World Cup

Germany 2006

Washington Post staff writer Jason La Canfora was online -- live from Germany -- Friday, June 30, 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 all. Hope you are enjoying the tourney. I'll try to keep one eye on the Germany game. Before we get started I wanted to give a shout out to Katie, who moderates these chats so expertly and is leaving us this week. This might even be her last chat, and she's been a joy to work with.

Alright, let's talk footie.

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GoPortug, AL!: Thanks to you and The Post for the awesome coverage of the Cup!

I know you can't answer this, but hoping you could put this out there for other poster's:

Any advice on where to watch in G'town? My girl wants to root for the underdogs tomorrow, and we're looking for a place in that part of town. Lively viewership and food/drink specials a plus!

Thanks a bunch!

Jason La Canfora: Now worries mate. IF anyone sends in a suggestion I'll post it up here.

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Pickle Lake, N. Canada: Jason: We are sharing your outstanding reports on the World Cup with our soccer playing Cree and OJIBWA students of Northern Canada. YOU have done an exceptional bit of journalistic reporting and we look forward to the POST "posting" your dispatches. OUR students are definitely cheering on ENGLAND--as always. Wonder if you think both Neville and ROONEY will be up to their tasks vs Portugal? Last time these teams met in Cup play it was good ole Bobby Charlton who potted two for England in a 2-1 win. Trust the sun shines on all your pathways thru Deutschland. And go England! Cheers, Ronn HART (and Canada's First Nations students above the 53rd parallel)

washingtonpost.com: Blog: World Cup Journal

Full Coverage: World Cup 2006

Jason La Canfora: Wow, first of all thank YOU so much for taking the time to write this. I'm so glad you guys have been reading our stuff and enjoying it. We'll try to keep up for the final week of the Cup. I've spent a lot of time in Canada when I covered ice hockey. Is there stil la First Nations hockey team coached by Ted Nolan?

Anyway, I think Ronadlo could be the key against England, but with Deco out, Costinha out and Ronaldo not 100 percent, I like the English chances. They finally get the best of Big Phil - 1-0 England. Goal by Rooney. I think he;s due and rounding into form.

Thanks again.

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90+: Whoever scheduled this chat should have been told that the match could go to extra time and you would be busy. Crikey dotcom, get a clue!

The question is: Why was Riquelme taken out, to protect a 1-0 lead against Germany?

Jason La Canfora: That's the same thing I wondering. I am at the stadium in Hamburg awaiting Italy-Ukraine, and we have no audio on the match. Not sure if he was hurt or what, but man, it doesn't look good for Arg without Crespo and Riquelme, the best player in this tourney to date (or at least right there with Klose).

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Arlington, Va.: Ukraine 3 - Italy 0

Jason La Canfora: That would be something. Would give me plenty to write about. Neither of these team's has been very impressive, so one of them is due to bust out. Wonder if Italy will manage to get through the first half without a red card for a change?

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Washington, D.C.: On PTI before the World Cup, Wilbon showed images of many German soccer fans showing the "Heil Hitler" salute, and of course many of the fans jeering the black athletes calling them "monkeys." Did you see or hear much of that while you were there?

Jason La Canfora: I have seen none of it. That kind of thing is hardly limited to Germany - Italian Paulo DiCanio gave a fascist salute this season after scoring a goal for Lazio of Rome - but the atmosphere in these stadiums has been ubelievable and if anything people are coming together from different walks of life.

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Futbol Nacion: Ai yi yi!

OT!

Always sounds biblical ...

Jason La Canfora: I'm trying to get that chant started in the pressbox here, but people are just looking at me like I'm nuts.

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Alexandria, Va.: Been out of touch for a few days - why didn't Van Nistelrooy play in the Dutch-Portugal match?

Jason La Canfora: He's in the doghouse with his coach. He got the Sir Alex treatment from club and country. He's really fallen off int he last 4 months or so. Not sure what's going on inside his head, but for someone who needed a great World Cup to boost his transfer status, he really crapped out.

