by: Lily | June 17, 2002 11:41 AM
I WASNT SURE IF IT POSTED IT OR NOT AND I KINDA... WELL...COPIED IT MORE THAN ONCE OOOPPPPS SORRY AGAIN!!!!! :):):):)
Posted by: Amy | June 17, 2002 11:41 AM
I WASNT SURE IF IT POSTED IT OR NOT AND I KINDA... WELL...COPIED IT MORE THAN ONCE OOOPPPPS SORRY AGAIN!!!!! :):):):)
Posted by: Amy | June 17, 2002 11:41 AM
I WASNT SURE IF IT POSTED IT OR NOT AND I KINDA... WELL...COPIED IT MORE THAN ONCE OOOPPPPS SORRY AGAIN!!!!! :):):):)
Posted by: Amy | June 17, 2002 11:41 AM
I WASNT SURE IF IT POSTED IT OR NOT AND I KINDA... WELL...COPIED IT MORE THAN ONCE OOOPPPPS SORRY AGAIN!!!!! :):):):)
Posted by: Amy | June 17, 2002 11:41 AM
I WASNT SURE IF IT POSTED IT OR NOT AND I KINDA... WELL...COPIED IT MORE THAN ONCE OOOPPPPS SORRY AGAIN!!!!! :):):):)
Posted by: Amy | June 17, 2002 11:41 AM
I WASNT SURE IF IT POSTED IT OR NOT AND I KINDA... WELL...COPIED IT MORE THAN ONCE OOOPPPPS SORRY AGAIN!!!!! :):):):)
Posted by: Amy | June 17, 2002 11:41 AM
So I guess the big question is what team do the US soccer fans who watch English Premier League support?
If anyone says Manchester United then you have my permission to take short piers and long walks.
Posted by: Bowner | June 17, 2002 11:44 AM
Go Team USA...
I'm a big fan of Soccer. So since the danish national team is terminated from the world cup (lost against England) i cross my fingers for the States. I watched the game USA - Portugal. I actually bet on the game - and won. So go Team USA.... So Will, if you're a big fan of Soccer i'll send you a danish jersey... no prob....
Keep cool you fool...
Brian from Denmark
Posted by: Brian K | June 17, 2002 11:44 AM
I am looking forward to see the US team playing tomorrow. I really should, because it will be the last opportunity to see them this time *LOL*
The Italy game will also be interesting.
I bet a warm handshake to the following:
Germany - USA 2:1
See you
Thomas
's the last game of
Posted by: Thomas | June 17, 2002 11:47 AM
Well done team USA... watched the game and was impressed...
By the way, who do you support in the English Premiership?
Posted by: Scatcat | June 17, 2002 12:04 PM
Well done team USA... watched the game and was impressed...
By the way, who do you support in the English Premiership?
Posted by: Scatcat | June 17, 2002 12:04 PM
This is the best chance the USA has ever had of knocking out the germans. I had fancied Mexico to get past the US and then go on to beat germany but have been proven wrong there. Germany have a good team but they are not as formidable as in times gone past.
btw Wil and any other US soccer (football to most of rest of world) fans you should get into your home league as generaly strong leagues produce good national teams.
also have to ask why is it Team USA and not just the USA like every other country, u guys just have to be different? :-)
Posted by: Malky | June 17, 2002 12:12 PM
Wil? You like soccer (real football)?
Fantastic, that makes you an even cooler person.
Congratulations to the US!
Posted by: Nick | June 17, 2002 12:15 PM
Maybe now the US public will sit up and realise that the World Cup is the most prostigious sporting event on the planet, but for now it seems while the rest of the world are going football crazy, the US are still not particularly interested, but prefer, baseball, basketball, hockey etc.
I watched USA v Mexico thismorning and was particularly impressed with how the US dealt with a team which were fancied to go all he way. I did feel sorry for Cobi Jones though - he deserves a medal !
Wil - glad to hear there are some Americans interested in the beautiful game, I can't believe you can't find friends or family to talk to about it though - here in the UK it is all we talk about all day !!!
Posted by: Mark | June 17, 2002 12:34 PM
i have just gotten into soccer since this tournament. its hard to get away from here in europe. we get up in the morning, though, to watch the matches. anyway, i was rooting for france, and u.s., so now i am left with one choice. GO USA!!
Posted by: gracie | June 17, 2002 12:43 PM
Wil I love you!
I have been posting for weeks askin if any of you lovly Americans have been watching the World Cup you should be proud of you nation - theyre doin pretty well!!! (England would so whip there asses though)
Anyway Wil what English premiership team u like?
