Let's hear it for Ghana!!

Wow. G. and I just finished watching the Ghana/Czech Republic game. What an upset! The Ghana win makes the rest of Group E's games very interesting. This game reinforces the idea that anything can happen in the World Cup, especially when underdog teams like Ghana take on a team like the Czechs. The Ghana win inspires hope for the upcoming US/Italy game. Sure, the US were in a coma in the game against the Czechs, but an underdog can beat a powerhouse. It won't be easy. The Italians are expert players, they are fast, defensive, aggressive and they are in the running for The Best Soccer Hair Ever. For a greater understanding of how important soccer hair is to a team's success, see this article Bleach It Like Beckham. (Argentina has great hair, too. Related to their success, Hmm???)

Before the World Cup, I couldn't watch two soccer games in a row. Of course, those games were from the Mexican soccer league, so the excitement and skill level was a little low (no offense). Since the World Cup started, I've been watching as many games as possible. There is so much to see and study and follow, no matter what teams are playing. And you see such beautiful, graceful moves. It is the Beautiful Game, no doubt. Just watch highlights of the Argentine goals against Serbia & Montenegro. Especially the pass backward (technical term????) that resulted in a goal. Yesterday, G. and I saw repeats of that backward pass at yesterday's El Paso Patriots game.

I haven't decided which team I want to move past the next round of 16 yet. I want the US to play an awesome game, of course, and would like to see Mexico pick up the pace, too. I want the American non-soccer-watching public to appreciate the US team's efforts in such a competitive, pressure situation. Whatever the case, the US/Italy game will be another opportunity to watch some amazing plays. I'm so excited!!!

Here's a great blog from a soccer expert/reporter, Roger Cohen, The Beautiful Game.