Morning Joe features Donovan and the British Bulldog!!!

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Things are heating up!

This week, France's World Cup hopes were shattered when they failed to get past their group. But, to me, their actions screamed a lack of interest. Fighting between players and coaches, the team sending people home early?? This is not how soccer should be. Soccer is a game of class, it always has been, especially at the international level.

Italy, the defending world champs, were also knocked out this week. Their team did not self-destruct quite as bad as France, but they failed to bring their A game, and I, for one, do NOT feel sorry for the complaining divers. Italy is notorious for being a bunch of whining complainers who take dives whenever they see fit. Their coach walked off the field after their final match, without shaking the hands of the opposing team or the refs. Good job, ASS.

BUT - for you American newcomers, the first round is just a place to weed out the garbage (or the unfortunate). NOW is when things get exciting. The US has a LOT to gain in their next game. Obviously they want to gain a spot in the next round, but in 2006 Ghana embarrassed the United States and knocked us out of the World Cup. With a team like Ghana, the US cannot rely on our athleticism alone. They will out-run and out-muscle us, and as a newcomer on the world stage, they have just as much heart as we do.

But they lack one thing. They lack that American mentality that we can do ANYTHING we put our mind to. If the United States puts away every shot, and does not allow Ghana to play their game, then our chances are pretty good. I'm nervous as crap and more excited than I am on Christmas Eve.

This is the biggest stage in the world and the United States deserve a little bit of spotlight.

Don't Tread.

I was on the news!!!

But just barely.

Check out as mayhem breaks out at the British Bulldog in Denver after the Landon goal. I am at the VERY beginning on the right side of the screen, FURIOUSLY chewing my gum. =)

Where will you watch??

Tomorrow, the United States takes on Algeria in their last group match of the 2010 World Cup. With a win, they advance (possibly even first place)!!

If you are in the Denver area, I suggest heading out to the British Bulldog. I'd also recommend getting there early, as the bar will be packed by 7:30am.

USA! USA! USA!

Couldn't go to South Africa, but want to feel involved?

This is an incredible outdoor, interactive advertising endeavor by Nike. Everyone remembers the 3 minute, "Write the Future" spot, right?

Well now, Nike is telling fans to "Write the Headline" in their new outdoor ad campaign. Fans can tweet messages that will be displayed on the side of a building in Johannesburg. Pretty fucking sweet!

Check it out!

And MORE updates!!

Saturday, June 19:

Netherlands: 1, Japan: 0

Ghana: 1, Australia: 1

Cameroon: 1, Denmark: 2

Sunday, June 20:

Slovakia: 0, Paraguay: 2

Italy: 1, New Zealand: 1

Brazil: 3, Ivory Coast: 1

Monday, June 21:

Portugal: 7, Korea DPR: 0

Chile: 1, Switzerland: 0

Spain: 2, Honduras: 0

UPDATES!!!

I am so behind! Sorry, folks. Here are the scores up till today:

Netherlands 2, Denmark 0

Japan 1, Cameroon 0

Italy 1, Paraguay 1

New Zealand 1, Slovakia 1

Ivory Coast 0, Portugal 0

Brazil 2, Korea DPR 1

Honduras 0, Chile 1

Spain 0, Switzerland 1

South Africa 0, Uruguay 3

Argentina 4, Korea Republic 1

Greece 2, Nigeria 1

France 0, Mexico 2

Germany 0, Serbia 1

Slovenia 2, USA 2

England 0, Algeria 0

In order for the US to advance to the next round, we need one of three situations:

• Ideally, a win. A win and we're in.
• A tie and England to lose
• A tie and England to tie

World Cup Day 3 Results

Slovenia 1, Algeria 0

Ghana 1, Serbia 0

Germany 4, Australia 0

YAY!! ( I have Germany winning the whole thing!)

World Cup Day 2 Results

South Korea 2, Nigeria 0

Argentina 1, Greece 0

USA 1, England 1

YAY, USA!!!

