Serbia & Monte-who?

Argentian made short work of the Europeans and sent them home with a decisivie 6-0 victory in Gelsenkirchen. That sits Argentia squarely at the top of Group C and forces Ivory Coast into a must-get-a-point situation against the Netherlands. Any result that gets the IC a point could salvage their World Cup hopes, but a loss will truly shatter them. **UPDATE** Currently, it's the break of the Netherlands, Ivory Coast match in Stuttgart and the Netherlands have a slim lead. It's 2-1 to the Dutch in a thrilling encounter. Robie Van Persie, the Arsenal man bagged one for the Dutch on the 23rd minute. His EPL counterpart Ruud van Nistelrooy netted on 27 minutes to give Holland a 2-0 lead. However, on the 38th minute, Kone scored for the Ivory Coast and that's how the teams left it at the break.

**UPDATE** and the final is in. Ivory Coast, with Serbia & Montenegro are going home. A very brave, classy display notwithstanding, the Netherlands simply were the better team on the day and on the pitch. No goals in the second half, and the game ended as it did at the break; 2-1 to the Dutch. Ivory Coast should be proud of their performances and can enter their last match against S&M with their heads held high. One more match for the day. It's Mexico v Angola in Hanover. Angola must win or draw to have hopes of advancement. A loss will see them going the way of the Ivory Coast. See you in 50 minutes for kick-off.

**UPDATED** Good Read The final match of the day is 10 minutes away. Will Mexico secure their passage into the second round, or will Angola come out swinging and knock the Mexicans off their unearned pedestal? The Angola keeper, Joao Ricardo thinks that "even thought it was a defeat [against Portugal]...we will be a little more ambitious, a little more positive" in this upcoming game. At the same time, it's being reported that Jared Borgetti, the record goalscorer for Mexico will not feature in this game having suffered an injury against Iran. It looks to be a good game, and frankly, I'm pulling for the African nation, Angola. We've seen one already knocked out (Ivory Coast), I'd love to see Angola go through.

**UPDATE** 20 minutes into the match and already Mexico is stamping their intentions all over the match. Nearly 85% of the game has been played in the Angolan half of the pitch and the Mexicans have had 3 must-be-stopped shots on the Angolan net. Ricardo has thus far been up to the task of keeping the ball out of his bag, but the frustration is mounting.

**UPDATE** It's half-time in Hanover and despite the Mexican team's early urgings, Angola has refused to cave. In fact, toward the end of the first half, it was the African team that was pushing the buttons and making things click. They just edge Mexico in possession at 52% & in corners with 3 to 0. However, they also edge Mexico in Yellow Cards with 3. They better be careful in this second half if they want any chance at all. **UPDATE** and the match has ended with Angola keeping their World Cup hopes very much alive. A nil-nil draw still leaves Group D wide open. Late pressure by the Mexican national left the Angolans grasping and gasping, but they hung on and forced a vital point out of the match. Well done then to the African nation, Angola. Talk to you tomorrow. Until then, Wastrel On! (Listening to: The Knack & Megan Rochell & UB40 &Dance Hall Crashers & Paul van Dyk & Bing Crosby)

