Portugal — Angola
The match between Portugal and Angola (Angola being a former colony of Portugal added a political dimension) held much promise but delivered little as the African squad, a surprise qualifier from the group that included Nigeria failed to keep up with Luis Figo's eleven. Figo, the superstar skipper of Portugal in the twilight of his illustrious career, played like a charm often harassing the Angolan defense with his clinical passes. Portugal took the lead 1-0 which they never relinquished, in the 12th minute when Pedro Pauleta drove home a Luis Figo cross.
United States — Czech Republic
A poor showing from the United States must be disheartening for their fans who probably expected a surprise or two from Donovan et al. Truth be told, U.S. is nowhere close to the top echelon of the football world but the way they got exposed was ugly. They played too tentatively and barely did any justice to their talent .
While I have nothing positive to say about the U.S. team, it could have been worse. The Czech comfortably won 3-0, and Bruce Arena's team, short of finding the magic potion, is going home early.
And by the way, shame on ABC for cutting away to commercials when it was time for the Czech national anthem.
Brazil — Croatia
The Brazilians are legendary for their prodigiously talented teams, an unrivaled history on their side (five World Cup championships) and they are the bookie favorite to win it again.
In yesterday's game of the day, Brazil won against Croatia, the final score 1-0, hardly representing the thrilling encounter. The Croatians matched their more decorated rival almost in every aspect of the game, were more aggressive, created more opportunities in the box, and made every Brazilian fan sweat in the second half with a solid display of football. Brazil's superstar striker Ronaldo, winner of the FIFA Golden Boot in 2002 was a non-factor and if not for the blinder from Kaka just before the half time, the match would be drawn — perhaps more accurately reflecting an evenly fought game.
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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.