Boos!

Did I hear boos from the fans at the end of the BRA-POR scoreless match?  Of course, the winner (BRA) could get Spain (so maybe POR was correct in playing for a tie) or they could get CHI or SUI.  CIV did get 3 goals but needed 9.  PRK gave up a total of 12 goals but at least they scored a goal (hello scoreless ALG and maybe HON).

Status Quo

Nothing changed in the standings as there were two ties and everyone picked Brazil (except for Coin Tossed).  Corner Kick Kid, Dime 23, I R Winner! Part 2, LeftyRodriguez, and Rivas all have 7 points (of 8 possible).  Japan's win (which I can't believe I didn't even pick them in my 2nd entry at least -- boy I thought they really had no chance) yesterday prevented anyone from being perfect.  So, the three teams  who would be good bets to not score a goal in the World cup, have all scored (Japan (W), New Zealand (T), and North Korea (L)).  Which leaves powerhouses such as France and Portugal goalless.  Was eating at O-Nami's (all you can eat, better than average sushi!  Recommended!) watching the 2nd half and when North Korea scored, there were some cheers coming from the other room.  I wonder if I should report them in :-)  But at least North Koreans can actually see one highlight from the match from state-controlled TV.  Although Brazil's first goal could've been a GK mistake since he got beat nearside, but in reality, it's Brazil and every indication was that Maicon's only option was to cross and the GK played the percentages.  Whereas the English and Algeria's GKs misplayed the ball and the Paraguay's GK misjudged his jump, the PRK GK just made a calculated decision that didn't work out (what a wicked shot by Maicon though).

Sam's Pando! or Gordo? is up to nine issues already and you can always find the latest by clicking on the Pando! or Gordo? tab above.  Also, on that page you can read Sam's 2006's newsletters (called "Clap! or Crap?").

Wow.

North Korea and Brazil tied at the half?  This following one boring scoreless draw an exciting extra time tie by New Zealand. 

Ouch!

Wow. A rash of injuries lately. Well, if Group G wasn't a two-team race (between Brazil and Portugal) before, it is now since Ivory Coast star Dridier Drogba broke his arm and is out of the World Cup.  And if you had any inkling of North Korea pulling off an upset over Brazil or Portugal, well, they just listed one of their strikers as a goalkeeper and thus, can't play in the "outfield".  This has gotta be one of FIFA's dumbest rules.  It shouldn't matter but I guess with the economy as it is, they don't want to make a GK and regular jersey for just one player.  I guess he could come out like an 11th attacker, but just with all the GK gear on.  It also seems like North Korea didn't notice their error even on the May 11th submittal.  I guess they were too busy allegedly sinking subs to notice.

England lost yet another captain, this time apparently not to extracurricular activities, as Rio Ferdinand's injured knee will keep him home.  England just can't keep the stars aligned and have a controversy-free WC.  Can Beckham be a captain as an assistant coach ;-)?  Let's see if the USA can take advantage.

Finally, Italy's Andrea Pirlo, '06 Cup Final MVP, is probable for the Cup.  But Italy has the easiest group (none of the other 3 teams ranked in the Top 30) and he could rest for an extra week.  Of course, they did roll over against Mexico, who beat them 2-1 in Belgium.  Does Mexico's win (or Italy's loss) change how you think they'll do?