June 11, 2006

I've been sitting in from of my nine inch black and white TV watching the World Cup (and even Chivas USA at FC Dallas) all weekend. So here are some quick one touch takes from around the soccer world.

- So the Rhinos tied Virginia Beach for the third match in a row. And it was the third straight scoreless draw on the road for Vallow and the boys. Thank goodness Portland is coming to town on Saturday!

- Don't look now, but Romario is tied for third in the league with four goals. And that's heading into tonight's match against Minnesota. I guess he is taking playing in the USL 1st Division seriously. Heck, he even played in three straight in Canada!

- I don't care what anyone says, Germany looked pretty good against Costa Rica. Especially given that they were missing their captain with Ballack being out.

- What happened to the Poles?

- You've got to give it up to the Soca Warriors. It took Shaka Hislop (and no Sam, I'm not naming my next son Shaka) playing out of his mind in goal for T&T, but who cares? T&T has a point in a World Cup Final!

- Once again, England might just be one of the most overrated teams heading into the World Cup. Wayne Rooney might be available for their match versus T&T, but they'll need their superstar laden midfield to do a heck of a lot more if they are to do any damage in the knock out phase of the tourney.

- Mexico looked strong in dispatching Iran 3-1 today. Although, I got a good laugh about all the controversy about the Mexican team having a couple of guys on the squad that weren't born in Mexico. So now you are worried about foreigners taking jobs. Got it.

- The Netherlands (v Serbia & Montenegro) and Portugal (v Angola) looked pretty good in less than thrilling 1-0 wins. Although Cristiano Ronaldo is going to have nightmares for a while. He could have easily had a couple of goals today.

- The Chicago Fire are having a "controlled opening" of Toyota Park today versus the New England Revolution. It's nice to see another MLS team get out of am NFL stadium and into an MLS stadium.

- The Frank Yallop era of LA Galaxy soccer opened up in less than stellar fashion on Thursday evening. Ante Razov gave Chivas USA their first ever win versus the Galaxy in Yallop's debut. That makes it seven straight losses for the USOC and MLS Cup defending champs. Although, does it really count with Donovan, Albright, and Glen in Germany?

That's all I've got for now. Hopefully I can get some shut eye tonight. I want to be in full throat for the US opener tomorrow versus the Czechs.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the Rochester Rhinos or SoccerSam.com. Feel free to send any comments or complaints to news@soccersam.com. James promises to read (but not to respond) to all of them.