World Cup

Germany 2006

Washington Post staff writer Jason La Canfora was online -- live from Germany -- Thursday, June 15, at 1 p.m. ET to examine this year's World Cup.

La Canfora also shared his general folly as he tries to navigate to every corner of Germany to cover these games.

Post Coverage: World Cup 2006

Blog: World Cup Journal

The transcript follows.

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Jason La Canfora: Hello everyone, hope you're able to follow this England-T and T game in some capacity. The English are starting to look tight, Crouch does not seem up for this level and I wonder when Rooney will come on to try to save the day? Can you imagine T and T going about 140 minutes now without yielding a goal? They usually can't even pull that off in CONCACAF qualifying. What a story. Hope they pull off another 0-0 upset.

Well, I'm watching on TV here in the media center at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. I'm covering Paraguay-Sweden tonight, the other game in Group B. If I seem distracted, or make even more typos that usual, it's 'cause I've got one eye on the game.

Okay, let's kick it off here.

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Arlington, Va.: What's with the turf? I heard Bruce complain about it the other day, but I wonder if other teams are sounding off. It seems like I've seen so many players slip for no apparent reason.

Jason La Canfora: Good point. Even in this England game I've noticed it, and the intense heat seems to have made for bad footing. Some places are immaculate, like Munich, but other not as good. Here in Berlin I've seen they do a good job of watering the pitch, and I know US Coach Bruce Arena and others have complained about them not doing it in some places. Maybe someone at FIFA will wake up and put a directive out about it.

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Herndon, Va.: Did you watch the first half of the England vs. T&T match? What is England thinking? They are playing the 4th place team in CONCACAF yet they are playing like they are scared to attack them. That was the worst half of soccer since...since...the US played the Czech Republic.

Jason La Canfora: Yeah, I said in the opening the lack of confidence and bite in their game is telling. Owen is clearly not fit, Crouch is not of this class - that wide open volley was pretty pathetic - and they're going to need Rooney. I thought I'd see Joe Cole running right at people and joining the attack. Gerrard is clearly not himself, either, and seems injured again. This could be a great second half.

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Arlington, Va.: I know that David and Goliath stories are part of the whole drama, but I wonder if the reporting is always fair. Everybody is toasting Trinidad and Tobago now as conquering heroes, when they basically played their whole team back. (Yes I know they were down a man, but good teams deal with that.) If the US had taken that tack against the Czechs, everyone would be pillorying us for our dreadful performance.

Jason La Canfora: Thought I'd take this next to piggyback off that last question. This tournament is about results and I think Beenhaker has his tactics right, while Arena failed in the opener. Down 10 men to England in your first ever World Cup game with a team that would not have even qualified without the extra CONCACAF spot and edged past Bahrain in a playoff? They lack the resources and talent of the USA, and aren't ranked 4th in the world (I know it's a joke but people look at that stuff).

As we saw late in the first half, T and T can counter at times and they nearly scored, but are still playing at a slow tempo, playing lots of back passes and in general in a shell.

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Chicago, Ill.: What upcoming games can we expect hooliganism?

-Mick

Jason La Canfora: Anywhere England, Poland, Germany or Italy play, there's always a chance. Unfortunately. Hopefully what happened in Dortmund will be the last of that.

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Lombard: How is the nightlife or moving every day/night? Has it been non-existent?

-Ryan

Jason La Canfora: Ryan, my man, how's the pacifier treating you these days? When you're a little older, say the 2018 World Cup, your dad and I will take you to see for yourself.

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Washington, D.C.: Jason,

Am I the only spectator completely stymied by the whole Crouch phenomenon? Aside from being simply too geeky to play professionally in any sport, he seems particularly ill-suited for football. The ball approaches him, and he's just a blur of knobby elbows and knees!

Sure, if someone can serve it perfectly to his pointy, adolescent noggin, he might knock one in, but does he have any real impact on the game outside the six-yard box? Are any of his occasional goals remotely entertaining or graceful? And the possibility of a celebratory "robo-dance" makes me a little queasy...

Seriously, his stride and reach are significant, but ball skills and acceleration are negligible. Would he be on the bench if Rooney was ready to start? I'm stumped that England can't come up with a more well-rounded striker than this beanpole. Any thoughts?

Jason La Canfora: He has better footwork than he's shown in this tournament, but is still very awkward at times. They funny thing is, for all of his size, he's not that great in the air and loses a fair amount of challenge. I dare say Andy Johnson or Darius Vassell would have finished that volley and this game would be over, but they're not here and Theo Walcott is. Sven, the noose it tightening.

