Stardate 20020618.1044

(On Screen): So here's a prediction from someone who knows jack about international soccer: Brazil will beat Germany in the final.

I watched the replay last night of the US/Mexico game. It's too bad that the ref missed a truly blatant hand-ball by an American defender in the box; that would almost certainly have resulted in a goal for Mexico, which might have salved their pride a bit. On the other hand, America's second goal was the prettiest thing you'd ever want to see: an absolutely beautiful break, a gorgeous setup of the ball, and a flawless header into the goal just past the fingers of the goalie. It was fantastic. That's soccer as it was meant to be played.

But America's Cinderella-ride ends with the next game; Germany is going to crush the US.