Five Reasons Why USA Will Beat Ghana

Will Confidence From
Group Win Carry Over
To Knockout Round?

By MIKE MUDD
One Great Season

Before the USA-Algeria game Wednesday, I had spent the last few days of my California vacation crowing to people I thought the United States was done. I had turned into a hater of my own frickin' team.

As new soccer fans came out of the woodwork in support of our squad, I might as well have stomped on the eagle, tossed my giant Uncle Sam hat and snubbed my nose at portraits of those guys marching by with the "Don't Tread on Me" flag.

If Apollo Creed had offered me those spiffy American flag trunks, I would have said no way.

The Americans' inconsistent performances and general lack of sizzle against Slovenia and England left me uninspired and disappointed. Despite the furious comeback against Slovenia, I still didn't think this was a second-round World Cup team. And it should have been. I was predicting a tie against Algeria and, alas, a quick trip home.

But then came the sparkling play vs. Algeria, capped by a much-deserved late goal by USA's best player that helped send this country's spirits soaring with pride and the alcohol flowing all night. So now that this team has proven me wrong (gulp, I hope!), I'm more than happy to jump back on the bandwagon and believe the Americans will advance into their second-ever World Cup quarterfinal.

Here are five reasons why the U.S. should beat Ghana Saturday:

1. Renewed confidence at the right time. Maybe, after all, it was better for this team to give us so much disappointment in the first two games. It forced them to stand up to the pressure and prove they could deliver a great performance in a do-or-die situation. Getting through that successfully will help them in the knockout round here. Because, well, they've already technically won one knockout game. The dramatic win also turned out to clinch the group for the U.S., the first time it has won a World Cup group in 80 years. All this will have the side beaming with confidence that they can beat anyone.

2. Ghana's lack of goals. Ghana looks flashy on paper, led by striker Asamoah Gyan. And the Black Stars play a tough and physical defense. But look closer and you see they only scored two goals in group play and both of those were on penalty kicks. Ghana's win came over Serbia, but their loss to Germany. A win over the Serbs will not impress or intidimidate the U.S., as possibly a win over Germany would have. With the Americans' defense showing signs of collapse at times during this Cup, knowing they are not facing an offensive powerhouse could help.

3. Revenge for 2006: Ghana beat the United States 2-1 in the final group-stage game of the 2006 World Cup, propelling the Black Stars into the Round of 16 and sending the U.S. home with a last-place finish. Granted, four years is a long time to remember one loss, but this is yet another bonus nugget for the U.S. to use as motivation. And a lot of the current American players were around for that loss.

4. Steve Cherundolo's aggressive attack. One factor that helped the U.S. so much against Algeria was a more assertive presence in the midfield and attacking end. They did not let Algeria continually  shove the ball down their throats, like they allowed against England and much of the game vs. Slovenia. One way this was accomplished was Cherundolo pushing up more on runs and getting an extra player into the flow of the offense. Look for this trend to continue and for there to be more chances opened up for USA's talented forwards.

5. Landon Donovan. The country's all-time best player (man, I just keep saying that, but it's true!) finally believes this is his team, his time and his chance to lead the Americans to new heights. Donovan has scored many spectacular goals in his career, but none have shaken the earth like his winning goal Wednesday and he'll feed on that. He's a mature and experienced player and will use that momentum to motivate himself and the team to the quarterfinals. I look for Donovan and his fellow attackers to be strong early, and I wouldn't be surprised if this time the U.S. scores early and can play with the lead.

Prediction: 2-1 U.S.

Click here for Mike's bio and an archive of his previous stories.

World Cup Preview: Group H Final Matches

Plenty At Stake On
Final Day Of Pool Play

By JAKE YADRICH
One Great Season

Much like most of the groups in World Cup play thus far, the decision on which two teams will advance from Group H will be determined on the final day of pool play. 

In a group where Spain seemed a lock to advance, they now need a win over an impressive Chile squad to move on, and the Swiss team continues to show that the game doesn't have to be beautiful in order to succeed.

The overpowering storyline for this group is obviously Spain. The sexy pick to win the tournament, La Furia Roja now have to take down group leader Chile with a win to guarantee at least a second-place finish. The only problem is that Chile has been pretty damn impressive in their two victories so far. 

And even though Chile needs only a draw to advance, you can bet they won't drop back since the Swiss are expected to defeat the only team in the group without a point, Honduras. Not to mention, none of the three teams eligible to advance want to play Brazil, so you better finish first.

