World Cup 2006

Washington Post soccer writer Steven Goff was online Wednesday, June 28, at 1 p.m. ET to chat about this year's World Cup. Goff was live from Germany to take your questions.

Post Coverage: World Cup 2006

Blog: World Cup Journal

The transcript follows.

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Steven Goff: Greetings from Berlin...

19 days of futbol down, 11 to go...

Let's get started...

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Manassas, Va.: Hi Steve! I just wanted to tell you and your colleagues what a wonderful job you're doing on the WC coverage. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the quantity (never doubted the quality).

My question- why do people constantly ignore Portugal as a force to be reckoned with. Yes, they choked four years ago (we were all very surprised), but since then have had an incredible run. Since losing to Greece in the 2004 Euro, the team is undefeated. I wish more people would take them seriously. It seems like the only mention you hear of them now is in connection with Ivanov's job this past weekend or criticizing them for their actions during the game (last I checked, the Netherlands players weren't exactly stellar sportsmen that day either). Quite frankly, I think their ability to win that game against the Netherlands was stunning and Maniche's goal was gorgeous.

Steven Goff: First, thanks for your kind words!

The absence of respect for Portugal, perhaps, has to do with their lack of success in the World Cup over the years. Whether they can beat England without Deco remains to be seen.

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Burke, Va.: Hi Steve,

First, great articles and coverage of the WC by you and your WaPo colleagues. Well done! Speaking of The WaPo, there was a small article in today's sports section which discussed MLS's unhappiness with Arena's indirect criticism of the league and its current inability to develop U.S. players to WC level play. Arena claims his comments weren't a slam of MLS. I have to say when I read them I certainly thought Arena was implying MLS was not able to develop players like the EPL or other premier European leagues do. That said, I have to agree with Bruce. While the MLS continues to mature, it isn't able to produce world class soccer players like the European leagues do. And I was surprised that Garber took such umbrage at Arena's remarks. Thoughts?

washingtonpost.com: Arena Draws Ire of MLS With Recent Comments (Post, June 28)

Steven Goff: MLS is a bit thin-skinned about their image.

Bottom line: Until MLS boosts salaries, retains most of the top U.S. talent and builds stronger teams, it has no right to consider itself on the same level as many European leagues. So, at the moment, Europe is the best training grounds for many American players. That was Bruce's point, I believe.

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Fairfax, Va.: Poor Spain... I hope they didn't read your article. You weren't too compassionate.

Steven Goff: They deserve no compassion. Post sports editor Emilio Garcia-Ruiz, who has yet to stop weeping, would agree.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Steven, just to get a clearer picture of where the U.S. stands talent-wise in relation to the rest of the world, what role would the U.S.'s best player play on a team like Brazil or Argentina? On the bench? Not on the team at all? Where would the man on the end of Brazil's bench be on the U.S. team? Starter? Thanks.

Steven Goff: Except for perhaps goalkeeper Kasey Keller, no USA player would make either Argentina's or Brazil's WC roster. Nothing against American players, but that's just the reality of international soccer.

Hard to say where an Argentine or Brazilian bench-warmer would fit on another team's roster.

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Davis, Calif.: What do you think? The first all-South American Cup final in Europe?

Steven Goff: That would be quite a show.

Keep in mind, however, a South American team hasn't won the Cup on Euro soil since 1958.

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Arlington, Va.: I frequently read the football sections of the Times, the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph and Corriere della Sera. I am very thankful for the Internet. None of them have focused as much on the quality of officiating as the hacks in this country. It seems that American "soccer" journos (if there are any) overzealous criticism of the referees is used to mask their ignorance of football.

Steven Goff: Let's go through this one item at a time:

Times/Guardian/Telegraph etc: a good thing

Internet: a mostly good thing

"None of them have focused on the quality of officiating as the hacks in this country": Nonsense. The officiating is a huge story for every reporter here.

From today's Independent: "The Russian referee has rightly taken much of the criticism for the blizzard of cards -- a loss of control that makes him only marginally less of an outsider for the final in Berlin that England's ill-starred Graham Poll (three yellows on one player!) -- but there was no question that the Dutch brought a negative, bruising approach to their game with Portugal."

I can't speak for all USA media, but how many stories have The Post dedicated exclusively to officiating? One? Two?

You can't ignore a record 25 red cards in just 50-plus games.

