soapbox

8:32am: Today is a nervous day – USA finally have their first match, against a Czech side (FIFA ranking=#2 in the world) that is very strong but certainly beatable. Bruce Arena has been quiet about his final lineup (potentially having Landon start up front instead of the midfield, among other things) but mostly it’s just a waiting game. In all likelihood, US fans are more nervous than the team, and honestly that confidence could be the most important factor in today’s match.
9:26am: The worst tragedy to date, a complete bullshit call for Japan that could single-handedly doom Australia. The Aussie keeper is clearly interfered with on a cross, but referee Essam Abdel Fatah inexplicably allows the goal. If this were South America, he’d definitely need to hire a few bodyguards.
9:54am Halftime, and I’m still pissed off about the goal. It’s especially scary since our match this afternoon will also be a very close one, and one piece of bad luck could really hurt.

Nevermind, optimism, right? I’m sure we’ll be fine.