Both Spain and Chile have showcased what most soccer fans -- even soccer haters -- want to see: A relentless push forward, pinpoint passing and peppering opposing goalkeepers with shot after shot. This game has the potential to be the most exciting match of the opening round. In fact, to anyone who's been pondering giving soccer a shot, this is the game I've been pimping.

Aside from upsetting Spain, the Swiss haven't exactly been providing jaw-dropping moments. And despite losing to Chile, 1-0, the Swiss have maintained their identity as a defensive-minded squad and have executed the game plan to near perfection.

Rather than go over all the scenarios and tiebreakers, it's pretty safe to assume the following for each team:

+ Chile -- A win is not imperative, but it helps Chile avoid a potential meeting with Brazil in the next round.

+ Spain -- A win is necessary, but a tie is acceptable as long they score a shit-ton of goals.

+ Switzerland -- A win is necessary, but a tie is acceptable as long they score a shit-ton of goals.

+ Honduras -- Playing for pride.

Predictions

When it comes to predicting what will actually go down in these games, I'm sticking with my original predictions when OGS World Cup coverage began. I have Spain defeating Chile 2-1, and Switzerland grinding out a 1-0 victory over Honduras. Spain, Chile, and Switzerland each finish with six points, but Spain and Chile advance on goal-differential and goals-scored tiebreakers.

Click here for Jake's bio and an archive of his previous stories.

World Cup Preview: Group G Final Matches

By BEN JACKEY
One Great Season

With all the drama unfolding this week, it's somewhat disappointing that the Group of Death's final round of pool play won't determine who will carry on to the elimination round. However, one game will determine what could be very important seeding.

Ivory Coast v. North Korea

This game would have been critical had Kim Jon Il's boys not been beaten by a touchdown against Portugal. This could be a very non-aesthetically pleasing match. Ivory Coast has problems scoring anyway. They've scored a grand total of one in this tournament. 

North Korea is very defensive minded and (except against Portugal) is good at keeping its shape and packs 10 guys about 30 yards and in, despite the fact that against Portugal, North Korea got stretched out trying to get goals and flat out couldn’t keep possession.

A big question for Sven-Goran Eriksson is how long do you play Didier Drogba? The Elephants would need nine goals to get into the second spot and that would happen only with a 0-0 draw between Portugal and Brazil. So, do you risk Drogba’s arm for a meaningless match?

Ivory Coast wins 2-0, and gets one on a North Korea own goal.

Brazil v. Portugal

I'd be shocked if Dunga fields a full first team. Brazil is in. But if Portugal wins, it wins the group. It could determine who meets Spain in the first round (presuming Spain advances). This has the potential to be an entertaining match. Portugal's midfield was phenomenal against North Korea. The same could be said for Brazil's.

However, Brazil has shown some vulnerability in the back (see my Group G preview), having surrendered a goal against both North Korea and the Ivory Coast.

Look for a wide-open match that Brazil wins, 2-1.

Click here for Ben's bio and an archive of his previous stories.

World Cup Preview: Group E Final Matches

Japan, Denmark Battle To
Join Dutch In Next Round

By MIKE DICK
One Great Season

Japan v. Denmark

This looks to be a very interesting match on paper, with both sides looking to go through. The Japanese only need a draw, but the Danes need to go all out for the three points in order to advance.

Japan Keys

+ Maintain the organization that helped them defeat Cameroon and keep the Dutch at bay for a long time.
+ Punish Danish mistakes in their own half if the trend continues.
+ As has been the case throughout the tournament, find someone to hit the back of the net.

Denmark Keys

+ Must eliminate the silly giveaways in their own half that have turned coach Morten Olsen's hair from gray to white.
+ Use Rommendahl's speed and other weapons to stretch the Japanese defense and create chances for Bendtner and others.
+ Finish chances against a stingy defense.

Netherlands v. Cameroon

In contrast, the Dutch have already booked their place in the final 16, and Cameroon have been eliminated. Expect the Oranje to rest some of their mainstays, and the Indomitable Lions attempt to salvage some pride with a win.

Netherlands Keys

+ Use match to give some of the rest of the squad players a taste of the action in South Africa in case needed later.
+ Avoid injuries and cards!

Cameroon Keys

+ Come out motivated and cohesive, play with a point to prove.
+ A big ask, but give the Dutch as little time on the ball as possible.

Click here for Mike's bio and an archive of his previous stories.