World Cup Day 1 Results

Watch the highlights from day 1:

South Africa 1, Mexico 1

Uruguay 0, France 0

Two ties on day one.

A prayer for Nelson Mandela

I just wanted to share the sad news of the death of Nelson Mandela's great granddaughter. She was traveling home from a World Cup celebration event when her car flipped. Mandela will miss the opening ceremonies and games this morning. Very sad news, my prayers go out to him and his family.

Please read the NY Times article here

Something in common with the world

So, today/last night, I took the redeye from Denver to Boston. The eve before the kickoff of World Cup 2010. I wore my USA track suit jacket (yes, nerdy, I know). But I've never had so many friendly strangers want to chat with me. Strangers from America, strangers from Holland... and France...

There is a bond, an unspoken bond between worldwide soccer supporters, and although it is more present during the World Cup, it is always there. Do a test, if you don't believe me. Find a national team jersey (USA or someone else - probably not Brazil, or people will just think you are a fake), now, go to an international airport and walk around.

Part of the beauty of the world's game is just that, it is the world's game. It is something that a snobby, elite woman living in a penthouse apartment on the upper east side might have in common with a young Argentine boy who lives in a shack with three families. It is the fact that despite your political views, your views on animal cruelty, your opinion on gun laws or foreign relations, you can still share something SO huge with somebody so different from you.

For most of the world soccer games can end wars, they can solve or cause major national problems. This fact alone sets soccer apart from all other sports. I am proud to be a member of the worldwide soccer/futbol/football lovers group (even if it isn't a Facebook group yet). I have something in common with the world. =)

The OFFICIAL OFFICIAL World Cup Song

So, Shakira sings the official World Cup song for 2010. Watch the video below, it isn't quite as incredible as the Wavin' Flag song by K'naan, but it is pretty catchy.... Waka Waka!

Here is a list of great events/watch parties around the country:

Denver:

• The most awesome outdoor viewing party in the country! Drink in the streets, Denver!
• Check out this list of supporters bars that will carry all World Cup games!

DC:

• Did you enjoy the Dupont snowball fight?? Those guys are pushing for an outdoor viewing party! Check it out...
• Finnegans Irish Pub in Ashburn, VA - Not only is Finnegans hosting the watch parties, but they have partnered with the Nicole Megaloudis Foundation. So, if you want to party and watch soccer for a good cause, head on out!

Columbus, Ohio:

• Crew Stadium!

Kansas City:

• Summer of Soccer Celebration

Boston area:

• The Banshee

New York/New Jersey:

• Red Bull Arena

Dallas:

• Various Locations!

LA:

• Galaxy Fans!
• Chivas Fans!

Chicago:

• Fire Viewing Parties

If your city is not listed, but you are hoping to find a place to watch, do a quick google search. If you have an MLS team in your city, check out their website. Call the local sports pubs, be resourceful. =)

P.U.M.P.E.D. PUMPED!

There are 2 days left before World Cup 2010. Here are two great videos that I thought I'd share to get everyone excited!!

The next few days, I will be posting a ton of fun stuff, but also some information about viewing parties, etc. Check back!

When and How to Watch

USA v England - June 12, 2010

• ABC - 2:30 p.m. ET

USA v Slovenia - June 18, 2010

• ESPN - 10 a.m. ET

USA v Algeria - June 23, 2010

• ESPN - 10 a.m. ET

See it all here!

Plus, check out these OTHER 3 ways to watch!!!!

The Long Road to get Here

It has been 4, long years of waiting since 2006. But the World Cup is back, and the US men are looking strong.

Game One: USA v England

Broadcast: ABC (HD) - June 12, 2010 - 2:30pm EST/12:30pm MST

In Case You Missed It: USA v Australia Highlights

Here are the highlights from the final USA friendly before SA 2010. Final score was 3-1 for the yanks. At times they played great possession, quick and smart passing. But at other times the defense looked unorganized and a little too laid back. That sort of thing cannot happen against a team like England.