There is plenty of great work being done by American reporters here in Germany: Besides The Post, please read George Vecsey in the NY Times, the Boston Globe tandem of Powers and Del'Appa and Grant Wahl in SI and many, many others.

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Woodstock, Va.: I have three sons who play soccer and have enjoyed watching them and learning about the sport. Our local paper (the Northern Virginia Daily) has carried several articles about what a disappointment U.S. soccer is and what a waste of time to cover. Why not just enjoy the games even if the U.S. is out? We seem to have a strange sort of patriotism that forces us to discard and disrespect anything in world in which we do not excel. It sets a poor example for our children. And wastes a great opportunity to learn a little about the rest of the world.

Steven Goff: Articles? or columns/editorials?

It's a big world out there. Some of us understand that.

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Vancouver, Wash.: Hi Steve -

Yeah, I'm posting way early, but I'm really confused by the refs in the WC - 2006.

There seems to be such inconsistency - Ivanov booked 14 yellows and 4 reds in the Portugal-Netherland match - just ridiculous!

Today - the Mexican ref booked only a couple of yellows, and no reds.

Even the FIFA authorities are concerned about this.

May I be so presumptuous as to suggest a rule change - namely :

Two refs on the field - one can't do it (note the NFL has four on the field for the same number of players).

Replay review (as in the NFL) cause we've all seen totally blown calls by the ref(s).

What do you think ?

I think the officiating really sucks !!

Thanks

Steven Goff: Tandem referees not likely for now, says FIFA

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Washinton, D.C.: I'm under the impression that the media has it out for the Italians. Why is it they have received little if no credit for advancing out of what you guys dubbed the group of death? They are 3-1-0 and have one goal scored against them.

They played an entire half a man down from what seemed to me a lousy call from the ref, they out-shot the Australians the whole game and every article written insinuates that the game was just handed to the Italians. To top it off, I have to listen to Dave O'Brian tell the world that Bufon didn't finish high school. Is it the scandal? Is it the defensive play that isn't as exciting to watch and write about? Or, are we just sick of meatballs?

Steven Goff: The Italians did well to win a very difficult group, but getting a huge break to beat Australia and having the easiest quarterfinal matchup has left many fans/media skeptical. Assuming they beat Ukraine, their true test will come in the semis.

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Frederick, Md.: Hi steve. Hope all is well.

I don't think I've seen anyone anywhere say this, but did this U.S. team really play all that differently from the 2002 squad, which sat back and countered -- only with more success?

I realize Landon was not sharp, Claudio and both Eddies were four years older and O'Brien was not healthy, but it seems to me that despite all the anger over our performance, we're only a post and a phantom penalty away from advancing.

And of course in '02, Friedel saved a penalty against Korea before they beat 9-man Portugal to put us through.

PS -- with all the bashing of the announcers going on, I'd like to say that Dave O'Brien has done an outstanding job for a newbie. It's only Balboa who has brought him down.

Steven Goff: True, not a whole lot different between USA 02 and USA 06 in terms of approach -- it's a fine line between success and failure. (Remember how close the Americans were to being eliminated in the first round last time?)

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Washington, D.C.: Enlighten me: exactly how is Spain's political and social culture fractured? Thanks.

Steven Goff: The autonomous regions of Spain have historically tempered their enthusiasm for the "national" team.

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Anonymous: "The Miami Herald" has "world champions" on its masthead after the Miami Heat won the NBA championship. One country was involved. What some may not realize is that the World Cup involves many more countries than have participated in Germany, since there are months (years?) or qualifying games beforehand. Based on the first few games I thought Argentina would be the champs. Now it looks like Brazil is hitting its stride. Your opinion on chances for anyone else to win?

Steven Goff: Actually, two countries are involved in the NBA: USA and Canada.

You are correct, though, the Heat is not world champions, they are NBA champions.

I would like to see a Brazil-Argentina final, but Germany is building up steam and could very well beat the Albiceleste on Friday.

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"Bizarre Wynalda": Hey Steve, you described Wynalda as 'bizarre' a while back in one of these chats. Nailed it. The guy seems to have an axe to grind with anyone he comments on including Bruce Arena, Ronaldo, etc.. Speaking of Ronaldo, early in the first round he called him, in essence, a fat, out-of-shape tub of goo and alluded that he shouldn't even be out on the field - it was a very vitriolic attack. The other night, after Ronaldo broke the WC scoring record, he was tripping all over himself singing his praises. He mentioned others had criticized Ronaldo earlier but didn't acknowledge he was the biggest critic of all. The guy has no credibility, but ESPN loves guys like him that will make outrageous and controversial comments. Give me Tommy Smith and the other British commentator that did early round games. Those guys are great!