A New Yorker in England: A Harrowing Tale

By STEVE SUSI
One Great Season

LONDON -- I found a "pop-up bar" online called Fever Pitch that's only in Fulham Broadway (in the heart of the football-mad London neighborhood of Fulham) for the extent of the World Cup.

I also found some blogs and local news articles about the best pubs for watching all matches, and Fever Pitch was rated highly. So I headed over there from my hotel in Vauxhall and they barely let me in an hour beforehand; it was packed to the gills.

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I asked the bouncer which screen's rolling the U.S. match, and he said, "No way. We tried at kickoff, but when we turned it on the TV at the far corner, the place went berserk. So, not here mate. Sorry."

I was goddamned livid; not only did they promise the airing of all matches online, it even said it on the clapboard standing outside the door of the place.

So I walked around that square to all the bars and they basically laughed when I asked about the U.S. match. "Sorry mate," went the reply at all of them. "We understand, but if I give up a screen here to the U.S. match I'll be fired and then killed." I even went to a place called "The American Grill," and the Pakistani family inside running the place said the same.

So in my travails I found one bar manager who's American. He told me to go to an American-owned pub called Back Page in Leicester Square, just outside the station. "Perfect," I think, and I head over there as fast as I can (by this point it's roughly 20th minute) and go straight to the first bar I see outside the station to ask their bouncer standing outside, who should know, and sure enough, the Back Page is nowhere near that neighborhood. The dopey American dude at that one bar in Fulhman was dead wrong. So I go around Leicester Square and Covent Garden and find 100 places packed solid, and in keeping with the story, none had even one goddamned screen rolling the U.S. match — not even one of those dumb little bar-side monitors that no one watches.

At this point, I'd be happy to just sit down, have a beer, watch the end of the England-Slovenia match, and hear its broadcast commentators possibly give asides that include progress of the US match.

So — you ready to laugh? — I found a Travelodge in Covent Garden with big ground-floor windows, through which I discover a hotel bar about half-full with plenty of empty seats, beer and a big screen. I came in with about 15 minutes left, grabbed a beer and fire up one of the Internet terminals which just happen to be in the hotel bar. I turned on ESPN3 online and about 10 minutes later, the people in the Travelodge were visibly terrified when I started jumping around and yelling at the computer. Landon Donovan's goal in extras sent the USA into the next round, and at least one American in London embarrassing himself in a cheap hotel bar.

Click here for Steve's bio and an archive of his previous stories.

OGS World Cup Writers React To USA's Thrilling Win

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

If I knew more about soccer, I'd try to twist something romantically savvy into my prose about what Landon Donovan and the United States accomplished in South Africa today.

But no one ever says it's a great day to be among the literati. On a day like today, after an effort like Donovan's, people say things like, "It's a great day to be an American."

No sports columnist and surely no blogger will be able to wield a pen mightier than Donovan's right foot today. But since the celebration of USA's 1-0 group-clinching defeat of Algeria is still only a couple hours old, emotions are fresh, and so is the team of OGS World Cup writers. Here's what they had to say after the Americans won their group for the first time since 1930, and advanced to Saturday's knockout round:

+ Mike Mudd
Wow, America craved some drama from this U.S. team and boy did they get it. I had oozed confidence in my Group C preview that England and the U.S. would advance easily  out of this seemingly barren group. And I admit I couldn't have been more wrong. The correct two teams moved on, but not without putting both countries' fans on life support for a week. The U.S. showed the type of soccer today it will need to win a second-round game, and I think they have a good shot at winning one with this renewed confidence. I have always thought Landon Donovan is the best home-grown field player this country has ever produced, and his goal today to save the team just backs up my contention. It wasn't easy, but it some ways, the way this U.S. team earned its trip to the next round, it may in the long run bring forth more fans. Because at the end of the day, everyone loves a win pulled out of the fire and the drama of sports.

+ Jake Yadrich
For 90 minutes, it seemed as though the United States were going to get jobbed again by the refs.  The U.S. were attacking hard, creating multiple chances but never cashing in. For the last 10 minutes of the game, I was actually praying for a Slovenia goal since it looked like the Americans were boned ... but Landon came through, and gave me the most memorable sports-viewing experience of my life. As a Kansas grad, I never thought anything would top Mario Chalmers' 3-pointer against Memphis in 2008, but even that has to take a back seat to today's events.

+ Mike Marshall
With all the pressure you could imagine, the country watching, some trying to understand how a 0-0 match could be dramatic, only to be shown a veritable Hollywood finish in added time, these guys never quit. It made me proud to see this level of sustained performance finally resulting in a win (think Germany in the 2002 Final). Damn. This World Cup Christmas just keeps on giving.

