Even though I realized a tie last night would probably technically leave a glimmer of hope for advancing, I didn’t realize until later that the scenario for moving to the knock-out rounds isn’t too insane.
You would think with just a tie and a loss after the first two games the scenario would involve a minor miracle. It doesn't. If the US beats Ghana and Italy beats the Czechs, the US is in! Not completely unimaginable those two results could happen. Those games, by the way, will be played simultaneously on Thursday (it will be morning for you in Seattle).
So, my dejection of last night has been replaced by sheer and utter joy with the fact that the game we are going to will have significant meaning. In fact, all four teams in the group have scenarios in which they can either advance or go home. I feel a bit sad if you don't care about this.
The revolution is happening. This shot was also taken in Gelsenkirchen. That is the image of US coach, Bruce Arena, if anybody was wondering.
Bruce Arena looks kind of like Andre the Giant in that representation.
J, June 19, 2006 03:19 AM:Also, I heard the refs seemed to make some questionable calls against the US, a'la the Seahawks in the Superbowl. Did you think they played a good game? If we make it to the next level, are we like top 8 or something?
Bryan, June 19, 2006 09:51 AM:Yeah, the ref ended up being a factor which sucked. The US played almost the entire second half with only 9 men. Italy lost a man too and was playing with 10 for most of the game. It was a great US performance when you put it in perpsective. Would have been nice to see the US actually put the ball in the net themselves though instead of the own goal. Oh well.
This stage will cut the teams in half, so there will be 16 remaining. Single elimination at that point.