Brad

Are you sure about that? Right now there is no goal differential between Denmark and Japan. However, Denmark have scored more goals. So, if they tie, doesn't Denmark go through on that basis? Results so far: Netherlands 2, Denmark 0 Japan 1, Cameroon 0 Netherlands 1, Japan 0 Cameroon 1, Denmark 2 Denmark's goal difference is -1 (2-3), while Japan's is 0 (1-1), so if they draw Japan will advance to the last 16 (rules, post #165) Yes, I just realized that Denmark had lost 2 nil. For some reason, I thought that it was only 1 nil. Based on what I saw today, I hope Denmark advance. Japan is just sterile.

Are you sure about that? Right now there is no goal differential between Denmark and Japan. However, Denmark have scored more goals. So, if they tie, doesn't Denmark go through on that basis?

Pretty unbelieveable is all I can say. Over on ESPN Steve Mcmanaman absolutely killed them. The one thing is sure that Algeria is no push over. However, they can't score. Unless England get their act together, they will be heading home and if that comes to pass, I wouldn't head home for awhile.

Say goodnight Gracie.

Particularly Brasil Looks like Germany could be in some trouble since you assume that Ghana will pick up some points from Australia and Serbia the same when they meet the Aussies. That could leave Germany a tough match with Ghana to move on.

Replays seemed to show that the Mexican player was even with the defender as the ball was struck while he was making his run; he timed it perfectly.

When the ball is struck there has to be at least two defenders (including the goalie) between the offensive player and the goal. If the offensive player is slightly past, he's off sides. In every Cup they say that the refs are told to give the benefit of the doubt to the offensive player but it rarely seems to happen that way.

As far as goal difference, right now Uruguay is sitting pretty. Even if they lose by a goal or two, France, to beat them, will have to do something they haven't yet done: score!

I didn't see the whole match but not a good effort from France. Mexico played a little better but nothing to get crazy about. The only hope for either France or SA is for Uruguay or Mexico to beat the other. However, if those two decide to take it easy, France and SA are out. Moreover, there's nothing to indicate that France could beat SA or vice versa so those two are probably going home in any event (although I guess SA doesn't have far to travel )

Yes, the German match was the star of a generally lackluster series of first games. Let's hope that the Uruguay match is a sign of things to come. I think France Mexico has potential for a very good match as they both know that a victory may give them a leg up on putting them through.

As a fellow supporter, I couldn't agree more and I don't like Del Bosque saying the Swiss took advantage of dead balls and counters. Hey, that's what it's all about. They may be lucky they face Honduras next.

With South Africa out, the news just keeps getting worse for FIFA (Spain debacle).

Looks like SA is getting ready to be shown the door. They have to hope that France Mexico tie and then they beat France next week.

What a major disappointment. This is 1998 all over again. Their going through would not appear likely. Chile should gather three point from the Swiss and the Swiss probably three from Honduras. Spain should beat Honduras but Chile who knows. If they do, it will come down to goal differential. A very tough road. What a disaster. I can only imagine what the reaction is back in Spain.

The Yankees split is what you would generally expect. The Rays' split is very unusual, to say the least.

I only got to see abut of the first half and they weren't very impressive. The North Koreans could be a challenge for the other two sides.

Looks like the Mets are continuing to feed off the AL bottom feeders: four straight from Os and Tribe. They've made their road record go from putrid to just bad

We should probably add in Hans' comment above. I can only think that teams are being cautious so as not to behind the eight ball for the second group match; better a tie than a loss may be the thought.

Unfortunately work intervenes (darn!) and I didn't see the match. Just more of the same I assume that we've seen from everybody except Germany and maybe Argentina.

I listened to Chamber Music of the New Jazz and if you're on the fence, get this one. You'll be hitting the order button.

The announcers say they have to, for fans just tuning in, etc. I still prefer they don't but I understand that they need to.

There is some talk about banning them from the cup. It's apprently a tradition at South African matches. However, some traditions are not always good ones

Cahill went for the leg, not the ball. It was an ugly foul, punishable by a red card according to the instructions the referees got from FIFA ahead of the tournament. I didn't see Cacau's foul - if there was one. He was called for diving.

I don't agree on the red; yellow yes, red no. The refereeing had another questionable moment: the yellow on Cacao in the 92nd. Please.

So far, the Germany Australia match appears worthy of being called a WC match (at least from the German point of view).