Steven Goff: What's sad is that ESPN continues to give this guy a forum. Then again, that's what ESPN seems to be in the business of doing these days -- allow loud, opinionated "commentators" to stir things up.

From what folks back home have been telling me (I don't have access to ESPN/ABC here in Germany), JP Dellacamara and John Harkes have been very good with their match work.

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Nairobi, Kenya: I have a question that I haven't been able to find any answer to. Hopefully you can help.

When looking at the match results on www.fifaworldcup.com - it looks something like this:

Brazil 3:0 (2:0) Ghana

I know the first set of numbers represents a Brazil victory over Ghana 3-0, but what does the (2:0) mean?

Steven Goff: Greetings Kenya.....

The second set of numbers is the score at halftime.

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Ashburn, Va.: Steven, does England look very unimaginative on offense to you? On all the other teams I've seen, the forwards and midfielders make assorted runs to break through defenses throughout the game, but England doesn't appear to have much movement up front. Or are they just not as effective at it? They just haven't looked good, to me, anyway. Thanks!

Steven Goff: England has not looked good, and they're getting trashed for it in the British press. Much of the blame has been directed at their manager for creating an unimaginative system. Injuries have also played a key role (Rooney in the build-up, Owen).

From John Carlin in The Independent: "The best thing for England would be to lose on Saturday. For the good of the game."

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Sao Paulo, Brazil: Brazil's Italian style performance was a disgrace. Here in Brazil everyone is furious at Parreira for not sticking with the younger, better, more hungry lineup of the Japan game and going back to the "aristocrats" Cafu and Roberto Carlos.

PS: next US coach? Two words -> Big Phil

Steven Goff: Hello Brazil....

I think you will see a more aggressive Brazilian team this weekend.

Big Phil to USA? That would be something...

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Arlington, Va.: So, for the first time in a couple of weeks there are no games. What are we all supposed to do until Friday? Complain about the referees some more? Why is no one at FIFA (i.e. Herr Blatter) complaining about the appalling amount of cheating, diving and simulation happening in this World Cup on the part of the players instead of just automatically pointing out the mistakes and alleged mistakes of the referees?

Steven Goff: Good point. Some of the theatrics are appalling. The fact that referees are falling (no pun intended) for the theatrics is also appalling.

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Dallas, Texas: Spain let me down. Now I'm hoping that Brazil will torch France. Jogo bonito! Revenge for '98!

Steven Goff: Brazil-France, Argentina-Germany, England-Portugal...great stuff. (Oh yeah, Italy-Ukraine too) :-)

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Normal, Ill.: Steven

Thank you very much for your coverage of the WC and your chats. Given the much-maligned quality of the U.S. media's coverage of the WC, it's nice to know there is a place that even the Guardian acknowledges covers football/soccer well.

There's a lot of speculation about the U.S. going after a foreign manager. First, would you agree that it's early to speculate on a name since the U.S. probably won't hire a big name until the run-up to the 2010 WC begins? Or can/will the U.S. attract a big name coach to start the job now (which I think would be ideal but probably unrealistic)?

Second, and more importantly, can the U.S. afford to hire a truly 'big name' coach? Arena's salary is some think like five times as low as, e.g. Sven Goran Errickson I believe. Will funding on that ballpark be available to hire someone who can truly bring the U.S. to the next level?

Steven Goff: much-maligned? interesting...

Yes, I think the USSF will hire a foreign coach if things don't work out with Arena.

If the Arena issue is resolved soon, I would imagine they would hire a new coach by the end of the year.

Are they willing to spending millions and millions for a coach? Not likely. But they certainly could find an influential leader at a reasonable price.

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West Lafayette, Ind.: Hey Steve,

Did Argentina overlook Mexico the other day? Were they looking ahead to a glorious quarterfinal game with Germany?

Is Riguelme the right man for Argentina? Would Aimar be better for them? Frank Lampard said the other day that Riquelme is the best player in the world. But he seems so lackadaisical on the field.

Finally, will Argentina beat Germany?

Steven Goff: Mexico went right at Argentina, a tactic that made for a highly entertaining match. I don't think Argentina took them lightly; they were just a bit overwhelmed in the early going.