Ecuador on the March

The first game this morning is also the first wholly South American match of this tournament. Costa Rica, who must win, play Ecuador who already have a win having stunned Poland on the opening day of the competition. At the half, Ecuador has a 1-0 lead and look to advance to the second round in only their second world cup. If Ecuador go on to win the game, the Poland v Costa Rica game becomes nothing more than an International Friendly and an attempt to save face. Tenorio scored for Ecuador on the 8th minute (it seems that the first goal in so many of these games is either coming very early or very late, doesn't it?). They can sit back and defend heavily against a Costa Rican team who only managed 4 shots in their entire first game against Germany. I'll be back with more after the game. **UPDATED** Well, and that is that, Poland & Germany go through while Costa Rica & Poland go home. With 2 losses by the P & CR, there is just simply no mathematical possibility that they will advance out of this round. Ecuador, handed the Costa Ricans their collective arse on a platter. Tenorio scored early in the game as I mentioned earlier allowing them to walk into the locker rooms at the break as the leaders. This effectively sapped the Costa Rican morale which was destroyed as Delgado dropped one into the net on 54 minutes. From that point on it was simply damage control for the Costa Rican's and they did a poor job at that, allowing yet a third goal into the bag in the final spasms of the match. Ecuador go through with a 3-nil win. Still one more match for each of these teams in Group A, though. For Poland & Costa Rica as I mentioned, it's merely a consolation match to save face. For Ecuador & Germany, however, there is still a spot to play for. The winner of the this group will play the Runner-Up of Group B, while the Runner-Up will play the winner of Group B. Lots of drama still to come. We have England taking on the tenacious Trinidad & Tobago followed by the Swedes trying for some points against Paraguay. Stay tuned. **UPDATED** We've half an hour before the England game and the team news is starting to trickle in. Neville is definitely out with a calf-strain which allows the far better Carragher to get his foot on the pitch. Should have started this way in my opinion. Rooney has been declared match-fit, but will be starting on the bench. So, it's looking like we'll be playing Robinson, Carragher, Terry, Ferdinand, A. Cole, Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard, J. Cole, Owen & Crouch from the whistle. On the bench will sit Rooney, Campbell, James, Bridge, Hargreaves, Jenas, Carrick, Lennon, Downing, Carson, Walcott & Neville. On paper, it's a very solid team. Let's see what they can do on the pitch. More to come at the break. **UPDATED** We're only 6 minutes into the match and already England have taken three shots against T&T with two of those shots requiring Shaka Hislop's intervention. It looks like perhaps England have something to prove in this match, and perhaps they'll do just that...prove it. **UPDATED** The game is at the break and England have still not managed to score. The practically own the game and are ahead in most stats: Possession: 61% to 39% Shots: 13 to 4 on Target: 4 to 2 and T&T have acquired 3 yellow cards in the first half, so naturally they're going to emerge with a little more trepidation and less tenacity when the second half begins. However, all they have to do is keep the ball out of the net to wholly embarrass the mighty, mighty Sven and his ducklings. Who'd have imagined 135 minutes into the World Cup that England would not have scored one on their own? Certainly not I. **UPDATED** 72 minutes into the match and still the scoreline sits at a tepid 0-0. England have a little more hunger, now and have strung together some fine moves and stapled 4 shots onto the end of those moves; however, none of the efforts were even close to rattling the cage of T&T. They'll just have to do better than this. Owen & Carragher were replaced at 58 minutes by Rooney & Lennon respectively. Let's see if this cavalry shift does any good. **UPDATED** Well, scupper me and send me to bed with no beer. England have won the game. That useless ponce, Crouch, finally went and did something right and put the little round thing in the big bag behind the opponent's keeper. Imagine that. Peter Crouch, whom I've had little to no faith in has redeemed himself a little bit in my eyes by scoring the first goal for England with only 6 minutes left in the game. And leave it to Stevie to add a little bit of icing to the top of an already delicious treat. On the 91st minute, Crouch & Downing combine to get a cross over to Gerrard who pegs it squarely into the back of the net setting the England fan's beer-bellies all a wobble. T&T tried a quick scare tactic on England by putting one in the net behind Robinson, but alas, it was offside & shan't count. England is through to the second round, no other team in Group B can mathematically oust them from that accomplishment. Well done the three lions then, despite trying to self-destruct. Let's only hope that the next round proves England's prowess a little more, wot? **UPDATE** The final match of the day is underway in Berlin. Sweden take on Paraguay with both teams in hopes of finishing second in the group. Should this game end in a draw, then Sweden will have the onerous task of taking & defeating England in the last game of this round to advance. Both Mellberg & Ljungberg start in the Swedish eleven despite the rumours of locker room bustups happening after the last match. And that's all the pertinent news in the lead-up. We'll speak more at the break. **UPDATE** It's the break of a mediocre game. I suppose the only good thing here is that it rescues us from the tediousness of this match. Even the official was done with it when he called for the break directly on 45 minutes. "Go on, get to your dressing rooms and figure it out. You're boring everyone." seemed to be his sentiment. Paraguay enjoyed a very slim margin of possession at 51%, but Sweden had the greater number of shots, that is to say they had 7 to Paraguay's 6. One yellow card apeice and no red cards thus far. Sweden better pick up the pace in the second half if they don't want to be forced into a MUST win situation against England. Bah. Wastrel on. (Listening to: The Oyster Band & Sloan & R.E.M. & Danny Elfman & Cinder & The Living End)

