World Cup - USA Eliminated

Man, did the US really stink it up today. Where was the feisty group that played with guts against Italy? They sure didn't show up today. The US certainly proved that their lofty FIFA #5 ranking was not deserved in this tournament. All of the key members: Reyna, Donovan, Beasley, Kellar, et al. didn't do their jobs. Props must be given to Ghana, however, for making it out of a group that had 3 Top 15 teams. Great play. Now they get Brazil.

Brazil played a beautiful game today. They are so masterful and at ease with the ball. Ronaldo scored 2 goals to pass Pele for most goals scored by a Brazilian in World Cup and is now 2nd all time in World Cup history. The true hero however, was Ronaldhino. The 2 time FIFA player of the year certainly lived up to his hype with his elegant football skills, setting up this teammates with perfect balls. Brazil is really a delight to watch.

And congratulations to Australia and Gus Hiddink! Australia is appearing in only their 2nd ever World Cup and they never even scored a goal in their first appearance. Now with coach Hiddink, they make it to the 2nd round! Hiddink also led the previously winless Koreans to the Final Four in 2002 so he is the man!

Tomorrow, Korea tries to make it to the 2nd round with another Dutch coach at the helm, Dick Advocaat. Korea and the Swiss are pretty evenly matched with similar FIFA rankings and both tying France and beating Togo. It should be a great match. Korea wins and is in. If they end in a tie or lose, tiebreakers will probably kick in unless the disruptive Togo teams pulls an upset and can manage a tie with France. Then Korea will be in no matter what. Daehanmingook Fighting!!!