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Manassas, Va.: Don't you think Parreira is going way too far in putting big names over present ability? Ronaldo is so far the worst player in the entire tournament and yet will start the next game over Robinho. Meanwhile Cicinho is clearly a better right back than Cafu right now (and please, don't give me the "veteran leadership" crap, having the best player at each position is infinitely more important). Way too many untouchables in this Brazil team. Thanks.

Jason La Canfora: I have heard some rumblings that Ronadlo is hurt, which would be a big break for Brazil at this point, Robinho showed when he came on for the beefy No. 9 that he is ready and able, and that speed would help. They have so many options, and I think will work it out against the Aussies and Japan.

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Arlington, Va.: Do you have any access to the US camp? If so, what does their line-up look like for the Italy game? I think they need to get Lewis out of the starting line up, but who else do they have to put back there? Do I dare say Masteroni (sp)?

Jason La Canfora: I am actually covering everything other than the US, but if I had to guess I think Beasley will sit, maybe Lewis as a left wing, O'Brien will be in, Johnson maybe up top, and perhaps Bocanegra as a left back. Just guessing but I think a major shake-up is in order.

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Middleburg, Va.: I'm a big soccer fun, although it should be called FOOTBALL. In terms of team sports, it's probably the more demanding of them all. It always amaze me why it has not become a major attraction here in the States. A World Cup event like this one is probably one of the most democratic events on earth. Everybody has its chance no matter how wealthy or poor your country can be, and it's a true international event like no other. I wish all the luck to the U.S. Team against Italy! By the way, I'm Ecuadorean, and I'm trilled by this morning win!

Jason La Canfora: Ecaudor have played great football and today was a treat. They're passing with incesive and I loved how they played with the lead. Germany-Ecuador for the right to win the group should be pretty interesting.

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Brooklyn, N.Y.: Hi Jason, great coverage from yourself and the Post. My employers may not be happy, but I sure am.

Just wanted to get your opinion on the US fans in Germany. I had the chance to attend the US-Czech match and I thought the US fans were incredible. They showed up in great numbers and in great voice. Although the team seemed to be lacking the passion due at the world cup, the fans certainly held their own.

Any thoughts? have you run into many US supporters in your travels?

-Jonathan, Brooklyn NY

Jason La Canfora: I wasn't at that game, but three of my friends were, and they said it was a great crowd. Wish I had been there to see it. The fans definitely showed much, much better than than the coach or players.

... How about this England game. They're choking it away and suddenly T and T is getting runs right up the middle. Yikes.

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B'more: Off topic. Any thoughts about Big Ben?

Jason La Canfora: I barely heard about that. Did he violate his contract? How long will he be out. These boys and their toys. Maybe he and Kellen Winslow can go to a Harley convention and share war stories.

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Annapolis, Md.: What's up with all the MNT bashing - it was one game. let's see how the lads do against Italy on Saturday. yes, it was disappointing to see the team lose to the Czech Republic, but this is our team - a little support would be nice. The bandwagon emptied pretty quickly!

Jason La Canfora: For good reason. That was a joke, and they need to be held accountable as they would be anywhere else in the world. if anything I think they may have gotten off easy, because a lot of media outlets are ignoring the world cup almost entirely back home from I am told.

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Washington, D.C.: So when you meet Marc Fisher in the hallways do you fight or just avoid making eye-contact?

Jason La Canfora: I've never met him, and I am ashamed to say, since I am so rarely at the paper I know just about no one outside of the sports section. Did he write a soccer-bashing column or something?

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Fairfax, Va.: I admit I have a soft spot in my heart for the Koreans. How far do you see them going?

Jason La Canfora: Another team that plays all out soccer. I have an affinity for them, too, and that was quite a second half they had. Good to see Ahn find the net.

I have their game against France, and it's going to be something. I had them getting to the second round, and think they'll pull it off.

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Falls Church, Va.: What's up with our absolute ridiculous American commentators? I can't believe Dan O'Brien is broadcasting these games. What about the two Irishmen I hear now and then -- they're MUCH better.

BTW, did you hear Dan O'Brian's absolutely OFFENSIVE comments in the Iran-Mexico game? Does he feel he needs to do Bush's bidding while doing the commentary for WORLD CUP?

Jason La Canfora: I didn't hear any of it - we get a different feed over here - but I am not surprised. The level of talent on US soccer broadcasts on ESPN is generally nil. It does the game no service.

