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The World Cup
With Steven Goff
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, June 13, 2002; 11 a.m. EDT
The U.S. national soccer team expects to have a full complement of starters available for Friday's crucial first-round finale against Poland, which will determine whether the Americans advance to the second round of the World Cup for the third time in 72 years. Will it be enough?
Post sports reporter Steven Goff was online live from South Korea to take questions and comments about the World Cup, the U.S. team and soccer in general.
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.:
Jeff Agoos looked horrible, in my opinion, in both games. The own goal was a reasonably honest mistake, but he just seems to constantly get beaten to headers, or if not that then he is making some not-so-pretty clearing kicks. Granted, he's a veteran with experience in the Cup as well as a solid MLS career, but I can see him becoming the weak link in the U.S. defense that teams will exploit as the U.S. gets farther along in the tournament. Does Coach Arena have any better options? Is there any sense that "Goose" is from the same selfish, ego-centric vein as that horrendously overrated bum Alexi Lalas? It doesn't seem that way, but we can't be THAT inept on the back line.
Also, my friend and I have been trying to come up with a cool name for the national team, along the lines of the Indomitable Lions and the Azurri. We've tossed out "Hegemony," "The Moonwalkers" and "The Great Satan." But our favorite is really "The Soccer Team." Have you given this any consideration?
Steven Goff: Haven't given the nickname much thought. I like Ivory Coast's: Elephants.
As for Agoos, yes he has struggled, and Arena has been asked to assess Jeff's performances. His response has been that Agoos could've played better. I'd be surprised if he doesn't start against Poland.
Washington, D.C.:
Steve,
First off, please copy and paste this to your editors:
The Washington Post has done a simply marvelous job of covering the World Cup. From the excellent work you and Liz are doing to the interesting, humurous and heart-warming Metro stories on the fan support back home -- kudos!
OK, question: Can you in anyway assess the mood of the team on the eve of possibly the biggest U.S. soccer match in recent history? Do they grasp the magnitude? Are they attempting to downplay it?
Steven Goff: Thanks for your kind words. I'll pass it along.
The team is quite confident. They do not expect to lose to Poland under any circumstances.
Arlington, Va.:
Now that the Italians have squeaked through in second place in group G do you think it is better for the U.S. to finish first or second in group D? Obviously the Italians aren't playing so well, but I'd have to think we have a better chance against an opponent we know well and have beaten several times in Mexico. Or does it not matter at this point? I worry somewhat that Arena has set the goal at Round 2. What does that mean for the team's psyche once we get to round 2?
Steven Goff: Arena would rather play Mexico.
The American team would be very confident in beating Mexico; can't say the same about Italy, despite their first-round problems.
Herndon, Va.:
How do they decide which team moves forward to the next round in case of the points being tied?
Steven Goff: Tiebreaker goes like this:
1. goal differential
2. goals scored
3. head to head
4. blind draw by fifa 60 minutes after games after complete.
Gaithersburg, Md.:
Since I have been denied time off tomorrow
morning, I'm seriously thinking of stringing cable
into my Federal office, disconnecting the
telephone, and locking the door. Does this make
me a bad person?
Steven Goff: Spend the money and fly to Taejon! Plenty of room at the Best Western.
Wheaton, Md.:
Steve,
Do you think all this talk of Brazil's "resurgence" is a little premature given that they have hardly been playing against the top teams in the world. Brazil's group was arguably the easiest in the tournament -- "the group of life" if you will!
Steven Goff: They've looked awfully good and they seem to have the hunger for a championship. But, yes, true, they haven't played a difficult schedule so far.
Richmond, Va.:
We've heard a lot about Arena's going with pretty much the same lineup as the past two games and playing an offensive-oriented game. I'm all for both of these decisions, but I'm concerned about fatigue, especially for Agoos and McBride and the speedsters, Beasley, Donovan, Hejduk. This becomes a more important issue if we see the speed and workrate of the U.S. team its biggest strength.
Any take on exactly how drained (or not) the U.S. team is?
Steven Goff: The U.S. team seems pretty fresh, but certainly a third game in 10 days will take its toll. If there is an advantage to finishing first (and facing Italy), it is the fact that the Americans would get an extra day off (play Tuesday instead of Monday).
Italy or Mexico?:
If we win our group, we now will have to face Italy. Wouldn't the U.S. much rather face a familiar foe like Mexico rather than a sleeping (but awakening) giant like Italy?
Steven Goff: Chances of USA beating Italy would be slim.
Chances of USA beating Mexico are decent.
Washington, D.C.:
What are some of the interesing World Cup related side attractions you've seen in Korea (if any).
Steven Goff: My colleague Liz Clarke went to the DMZ with the U.S. team. But to be honest, almost all of our time has been consumed by working/traveling. FYI: The Seoul subway system is enormous and superb.
