You want to place some money on that?

I already have - on 2nd in the group AND losing in the round of 16.

After the loss to Sweden, England will lose to Ecuador.

Togo were controlling the game against South Korea until they went a man down - people are taking them too lightly.

I didn't even think Pope's tackle was a foul, and definitely not a yellow.

I wouldn't overlook Ecuador or Germany - Ecuador seems to have one of the most fluid attacks. Not once did I see them just lump the ball forward - the always built from the back and wings before sending in great crosses and through balls. Mendes looks like a great player on the right wing. As for Germany, their defense looks a little weak, but England shouldn't really trouble them when Germany will be winning all of the balls in the midfield - they're far more combative.

Nonsense, on both points. You are quite blinded by your dislike of the England team I'm afraid.

We're not the ones that seem blinded ...

I don't understand how you can possibly lump England in with Brazil and Argentina when they looked the third best team in their group.

But what was Iker Casillas thinking?

In my opinion, this game was by far the most exciting game of the tournament so far. When Al-Jaber scored, I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear, and Jaidi's goal (a defender in the opponent's box in the 93rd minute!) was heart-wrenching too.

This was a game (or at least a second half) reminiscent of a final or semifinal, not group stage.

As in head to head, or results within the specific gender? The US Women won the world cup, but I'm positive the men would crush them if they played each other.

And as for commentary, I think that Julie Foudy does a surprisingly good job.

US players I thought played well: Cherundolo, Pope, Reyna, Johnson

US players that seemed anonymous: Keller, Donovan, Beasley, McBride, Mastroeni, O'Brien

US players that hurt the team: Lewis, Onyewu, Convey

I'd give Onyewu another shot against the Italians - I think he can do a very good job shutting down Luca Toni. I'd put Bocanegra or Berhalter on the left - Eddie Lewis is not a left back. I'd also put in Clint Dempsey on the right and put Lewis or O'Brien in left mid, and I'd go with McBride and Johnson up front.

Baseball is one of the most boring sports people pay money to watch. Give me some 0-0 draws any day.

And the US has the most soccer players in the world, according to every statistical report on the subject that I've seen (most recently National Geographic).

I think this thread shows most clearly that foreigners have no sense of humor.

The double over United! Wow! Amazing ...

Basketball also has Tractor Traylor.

Youri Djorkaeff has nine goals and six assists in 19 games for the Metrostars in the MLS.

Djorkaeff does play for the Metrostars. He's had some good games and links up well with Amado Guevara.

This is the full list going to Germany. Only Amo is missiing due to his operation.

Donovan is back with the MLS and the LA Galaxy.

DeRosario is nowhere near good enough to play in the Premiership - I'd go for Ruiz, Twellman, Wolyniec, Gaven, Eskandarian, Johnson, Buddle, Razov, Noonan, or Ching before DeRosario.

Tackling from behind is absolutely wonderful. It means that the forward hasn't been able to turn to face the goal and Todd is pushing them back. I don't see how this is equated with being dirty.

Tackling from behind is against the laws of the game, I'm afraid. If you do it it's a foul and the player involved is being dirty.

I don't see Todd doing this, however. He's resolute and uncompromising. He's also hard as nails, but he's a good centre half too. To say he's dirty is just plain wrong.

It is not. Slide tackling from behind where you take the player out is, but you can tackle without sliding.

Tackling from behind is absolutely wonderful. It means that the forward hasn't been able to turn to face the goal and Todd is pushing them back. I don't see how this is equated with being dirty.

We could point to the fact that we are a team on the up and Arsenal are on a decline.

Dickov has 9 goals and 3 assists in 26 appearances (24 starts).

EDIT: League only.

Friedel - Neill, Mokoena, Todd, Johansson, Reid, Flitcroft, Thompson, Nelson, Dickov, Pedersen.

sub:

Short, Tugay, Stead, Enckelman, Gallacher.

Good to see Reid back in the starting 11.

What's the formation?

He is New Zealand captain and had been DC United's captain.