World Cup: Win and you're in

The English soccer team visited an orphanage today. "It's heartbreaking to see their sad little faces with no hope," said Jamal, age 6. (Thanks to Sean for sending that my way.)

The England team seems to be in a bit of a crisis mode. Although, they can always be heartened by the fact that they're not the French team. Here's what's happened to Les Blues:

• They garnered a meager 1 point out of 2 games, putting the team in danger of missing the next round.
• Had their veteran striker sent home after an expletive-laced tirade at half time of their loss to Mexico.
• Another player give the finger to a group of reporters.
• The entire team refused to practice this weekend.
• The team director has resigned.
• Beleaguered coach Raymond Domenech had to separate a player and the fitness coach at a practice that was not interrupted by the players refusing to participate.
• French star Thierry Henry announced he was leaving the team immediately after their next game to join the New York Red Bulls of MLS.

OK, I made that last one up, but it actually might happen; Henry has long been linked with a move to the Red Bulls.

Of course, for anyone who believes in karma, this is all very pleasant to watch unfold. The French only qualified for the World Cup thanks to a very obvious handball on Henry that led to a goal which knocked out the Irish.  Read more about the French meltdown (including videos) from Dirty Tackle.

Anyway, back to Group C.  The Americans (0-0-2) are second in with two points, trailing Slovenia (1-0-1) and ahead of England (0-0-2) on goals scored going into Wednesday’s first-round finale against Algeria (0-1-1). England will match up against Slovenia. The US would advance with a win and possibly with a draw. The games will be played simultaneously, so find a bar with multiple TVs, get a TV with picture-in-picture or set up your computer next to your TV to stream one of the games.

As for Friday's game, while I'm still irate over the horrible call that cost the US the game-winning goal, the US put themselves in that spot with poor play in the first half. If the US played the entire 90 minutes with the poise and intensity they did in the second half, they could beat anyone. Maybe coach Bradley can arrange for the scoreboard in the stadium to show the score as 1-0 Algeria when the game starts, so the players will think they're already a goal down.

Finally, happy Father's Day to all the dads watching, playing in and coaching in the World Cup.