World Cup 2006 (merged)
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they looked bored out there. i think they will seriously step it up.
related blog:
BERLIN -- Well, someone has to say it: If Brazil wants to win this World Cup, if it wants to do it in style and rank with the greatest teams of all time, it's time to bench Ronaldo.
The Artist Formerly Known as "The Phenomenon" has ballooned into an endomorphic anchor on the world's No. 1 soccer team. The evidence was there for all to see in Brazil's 1-0 win over Croatia here tonight. When Ronaldo first jogged onto the field, I turned to my neighbor in the press tribune (Scott Reid of the Orange County Register) and we exchanged looks of horror. "Oh my god," I said. "He's huge."
Matters hardly improved once the whistle blew. Slowed by the spare tire around his waist, Ronaldo has nothing of the explosiveness that once struck fear into the world's defenders. He created no danger with his pace, and his only legitimate chance on the night was a shot over the bar from long range early in the second half. Ronaldo's impotence in front of the goal only became more apparent once he left the game (to lusty whistles from the crowd) and his replacement -- the ascendant 22-year-old Robinho -- brought an instant spark of speed and unpredictability to the game.
Ronaldo has had a remarkable international career. His return to glory in World Cup '02 (after going through years of crippling injuries) is one of sports' all-time great comeback stories. But the World Cup doesn't give an Irving Thalberg career achievement award, and Ronaldo's quest to score three goals and break Gerd Muller's all-time World Cup record (14) is no reason to put Brazil's Hexa hopes in peril. The fact of the matter is this: With Ronaldo on the field tonight, Brazil was nowhere near as impressive as the Czech Republic was in its 3-0 whitewash of the U.S. on Monday.
Are you listening, Carlos Alberto Parreira? As much as it may hurt, the time is right to pull the plug on No. 9. Is there anyone out there who doesn't agree with me on this? (Nope, didn't think so.)
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/soccer/world_cup_blog/2006/06/bench-ronaldo.html
related blog:
BERLIN -- Well, someone has to say it: If Brazil wants to win this World Cup, if it wants to do it in style and rank with the greatest teams of all time, it's time to bench Ronaldo.
The Artist Formerly Known as "The Phenomenon" has ballooned into an endomorphic anchor on the world's No. 1 soccer team. The evidence was there for all to see in Brazil's 1-0 win over Croatia here tonight. When Ronaldo first jogged onto the field, I turned to my neighbor in the press tribune (Scott Reid of the Orange County Register) and we exchanged looks of horror. "Oh my god," I said. "He's huge."
Matters hardly improved once the whistle blew. Slowed by the spare tire around his waist, Ronaldo has nothing of the explosiveness that once struck fear into the world's defenders. He created no danger with his pace, and his only legitimate chance on the night was a shot over the bar from long range early in the second half. Ronaldo's impotence in front of the goal only became more apparent once he left the game (to lusty whistles from the crowd) and his replacement -- the ascendant 22-year-old Robinho -- brought an instant spark of speed and unpredictability to the game.
Ronaldo has had a remarkable international career. His return to glory in World Cup '02 (after going through years of crippling injuries) is one of sports' all-time great comeback stories. But the World Cup doesn't give an Irving Thalberg career achievement award, and Ronaldo's quest to score three goals and break Gerd Muller's all-time World Cup record (14) is no reason to put Brazil's Hexa hopes in peril. The fact of the matter is this: With Ronaldo on the field tonight, Brazil was nowhere near as impressive as the Czech Republic was in its 3-0 whitewash of the U.S. on Monday.
Are you listening, Carlos Alberto Parreira? As much as it may hurt, the time is right to pull the plug on No. 9. Is there anyone out there who doesn't agree with me on this? (Nope, didn't think so.)
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/soccer/world_cup_blog/2006/06/bench-ronaldo.html
wow this is just.... sad
Fans killed for cheering too much
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Thai police are searching for a gunman who shot and killed two soccer fans at a beach resort after complaining they were cheering too loudly during a broadcast of Italy's World Cup opener against Ghana, officials said Wednesday.
The two men, both Thais, were watching Italy's 2-0 win over Ghana at a restaurant Monday at the Thai beach resort town of Pattaya, and erupted in roars when Italy scored its first goal, said Panipha Wattakul, a girlfriend of one of the victims.
