Fifa World Cup South Africa 2010

[Wee67]

Actually you are not so wrong.

Many are rabid fans...no doubt.

But many simply don't care....or at least...don't follow the sport much.

I've been talking to many people around me about the USA in the WC...and I'm still amazed at how many people don't even know what the WC is about...I kid you not.

I mean...they hear about the USA in the news, and they cheer for them simply because it's the USA squad...but many hardly watch the matches on TV.

You pretty much nailed it, Hec. Those of us that are fans are absolutely rabid about the sport. AND if the US loses to Ghana tomorrow, even my newsroom will relegate World Cup reports to only the sports section (today we have our sports anchor in the first segment, previewing tomorrow's match).

That said, soccer's following has grown significantly in the States over the past few decades. When the US beat Columbia in the '94 Cup, I remember jumping up, yelling and picking up the phone to call some of my sport-following friends when I remembered, none of them watch soccer. Now, I can't get through my office without being stopped several times to discuss ALL the days matches, not just the US game. Americans never used to recognize the soccer jerseys I'd wear around (I pick up the local club whenever I travel abroad). Now, I see tons of jerseys, and I'm not just talking about Man U or Barca.

Soccer is still a very minor sport here, but we are a long way from me having to get my only soccer fix from watching PBS's "Soccer Made In Germany" back in the 70's

[Wee67]

On a separate soccer note, I just watched ESPN's '30 on 30' and its was incredible. I had no idea about what the Columbian team went through in '94 Cup (aside from the above-mentioned US loss)- family members killed, threats left at their hotel and even the coach being intimidated to sit certain players!!!

Of course, I did know about Andres Escobar being shot after the Cup, but holy poop, I can't imagine even trying to play any game under those conditions.

[toystalker]

watched the portugal barzil match and it was very poor exibit

i didnt have the volume up as i was in my store but from what i hear now apparently 1 of the commentators they couldnt wait for the final whistle lol

like wolfie said lets hope for a better display tonight, more at stake so the game should be a lot better

lets see some goals please

[wolfie]

Spain & Chile qualify.

Switzerland blow it big time as they fail to score against Honduras, they only needed one goal to go through.

[Hector]

This is the lowest amount of European teams ever going to the second round...and the most by South Americans.

In 2006...the number of teams that went to the second round:

Europe 10
South America 3
CONCACAF 1
Asia 0
Africa 1
Oceania 1

Now for this World Cup:

Europe 6
South America 5
CONCACAF 2
Asia 2
Africa 1
Oceania 0

[wolfie]

We only need one.

[wolfie]

It's Uruguay time. Hope it's going to be a good match.

[LadyZod]

It's Uruguay time. Hope it's going to be a good match.

7 or so minutes in, first Gol. Here's hoping it continues for some exciting footy action.

[wolfie]

Good game, Uruguay win, Torrential rain during the match though.

Half the ground empty, that will teach em to price the home fans out of the stadiums.

[Zemo]

USA coming up at 2:30

[wolfie]

Extra time and the USA are losing again. Come on, don't go out now.

[toystalker]

unlucky usa... they had just a little bit more football in them

the ghana keeper played a blinder and kept the in the game

shame usa couldnt put there chances away

aww well
englands turn tomorrow lol

[vulcan2074]

Sammy

[Hector]

What a bummer for the USA.

But they just kept falling behind in every game...and it finally caught up to them.

But you gotta give credit to Ghana...a very speedy and physical team. Now that's two World Cups in a row that they have eliminated the U.S.

USA is a gritty team...and exciting to watch...but not one single striker scored in this World Cup...only midfielders and defenders.

In order to be able to win these big games...you gotta have scoring strikers.

That's the only thing missing from this squad.

Tim Howard is a beast...awesome goalie.

Still...very proud of the U.S. team...

[Hector]

Now the first quarterfinal game is set...Uruguay vs Ghana.

Tomorrow (Sunday)...it's two big ones...England vs Germany...and Argentina vs Mexico...I can't wait.