by Ethan Johnson
June 22, 2006

Tonight I am writing this while wearing my brand new, bought on clearance Brazil World Cup t-shirt. Sweet! So there should be no bones about where I stand regarding the outcome of one match today. The rest? Eh, pretty much as predicted, with one notable exception. We go live to the videotape!

USA vs Ghana: Yep, pretty much as expected, except for the "USA scores a goal" part. I didn't get to see any of today's matches "live" today, but upon further review the US is whining about the officiating when they should in fact be taking a long hard look at the ole drawing board and figuring out what to do differently in 2010. And Reyna carrying on about being mortally wounded (I believe in a failed attempt to negate Ghana's first goal), only to return to the field, only to later be subbed out because he really was too hurt to play effectively was more egregious than the penalty called on the US that ultimately carried Ghana onward to Stage 2. But that's just me, and I know nah-thing.

The stats aren't particularly compelling, but Ghana did methodically take shots throughout the game. Plus they gelled more as a team. Again, things to work on for 2010.

Italy vs Czech Republic: Did I not say Italy would win? Yes. The end.

Brazil vs Japan: I wanted this game to be HUGE, and Brazil delivered. The FanChat screen on the FIFA Matchcast was loaded with snark about how "overrated" Brazil is, or how washed up Ronaldo is. Eat it! Eaaat it! Sorry Japan, but you don't want to face a team that has that much talent, that brilliant of execution, and has been poked with a sharp stick by the fans, haters, and media for days. You don't. Have a safe flight.

The stats say it all. Biff! Sock! Pow! Annnnnd...See YA!

Croatia vs Australia: Woo, things really heated up with this game. Croatia seems to have given it their all, red cards included. I didn't see the game, but I get the impression that Croatia decided to give all or go home. They're going home, but wow, I can't imagine anyone is tossing and turning tonight second-guessing themselves. Maybe they are? But this is the heart I have been looking for all week, and of course didn't bother to record the game thinking it would be a lopsided flop. Duh to me!

Speaking of not recording games, tomorrow's games aren't lighting a fire under me presently but I might find some drama in there to capture my interest. Here are my predictions, for entertainment purposes only:

• Ukraine vs Tunisia: Ukraine may play to a draw to complete the set (1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss). I have this irrational feeling that Tunisia will win but they have yet to actually win, so I predict either a Ukraine win or a draw, which helps Ukraine anyway. BUT, maybe Tunisia will get the memo that says winning this match carries them through to the next stage? Hmmm. Tempting.
• Saudi Arabia vs Spain: Uh, Spain. Next.
• Switzerland vs South Korea: Oooh, this could be something. Both teams are tied in points, there is a one goal differential between the two (favoring Switzerland), and maybe South Korea will be inspired to improve their seed ranking. Or not? I could get majorly burned on worrying about the outcome of this match as both teams could bench their starters and phone it in. Ugh. The only incentive I am seeing to not phone it in is to create an air pocket between themselves and France. Ya'd hate to get leap-frogged by France! IF they're inclined to actually play to win, I am arbitrarily choosing Switzerland because the tourney is being held in nearby Germany. Somebody stop me!
• Togo vs France: Togo = doomed. France = disappointing. The sum of the angles of that rectangle favor France, as they may want to take out their frustrations on Togo. France could see the brass ring within reach and opt to grab it, with brilliant scoring and three much-needed ranking points. Switzerland or South Korea could be hating the French big time. Not sure that I want to record the game to find out though. If Togo wins, that would be meaningless other than to stick it to the French (always a good time) and play for pride. I'll catch the replays on the evening news. Oh, the prediction: France wins, with caveats.

Hokay! OH Crap! I told Mar that there was a 5-day hiatus between Stage 1 and 2. OOPS. How about, it starts right in! The break comes from June 28-29. I am in deep shit trouble. Oh boy. At least the number of matches is decreasing, which she'll like, I think. Argentina/Mexico on Saturday. Gahhhh! How'd I get myself into this mess! <EM>