On the Sixth Day of the World Cup

the football gods gave us: Spain v Ukraine Tunisia v Saudi Arabia Germany v Poland. Spain v Ukraine is on right now and at the break, Spain is up 2-nil on two set piece goals. Ukraine were the first team to qualify for the tournament even through a very tough qualifying group that included both Greece & Turkey. So, we were expecting a great game, but instead in the first half the Ukraine have just rolled over to get their bellies scratched. The seem completely lost & befuddled as though they really are playing outside their depth. On the other hand, Spain under the tutelage of that bigoted bag of windAragones, are playing a complete game of football. Their offence is starting at the back and moving forward while their defence includes every person on the pitch. They're doing a brilliant job of contianing & dictating. We'll wait to see what the second half brings for Spain, who have the longest unbeaten streak in World Cup history and for the Ukraine who are playing in their first World Cup ever. **UPDATE** the first game of the day is over. and, although the result is not surprising, the scoreline is at 4-nil to the Spanish. I'd have truly counted on the Ukrainians to make a better show of it then they did. This being their first World Cup ever, they have a lot to prove. Perhaps they can rise to their level against the Saudi Arabia team in 5 days. I'll be reporting back on SA v Tunisia after it starts. **UPDATE** It's half time in the Tunisia/Saudi Arabia derby and the Tunisians have a 1 goal advantage. The Tunisian coach Lumerre believes wholeheartedly in his team saying that this is the "third consecutive World Cup and the team has to go through. They have every right to expect to be among the 16 best nations in the world." Let's see if his players have as much faith as the coach. The star striker for Tunisia, Santos, is out with a shin injury (shin injury?) and will not feature in this first match at all. He hopes (needs!) to be fit for the second match against Spain on the 19th of June. Saudi Arabia is playing now in their 4th consecutive World Cup and seem fit & ready for the contest. They're hoping to at least equal their efforts in their debut World Cup (USA 1994) where they went through the first round into the second. Time will tell. **UPDATE** We're just a few minutes into the second half and already Saudi Arabia have equalised through an Al-Kahtani goal from a Noor cross. It looks like they're not going to roll over like the poor Ukraine did this morning. No belly-scritching for the Saudis. **UPDATE** What a fascinating game. The Saudis absolutely were not willing to lay down and play dead to their Tunisian counter-parts, so instead on the 84th minute, super-sub Al-Jaber with his first touch on the ball fires one into the net to give the Saudi's the lead. Disappointingly for them, but great for the football nation that loves good drama, the Tunisians just weren't quite ready to give up either. 3 Minutes into overage at the very death of the match, a Jaidi - Jaziri - Jaidi pinball game ends with the ball in the back of the SA net. Magnificent play by both teams earned them both an important point in this critical match. So, with 2 matches having been played in all groups, the tables look like this: Group A Germany 3 Ecuador 3 Costa Rica 0 Poland 0 Group B England 3 Trinidad & Tobago 1 Sweden 1 Paraguay 0 Group C Argentina 3 Netherlands 3 Ivory Coast 0 Serbia & Montenegro 0 Group D Mexico 3 Portugal 3 Angola 0 Iran 0 Group E Czech Republic 3 Italy 3 Ghana 0 USA 0 Group F Australia 3 Brazil 3 Croatia 0 Japan 0 Group G South Korea 3 France 1 Switzerland 1 Togo 0 Group H Spain 3 Tunisia 1 Saudi Arabia 1 Ukraine 0 One more match left for today. The first match in the second part of round 1. Germany vs Poland in Gelsenkirchen. Kick off is in about 45 minutes. See you then. **UPDATE** Nearly at the break in this must-win game for both teams. Poland must win having suffered an embarassing defeat to Ecuador on the first day of the tournament, while Germany must win so as to avenge the defeat they were given by Poland in WC 2002. That defeat sent them crashing out of the tournament and the Deutsch shall not suffer this to happen again. Still, at this point in the game, it certainly looks as though Poland want it much more than Germany. They're ahead in nearly every stat except the one that counts and there, the two teams are even. It's a nil-nil draw. **UPDATE** It seems that my source for the data I provided above was woefully mistaken. I have since learned that in 85 years of footballing history, Poland have never beat Germany. After lastnight's game the record stands at 13-0-1. Germany's motivation was to keep that streak alive and secure passage through to the next round, which they effectively did. **UPDATE** and more late drama in the final match of the day. Hapless Poland vs home country, Germany in the MotD played to a nil-nil for 92 minutes. Then, finally, the deadlock was broken as super-sub Neuville slotted it home. Soboleski, the Poland mid-fielder recieved a second yellow, creating the fourth red card of the tournament. A quick substitution after that by Germany brought on Neuville and sparked a German renaissance. Prior to the sub, the teams were equal on Shots on Goal, but extreme pressure from the host nation for the last 15 minuts of the match was always going to cause tears for the Poland camp. In those last 15 minutes, Germany racked up 13 shots on goal with 8 of them requiring player intervention to prevent the net from shaking. Truly, at this stage, Poland will go home while Germany advances. That's that for the day, folks. More to come tomorrow. Wastrel On. (Currently listening to: Elan & Elvis Presley & Sloan & Marty Robbins)

