Sanford's Soccer Net

Friday, July 20, 2007

The Mill + ++

Totti announces international retirement

He was never able to reproduce his Roma form for the Azzuri. Sadly, this will be my lasting impression of him playing for Italia.

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=txitalytotti&prov=st&type=lgns

Thursday, July 19, 2007

MLS All-Star Game, Mid-Season Review, and General Junk

Since it's so bloody quiet these days we'll check in on the MLS and see what's going going on with North America's top division. The game tonight is at 9 pm EDT on ESPN2.

Preview: MLS All-Stars vs. Celtic FC

Celtic not taking the MLS All-Stars lightly

Jeff Carlisle's Mid-Season Awards

MLS Commissioner Don Garber confirmed during his State of the League address in Colorado on Wednesday what several media outlets had reported on Tuesday by announcing that the San Jose Earthquakes will become the league’s 14^th team and begin play in 2008.

MLS Power Rankings: Houston Dynamo Dominating

United in race against clock as Tevez case goes to Fifa

Manchester United face significant disruption to their preparations for the start of the season on August 11 after Fifa yesterday refused to give any indication of how quickly it could resolve the dispute over Carlos Tevez. http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2129628,00.html

Marina Hyde: An early whiff of Becklash hangs in the air

Marooned in a country where Rock Paper Scissors outshines football, David Beckham's hard won publicity is in danger of going to waste. http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/07/19/an_early_whiff_of_becklash_han.html

And...Beckham's LA Galaxy dismissed as pub team by media

The Mill

Thursday's Rumours

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Goal.com Profile: Arjen Robben

But will they explain how a man so young can look so old? Is that Teddy Sheringham?? I know someone else who has the Robben Syndrome...
http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=357374

Collina named chief selector for Serie A referees

Our favorite ref is back in the news...and we like it.

Owen woos Tyneside by bidding for the captaincy

Michael Owen has taken the latest step in his concerted charm offensive at Newcastle United, asking to be considered for the club captaincy. The England striker has been working tirelessly to convince sceptical supporters that he is committed to life on Tyneside after details emerged this summer of a £9 million release clause in his £110,000-a-week contract.

But how effective a captain will he be if he's always in hospital or in the training room?

Heath Pearce Signs with Hansa Rostock in the Bundesliga

http://www.soccer365.com/US_NEWS/Americans_Abroad/page_93_146071.shtml

Beasley stumbles at language barrier

American DaMarcus Beasley has revealed he is struggling to communicate with his new Rangers team-mates after finding the Scottish accent nearly impenetrable.

Come on, Kid! Get it together!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Robben agrees terms with Madrid

Chelsea winger Arjen Robben has agreed personal terms over a move to Real Madrid, reports BBC Radio Five Live. The clubs are yet to agree a fee, which is understood to be about £15m, but Robben, 23, is due to fly to the Spanish capital on Friday.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/6904044.stm

Fabregas eyes skipper armband at Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas has underlined his commitment to Arsenal by stating his willingness to skipper the club. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=446347&cc=5901

I like to see this, but I still think Gilberto is a better fit. I mean, come on, a 20-year-old captain??

Man United call in FIFA over Tevez dispute

Does ManU even need Tevez? Why don't they just let it go...
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=446306&cc=5901

Reading Review & Outlook: Follow That!

Goal.com takes a look at Reading's chances for the upcoming campaign...

Portsmouth Review & Outlook: It’s All About The Experience

Goal.com takes a look at what the upcoming season has in store for Pompey...

The Mill +

Wednesday's Rumours

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Galaxy's lesser lights learning about life in Beckham's orbit

Up in Beverly Hills on Sunday afternoon it will be open house at the new neighbours'. Glamorous film stars and music moguls will mingle around the pool while David Beckham, Major League Soccer's main attraction, attempts to find common ground with his new team-mates. Some, not many, of the players will be at home amid the glitz and glamour. The majority will be pinching themselves at the company they now keep.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/07/18/galaxys_lesser_lights_learning.html

Boumsong’s journey from Desailly’s heir to French farce

When Times Online listed its 50 worst Premiership players last week, there were howls of protest from supporters of Newcastle United about Jean Alain Boumsong – not at his inclusion, but at his omission.

