World Cup Weekend

Should be an interesting weekend of World Cup games, now that the action has picked up somewhat, and we're on to 3 and 4 games per day, instead of 2.
So far it's been a disappointing tournament for two reasons.
First the U.S. got smoked. The Poop's soccer expert Reissberg says the team was overrated coming in and doesn't have the talent to match the top European sides. He said the great run in 2002 was the product of a favorable draw. Doesn't mean they were one of the top 8 teams just because they made the quarters. Those same dynamics are unquestionably working against them this time as they are in a very tough group.
The U.S. can still advance with a win over Italy tomorrow at 3pm and a win over Ghana on Thursday. If that happens Italy would have to beat Czech.
So, can the U.S. beat Italy? The first thing to consider is do they have the talent? The answer is probably Italy is a little more talented and a lot more experienced. But I do feel the U.S. can win and here's how: They have to play like they're possessed. They have to use the ass-kicking and the subsequent criticism as fuel for the fire.

The second reason I'm not into the World Cup is because my pre-tournament pick, France, and Brazil played boring opening matches. I watched them both back to back on Tuesday and only one goal was scored. I did enjoy Zinedine Zidane for France. He is a master. You can tell how the game just sort of slows down for him. Brazil knew they were going to win and didn't seem properly motivated.

The teams will play again on Sunday as two-thirds of ABC's tripleheader starting at 9am. Hopefully these matches will provide more excitement.