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. =)