However, the France defender, who is seen as one of the poorest signings made by the club, has not always been regarded as a joke. Although the circumstances of the arrival of Boumsong and Amdy Faye, his former Auxerre team-mate, at St James’ Park have been questioned, Boumsong’s £8 million transfer from Rangers was hardly controversial.

And in case your French is up to the task and you'd like to know more about the Geordie flop, here's his website officiel: http://www.jeanalainboumsong.fr/

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

The Happy Referee

I'm fairly certain that I've posted this before but the transfer window is wearing me down and since SSN regular Eddie Spaghettihead reminded me of it, I figured it would be nice to throw it up for another round.

Police swoop on three football clubs over corrupt transfer allegations

Newcastle United were at the centre of a corruption investigation last night after morning raids by police on three football clubs as part of an investigation into transfer dealings. Officers from the City of London force, which is leading the biggest-ever criminal inquiry into British football, raided the club's offices at Newcastle as well as the offices of Glasgow Rangers and Portsmouth.

Norman Hubbard: Fergie's Red Army is Overpopulated

Forget competition for places, there will be competition for pegs at Old Trafford. Presuming Tevez joins Nani, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves among United's summer signings, there will be 45 footballers jostling for Sir Alex Ferguson's attention.

Premiership spending power stifles homegrown talent

Richard Williams says:
A frightening amount of money is in top-flight football so where has it all gone wrong for English players? http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/07/17/premiership_spending_power_sti.html

Messi's greatest goals

According to The Times, at least. Here are his top five.

American Dalby fails to get English work permit

The 21-year-old Dalby, who is part of the under-23 United States squad, had agreed to financial terms with Preston. Dalby's application for a work permit was turned down by British immigration officials. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=446008&cc=5901

Crouch: "I don't get the credit I deserve."

It is true, I'd have to say. He was England and Liverpool's leading scorer last season and he didn't even start regularly. Now Rafa has gone out and purchased more firepower. Must be tough on the lad. Let's read all about it, shall we?

The Mill ++ +++

Tuesday's Rumours

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Malouda goal can't silence America

Chelsea 2-1 Club America

The score line may have read 2-1, but the real winners of the Chelsea v Club America friendly in Palo Alto, California were the fervent Club America supporters, who turned out in droves on Saturday for what was billed as the Disney Friendship Cup.

Monday, July 16, 2007

My Trip to The Yoda

The Fire could have gotten crushed last Thursday and I still would have enjoyed my first visit to Toyota Park, a.k.a. The Yoda. Oh wait, they did. Indeed, Houston took advantage of a change of systems in Chicago and took it to the Boys in Red. The final score was 4-0 and the Dynamo deserved everything they got. Individually, the lads played well, but it was obvious that most were unsure of their role in Osorio’s new system. No matter, I was really there for the experience more than anything. Bobbie S. and Wyatt lifted me at Midway and before I knew it we had passed Mr. Shrimp’s and Escapades and I was enjoying a Bari Sub and an Old Style in the parking lot. Good times. As we watched the flow of Fire fans in Blanco shirts stream by, we reminisced about the good old days at Soldier Field.

Now that was some good tailgating. But we’ve graduated to the land of soccer-specific, and the Fire’s Toyota Park sits on a rise off of Harlem Avenue. You can see the skyline, but it looks pretty far away. The facade of the Park oddly incorporates the style of Chicago’s Southwest side, which is a gross-colored yellowish brick. But some of the exterior features are nice. There is some grass and bricks and whatnot. But I don’t care about the exterior, really. I just care about the pitch and the view of the pitch.

Since Bobbie S. is a charter season ticket holder, he’s got some sweet seats. Check us out in the accompanying photo. Not too shabby, I’d say, with only some minimal obstruction when the play shifts to the far corner. One great plus is that when the subs are called into the match, they run by the seats and you can give them a high-five. Or a low-five, should you desire.

And there was a pretty strong crowd, which was cool. It was the ESPN2 Thursday night broadcast, and for some reason if a game is on TV a lot of folks are more inclined to try to see it live. A bit odd, but true.

