One round left, and here's the updated standings after last night (the goal differentials are from my notes, read: unofficial, but I believe are they are correct):
Group A
1. Venezuela 4 pts +2
2. Peru 3 pts +1
3. Uruguay 3 pts -2
4. Bolivia 1 pt -1
Group B
1. Mexico 6 pts +3
2. Brasil 3 pts +1
3. Chile 3 pts -2
4. Ecuador 0 pts -2
Group C
1. Paraguay 6 pts +7
2. Argentina 6 pts +5
3. U.S.A 0 pts -5
4. Colombia 0 pts -7
Again, for those new in class, the Top 2 teams in each group advance to the Quarters, and the Best 2 3rd Place finishes advance.
What's this mean for the U.S.:
Mexico vs. Chile: Wednesday, 4th of July, 6:30pm EST
As a U.S. fan, you once again need to cheer on your hated rivals Mexico. They need to not only beat Chile...but pummel them. The 1st tiebreak is Goal Differential, and Chile is +3 goals right now. However, with a 2 goal Chile loss AND a 2 goal U.S. win over Colombia on Thursday, Bob Bradley's crew would be in (provided Ecuador didn't pummel Brasil and surpass them in GD). The game on Wednesday will tell you what you need to root for on Thursday:
U.S.A vs. Colombia: Thursday, 7/5, 6:30pm EST
Group A is pretty much still up for grabs. Uruguay, while looking better in the 2nd round vs. Bolivia, is still struggling to score goals. After Tuesday, they could either win group A with a win over home country Venezuela, or they could be ousted with a loss and a Bolivia win. Group A, by far, is the weakest of the bunch.
Mexico will clinch Group B with at least a draw against Chile. Hopefully, for the U.S., they won't settle for that. Watch Mexico forward, Nery Castillo. Although erratic at times, dude's a stud with a ton of ability. Hats off to Goalie Oswaldo Sanchez, as well.
Brasil got back on track as expected vs. Chile Sunday. Real Madrid's little Robinho was the man, and with the absence of guys like Kaka and Ronaldhino, he's taking the opportunity to shine. While known for their offensive skills, the Brasil back line was pretty solid as well. Veteran defender Juan has been rock solid in front of Doni (the "powderpuff").
Match to Not Miss in Round 3:
Argentina vs. Paraguay, Thursday, 7/5, 8:45 pm
With a -2 GD, Argentina must win against Paraguay if they want to win Group C. They are both locks for the Quarters, but there is a major difference in potential pairings, depending on who finishes 1st and 2nd...
The winner of Group C will play the 2nd place team outta Group A (the weak group). HOWEVER...the 2nd place team in Group C must square off with the winner of Group B...that being either Mexico or Brasil (most likely, Mexico). I would assume Argentina will be out to win, which will force Paraguay to play for the W as well. That should lend to an exciting end-to-end game.
Haven't seen a report on Argentina's Hernan Crespo, since he went limping off after last night's PK goal. No problem...Carlos Tevez is fresh and ready. How sick is that?!?!? The Argentina bench, with the likes of Tevez, Gago, Pablo Aimar, and Diego Milito, is maybe better than everyone else's starting squad.
A few peeps have givin it to me for my seemingly pro-Argentina rants, but with the U.S. not caring about this tournament, I've gotta root for my guys. With a heavy Inter Milan influence (Crespo, Cambiasso, Zanetti, Burdisso), and my favorite player in the world Lionel Messi playing for Argentina, I'd like to see these guys get their 1st international trophy since '93 (I believe). And my boy Crespo (with the freshly shaved hair-doo) has never won an international competition...so...let's go Argentina!!!!
Oh...and not having seen much of Riquelme this past year, it's been a pleasure watching him perform. Dude is lights out, top-notch, world class stuff.
And a final note on Team America...
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE FIND THE BACK OF THE NET PLEASE?!?!?!?!?
You wouldn't have noticed it from the 3-1 score, but the U.S. pretty much dominated much of the play against Paraguay. A ton of chances inside the box, yet no one could finish. On the good side...Benny Feilhaber...I likeys. He's a keeper.
2 comments:
The game last night was great right up until Jimmy "wtf" Conrad decided he didn't need to go full speed, good God Jimmy what the hell were you thinking, by the end of the game i had beaten my hands red hitting myself cuz i figured watching this team is much like self flagelation, when the third goal went in i actually became physically ill and had to pace the street wondering why i do this to myself, my wife was visibly worried that she may have had to call the boys from Western Psych. Maybe that's why i love it so much, there's nothing else like it. Ray Hudson is my personal hero and the best announcer on the planet. As soon are boys learn where the nets at we'll be damn good. They're like a bunch of gay men in a whorehouse, they have no idea what to do when the get near the box.
Hat's off to Ben Olsen, he's slow and old but the guy plays with so much passion it's ridiculous, that and he's not afraid to mix it up. Here's hoping we get something out of the Columbia game.
agreed on Olsen...that dude's got a great motor, and never backs down.
oh...did you catch Hudson throw in another "crap"...i believe that's 2 games in a row. gotta love it when an announcer can mix in "crap" and never flinch.
it's a shame about Conrad, too...b/c up to that point, he'd been having a great tournament.
also like what i'm seeing outta Mapps. Think he should've been in from the start. Twellman, however, (in my best Borat voice)...not so much.
LET's GO MEXICO!!!
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