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Washington, D.C.: Are we going to have to put up with the substandard commentary we've had so far all though the tournament? Will they get some REAL football commentators to do the Round of 16 and beyond?

Jason La Canfora: I think you're stuck with it. Try to find BBC on the Internet and listen to that while you watch ESPN on mute. It's called pulling a British Balboa.

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Chicago, Ill.: Rooney, Rooney, Rooney

When will they put him in?

Jason La Canfora: Just happened. Did you ever think they're have to resort to this so soon against a team like T and T? If he goes down Sir Alex will strangle Sven back at the airport.

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Washington, D.C: Why is it that many soccer fans are not asking for a rule change regarding sending off players with a red and he is not replaced? Yes teams have won with ten agaist eleven most notably Cameroon Vs Argentina in 1990, but it is an imbalance that changes the flow of the game and we end up with something less than the best football. What do you think?

Jason La Canfora: I think that rule is ingrained in the game and will never change. They are rumblings about trying a penalty box type deal at some point, but I'm not sure FIFA will ever really do it.

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washingtonpost.com: America's Most Prominent Soccer Hater, Reporting for Duty (Raw Fisher, June 12)

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Rockville, Md.: Hi--Will Pierluigi Collina be refereeing any of the matches, or has he officially retired due to World Cup age restrictions? What a great, great referee....it was a true pleasure watching him ref the last World Cup Championship match in 2002.

Jason La Canfora: That smiling, bald bastion of refing greatness is done doing games. The Italian will be missed.

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Bethesda, Md.: Where are the powerhouse teams from africa? I am talking about Cameroon, Nigeria ...

Jason La Canfora: They failed in qualifying to a lot of upstarts. Actually, though, Ghana has been a power on that continent for a long time in the African Cup, has a good set up and it's surprising they haven't been here before.

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ALexandria, Va.: Isn't the World Cup trophy the lamest thing you've ever seen?

Jason La Canfora: It's kinda weak. I'm partial to the Stanley Cup, and you drink beer out of it, so it's kind of hard to top that.

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Tweaked: Hey Jason, love The Post coverage of The Cup.

Germany v. Poland, WOW! Has to go done as the best match of The Cup so far. The atmosphere, the level of play, the drama, two bitter rivals going at it. What a final 15 minutes.

The USA just can't play at that level.

Keep up the good work...Let's go Engerland!

washingtonpost.com: World Cup Coverage

Jason La Canfora: Watching that game downtown in Berlin with like 800,000 people was something I will never forget. What a finish. You kind of always knew they'd win it late, eh? It's what the Germans do.

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Arlington, Va.: Here is my David and Goliath point. I am at work, but following the England-T and T match on the BBC. According to play-by-play, England has controlled 65 percent of the possession, but are harping on how dreadful the English are playing while every comment on T and T is how confident they are.

Jason La Canfora: T and T is basically letting them have the ball in certain parts of the field, then closing down and waiting for a counter. England should be taking this game to them and pounding away inside the box, but are playing scared to lose. Sven and McLaren look like ghosts on the sidelines. We could be 30 minutes from a national crisis. I love it.

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Lacrate, N.Y.C.: Seen any pros in Germany?

Jason La Canfora: That's funny. Seem to be plenty of profesional drinkers over here.

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Detroit, Mich.: A simple question from a soccer novice: Is there some Internet site that gives a simple flow diagram of the matches that have happened or scheduled and who the winners are? From reading the articles it is difficult to understand who is still in the competition and who isn't.

Jason La Canfora: You can go to fifa.com,. click on the world cup page and down the left side you will see a link for matches and results. There you shall find your holy grail. Enjoy.

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Washington, D.C.: Who is the Alexander Semin of the World Cup?

Jason La Canfora: The English fans.

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Des Moines, Iowa: Since you are in Germany, you probably haven't had to deal with the ESPN coverage. Do you think Marcelo Balboa realizes how stupid he is when he claims that Kasey Kelley is the best goalie in the world? Would the best goalie really be playing for Borussia Monchengladbach after failing to keep his place in the Premiership and leaving on a free transfer? Keller is good but lets not exaggerate things.

Jason La Canfora: No argument here.

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Reston, Va.: For your perusal ... from a Marc Fisher chat:

Q: Isn't soccer much more exciting than baseball, where the players spend most of the time just standing around bored?