Im a huge Man Utd Fan!
Go USA I say cos theyre the Underdogs! Everyone in England is routin for ya! I hope all you USA fans are supporting us aswell!
Posted by: Hannah | June 17, 2002 12:46 PM
Sigh. Well now that Ireland are out thanks to the Spaniards, I'm with team USA. I have to say, they've surprised me non stop this time round, which is something I have enjoyed.
Posted by: Dave | June 17, 2002 12:56 PM
USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA
(The "USA"s posted above are only meant as pro-US World Cup soccer. Any attempt to usurp such words in order to advance current or future Republican dogma is pitiful and should cease immediately.)
Posted by: john the transplanted nebraskan | June 17, 2002 1:02 PM
Wow, I didn't give the USA team a chance, I thought they would be out by end of the first round, nice to be proved wrong.
Also, nice to see a American that actually LOVES football or soccer as you may call it. Most Americans I talk to call it boring.
Any way, hope you can win against Germany on friday, it would be cool to see a England Vs USA final!!! :)
Posted by: Justin Hunter | June 17, 2002 1:20 PM
Wil,
If you love English Premier League then you should take a look at the Scottish League especially "Glasgow Celtic" lol.
Celtic is the true home of "Paradise"
Posted by: Andrea | June 17, 2002 1:40 PM
Wil,
If you love English Premier League then you should take a look at the Scottish League especially "Glasgow Celtic" lol.
Celtic is the true home of "Paradise"
Posted by: Andrea | June 17, 2002 1:41 PM
Never been a soccer fan, probably never will. But, you know, listening to or reading of a true blue fan can always make me appreciate a sport just a bit more. I just love that pure adoration that a true fan has for his sport of choice.
Thanx Wil
Posted by: The Winslow | June 17, 2002 1:45 PM
Wow, did anyone else think that our beloved Yanks were lucky as hell to pull this out? They have the possession at 70/30 Mexico, but it looked worse than that. If "we" play like that against the Germans it could get very, very ugly. Friday will be the longest day of the year...England V Brazil at 1:30 and US v Germany at 6:30 CNT, have to be at work at 9:00. Can't wait.
Posted by: Eric | June 17, 2002 1:47 PM
Ok, I know hearty congrats go out to Team USA but, the more important question from a girlie point of view should be...............
WHO (apart from Sir David Beckham aka GOD) HAS THE FUNKIEST HAIRCUT IN SOCCER?
My vote has to go to Cobi Jones (Team USA) with my wooden spoon going to Gabriel "Wash you hair you scruffy git!!!" Batistuta (Argentina).
lol :o)
Posted by: Foxychik | June 17, 2002 1:57 PM
Brad Friedel is the best goal keeper ever because he played briefly in Brøndby. Olé. whatever happened to alexi lalas?
Posted by: Plume | June 17, 2002 2:18 PM
Yeah USA!!
I'm so proud of the team. Big difference than 4 years ago. I love World Cup soccer too. I was in Costa Rica the year they won--what a party!
Posted by: Ness | June 17, 2002 2:45 PM
They meaning the Costa Ricans...
Posted by: ness | June 17, 2002 2:46 PM
I'd gleaned from Fark that Wil was watching the footy, I suspected today he might finally comment :0)
Go Wil!!!
I would say go USA, but I'm kind of hoping for an England-Germany final, sorry.
But all the same, it's great, as others have said, to see some USians sitting up and tkaing notice of the game - hopefully this will raise the profile of The Beautiful Game.
Was it a good match? I didn't see it 'cos I was walking to school, but I was rather pleased when I flicked the TV on on the way out of the door to see it was already 1-0. Amazing how many goals have been scored in the first 10 minutes isn't it? I can't find the actual statistic (it's buried somewhere in the BBC's pages) but it does seem to be an awful lot.
*Checks the stats for the game* Ten bookings? TEN???? Was it an extremely dirty match, or did you have a referee as bad as the one at Germany-Cameroon (though that could have been because the winner would potentially meet his country in teh next round.) I must ask - what happened in the 88th minute to lead to a yellow and a red?
And for those of you who are just warming to footy in this tournament - you've picked a good one! I've never seen so many matches take unexpected turns and so many underdogs turn into alsatians.
Here's to a great final!
Posted by: EofS | June 17, 2002 3:03 PM
Wil,
Let me know next time you go to a game, I will go too... they can always use a 26th fan.