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Arlington, Va.: Maxi Rodriguez got a yellow card for diving near the end of regular time. I think this is the first yellow card I ahve seen this WC for theatrics - have there been many others?

Jason La Canfora: I remember covering at least one game where it happend in the first round, but, with me going on 20 games or something now, I can't recall which match it was.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: How much is Argentina hurt by having to play their backup GK? Are they no longer one of the favorites?

Jason La Canfora: If they lose this game, then you can definitely quote me as saying they are no longer a favorite.

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Los Angeles, Calif.: It seems that a well-intentioned FIFA policy of trying to cut down on rough play has turned this tournament into almost a farce. Fouls are called and cards and PKs given for even the most innocuous challenges (U.S.-Ghana game), while the biggest floppers in the tournament (read: Italians, who are more mackeral than men) are consistently rewarded for acrobatic dives. I was so disgusted with the flop that lead to the free kick and winning goal in the France-Spain game that I walked out of the room and refused to watch the game anymore. What a travesty.

Jason La Canfora: It has been pretty sickening at times, and, thankfully, Beckenbauer lashed out at the diving during a press conference yesterday. I only wish Der Kaiser had named names. Like the last question just said, though, we did see a yellow for simulation in this Germany game, so maybe it's a portent of things to come.

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South Huntington, N.Y.: How come we see so many players slip on the pitch? Do these Germans wet the field before each game?

Jason La Canfora: They apply a smooth coating of beer to each pitch about 3-4 hours before the game, and let the chips fall wheer they may. But seriously, some of the pitches at the smaller stadiums seemd poor from above, with burnt spots, ruts in places.

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Chesapeake Beach, Md.: So we didn't beat anyone this go round. And some say if we were in an easier group, we could have advanced.

As you have been watching a number of games and different teams, just who do you think the US team 'could have' beaten in this year's tournament if they were in the 'right' group?

Jason La Canfora: I think a group of Iran, Saudi Arabia and Angola might have been about right. Of course, that could never happen with the way they seed teams.

I think the US may have been one of the top 16 teams here - and should have been - but did not play close to that level. Throw in the bad breaks, and this is what you're left with.

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Arlington, Va.: I'd like to echo the other compliments posted - great, great job covering all things futbol in Germany!

Has there been any more about Gooch's move to Middlesboro? Or will that happen - other teams intersted? Also, any skuttle-butt of other US players that may be jumping the pond soon?

Do you think France (my WC sentimental fav) has a chance against Brazil? They played some excellent 'ball in the 2nd half vs Spain. Go ZZ and Henry!

Jason La Canfora: Thanks so much.

If France can somehow turn back the clock again like int he second half against Spain, then anything is possible. To me, Ribery is the real key with them, and he looks like he can run all day.

The last I heard was what Steve Goff reported about Gooch. Wolff had a few things going pre-Cup, but that may have been hurt by this World Cup. Dempsey has been gung-ho to go for a while now, and is surely on his way somewhere I would think.

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Washintgon, D.C.: Thanks to TiVo and "working" from home, I've been able to watch all of the games. I think the Ger-Arg match ref should be the one for the finals ... His calls have been pretty spot on and fair thus far.

Jason La Canfora: I'm with you. This is a tough, tough match and he's had a very steady hand.

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Laurel, Md.: Are teams actually limited to just three substitutions, even in double OT games? Wouldn't soccer be more interesting if we could see more fresh players running around in the extra period(s)?

Jason La Canfora: It's three and out, but you might be onto something. Maybe allow one in the second 15 of extra time, which would reward those with greater depth.

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Alexandria, Va.: In Brazil, Ghana, the Ghana player got his second yellow for diving in the box ... it really is a shame Ghana didn't have essien and the refs missed the offsides, Ghana played far better than Brazil.