Day 5 of the World Cup

A new day, and three new matches. One of today's matches, out of Group F, is one of the most highly anticipated matches in the early stages of this tournament. We'll finally see Brazil's team as they square up against Croatia who are dark horse contenders themselves. The other two matches are the first two from Group G. Playing right now are Togo & South Korea where Togo took a shock early lead through a brilliant goal by Mohamed at the 31st minute. The half ended with Togo taking a 1-nil lead into the break; however, SK came out swinging and levelled on 54 minutes through Lee. And, sadly, the second red card of the tournament was issued today to Togo player Abalo. Perhaps we'll see another example of tenacious defending as Togo plays SK to a draw with only 10 minutes. The second game in Group G is France/Switzerland. France has revealed that they will be going with a loan striker up top in the form of Thierry Henry, but nothing else has come to light yet. Guess we'll see in a few hours. I will not be posting my prognostications here. I will, instead only post results. For surely, I harmed those poor teams yesterday. :-) **UPDATE** South Korea completed their second half antics with substitute Ahn Jung-hwan goal on the 72nd minute. Hapless, 10-man Togo couldn't stop them and have lost their first World Cup game ever 2-1. However, I think they made the most of it, and shocked not only S. Korea but the football-world by scoring first. On a side-note, there are four (4) African Nations that are debuting in the World Cup this year. I think that speaks volumes for the character of the nations involved. Togo, Angola, Ghana & Ivory Coast all have teams in the World Cup for the first time ever. Cheers to you, boys! **UPDATE** It's mid-way through the France/Switzerland match in Stuttgart and the scoreline sits at nil-nil. It's hot & humid and Arsenal's Thierry Henry keeps getting shut down by Arsenal's Phillippe Senderos. I guess the young Swiss defender is really coming into his own these days. More later as the match finalises draws to a conclusion. Somewhat surprisingly, this game finished the same way it started, 0-0. One wonders where the French of 1998 have gone and why they were incapable of scoring against a technically inferior Switzerland. France is going to feel hard-done by, but what can be done? The Swiss national team took the game seriously and secured a very important point from the draw. At this stage, who'd have guessed that S. Korea would sit alone at the top of Group G? Up next is Brazil v Croatia. I'll keep us posted. **UPDATE** Well, it took 43 minutes to happen but one second of pure Brazilian brilliance has Brazil over Croatia 1-nil. A superb 20 metre strike by Kaka has placed the defending champions and overwhelming favourites on top of the match...for the moment. **UPDATE** The South Americans did indeed hold onto a slim 1-nil margin for the remainder of the game and have emerged the winners. This sits them on top of the table next to Argentia, but below them in terms of Goal Differential which could very well play a decisive factor in this group. It remains to be seen, but it's my opinion that Brazil did enough, just enough, to win the match; and some of their play made it seem as though they'd have been just fine with a draw. Perhaps Brazil won't come out on top when all the games have been shook out after all. Three more games tomorrow including the much-anticipated Germany/Poland match. See you then. In the meantime, Wastrel On!

Australia gets it done

Boy are my prognostications being put to the test today. First, Japan surrendered a 1-nil lead in the final throes of the match to an on-fire Tim Cahill who scored a brace in the last 6 minutes of the match. With a third coming from John Aloisi in the dying gasp of the match. and now, with only 5 minutes gone in the US/Czech Republic game, the United States are down 1 goal and a states defender has already received a yellow card. This does not bode well. **UPDATE** Perhaps I shall no longer publish my predictions, but instead simply gloat or cry quietly when they come true or fail to do so. The United States are down 2-nil at the break. A massive uphill battle for the team if they want to come out of this table unscathed. Come on the boys. **UPDATE** How utterly embarassing. The first US national team with half a chance and their arses get handed to them. The Czech Repbulic beat the US soundly by the difference in their FIFA rankings. Czech Republic is ranked 2nd in the world right behind Brazil while the USA is ranked 5th. Now, if we can only beat Ghana & Italy by the difference in our FIFA rankings, all will be set right in the world. You see, Ghana is ranked 48th while Italy is ranked 13th. Yes, I'd like to see those scorelines. One more game today with Italy taking on Ghana. I'm zero & two on my predictions for the day, so let's see what Ghana can do to poor Italy. **UPDATE** 1-nil to the Azurri at the half. Although Ghana have been pressing forward and forcing Italy to play a bit of scramble-ball. A quite entertaining first half. More to come. Wastrel On.

6 matches on the weekend

and I'm infused with footy. I managed to watch all 6 games over the weekend and also snuck in the two from Friday. It was glorious. England vs Paraguay was vastly disappointing with England being very flat & lackluster. If this is the best team that England have had in years, thus their best chance at a title, I'm a little (no, a lot) worried. The only reason that England won the game is that Paraguay was even more disappointing than England in terms of pace, depth & skill. Never in the history of the World Cup has a 1-Nil game been decided by an own goal. It’s quite the inauspicious start for the England hopefuls if you ask me. However, they do sit atop the group table because of an impressive Trinidad & Tobago. Now, talk about an entertaining game. This game is one that flies fast in the face of the American view of a good game. No goals! And yes, Americans are that shallow. However, this game was the most spirited & most entertaining game of the weekend. The Swedes, heavy favourites going in, were never able to break down a tenacious & aggressive T&T backline. Freddie Ljungberg (of Arsenal) gave it 110% through the entire game and really worried the outside fullbacks for T&T, but could never quite wear them down. The fact that T&T went down to 10 men on a spurious call from the official only 1 minute into the second half and still held the offensively driven Swedes to a goalless draw is just absolutely brilliant. If they do that to England as well, *heh*, we'll see won't we; but that game’s not until the 15th of June, so England has a bit of time to work up a decent game plan. Group C featured Argentina playing the Ivory Coast & Serbia & Montenegro playing Holland. In both games I wished desperately for the Orange to triumph. In the first game, Argentina vs. Ivory Coast, I was pulling for IC for two reasons. First, I detest Argentina and all their arrogance. Second, there are two Arsenal players on the IC team, and I always want Gunners to do well, whatever their nationality might be. So, sadly, the IC did not win, but they made a good show ad it was an entertaining match. Argentina won 2-1. In the other game, the Netherlands vs. S&M, I always pull for Holland. I have fond memories of Holland from my youth, so they always rate high on my list. They played an enjoyable-to-watch match and came out the winners 1-Nil over a rather hapless Serbia & Montenegro. And finally we move on to Group D where Mexico entertained Iran to the tune of 3-1 and Portugal only just beat Angola 1-Nil. I had counted on Mexico to beat Iran, but had hoped otherwise seeing as how I truly believe that Mexico need to be knocked back a peg or ten because of their amazingly arrogant attitude at the moment. Portugal, however, I expected to leave Angola in the dust. That did not happen; instead Angola pushed & prodded and produced a fine product in a massive fun-to-watch match. This was my favourite game of the weekend, and well worth watching again & again. So, at the end of three days, the groups look like this: Group A: Germany 3 Ecuador 3 (shock!) Costa Rica 0 Poland 0 Group B England 3 (luck) T&T 1 Sweden 1 Paraguay 1 Group C Argentina 3 Netherlands 3 Cote d'Ivoir 0 S&M 0 Group D Mexico 3 Portugal 3 Angola 0 Iran 0 Today we have 2 games from Group E and one game from Group F USA/Czech Republic (E) Italy/Ghana (E) Australia/Japan (F) USA, Italy & Japan will win these games. In the meantime, Wastrel On! (Listening to See What Tomorrow Brings by the Arc Angels)

