The quality of Group A's first matchday. [R]

[Revolt]

I won't spoil this, but I wanted to say - the two games today rocked! If anyone has TV-ed the games for tonight, you will not be disappointed!

[JayJay4Pres]

Yes, I agree. I found myself watching a replay of the 1st game on ESPN Classic...I don't usually watch replays.

[Pangloss]

The Poland-Ecuador match was a bit boring to me. Niether team could really put much together and the play was slow and choppy. I'm not really complaining mind you. I still can't believe the WC is here. Germany-Ticos was an excellent match.

[Revolt]

This sure makes me wish I were there:


HAMBURG, Germany -- I've stood in the infield of the Daytona International Speedway and watched Dale Jr. win the 500. I've sat on Henman Hill and witnessed a few thousand Brits lose their Pimm's over Scottish tennis star Andy Murray. I've seen the Patriots, Ravens and Steelers win the Super Bowl, the Marlins win the World Series and the Devils take home the Stanley Cup.


I've seen walk-off home runs and walk-off field goals, game-winning jumpers and U.S. Open-clinching putts.

But never -- ever -- has a 6-year-old boy, strapped to his father's shoulders, looked down on me, leaned back and with all his might slammed his forehead smack into mine. And then received a high five from his dad.


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=370541&root=worldcup&cc=5901

[Revolt]

go here to see a GREAT picture of a goal being scored in the first game. (http://soccernet-att.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20060607/klosegoal_g.jpg) (But don't mouse over the link, or you will get a result.)

Sweet

[Rostam]

We got [several] goals out of two games, and pretty decent considering things always start slow at WC. This may turn out that we break a record -- most goals scored in the entire tournament.

btw, is there replays on ESPN(2) in the evenings?

[soccernutter]

btw, is there replays on ESPN(2) in the evenings?

I don't have the schedule, but I believe the replay(s) are on ESPN classic. I know in WC02, the replays were on Classic and News.

[Silva 5]

I watched the entire Germany/Costa Rica game, which was a decent watch. It's a shame that Costa Rica didnt show a little more gusta and try to go after the Germans, but their few counter attacks made it interesting. I only saw the first 15 minutes of the Poland/Ecuador match and from what I saw, it was a really good contest. The flow of the game was pretty even between the two sides...Poland looked very confident on the ball and Ecuador showed quite a bit of flair and creativity...I loved it (too bad it finished 2-0) From what I heard about the rest of the match, 2-0 was a little unfair for what Poland "deserved"

[okiebear]

We sure saw the difference coaching makes in our game. Has Ralph Sampson been tutoring Poland on scoring? And Klinsman (my choice as next U.S. coach) has built an entirely new Germany. I wonder how much faster our guys could develop if the level of coaching in certain parts of the MLS could be improved.

[Tuco]

Germany - Ticos was the best opening WC match I've seen. I was expecting a dull, uninspiring 1-0 victory by the Germans, but instead got a great game with a potential "goal of the tournament".

The Poland - Ecuador game was an altogether different matter. The moment Ecuador scored, they stayed in their own half, only to attack for a few minutes in the second half. If Poland had played better and Ecuador attacked, it would've been a much better game.

[penaltygirl]

Looks like even crack addicts liked it

max (http://harvardlampoon.com/maxblog/index.html)

[showstealer]

i think the best match from Group A was Germany vs Costa Rica