General:

• World powerhouse, England, and a scrappy, up-and-coming US team beat up on Slovenia and Algeria and slide easily into the knockout round, right? Nope!

• We have controversy; we have drama; we have The Holy Grail of sports: the World Cup.

Group C:

How tasty is this? Going into the final round of group play, any of the four teams in this group still have an opportunity to advance to the knockout phase. The variables are many; therefore, I won’t elaborate on all scenarios. If I know my audience, however, here’s what most readers of this commentary need to know: the US and England advance if they defeat Algeria and Slovenia respectively (win = in).

I sense England and the U.S. handle business and move forward, but this is the World Cup. Expect the US v. Algeria to be a more open game, with both teams needing goals/points to feel secure about advancement. Slovenia may adapt a defensive strategy and “park the bus” in front of the Slovenia goal knowing they need only tie England to advance.

The hyperbole leading up to the group’s first match between England and the U.S. was insane. Soccer fans around the world filled pubs, hoisted pints and fixated on giant televisions to witness what turned out to be a decent match.

England jumped quickly into the lead when England’s captain, Steven Gerrard, tallied at the four-minute mark. Thirty-six minutes later, U.S. midfielder, Clint Dempsey, found himself with the ball at his feet, just outside England’s penalty area. Dempsey pivoted and struck the ball low and right at English keeper, Robert Green. Green initially appeared to handle the shot easily, and then the unthinkable: Green fumbled the ball and it dribbled across the goal line.

Against the run of play, the US snatched a point from the jaws of defeat and hung on to tie England 1-1. This was a tremendous result for the US as it managed to get a point against the group’s highest ranked team and would, presumably, face lesser competition in its other group matches, right? Not so fast Speed Racer.

Slovenia, the smallest country in the World Cup, scored a late goal against a 10-man Algerian team to secure first place in the group after the first round of games. Unbelievable! I don’t even know where Slovenia and Algeria are on a map.

Commentary:

We’ve heard and read much about England’s struggles to get results and the injustice suffered by the US team by a terrible piece of officiating. That’s yesterday’s news, and I hope both teams can put earlier matches behind them and focus on the task at hand.

I have to say, also, how proud I am of “Team USA” for the fight, maturity and determination exhibited. This team has no quit in them and they are—in my opinion—the best US team fielded at a World Cup final. Good on you guys regardless of what happens tomorrow. Buen suerte.

General:

• One thoroughbred; three hopefuls

• The greatest players don’t always make the best tacticians or coaches.

Group B:

My beloved Argentina appears to be the class of the group. A two-time World Cup winner, Argentina, boasts a cadre of talent, particularly at the striker position, and they have the pedigree and a belief they can win.

Several things concern me about Argentina, however. I don’t see solid tactical decisions in the form of in-game adjustments, formations and substitutions. I see old players in important central midfield positions being asked to perform beyond their capabilities. I see a Swiss cheese defense that better teams will expose as Argentina progresses to the knockout round.

Coach Diego Maradona is god in Argentina, and he brings passsion and a tremendous desire to win to his team. I also commend his commitment to attacking football; however, this team needs better defensive organization and discipline and a coach willing to recognize it. Oh Diego, you will ultimately break my heart.

Nigeria is the only African team in the group, and the only team with little to no chance of advancing to the knockout round. Nigeria has no points from two of the three games they’ll play in the group stage. While not impossible, it’s highly unlikely the “Super Eagles” advance beyond the group stage.

That leaves Greece and South Korea to battle for the remaining spot in the knockout round. South Korea beat Greece 2-0 in Group B’s first game; nevertheless, I give both teams about even odds of advancing. Greece bounced back with a 2-1 win over Nigeria, while Argentina trounced South Korea 4-1.

Greece finishes the group stage against Argentina, and North Korea finishes with Nigeria. Flip a coin or take your pick. Will Nigeria battle South Korea tooth and nail to salvage a result for national pride? Can Greece surprise an Argentinean team, possibly resting important players for the knockout round?

I know who I think will advance but, like most of you, I have no crystal ball handy. That’s what makes watching the Cup so great. Watch and enjoy, amigos.

General:

Vuvuzelas, present at every Cup game, are among the most annoying noisemakers on Earth. It’s like watching a football game from inside a bee’s nest.

South Africa has done a solid job of preparing for and pulling off the World Cup. Several months ago there were worries galore. However, logistics, transportation and security all seem top notch, so far.

Group A:

This is a delicious group.

Uruguay is no joke. Top scorer, Diego Forlan, scores goals aplenty for Athletico Madrid, a Spanish club team from one of the best leagues in the world. Forlan already tallied two goals against host nation, South Africa.

Countryman, Luis Suraez, plays for Dutch giants, Ajax, and he’ll surely generate plenty of interest from big European teams following the cup. He’s yet to prove himself of the World Cup stage, however.

Uruguay, a previous cup winner, is well-coached, has balance, poise and enough talent to reach the knockout round. This is a sleeper team to watch.

South Africa managed a 1-1 tie against Mexico in its first game, a tremendous achievement for the host nation. Unfortunately, the Bafana Bafana simply don’t have the talent or pedigree to progress from this strong group. The South African’s must win against France to make it out of group play and, despite not playing well, France still has too much talent and experience for South Africa.

Mexico managed only a tie against South Africa in opening round play, so it’s pending game with France is critical, for both teams. The team winning the Mexico/France match should advance to the knockout round with Uruguay.

France has more talent on its bench than most teams have period. France’s problem: its coach, Raymond Domenech. Domenech’s players dislike him; the French Football Association dislikes him; and French fans dislike him. His replacement as national team coach waits in the wings until after the tournament. I can’t help but believe this ambiguity, ultimately, stunts France’s chances for progression.

That said, I have no prediction for the France v. Mexico game. There are plenty of intangibles in play. My mind tells me the talent and pedigree of France prevails; my heart tells me not to underestimate Mexico’s passion and desire to win. Those variables generally equate to a terrific game. Let’s hope so for the fans of the world’s most beautiful game.

If you have watched a World Cup game in the past week you have without a doubt noticed the ominous bee swarm sound surrounding the TV coverage. The sound you hear actually isn’t the largest swarm of bees to ever sync up rather they are horns called vuvuzelas which are a South African staple at soccer games. These funny looking horns emit 127 decibels which exceeds 125 decibels the threshold for human pain. While most spectators are thoroughly disgusted with the noise pollution two earplug suppliers from South Africa are reaping the benefits in a major way. Sheppard Medical and Ear Plugs Online have sold almost a half million since last Friday and there is still over three weeks to go. Even if ESPN or other networks try to filter out the pollution for TV coverage the earplug companies should have no problem peddling their goods due to those lovely vuvuzelas.