A: Oh goodness no! There is no more exciting or tense game than baseball. Baseball is the only sport in which statistics over the course of more than a century of play can be compared directly, allowing fans to know instantly how today's players rate against those of decades ago. In every play in baseball, every player is on the move, calculating the likelihood of a ball being hit to a certain place. Baseball is very much a game of mathematics--of angles and percentages---and of intricate strategy. Soccer, by comparison, is a blunt instrument, a simple game that depends more on stamina and strength than on the eye-hand coordination, mental gamesmanship and unique combination of grace and power that baseball demands. Every comparison that I've seen concludes that the single most difficult task in all of sports is hitting a baseball thrown at 95 miles an hour.

Q: You once said that soccer is the favorite sport of Osama bin-Laden. Did you intend to compare all soccer fans in the world with terrorists?

A: That is certainly an overly dramatic exaggeration on my part, but there is a serious point behind it: Soccer's popularity in much of the world is sadly tied up with the most disturbing face of nationalism, and so when Americans see soccer fans waving national flags and chanting vile slogans against other nations, we are reminded of the horrors of terrorism and the unfortunate abuse of sports by terrorists and by nations. For many Americans, the rowdiness and nationalistic fervor surrounding soccer reminds us painfully of the Munich Olympics or the petty cancellations of the Olympic Games by the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War.

Q: Soccer in the US is also growing through the immigration of central and south Americans. Will soccer ever meet or surpass baseball, basketball or football in popularity?

A: No. Most Latin American immigrants to the United States are baseball fans--even more so than many Americans, and baseball is quickly becoming a more Latin sport, both in the ethnic backgrounds of the players and in the composition of the fan base. Indeed, this year's first World Baseball Classic demonstrated baseball's increasingly strong following not only in central and south America, but in Korea, Japan and China. Many immigrants from Latin countries do play soccer here, and many follow their home country's national team. But their children who are raised here end up with only a passing interest in professional soccer. They may play soccer, but they want to follow American sports.

Q: The best result a US team ever achieved in the World Cup was when the 1930 team reached the semi-finals. Is it possible that Americans do not like soccer mainly because the US team has not yet been successful at the international level?

A: Certainly a U.S. team's success in the World Cup would boost the sport's ability to win TV coverage and notice from Americans, most of whom have no idea that the World Cup exists, let alone that it is occurring this month. But most Americans have no clue who is on the U.S. team or even that there is a U.S. team, so the past performance of that team is irrelevant. It's very nice for soccer-loving countries to have their little tournament, but to call it the World Cup is rather arrogant and overblown.

Q: How will the US team do this time?

A: I have no clue. I couldn't tell you the name of a single player. And more important, neither I nor 99 percent of Americans cares. Please enjoy your tournament!

Jason La Canfora: When Marc says in response to this question, How will the US team do this time?

A: I have no clue. I couldn't tell you the name of a single player. And more important, neither I nor 99 percent of Americans cares. Please enjoy your tournament!

He should have just stopped at "I have no clue." It sums up his knowlegde of the sport. It's a pity, but Frank DeFord and other giants in this business have the same opinion and seem only all to happy to share it. To each his own.

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Fairfax Station: Jason:

Now that Poland is not moving on in the tourney, which team will you be rooting for?

Jason La Canfora: Actually, my mom's side is Polish and my father's is Italian, but I have long supported Khazak football, along with my friend Borat from Khazak Public Broadcasting.

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Fairfax, Va.: So far, Spain has looked the best of the "realistically hopeful" lot. What do you think their chances are?

Jason La Canfora: About a week ago I called them my dark horse team and after seeing that thrashing of Ukraine live, I won't be changing my opinion now.

England is choking. England is choking. England is choking.

Could be a chant, eh?

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Washington, D.C.: Should Clint Dempsey be on the field vs. Italy (I'd modify that with "once the game starts" -- it's too early for him to be there)? Seems he's one of the few Americans with the cockiness to actually try to attack a packed in defense. Thought he was missed v Czech ...

Jason La Canfora: He brings what the US lacked completely the other day - passion, pace and a willingness to take people off the dribble and try to make something out of nothing. I agree, nbot as a starter, but someone bruce will likely need to find a way to get on the pitch.

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London: 20 more minutes and London starts to burn?

Jason La Canfora: London calling to the English football fans,

find a cab to the airport, it's time to go home.

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Arlington, Va.: You know Borat? Would you mind getting a signed photo of him and bring it back to the capital? That guy is amazing.