A man seated at a nearby table asked them to quieten down, prompting a heated argument during which the man pulled out a handgun and shot the football fans at point blank range, said Police Col. Somnuek Chanket, the Pattaya police chief.
The victims were identified as Chamlong Rongsaeng, 30, and Somnuek Sonkun, 41.
Police know the identity of the gunman, who fled after the shooting, Somnuek said.
Thailand has never competed in the World Cup. But despite the Southeast Asian nation's poor showing on the international football stage, millions of fans are glued to their televisions during the World Cup and millions of baht (dollars) are spent on illegal betting, polls show.
Pattaya, about 110 kilometers (70 miles) southeast of Bangkok, is known for its beaches, its thriving sex industry and high crime rate.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/06/13/thailand.shooting.ap/index.html
Fans killed for cheering too much
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Thai police are searching for a gunman who shot and killed two soccer fans at a beach resort after complaining they were cheering too loudly during a broadcast of Italy's World Cup opener against Ghana, officials said Wednesday.
The two men, both Thais, were watching Italy's 2-0 win over Ghana at a restaurant Monday at the Thai beach resort town of Pattaya, and erupted in roars when Italy scored its first goal, said Panipha Wattakul, a girlfriend of one of the victims.
A man seated at a nearby table asked them to quieten down, prompting a heated argument during which the man pulled out a handgun and shot the football fans at point blank range, said Police Col. Somnuek Chanket, the Pattaya police chief.
The victims were identified as Chamlong Rongsaeng, 30, and Somnuek Sonkun, 41.
Police know the identity of the gunman, who fled after the shooting, Somnuek said.
Thailand has never competed in the World Cup. But despite the Southeast Asian nation's poor showing on the international football stage, millions of fans are glued to their televisions during the World Cup and millions of baht (dollars) are spent on illegal betting, polls show.
Pattaya, about 110 kilometers (70 miles) southeast of Bangkok, is known for its beaches, its thriving sex industry and high crime rate.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/06/13/thailand.shooting.ap/index.html
Germany and Poland was another thriller. Germany's offense pressed Poland all day but couldn't convert on numerous opportunities. They could have had 4 or 5 if the ball had bounced a few inches differently. Poland redeemed themselves for their horrible showing against Ecuador even if they ultimately fell short. Today definitely made up for yesterday's lackluster day.
I REALLY am hating that ESPN has relegated their coverage so far to ESPN2 in a cheap attempt to force ESPN2HD on cable carriers. They don't even have enough HD content for one network. On the other hand I love that after the games world championship dominoes are on.
I REALLY am hating that ESPN has relegated their coverage so far to ESPN2 in a cheap attempt to force ESPN2HD on cable carriers. They don't even have enough HD content for one network. On the other hand I love that after the games world championship dominoes are on.
I'm all about the US getting Klinsmann after this Cup. Arena's constant tinkering is a joke, and his emphasis of fitness over technique is costing us. Klinsmann has already adopted American fitness programs, lives in CA, and is an accomplished European coach. The US side really needs some intense European coaching who can hopefully get a competent junior program going as well. Or at least pressure the USSF into focusing more on the junior program and instituting the Schools of Excellence/Academies seen in the rest of the world. This college-MLS-US MNT-Europe progression is ridiculous. I know a couple guys have shortcircuited it, but then some of them bomb out (overrated Landon Donovan) and come running home to mommy and the MLS.
That would work (Klinsmann). In fact, what an obvious yet brilliant idea.
Not inviting Adu and over-reliance on veterans will probably cost Arena his job. Players are made and unmade in World Cup. So far, several US players have been unmade (Donovan, Beasly, ...) and none have shown anything extra. Maybe Adu would have been a spark. I am sure Klinsmann would ivnite him.
Not inviting Adu and over-reliance on veterans will probably cost Arena his job. Players are made and unmade in World Cup. So far, several US players have been unmade (Donovan, Beasly, ...) and none have shown anything extra. Maybe Adu would have been a spark. I am sure Klinsmann would ivnite him.
