In deep doo . . . .

After watching Italy-Ghana, I must confess to pessimism. Both teams played a fast game, moving up and down the field with great spirit, playing creatively, connecting passes. Oh, you name it: things the US team forgot to do in its game. Ghana had clear chances to score, finishing poorly each time. Italy's play was radically different from its reputation as a stodgy defender waiting to pounce on the counterattack. Even when it went up by a goal, it continued to put players forward. Players made runs without the ball. On several occasions, a player would move down a wing and pass to ball to a teammate streaking between defenders. (Watching the US play, you might have thought this not allowed by the rules.) Even its subs were offensive-minded.

This was entertaining soccer, from end to end. Unless the US gets its legs back, Saturday is gonna be a long day.

(Update from this morning: Korea beats Togo, but only by 1 and Togo scores. The US remains in last place.)