The Game of their Lives

A brief history lesson - In US Olympic hockey, you have the miracle on ice. In US World Cup soccer, you have the game of their lives (or the miracle match). See the trailer for The Game of their Lives, below (starring Gerard Butler, Zachary Ty Bryan and John Harkes)

Going into the World Cup of 1950, the US's chances of winning were 500-1. Their goal? Just for people to know they were there.

On June 29, 1950, this US team, which was made up of a scrappy group of part-time, semi-professionals from around the country, took on England. England was favored to win the World Cup and had long been referred to as the father of football. The team that took the field for the yanks, that day, were probably just as shocked as the rest of the world when the final whistle blew and they realized they had won.

Newspapers around the globe exploded with the news, but this exciting moment was not documented in any US newspapers, as soccer was not worth reporting in those days.

The US did not qualify for another World Cup, until 1990 in Italy. Since 1990, the USMNT has developed into a legitimate and quality professional program, which currently ranks at 14th in the world.

Lets see what Bob's bunch can do against England, 60 years later.

Tough Guys

True, Americans like to believe that playing hockey or football makes you tough. And, I do not disagree, you will not catch me trying to take out a 240lb Donovan McNabb.

However, people seem to forget about the lack of protection and the exceptional speed at which soccer is played. Injuries are inevitable, it is part of the game. If you do not believe me, do a quick Google search of Preston Burpo and have a look at what happened to his leg three nights ago. Or, if you have the stomach, watch the video below of Tab Ramos having his skull cracked open during the 1994 World Cup.

Soccer is an intelligent, finess sport that is also gruelingly physical, and anybody who says differently has either never watched soccer, or only ever watched Italy (where diving when you are not really hurt is completely normal). Yahoo Sports did an article about the toughest ten men in this years World Cup. Check out my two faves, Michael Bradley and Ryan Nelson!!

REWIND! - 2006

Where: Germany

What: FIFA World Cup 2006

Who: Me, my family and a great group of US Soccer families and friends

Best Personal Moment: The walk from a tiny bar in the middle of Kaiserslautern up the hill to the stadium. We started as a group of ten drunk Americans and we gradually grew until we had an entire parade following and chanting along with us. Seany Boy and I were taking the lead (we had obviously had the most tequila shots)

Best Soccer Moment: After the US v Italy game, Bruce Arena and the entire US team came around to salute the fans. There was a sold out crowd that day, but the only fans you could hear were the Americans. They sang their hearts out for the entire 90+ minutes. Sincerely, a moment in my life which I will never forget.

See It All Here!

Flashbacks: Scenes from France 1998

If you were wondering why I had not posted any pictures from France, 1998... this one should really explain everything. If you cannot tell which one I am, please take a harder look at the freak in the crazy hat.

This was our core group that we hung out with all over France. The games were disappointing, but the environment and the soccer community were incredible. The dude in the front row is Jim Sonefeld from Hootie and the Blowfish. He is a HUGE US Soccer Fan!

The US Bid Committee Gets HOT

Drew Carey has been a long time supporter of US Soccer, he has been a strong voice in Hollywood, constantly pushing for more appreciation and awareness of the sport. Recently, Bill Clinton joined the cause. So maybe you like funny guys, maybe you like smart politicians.... Or maybe you are into super hot actors. If that is the case, then you are in luck!! Brad Pitt has accepted an invitation to join the US Bid Committee, and he has signed his name to the petition.

For any of you who have not, yet, signed the petition, please visit, www.gousabid.com and sign us up!

Flashbacks: Scenes from German 2006

After a four hour bus ride through Germany, with no air conditioning, Dad and I reached the Budweiser hospitality tent at Gelsenkirchen. This was the USMNT's first game of the 2006 World Cup, it was a poor display against the Czech Republic. Let's hope June 12 is an improvement.

ESPN is really working to cover more of the world's game. So lately, I've been checking out their YouTube channel. They've done some of the more impressive South Africa 2010 commercials. Here is a funny SportsCenter spot with Landon Donovan (sorry, ESPN does not allow their youtube videos to be embedded, so I got this from someone else).