A Dream Start for Ecuador

Ecuador lead, starlingly over Poland by 1-nil on the 24th minute. A glorious throw by de La Cruz was flicked on by Delgado to the backpost where Tenorio places it gently in the net. It's a funny ol' game isn't it? Delgado had another opportunity on 28 minutes but failed to score. It's nearly the halfway point and anything can happen, but it looks like Ecuador will be walking to the locker room as the unlikely leaders. **Updated** It's half-time, and Ecuador are indeed leading a struggling Poland 1-nil on the strength of a Tenorio goal. **Updated** And that's the final whistle, Ecuador have taken a very precious three points from Poland in the second game of the competition. How many more surprises will we see? Poland mounted a very late high-pressure attack, but only succeeded in striking the woodwork twice in the final four (4) minutes. Wastrel On!

the World Cup Begins

The first game of the 2006 World Cup has finished. It was always going to be a tough game for the valiant Costa Rica, but the expected victors emerged on top. However, the home crowd was given quite a scare by their national team. Germany went up 1-nil within the first 6 or so minutes of the game; but it wasn't long before Paulo Wanchope managed to equalise. Germany's defence seemed rooted as Wanchope scooped up a through pass and slotted it in behind Lehmann. My, but the stadium was shocked and rightfully so. Were I a betting man, I'd have placed money on a clean sheet by Lehmann in this first match. Good thing I'm not much of a gambler. Prior to the break, however, Germany did manage to score a second to give them a 2-1 advantage heading into the locker rooms. Emerging, Costa Rica took the game to the midfield and tried to eliminate the massive possession that Germany enjoyed in the first half. That didn't last overlong as Germany went up 3-1 and Costa Rica had go on the offensive. Paulo Wanchope to the rescue; Costa Rica had but 1 shot and 1 goal to this point, so Wanchope decided to try his hand at a second shot and scored again. 3-2, and who'd have predicted this scoreline?! With 3 minutes left in the game, Germany managed a 4th goal to leave the valiant Costa Rica on the floor, but pleased by their efforts. The stadium, as expected, roared their approval for the team. Six goals in the first game? I think we may be in for a cracker of a tournament. Wastrel On!

A Madness Descends

Once every four years, a madness grips the world in such a fervor that countries close down, enemies embrace and the world very nearly stops turning as collectively people across the world hold their breath. I'm not talking ofthe Olympics, no nothing nearly as pedestrian as that. I'm referring to that sporting event of all sporting events, the World Cup! This year, the event is being held in Germany, a place dear to my heart and only real-world woes & facts prevented my presence. I will have to content myself with watching the woeful coverage as presented by ESPN, ESPN2 & ABC (please may the football gods smile on us and let ESPN broadcast the finals!). I have put together a comprensive list of all the matches here for your use. I've also added in the network that will be televising that match in the U.S. So for your pleasure, knowledge & use, here is a table of some of the best football matches you're ever likely to see.

Wastrel On and Come On the Lions!

