The world is hoping to see the team from the biggest bully and the most ignorant and warmongering police-state of the world, bite the dust.

Japan will beat the U.S. in this game, just like they beat it in brain-power, creativity, productivity and decency.

George Bush eat your heart out!

Well... I had tried to keep my expectations low for today. I was thinking 'if we draw, that's a good start, and losing to the Czechs wouldn't necessarily be the end of the tourney for us.' Unfortunately, I returned home from a trip this weekend and found my recently ordered USMNT jersey waiting for me (Away kit, #17 Beasley) and automatically I've begun to believe. On the one hand, I don't want to be let down, but on the other, throwing caution to the wind and clinging to irrational hopes and dreams of glory is what cheering for you team in international competition is all about. THE CZECHS ARE GOING DOWN!

USA, USA, USA, Time to teach those football playin Czecks how to play a little ole game we call soccer.

Umm, Patricia, that is the most absurd comment I have ever seen. First off, Japan is not playing the U.S. They play Australia. Maybe you should have looked into that before your inane remarks. Your little Japan isn't even going to get out of the first round.

GO USA!

Patricia, if you're going to rant, at least get the teams right.

On the other hand, you sound qualified to be in the booth doing analysis.

Is anyone even watching this game? This will be the first one that I miss; I tape them all, but since I'll see the US game today, I'm sure the AUS/JPN score will pop up during it...

Patricia:

So you condemn the fans who root against Iran because of politics, and now you take the same politically-tainted stance on the US. Perhaps you're just using the flames to try to get people fired up. It worked. I'm pissed. Go away. As in, to another country. Maybe check out Iran for a while. We don't want you here. And for the record, I loathe our current administration and deeply regret the current reputation of the US around the world.

GO USA! Czech Rep will be shocked by our speed and grace today! Early goal to start the US engine and a 3-1 result!

This match has had several gaffs on both sides below World Cup quality. Viduka as made some fine touches though. But that goal Swartzer allow--jeez.

the JPN-AUS game is entertaining, but only because both teams are equally sub-par.

Patricia:

You're an idi...
Never mind, this is just too easy.

The Australians are digging their own hole by letting themselves be outplayed and outgritted. You can't take it away from the Japanese. They did a better job. Controversial or not, they deserve the lead.
www.pierretristam.com

The Australians are just a bunch of hacks. I was expecting better from them, but all they do is foul. And what's the deal with Guus shoving the Japanese trainers? Have some class buddy. Japan is playing very smart and using the ball better. That was a very lucky goal, but when you have a somewhat weak referee that's what you get.

Patricia

Shhhh!!!! The game is on.

Is there soccer fever starting int the US? It is about time. But why isn't ESPN broadcasting this game rather than ESPN2? I am fascinated with XM Satellite Radio. They are not only broadcasting all of the games, but have a soccer only call in show. Hopefully the other "jock stations" will start seeing the handwriting on the wall..........Soccer Rules.

Is there soccer fever starting in the US? It is about time. But why isn't ESPN broadcasting this game rather than ESPN2? I am fascinated with XM Satellite Radio. They are not only broadcasting all of the games, but have a soccer only call in show. Hopefully the other "jock stations" will start seeing the handwriting on the wall..........Soccer Rules.

I have to say, I expected better from the Aussies. But, they have been very stagnant thus far.

They may go 0 for the tournament if they don't scrape a point here.

Well, the Aussies finally get a goal, not the prettiest of ones.

This game is not pretty. Aussie defence is pretty poor, players are all very tired. GUess it's the weather.

Looks like my "0 for the tournament" comment inspired the Aussies. Cahill with two late ones to snatch the 3 points!

Uneffinbelievable. I'm following text commentary only, that sounds like a remarkable couple of minutes. Will have to watch highlights later. For now, how close a shout for a penalty was it?

And in the final minute, a goal of real quality. What a rocket from Cahill.

It was a pretty reckless challenge by Cahill and could have led not only to a PK, but his second yellow. I don't think the Aussies deserved to win, but Japan collapsed once again like they always seem to do.

Thanks. Remarkable conclusion. There have been some very entertaining matches so far in this tournament. Not your usual first rounders.

Denunzio,
How about the reaction stateside? I mean this is incredible! I have workmates treating this like march madness. Office pools, side gambling etc. And their kids are going crazy over the games. I think regardless of how the U.S does in this world cup, soccer has arrived as a major sport in the U.S.
If the U.S wins today, even those sports analysts that like to treat soccer as if its curling will have to take not. Go U.S!

I thought the opening of Germany-Costa Rica was special with 3 scores in 18 minutes. But this is awesome. To use an American football term, a real "barn-burner."

I was following online, can't wait to see highlights later. It appears Cahill was quite a difference off the bench. If the Socceroos play like the last 10 minutes for a whole match over the weekend, they could hang with Brazil (then again, it's Brazil, not Japan).

guys, read this interview marc fisher gave. he makes tony kornheiser look tame.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2006/06/americas_most_prominent_soccer.html

I have 25 screaming Guatemalans in my house cheering on the USA! You want to know what people outside of the US think of our country? Look at the lines of people applying for visas at every US Embassy in the world. Their feet are far more eloquent than their voices.

Time for the US game thread!

What's WITH the USA players?!? With all the other teams, the players sing their national anthem with gusto.

With the U.S. team, half of them didn't bother to sing the national anthem. It's downright embarrassing.

You Americans are so arrogant in sport just like you are in politics and business. HAhahaha what a lacklustre perfomrance by the USA team, they played really poor and got destroyed by a side of real quality. They will be out before the next round make no mistake about that!!!

As for the Aussies, once again all your comments outline what ignoramuses you all are..Have a look at the stats on the fifa website 22 shots to 8 from japan. 12 shots on goal from the aussies to japans 2. 54 percent of possession. Before you all try and act like proffesional football analysts why not get off the computer and actually watch the game morons.

Go the Aussies!!