World Cup Update June 17th

Portugal down Iran to advance

Ghana up 1-0 on Czech Republic in 32nd minute

USA Vs. Italy 12:00pm PST on ABC

I have heard all kinds of predictions about lineups and stratgey, etc... for the US team today. My personal hope is for DMB to ride the pine and Dempsey and EJ to get the start. I am both apprehensive and excited to see what happens. US will need to "bring it" today if they are going to win or even scrape a tie against a powerful Italian attack.

GO to em' boys, I am behind you!!!!
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UPDATE: 6/17 2:25pm PST

Ghana Shocks Czech Republic 2-0

USA and Italy Draw 1-1

In a really poorly called match the USA showed the fire that sent them through to the quaters in 2002. I have to say though that the ref decided this match for us, a straight red that anyone who knows the game would say was an equalizing red card took Mastroeni out right away and we were down to 10 men. Then on a very questionable second yellow card Eddie Pope went out in the 46th minute to make it 10v9. I sincerely hope that apon reviewing this game someone within FIFA reprimands the center official for what was a poorly officiated game to say the least.

In the end we sat back and defended well, but with 1 substitution left and 15 minutes to play Bruce Arena left a dog tired and beat up McBride on the field in favor of EJ, Ching or Josh Wolf. I hope someone in the press core can get a good answer from him on this. Considering all the options there was no reason not to bring in some fresh offensive legs in my mind and that may have cost us 2 points and the Cup. No excuse for it for my money, but all in all I was impressed with the heart and the level of play the US team showed today and I can once again proudly support my team!!

Awesone Job Guys!!!!