Ole!

OK so the world cup is off and running…and once again I’m completely caught up! I have no idea how I’m get any work done over the next month.

The games have been great so far. I thought the opener was decent; it’s always good to start with a goal-fest, just to soothe the nay-sayers early. As everyone has pointed out Germany will have to shore up that defense to go all the way. England have their usual flaws – lack of creativity, too many mistakes – but I won’t rule them out yet. Portugal on the other hand was almost too creative, not taking advantage of straight forward opportunities. T&T are obviously the story so far, and I think they will surprise again when they have a full side…watch out England and Paraguay! Their right back, Edwards, was absolutely fantastic, as was the rest of the side. He’s my favorite so far, even with former Man. U. striker Dwight Yorke and Hislop having great games. Where Ecuador looked confident and energetic, Poland looked lackluster and overwhelmed by the environment. Mexico and Iran both played hard, but I thought the game had a lot of mistakes and poor technique. Holland and Serb.Mont. played out a classic European contest in what surely is the Group of Death (sorry US) with Argentina and Ivory Coast rounding it out. That game was fantastic! Argentina showed they are not only tactically sound all around, but they are creative and clinical finishers! So far they are my favorite – with Italy, France, and Brazil still to take the pitch. But before I look ahead to far let me say that Ivory Coast, I thought, showed a lot of promise and could have easily made it a different game had a few things gone their way. They will certainly effect the group outcome by over their next two games.

All in all it was a great start and I can’t wait for the rest! Tomorrow we will se the US and Italy…followed by Brazil and France on Tuesday. Hold your breath sports fans…it’s just gonna get better!