Klinsmann is still a work in progress. Most Germans aren't very fond of his coaching as his defense is suspect (and that's putting it generously) and his lineups are every bit as questionable as Arena's. Giving him the job because he lives in the US would be almost as questionable as giving him the job because he is a national hero (how that pans out remains to be seen). One thing is for certain and that is that the US side has only a fraction of the offensive firepower of the German side and could never compete playing the style Germany does.
I'm not ready to throw Arena under the bus just yet although if we go 0-3 it will probably be inevitable.
I'm not ready to throw Arena under the bus just yet although if we go 0-3 it will probably be inevitable.
I really can't complain. Comcast stepped up and added ESPN2HD on Thursday, day before the first game. I am ticked off by how much space on the screen they are wasting. Score bar on the top is huge and bottom line is huge too. It takes up 10-20% of visible area 
Picture quality has been very good though.
Picture quality has been very good though.
Blame it on the frogs....
Ukraine players blame frogs croaking for their loss against Spain
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/new...TRIDST_0_SPORT-SOCCER-WORLD-UKRAINE-FROGS.XML
Ukraine players blame frogs croaking for their loss against Spain
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/new...TRIDST_0_SPORT-SOCCER-WORLD-UKRAINE-FROGS.XML
news for people in sacramento
news 10 has declined to show USA vs Italy live its gunna be tape delayed
news 10 has declined to show USA vs Italy live its gunna be tape delayed
WHAT?!?! It's still going to be showing on some channel right? Please tell me that a freaking WNBA regular season game is not pre-empting the Cup. That has to be a national feed. No way can a local station unilaterally delay a Cup match. That's bush league.
At the time News10 contracted for the Monarchs game, they had NO WAY of knowing the US soccer team would be playing at that same time. The US game starts at noon. It will be shown on News10, according to current listings, at 3 (right after the Monarchs game).
News10 does have a contractual relationship with the Maloofs, remember? If they are contracted for the Monarchs game, which they are, they would have to reach some kind of agreement to breach that contract.
Please do NOT turn this into a rant about the WNBA vs. soccer. Thanks.
News10 does have a contractual relationship with the Maloofs, remember? If they are contracted for the Monarchs game, which they are, they would have to reach some kind of agreement to breach that contract.
Please do NOT turn this into a rant about the WNBA vs. soccer. Thanks.
World Cup Power Rankings
Rank LW Country
1 1 Brazil
I'm surprised that Robinho was Carlos Alberto Parreira's lone substitution against Croatia on Tuesday. Brazil didn't look anywhere near the powerhouse it's supposed to be, and there's no harm in rotating in some of the B-team for some fresh bodies. It would be loads of fun to see more minutes for Juninho, Cicinho and Gilberto Silva.
2 2 Germany
Great win on Wednesday night. But there's a lot of speculation in the media centers here that no matter what happens at this World Cup, Jürgen Klinsmann is done coaching Germany after the Cup. That sets up even more interesting conjecture: If the U.S. can't play any better, might Klinsmann be positioning himself to take over for Bruce Arena? The German coach is well-liked in American circles and is a full-time resident of Southern California. Stay tuned.
3 3 Argentina
They chased away some early first-match jitters and clamped down on upstart Ivory Coast in one of the most entertaining matches so far. Not a bad way to start your World Cup. It's starting to look like Group C's final game -- Argentina-Netherlands -- is going to be a war of epic proportions.
4 9 Spain
Spaniards, your prayers have been answered. Your crazy coach, Luis Aragonés, finally got over his ludicrous loyalty to Raúl and gave the start to Spain's best hope, David Villa. La Liga's second-leading scorer tattooed Ukraine with two goals and led nearly every attack until he was lifted -- for Raúl! -- in the 55th minute. If Spain keeps playing like this, the jinx could be ending soon.
5 5 Italy
Not to keep harping on the tough time the U.S. is going through, but the Italians are already one of the best defensive teams in the world. After the Azzurri's win over Ghana, they don't have to go for a win against the U.S. and can pull back into a preventive set. That would be a nightmare for the Americans.
6 7 Netherlands
That orange blur you almost saw was Arjen Robben making an early run at player of the tournament. The Chelsea midfielder was spectacular in Holland's opener against Serbia and exploited a defense that had been heralded as the most underrated in Europe.