At the moment, in my opinion, Riquelme is the MVP of this tournament.

Argentina should beat Germany, but the Germans are playing with an abundance of confidence and they are at home.

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Laurel, Md.: When the players are lining up in a wall for one of those free kicks, what's going on? Players on different teams scurry around and jaw at each other a lot and the referee seems to get heavily involved. Clearly the defenders want to block off a good portion of the goal. Are the forwards trying to screen the goalie? What rules are the referee trying to enforce?

Steven Goff: The defensive wall is just that -- a defensive wall. It limits the opportunities for the team taking the free kick and cuts down the angles. To gain further advantage, the defensive team will often line up within the 10-yard minimum requirement. Thus, a chaotic scene that often requires a moment or two for the referee to sort out.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi Steve,

Lots of blame being pointed at Bruce for the dismal MNT showing in this WC. Those blaming him are quick to point out what he didn't do, but few, if any, seem to suggest what he should have done. Esp. that very rude Eric Wynalda. Easy to throw stones, but I would have liked to hear what Wynalda would have done if he was coaching the team. I can't imagine him and Bruce will be having lunch together any time soon. What do you think Bruce should have done differently? If it was me, I know that early in the second half of the last game against Ghana I would have changed my formation to accommodate more forwards including Ching to go along with Eddie Johnson and McBride - heck I might have thrown Wolfe in there too near the end. I couldn't understand why he didn't go all out to score goals when he was down 2-1 and knew he needed a win. What's the difference between losing 3-1, 4-1, etc. if losing by any score means you are going home? I didn't get that.

Steven Goff: Good analysis.

Arena did admit the next day that he should have gotten Ching into the Ghana game.

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Dupont South...: Steven,

I'm not really one to willy nilly change the rules of Futball, but it seems to me that there could be a simple change that would reduce a lot of the writhing around after tackles we seem to see a lot this year...simply say that, like in many sports, if play is stopped for medical attention, you have to leave the pitch until the next play stoppage. none of this being carried off and running back on five seconds later, if the medics are on the pitch, you leave until the next substitution opportunity. For the players who are hurt, it wouldn't matter much, for the ones killing time it would punish the team by making them play a man down for a bit, or give up possession to get him back. What do you think?

Steven Goff: Interesting thought, but for those players who are indeed injured (indeed, not all of these guys are exaggerating their pain and suffering) but capable of still playing, it probably wouldn't be fair to leave them languishing on the sideline for an extended period while their team was playing short-handed.

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Los Angeles, Calif.: How can that ok be called at the end of the Australia - Italy game? I am not talking about the dubious nature of the actual foul itself but the referee made a call, and knew he was making a call, that decided the game. He gifted the result to Italy with that decision, rather than having the outcome be determined by the players.

As a neutral fan of that game that turned me against the Italians and now I hope they get blown out by the Ukranians. Am I over doing it?

Steven Goff: Indeed, that call decided the game.

Perhaps the referee felt he needed to reward the Italian player for making that run.

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Washington, D.C.: MLS does seem to be sensitive about the blame it is receiving on the U.S. national team's poor showing at the World Cup. Yet if Adu ends up with a nice contract with a top European club, won't MLS spin that as evidence that the U.S. league is successfully developing world class players?

Steven Goff: Good point.

Complete overreaction by MLS.

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Normal, Ill.: How big a difference do you think it was for the U.S. to go down in the first round as opposed to squeaking through and running into Brazil in the second round?

Steven Goff: Huge difference!

First-round exit is a failure.

Getting to the second round is an accomplishment, regardless of who you must face.

And a USA-Brazil match probably would have drawn a record TV audience.

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Flopping: Hi Steven. Which teams do you feel are the biggest perpetrators of diving/flopping? I thought it was horrible on both sides in the Netherlands-Portugal game (Figo and Robben were particularly offensive). Drawing fouls is an important tactical part of many sports, but the theatrics gets to be way too much...get tripped, get the call, then get up and play. Why all the rolling around in faux pain after being awarded the kick and someone getting or not getting a card? Have you had any discussions with your European or South American counterparts about this? Thanks!

Steven Goff: Interesting suggestion. I'll call Sepp on your behalf!

Among soccer's flaws (every sport has flaws), the ridiculous flopping and feigning of injury is the worst.

