World Cup 2010, Week Two

Ah, Team France. Qu'est-ce qui s'est passé? Or, more succinctly:

WTF?

Where did it all go wrong? How did you think you could disgrace your country (and those of us who love your country) by behaving so badly? How could you forget that the World Cup is the premier sporting event IN THE WORLD and in which it is a privilege to play?

For those who don't know - France got into this year's World Cup tournament with a controversial win over Ireland. Controversial in that Thierry Henry had a glaring handball which led to the winning goal. The foul wasn't called and Ireland was eliminated.

So you would think, knowing that they were just plain lucky to be there, the French team would show up feeling humble, and ready to work les fesses off to prove that they deserved to be there. Instead they arrived already bickering amongst themselves and particularly with their coach. Things escalated, Anelka (one of the stars of the squad) insulted the coach and was kicked off the team. In protest, the rest of the team refused to practice. All of this happening while, by the way, they barely manage a tie with Uruguay and get les fesses whooped by Mexico.

In complete disarray, they lost their third match to South Africa, sending them home after just the first round.

That's it, Team France. We are done. Fini.

But you, Argentina, you can stay. You are looking very smooth and lovely indeed. You have your act together and you danced through the first round like lovers enjoying a tango. I have my eyes on you, Argentina.

Unlike France, you have players who love to play. Lionel Messi never stops trying. He plays like, oh that's right, this is the biggest sport in the world and he is lucky to be one of the best. Same with Higuain.

I also plan to visit your country some day. I want to experience the cosmopolitan streets of Buenos Aires, the many great wines from all over your country, the splendid beef, and the sensuous tango. Keep it up, Argentina.

The opposite-of-France award must go to Team USA. Despite shaky starts that led to early scores by their opponents and despite some of the worst calls in years that disallowed not one but two different winning goals, the US side kept on coming.

Altidore, Bradley, Donovan, Dempsey, DeMerit, and on and on. They all played with grit and determination and not only like this was the biggest sporting event in the world but that they truly deserved to be there.

Excellent result. I couldn't be more proud.

The USA takes on Ghana next. Can't wait to see that.