SOCCER: United States v. Italy

Every 4 years the World Cup rolls around and guys like me try to act like fans of the sport we call soccer. I actually enjoy watching the game, especially when even a novice can see it's being played at a high level. And while I didn't play the sport as a kid, I also didn't drive open wheel racecars back then either. So that's not enough to prevent me from being a fan. Similarly, even though I tend to prefer higher scoring affairs than those frequently ending in "nil-nil" ties, I am also able to enjoy stock cars making one big left turn for 500 miles. So I'm capable of dealing with the lack of goals scored as well.

I think the biggest problem with soccer in America is simply that it's not cool. You can't tune in to ESPN and watch highlights at any given moment. There are no commericals, so that means no built-in breaks for beer runs to the fridge. You can't talk smack with your friends about whose team is going to win it all without sounding like a total wuss. And although you are able to watch the game on a professional level in certain American cities with the creation of the MLS, our overall access to the pro game is still very limited. Afterall, top players typically venture overseas for their best opportunities to earn a living playing the game they love. Apart from all that, soccer rocks!

Let's get back to the match at hand. The US squad flat-out sucked in its World Cup opener against the Czech Republic. While we weren't expected to win, the US was expected to play worthy of its 5th in the world ranking. Instead, they lost 3-0 and never came close to scoring a goal, no less winning the game. Now the US faces a do-or-die match against Italy. While a tie might keep alive a slim hope of advancing into the 2nd round, a loss to Italy would assure the US of an early exit. We've heard big things over the years about guys like Claudio Reyna, Brian McBride, and Kasey Keller. But since most of us don't watch the English Premier League or German Bundesliga, now is the time for us to see something big from them as well. Expect coach Bruce Arena to shuffle his lineup after being especially critical of his squad follwing Monday's loss. Let's hope even an amateur can notice more spring in the Americans' steps as they run around the pitch for 90 minutes today.

Here's some extra motivation. From ESPN.com: "Of three Italian players asked what they knew about the American team, only Andrea Pirlo was able to name a single member of the US squad. 'I don't known much about the players who don't play in Europe but we will watch some videos,' added the Italian midfielder."

My pick: United States. Yes, a total homer pick. There's no legitimate reason to think America can compete with a powerhouse like Italy on the World Cup stage with so much at stake. But Bruce Arena's team should be desperate and maybe we're due as a nation for another Miracle on Ice type moment.

So that's what I'll be watching today - Will this be the first US win over a European team in World Cup play since 1934 or will it eliminate the Yanks from a World Cup tournament yet again?



Who will you be watching? The United States attempting to do the improbable? Or are you like this girl and just want to tell Italy to kiss this?