Posted on 06/21/2006 10:33:27 PM PDT by soccer_maniac
The U.S. national team goes into Thursday's Group E finale against Ghana (9:55 a.m. ET, ESPN) knowing that it must come up with a win to have any chance of moving to the Round of 16.
All four teams in Group E, including the USA, still have a chance to advance. The U.S. must beat a tough Ghana side to have any chance of moving to the knockout phase. Should Bruce Arena's team be able to secure three points against the Africans, whom they meet at 9:55 a.m. ET on ESPN, they will need Italy to beat the Czech Republic in a simultaneous match, which can be seen live on ESPN2. The U.S. is not mathematically eliminated with a Czech draw or win, but will need a big victory over Ghana to avoid being eliminated on goal difference.
(Excerpt) Read more at mlsnet.com ...
I've changed my mind. The hippo staying in the team is the best hope for the other nations.
Did anyone catch that Croatian player throwing the Aussie down at the end of the match? ESPN didnt show a replay of it...
KLOSE Miroslav GER 4
TORRES Fernando ESP 3
CRESPO Hernan ARG 2
DELGADO Agustin ECU 2
RONALDO BRA 2
CAHILL Tim AUS 2
TENORIO Carlos ECU 2
VILLA David ESP 2
DINDANE Aruna CIV 2
BOSACKI Bartosz POL 2
GERRARD Steven ENG 2 RODRIGUEZ Maxi ARG 2
ROSICKY Tomas CZE 2
BRAVO Omar MEX 2
WANCHOPE Paulo 2
I was confused by what happened at the end. The Aussie appeared to have scored yet the ref blew his whistle and awarded a red card to the Croatian. Strange. Still, doesn't make much difference to the result.
Yep, looks like Gerrard has the Golden Boot in the bag already.
He gave him a red and a yellow...haha....does that count for the next FIFA match he is in?
No, what happened?
Personally I am happy to see the Balkan teams gone, as I think they always act disgraceful.
Lalas and those guys ragged on Ronaldo the other day from their studio seats, but Brazil is taking care of business.
France might fail to get out of the group stage for the second time in a row. OK, Ronaldo is fat and you're still going on about the World Wars, but at least those two countries are going on. Meanwhile the French are old and sloppy and have one goal in five matches. Seems like you should save some arrows for them!
It all happened as the final whistle blew....a Croatian was mugging an Aussie player into the goal, while another Aussie kicked a goal.....which was nullified.
Then the ref took out a yellow then red card.....ESPN didnt show a replay of that, or in the highlights.
One of the Yanks called Hipponaldo a bloated no hoper the other day. The same guy today said England are going out next game. I hope his predictions continue to be so accurate...
Not bothered by the Frogs. They will qualify for the next round with a win over another third world team but they won't go much further.
Hey I ragged on him too, but that fat man put the ball in the net twice today. That's more goals than France has scored in their last FIVE matches.
Ronaldo might end up with yet another World Cup, another Golden Boot, more money, more hot chicks, and more fame. Under those circumstances he probably doesn't care if he's fat.
I generally root for whoever plays Brazil, but man I have to give Ronaldo props right now. Everyone (even Brazil) was bashing him, but he's playing well, scoring and serving. In contrast the Americans talked up many of their players and most were a complete letdown.
If France does advance they'll face Spain. That'll be fun!
At least he didn't flame out like that other party boy Bode Miller, the pride (not) of the US Olympic ski team.
He's played well in one match against mighty Japan. He has played terribly in two matches against competent opposition. I don't think he will be a threat to the stronger teams. Still, you never know.
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