I can see the news now.. ACTOR WIL WHEATON STARTS RALLY TO GET MORE US SOCCER AT GAMES
Posted by: Kirk | June 17, 2002 3:19 PM
That should be
FANS AT GAMES
Posted by: Kirk | June 17, 2002 3:21 PM
Congrats to the United States team. I'll bet the atmosphere over there is amazing.
commiseration's to the Irish though. What an exciting 2nd half. Shame it had to end in penalties. Germany 2006??? you never know :-)
Posted by: Aoife | June 17, 2002 3:32 PM
I can't argue with the 10 bookings. It was pretty chippy. I was 100% with 8 of them, I suppose, and there was a caution that should have been an expulsion. Forgive my lack of specifics, because it was nearly 2AM, after all :)
regarding the Premiership: I have, at various times enjoyed watching Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle. I really don't know enough about the various teams to fully appreciate and respect their history, so I apologize if I offend. One of my friends tells me that one simply can't like Manchester United and Arsenal in the same life time. Blame it on me being a Yank, I suppose.
You know, I understand that it's deeply offensive to Central Americans when we residents of the US call ourselves "Americans" so I try to avoid it...but what's the english equivalent of Norte Americano? *puzzle*
Back to EPL: I think I'll be watching Blackburn much more closely now, since they have The Wall as their GK.
And I hate calling it soccer, because I know it as football, but we have this really idiotic sport here in the US that is called football. I understand that it's very popular, but I just view it as a place for wife-beaters and drug-addicts to rub elbows with other criminals and Doug Flutie. *takes tongue out of cheek*
Posted by: wil | June 17, 2002 3:36 PM
Hey, just found out about your site and it's amazing! I admire you 4 not doing this site for publishing yourself! Keep up the good work!!! :))
Posted by: Cupid Girl | June 17, 2002 3:40 PM
Wil, what do you think of David Beckham? do you rate him at all? just curious
Posted by: nicky | June 17, 2002 3:47 PM
Hey Wil
Do you think USA has a chance against
The Germans?
Call me crazy I think USA is going to the semis
Posted by: Mike | June 17, 2002 4:24 PM
Of all the nights to fall asleep!
I've tried to see most of the other matches and it's made me a walking zombie.
YAAHHOOO !
GO USA!
Posted by: brice | June 17, 2002 4:38 PM
Well this a test. Since my computer seems to has
lost its little brain/mind.
Wil,glad to see you found something to make you
happy..neve got into sports..but can understand
the drama of it.
Posted by: bluecat-redblanket | June 17, 2002 5:11 PM
Hey Wil, there are a lot of tickets left available here in Korea. Come on over! You can sleep on the floor.
Sitting at the Spain - Ireland game has made me a fan for life. But I was so heart-broken.
Posted by: tanyak | June 17, 2002 5:24 PM
USA won? Honest-to-God, USA won?
Whoa.
I'm still for England though. :D :D
Posted by: Miki | June 17, 2002 5:25 PM
Wow! Great match - USA is kicking everyone to the kurb! Sort of. :) Well, great progress anyway, nice to see it, I reckon they've got as good a chance as any - it's anyone's cup this year with France, Argentina and Portugal out (and Holland not even qualifying!) Though obviously England will win...
EN-GER-LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND! :)
Posted by: Andy taylor | June 17, 2002 5:25 PM
Well done USA!!! Now that Ireland is out (sob!- in a kick-ass match though) I'm going for England first, then the USA, then Spain. Friedle is awesome, and Donovan is a gem. The whole team seems really in sinc - a joy to watch! Friday should be good what with the US match and England versus Brazil - I'm going to have no fingernails left at all!
Posted by: mish | June 17, 2002 5:38 PM
Your killin' me. it's been 70 years since El Norte Americanos have won this, (sorry Canada for the norte thing) The US is in the 1/4's the best teams in the world have competed. 1994 the US made it to the "sweet 16' I'M AMAZED. WHAT'S THE LINE ON THE GAME ?
Posted by: Dank | June 17, 2002 6:32 PM
Your killin' me. it's been 70 years since El Norte Americanos have won this, (sorry Canada for the norte thing) The US is in the 1/4's the best teams in the world have competed. 1994 the US made it to the "sweet 16' I'M AMAZED. WHAT'S THE LINE ON THE GAME ?
Posted by: Dank | June 17, 2002 6:32 PM
Captain of the Enterprise, sir!