(oh, and an addendum now: I'm a programmer by trade and that does include web-design. So, by habit, I write well-structured, man-readable code (HTML in this case). This piece of shit's Blogger programmers have apparently decided that no one is as smart as they are so have added functions to their Publish procedure that inserts a <br /> every time it encounters a line break...even when you're in Edit HTML mode. Chrissus, this table has a lot of structured HTML in it, which means a lot of line-breaks. It just took me nearly three times as long to unstructure my HTML as it did to build the damn thing in the first place. My happy affair with blogger is currently not very happy.So, if you find yourself in a situation where blogger has inserted a shit load of space between your text & your table, it's because of this little feller right here...the innocuous <br />. You'll need to rewrite your code so that there are no line-breaks at all. Cheeky bastard)

Match #	Date/Time	Group	Nation	v	Nation	Venue	TV
Match 1	Jun 9 12:00 ET	A	Germany	v	Costa Rica	Munich	ESPN2
Match 2	Jun 9 15:00 ET	A	Poland	v	Ecuador	Gelsenkirchen	ESPN2
Match 3	Jun 10 09:00 ET	B	England	v	Paraguay	Frankfurt	ABC
Match 4	Jun 10 12:00 ET	B	Trinidad & Tobago	v	Sweden	Dortmund	ABC
Match 5	Jun 10 15:00 ET	C	Argentina	v	Ivory Coast	Hamburg	ESPN2
Match 6	Jun 11 09:00 ET	C	Serbia & Montenegro	v	Netherlands	Leipzig	ESPN2
Match 7	Jun 11 12:00 ET	D	Mexico	v	Iran	Nuremburg	ABC
Match 8	Jun 11 15:00 ET	D	Angola	v	Portugal	Cologne	ESPN2
Match 9	Jun 12 15:00 ET	E	Italy	v	Ghana	Hanover	ESPN2
Match 10	Jun 12 12:00 ET	E	United States	v	Czech Republic	Gelsenkirchen	ESPN2
Match 11	Jun 13 15:00 ET	F	Brazil	v	Croatia	Berlin	ESPN2
Match 12	Jun 12 09:00 ET	F	Australia	v	Japan	Kaiserslautern	ESPN2
Match 13	Jun 13 12:00 ET	G	France	v	Switzerland	Stuttgart	ESPN2
Match 14	Jun 13 09:00 ET	G	South Korea	v	Togo	Frankfurt	ESPN2
Match 15	Jun 14 09:00 ET	H	Spain	v	Ukraine	Leipzig	ESPN2
Match 16	Jun 14 12:00 ET	H	Tunisia	v	Saudi Arabia	Munich	ESPN2
Match 17	Jun 14 15:00 ET	A	Germany	v	Poland	Dortmund	ESPN2
Match 18	Jun 15 09:00 ET	A	Ecuador	v	Costa Rica	Hamburg	ESPN2
Match 19	Jun 15 12:00 ET	B	England	v	Trinidad & Tobago	Nuremburg	ESPN2
Match 20	Jun 15 15:00 ET	B	Sweden	v	Paraguay	Berlin	ESPN
Match 21	Jun 16 09:00 ET	C	Argentina	v	Serbia & Montenegro	Gelsenkirchen	ESPN2
Match 22	Jun 16 12:00 ET	C	Netherlands	v	Ivory Coast	Stuttgart	ESPN2
Match 23	Jun 16 15:00 ET	D	Mexico	v	Angola	Hanover	ESPN
Match 24	Jun 17 09:00 ET	D	Portugal	v	Iran	Frankfurt	ESPN2
Match 25	Jun 17 15:00 ET	E	Italy	v	United States	Kaiserslautern	ABC
Match 26	Jun 17 12:00 ET	E	Ghana	v	Czech Republic	Cologne	ABC
Match 27	Jun 18 12:00 ET	F	Brazil	v	Australia	Munich	ABC
Match 28	Jun 18 09:00 ET	F	Japan	v	Croatia	Nuremburg	ABC
Match 29	Jun 18 15:00 ET	G	France	v	South Korea	Leipzig	ABC
Match 30	Jun 19 09:00 ET	G	Togo	v	Switzerland	Dortmund	ESPN2
Match 31	Jun 19 15:00 ET	H	Spain	v	Tunisia	Stuttgart	ESPN2
Match 32	Jun 19 12:00 ET	H	Saudi Arabia	v	Ukraine	Hamburg	ESPN2
Match 33	Jun 20 10:00 ET	A	Ecuador	v	Germany	Berlin	ESPN
Match 34	Jun 20 10:00 ET	A	Costa Rica	v	Poland	Hanover	ESPN2
Match 35	Jun 20 15:00 ET	B	Sweden	v	England	Cologne	ESPN
Match 36	Jun 20 15:00 ET	B	Paraguay	v	Trinidad & Tobago	Kaiserslautern	ESPN2
Match 37	Jun 21 15:00 ET	C	Netherlands	v	Argentina	Frankfurt	ESPN
Match 38	Jun 21 15:00 ET	C	Ivory Coast	v	Serbia & Montenegro	Munich	ESPN2
Match 39	Jun 21 10:00 ET	D	Portugal	v	Mexico	Gelsenkirchen	ESPN
Match 40	Jun 21 10:00 ET	D	Iran	v	Angola	Leipzig	ESPN2
Match 41	Jun 22 10:00 ET	E	Czech Republic	v	Italy	Hamburg	ESPN2
Match 42	Jun 22 10:00 ET	E	Ghana	v	United States	Nuremburg	ESPN
Match 43	Jun 22 15:00 ET	F	Japan	v	Brazil	Dortmund	ESPN
Match 44	Jun 22 15:00 ET	F	Croatia	v	Australia	Stuttgart	ESPN2
Match 45	Jun 23 15:00 ET	G	Togo	v	France	Cologne	ESPN
Match 46	Jun 23 15:00 ET	G	Switzerland	v	South Korea	Hanover	ESPN2
Match 47	Jun 23 10:00 ET	H	Saudi Arabia	v	Spain	Kaiserslautern	ESPN
Match 48	Jun 23 10:00 ET	H	Ukraine	v	Tunisia	Berlin	ESPN2
Match 49	Jun 24 11:00 ET	1	Winner A	v	Runner-Up B	Munich	TBD
Match 50	Jun 24 15:00 ET	2	Winner C	v	Runner-Up D	Leipzig	TBD
Match 51	Jun 25 11:00 ET	3	Winner B	v	Runner-Up A	Stuttgart	TBD
Match 52	Jun 25 15:00 ET	4	Winner D	v	Runner-Up C	Nuremburg	TBD
Match 53	Jun 26 11:00 ET	5	Winner E	v	Runner-Up F	Kaiserslautern	TBD
Match 54	Jun 26 15:00 ET	6	Winner G	v	Runner-Up H	Cologne	TBD
Match 55	Jun 27 11:00 ET	7	Winner F	v	Runner-Up E	Dortmund	TBD
Match 56	Jun 27 15:00 ET	8	Winner H	v	Runner-Up G	Hanover	TBD
Match 57	Jun 30 11:00 ET	I	Winner Match 1	v	Winner Match 2	Berlin	TBD
Match 58	Jun 30 15:00 ET	II	Winner Match 5	v	Winner Match 6	Hamburg	TBD
Match 59	Jul 1 11:00 ET	III	Winner Match 3	v	Winner Match 4	Gelsenkirchen	TBD
Match 60	Jul 1 15:00 ET	IV	Winner Match 7	v	Winner Match 8	Frankfurt	TBD
Match 61	Jul 4 15:00 ET	a	Winner Match I	v	Winner Match II	Dortmund	TBD
Match 62	Jul 5 15:00 ET	b	Winner Match III	v	Winner Match IV	Munich	TBD
Match 63	Jul 8 15:00 ET		Loser Match a	v	Loser Match b	Stuttgart	TBD
Match 64	Jul 9 14:00 ET		Winner Match a	v	Winner Match b	Berlin	TBD

