Two Touch: Random World Cup Musings

And then there were eight.

Five of the eight teams left in the World Cup, have clearly positioned themselves within the top tier of international soccer (see power rankings below), and even sadly, the United States does not find themselves within the group, even when presented with the proverbial ‘golden opportunity.’

Exclusive World Cup Interview: Patrick Ianni

I recently had the privilege of sitting down and speaking with current MLS player, Patrick Ianni. Ianni is one of the bright young stars of American soccer and played with almost half the current 2010 team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. I wanted to get his perspective on his current season with the Seattle Sounders, as well as his thoughts on Team USA’s run through the World Cup in South Africa.

Here is the transcript of that conversation:

Cory Ritzau on ESPN Radio Today

After Landon Donovan’s breathtaking, game winning goal in the 91st minute against Algeria in the rear-view-mirror, Not in HD’s own, Cory Ritzau will once again be joining ESPN Radio Bakersfield. This time he will be discussing the Round of 16 and the United States’ chances of making a deep World Cup run.

Hear Cory Ritzau Live on ESPN Bakersfield

World Cup beat writer and author of the Two Touch series, Cory Ritzau, will be joining ESPN Radio’s, Corey Costelloe, today in the 4 p.m. hour to give the skinny on tomorrow’s U.S. – Algeria matchup, as well as America’s chances of advancing to the Round of 16.

Two Touch: Random World Cup Musings

Brief observations thus far through the first 11 days of the tournament:

World Cup: Group C Madness

After eight days of play, we were witness to the craziest World Cup day to date, and yet somehow, still satisfying for fans of the U.S. Germany, who looked supberb in their opener, played in a game where cards were handed out at a rate that tallied the sixth highest total for a single game in World Cup history. In turn, Germany lost their star scorer early, battled the rest of the way a man down, missed a potential tying PK, and after all was said and done, fell to Serbia 1-0.

And in Group C we were witness to two crazy games, that now leave all four teams with an opportunity to advance to the knockout round.

USA-Slovenia Preview

With as much action and hype as the England match received, Friday morning’s contest will be even more vital for the United States’ chances to see through to the next round. Had the US lost last weekend, they still would have had a decent chance at advancing. However, if they lose tomorrow, you can pretty much bury the team right there in Jo’Burg.

Two Touch: Random World Cup Musings

Four days into the world’s greatest sporting event and I have re-arranged my sleeping schedule to the detriment of my actual responsibilities. All in the attempt to catch at least a glimpse of each of the World Cup matches played thus far (also DVR helps a ton).

So after four days here some quick thoughts and observations about what we have seen:

USA-England Review

Thanks to sloppy goalkeeping and some intestinal fortitude (enabling the underdogs to battle back after an early goal), the United States earned themselves a much needed point against England on Saturday afternoon.

United States-England Preview

As a freshman at UCSD in 2002, my dorms had a system of monetary fines in place for personal conduct and misbehavior. Despite the loud music, flasks, 24-packs, and hot-boxed rooms that often surrounded me, I managed to last eight months in those circumstances without receiving so much as a verbal warning. And as the school year wound down, I was all but two weeks from freedom without a blemish.