So, yeah, the match itself was poor but the experience was lovely. Thanks to Bobbie S. and Wyatt for being such gracious hosts. Next time, a victory!!

Copa America Final: Brazil 3-0 Argentina

Brazil produced a ruthlessly efficient performance to beat old rivals Argentina 3-0 on Sunday and win the Copa America for the second time in a row.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=221083&cc=5901

After Argentina’s shock 3-0 defeat against Brazil in the Copa America final on Sunday Carlos Tevez told the press that the reason for the result was because “Brazil played very well”.

And...
The Copa América was widely seen as a success across South America - even if Venezuelan politics were never far from the surface. Adios...

Tim Vickery's Opinion

Austria eliminates U.S. U-20s

The United States was eliminated from the FIFA Under-20 World Cup with a 2-1 overtime loss to Austria in the quarterfinals Saturday as Erwin Hoffer scored the go-ahead goal in the 105th minute, just two minutes after he entered the game.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=221138&cc=5901

Jen Chang's Post-Tournament Wrap

In the end, it just wasn't to be yet again.

The United States U-20 team had its chances, but just couldn't find the goal it needed to beat a quality Austrian squad and advance to its first U-20 World Cup semifinal since 1989. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=445703&root=us&cc=5901

Roberto Gotta in Italy

SSN's favorite Italian scribe reports on the missed opportunities following Italy's World Cup triumph.

The Mill

Monday's Rumours

Henry's shadow hangs heavy over Arsenal's goals for season

Barnet 0 - 2 Arsenal
Walcott provided Arsenal's chief attacking threat here in a side that contained a handful of first-team regulars, with Kolo Touré, who appears to have spent most of the close season on the weight machines, prominent in more ways than one at the back.

Palacio on the way to the Emirates?
The Sun's big back-page story on Monday claims that Premiership side Arsenal are about to break their transfer record by splashing £15 million on Argentine striker Rodrigo Palacio. Wow! Actual speculation regarding a potential Arsenal target.

Wenger calls on attacking trio to raise standards. Or else he'll buy Palacio?

50 Top Football Transfers: 25 - 1

Keano only makes it to 19:

19 ROY KEANE (Nottingham Forest to Manchester United, £3.75 million, 1993)

Nearly joined Blackburn Rovers before setting his heart on a move to Old Trafford. Kenny Dalglish’s loss was United’s gain. Anyone who doubts just how good he was should watch a video of his performance away to Juventus in 1999. “It was the most emphatic display of selflessness I have seen on a football field,” Alex Ferguson said. “Pounding over every blade of grass, competing as if he would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him. I felt it was an honour to be associated with such a player.”
The Complete List

Beasley upbeat after debut

Beasley impressed the Rangers coaching staff in Friday's 3-0 friendly win against German minnows Gutersloh, particularly as he had only just joined the squad following a deserved holiday, having helped the United States win the Gold Cup last month.

A galaxy far far away

The Beckhams' extraordinary arrival in the United States has already had a huge impact on the MLS, but it is questionable how long this will last.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/07/15/a_galaxy_far_far_away.html

Friday, July 13, 2007

LA woman touches down

As always, Sanford's Soccer Net has its finger on the pulse of soccer's heart beat in the US. Seeing David and Victoria, Skeletor's older sister, land at LAX, our editor San realised he needed to be getting on a plane himself - there's all-important soccer news to be reported. So he packed his bags and bought a ticket over the internet to, err, Chicago.
Oh how I wish I could have been with him, watching the Fire tear into the Dynamo. Meanwhile, over in LA Posh and Bex will be trying on each other's clothes before the big lift-off.

Brand Beckham gets instant promotion
Wishing upon one star may be dispiriting for Galaxy fans
'One great player won't revolutionise the game here'

Fire Sale

Maybe the Editor has actually jetted into Chi Town because he plans to buy the Fire. Maybe not. Certainly not after last night's display.

AEG enters talks to sell Chicago Fire
Dynamo 4, Fire 0

L'Affair Tevez

Wow! The twists and turns in the roller coaster ride of excitement just keep on coming. Now Tevez's suave looking agent, who for some reason was named after a car, is set to be arrested. It seems that while young Carlos was out toiling on the pitch, his pimp was setting the spin cycle to 600 as he did a touch money laundering on the side.

