The US men's national soccer team hosted #1 ranked Argentina last night at Giants Stadium. Coming into the match, the US was 2-6 all-time against Argentina, and 1-9 against teams ranked #1. But a brilliant effort by goalkeeper Tim Howard helped stymie Argentina's offense and earn the US a 0-0 draw, and a moral victory.
However, the lack of goals has to be a source of some concern. The US failed to score in their 3 most recent tune-up matches, all against top teams. They fell 2-0 to England in London, and 1-0 to Spain in Madrid.
The US begins World Cup qualifying this weekend with a match against Barbados in Carson, CA. The two will then play in Barbados. The team with the best combined score will advance to the group stages of World Cup qualifying.
Argentina's arch-rival Brazil fell 2-0 to Venezuela in Foxborough, MA on Friday. It was the first time Venezuela has ever beaten Brazil in 18 tries. Both Brazil and Argentina begin South American qualifying for the 2010 World Cup this weekend.
In the European Championships, it was a good weekend to be the favored team. The Czech Republic narrowly beat host Switzerland 1-0 on Saturday. Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal side beat Turkey 2-0. Croatia beat Austria 1-0 thanks to a penalty kick. And Germany beat Poland 2-0. There were 157 arrests in and around the Germany/Poland game in Klagenfurt, Austria. Most of those arrested were Germans.
The Group of Death begins play this afternoon. Romania plays France at 12 noon, then a clash of the titans at 2:45 as Italy faces the Netherlands.
-The Commodore
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