Jason La Canfora: You can't allow that early ball to completely split your defense in the fifth minute and leave The Chunky One alone with you goaltender. I think Ghana went about as far as they should have, and for a team that saw many breaks go its way I have a hard time stomaching some of their complaining. There was a piece on CNN over here this morning from Ghana with them still moaning and whining. They got beat by Brazil - welcome to the World Cup, that's what happens to everyone - and got a huge break against the US. Accept it.

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Reston, Va.: What are some of the American tactics and strategies that Klinnsmann has used do develop the German national team?

Jason La Canfora: I wouldn't call it American tactics. He has just adopted many American philosophies on fitness, diet and training techniques, and his team surely has looked strong late in games. He work with some people in LA and, I believe, Arizona, and applied their teachings to the German team.

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Baltimore, Md.: Robben (NED) got a yellow for diving in the group phase.

Jason La Canfora: Good call. There was another one, too, in a game I covered, but I'm still blanking out ... Too many drinks with Moritz and my Berlin posse last night.

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Burke, Va.: Hi Jason,

Got thinking about Freddie Adu's decision not to play for Ghana's NT in this WC. In retrospect, in spite of Bruce Arena's claim that Adu would be better served by continuing play with DC United, I believe he should have taken Ghana up on its offer to play on their team. Even if he didn't see much game PT, the overall benefit gained by practicing and playing with the very good Ghana team would have been greater than that which he gained with DC United. To steal a commercial tag line from Mastercard, "World Cup experience of any kind. Priceless." If I was his advisor/agent etc., I would have told him to go for it with Ghana. I think he will regret it one day, if he doesn't already.

Jason La Canfora: I'm not sure I agree with that. He likely would not have played much, would be Cup tied to Ghana forever, and while they have great talent, have only qualified once for the Cup. They should be a regular here, but that's not a given.

Freddy has helped US Soccer, but US Soccer and Nike have also helped him very much, and he has come up through the US youth ranks and played for this country at every level. In the end, it's always his decision, and his families, and I think you have to respect any option they choose.

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Laurel, Md.: It seems like every game is accompanied by singing or chanting by one team's fans in unison. What are they singing? A song unique to their nation?

Jason La Canfora: Most of the time they are singing: "Borat, Borat ... My wife, my wife, my wife."

Naw, there are different chants in every country, some reating to game developments, so to salute certain players and some to taunt the other team. There was a pretty good one at the Aussie-Italy game with the Italian kept diving, but I'm not sure I can write it here.

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xien: you think who will win the game.germany?

Jason La Canfora: I'm going with the home team, whether it takes Pks or not.

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Towson, Md.: Guten Tag, Jason. Mick the Stick back again... Big Phil (Scolari) to the USMNT ... can it happen ?

Jason La Canfora: Okay, who's impersonating Mick the Stick on here? Now way does Mark The Shark know about Bil Phil? Whose putting him up to this?

If this really is Sticky, then, dude, you watching every 2010 World Cup qualifier with us in Canton when they come around, becuase you've suddenly got the football bug.

But to answer the question, I doubt US Soccer would pony up the kind of coin it would take to land him. Steve Goff had a really interesting article about the head of the US Fed standing up for Arena. I think it's time for a change, it was great eight years, now bring in someone from abroad.

I still think Klinsi would be the perfect guy.

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Laurel, Md.: The announcers were saying during the chaotic Holland-Portugal match that the Russian ref "would not advance." So, does that mean refs are judged round-by-round like the teams? Do you know what criteria they are judged on and who does it?

Jason La Canfora: You got it. They are evaluated by the FIFA technical committee after every game, and only those deemed to have done the best continue to get games in the knockout rounds.

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Wylenda hate?: Why is there so much hate for Wylenda? I like that he is critical of coaches, players and decisions? I think people have gotten to used to the John Maddens and Dick Vitales of the world where they never say a bad word about anyone. At least he goes out on a limb and states whats on his mind.