Jason La Canfora: Hells yeah I know Borat. He was drinking with me, Father Nelson and zany Ecuadorians last night. Dude can put down some beer. He kept wanting to show everyone pictures of his wife. I'll have him sign a drink napkin for you after the game.

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Re: World Cup trophy : It's not lame, it's made of solid Gold and made to represent what every competing country will adore.

Jason La Canfora: It's no Stanley Cup.

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Replacing a Red Card: The reason this should never happen is to cut down on hooliganism on the field. You can't send in an Enforcer to simply take someone down over and over again, because you know you'll be a man down soon.

Imagine playing, say, England, knowing that as soon as Rooney steps on the field, you can have someone start mugging him, over and over, with no real risk to your team. Most red cards are well deserved, and the punishment for the team keeps thuggery down.

Jason La Canfora: Good point.

Frank Lampard, what the heck was that?

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Alexandria, Va.: I'm new to this World Cup stuff, so what's the protocol when Australia plays Brazil on June 18th since both teams wear yellow shirts with green trim (according to the cool USA Today web site). Do teams have to bring alternative shirts for such a situation?

Jason La Canfora: Yeah, one team will be assigned to wear their other jersey.

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Baltimore, Md.: I miss the African Power house teams like Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa. Which of the current African teams do you think has a chance in advancing to the round of 16? Thanks.

Jason La Canfora: I do, too. Would have loved to see E'to or Martins in this World Cup. Of course, Germany has a Nigerian on its bench, so at least there's some of that Nigerian flavor at the games. Used to love Jay-Jay Okocha, but he's past his prime not and never did light up the Premiership, did he?

Both great footballing countries. Shows how tough qualifying really is.

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Arlington, Va.: Did Borat teach you what he learned in his Southern "Debutante" lessons he took in the states?

Jason La Canfora: What happens with Borat, stays with Borat.

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Dulles, Va.: Jason, How are the brats and beer?! What is the buzz over there about Spain? Wiping out Ukraine 4-0 is a bigger surprise and story (globally anyway) than the Czechs 3-0 win over us. What's the buzz been over there about Spain and their win? I don't know much about them but I thought Raul was their star striker, but he didn't get in until the second half. They must be good!

Jason La Canfora: Raul is an old man compared to that group, and with Villa and Torres lighting up the attack, I doubt they'll make changes now. Would like to see a place for Reyes and Cesc in that lineup, but not sure how Aragones can get all of his midfield and striking talent in one XI.

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Firenze, Italy: Do you think Italy has a real chance to win?

Jason La Canfora: I do. They will need Gattuso in that midfield, especially with Toit ailing. Ghana had too easy of a time knocking it around in the middle of the pitch I thought, and Nardo adds much needed bite.

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Virginia: Despite the surprise score thus far, I still think England's going to put one in eventually ... T and T are conceding too much of the field and England's getting better and better opportunities. T and T are hanging on for dear life. Not that I'm rooting for it, but I'm just pessimistic.

Jason La Canfora: Given the form of England's strikers and midfielders, who will actually finish something into the net? Maybe John Terry's forehead off a late corner to save the country from eating itself alive.

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Arlington, Va.: This is about the 4th cup that I've followed intently. Every time, practically every team decides after the first game that they are going to throw more players forward. Why don't more teams just come in with this attitude?

Jason La Canfora: It's seems like this summer, so far, they have. Let's keep our fingers crossed it lasts.

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Leesburg, Va.: You are according to who you train & compete with, and who you compete against. Of most relevance nearby, see ECUADOR and their World Cup-qualifying number of games, quality of competition. MEXICO is, in fact, playing "friendlies" against South American powers. Meanwhile, the New Jersey area and D.C. United white boys club of one Bruce Arena, et al., remain a mediocre establishment of U.S.A. Soccer. Where IS the reality-based commentary re: the current U.S. Soccer team/management? I'm shocked that you, and others, have not repeated in print the U.S. team captain's comment FOLLOWING the Czech Republic waltz. He stated emphatically that "we are the best team in our group." Any observations, reaction? Cheers

Jason La Canfora: Claudio said that? I'm a little surprised. Maybe it was taken out of context.

Either way, that performance was unacceptable.

Crouchie just made me eat it. He was kind of all over the defender though.

Poor T and T.

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Arlington, Va.: Following up with that last U.S. question, did I hear correctly that Bocanegra played more minutes than any other U.S. back during qualifying? If so, then what was Bruce thinking not starting him against the Czechs?