I just can't believe the Yanks got through (nor can I believe how poorly the Mexicans played). The US squad deserved to win, although it's probably the end of the line for them. I'm going for England although I am definately supporting all the remaining underdogs with Senegal and Japan on the top of my list.
I think Japan has a chance against Turkey but who ever wins that will face Senegal, who will definately win. AFRIKA!
Even though I live in Asia. Cheers, mate!
From the Captain of the Red October
Posted by: Ramius | June 17, 2002 6:46 PM
Just for the record, David Beckham has matured into a leader (if you said that 4 years ago, you'd be tarred and feathered by all of England), and the Brits would be lost without him. Lethal right kick, and provides support to all.
Go England! (and Senegal and Japan! BANZAI BABY!)
Posted by: Ramius | June 17, 2002 6:50 PM
Welcome to the world game, Wil. Here in Australia everyone is going nuts about the World Cup and we're not even in it! It's kind of frustrating to see the USA do so well when no-one there cares about it.
I haven't had too much respect for Team USA in the past because so few of their players play in Europe or South America but they're really more than the sum of their parts this tournament. And Brad Friedel is a favourite of mine being an ex-Liverpool man.
Who do you support in the Premier League?
Posted by: Nick Blackmore | June 17, 2002 6:52 PM
Oops, just realised you already answered that who do you support question.
Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool are mutually exclusive. You must hate at least two of them (or all three if you choose another side). To translate into American, those three teams are like the Raiders, the Cowboys and the Packers. You either love them or hate them, mainly because they are so successful.
I highly recommend Liverpool, because next season our strikers will be Michael Owen alongside Papa Bouba Diop (that legendary Senegalese guy no one had heard of until three weeks ago).
Congrats to the Lakers too.
Posted by: Nick Blackmore | June 17, 2002 7:02 PM
I heard on the news that this is the best USA has done. I hope USA goes all the way.
Posted by: adeversole | June 17, 2002 7:57 PM
na na na na na na na na, SOCCER!
Posted by: sims | June 17, 2002 8:35 PM
Well, if there's one thing the US has given us, it's unpredictability. Losing to Poland and than kicking ass with Mexico?
However, I'm officially for Germany, now that the Irish are out, but still sporting my nice Irish flag nail polish (I don't have the heart to erase it off). The Irish team spent a good 15 minutes circling the stadium after the game waving to anyone waving an Irish flag. My flag's still hanging in the kitchen, I'm too sad to hang it up!
German goalkeeper Kahn said after Saturday's match that being his birthday "..it would have been silly to lose." LOL! Somehow I don't think that translated exactly right into English.
Posted by: tanyak | June 17, 2002 8:40 PM
wouldn't bet on us neither..i live in montreal where those who seem to actually enjoy soccer are from anywhere but canada...it's fun to see everyone carrying their flags and colours early in the morning after the game has been played.
i had hope for the french then cameroon, and now england..but everyone knows brazil will get it.
we watch this funny mexican channel, the reporter is so funny, perhaps some of you will recognise him, each time someone scores he'll go like: goal goal goal goal goal goal for ages.
by the way, good work wil!
Posted by: liz-ann | June 17, 2002 9:17 PM
Soccer is OK, it's one of the few organized team sports I actually enjoy. The other is....
Hockey!
Go Red Wings!
Posted by: Sunidesus | June 17, 2002 9:29 PM
I do enjoy watching soccer but it is a little hard to get enthusiastic about it when your national team (Australia) fails at the final hurdle every 4 years.
Posted by: Chris | June 17, 2002 9:51 PM
The Spain/Ireland match was pretty exciting to watch IMO. Spain was playing a man short cause they used up all thier substitutions and had an injured player. They held off Ireland for 2 overtimes and won on the free kicks
Posted by: bluesman | June 17, 2002 10:33 PM
Big cheers to the US for makeing it that far.
If you asked me three weeks ago about a quarterfinal Germany-USA I would have sayed: "No way. They are in one group with Portugal and they will not make it. And if it is possible they will lose against Germany by at least 2 goals."
But after seeing all matches except for that against Korea, I'm sure the team which has the better day-form will win.Germany played a uninspired match against Paraguay and a idiotic match against Ireland(The Spanish made the same mistakes and so they should have lost it.) I'm sorry to say that but the best goal keeper will be between the other posts on friday.
Posted by: mr.sphynx | June 17, 2002 11:32 PM
Ahem. Am I crazy, or has nobody mentioned Sheffield United??
