The Soccer Thread (Version 7.0)

Not really, no. Just what appears to be a wholly unremarkable World Cup history. Will concede that they got out of the first round last time, but that was only because they were in a group that was wholly unremarkable apart from containing the Netherlands.

 

Jamaica's 1-0 home loss to Mexico puts the Ragu Boyz in desperation mode for Friday. At 0-2-2, Jamaica cannot afford anything less than a win against the USMNT and still have reasonable World Cup hopes.

 

It was a good result for us last night -- Mexico is going to get in, so it is better that their opponents get minimum points from their matches.

 

Wright Thompson goes to Italy and hangs out with ultras.

http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/9338962/when-beautiful-game-turns-ugly

And the great Jeff MacGregor with a sidebar.

http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/6361?cc=5901

 

Netherlands, Denmark and Cameroon ... certainly nothing compared to the murderer's row of England, Slovenia and Algeria.

 

Well, I for one look forward to England's inevitable exit in the second round/quarterfinals, doubtless to much more drama and hysteria than their mediocrity warrants.

I'm an equal-opportunity cynic.

 

Fanatastic article by Thompson and his trip to Italy, where you can bring beer -- and flares -- into the stands.

A couple lines stood out:

"It's very difficult to understand the new Italy, even for us, who are Italians," Natale says. "There are more black people here than in Alabama."

***

"Italy is in crisis. I think that's safe to say. Something new is arising out of something old. I don't know whether it's a first breath or a last gasp. James Walston, the professor, thinks all the racial abuse is a sign that Italy has changed, and this is a defiant last stand before a multi-cultural society emerges. Maybe he's right. I don't know.

 

I'm traveling tonight and missing the match. Damn it. Any updates/insights/rants etc. will be greatly appreciated.

 

U.S. leads 1-0 about 55 minutes in. Jozy Altadore w/a header in 30th for the score.

 

This BeInTV or whatever it is is bullshit. Get the game on some channel people can watch.