Joorabchian charged in new twist to Tevez saga
Tevez trapped in Fifa log jam

Here's a picture of Kia on the phone, telling Carlos he's off to jail. Carlos has little sympathy though: he's the one being sentenced to playing up front with Craig Bellamy next season.

Copa Final

Have you got a friend with a huge fucking plasma TV, maybe his name is Wyatt? If so, you need to be at his gaffe for this game. Not one to be missed.
You can catch Sunday's game, and tomorrow's 3rd place match-up [Mexico Vs Uruguay], on GolTV, TNN and Univision. Both shows start 2pm pacific.

Brazil refuse to see Argentina as favourites
Zanetti hoping history will not repeat itself

Adu to the Bhoys?

Well those hopes of going to ManU, Real or Chelsea seem to be receding. But there are far worse things than playing for Celtic. He could even move in with Damarcus. There's no doubting that Freddy's still big time though, here he is pictured with his girlfriend and top singing sensation JoJo:

Adu agent set for talks with Celtic?

The Mill +

Friday's Rumours
Times Transfer Talk

Role Model Chris Powell

Chris Powell played for Derby County and was fantastic, on and off the field. His being sold to Charlton in the late 90's gob smacked Rams fans because he was so well liked. I for one will be cheering him on in his new job.

Powell plans to set example with Charlton job

EPL News

Tottenham have realised they've spent loads of cash but somehow not bought a midfielder. Luckily they could soon remedy this by buying my-mother-was-very-proud-of-me Kevin-Prince Boateng.
In other news Chelsea park the articulated lorry that is Khalid Boulahrouz in Spain and do a runner, Sven starts spending the dirty lucre, Ben Haim will save Jose, Arsenal finally spend some money and Nicky Hunt shows his class.

Tottenham close to landing £5m Boateng from Hertha Berlin
Chelsea bundle Boulahrouz off to spend season with Sevilla
Eriksson happy to stump up £9m for striker he wanted ‘at any cost’
Tal Ben Haim can 'save my skin', says Mourinho
Grimandi expects Sagna to shine
Hunt ‘stomp’ forces Lee to tread carefully

Balague meets Torres, Babel meets Anfield

Guillem Balague interviews Fernando Torres, while the guy who said it was his childhood dream to play for the Gunners also joins the Reds.

Torres ‘made up’ to join club who could have anyone in world
Hicks promises more as Reds net £11.5m Babel

One for the ladies:

Cesc stays

It's good to know Arsenal have next season's will-he-wont-he-leave-the-club drama already set in place.

Wenger the key as Fábregas snubs Madrid

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Blanco to debut with Fire on July 22

Too bad. I was all good and ready to spit on his sorry ass at the match tonight. Yes, I'm excited because I'm making my first pilgrimage to the Yoda for the Fire/Dynamo match tonight. The other day, Mrs. Editor pointed out that it’s been seven years since we’ve lived in Chicago. Shocking, I know. But true. Sniff. Sniff. Those were the glory years of the Fire. The double in 1998. Tailgating by the lake at Soldier Field. The mass arrest of our group when a classic summer storm blew in and we fled to shelter under the massive roof of McCormick Place. With our beers. The fuzz decided that was not to be and we were all cited. Bloody Chicago cops. Wanker racist pigs. OK, maybe not all of them but most of the clowns I came up against during my tenure in the Windy City. But I digress. Bobbie will scoop me at Midway (with Bari sub in hand!) this evening and we’re off to the new soccer specific arena. Expect a match report mañana.

USA progress in U20 World Cup, Brazil out

Spain beat Brazil and the United States saw off Uruguay to reach the Under-20 World Cup quarter-finals along with Austria and Czech Republic on Wednesday.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=445105&cc=5901

USA 2 - 1 Uruguay
The United States are into the quarterfinals of the FIFA under-20 World Cup, after coming from behind to beat Uruguay 2-1 in overtime. Next up for our lads is Austria on Saturday at 2:15 pm EDT.

"Now David and Victoria Beckham are Determined to Become the New American Idols"

Yikes!