I love watching the matches, and thankfully they've always got them on at my favorite indian restaurant. They always seat me facing the tv, lol! Dall maharani, a seat facing the tv and keep the ice water coming. Muy bueno.
Looking forward to seeing how far the US will go.
Posted by: Oregoonie | June 17, 2002 11:55 PM
The Germans are vulnerable.
They gave away their lead in the final minutes (vs Ireland).
They NEVER give away their lead in the final minutes.
They usually win by scoring twice in the final minutes.
That's why we don't like them.
That, and the 1974 final.
The USA team definitely have a chance.
Especially now that Belgium has been duped by a conspiracy to make Brazil go through.
Posted by: tjeu | June 18, 2002 12:44 AM
Germany are a shadow of the team they once were so I think the USA bashers are gonna be wrong!
Of course I don't think they will win...
GO ENGLAND!
Posted by: Jandel | June 18, 2002 1:15 AM
Go Team USA!!! Brian McBride went to my high school and played soccer with my brother :-D Glad to see people care about the sport - it's the second best sport in my opinion (hockey is best).
Posted by: brian | June 18, 2002 2:03 AM
I think it's a real shame that the USA can reach the Quarter Finals of the one of the biggest sporting events in the World and yet the majority of Americans probably don't even know the World Cup is happening.
As for the match against Germany, I think that USA have a very real chance of causing an upset against a side that aren't anything like as good as they used to be.
BUT, they won't go any further than the semis, and England will, of course, win the tournament!
Posted by: Bingobowden | June 18, 2002 2:08 AM
The weird thing is; my girlfriend is the football (oops...soccer) fan and not me. And with Scotland not making it to the cup this year, I have really nothing to cheer for....even Ireland are out now...
'course...go Team USA....it's been great that this year so many of the big teams are out of the picture....
It's just unfortunate that the U.S. is so ultra-xenaphobic about so many things....especially sport.
Posted by: Rusty | June 18, 2002 2:11 AM
Germany is going to kick your butts on Friday! Buhahahahaaaa... Greetings from Germany, Chris
Posted by: Christian Humberg | June 18, 2002 2:37 AM
Every chance for USA even beyond the quarter final. Favourites have been falling by the wayside all the way through! Who would have predicted Turkey or Senegal in the Semi's before the tournament started? Yet that is what is going to happen!
If USA get to the semi they have to play outsiders Korea, a poor Spanish side or an Italian side that just can't seem ot get their act together! Every reason to hope for a final spot!
"It's a funny old game is football!"
(http://www.tilbury.demon.co.uk/balls.htm)
Pete
Posted by: Jandel | June 18, 2002 2:51 AM
Its great to hear about an American following the world cup. My boyf has been supporting USA, Turkey and Ireland as there are Blackburn players in those teams.
Good luck against Germany, many an England supporter would be glad to see them depart.
Posted by: emma | June 18, 2002 3:04 AM
Football is so ripe here. You cannot go anywhere without someone saying "It's coming home......" Men and some women mysteriously become ill on the days of the match for their respective nationality *suspicious* but never the less, the atmosphere is wonderful.
London has become a different place overnight, and believe me with the weather (rain, rain, and wait let me check? yep more rain!!) we are having right now, we need all the good vibe we can hang on to.
And emma yep I would like to see Germany go home, and I'm already packing for the Brazilians, we are so going to kick your butts Brazil. Adios Brazil!
Glad to know you like soccer (football) Wil, goodluck to U.S.A. may they kick Germany's butt tee hee!
Posted by: B1ATCH | June 18, 2002 3:32 AM
Thomas
I am just as excited about the german Team, as Wil is about Team USA. If someone had asked me, is germany going to pass the first round, I would have said somtehing like, are you kidding? (Meaning: Noooo waayyyyyy!) But they are probably playing their best soccer since, well since Rudi played himself... (another great Rudi in recent history :D)
Posted by: André | June 18, 2002 3:35 AM
Finally, someone in the US has noticed that their team is playing a storm. I'm English and in London so the World Cup is EVERYTHING here, but this is the best thing to happen to US football (sorry, soccer) since that fit chick took her shirt off at the Olympics.
That was a great result aginst Mexico, but the victory over Portugal was the true surprise. Well done USA even if that punch would put Maradona to shame in the out-and-out cheating stakes.
Posted by: Andrew Davies | June 18, 2002 3:37 AM
Oh, and if you're picking a team go for Liverpool. We're the guys who kicked Brad Friedel out for being too shit...
