World Cup Daily: June 23

Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggh!

Yeah, I know. A 2-2 draw against one of the best teams in the world is a good result. It's a result that we would have happily accepted going into the game. It's a result that advances the U.S. chances for achieving their ultimate goal: advancing to the final 16 out of this Group of Death. But when it comes this way – giving up a tying goal on the last play of the game, when a brilliant come-from behind win was in our grasp – this is a draw that feels a lot like a loss. Fortunately, Jurgen Klinsmann and his team probably won't take it as hard as I do, because they have to come back on three days rest and play Germany on Thursday.

Sunday Results

Belgium 1, Russia 0
An 88th-minute goal sent Belgium into the knockout round, probably as group winner, and left Fabio Capello’s Russia needing a win in their final game to stay alive.

Algeria 4, South Korea 2
Who knew Algeria had this in them? Three first half goals stood up under a determined Korean comeback attempt, and put the Desert Foxes in control of their own destiny in the group finale against Russia.

USA 2, Portugal 2
I can’t. I just can’t.

Monday’s Games:

11am: Netherlands-Chile, Spain-Australia (Group B)
Holland and Chile are already advanced; they face off for the right to avoid playing Brazil in the Round of 16. Spain, with pressure off, will probably dazzle against the game, but outmanned Aussies.
3pm: Mexico-Croatia, Brazil-Cameroon (Group A)
Brazil has yet to look like the tournament favorite they still are, but they should breeze today against possibly the worst team in the field, while Mexico and Croatia face off for second place.