+ Mike Dick
This is why we love football. A couple of minutes from going out, the Americans get the late goal and win the group. Cue the massive, collective orgasm. The glut of chances nearly went begging, but great vision and distribution from Tim Howard and good, continued running and the finish by Donovan gave the U.S. what they deserved.

+ Jeremy Brown
More amazing than the awful officiating and an unlikely finish as group leaders, there is actually international sympathy for Americans. And an added benefit of the USA's win was the collection of post-game shots of hot crying Algerian women.

+ Bruce Sholl
It goes to show what kind of team the Americans are by looking at how they responded to adversity today. This was the second game in a row where a goal was disallowed because of questionable refereeing. FIFA seems intent on letting these kinds of game-altering decisions stand with no real consequence, so what's the real cost for a ref if he sways a game one way or another? Add to that the downright dirty play by the Desert Rats, who were intentionally trying to take USA's players out of the game and you can see what kind of team the world thinks we are. These guys didn't let it get into their heads; they kept their focus and played until the end of the match, looking for any opportunity to shift the balance.

That is what makes our country strong -- a willful determination to see things through, even when they aren't going our way -- and why Algeria is going home, why no one likes them, why they have shitty uniforms and why they live in a desert. Throughout their history, stronger, more motivated countries like the Romans, the Arabs, the Ottomans, the Spanish and the French have taken claim to their land, their government, their resources and now we their football team ... and their pride.

USA Wins: Who Said What On Twitter?

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

Landon Donovan scored in the 91st minute Wednesday to give USA a 1-0 win over Algeria and advance to the Round of 16 in the World Cup.

Until Donovan's heroics, it looked like the unlucky U.S. side would play to its third straight draw and miss the knockout round once again. But the late goal didn't only give the USMNT reason to celebrate its spot in the next round, but it marked the first time since 1930 that it had won its group. England beat Slovenia, 1-0, to advance as the second-place team in Group C.

U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard saved a light header from Algeria, then quickly threw out to a streaking Donovan, who controlled the ball up the right flank, dished to Jozy Altidore, whose cross met the left foot of Clint Dempsey. Dempsey's one-timer was blocked by Algerian keeper M'bolhi Rais Ouheb, but Donovan's easy rebound found the back of the net without any trouble.

The goal set off jubilant celebrations across the globe, and of course gave Twitter users all kinds of headaches. But some were lucky enough to use the popular social-networking service, and here are some of the better updates sent in the moments after USA finished off the dramatic win:

+ @rk: "Fuck you FIFA refs. We can win without you."

+ @ashleyalderman: "My ENTIRE twitter feed just filled up with tweets that say 'gooooalllllll'. Love it."

+ @PeaceLikeDat: "Landon Donovan crashed the Tweetdeck servers!"

+ @Mengus22: "Landon Donovan went Christian Laettner on Algeria!"

+ @JoeSportsFan: "Sports Illustrated, you're on the clock to airbrush an appropriate hairline for Landon Donovan."

+ @loudibella: "That was one of the greatest moments I have seen in sports.I am teary eyed.GO USA!"

+ @slmandel: "Finally invested in a World Cup, and it paid off. Unreal. And sorry, neighbors below me."

+ @wsjcouch: "On Sportscenter, ESPN just led with Lawrence Taylor's indictment. Then did USA result. You stay classy, Bristol."

+ @wyshynski: "I'm building a Landon Donovan statue out of apple pie, BBQ and Jack Daniels in my front yard."

+ @DVNJr: "Buy stock in the MLS. Now."

Notes::

+ Donovan told ESPN's Jeremy Schaap after the game, while fighting back tears, that there was no way he'd miss his golden chance: "The ball got to me and time kind of stopped ... You can't miss from there."

+ Donovan, who admittedly wasn't ready to be a leader for the 2006 Cup team, added that he's been on a four-year journey since that disappointing showing in Germany: "People that know me closest know how hard I've worked for this moment."

+ Donovan has picked up a few Twitter followers since his big goal. At 12:10 p.m. ET, he had 52,341. At 12:29, his audience was up to 52,577 and at 12:37, he had 52,705 followers.

+ U.S. coach Bob Bradley told Schaap he was proud of his players' patience: "You worry because when you've been in it a long time, sometimes on nights like that you come up short, but these guys kept going."

Group C Preview: USA-Algeria

Will Buddle Deliver
If Given The Chance?