Posted by: Andrew Davies | June 18, 2002 3:45 AM
There's only one reason to watch Blackburn!
The one and only, Damian “Demigod“ Duff ;-)
Posted by: Andrew Martin | June 18, 2002 4:36 AM
Hey Wil!
it's called footballitis! and i've got it too!!! i NEVER used to watch football.....and today i cried when Japan lost to Turkey!!!
Posted by: June | June 18, 2002 4:42 AM
COME ON ENGLAND! (It sounds so much better than "Go England", but thanks for the support anyway!)
USA are kinda my second team, as my American ex-boyfriend watched all the England qualifers with me. So...
COME ON USA!
Posted by: Danny Donut | June 18, 2002 5:15 AM
Unfortunatly I didn't get a chance to watch the game. I am working in Thailand and am one of the few Americans in the office. Everyone really loved to rub it in on the first round game when the US was beat by Poland. It was a nice change to get to rub it back in their face against Mexico. I was hoping to watch the game in reruns after work, but everyone made sure to come to me several times during the match with updates. Gotta love the net.
I really don't think that the US will beat Germany, but this is the year of upsets. So it could happen. I hope that wil posts an update of it here so I can see the results. I will be in an airplane on my way home(Yeah) at the time that the US is whippin' up on Germany.
cottonchopper
Posted by: cottonchopper | June 18, 2002 5:40 AM
Hi Wil!
I'm very happy to year that you staied up the last weeks to watch soccer. I'm livving in Germany and almost everybody here watches football. I'm also really looking forward to the match USA vs. Germany´on Friday and I can tell you: Germany will win!
Posted by: Tanja | June 18, 2002 6:03 AM
>>COME ON ENGLAND! (It sounds so much better than "Go England", but thanks for the support anyway!)
Posted by: Jandel | June 18, 2002 6:22 AM
I can relate totally! I've been up till 3am trying to watch the games. I must say i think the refs keep bailing out Brazil. Just my 2 cents hehe.
Posted by: hayden a. james | June 18, 2002 6:31 AM
WOW! Have you seen this! Korea beat Italy by 2:1!!! Great!!!
Posted by: Thomas | June 18, 2002 7:01 AM
yeah, at my city's MLS stadium, we've had world cup matches via satellite at all hours of the day! it's totally free and like 6,000 people showed up for the last match and they havn't even charged admission.( oh the drunkenness) that's alot of people for soccer and our tiny little city. we love Brian Mcbride in Columbus!
Posted by: marysink | June 18, 2002 7:14 AM
a fantastic result for South Korea much deserved if only for italy having such a negative style when they have a very talented squad.
Brazil will DESTROY the arogant english and probably go on to win the whole thing. I hope to see South Korea, Senegal and the USA join them in semis.
Posted by: Malky | June 18, 2002 7:40 AM
To me, the International nature of soccer is what sports is all about. Lacking in comparison to the Olympics only because there is no variety of sports. You cannot say the same about basketball, hockey or baseball. Sure you have players from other countries in those leagues but save for Hockey in the Olympics it's U.S.A, U.S.A, U.S.A. Boring. Those national championships though hard fought for their respective champions don't mean as much to me they're only against teams in the U.S. and we aren't the only country on the planet.
The beautiful game however brings various countries together with their different styles of game. I think the U.S. stands a chance against Germany. Italy is already out!!!!
Posted by: Kazman | June 18, 2002 7:57 AM
You have to hand it to Team USA for their ability to receive an excessive amount of warnings (yellow cards)...dont forget Wolff and Pope, they did an awesome job.
Posted by: ze-mag | June 18, 2002 8:38 AM
team u.s.a....coming soon to a cereal box near you! d. burr
Posted by: d..burr | June 18, 2002 8:47 AM
My boyfriend is from England so this is on our topic list everyday :)
He was laughing that we made a big deal outta winning over Mexico, and i casually asked what happens if we match up against your guys... He just laughed.
Oh well...
GO USA !!!!!!
Posted by: Amy | June 18, 2002 8:52 AM
The Silent Strider commented:
> I prefer the major games
Sorry to say it, but pretty much everywhere else in the world, Football (or Soccer if you prefer) IS THE MAJOR GAME! Closely followed by Rugby and Cricket. In Football, 'World Cup' MEANS 'World, as opposed to the 'World Series'...
That said, I'm not the world's biggest footy fan, though I do enjoy watching England and Rep. of Ireland fans (divided loyalties there!)
Well done to the USA team - hopefully this will mean an increase in interest on your side of the Atlantic!