BTW, where is Tommy Smyth in the second rounds. The American teams have gotten better as the WC has gone on but no one can meat the little Irishmen.

Jason La Canfora: Dude, did you just write: "no one can meat the little Irishman."

I'm guessing you meant to put a b there and not an m?

Anyway, I think it is high time for more criticism when it is due, particularly from commentators - some of the broadcasts of US Soccer friendly and qualifiers seemd like rallys more than analysis - but Wynalda sometimes lacks a certain tact, and it makes him look cartoonish. I generally like that he is opinionated, and he has the goods to back it up. He's the country's all-time leading scorer, and with the way Landon's played for a long tiem now, maybe he'll remain atop that list for a long time.

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Washington, D.C.: Random question... Was just reading some of the transfer news on BBC Sports. I notice the Euro press always seems to refer to what a team will pay a player weekly (as in, "Sol Campbell close to signing $50,000 per week deal with Portsmouth...). Are those considered 52-week contracts or just paid weekly during the season? Just trying to determine what some of these annual salaries are. I know, random...

Also, Marcello Balboa is criticizing Lehmann's play throughout the WC. Is that consistent with the German thoughts?

Jason La Canfora: It's something like a 45 week season, including training. Crazy, huh?

I have not seen much individual criticism of the Germans save for that of the defense in the first match, but to me Lehman has been shaky on soem crosses and a little off. But it hasn't cost them yet.

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What if...?: I'll start off like everyone else and say I've really enjoyed the Post's coverage of the WC- very well done!

I'm Portuguese (and a huge fan of the team) and I'm praying we win tomorrow! If we do manage the upset, what do you think our chances are vs. Brazil? Deco will be back and, although Brazil spanked Ghana hard, the Brazilian team of '06 isn't like the teams of old. What do you think?

Jason La Canfora: I think Portugal could surely give Brazil a hell of a game, and their coach knows a little something about that Brazil team, eh?

I just have a feeling all of the manpower absent - or not 100 percent - in that midfield is going to make it tough to create much against England.

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Laurel, Md.: I've heard criticism of some successful teams, England to name one, whose attempts at offense is supposedly lacking in 'creativity' or 'imagination'. What would an imaginative offense look like? Has any remaining team exemplified the desired creativity?

Jason La Canfora: Certainly. Brazil, Argentina, Germany spring to mind. Not every game, but overall, they have played attacking, spirited, beautiful football. The problem with England is that they have yet to do it for even a half. I'll give them the first 30 minutes against Portugal and a flurry at the end of the T and T game, but there have been few buildups, little service to the strikers and often, what appears to be chaos in the midfield. They aren't sorted out properly, and it shows.

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Washington, D.C.: There has been much discussion on the ugliness of the English game and how their wins are undeserving. However, as uncreative as the English team is offensively we should give credit to them defensively. They win almost every 50/50 ball, tackle hard and win balls in the air. With Rooney coming to form, I like their chances beating Portugal. How do you see the match playing out?

Jason La Canfora: Maybe I'm too hard on them, but I think Terry and Rio have not looked close to top form. Each could have scored an own goal already, Terry has gifted two breakaways, and if Ashley Cole doesn't make that desperation slide against Ecaudor, Terry would have been the goat. Throw in the slack defending on two set pieces against Sweden, and I just can rave about them...

As to that Lehman question, I'd say right now he's pretty popular in Germany.

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Hockeytown: Do they refer to the GK as a "sieve" in soccer like they do in hockey?

Jason La Canfora: It has been said.

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Laurel, Md.: Zero shots on goal by Germany during two OTs? What gives?

Jason La Canfora: They're playing to win on PKs. It's part of Klinsi's dramatic flair.

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Washintgon, D.C.: I'm almost hoping for Germany to lose so that MAYBE they will get mad at Klinnsman, fire him and the US can pick him up. It's nice to have dreams. I think the US problem was no agression. I mean 4 shots and only 1 offsides in 3 games??? If your not getting at least a few offsides per game, your just not playing aggressively, in my opinion.

