Random World Cup notes…

I won’t comment much on the U.S. team, other than to say what a poor showing. Too bad Claudio Reyna had to go out that way.

Argentina is putting on an absolute clinic. This goal is how soccer is supposed to be played–there were twenty-some passes leading up to it. Yes, Argentina had to go into extra time with Mexico, but they won, and an all South American final (Argentina v. Brazil) is quite possible.

England must finish better. Thanks to Rooney and Beckham, the final score of the Ecuador game should have been 5-0 instead of 1-0, but several English players squandered absolutely perfect chances. Beckham’s goal was pretty, but Ecuador’s keeper gave up too much of the near post. It’s also worth mentioning that Beckham was impressive despite suffering the effects of dehydration. Yes, he was dry heaving, but he was also making plays on boths ends of the pitch.

Cycling…

I missed two races this weekend, the track night at the Oval, and the War Haul alleycat. Rain kept me from going down the track on Friday (though the races were run), and a wedding kept me from the alleycat. I’ve got five more days to prepare for the Rallycat, and things are going well. I’m mostly just nervously waiting for prizes. Turnout was apparently very good for the War Haul, so I’m curious if I’ll get more than the 20 or so I’m expecting.

I’m not sure what think of Greg Lemond’s accusations against Lance Armstrong (scroll down). Really, I don’t.

Other things…

Note to Rod Dreher: please cut down the number of anti-Muslim posts. They may belong on the Corner, but not a Crunchy Con blog. His BeliefNet blog has been an interesting contrast to the old CC blog on the National Review site. At the NRO, Dreher spent his time fighting against mainstream conservatives, and came out looking a bit progressive (in a traditionalist conservative sort of way). Now, in the more liberal environment of BeliefNet, Dreher has slipped a bit back to his NRO columnist ways.

Posted on 26 June 2006