You Talkin' to Me? With U.S. out, new World Cup rooting interests

From: Harrington, Michael
To: Fagan, Kate; Gonzalez, John
Subject: Now what?

That was fun. But, with the U.S. out, we turn our attention to other teams.

I started out thinking Spain would win, but Dunga has Brazil playing as a real team rather than the soccer Globetrotters, so I'm wavering. Uruguay could spring a major surprise. And maybe Maradona's Magic Hand Signals actually mean something: Argentina looks very strong. What's your Final Four as of now?

From: Gonzalez, John
To: Fagan, Kate; Harrington, Michael
Subject: Now what?

I also started out picking Spain. Uruguay looks like it has a passable road. But I'll take the winner of the Argentina-Germany match to not only make the Final Four, but reach the finals and win it all. Both teams are playing extremely well.

From: Harrington, Michael
To: Fagan, Kate; Gonzalez, John
Subject: Now what?

My rooting interests in this World Cup, in order: 1) United States; 2) England; 3) Mexico. I'm 0 for 3.

England probably deserved to lose to Germany, but Frank Lampard's disallowed goal, clearly over the goal line, would have evened it, and who knows what would have happened then? Argentina outclassed El Tri, but Tevez's first goal was offside - no one needed a replay to know that. It was comical to see the refs studiously avoid looking at THAT GIANT TV SCREEN above their heads while insisting the goal was onside.

From: Gonzalez, John
To: Fagan, Kate; Harrington, Michael
Subject: Now what?

My rooting interests for the World Cup were the U.S. team and embarrassment for the French. I'm 1 for 2.

From: Fagan, Kate
To: Gonzalez, John; Harrington, Michael
Subject: Now what?

Germany will be the victor. I'm sure of it.

England was robbed. At their hotel, and at the game.

I was at the game. The country was robbed. Forget the second-half goals. The poor English. "The ref is a wanker," was the fans' chant.

From: Gonzalez, John
To: Fagan, Kate; Harrington, Michael
Subject: Now what?

Forget about the refs. They all make mistakes in every sport. This is an easy fix: institute instant replay. I watched the Argentina-Mexico game on an HD 3D TV. I could have called the game from my chair without much trouble. Plus, the halftime Black Eyed Peas concert was killer.

From: Harrington, Michael
To: Fagan, Kate; Gonzalez, John
Subject: Now what?

Wait, FIFA has acted on the officiating controversy. They've banned replays in the stadiums. Sepp Blatter - the most clueless executive in sports, this side of Bud Selig.