Falls Church, Va.:
Do you see a Mathis/Wolff combo?
Steven Goff: Anything is possible, but I would think McBride will start again.
Alexandria, Va.:
With some of the top teams haveing already departed from the World Cup, what are the possibilities of the U.S. advancing past the next couple of rounds? or do you believe that after the next round their World Cup tour is over?
Steven Goff: If they play Italy, that might be the end. Otherwise, they could beat Mexico and move on to face Germany perhaps. Probably the end there too, but given the surprises in this World Cup, anything is possible. How about a USA-Sweden final??
Derwood, Md.:
Steven, I enjoy your reporting. Do you think Arena will pull the trigger and replace Jeff Agoos with either Berhalter or Llamosa?
Steven Goff: Not likely, but ....
Steve:
Since Group D played out with Mexico winning the group and Italy coming in second, do you envision Arena gambling and packing in the defense the play for the tie (so that we end up avoiding Italy)? Or do today's events leave the strategy unchanged?
Steven Goff: Can't see the U.S. packing it in for 90 minutes against a team vulnerable to allowing goals and losing their will to win early.
Arlington, Va.:
Please answer this question for me: how in the world can Ty Keogh work as a professional broadcaster for soccer? His knowledge of the game is so very bad. There are so many blunders, but two that I've seen thus far in the World Cup: a defender miss-kicks the ball, it flies straight in the air. His teammate controls it when it comes down, passes it up the field. Keogh: "He certainly has confidence in his teammate's ability." Keogh actually thought he PASSED the ball. Another one: break-away by a striker. Two or three defenders around him, he tries a long distance shot. No one else on the striker's team anywhere near the goal. The keeper parries the ball to himself, catches it off the bounce on the pitch. Keogh: "That shot certainly troubled the goalkeeper." Later: "The goalkeeper has had some uncertain moments, like when he failed to catch that shot a few minutes ago."
Again, Keogh knows so little about how the game is played that he doesn't even realize that the keeper did exactly what he should have done in that situation.
Steven Goff: Contact ESPN or MLS, which owns the television rights to the World Cup.
Washington, D.C.:
Steve,
I look for your byline everyday. You are the Shirley Povich for soccer fans.
Given the performance of the U.S. team, which players do you think will inspire the most interest from European teams over the next few months?
Steven Goff: Pope, Mathis, Beasley.
Arlington, Va.:
Is there any buzz over there with regard to who will show up for the USA game tomorrow? With the Koreans playing at the same time shouldn't we expect their fans to be watching that game somewhere rather than sitting in the stadium watching another game?
Steven Goff: I'd be surprised if the US-Poland game has more than 30,000. Koreans are very excited about Portugal match and the chance to advance.
Washington, D.C. :
Great coverage so far. Does Reyna have the desire to lead this team or is he just going throught the motions out there?
Steven Goff: He's a quiet leader, but make no mistake, the team needs his guidance, experience and leadership.
Fairfax, Va.:
Will the Post be covering places like Summers and feature prominently U.S. fans for tomorrow's game? So far, the Post has seemed to have leaned towards covering fans of other teams in their feature articles.
Steven Goff: You'd have to check with the Metro section. Not sure what they have planned.
College Park, Md.:
Do you see Brazil charging through to the final now that France and Argentina have fallen by the wayside. Before the tournament, it seemed as though the Big 4 were Italy, France, Argentina, and Brazil, and the last 3 were on the same side of the bracket. Guess that doesn't matter now.
Steven Goff: Brazil could certainly win it all, but given the upsets we've seen so far, they could have some trouble en route to the final.
Arlington, Va.:
Are you more suprised to see France out or Argentina?
Steven Goff: More surprised about France because they were in a much easier group than Argentina. France finishing behind Denmark and Senegal? Good god...
Washington, D.C.:
Steve,
I'm what one would call a "borderline" soccer fan. I haven't watched or played the game much, but having just returned from England, I have gotten into this World Cup simply because I was able to see how important it is in other nations.
My question: Don't you think U.S. television has really shot itself in the foot regarding World Cup coverage? Granted, they can't control when the matches are played live, but some of the best matches (ex. U.S.-Portugal) are replayed at 2:00 pm during the weekday. For most people, that is as impossible to catch as watching it live.
This has been a really good World Cup so far from what I've gathered, but it seems to me that American television is really dropping the ball in turning U.S. fans onto the event.
Steven Goff: Don't know why they're putting the replays on during the afternoon. I have no insight. Sorry.
Crystal City, Va.:
How has the U.S. fared against Mexico the last few times we've played them?
