Match Day 3 for the US

and a must win game for the national team. Should the US fail to win, they will be coming home. Not as disgraced as the 1998 tournament, but certainly not pleased; and in so doing will deal yet another blow to the football movement in the US. Thus, I am rooting very hard for the United States, not so much because I was born here and live here, but because I want football to be a success here. Because Americans hate a loser, we have to win. But, sadly, just a win won't do it unless we beat Ghana by more than 4 goals which I truthfully don't see happening as we have yet to score even a single goal in this tournament. So, I'm really hoping that Italy smack the Czech Republic about a bit and emerge the winners in that game. An Italy win combined with a US win will see the US through to the round of 16. Later in the day we'll see Japan host Brazil and Croatia play Australia. Brazil are definitely going through, but the other spot is still open and any team can take it. The first games have started and the US have come out in a very interesting 4-3-3 formation. Without Mastroeni & Pope, the midfield has had to be shuffled about a bit, and it looks like Reyna will be playing a deep holding role allowing McBride, Donovan and Lewis to surge forward. Goals are a must and it looks like we're trying to take the game to Ghana. Ghana, for their part, are without their only goal-scorers through yellow-card suspension. Not usually a vocal member of Sam's Army, I am today for the sake of football in this decidedly non-football nation. Come on the boys! **UPDATE** I'm at work, reading the games on Eurosport, but not actually watching them. I do, however, record them and watch them when I get home. However, my wife is at home (she works from home) and today when the TV switched channels to record the USA/Ghana game she ignored it as she always does. But not for long. The drone of millions of voices finally took shape in her ears as the National Anthem of the US. So, she abandoned her morning work to go and view what was really happening. Seeing all the patriotic faces and flags and so many people singing joyously for our team, she decided to take on another task in a room with a TV. She'll be watching this game as it's happening. Colour me jealous. **UPDATE** on 22 minutes it's all gone a bit pear-shaped for the US. Ghana have scored and Reyna is taken off the field on a stretcher. I have no more than that at the moment. on the 26th minute, Italy go up 1-0 over the Czech Republic which means that the US can still go through if they get their act together. Reyna is back on after nearly a full five minutes on the sideline. Hopefully he'll be able to last the game. Sadly, he can't. Claudio Reyna, the experienced centre mid-fielder for the US is coming off in the 40th minute. It's an uphill climb now for the United States. and they SCORE!! It's in the net, it's in the net. Clint Dempsey on the 43rd minute, where are his critics now? But, the offical, not to be outdone awards a penalty to Ghana less than 2 minutes later; and Ghana have the lead 2-1 at the break. Hard done on America having to play against 12 men. Hard done on the Czech Republic, too. If Ghana win, and Italy win then it's the number 2 and the number 5 FIFA-ranked world teams that are headed home while the number 14 & number 48(!) teams advance. Truth be told, if the US don't advance I'm more inclined to hold hope out for a small Ghana nation than for the Czech Republic. The Italy & the Czech Republic game have entered the break at 1-0 to the Italians. **UPDATED** The games have restarted and Ghana are really just toying with the US at this stage. Yet more proof that the FIFA rankings are cocked up. **UPDATED* Twenty minutes (or less) remain in the matches and all signs point to the CR & the US going home. But, it's a funny ol' game and no match is over until it's over. I've watched Liverpool comeback from a 3-0 deficit at halftime to win the game. Anything is possible. It's up the US to regain the plot and the Italians to not lose it. **UPDATED** ye gods what a thrilling group this Group E has been. Perhaps it's not shaking out as I expected, but what the hell that's what footy is all about, wot? Italy have just secured a second goal to almost certainly send the Czech Republich home. Sadly, it appears as though the US will also be going home as they seem rather lost without their talismanic captain, Reyna. and