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Arlington, Va.: OK, I'll be the one to bring it up. CNN/SI reported Freddy Adu to Europe after the MLS season. Possibly Manchester United. Will you join me in a big laugh over this rumor?

Steven Goff: Hahahahahaha

How was that?

Freddy will go to Europe someday soon in his young career. That's all we know, at this point.

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Arlington, Va.: "Give me Tommy Smith and the other British commentator that did early round games. Those guys are great!"

Tommy Smith is a man who knows nothing about football.

Steven Goff: I think he knows the game; he's just not very good delivering it on TV, in my opinion.

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C. Ronaldo: Any news on his status for Portugal's match against England this weekend? What's the buzz over there?

And no one will convince me that the hard tackle on him was not designed to get him out of the game. He's an electric (and incredibly fast) player and the entire time he was in the game (even after the injury), the Dutch players were targeting his leg. It was cheap and unworthy of the game.

Steven Goff: No news.

Yes, that was a ridiculous foul. Ref should have shown the ref card right there -- it would have set a tone and perhaps cut down on the ridiculous antics later in the match.

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Rosslyn, Va.: Only the U.S. focuses on officiating? From the BBC: "But referee Merk added one more twist to the first half, with a controversial penalty award. He penalized Onyewu, who appeared to win a clean header as Pimpong collapsed dramatically, and then allowed Appiah to dispatch the spot-kick." From the Financial Times: "The match turned on the worst of refereeing decisions. Germany's Markus Merk was standing in a perfect position when USA defender Oguchi Onyewu won a header against the fabulously monikered Razak Pimpong. But inexplicably Merk blew for a penalty because of a non-existent push."

Steven Goff: Thanks for the contributions. Media criticism of the officiating has been relentless -- in all languages.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Re: Arena was implying MLS was not able to develop players like the EPL or other premier European leagues do.

Arena is right! MLS is unable to develop players. MLS has no system in place to develop players. Unless US soccer realizes the strength of the European, South American and other systems, the MLS will never be able to "develop" players. Players are "developed" in high school, youth soccer leagues and college. Let's look at this: every premier league club outside the U.S. has lower league clubs, promotes youth soccer, including high schools that are geared towards player development and education! All clubs have "lower league" teams that are promoted from 4th level to 3rd level etc. according to their success. For instance: if you are the 3 last ranked teams in the Bundesliga, you are relegated to the next lower league, and the three best teams of the lower league are promoted. That is incentive to get better. None of the MLS teams has that challenge.

This is more of a comment than a question, but I would like your input.

Steven Goff: MLS is evolving nicely, but it will take many years before they are developing many young players -- very young players -- to someday compete on the international stage.

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As to the NBA et al....: While it is true the teams are only from the U.S. and Canada, the players are worldwide. The same thing with baseball and football. Let's not get too snobby in our love of soccer.

Steven Goff: Indeed.

But the point the reader was making is that the TEAMS are strictly from the USA (and Canada). If the NBA allows Spanish, Italian and Greek teams to compete in their playoffs, then they call the winner a world champion.

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Manassas, Va.: MVP? Has to be Klose. He's dominating matches: scoring, setting up Podalski, freeing the midfield for long shots, coming back to play defense.

Steven Goff: Great suggestion. He's number two on my list. Perhaps the Friday showdown will decide it! :-)

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New York, N.Y.: How do you think this World Cup compares to the last one? I think it's a much better tournament this time around, but I think that's because the games don't start at 3 a.m. May there never be another World Cup in Asia again!

Steven Goff: I'm sure fans from Asian countries would like the World Cup to be in Asia again!

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Re: The Refs: Thanks for The Post's continuous--and continuously interesting--coverage. I do wonder, however, about the criticism of the refs I'm hearing from both you and fellow posters. What makes the 14 yellows and 4 reds in the Argentina-Netherlands game "just ridiculous," as Vancover puts it, is the fact that the PLAYERS fouled so much. Only one or two of those cards was questionable, while others (Figo's mature, captain-like head butt?) could have merited harsher treatment. Why doesn't anyone call the players out on their privileging of fouling over skills?

Steven Goff: Indeed, there are two ways to look at it.

However, the onus is on the referee to set the tone early.

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officiating: Breaking news, FIFA are in the process of releasing the "bad referee, go home" list - so far Poll (3 yellow cards) and Ivanov (Portugal-Holland debacle) are gone. No word on Larrionda yet.