The Mill

Thursday's Rumours

Dream Final after Argentina beat Mexico

Mexico fought hard for 44 minutes, but a clever free kick aided by a
static goalkeeper lead to the opening goal for the favourites. They went
on to score two more and seal a place against Brazil in the final on
Sunday. Their only disappointment will be Lionel Messi, who really needs
to work on his chipping technique. That said, I'm sure these ladies will
be delighted with the result...

Argentina advances
Messi gem guides Argentina to final

Gambling on the EPL

Fancy gambling some of your hard earned cash on the Prem? It's an easy,
sure-fire way to make millions. You can't fail. Especially with Dan Roebuck
telling you how to get one over the mean old bookmaker...

Torres will prove worth as pick of new boys

West Ham threatened with action over Tevez

It's never going to end...

Tevez wrangle rumbles on after warning for West Ham

Mourinho in ‘cold war’ threat

Only a couple of weeks ago Kenyon was telling us how peace was
going to reign at Chelsea this season. Maybe not, eh Peter...

Mourinho tells new man Grant not to interfere

EPL News

Redknapp goes on buying spree to sharpen his point of attack
Eriksson wary of friendly fire
Bridge blow as Chelsea left-back injured
Alves waits on Chelsea bid
Misfit Bellamy ready to turn over new leaf at West Ham

Bex at the centre of the Galaxy

The smaller pitches in the US could well restrict the potency Beckham's crosses,
but I'm still not convinced he should be playing in the middle.

Beckham takes centre stage on field in American adventure

Keano signs a Geordie

Why £4m for Chopra is sign of Keane's uphill task

Owen rejects Newcastle exit talk

So Owen has committed himself to Newcastle. A cynic might argue he could have
done this weeks ago, that he's only doing it now because no other club has come
in for him. But it's little Mikey Owen, so I believe him.

Michael Owen: Future looks bright thanks to Allardyce innovations

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Copa America: Argentina vs. Mexico

8:30 pm (8:50 kick-off) on GolTV and Univision
The winner will travel to Maracaibo for Sunday's final against Brazil, which beat Uruguay in penalty kicks in Tuesday's semifinal.
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-copaamerica&prov=ap&type=lgns

Under-20 World Cup: U.S. wary of overlooking Uruguay

USA vs. Uruguay
What: FIFA U-20 World Cup, Round of 16
Who: Uruguay (DWL), United States (DWW)
When: 11/07/2007, 19:45 local, 01:50 GMT
Where: Canada's National Soccer Stadium at Exhibition Place, Toronto

After beating Brazil to stay undefeated and win Group D, the Americans' biggest obstacle heading to the knockout stages might not be the dangerous Uruguay side they will meet Wednesday night in Toronto
(7:45 pm EDT, ESPNU and Galavision). No, the U.S. should be warier of itself.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=444587&root=us&cc=5901

Copa America: Brazil wins on penalties

Brazil 2 - 2 Uruguay
Defending champions Brazil teetered on the brink of defeat before beating Uruguay on penalties after a bad-tempered 2-2 draw in their Copa America semi-final on Tuesday.

The Mill ++

Wednesday's Rumours

Few footballers do beauty like Deco does, which is why fans on Tyneside should be so excited by reports linking him with a move.

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And just in case...still more transfer mumbo jumbo

You're the pundit: 20 players to rival the worst of British

9. Fumaca (Newcastle United): “If Fumaca, the only Brazilian ever to be unable to take a first touch, does not get in the top 25, then this list is a sham.” (Steven Ord, Newcastle). “The only Brazilian capable of falling over a ball when trying to trap it.” (Steve K, Newcastle)
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2048914.ece

50 Top Football Transfers

The Times continues its list-making offseason with a look at the best deals ever in the EPL...

48 BRAD FRIEDEL (Liverpool to Blackburn Rovers, free, 2000)

Graeme Souness has had his fingers burnt in the transfer market more often than most managers, but when it came to Friedel his judgment was spot on. The United States goalkeeper did not convince at Anfield but at Blackburn he has become one of the best No 1s in the top flight.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2058123.ece

Are West Ham the new Newcastle United?

