Due to Futfanatico´s strategic relocation to the land of Spanish-speakery, the viewing of futbol has increased dramatically, but internet access has dropped exponentially. Expect less photos, but more inappropriate false cognates. Ahem.

Unlike the Yanks stuck on the mainland, I was able to see a cynical, clinical, tyrannical (pretend it rhymes) Brazil embarass Argentina on its own turf. The marking on setpieces would have made an MLS coach wince. Yet, it was that bad. The early flank-play foretold a difficult encounter – just like the Copa America final, when Dani Alves torched Heinze time after time. I just may have seen this coming.

Diego started Gabriel Heinze and Javier Zanetti on the flanks, opting for lead-footed, aging, wingbacks. They play in Europe, you say! Humbug, I counter. Dunga has played local kids from the Brazil campeonato, forming a solid spine to foul and foul and foul. And Kaka was superb.

Speaking of Argentina and historic defeats in that country, remember the 1978 6-0 victory over Peru? Where the Argentine-born goalie for Peru forgot his naturalized allegiances for 90 minutes? Now Italy has achieved a similar historic moment.

¡Treason thy name is Kaladze! But worse than the two suspect own goals was the team selection of one Marcelo Lippi. The Italian manager has opted for “continuity” despite young talent in the wings. Now, correct me if  I am wrong, but this chronology makes sense to me:  Champion — Quarterfinals — Group stages — ?? So the continual decline would indicate a failure to qualify for South Africa. Unlikely in practice, but theoretically consistent. Continuous.

I was unable to catch the US-El Salvador game, but did see snippets of the Mexico-Costa Rica massacre. Has the giant awoke from his slumber? Is Bradley at fault for fielding amateurs in the Gold Cup final? Confidence in sport is a dangerous thing, a flame wielded by Prometheus but dangerous to reckless hands. Our over-confidence has fueled the Mexican fire. And. Gulp. Giovanni Dos Santos is a good player. There. I said it. I once again drape my words in relish and chow-down.

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