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

Perhaps you've heard the US men's soccer team has a fairly significant match on Wednesday.

The Americans take on Algeria on the final day of pool play for Group C. England and Slovenia tangle in the other match; both begin at 10 a.m. ET.

As far as the Stars and Stripes are concerned, you can throw out all that silly math talk. Points and goal differential are irrelevant by now; all the USMNT needs to do is win and it advances to the knockout stage. A Round of 16 match against a team from Group D awaits either Saturday or Sunday.

Below are some predictions from a few of the OGS World Cup writers for Wednesday's high-stakes match:

Jake Yadrich
Everyone's been clamoring to see what Edson Buddle can do alongside Jozy Altidore, and we may finally get to see it. Starting Robbie Findley over Buddle seemed questionable to me to begin with, but now the squad's hottest goal scorer coming into the tournament may finally see significant minutes. Buddle puts one in the net, and Tim Howard posts a clean sheet in a 2-0 USA victory.

Mike Dick
+ USA must come out ready to play and not take 45 minutes to wake up as it did against Slovenia.
+ The Americans need an early goal in the worst way, so who is going to partner with Altidore up front in Findley's absence? Buddle? Hercules Gomez? Nobody?
+ The defense cannot concede another early goal; maintaining discipline and shape are key.

Mike Marshall
If USA can buckle up the back, and be positive up front without losing their overall shape, then they're good to go through.

Ben Jackey
The US has a chip on its shoulder after getting it prison-style by the referee against Slovenia on Friday. The Americans play well as an underdog and should have their tales up early in this match.

But that could play into the Desert Foxes' paws. They are best on the counter-attack because they have speed to burn.

History is not on the side of the USMNT, which doesn't play well when its destiny is in its own hands. See 1994 ... 2002 ... and 2006. Expectations are high. I repeat: Expectations are high. For once, much of the country is watching. Can USA handle the pressure?

I predict a goal around 65' by Gomez. Then perhaps a late LandyCakes PK. Meaning he will raise the dead at the spot.

Jeremy Brown
Algeria have recently proven to be stiff competition when their backs are against the wall, as we all saw during the diplomatic fiasco with Egypt in the qualifiers. And nobody likes to lose to Americans, let alone Muslim countries if we're being honest.

International intrigue aside, the Desert Foxes not only have a cool fucking moniker, but a few very good European-based players like Belhadj and Yebda. They're not the unknown quantity that everyone seems to like to portray them as. This match will have a bit of the dogfight about it, and will be a serious balls call for the US.

World Cup Notes: Update On Hot Dutch Girls

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

Sports Web sites and other media outlets offering even the most basic World Cup coverage were just as ecstatic as Barbara Castelein and Mirthe Nieuwpoort  Tuesday afternoon.

The two Dutch women were cleared of criminal charges in a Johannesburg courtroom, just days after being accused in a beer company's ambush-marketing gag at last week's Denmark-Holland Cup match, The Guardian reported.

The development gave sites everywhere another reason to publish the picture of the gaggle of gals sporting those form-fitting getups in that familiar Dutch orange, and use terms like "Hot Girls" in their cheap headlines.

NOTES FROM ENGLAND: As you know, OGS World Cup writer Steve Susi is wrapping up his whirlwind European tour this week, watching matches at pubs and what not, and sent these emails Monday evening:

"I just landed in London this afternoon and am blown away by how down-spirited the island nation is about their famous football team after two draws. I visited a Sainsbury supermarket here a few hours ago, and walking through the England World Cup merchandise aisle I heard an older guy say to his wife, 'They ought to put all this stuff on clearance.'"

And ...

"In a Notting Hill bar at the moment and just saw this incredibly amazing 'World Cup Managers Fashion Report' that absolutely excoriated Germany's coach Joachim Low, his butt-cut hairdos, and sportcoat/v-neck sweater. I haven't laughed this hard in a while. Like two days. But still, fantastic. (The music bed for the feature was Madonna's "Vogue," FYI.)"

RE: ALL: Susi's second note earned a cheeky reply from OGS Group F correspondent Mike Marshall: "That's awesome they're showcasing Joachim Low. Watching their last match the other day, I was dumbfounded that both he and his assistant were doing some form of Hugo Boss meets Mr. Rogers sweater shit. I'm expecting them to have low-tech head sets, rocking out to Kraftwerk in true Dita Dance Party fashion. They should check out Pep Guardiola for fashion tips."