Eggert Magnusson's willingness to splash the cash on transfer fees and wages is more than a little reminiscent of Freddy Shepherd.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/07/11/are_west_ham_the_new_newcastle.html

US makes Beckham front-page news

It is not quite the cover of Time or Newsweek, but David Beckham’s appearance on the front of this week’s Sports Illustrated, the American magazine, is a first notable achievement in his attempt to “break the United States”. “Will He Change the Fate of American Soccer?” the headline asks of the new face of the sport Stateside. Making the cover of SI is not a bad way for Beckham to begin.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Copa América Semifinal Preview: Uruguay vs. Brazil

What: Copa América Venezuela 2007 Semi-Final F1
Who: Uruguay and Brazil
When: 10/07/2007, 20:50 local, 01:50 GMT (Wednesday, 11/07/07)
Where: Jose Pachencho Romero Stadium, Maracaibo, Venezuela
8:50 p.m. ET, TV: GolTV, TeleFutura
http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=348119

Ferguson goads rivals as United keep spending

There are still 33 days to go before his side launch the defence of their title yet Sir Alex Ferguson has already begun the mind games. The Manchester United manager yesterday took an dig at his rivals Jose Mourinho and Arsène Wenger, the managers of Chelsea and Arsenal, who have been forced to play second fiddle to United and Liverpool in the transfer market.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2122670,00.html

Galaxy spell out their expectations of Beckham

Alexi Lalas, the Los Angeles Galaxy general manager, yesterday warned David Beckham to concentrate on football rather than the distractions of Hollywood before his impending move to the US. The England midfield player will land in California on Thursday before being introduced to the public at a glitzy presentation ceremony the next day.

The Mill ++

Tuesday's Rumours

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Transfer Round-up

Bianchi to City, Sagna to Arsenal, Koumas to Wigan

According to Paul Doyle of the Guardian, Chelsea's new signing has both the flair and intelligent altruism to persuade Jose Mourinho to trust in his wingers again. Malouda to Chelsea

Copa America: Messi sets the standard

'He is,' Maradona said, 'the one that is most like me.'

Scouting report: Frantisek Rajtoral, Banik Ostrava

The Czech Under-21 winger may soon be outsmarting Premiership left-backs.

Reyes Pleads With Arsenal To Reduce Asking Price

Arsenal's Jose Antonio Reyes spent last season on loan at the Bernabeu and now wants to make the move permanent. However, Real Madrid seem unwilling to pay Arsenal's price tag for the
player...http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=348637

Connolly: The Fire Man

The Chicago Fire made a wise move by hiring former Manchester City assistant manager Juan Carlos Osorio to take over the reigns as head coach, writes Goal.com USA's Marc Connolly.
http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=348455

Monday, July 09, 2007

Under-20 World Cup: U.S. Stuns Brazil

This match was a free-flowing affair with plenty of spectacular end to end play. Adu in particular was exceptional; the only question is whether he can consistently play at this level. Sadly, I cannot find any close-up of the ridiculous move that Freddie pulled to set-up the second USA goal. Dave B. and I were screaming at the TV but to no avail. All the replays started just after the move. In the video link below, you can see the move, but not a close-up. Oh well.

The U.S. advances into the round of 16 and will face Uruguay in Toronto on Wednesday. If you've yet to check out our kids, I suggest you tune in on Wednesday at 7:30 pm on ESPNU. They are a joy to watch.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=221116&cc=5901

Copa America: Mexico Crush 10-man Paraguay, Hosts Ousted, Argentina and Brazil Cruise

Riquelme brace:
Argentina 4 - 0 Peru

Early red card dooms Paraguay: Mexico 6 - 0 Paraguay

Forlan leads the way:
Venezuela 1 - 4 Uruguay

Even Baptista scores:
Chile 1 - 6 Brazil

USA Recap:
When it was announced last October that the United States would enter Copa America, the decision by United States Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati seemed like a no-brainer. One of the proposed cures for the disappointing World Cup in Germany was to get the U.S. national team more games in tougher environments, and against better competition. Copa America was primed to deliver on all fronts. But after the Americans' three-and-out performance, which was accomplished with a decidedly under-strength squad, their participation in the world's oldest international tournament is being called into question.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=444067&root=us&cc=5901