SUNDAY, JUNE 25
ENGLAND vs. ECUADOR
CHICAGO MARRIOTT 11 a.m.
This could quite honestly be the most boring game of the tournament. I almost feel like I just wasted two hours of my life watching the game. England is simply the most over-rated team in the tournament and have been very fortunate to be still in the tournament after their performances. If in a tougher group, there is no way that the England team would still be in Germany. If not for Ashley Cole, England would be on their summer vacation right now. Anyway, there tournament will be ending soon as Holland (after they beat Portugal today) will give the England team a beating that they so deserve.
And if your wondering, Chicago has put us in an absolutely horrible hotel by Midway airport (sorry Marriott, nothing personal). In the good old days, they had us right off Michigan Ave. Now we are a stone's throw from the airport with absolutely nothing around us. If there is one saving grace to this situation, it is knowing that in a couple of hours we will be playing in a sold out SOCCER SPECIFIC STADIUM. Finally some atmosphere at a soccer game.
SATURDAY JUNE 24
ARGENTINA vs. MEXICO
RBNY locker room and Newark Airport, 3 p.m.
I started watching the game at the locker room because we had to meet before we left for our trip to Chicago. The first half was exciting to say the least, and I was generally impressed by Mexico's play. As you are probably are aware if you have read this blog before, I was rooting for Argentina due to my lack of respect for the Mexican national team. If I was a Yankee fan, then Mexico would be my Boston Red Sox. I don't particularly like their style of play, but even more so, I generally hate the lack of respect given to our national team from their players and fans. But in saying this, I was quite impressed by the pressure they applied to a very good Argentina team.
At halftime, we made our way to Newark airport where I made my way through check-in as fast as possible so I could get to a restaurant to watch the second half. I was joined obviously by many of the players also interested in the game, as well as an old friend Orlando Conguta, who was making his way to Chicago representing MLS. The game was fantastic, and believe it or not, the airport bar/ restaurant was filled with people interested in the game. Frank from Iowa, Joe from Minnesota, and Mike from Ohio (all made-up names) were infused with the passion of the game on TV and cheered as every chance for both teams came around. I write this only to show what kind of effect a good game can have on a person who is open to enjoying a game they obviously have no particular knowledge of. (I think my wife would be mad that I just ended a sentence with a preposition, oh well.)
I was glad to see Argentina win, and look forward to seeing the game against Germany Friday(?). Their win almost made the two hour delay at the airport okay. Almost!
GERMANY vs. SWEDEN
THE PARLOUR -W.86th st, between Broadway and West End Ave.
11:00 AM- 11:45 a.m.
NEVER AGAIN
If you're looking for a place on the Upper West Side to watch the World cup, do not go to The Parlour. The place embodies everything this World Cup Tour is against; first, there was absolutely no atmosphere. Second, the cheap manager would not put on the air conditioner for the few people who wanted to watch the game. And finally, the place actually charged me $6 for a small orange juice. Hey, I'm all for capitalism, but $6 for an orange juice is mad even for a city like New York. So as the whistle blew for the end of the first half of play, I could not get out of that place quick enough.
Here's hoping that Argentina clobbers Mexico later today to set up a quarterfinal game against Germany. I'm now rooting for Germany to go far in the tournament just to see Oliver Kahn pout on the bench. You almost get the feeling that he is actually rooting against his team sometimes.
FRIDAY JUNE 23
FRANCE vs. TOGO 3 p.m.
Location: Opia (French)
-57th Street, between Park and Madison.
Joined by Seth Stammler and Danny O'Rourke, the World Cup Tour continues even after the loss of the United States in the tournament. At Opia, the scene is much different than any bar/restaurant/café that I have been to these last couple of weeks. If there could be a "scene" at a place watching the World Cup, then this is the venue. Most of the patrons were dressed in business attire or designer clothing, with a sprinkle of French national team jerseys. At times I felt I was out on the town and just happen to be watching a game with really good-looking people.
But in saying that, I will say that the crowd was very knowledgeable of how important the game was to the team. Everyone in Opia knew that a win was necessary if they were going to have a chance for the next round. And when the goals came for the French, which seemed was just a matter of time, the well-dressed fans at Opia celebrated as if they were in the stadium supporting their team at a stadium in Germany. So if you're looking for a great place to support the French national soccer team with some very good looking French people, I will highly recommend an afternoon at Opia. And if you happen to see Youri Djorkaeff there, tell him I said hello and that I would very much appreciate if he could pull some strings for me to have a nice dinner at Opia sometime.