Steven Goff: Thanks for the update.

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Detroit, Mich.: Steve-

How have the TV Ratings been over the past few weeks? I was over in Germany for the first two weeks, and I thought I saw that the U.S.-Italy game ABC ratings far exceeded the Stanley Cup ratings for the past few years. Have there been any comments/stories on that front?

Thanks for all the coverage - Detroit newspapers don't have a clue.

Steven Goff: Apparently, ESPN/ABC are doing very well in the ratings game. And Univision is reporting record numbers for matches involving Latin teams.

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Bethesda, Md.: You wrote that US fans have noted that "JP Dellacamara and John Harkes have been very good." They have been, Dellacamara has always been very good - it's shame he's not the lead. Harkes is good, and gets better with each match. Maybe Harkes will fill the requisite slot for former player in the booth for years to come.

BTW, who has had the best dive thus far?

Henry v. Spain

Pimpong v. US

That Italian guy v. Australia

Any other candidates?

I think that FIFA should be able to fine a diver (regardless if a card was issued) after a match review in blatant instances. Any thoughts?

Steven Goff: All of the above!

Henry sold that one last night, didn't he?

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Arlignton, Va.: "It's a big world out there. Some of us understand that."

Try not to hurt yourself when you fall off that high horse.

Steven Goff: Saddle up, partner

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Washington, D.C.: How can U.S. soccer be so bad compared to other countries? Is it the salaries? the training? the fact that our children don't want to be "soccer stars" when they grow up?

Is our soccer dilemma a cultural phenomenon?

Steven Goff: "so bad"?

The U.S. has qualified for five straight World Cups (albeit in a weak region). They went to the quarterfinals four years ago.

They overachieved a bit in 02, underachieved a bit in 06.

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Agree with Marc Fisher-: World.Cup.is.Boring.

Although my son is really cute in a Brazil jersey that my husband got him in Sao Paulo. If it's raining Saturday, maybe we'll watch the game.

Steven Goff: I've fallen asleep during soccer games. I've also fallen asleep during NFL, NBA and MLB games.

Everyone has their own tastes in spectator sports.

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Paris: --Please post-- RE Arena's indirect comments on MLS: One could argue that many of the MLS guys played very well in comparison to our Europe-based players in the WC--Demsey, Conrad, Johnson, Mastroeni all did great. We just didn't play well as a team. Even in 2002, we didn't win our way in the quarters, we just had more luck that year....cheers

Steven Goff: True, the failures were a team effort. I wouldn't say Johnson and Mastroeni played great. The biggest disappointment of all, however, was Donovan.

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Defender of the Referees: "However, the onus is on the referee to set the tone early."

The ref in the Por-Net game, for instance, booked Van Bommel within about a minute of the start for kicking ball at Ronaldo. Is this not setting the tone early?

Steven Goff: Red card on the Cristiano Ronaldo assault would've set the tone.

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Arlington, Va. : JP and Harkes are good only in comparison to the other idiots ESPN has announcing. I have been very disappointed in JP. He just constantly regurgitates the same talking points over and over again like all of ESPN's announcers. And he constantly criticizes the refs; in one breath complaining about the POR-NED game and then in the next complaining that the ref in the SUI-UKR game wasn't giving out any cards for every little thing. It's just ridiculous.

Steven Goff: Okay.

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Fairfax, Va.: Hey Steve, what do you think of Peter Nowak as the next US MNT coach? I think he'd be a very good choice.

Steven Goff: I think Nowak has a better shot at the Poland job, but who knows.

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Arlington, Va.: How much longer does Blatter's term (reign of terror?) have to go? Are there any logical successors in the wings to take over and clean up the game? Or will FIFA always be run by a bunch of corrupt imbeciles?

Steven Goff: You've answered your own question.

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Arlington, Va.: "Everyone has their own tastes in spectator sports."

Some tastes are better than others.

Steven Goff: mmmmmmmmmm, spectator sports. Better than donuts.

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Washington, D.C.: Two months ago, when ESPN2 televised the Champions League final, they had Tommy Smyth and Derek Rae. Rae is an English announcer who did an absolutely tremendous job. Very eloquent with his words and so knowledgeable about world futbol. Any reason why he is not announcing games?

Steven Goff: You would have to ask ESPN that question.

