I am hopelessly behind in updating my World Cup 2006 notebook, but not as bad as the U.S. football team.
From what I have seen so far, this World Cup opening round must rank amongst the most entertaining ones in memory. The difference is subtle but profound: most of the teams are now playing with a win first attitude instead of simply holding off the opposition and settling for a sleepy draw.
This is a healthy sign for football and a slap in the face of the proponents of catenaccio, the defensive style, perfected most recently by Greece who miraculously won the European Championship in 2004 but failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Among all the headlines, probably the one that grabbed your attention is the schooling of the U.S. team at the hands of Czech Republic. According to the FIFA ranking system, both these teams are in the top five (Czechs at 2 and U.S. at 5) which is why the result is more perplexing. This only goes in showing how rubbish the FIFA rankings actually are, particularly for the teams that are in North America and Asia.
Okay. Let's move on to the selected games over the last three days.
Holland — Serbia & Montenegro
Holland's appearance in the World Cup after eight years (they didn't qualify in 2002) was awaited with keen anticipation in spite of the absence of their seasoned veterans Kluivert, Davids and Seedorf. Holland, a traditional powerhouse, has often fielded glorious outfits only to fall short of winning the title twice (during the hay days of Johan Cruyff and "total football" in the '70s) and disappointing finishes at various other stages including semifinals and quarterfinals.
The newly born Serbia & M is curved out of former Yugoslavia. While you may or may not be familiar with S&M, some of you are well acquainted with their famous exports: Vlade Divac, Peja Stojakovic and Darko Milicic.
The game lived up to the somewhat lofty expectations with Holland winning by a solitary goal from the Chelsea striker Robben in the 19th minute. S & M had their chances but couldn't convert. A valued win for Holland.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
I'm not into S&M, and none of you have evidence to the contrary.
2 - reggie von woic
Soccer just isn't American.
If the 3-0 wasn't a sign, i don't know what is.
3 - RJ Elliott
For Americans, it all comes down to US vs. Italy on Saturday. A win means the US advances (most likely). A loss means they are toast (without question). And a tie would be mostly bad news, but still offer a glimmer of hope...
4 - Q Bit
Suss:
I thought you were into S and not M.
RJ:
Well, I don't think US could possibly win as Italy clearly is a better team. But you never know.
To advance they must win their remaining two games, just winning against Italy will not be enough.
However it could get real complicated, if all three, Italy, Czech and US end up with the same points (win two matches each and Ghana loses all three of their games, or all three of them win 1, lose 1 and draw 1 etc.)
5 - RJ Elliott
It's just too damn complicated for me to figure out right now...but I know the US cannot lose to Italy on Saturday...
6 - Q Bit
how so? :-)
7 - RJ Elliott
Okay, US ties Italy, Ghana beats Czech Republic.
Now, US must beat Ghana and Italy must beat Czech Republic for the US team to advance to the next round...against Brazil...(gulp!)...
8 - Matthew T. Sussman
Yes but the BCS rankings will probably put Ghana in the Orange Bowl.
...what?
9 - Christopher Rose
Brilliant performance by the USA against Italy!
10 - RJ Elliott
Thanks, CR. It's a shame there were all those Red Cards, though... :-/
11 - Q Bit
CR and RJ:
Definitely it was a much better effort from USA but don't get too carried away. They now must win against Ghana and win it big to make sure the goal difference plays to their advantage.
12 - RogerMDillon
I'm not sure if Mr Rose is sincere in his praise. Usually when I think of brilliant performances, they don't include your opponent scoring your only goal.
13 - Christopher Rose
RogerM: I am indeed totally sincere - always. Football is a fantastic game and fantastic things happen, including this great match, which was only marred by some over officious refereeing. Just like a cop or a politician that insists on sticking to the letter of the law rather than the spirit!
14 - Q Bit
I don't think it was a brilliant game either - exciting and hard fought but hardly brilliant.