they have...Italy have beaten the Czech Republic in an astonishing 2-0 encounter in Hamburg. Italy are through as the winners of Group E, they'll play the runner-up of Group F on Monday the 26th. The US need the win desperately. They're throwing everything at the ball in a bid to gain two quick last-gasp goals. I fear it's all over for the heroes of Sam's Army and once again the hopes & dreams of soccer fans the nation over will be dashed against the walls of American indifference. The entire nation of Ghana must be going crazy. Who'd have ever thought they'd win a game, much less two and finish second in the group? Intheir first ever World Cup, Ghana will advance out of the first round. They'll have to play the winners of Group F which for all purposes will be Brazil unless Japan shocks the world and beats them later in the day. Fantastic Ghana have won 2-1 in Nuremburg and are through. The USA are going home. At least the USA scored a goal of their own in this game. They've given a sorry account of themselves, this over-hyped, over-paid USA team. But, they'll be back in four years with fresh faces and a fresh look. Time to move forward. Excellent job to the Ghana team spirit and the Italian fortitude. **UPDATE** The second round of matches has just started and Croatia, in a must win situation find themselves the early leaders on the beauty of a 2nd minute goal by Sma. Should Croatia defeat Australia and Brazil defeat Japan then Brazil & Croatia go through to the knock-out round. An Austria/Croatia draw brings it down to goal differential in which Australia currently has the edge. These two groups today, E & F, this is fascinating stuff. So much to play for. **UPDATE** GOAL! In the 35th minute, Tamada opens the scoresheet for Japan leaving Brazil reeling. Japan 1 - Brazil 0! The impossible dream for Japan is on the books, now if they can only hold it. in the other match, Australia are still losing to a resilient Croatian team. It's all up for grabs today, kids. Any of these four teams could advance. **UPDATE** My gosh how I wish i was watching these games instead of just reading them on the Eurosport play-by-play (as good as that is). What fascinating turns have occurred. Both games are going into the break as 1-1 draws. Tim Cahill secured a penalty for Australia which Craig Moore easily converted. That opened the doors for Australia. Ronaldo, for Brazil, headed in a goal from a Cicinho cross. Where are his detractors now? That leveled it for Brazil on the stroke of half. And my but don't we have some drama going on in Germany? **UPDATE** the Japanese dream is slowly fading. They're defending too deep considering that they have to win to advance, and now Brazil has scored a second. Juninho with a 30 yard strike that should have been stopped has instead nestled snugly in the net. It's Brazil's to lose now. In the other match, we're still at 1-1 with neither side taking the necessary risk to open it up. **UPDATE** and it really is all over for Japan now. The game still has 5 minutes in it, but I don't think the poor, Japanese players even know what hit them. Having another team score first has set Brazil on edge and they've just played brilliant, beautiful exhibition football ever since. This the Brazil we've been waiting for, so in some respects, "Thank you, Japan and we're sorry to see you go." The score is 4-1 Brazil in the 85th minute. Brazil have really spread the goals out, too with 1 each coming from Ronaldo, Gilberto (Arsenal man!), Juninho and Ronaldinho. Ghana will certainly have their work cut out for them when they meet on Tuesday the 27th. In the other match, Croatia have stabbed themselves by allowing a second Australian goal in the 78th minute by Harry Kewell and going down to 10 men 8 minutes later (although it could have been/should have been 9 men as one of their players is currently on 2 yellow cards in the match). Croatia need a win to advance while Australia will move forward with this draw. Croatia have less than a minute (plus stoppage time) to pull this one out. And that's that. What amazing stuff. Australia and Brazil go through. Brave, foolish Croatia and Japan are headed home, their World Cup over. The final third day matches are tomorrow. So until then, Wastrel On! (listening to: a Conference call in my office & South Pacific Soundtrack & the Andrew Sisters & Erasure & Talking Heads & Pretenders & Big Country & Naked Eyes & Sonic Youth)