Jason La Canfora: Carlos was hurt and in poor form with Fulham late in the season, so I understand the Lewis experiment, and we really need a left side player capable of top-notch service, which Eddie is. Maybe Lewis in left midfield, and Carlos at left back.

The Gibbs injury was huge all along. I thought he should be a starter.

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Chicago, Ill.: Is it me or does Beckham look sick?

Jason La Canfora: If he was feeling sick before, Mr. Roboto just ailed him. Can't believe Crouch didn't do his dance.

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Falls Church, Va.: With the World Cup going on, my productivity has gone to 15 percent at best, thanks to Internet TV and BBC's coverage.

I want to work for the government so that 15 percent of potential = 100 percent of required. Can anyone hook me up? I miss so much football through the year, and as one footbal fan to another, think you can do me the favor?

Jason La Canfora: Ask, and yeah shall receive.

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Falls Church, Va.: What's wrong with Ronaldo? I barely saw him in Brazil's first game, and he made virtually no impact on the game.

Jason La Canfora: He's gotten fat and had a horror season at Real Madrid. Now, I believe he is hurt. He was splendid in 2002, though.

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Reston, Va.: Too bloody right, Jason! The two worst performances I've seen in the Cup thus far were the abominations perpetrated by Team USA and Les Bleus. It's hard to support your team when their lack of imagination and desire are irritating the hell out of you! The French fans understand this and showed their displeasure. Ultimately fans need something TO CHEER FOR. If their team doesn't provide anything, then the fans turning on them is to be expected.

Jason La Canfora: The French had better be very concerned. Their old legs might not carry them far. Henry is going to have to take a game or two over to get them going. They had trouble with the Swiss in qualifying, did they not. I'm pretty sure they had 0-0 and 1-1 draws in the two games, so not a surprising result I suppose. Swiss are underrated.

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Rockville, Md.: How can any trophy be cooler than the Stanley Cup? There's only one in existance and you get your name engraved on it! Plus you get to keep it for a day, like the legend of it being at the bottom of Mario Lemieux's pool. Heck, it's only trophy I know that has an official bodyguard and tour schedule.

Jason La Canfora: Right on. That's what I'm talking about. It really is a totally different class than any other trophy. Jules is nice and all, but Stanley could crush him.

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Virginia: 2018 World Cup? Where will the 2010 and 2014 will be?

Jason La Canfora: 2010 is South Africa, the first on that continent. Can't remmber 2014. Maybe they haven't assigned it. I'll check.

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Washington, D.C.: Does the Post reimburse all your tickets, meals and beers expenses?

Jason La Canfora: Tickets are free - I have a press pass - and meals are covered up to certain $$ levels. Beer. Sweet beer. That's where it gets tricky. I could use a creative accountant, but alas that money's not coming back to me.

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Chicago, Ill.: Cornell Glenn needs help and T and T COULD WIN.

Jason La Canfora: That would have been a great goal for T and T. Pretty clear offsides, though.

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Falls Church, Va.: Abomination of Abominations -- Cox does NOT carry ESPN2 in HD! I cannot believe it. This is the WORLD CUP, and they have some frivolous crap on ESPN HD (which Cox does carry), which ESPN2 is broadcast in plain old boring tv.

I wish I could fire Cox, but they're a monopoly, and acting like one.

Jason La Canfora: I feel your pain. When all else fails, find a bar with HD and watch it there. Borat would have it no other way.

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Fairfax, Va.: About time that England scored. It sure is a pain reading these text updates on the BBC Web site while at work.

Jason La Canfora: Some of the sites have really funny commentary. Soccernet is pretty good sometimes. Might be more amusing and I bet they had a field day with the first 80-odd minutes of this one.

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Falls Church, Va.: GOOAAAALLLL! Oh England, you haven't let me down after all! I am still, and ever shall be, a son of England. And how happy I am now!

Jason La Canfora: Now, with a little help in a few hours, you could be assured of going through before even having to play Sweden. Football, what a fickle mistress. Only minutes ago it was pure agony, and now ...

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Downtown D.C.: England just scored.

Damn.

Not that I had high hopes for T and T, but they really dominated the game until the last eight minutes.

Jason La Canfora: Well, it's final now, 2-0. T and T almost held on.

It's been a blast catching up with everyone, and I hope you're enjoying the games and our coverage of them.

I've got to run to the press box, but I'm sure I'll be doing this again soon.

Thanks for all of the great questions.

Cheers.

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