Jason La Canfora: The player who should have been running to goal and taking on defenders - Donovan - did nothing. McBride got little servive and they indeed played timid soccer at the worst possible time.

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More on Freddy: Freddy's comment about being neutral for the US-Ghana game was disappointing. he's worn the US jersey and was called into training camp (can't remember whether he got a cap or not), ergo he should have supported the US. His Nike media coaches could have trained him on answering better.

Jason La Canfora: I agree with you there. I think in the end it's much Adu about nothing, though, because I am sure he will be cap tied within the next few months.

Lehmann just got himself on a postage stamp. Oliver who?

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Arlington, Va.: Thanks for doing this chat!

Quick observation: Though Deco is one of the most exciting and skilled players in this tournament, and one of the best (if not the best) player on the Portuguese squad, his loss probably won't affect them as much as everyone seems to think. Remember, they've played without him in half of their games already (Angola and Mexico), and they won both of those. In fact, the most dynamic Portugal's offense has looked during this WC was against Mexico, who all but beat the superb Argentian squad in the round of 16.

Also, Do you know the latest word on Cristiano Ronaldo's readiness for tomorrow?

Thanks again.

Jason La Canfora: You may be right. I heard something about Ronaldo being 80 percent.

I don't think you can compare the Angola and Mexico group games to England in a quarterfinal, though.

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Laurel, Md.: How do they decide who wears light jerseys and who wears dark? Is one team the 'home' team, who gets to decide?

Jason La Canfora: They flip Sepp Blatter and see if it's heads or tails.

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Atlanta, Ga.: Who has the advantage during this penalty kicking phase: Germany or Albiceleste?

Jason La Canfora: Now that it's over, I'd have to say it looks pretty good for Germany.

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Awesome: "They flip Sepp Blatter and see if it's heads or tails."

You just made me laugh REALLY loud in my office at work!

Jason La Canfora: That's why I'm here, bro.

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USSF on Arena: Jason:

The USSF can't be serious about keeping on Arena. I think he's a fine coach, but it's time for a change. Is this just posturing or are they CYA'ing by standing by him now?

Jason La Canfora: I'm not really close to that situation, and Steve would be the guy to ask. Just from reading it from afar, maybe they feel like they need to keep Bruce in the picture in case the 2-3 people they might be looking at fall through. And, as hard as I've been on Bruce, if they're going to go with Sigi Schmidt or Steve Nicol or something like that, then by all means give Bruce 4 more years.

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Re: Freddy Adu & Ghana NT: Jason,

I don't think Freddy would have been tied to Ghana NT forever if he played for them. I think FIFA allows a youth (U-21) to play with a country while a youth and switch to another country they are eligible for (like Freddy) locking in only after the age of 21. In other words, Adu could have played with Ghana and still been eligible to play for the US team in the next WC.

Jason La Canfora: My understanding is that if the one friendly Freddy played for the US was already on a recognized match day, he would in fact already be cup tied to the US. Either way, I guess I couldn't see him featuring in the qualifying run to 2010 - he would be 21 at the next World CUp - then somehow trying to play for Ghana.

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Rockville, Md.: So I understand that Spain always chokes. Does that make them the Caps of soccer? Did dozens of Spanish writers need to pay Kornheiser royalties for the use of "Choking Dogs" in their stories?

Jason La Canfora: I believe Tony had a special Swiss bank account set up solely for that purpose prior to this World Cup, and the Euros are flying in fast and furious.

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Washington, D.C.: It's a shame GER-ARG had to come this early in the rounds, shame that ARG now goes home in tears, real shame that it had to end with PKs. But Germany just had that slight edge when it counted today. Lehmann was UNBELIEVABLE in this game. Tactically perfect. Brazil- Germany now to cap it off? I don't see how England or Italy can get through...