World Cup Day 13

Match Day 3 for Portugal, Mexico, Iran, Angola, Holland, Argentina, Ivory Coast & Serbia & Montenegro. Portugal plays Mexico for group position, while Iran & Angola take on each other. In certain scenarios, Angola can actually leap past Mexico and go through with Portugal, but it requires Portugal to beat Mexico by more than 2 goals and Angola to beat Iran by more than 2 goals. I don't really see either of those happening. So, most likely Angola will be going home, too. Iran was a foregone conclusion. Currently, it's half time in the first matches of the day. Portugal lead Mexico 2-1, while Iran & Angola have played to what I'm sure is a thrilling 0-0 draw. More later. Until then, Wastrel On! (Listening to Paul Simon)

Days 11 & 12

I completely missed day 11, I've not even seen the games, but i do know the results. In a nutshell Switzerland went to town on Togo leaving a disheartened African nation in a 2-0 wake. Next, the Ukraine completely dismantled Saudi Arabia 4-0. What is it with Group H and the 4-0 scorelines? Spain, as the final game of the day and the last game in the second round of the group stages won 3-1 over Tunisia. The Spaniards went into the break a goal down, but then Cesc Fabregas came on in mid-field and revolutionized the game while galvanizing his team-mates. The Arsenal man is quickly becoming a national hero for Spain. At this stage the following teams are definitely going home, even with one more match to play: Costa Rica Poland Paraguay Iran Serbia & Montenegra For the next 4 days, the tournament will host 2 games at a time. These third-day matches are critical quite often, so FIFA wisely refuses to afford any team an advantage by knowing the outcome of the other game in the group. So, Group A plays both games this morning (they're on right now), while Group B plays later in the day. Tomorrow it'll be Groups C & D and so on until the group stages are done. At the moment, Germany is besting Ecuador on a Klose goal in the 4th minute. While Poland & Costa Rica, playing for honours & nothing more, are tied 1-1. This final race to the finish is always one of my favourite parts of the tournament, because for so many teams it's not over until it's over. Unfortunately it means that I will not get to see every match. For the next four days I have to make a decision on which games to watch. Today was easy, I don't need to see Poland play Costa Rica in a nothing game. I do, however, want to watch the Germany/Ecuador game. Other groups are not so easy, like Group E for instance. It's vitally important to see both the Italy/Czech Republic game and the US/Ghana game, but a choice has to be made. I'll tell you which one I choose when it happens. **UPDATE** Group A is complete! Sad Costa Rica went through the entire tournament without winning, but they did manage to score three goals. Poland beat Costa Rica 2-1 on the day and the South Americans are going home. Poland, too, but with a win in their pocket & their eyes on the the next competition. Germany were the decisive winners of Group A. They placed Ecuador squarely in 2nd place with a 3-0 win in Berlin. The group shakes out thus: Germany 3 wins for 9 points. 8 goals for - 2 against. Ecuador 2 wins, 1 loss for 6 points. 5 goals for - 3 against Poland 1 win, 2 losses for 3 points. 2 goals for - 4 against Costa Rica 0 wins, 3 losses for 0 points. 3 goals for - 9 goals against. Germany will play the 2nd place of Group B, while Ecuador will take the 1st place team. Those line-ups will be determined in the next few hours. **UPDATE** The second games for today are underway. We're 25 minutes into the matches and thus far the teams are holding steady at 0 goals each. Unlike the teams in Group A, where there two clear-cut winners and two clear-cut losers, this group is a little more murky. England are definitely through, but will they finish in first or second? Sweden, who have won one and drawn one, can leap England into first place with a victory in today's game. Should that happen, then Trinidad & Tobago, along with Parguay are going home. Should Sweden draw against England then again, both T&T and Paraguay head to the showers. However, should England win then Trinidad & Tobago can pass Sweden on goal-dfferential; but since T&T have yet to score and Sweden have yet to concede, this final scenario seems unlikely at best. England started the game with Owen & Rooney up top, a marvelously skilled pair but it's unlikely to work. And we certainly aren't going to see it work today because Owen is off on the 3rd minute and replaced by Peter Crouch. Someone please give Sven a knock on the noggin. The man has completely lost the plot. That's it for now. Until then, Wastrel On! (listening to: Paul Oakenfold & Le Tigre)