Silhouette of Glamis Castle

Well, I just read Flickr ToS (Terms of Service) and it seems as though I've been cocking it up for over a year. I should be doing this: , rather than just posting the picture as I have been doing. Bad Kyle! So that's that. That huge balding gorilla, Kahn, has thrown in with Lehmann over in the German goalmouth providing all the support he hasn't provided in years. (Read) while the German camp itself has claimed that they are delighted to have Lehmann in the net. If England can't win, and the USA can't win, I'm all for Germany. Or more to the point, I'm for Lehmann and very not for Brazil who currently sit as the bookies odds-on. Inter seem, for some weird reason, to be interested in Sol. Which, as far as I'm concerned is a great thing as we'll then be able to get that monstrosity off of our books and replace him with competance & maturity. While that drama is beginning it looks like ManU(re) have kicked up some interest in Vieira. Wouldn't that be odd! (Read) Finally, congratulations to wunderkind Theo Walcott for becoming the youngest player to cap for England, breaking Rooney's record by some few days (36 to be exact). And chrissus, but the kid's not even played a Premiership game yet. Can he cope with the pressure of the world stage? And if he does so successfully, what sort of massive ego is that child going to have coming out of it. Here's hoping that Wenger, who claims to be excited for next season already, does a better job of managing Theo than that old Scottish Fart,Ferguson did with Rooney. Right. Well that's that. Day's done and I'm gonna have a beer. Wastrel On! (Listening to Dance Hall At Louse Point by PJ Harvey)

