Went Down Fighting.

I never can remember in my 21 years, a time where a sport caught wildfire like soccer did when the United States made the knockout rounds. I was sitting in the Milwaukee Brewers press box with a mix of guys, some knew a lot about soccer and others were asking for explanations about extra time amongst others things.  But everybody was pulled in and wanted the US to win. That didn't happen on Saturday as they fell in defeat to Ghana 2-1.

I am not going to be a Monday Morning Quarterback as I am with other sports because frankly, I am an average fan of soccer and do not know enough from a tactical perspective to talk about the decisions that Bob Bradley made.  I talked to my buddy Ron on the phone that night and believed Bradley cost us the game with having Ricardo Clark out there plus Robbie Findlay being out there was absolutely puzzling in his opinion. According to others on social media and other things, people believed the same sort of stuff that Ron told me. 

I am just happy people like Jim Rome who spoke countless times about how he hates soccer decided to have three guests on his show that were soccer-related.  First off, it shows how much of a professional Rome is but secondly, he gets the big picture aspect of things.  Before Saturday, soccer was the hottest topic in the United States and people wanted to talk about as much as possible. But there are many people who believe that the soccer hype will fizzle out once the World Cup is over and just come back like the Olympics.

I think the way to keep this going is to try to promote Fox Soccer Channel to basic cable like they did with the Big Ten Network. The reason Time Warner, Charter, Comcast, and others should do this is because the NFL and NBA might lock out in 2011.  If that happens, soccer would be the perfect equation for professional sports fans. It wouldn't be hard for a sports fans to find a team to jump on their bandwagon, and hopefully soccer will stay alive for years to come.

-Charlie.

United We Stand.

Rick Reilly: Shut up. 

Dan Shaughnessy: Shut up.

All others who don't give a rat ass' about soccer: Shut up.

Soccer has been brought to life by the 2010 World Cup.  The United States team takes Group C with a last second goal by Landon Donovan and successfully brought in so many new fans who need to prep themselves for Saturday's game against Ghana.   I sadly missed the game due to work and will for Saturday's as well but my sister taped the second half letting me listen to Ian Darke's beautiful call and the massive celebration.

Before the World Cup, everybody's criticism of Donovan is he never came up in big games and he basically shut that up real quick. I agreed with those people because I watched him sail a PK in the MLS Championship to win it.  Donavon just appeared to tense up when he played in big games and now, he appears fearless looking like the best soccer player the United States has ever had.  He did one of the most simple things in soccer for that goal, just follow up on the rebound and drill it in there.

Now my buddy Eric tweeted about Tim Howard not getting enough credit but I will do it here.  Howard's throw couldn't been any better and he saw something developing in the middle of the pitch leading to the goal. Howard facilitated that goal more than anyone else on the pitch and he made a bunch of clutch saves giving him what I believe is his first or second clean sheet in the World Cup.

Right now, not many midfielders are playing better than Donovan and not many keepers are doing things like Howard.  Are you telling me we might win this thing?  I think that is bit intense now but do I think the semifinals is possible?  Absolutely, the United States will remember their defeat from the Black Stars in 06 then move on to Uruguay/South Korea, they can definitely do things to be one of the last teams and stun the world like only the 1980 US Hockey team has. 

This is why the so-called haters need to jump on the overflowing bandwagon. Now, that we, the United States Men National Team is through to knockout stages, it is time for our country to get together just like we did in February when everybody was fixated on the US Men's Hockey team's run to the Silver Medal.   It's not about if you like soccer, hate soccer, it is about the United States and representing your country.

USA USA

-Charlie.

Here To Deliver the Pain to Algeria

My buddy Votto, a former interviewee on the Corner told me he enjoyed my hater post to Slovenia and that I should keep it up for the World Cup for the United States. Well I listen to my fans when they make respectable requests unlike someone's request for a lovefest about the Toronto Blue Jays post. Before we get started, let me give a few thoughts about Slovenia and Malian official. 

I hate Slovenia for their comments about beating the US but when we actually started playing these hacks, I realize how much I do hate this country of 2 million. First of all, what is with that dance that I would guess is done at most gay bars around the United States? Also the haircut by Milivoje Novakovic was Three Stooges and should never be allowed in the world, just plain ugly. Then Koman Coulibaly decided to bend us over like Jenna Jameson with his 'make-up call' on a game-winning goal.  I will not say much more but this guy can plain suck it, he is horrible and doesn't deserve to screw another World Cup team. On to Algeria.

ALGERIA: I will say something positive before I go all Brett Boyer on this country and hate everything about them.  I love their kits (jerseys for not futbol fans) are awesome.  In addition, at least they were their actual colors too. The first strike against Algeria is their nickname: the Desert Foxes, you know who was nicknamed the Desert Fox?  Oh that's right, a Nazi General known as Edwin Rommel. Good job borrowed a nickname from a Nazi, solid move by Algeria. In the 1800s, they let the French take over their country?  Wow, if you are that weak to allow the French to come in and take command of your land, something is wrong for sure.  Although now, France would probably lay down if Algeria decided to come into France then the US would have to bail them out again for like the 98341 time.  Once again, we have a former socialist nation so I will say it again, capitalism rules all. The final thing, why haven't they invade Mali?  I mean God knows they deserved and they are bordered by that loser country.  That's pretty much all I got for Algeria, they aren't as unlikeable as Slovenia.

I really hope the US can advance because they have been fun to watch so far and I really would like to see soccer start being embraced by the rest of America.  We know one thing as Americans we love  winners and if the U.S. can keep playing more people will tune it to watch. I have mixed feelings about who I want to win between England-Slovenia because I would like to laugh at the British and all their batshit crazy fans, yet I think I hate Slovenia more.  I think at the end of Wednesday, US will be on the top of the table.

-Charlie.

It's On Komac.

I think sometimes I am too serious on the blog but I do like giving my opinions on things that truly do matter plus things that need opinion (I still need to give my take on Texas staying but I am putting that off like math homework).  Anyways, I saw today that a Slovenia player guaranteed victory over the United States.  Really? Well let's break down first the country and then what this guy said. 

Slovenia: What I can see is it's by the Mediterranean Sea and that it is a mountainous region. They joined up with socialists after World War II and then broke free in 1991.  Strike one, they were once socialists, we all know as red-blooded Americans that capitalism is the only way.   Strike two, I noticed their jerseys were green, why?  They have red, white, and blue in their flag and in their Crest, you are telling me you don't want to wear the colors of America?  These colors don't bleed partner!   Also, they have no famous hot Eastern European models... Strike three!  All they have for us is Sasha Vujacic, child please, I cannot believe they gave this country its independence.  Basically, I vote that besides France this is the worst country in the European union.

We here in the US of A have many great things like Hulk Hogan, Chuck Norris, and Ric Flair just to name a few that would love to lay the smackdown on Komac's candy ass!  I am glad Tim Howard came out and said basically a PC version of 'this Slovenian bastard is just talking out of his ass.'  I hope for one good clean hit on this pansy for even thinking he could guarantee victory.  Now I really want to win tomorrow because nothing is worse than losing to a team where they ensured victory against you.  USA USA USA USA USA! 

-Charlie.