Yellow Card diatribe

I am exhausted. Every time I turn on the television, or the radio I hear commentators and fans and players decrying the number of Yellow Cards being given in this year's tournament. Well, to me, the yellow cards are critical to controlling the players. Take away the yellow cards and the petulant brats that are the national stars of these 32 nations will take over the game. We'd see a rash of diving, "simulation" FIFA calls it, like you've never seen before. We'd see more dissention than even the most hardened, seasoned official could stomach. We'd have officials surrounded by over-paid, under-skilled, schoolyard bullies at every single call. I applaud the hard line that FIFA has taken this year and encourage it to continue. The very hardest job on the pitch and the one most hated and under-valued and under-paid is the job of the official. Imagine a religion without a god. What would be the purpose? There wouldn't be. There'd be no saviour nor devil. No single being responsible for laying down and controlling the laws of the religion. Now, imagine a football match without an official. What would be the point? Who would ensure that the 17 (yes, only 17) laws of the game are understood and obeyed? Who would hand out the penances when the law was not obeyed or the spirit of the law was broken? Yes, the official's job in this religion we call football is that of the god. If only for 90 minutes (plus stoppage), that single entity controls the game and hands out the penances and indulgences as necessary. If those penances take the form of a yellow card, then that yellow card is deserved and who are we to criticize the man that hands them out? For me, the yellow cards in this year's competition have done more to preserve the integrity of the game than any other single factor. Certainly more than the idiots complaining about them. Perhaps in future years, because of this year, there will be fewer cards because the player's will learned their lessons. Wastrel On!

Day 10

It's day 10 of the world Cup and the first match of the day was between Japan & Croatia. I missed the game, but it ended in a nil-nil draw with both sides having their chances. Japan's keeper came up with a massive save on a penalty kick while Japan missed a sitter and squirted the ball wide of an empty net. Brazil & Australia are at half-time and the score remains at nil-nil here as well. The primary difference in this game is that Brazil has eleven fantastic players while Australia has one fantastic team. The Brazilians are not playing effectively and have been unable to net a goal due to a very effective Australian defence. Of course, as I write this, the second half has started and the Brazilian's have stepped up the pace a bit and scored in the 4th minute of the half. This gives Brazil 193 goals in 88 World Cup matches compared to Australia's 3 goals in 4 World Cup matches. Ronaldo, himself is tied with Pele for World Cup goals and is only 2 off the record. He could very well set a new record in this competition. So, knowing that, and knowing that teams scoring first are 18-2-2 in this year's tournamet, Australia have an uphill battle. Even though I pulled Brazil in the blind World Cup pool I'm in, come on the Socceroos! **UPDATED** and at the death of regular time, substitute Fred within seconds of his arrival taps one home giving Brazil a 2-0 lead and pretty much securing both their passage into the second round and Brazil's record-holding 9th consecutive World Cup win. The game is over and Brazil are headed to the second round for the 10th straight time. Australia, however, is still very much alive, but need to beat or draw against Croatia in 5 day's time. Next up is South Korea vs France. I think I'm going to watch this one from a bar. Cheers. More later. Until the, Wastrel On!