Au Res.,
Paul
Posted by: Paul Bines | June 18, 2002 9:05 AM
Please kick the germans out!!! Please kick the germans out!!! Please kick the germans out!!! Please kick the germans out!!!
Did I already mention that the US should kick the germans out of the World Cup???!!!
That would make me really happy! :-)
Greetings from Austria!!!
For all germans: nix für ungut!
Germany was World Champion before. Thats why I find it only fair if a team who never got the title before wins. Howabout Senegal or Spain. Well as half American I have to cheer for the US-Boys!
So please kick the germans out :-)
Posted by: Verena | June 18, 2002 9:41 AM
Italy is a very baaaad loser. When I was driving home from the airport today, i saw how some of them actually burned their own flag (!)
There were also lots of criminal happinenings in the whole city. They've seem to really have lost their temper.
Posted by: Thomas | June 18, 2002 9:43 AM
I agree English Premiere League is great, but it hasnt stopped me from going out and supporting the Metro Stars. I have been trying to go to a few games a yaer after a Brazilian friend got me into it when the World Cup was in the US.
Although TBH I wasnt surprised US won yesterday, every friendly game that I can remember against Mexico we have won. My only surprise this year was the win over Portugal and the loss to Poland. Unfortunatel this is the last stop for the US, I think Germany will end up playing England in the final and winning.
Posted by: Zephyr | June 18, 2002 10:16 AM
Actually, I think that soccer is more popular than you think. Among youth sports it is THE game. The reason is that it requires less pads and is less dangerousthan football, and requires less upper arms strength and coordination than basketball.
The reason its called Team USA is that, otherwise, it'd be called the American team, which offends Central/South Americans.
BTW, Congrats South Korea over Italy!
Imagine if we get to rematch with them?!
Posted by: dake | June 18, 2002 10:19 AM
Hi Wil,
I'm a Blackburn Rovers season ticket holder and the general view is that Brad has been one of the best signings we've ever made. We went through a poor mid season run of form, and it was basically Brad that stopped us losing even more matches. He also won man of the match for Rovers in our Worthington Cup triumph. We came good towards the end of the season and are looking forward to the 2003/03 kick off in August.
Any time you want a ticket for a Blackburn match, let me know. ;)
Posted by: Ed | June 18, 2002 12:32 PM
I have also been following the World Cup since day 1. I honestly didn't expect the US to do well. I only hoped that France would go out early, which they did (HA!!). But I am extremely excited that the US has made it this far. I was also running around my living room silently screaming "GOOOOAALLLL!" when they scored against Mexico. I think they have a chance against Germany. I wouldn't bet money on the US winning, but I am hoping they do.
And congrats to South Korea on knocking out the last arrogant contender! (France, Argentina and Italy)
Posted by: Chris | June 18, 2002 4:54 PM
hey y'all Original Sarah is back! someone said soccer and i came runnin! USA is just the best dam team out there. It's about time, too jeez and it was always about the women's soccer team! Well that just cuz chick soccer rules, but i'm proud of our boys! They're so gonna kick GERMANY'S ASS!!! k bye.
Posted by: Original Sarah | June 18, 2002 10:17 PM
Teehehee... look at that- McBride on the front page of USA today.
Columbus Crew baby!
I've never heard so many spanish speaking people calling me naughty things in all my life...
I couldn't help annoucing our win over the PA
And then dancing down the row to them
And then singing happily over and over again
Twoooo du ZEERRROOO!
Speaking of silly things that aren't really on topic...
I should of never
i mean ever
let my friends in on the gold that is Wheaton.
Oy...
So entering the wacky world of "Fictional Tour Diary" is Phil Cheaton playing bass with a monkey on drums in the band- World Domination with Leotards.
oy... evil wil clones
oy.. wonky band names
sigh......
-MKF
http://soulcracker.com/board/viewtopic.php?topic=6656&forum=2&start=250&296
Posted by: MissKittyFantastico | June 18, 2002 11:04 PM
COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!
Posted by: shaz | June 19, 2002 3:16 AM
i have been up everynight to watch the usa play. they have played so well. when they scored in the eight minute (well everytime they have scored) my bro and i started yelling at the top of our lungs and fall to our knees and start banging the floor. we live in apartments, so i hope we haven't upset our downstair neighbors too bad.
wil you will always have fans to talk to about soccer on the net.
Posted by: Theresa | June 19, 2002 11:51 AM
you know, over here if you put €1 on France Argentina and Portugal being knocked out in the first round, you'd now be looking at €2425. pretty good huh???
