Checking In At The World Cup...

Brazil 2-0 Australia. It might just be me, but does Brazil seem a little but underwhelming thus far? They seemed lethargic in their 1-0 win over Croatia, and all anyone could talk about afterwards was Ronaldo's apparent tubbiness, and Australia really gave them all they wanted today. They do not look like the shoo-in some projected them to be. As for the Socceroos, if they manage even a tie against Croatia, they'll be advancing to the knockout round...

Japan 0-0 Croatia. ...because Darijo Srna mised a penalty kick against Japan this morning in the 21st minute of the game. Great save by Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, the Japanese keeper, diving to his left to get one of his giant goalie gloves on the low shot. Croatia can still get through with a win, and I hope they do, because they've got the best jerseys in all the World Cup.

France 1-1 Korea . Well, the French finally scored a goal, which had previously been about as rare as them winning a war. What they didn't do, however, was win, giving up a goal to Ji-Sung Park in the 81st minute for the 1-1 tie. That gives France 2 points, and if there's a winner in tomorrow's Switzerland/Togo game, it'll put France in jeopary of not advancing out of a group that includes South Korea, Switzerland, and Togo. Fair to say that France's international soccer efforts are comparable to those of American basketball?

Togo Still Has Issues The Togolese players were considering boycotting tomorrow's game against Switzerland, until FIFA officials stepped in and convinced them otherwise. Players, coaches, and officials are still bitching about money. In the 76 year history of the World Cup, no team has ever withdrawn from a match. I think it's time to send dispatch Drew Rosenhaus to Togo and let him work this thing out.