7 10 Czech Republic
Karel Bruckner's men looked superb against the U.S. But this might be the best they can offer. Milan Baros still doesn't look like he's going to play, and Jan Koller is now questionable after injuring a hamstring against the Americans. Unless Tomas Rosicky is planning on carrying the offense, as he did in the opener, scoring might be a problem for the Czechs.
8 4 England
Where are you, Steven Gerrard? They didn't look great against Paraguay, but the English made off with three points. And after Trinidad and Tobago's shocker of a draw against Sweden, it's an almost sure passage to the second round for Sven-Göran Eriksson's squad. But that offense has to get it in gear.
9 8 Mexico
El Tri may have lucked out in getting two late goals against Iran, but I'm going to take a minute to salute their fans. So many Mexicans descended on Nuremburg that there wasn't enough space on the trains out of town for hours after the match. That turned the Nuremburg Hauptbanhof into an overnight party -- some fans didn't get out of town until the following morning.
10 16 Portugal
Here we go again. Yes, they got the win, but the Portuguese are headed for another early exit if they keep messing around the way they did against Angola. They may find their hands full with Iran on Saturday.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jonah_freedman/06/15/cup.rankings/index.html
Rank LW Country
1 1 Brazil
I'm surprised that Robinho was Carlos Alberto Parreira's lone substitution against Croatia on Tuesday. Brazil didn't look anywhere near the powerhouse it's supposed to be, and there's no harm in rotating in some of the B-team for some fresh bodies. It would be loads of fun to see more minutes for Juninho, Cicinho and Gilberto Silva.
2 2 Germany
Great win on Wednesday night. But there's a lot of speculation in the media centers here that no matter what happens at this World Cup, Jürgen Klinsmann is done coaching Germany after the Cup. That sets up even more interesting conjecture: If the U.S. can't play any better, might Klinsmann be positioning himself to take over for Bruce Arena? The German coach is well-liked in American circles and is a full-time resident of Southern California. Stay tuned.
3 3 Argentina
They chased away some early first-match jitters and clamped down on upstart Ivory Coast in one of the most entertaining matches so far. Not a bad way to start your World Cup. It's starting to look like Group C's final game -- Argentina-Netherlands -- is going to be a war of epic proportions.
4 9 Spain
Spaniards, your prayers have been answered. Your crazy coach, Luis Aragonés, finally got over his ludicrous loyalty to Raúl and gave the start to Spain's best hope, David Villa. La Liga's second-leading scorer tattooed Ukraine with two goals and led nearly every attack until he was lifted -- for Raúl! -- in the 55th minute. If Spain keeps playing like this, the jinx could be ending soon.
5 5 Italy
Not to keep harping on the tough time the U.S. is going through, but the Italians are already one of the best defensive teams in the world. After the Azzurri's win over Ghana, they don't have to go for a win against the U.S. and can pull back into a preventive set. That would be a nightmare for the Americans.
6 7 Netherlands
That orange blur you almost saw was Arjen Robben making an early run at player of the tournament. The Chelsea midfielder was spectacular in Holland's opener against Serbia and exploited a defense that had been heralded as the most underrated in Europe.
7 10 Czech Republic
Karel Bruckner's men looked superb against the U.S. But this might be the best they can offer. Milan Baros still doesn't look like he's going to play, and Jan Koller is now questionable after injuring a hamstring against the Americans. Unless Tomas Rosicky is planning on carrying the offense, as he did in the opener, scoring might be a problem for the Czechs.
8 4 England
Where are you, Steven Gerrard? They didn't look great against Paraguay, but the English made off with three points. And after Trinidad and Tobago's shocker of a draw against Sweden, it's an almost sure passage to the second round for Sven-Göran Eriksson's squad. But that offense has to get it in gear.
9 8 Mexico
El Tri may have lucked out in getting two late goals against Iran, but I'm going to take a minute to salute their fans. So many Mexicans descended on Nuremburg that there wasn't enough space on the trains out of town for hours after the match. That turned the Nuremburg Hauptbanhof into an overnight party -- some fans didn't get out of town until the following morning.
10 16 Portugal
Here we go again. Yes, they got the win, but the Portuguese are headed for another early exit if they keep messing around the way they did against Angola. They may find their hands full with Iran on Saturday.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jonah_freedman/06/15/cup.rankings/index.html
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