More World Cup Bests and Worsts

Round 1 Game 2


Best Crowd: Germany vs Poland; I felt like I was there. The geography and history worked in their favor but these fans didn't disappoint. That place was just nuts and the intensity of the close game made it even better. Poland's Boruc made save after save and the crowd seemed to collectively live and die with each one. Too bad Poland didn't at least get the draw there. They played Germany tough.

Honorable mention: South Korea vs France; well, maybe just South Korea. France's fans were lame but if not for Germany/Poland the Koreans might have won the award all by themselves. The unity of their songs, cheers, and stadium rocking was like watching a game within a game. Very cool.

Super Sub: Wayne Rooney (58') (England); he injected life into a flat England team all by himself. I know it was against TNT but they may not have won without his energy. I feel bad for English fans. It's almost as if they fear the worst and it takes away from their joy of the game. Actually, they probably have good reason to fear the worst. I think the side is cursed.

Honorable mention: Carlos Tevez (58') and Leo Messi (74') (Argentina); either of them probably would have won the award on their own with their amazing skills, but the game was over by the time they came in. Great goals, nonetheless and Messi made Crespo's day.

Best Team Effort: Ghana; against the Czech Republic the team had passion, ball possession, energy...and they would have won without Michael Essien. Defender Illiasu Shilla frustrated the Czechs any time they came into his third of the field. Gyan's opening goal set the tone but they didn't rest on that goal. They pressed all day.

Honorable mention: Argentina; OK, I know it's an easy pick because they won 6-0 against Serbia & Montenegro who just didn't seem to have any desire to be on the field, but give credit where it's due. Everyone was involved, they played great, and are threatening to run over people all the way to Berlin.

Best Turnaround: Ukraine 4-0; completely different team against Saudi Arabia. They made up their goal differential in one game. No small feat after crapping out against Spain.

Honorable mention: USA 1-1; yes, I'm a homer and I don't care. They were the better team on the night even though Italy scored two goals (thanks, guys). They controlled the game and as my buddy Marc would appreciate, they were downright tough. The Italians flop more than John Kerry. Shameful.

Yellow cards: I praised the officiating in the first set of games, minus a few calls I felt were missed. The second round, however, cemented Franz Beckenbauer's claim that there are too many cards. I can't believe I'm going to agree with Marcelo Balboa, but he's right. The officials should warn players that they are coming close to a card. I know the Yellow Card is supposed to be the caution, but when FIFA mandates that two yellows in three games makes you miss the next game the card carries more weight than it should. If you run two yellow lights they don't give you a ticket for running a red and suspend your license. I think the FIFA mandates were too strong. I'd be happier if they gave the cards for diving and the occasional late, violent tackle, but to give cards for arguing with a ref or waving your hand in disgust at a bad call, or even taking a penalty kick prematurely, that's just going waaaay overboard. I know its in the rules but come on, a little freedom wouldn't be a bad thing. England's Graham Poll is an example of how to referee a match without being the deciding factor. By the way, FIFA's mandate that referees not be over age 50 has deprived us of the great Pierluigi Colina. Shame on them.

Red cards: I think the red cards in the USA/Italy match were good calls, although Pope's accumulation was harsh. It never would have happened if he didn't get the ticky tack yellow in the first half. The second yellow was deserved and should have been his first. By the way, the US Team has a habit of late tackles, in my opinion. They always look sloppy to me, maybe too aggressive in that regard. I love them but they're one of the harder teams to watch, not really all that enjoyable even when they're winning. Maybe I'm just too nervous when I watch them.

Worst Celebration: Peter Crouch (England) for not doing the Robot Dance after scoring his goal against TNT. Actually, he got mobbed by his teammates so let's blame them. I think he wanted to do it.

Honorable mention: Peter Crouch's shadow (He's still a goofy mother f'er.)