Posted by: Aoife | June 19, 2002 12:28 PM
Germany wins the World Cup!! :-)
Posted by: Spanner19 | June 19, 2002 12:34 PM
Go England
Posted by: Tracey | June 19, 2002 3:20 PM
I watched that game too. .I dig international soccer. . But MLS is great. The Crew are great. You suck for not likin them. haha
Posted by: Chesley | June 19, 2002 7:53 PM
Looking forward to a Korea-USA rematch...
Posted by: Michael | June 19, 2002 10:00 PM
Hi Wil, it´s really cool to know that you like football too.
Yeah... I saw USA vs Mexico and the US team make really good in the world cup. Well done!
only one day waiting.. and we can see Brasil vs England and Germany vs USA... I hope that England will win against Brasil. Michael Owen is bangin´great! Germany/USA- even though German team doesn´t play really attractive and good football at the moment, I still think that they will win.Hopefully Marco Bode from my fav. German football team Werder Bremen will make a goal again.:-)
But who knows.. the world cup are full of surprises this time.. maybe Korea will be the champion? :-)
Greetings from Germany,
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | June 20, 2002 4:04 AM
Allow me to begin by saying college football is the best sport in the world.
That said, I'm absolutely pumped about the US National team. My brother and I were going crazy watching the Mexico game. I am hoping that another one or two USA victories, coupled with a MLB strike, will destroy MLB and raise the popularity of soccer in this country.
One of the best games I've seen in any sport: http://www.mstateathletics.com/0,5604,1_30_0_5822,00.html SEC Western Division Soccer Champions! Woo hoo!
Posted by: Chris | June 20, 2002 8:59 PM
What's all this 'Team' USA vs 'Team' Mexico? It's just USA vs Mexico, it's not like people are going to think the entire countries have got together in a stadium in the Far East to play football.
Posted by: Mike | June 21, 2002 3:38 AM
NOOOOO, Germany won. Team USA were really great, and they really deserved to win. Germany are only lucky, and it's so unfair that they won. Donovan is amazing, and Team USA really played great. They shouldn't have lost. I'm from Denmark, and my neighbour country is Germany, but Team USA did such a great job this year, and I was just hoping that they would win.
Bye, Helene
Posted by: Helene | June 21, 2002 6:28 AM
Beat those dirty mexicans!!
Posted by: hombre' | June 21, 2002 9:57 PM
goaltending? shutout? TEAMusa? TEAMmexico? Wil, I would advise you never to use these words outside of North America when discussing football.
People will laugh.
Posted by: Dave | June 22, 2002 8:44 AM
Hello Wil, it's good to see that you are watching 'soccer' (or football as we like to call it in England). It's a refreshing change to see an American watching and discussing the beautiful game.
I am a fan of the american sports (basketball mainly). If you want to come to England to watch the football, then there is only one team to come and watch, Gillingham FC, in the county of Kent a few miles outside of London.
We are one division below the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, but we are more exciting to watch, with the likes of Marlon King (currently in prison for driving a stolen car!) Chris Hope and the legendary Guy Butters in defence. We have just signed Rod Wallace from Bolton Wanderers and he is a class player!
Keep up the good work on this site, and here's to Radiohead as well!!!!
Posted by: Stupot | June 26, 2002 5:39 AM
To Helene, Take your "beat those dirty Mexicans" and shove it up your pinche c***!
Mexico still has a kick-ass all-time winning record against the dirty imperialist pig United States! 29-11-10 record! The U.S has never won against Mexico in Mexico! And the U.S. hasn't scored a goal against Mexico in Mexico since Oct. 17th 1984!
Posted by: Kevin | May 17, 2004 12:06 AM
To Hombre, Take your "beat those dirty Mexicans" and shove it up your pinche c***!
Mexico still has a kick-ass all-time winning record against the dirty imperialist pig United States! 29-11-10 record! The U.S has never won against Mexico in Mexico! And the U.S. hasn't scored a goal against Mexico in Mexico since Oct. 17th 1984!
Posted by: Kevin | May 17, 2004 12:22 AM
To Hombre, Take your "beat those dirty Mexicans" and shove it up your pinche a**!
Mexico still has a kick-ass all-time winning record against the dirty imperialist pig United States! 29-11-10 record! The U.S has never won against Mexico in Mexico! And the U.S. hasn't scored a goal against Mexico in Mexico since Oct. 17th 1984!
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