The last time I blogged for the world cup was in 98, a little after the cup final when France won.  Long time since then, and now I find myself enjoying the world Cup in the most particular of ways.  It is 128 degrees F outside, there is an exuberant swimming pool surrounded by elegant marble.  One may call it a palace, as it is in fact Sadam's Palace in downtown Baghdad.  The excitement of the world cup takes on a different feeling when you have a chance to enjoy some downtime between mission here out in Iraq, in OIF.  The internet Cafe where I blog from was at one time one of Sadam's many ballroom/conference rooms.  Very elaborate, marble with a magnificent chandelier hanging from the middle.  I literally sleep in a tent on what at one time was his front yard.  But I digress...

The first game was witnessed pool side with England playing against Trinidad and Tobago.  It was an exiciting game all the way to the end, England finally scoring something, even a second goal in the last 6 minutes of the game. Our British allies were rooting their home team and were very nervous until then.

 

The US performance has picked up a bit from the first game, we hope they can perform as well with the Gana team as they did with Italy, albeit having two men down.  It is my opinion that the US team has too many of their folks playing in the EU teams and they have aquired some pretty nasty habits.  The first game against the Checks was specially troubling, I left with an empty heart, not just for the loss, but because of the lack luster performance.  Against Italy, however, there was a spark of that american spirit that can fill your heart with pride.  Just a spark though.  We'll see what else they bring, and in the mean time, I will board a Blackhawk and head back to my Iraki base, and continue with my mission.