The Great Game

2002-06-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Even though the World Cup is going on, it doesn't mean the clubs are sitting idle. One big announcement yesterday was that El Hadji Diouf, the Senegal striker, will be playing for Liverpool next year. I suppose he will be the understudy to Michael Owen, as I don't see them playing very well together. Far too similar.

2002-06-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

Denmark vs. Uruguay
Just finished watching this match. Denmark wins 2-1 in a very entertaining match. Jon Dahl Tomasson scored both goals for Denmark, neither being very memorable unless you are a Dane, while the goal from Dario Rodriguez's foot was brilliant. A hard hit volley five yards outside of the box, just squeezing between the goal post and the outstretched hand of the Danish keeper. Should be one of the highlight goals of the Cup.

Neither side looked very good defensively, which could spell doom when they play Senegal and especially France. Coming up to the WC we heard a lot about Uruguay's vaunted defense, but if it does exist it was not on display today. They looked horrible and against a not especially fast Denmark side. If they want to squeeze a draw out of France they will need to seriously improve.

2002-06-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

France vs. Senegal
The World Cup began yesterday with an intriguing match up between two countries and teams that have so many links with each other. France, the defending champions, were the colonial overlord of Senegal, who achieved their independence from France in 1960. Paradoxically, only a few of the French players on the French National Team actually play their club soccer in France, while nearly the entire Senegal National Team make their living playing for French clubs. Futhermore, one of France's best players, Patrick Vieira, was born in Senegal.

No surprise that Senegal was highly motivated for this match and they played like it. Surprisingly stout in defense, they stopped French attack after French attack. On ther end of the pitch, Senegal's speedy El Hadji Diouf gave French defenders fits, especially the slow and aged Frank Leboeuf. At the 29th minute Senegal scored on a bit of a fluke goal, but aided by Leboeuf being beaten so bad that he fell down and French goalkeeper Fabian Barthez not being able to hold on to the ball. The combination of Barthez and Leboeuf are a glaring weakness for an incredibly strong side, but I didn't expect that weakness to be so prominent in the first match. Offensively, France missed Zinedine Zidane, the world's best playmaker, but with their attacking talent they have no excuse for not scoring at least one goal. The match ended 1-0 in Senegal's favor. One of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

2002-06-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

Spoiler Alert for American Viewers
I've been told there are numerous references to the Ireland-Cameroon score in the match commentary during the Germany-Saudi Arabia match. I'll be watching the Ireland-Cameroon match on ABC first, since it was played before Germany-Saudi Arabia. Also, be wary of pre-match shows and halftime shows. During the Uruguay-Denmark match the commentators announced that the halftime show would show highlights of the Ireland-Cameroon match. Halftimes last 15 minutes, so fast forward on your VCR or DVR 15 minutes forward if you wish to avoid them.

2002-06-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

The World Cup has arrived and life as we know it for us soccer fans has temporarily changed, especially for us in the Western Hemisphere where the matches air live in the wee hours of the night. Before the tournament began I predicted Italy would meet Argentina in the championship match, with Italy prevailing. We shall see if this prediction holds true.