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New York City: Steven,

Thanks to you and the whole WaPo team covering the WC. Excellent job. My question is: most of the starters on the USMNT actually ARE playing in Europe - the only starters from the Italy game that were MLS players were Donovan, Mastro, and Pope. So I think the idea that MLS is holding the development of our team back is overstated. The guys that actually played - and lost - in this WC were overwhelmingly Europe-based. Don't you think that it is mostly a reaction to Donovan's poor play? He is supposed to be our best player, and people are looking for a reason why our best player didn't play well.

Oh, let me just say I like Wynalda. He fills the role played by Charles Barkley on TNT NBA games. About 66 percent of his stuff is right on and really entertaining, while another 33 percent is kooky. I think that the "controversy" over our announcers is overblown too.

Steven Goff: Good points.

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G-burg: Why doesn't Sven go with two forwards up front, Rooney and Croutch? So far J.Cole, Beckham and Rooney are all the offense they've got, but Rooney is getting little service. It's time for Gerrard and Lampart to step up offensively; put some balls in for Croutch or take some shots ON GOAL from outside.

Steven Goff: Gerrard and Lampard have been disappointments.

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Washington, D.C.: I've only gotten into the World Cup this year and it's the best thing I've done -- not just because it's a great way to spend time at work. But though everyone at The Post has been great at writing and covering, your chats and articles are great. Really good, interesting writing. Thanks.

Steven Goff: Gracias!

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Arlington, Va.: "Red card on the Cristiano Ronaldo assault would've set the tone."

In hindsight this is easy to say but at full speed it was easy to see how the ref might have construed the incident as a mere late tackle rather than the assault that it was. (What did you think when you saw it at full speed?)

Steven Goff: full speed, slow speed, warp speed, Sandra Bullock speed...

red card

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Seattle, Wash.: Steve,

Don't count out the Ukraine, Definitely not impressed with Italy!

Really enjoying your chats.

Steven Goff: Agreed.

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Washington, D.C.: "The best thing for England would be to lose on Saturday. For the good of the game."

Is this not just an example of post-colonial guilt. Where other teams are just happy to win, England feel bad about it and think it's better if somebody else does it. Do you think Argentineans would give a tinker's cuss if their team won the final on penalties after a goalless, chanceless tie? And would their team be massacred in the national press because of it?

Steven Goff: Great post.

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Arlington, Va.: Might the other side to improving the MLS be bringing in more foreign players? And I don't mean the usual suspects, i.e., Central/South Americans. The Scottish league, for example, has boosted its quality of play recently with an influx of East European players. Africans have given new blood to all the European leagues.

Steven Goff: Without higher salaries, the players MLS would attract from those countries wouldn't be much better than who they have now.

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About the ESPN commentator: that guy has got to go. Not jp, but the other one. His comments remind me of the 'wacky dj' skit on SNL

"Boy that guy sure is wacky, gosh he kicks the ball in his house to turn off the lights at night, golly, sure hope no kids at home try this. I've been told his wife is angry at a few broken lamps...chuckle, chuckle"

Something like that. This knucklehead should do the background stories for people doing figure skating in the Olympics, not the Cup coverage.

Steven Goff: er?

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Albany, N.Y.: According to the Portuguese radio, C Ronaldo is on track to play. He come out today and played with the ball a bit. Didn't practice with the team but he was out there playing with the ball separately. He will play on Saturday.

Steven Goff: Thanks for the update...

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Alexandria, Va.: How's the food in Germany?

Steven Goff: mighty tasty. they have a liquid refreshment here that's pretty good too...bier?

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Ex MLS Fan, San Francisco, Calif.: I 100 percent concur with Arena's critique of MLS. How does MLS expect to build a legitimate soccer culture, fan base, etc., when they move their second most successful team (San Jose Earthquakes) as part of a stadium extortion deal? I was a huge fan for years - went to see Donovan, Mulrooney, Agoos, and many more at the very well named Spartan Stadium - but now I am furious at MLS and will only watch soccer on satellite television.

No fan base, no ticket sales; no ticket sales, no MLS; no MLS, no US player development. They need to get it together.

Steven Goff: Another thought...

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Arlington, Va.: "full speed, slow speed, warp speed, Sandra bullock speed...

red card"

Perhaps you should consider a change of career then?

Steven Goff: How'd you know?

This just in: Arena to coach Brazil, Goff to coach USA.

As always, it's been fun.

As always, you can reach me directly at goffs@washpost.com

Peace. Out.

SG

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