THURSDAY, JUNE 22
UNITED STATES vs. GHANA
RBNY Locker room 10 a.m.
This was a painful game to sum up a painful tournament. As a fan and supporter of the U.S. team, I will admit that I'm extremely disappointed with the outcome of this tournament. I'm disappointed in some players who I know are much, much better than their performance over the last two weeks. I will also say that I don't particularly agree with the tactical decisions of the coaching staff. I'm not ready to throw Bruce Arena under the bus and blame him completely. But, I must admit that a change is now necessary for our national team.
Whether you like him or not, whether you agree with his leadership over this World Cup or not, I feel you must always respect his success. Eric Wynalda said that Arena lost his horseshoe this World Cup, but no one can have the success that this man has had over the years and claim it as just luck. I only think that after eight years with the national team, fresh ideas are a must and a new leader is very much necessary now. At the end of the day, we had the potential to be successful, but collectively, from the coaches to the players, everyone must be held accountable.
A new head coach outside of the current U.S coaching establishment may just offer what this country needs to take us to a new (hopefully better) level. But I will add again, to blame just Arena for the team's performance is naïve and foolish. In questioning Arena, you should always remember 1998 and the team he inherited. We (U.S Soccer) are in a much better place than we were only eight years ago because of his work over the years.
We competed with three of the best teams in the world. But at the end of the day, we just were not good enough.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 21
KILLING TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE
World Cup Wednesday started for me in the Red Bull New York locker room rooting feverishly for Portugal. I'll admit to you now, I have absolutely no love for the Mexican national team. I look forward to Lionel Messi and his Argentinean friends giving Mexico a good working over on Saturday. I respect the Mexican nnational team and congratulate them for making the next round, but in saying that, I wish them nothing but frustration against an Argentina team that will go very far in this tournament.
The late afternoon was marked by a visit to MY local pub, O'Connells. I always seem to have a good time watching games at this Columbia University hangout. The crowd is always lively, usually entrenched with students from the countries who are playing that day, and the staff is always friendly. And while enjoying O'Connells and the game between Holland and Argentina, Pilar and I were able to run across Broadway to take care of our laundry during breaks in the action.
The night began with a wonderful event near Madison Square Garden in support of New York Scores. NY Scores is a wonderful charity here in the city that I like to support as much as I can. An after school program in urban areas throughout the country, America Scores teaches kids the game while also enriching the kids with lessons on poetry. I encourage everyone to check them out at www.americascores.org.
My day finally ended with a visit to the MSG TV studios with Chris Henderson. Chris and I were on MSG for the Red Bull World Cup Special show to add comments about the tournament and USA's chances tomorrow against Ghana. Go USA. Bruce, let Eddie (Johnston) run!
And tomorrow starts early for the team as we are expected to the locker room at Giants Stadium at 7:30 a.m. The team is getting together early so we can practice before the big game. After practice, we will, as a team, watch the game. I assure you that all of us will be cheering on the team and wishing for their absolute best against a wonderful team in Ghana. Fingers will also be crossed, as we hope that Italy takes it to the Czech's allowing the team to play Brazil in the next round of the tournament.
TUESDAY, JUNE 20
Just finished practice early today and I am watching the Germany game as we speak. Miroslav Klose is becoming a superstar of this World Cup. I'm very happy to see Jurgen Klinsmann have some success as well. I've had the pleasure of spending some time over the years with Juergen and I can tell you that he is nothing but class.
I won't be able to make O'Connells today for the England game at 3 p.m. I have an appearance in Brooklyn today which should be interesting to say the least. Without going into too many details: major magazine, a very bad haircut for 5 of us and Anne Leibowitz is involved. All I know is that the game better be turned on somewhere. I have my camera with me, so expect pictures and hopefully a great story.
Next Location:
Wednesday 3 p.m.
Holland and Argentina
O'Connells at 108th and Broadway
There is not chance I am going to be able to get in the door at Tonic (Holland) or Novacento (Argentina) so I'm staying close to home with my favorite local pub. O'Connells always has a good crowd and great drink specials for those who partake. Look forward to seeing you there tomorrow.