VIDEO OF THE DAY: NBA star Steve Nash, a native of Canada and lover of seemingly all sports, is featured in Visa's latest worldwide GOOOOAAAAAL cheer, shows off his Brandi Chastain sports bra at the end of this short clip.

SUGGESTION BOX: If American football uses seven officials to spy a 100-yard field for NFL games, why do only three zebras patrol a pitch that in international footy can be as gargantuan as 120 yards long and up to 80 yards wide? Should FIFA consider adding more officials to Cup games?

KIT JOKES: I'd heard plenty of jokes about Slovenia's uniforms during their gift of a 2-2 draw with the Americans on Friday, most of which had a Charlie Brown theme. But this Facebook status update from friend Matthew Fenton was too good to ignore: "Some vandal broke into Slovenia's locker room and drew EKGs on their jerseys."

World Cup Preview: Group B Final Matches

By JEREMY BROWN
One Great Season

At this point, anyone could qualify and anyone could go home. Though it's unlikely Argentina, with a full six points and +4 goal differential, will capitulate now, especially since Maradona (Photoshop to the right sent in anonymously) has promised not to rest Messi and has seemingly every intention of wrapping up the top spot at the expense of a Greek side revitalized by their hard-fought win over Nigeria.

Greece are hungry, however, and they've proven not to be the group whipping boys as I so wrongly predicted. Their mettle, organization and surprising quickness earned them that much-deserved victory last round. Despite the probable inclusion of Messi, Maradona will likely field several second-stringers today, the prime candidates being fullbacks Clemente Rodriguez and Nicolas Otamendi, as well as defensive midfielder Mario Bolatti. And some guy named Diego Milito may get the nod as well. Maradona has commented that during training, when the A team takes on the B team, there's very little difference in quality. We shall see if Otto Rehhagel's men find this to be true. I think they will.

By the same token, pointless cellar-dwellers Nigeria could conceivably sneak into the second spot by beating South Korea by two goals or more (and provided that Greece doesn't somehow run up the score on Argentina. But Demichelis is slated to start so who knows). That appears unlikely, though, doesn't it?

The Koreans of the South are a much better squad than their Northern counterparts, and will not suffer a similar thwacking to a sputtering attack such as Nigeria's. But anything is possible (unless you're France, haha) and the Super Eagles could very well ride a wave of African support to a comprehensive win. We'll need to see more of Yakubu and Martins for that to happen, however. And perhaps this is the match where we get to see old man Kanu roll back the years. I predict this to be a very exciting clash.

Team	Wins	Draws	Losses	Goals For	Goals Against	Points
Argentina	2	0	0	5	1	6
South Korea	1	0	1	3	4	3
Greece	1	0	1	2	3	3
Nigeria	0	0	2	1	3	0

Click here for Jeremy's bio and an archive of his previous stories.

World Cup Awards: Early Short Lists Announced

By MIKE MARSHALL
One Great Season

Day 12 of the World Cup brings the final matches for Groups A and B. By the end of Tuesday's games, four teams will be advancing to the knockout stage and four others will be making return trips home.

The short lists for the dubious Brown Whistle and the coveted Brass Ball honors are out. With still plenty of soccer to play, there's certainly room for these groups to welcome new nominees. Feel free to share your suggestions here:

The Brown Whistle
When you need to honor an official for a truly shitty performance:

1. Alberto Undiano, Spain, Referee for the Germany-Serbia match
2. Koman Coulibaly, Mali, Referee for the US-Slovenia match

The Brass Ball
This player changes his bloody shirt and gets on with it.

1. Gerard Piqué, Spain
If you've seen either Barcelona or Spain, you're likely to know him. In their first match, a loss to Switzerland, he got a boot to the face while attempting to break up the play that led to the Swiss goal. In their second match, sporting a bandage over his new stitches, he managed to block a crossed ball – at close range – with his groin (fucking ouch), then went on to receive a boot to the mouth, leaving him spitting a fair amount of blood onto the pitch.

Again, your nominations are welcome. Click here to share them.

Click here for Mike's bio and an archive of his previous stories.

Five World Cup Matches You Can't Miss This Week

Desperate Football On Tap
In Final Games Of Group Play

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

Tuesday brings the first day of the final round of matches in World Cup pool play in South Africa.

The first round saw some teams, even traditional powers, sitting back and playing conservatively.

The second round required some of those teams to step things up after less-than-positive results in those opening-round matches.