It's the 9th day

of the World Cup and surprises have been coming fast and hard from all corners from the start. The first game of the day, was a dull, relatively lifeless match between Iran & Portugal. The first half ended nil-nil, but Portugal came out with a little more of a mission in the second half. A goal by Deco opened the sheet while Figo got on the board a little while later. The 2-0 win for Portugal makes them the 6th team to secure passage into the second round, and there's still a game to play. For Iran, even with a game to play, their World Cup dreams are done and dusted. **UPDATED** The Ghana & Czech Republic match has just started; and just like that Ghana are up 1 goal to nil by Gyan. This goal stands, currently, as the fastest goal scored in the tournament in the 2nd minute (1'18" I think) and one of the fastest in World Cup history (the fastest occurred in 2002 at 11 seconds). Jan Koller, for the Czech Republic is out having sustained an injury in the first match. As a matter of point, Koller has 43 international goals for his national team while the entire national team of Ghana have only ever scored 43 goals. The Czech Republic will miss Koller in this match, but they still have Rosicky and Nedved, two of the best players on the planet. Of course every fan of the United States team is hoping sincerely for a Ghana win to help salve the wounds the Czech Republic left on the US team. Should this result stand, the US cannot help but be bolstered, morale-wise, in their game against Italy later today. **UPDATE** It's halftime in Cologne (Koln) and the Ghana team have stunned the Czechs with their 1-nil lead going into the dressing room. Not just the team, but the fans, too. Even the stadium is very quiet especially when compared to the typical Czech roar. As a point of fact, the Ghanese are the youngest team in the world cup this year with the average age being just over 24 years of age; but their relative inexperience have certainly not prevented them from beating the wiley Czechs to the net. **UPDATE** The second half of the match in this must-win game for Ghana is underway. Both sides have made one change to their lineup, with the more surprising move coming from the Czech team. They've called off their captain to replace him with Polak in the mid-field. While, the Ghana team have put Boateng in, presumeably to take advantage of his pace. and oh my! Nedved scores on the 39 second of the half, but it's offside. The entire United States and the nation of Ghana sigh with relief. If Ghana win this game, the US can not be eliminated today and Italy can not secure passage through today. It will require that third game be played. Personally, if you've not guessed by now, I'm hoping for a Ghana win despite my admiration for Rosicky (an Arsenal player) and Nedved. **UPDATE** amazing, gripping stuff in this match. In the 64th minute, a Ghana striker is tripped in the box resulting in a penalty kick. While the ball is being set for Ghana, a Czech player, Ujfalusi is show a straight red card apparently for the foul. Perhaps he was the last defender, but with the Pathetic Coverage by ABC is almost impossible to tell. The Ghana player took the spot while the red card was being issued and received a yellow card for his efforts. Therefore the ball is respotted for him to try again, but this time, the soccer gods were definitely not on his side as he squarely struck the woodwork. The scoreline remains at 1-0 to the Ghana, but the drama has been phenomenal. The CR have the final 20 minutes now to play with only 10 men. It's going to be a hard road for them, but perhaps the newly agitated and awakened crowd can be that 11th man for the Czechs. **UPDATE** It's the 83rd minute and Ghana have just scored their second. Cech has been stunning in the CR net, but it was only just a matter of time. The Czech defence is in pure disarray and only Cech has kept CR in the match making save after beautiful save. However, a beautifully worked play by Ghana beat everyone including the magnificent Peter Cech to give Ghana a richly deserved 2 goal lead and the US a massive morale boost and hope. and in the 89th minute, a third goal by Ghana is called back for offsides. A bad decision by the striker to play the ball to a more advanced striker. Had he just shot, it would have been 3-0 legitimately. Ghana have been in the driver seat since the second half started and have firmly relegated the Czech to the back seat. Not even inviting them forward to fiddle the radio knobs. Czech Republic have effectively left the match, not even Rosicky & Nedved are making an impact and their frustration is mounting. This is a very well deserved win for Ghana who will each received a $20,000 bonus from the Ghana government. And the game is over. Ghana, despite a late press from the Czech Republic that forced two massive saves from Kingson hang onto that vital 2 goal lead and have created a three-way tie in the group for first place. Should the US win against Italy (that game starts in an hour), then there will be a 4-way tie for the lead. What a beautiful game! **UPDATE** Italy v USA 1-1 draw. And what a game. I watched this from a nearby bar, so it didn't get reported on as it was happening, I'm doing this after the fact (the next day to tell the truth). The game was a fascinating affair with the first of many cards given out in the fifth minute. The first goal of the game, by Italy was a gem. A perfectly slotted cross & an immaculate header beat Kasey Keller and the US defence to the net to give Italy a crucial 1 goal lead. In this competition, the team that scores first has won all but 4 matches and of those 4, only 2 were losses. So, this was an immense blow to the US as the idiot commentators kept reminding us. The second goal, also by Italy but placed in their own net, was another perfectly slotted cross. This one went by all defenders except one who deftly flicked it past his own keeper into the corner of the net. Celebrations were delayed as the team, the commentators and even the spectators in the bar tried to figure out just what the hell had happened. Confusing, but ultimately and happily, it went on the scoreboard as a 1-1 game. Late in the game, substitute Demarcus Beasley scored a brilliant goal, but another US player was called for offsides. Although this other player (I don't recall who) wasn't active in the play and didn't touch the ball, he did impede the keeper's vision and was in an offside position. So, even through Bruce Arena's "that's our fucking matchball" comment, we all had to agree that the call was correct. Sad, unfortunate, but correct. Luckily, with Ghana having beat the Czech Republic, we were saved from humiliation and still have a chance. If we beat Ghana in 5 days and Italy beats the Czech Republic, the US enter the round of 16. So there you have it, another hapless day for the US. More later. Until then Wastrel On!

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