It's done. A long-time dream turned nightmare then joyful reality has finished it's inaugural, if quite difficult, season at Scarborough Faire. For many years, I have been enamoured of games; games of all sorts, types, styles, genres & methodologies have called to me, beckoned me, even controlled me. Now, I control them under the guise of East Wind Games. Through this mask I have donned I call upon the histories of the world and produce from them the games of antiquity for the modern sensibility. A difficult task to be sure, and one not undertaken lightly. In all reality, I wasn't even sure I could do it. However, with the amazing love & support of my family & friends (one in the same in many instances), I prevailed & have emerged from the ashes of the first season not only unscathed but in essence reborn. The value I place on these individuals and groups for getting me through (sometimes pushing me through) this first season is immense, invaluable and completely beyond any and all efforts of repayment. I cannot thank them enough, pay them enough or love them enough for their support. To my wonderful "staff" of Curtis, Mary, Bethany, Ken & Mary and to the pre-faire workers Rick, Starr, Terrill, Anna & Donny my undying gratitude, thanks and love. To my new found friends in the Blazing Sun, I'm proud to be counted in your ranks and hope to never give cause for regret. You will forever be welcomed at East Wind Games. The ladies of Queen Anne's Lace & the Nuns of Hey Nunnie, Nunnie deserve especial thanks for always providing entertainment on the nearby stage and for keeping me company during periods of non-patron boredom. Those delightfully beautiful and kind tarts, Iris & Rose who stopped by daily for hugs, kisses & whisky; thank you very much! To Clay & Frank and their fantastic photos which I have grabbed for my own use, my hat's off to your talent & selflessness. To David for his unmitigated belief and ability to help, I really couldn't have done it without you! To all those whom I have not mentioned, my apologies but more importantly my sincere gratitude for believing in me, supporting me and at times consoling me. Lastly to Marita Beth who truly did push & goad me into this endeavour my undying, unmitigated love & thanks. Sure, she forced my hand by making the decision for me, and for a time it was tense. However, her foresight, her talent & her managerial skills have resulted in a business model that is at once innovative & forward thinking while pulling on the lessons of history. She is the impetus, the catalyst, indeed the soul of East Wind Games. So now, we look to the off-season. We look to the creation & establishment of new products & product lines. We look to capitalize on the existence of the internet and push eastwindgames.com into the public awareness for continued success. Our heads no longer down straining against a perceived yoke, we have shed the ties that bound us and step forward proudly and un-shackled knowing that we shall only be re-shackled by our own choice. East Wind Games is alive and I thank every single one of your for your part in its success. With love, Ludo Ergo Sum Kyle

Paisley Abbey

WEll, two things happened almost simulatenously. First, I ran out of time with which to write in this venue. Secondly, and probably more important, our trip was over. My last entry was from the night before our departure wherein we spent the day & evening in Soho. I don't like to dwell overmuch on negatives (although I expect certain friends of mine may say otherwise) so I shan't mention our final day in London; nor shall I discuss how very ill I was on the omnibus ride to the airport; nor shall I talk to just how badly I didn't want to leave. Instead, I shall simply start over. Above is one of the first photos I posted on this travelogue. At the time I was linking to my account on that evil, evil service. However, I have cleaned the photo a little and it now resides at Flickr in my Trip2Scotland photoset. Much better. I have nothing more to add to what I wrote earlier, except perhaps that I really want to return....and soon. So, that's that then. Still no time, really, but there it is. Wastrel On! (Listening to: I've Been in Love Before by Cutting Crew)

Palladium by Night

By this time of the day, I was well & truly besotted. Marita Beth had done her fair share of shopping while I did my share of ale-drinking during the day; then we went to the theatre. The Palladium theatre was showing the final run of the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and we went. Of course, what's a theatre-event without a Manhattan or five, right? So, by the time this photo was taken I was a little bleary-eyed. Truth told, I'm surprised it turned out as well as it did. Our trip to the U.K. was nearly over & I was making every last minute count. Arsenal played Tottenh*m on the weekend and pulled a draw out of their arse at the near-death of the match. Apparently, and I've not seen the match yet, the Tottenham goal was a bit controversial and both sides are screaming for apologies. But in the end, it's our own damn fault that we have to fight so hard for fourth place. Now, all eyes have to look forward to tomorrow's game against Villareal. We take a 1-0 advantage to their home. Unfortunately we do it without Senderos who suffered a knee injury against the Sp*rs. So, we're likely going to have to suffer Sol's presence in the back-four since we have to play a heavily-defensive game. Even the concession of one goal is not advisable in this game. So, come on the boys & let's make it 10 straight clean-sheets in a row. Yah! Wastrel On! (Listening to: Vigo Bay by Minotaur Shock)

The Blue Posts

The Blue Posts is a lovely Pub established sometime in the early-mid 1700's. Apparently there are four Blue Posts in Soho and they mark, or nearly mark, the four corners of what was originally the Soho hunting ground. Of course, now Soho is a hunting ground of a different, less-safe sort. Still, the Blue Posts was charming and low-brow enough to serve this displaced US citizen a much-desired ale. I wiled away a very short time here as my wife shopped for shoes around the corner. I do that a lot when we travel; waste time in a pub while my wife shops. It seems to work. Arsenal play T*ttenham tomorrow in what is likely the most important derby in several decades. An Arsenal loss will most certainly mean that 4th place, and thus a secured Champion's League spot, remains just out of reach. While a win won't necessarily mean we have taken 4th, it will go a long way toward securing it. Of course, even if we don't get the 4th place but manage to somehow win the Champion's League then the Sp*rs will slide on down to UEFA Cup anyway. So come on the boys, one way or t'other. Leaving the office now, headed to the Ft. Worth Main Street Arts Festival. A yearly sojourn into Sundance Square to see what's on the offering from artists the world over. Some years there's great stuff, some years not so much. That's that for all that! Wastrel On! (Listening to: Foggy Mountain Breakdown by Earl Scruggs & Friends)