And now that we're on to the desperation round, it's OK to expect more excitement from many of the games over the next few days. A few of the One Great Season World Cup writers reveal below which must-see matches you won't want to miss:

+ Mike Mudd
USA v. Algeria, Wednesday (10 a.m. ET, ESPN)
Group C has been sort of a mess. The U.S. has played great in stretches, and, frankly, like crap in others. This is a must-win game for the Americans and it's going to be interesting to see if they can buckle down and play their best when a spot in the knockout round is on the line in a do-or-die game.

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+ Steve Susi
England v. Slovenia, Wednesday (10 a.m. ET, ESPN2)
How will the Three Lions respond to this must-win situation (or at least must-draw and pray for help) after a week of discord, calls for Fabio Capello's head, Capello's calling out of John Terry for press-conference comments, Jamie Gallagher's absence due to two yellows and the tabloid mania that's drowned us all these past few days?

+ Jake Yadrich
Germany v. Ghana, Wednesday (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
After Germany blasted Australia 4-0 in their opening match, people were talking Cup favorite. But then a 1-0 loss to Serbia left the Germans likely needing a victory over group leader Ghana to advance to the knockout stage. The German attack will be without prolific goal scorer Miroslav Klose, and Ghana captain John Mensah and fellow central defender Issac Vorsah may both be available for the match (neither played the last game due to injuries). I imagine Serbia will take out Australia, leaving the Germans with no option but to win this game. It has added importance, not only because a world soccer power may be booted, but it could also determine who the Americans would play in the knockout round should they advance.

+ Mike Dick
Italy v. Slovakia, Thursday (10 a.m. ET, ESPN)
The Italians have looked completely devoid of creativity, lack a consistent goal scorer and have been shaky at the back at times. Can Lippi make enough tweaks to get the three points they so desperately need? Or are the defending champs catching an early flight home?

+ Mike Marshall
Chile v. Spain, Friday (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Spain will be looking to top the group, not only for obvious reasons like national pride, but avoiding a knockout-round game against likely Group G winner Brazil. Following a much-improved second match against Honduras on Monday, Spain will move forward often, and shoot the nets off of the Chilean goal.

Note To Soccer: Please Step Your Game Up

Poor Officiating Not The
Only Ill At World Cup 2010

By BEN JACKEY
One Great Season

"I really want to get into soccer. I've tried. But I just can't."

I have heard it no less than 20 times in the last three weeks. Leading up to the World Cup, with a gleam in my eye and undeniable giddiness in my vocal chords, I would simply say, "Just watch the World Cup. You'll be hooked."

Soccer, you're really starting to tick me off.

Here I sit, a week into the so-called "Greatest Sporting Event in the World" with egg on my face.  Not Eggs Benedict, or even a nice Mediterranean omelette. Nope. We're talking salty, runny, bland American scrambled eggs. Served with a side of I told you so.

So far, this tournament has done nothing to draw in a sporting nation that struggles with the culture of international football. Here are just a few reasons why:

+ The Cup has been shockingly boring. A few weeks ago, I was appalled at Jose Mourinho's comment that the UEFA Champions League was "more important" than the World Cup. What a fool I was to doubt "The Special One." It is becoming more and more apparent that the World Cup is not what it was 20 or 30 years ago.

Back in the day, club football in England was mostly comprised of Brits. Many talented Argentinians and Brazilians didn't play professionally in Europe (at least not in the numbers they do now). For many countries, the World Cup team consisted of players mostly pulled from the two or three best squads in that given country. They were familiar with each other. It didn't take as long to become a cohseive unit. Plus, they weren't dealing with the mental and physical demands of 35+ league matches and the extra four to 25 added in with domestic and international cup ties.

The toll of these arduous seasons is plainly evident at this World Cup, with many of the planet's top footballers playing at less than 100 percent. The quality isn't there. Offenses are struggling to link up. Therefore, most of these teams are sitting back (save Brazil and Argentina) and waiting for a mistake. Maybe the biggest knock against soccer is the lack of scoring. This competition is doing nothing to debunk that.

Unfortunately, Mourinho is right again. This tournament is not the best the sport has to offer.

+ A kick in the balls. I know everyone's sick of hearing about the Jabulani, but the evidence of its inferior construction is starting to build up. Some of the best free-kick specialists in the world are miles off with their service. And, can you remember a World Cup where you've seen more chances sailing over the crossbar? The one person who seems to be having few problems with the ball: Landon Donovan. Go figure.

+ Vuvuzelas. Even saying the word makes my head hurt.