Jason La Canfora: I see Brazil-Germany as the final, too, and it could really be something. I was just thinking that Argentina are surely no worse than the fourth-best team in this competition. It is a cruel way to go, but then I also think that if 120 minutes does not settle it, how much longer should they go? Whatdya think?

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Baltimore, Md.: This may seem like a real silly question, but one I want to ask. After watching several DC United games this year I am a firm believer that they can compete with other elite club teams from the world. How do you think they fare versus a team such as Juventus or a Boca Juniors?

Jason La Canfora: I see them beating Boca 4-0, and maybe just beating Juve by a goal or two ...

Bro, is this Santino from Baltimore writing this question? Are you on the payroll?

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Washington, D.C.: What a sad way to lose a game. Regardless, I have a technical question: what determines which national team players play for? Nationality? Citizenship? Something else entirely?

Jason La Canfora: It can get pretty murky. Sometimes a non cap-tied player mi9ght play in a foreign league for a while and get citizenship there. Sometimes a grandparent with ties to a country can be enough to get on a team. Owen Hargreaves, for instance, is from Calgary, and could have played for the English or German team as well, and chose England. it can get pretty complicated, and countries also do what they can to help certain players meet criteria.

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How much longer?: I say keep playing, but make the 15-minute periods (after the first two) to be sudden death. Also, allow one additional sub for every 15 minutes, once you go into OT. I'd really see tired players settle it in regular play than PKs.

Jason La Canfora: I would go along with that. I really hate Pks too, but after talking to some people about it at length, I also see the point that without subs, it really gets to be cruel to let it go on forever. The idea of an extra sub is interesting.

Maybe we have just solved one of the world's biggest problems with just this little chat. See that Katie, you're going out on top!

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Future US Coach: Steve Nicol and Sigi Schmid? Isn't that digging too deep for a "foreign" coach?

Jason La Canfora: That's exactly my point. Those names have been thrown around, and if that's the route US Soccer wants to go, then like I said, give Bruce 4 more years ASAP.

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Cup-tied: Once you play for the senior national team in FIFA-recognized match, you're tied to that country for the rest of your life regardless of your age. If you play for a youth team, you can change allegiances.

Jason La Canfora: There you have it. Freddy plays a true A game or qualifier for the US senior team, and his decision is already made.

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Flipping off Sepp: Sepp always comes up "tails"

Jason La Canfora: No argument here.

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New York City: Thanks for your and your colleagues' excellent coverage of this World Cup. My question is: why is nobody talking about Italy??? Everyone seems to think that they are playing terribly - almost as bad as England - and yet (1) they won the toughest group and (2) they have yet to give up a goal to an opponent (i.e., other than the own goal). That's pretty impressive, if you ask me!

PS - Adriano also got booked for diving in the Ghana match.

Jason La Canfora: I think the harsh tones come from the lack of finish from a team that seemed poised to score some goals here. The red cards really have messed things up and Totti has not been close to himself. Hey, a great game today and they would have plenty of believers. But they also managed to barely get by the Aussies, and needed help, and drew the US despite being a man up for half the match. Can't say they have always been impressive here.

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Jason La Canfora: Alright, guys, hope everyone had fun. The stadium is filling up here for Italy-Ukraine, and let's keep our fingers crossed for a good match. Thanks for the great questions as always, and can't wait to do this again.

Cheers.

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The secret weapon for improving our team: Jason:

The key to getting better is getting better players from overseas to qualify for the U.S. side. Since so many of these guys end up marrying American women (Klinsmann, Shevchenko), we need to speed up the process and have them marry the women BEFORE they play for the homeland. Then they're eligible. The secret? Hot-looking foreign exchange students from the U.S. go overseas and work their magic. You need to get the USSF to fund this right away.

Jason La Canfora: Okay, I'm probably not supposed to post a question after I signed off, but this guy is a genius. I am seriously on board with this program. Let's start a Web site and get r going.

Cheers.

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