+ USA. Where do I begin? Our country only embraces a winner. While soccer enthusiasts were beside themselves with glee at the 1-1 gift from England, others who watched (and the ratings say a lot of them did) scratched their heads at our excitement over a tie.

Then, there's the phantom foul. As a Boston Celtic fan, I didn't think I could be any more furious than I was on Friday night after the Lakers shot 23 free throws in the fourth quarter. The NBA is becoming more irrelevant in non-NBA cities because of the awful officiating, the star-player favoritism by officials, officials who decide the outcome of games and the lack of accountability when it comes to poor officiating.

But I digress. That has nothing to do with soccer. Oh wait. Cue the USA-Slovenia tape. First, this game did nothing to reverse opinions amongst soccer-haters and fence-sitters alike. The U.S. was poor. The choice for a starting lineup was shambolic. The first half was awful. And then there's this conversation I've already had with at least a dozen friends since Friday morning:

Them: Why was the goal disallowed?
Me: Don't know.
Them: Didn't they explain it?
Me: Don't have to.
Them: Why isn't there instant replay? I mean, they could easily have fixed that. Just like they could have fixed the handball call by the same official against Robbie Findley that clearly hit his head.
Me: Great point, but I still don't have any answers for you.

Give me something to work with here soccer, or football, or futbol. I have defended your honor for years. Every time some drunken idiot has hurled insults at you at the bar, I've had your back. It's about time you had mine.

Click here for Ben's bio and an archive of his previous stories.

Group H Preview: Spain vs. Honduras

Spaniards Should Rebound
From First-Round Loss

By JAKE YADRICH
One Great Season

One of the tournament favorites and one of its biggest underdogs meet in a matchup of winless teams Monday at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Honduras' first World Cup match in nearly 30 years ended with a 1-0 loss to Chile, and everyone in the entire universe knows what happened in Spain's first match. Although neither team has gotten on the board, this match has the potential to shake up the entire tournament. A Spain win immediately puts them back on track toward advancing, while a Honduras win could go down as one of the biggest shockers in tournament history.

Why Spain will win:

Although questions regarding Spain's ability to play as a team have arisen, there is no doubting the individual talent that fills the roster. Against Honduras' suspect back line, Spain should dominate the possession battle. I expect Fernando Torres to start up top with David Villa, and the dangerous duo will get multiple opportunities with players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta pushing the ball forward. Honduras struggled on the right side against Chile, and Spain will exploit that weakness and push forward in the attack.

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Why Honduras will win:

Honduras will take the same approach as Switzerland against Spain. Los Catrachos will stay compact in the back and absorb the Spanish attack with hopes of not letting one through. Honduras will look for the right time for a counter-attack, and Wilson Palacios and Ramon Nunez can provide possession long enough for a threat to develop. David Suazo may be set to return after injury, and he and fellow striker Carlos Pavon will look for that golden opportunity to convert, much like Switzerland did.

Player to watch:

Possession is key to Spain's success, and midfielder Xavi sets the standard of the possession game for La Furia Roja. Xavi provides the basis for the Spanish attack with his passing and ability to maneuver around defenders and distribute accordingly. Spain played with panic against Switzerland, but look for Xavi to restore the sense of calm to the Spanish side as they try to rebound. Xavi may not be the prolific goalscorer who grabs headlines, but he is nonetheless the driving force of the Spanish attack.

Prediction:

All skeptics will be looking at Spain when they take the field, and they will respond with a resounding statement in this match. Honduras had trouble with a talented Chilean attack last week, and Spain's world-class attack will be even more dangerous. Spain's passing game will wear down the Hondurans, and eventually lead to opportunities much like the game against Switzerland. However, this time Spain will cash in. The talent disparity in this game is too much to overcome, and Spain re-enters the discussion as favorites after a dominating win. Spain 3, Honduras 0

Click here for Jake's bio and an archive of his previous stories.

In The Trenches: World Cup Coverage From Denmark

OGS World Cup correspondent Steve Susi is spending this week touring through Denmark, Germany, Holland and England, and sharing some content from the trenches. The three images below were taken Saturday at the Hyundai Fan Park in Copenhagen, where Denmark fans watched their team earn a 2-1 defeat of Cameroon in Group E play.

Thousands gathered in downtown Copenhagen Saturday:

The place went "ballistic," Susi said, when the Danes scored the game's first goal:

And at least one fan celebrated Denmark's second goal perhaps a little too much:

Click here for Steve's bio and an archive of his previous stories.