Steven Goff: Off the top of my head, there was the U.S. 1-0 win in Denver a few months ago. Last summer, Mexico won qualifier at Azteca, 1-0, on Borgetti's goal, I recall.
Bethesda, Md.:
Do you think Earnie Stewart, a recovering veteran, should start over Landon Donovan against Poland? Would it be wiser for Earnie to sit out this match so he can fully recover and let Landon expose his promising talent? Not to take away from Earnie's skill, but thus far Landon has shown that he can compete. Go USA!
Thanks!
Steven Goff: I expect to see Stewart in the starting lineup, probably in place of Donovan. But Arena might have some surprises in store.
Falls Church, Va.:
How does Earnie Stewart look? Will he ready to go tomorrow?
Steven Goff: Practices are closed, so I can't say how he looks. But he says he feels good.
Charlottesville, Va.:
The strength of the 8 groups does not seem to be equal. How were the teams seeded into the groups?
Steven Goff: Eight teams were top seeds, including Japan and South Korea. FIFA should find a way to avoid first-round groups that include title contenders, such as Argentina-France this year.
Washington, D.C.:
Are you a bona fide soccer fan or just doing your job professionally?
Steven Goff: Both.
I have no interest in writing about anything else.
College Park, Md.:
I've heard differing comments regarding Beasley and Donovan, our 20 year-olds over the first two games. In the first game, it seemed their speed gave Portugal lots of trouble. In the second, I thought Beasley was the only one trying to make anything happen offensively, but then he was pulled. Donovan had several miskicks and just looked out of it. Do you think the duo have lived up to expectations?
Steven Goff: Beasley has been better than expected; he ran out of gas in the Korea game and came out.
Donovan was better against Portugal than Korea. Missed a great chance the other day in the second half.
Fairfax, Va.:
What games have you watched in person while you were there? Which was the best?
Steven Goff: Brazil-Costa Rica game today was a lot of fun.
USA-Korea had the best atmosphere, by far. Korean fans were wonderful. Many more were watching on a hill overlooking the stadium (similar to what happens in San Salvador for big qualifiers).
Washington, D.C.:
Great coverage of the Cup thus far Steven. The Post has been awesome (despite the best efforts of the Metro Section to the contrary). Here's the question, is the smog in Seoul and Korea a problem for the players? Was it wise for the U.S. to train there?
Steven Goff: The smog is quite noticeable. My eyes sting every day. Players haven't complained about it much. Too bad all U.S. games can't be played on Cheju island! (what a setting)
Arlington, Va.:
Any idea why Arena keeps Cobi Jones around? The guy has always depended on his speed, rather than skill, and now that he's older, he has neither speed nor skill. What's the deal?
Steven Goff: Cobi actually did a superb job helping kill the clock at the end of Portugal game. But he realizes he is only a role player on this team now.
Dallas, Tex.:
What attitudes have you seen among other journalists at the tournament for the U.S. team?
Steven Goff: Many non-U.S. journalists have been pleasantly surprised by American performance. If U.S. advances, the coverage will intensify significantly.
Arlington, Va.:
Any buzz about European teams looking at Beasley? Donovan's a good player, but Beasley is the player to build a team around. He's got pace and skill, and plays intelligently. And he'll only get stronger when he fills out a little. Just hope he doesn't stunt his progress by hanging around the MLS too much.
Steven Goff: Nothing specific, but you have to figure he'll end up in Europe before long.
Gaithersburg, Md.:
I thought Sally Jenkin's piece on Anti-American sentiment was excellent. What is your assessment about the Anti-American sentiment in Korea? washingtonpost.com:
Things Are Getting Uglier For the Ugly American (Washington Post, June 11, 2002)
Steven Goff: There wasn't any anti-American sentiment in the stadium the other day. The fans were supporting their team, and that was about it. A few anti-U.S. protests, staged by college students, fizzled. Everyone at the stadium was excited about the match, not politics.
Roanoke, Va.:
Asides from the French, what's been the biggest disappointment so far this World Cup?
Steven Goff: Argentina. Cameroon. And before long, perhaps Spain again.
Washington, D.C.:
Are people over there talking any about the U.S., and if so, what are they saying?
Steven Goff: Koreans are very impressed with U.S. team (although most feel their team should've converted more of their chances and won the game in Taegu.)
Crofton, Md.:
As a Jeff Agoos fan, I have found myself trying to defend him almost constantly but it's no use -- everyone seems to hate him! So I've tried to watch objectively, and while I'm the first to admit he has made a couple of BIG blunders (and yes, there's no room for those in the World Cup but I also don't hear such criticism when a striker misses an easy goal, etc.), I wonder if there's an objective way to really determine if he (or anyone else, for that matter) is getting the job done. Ratio of bad passes to touches. Number of times his man gets a shot off, not just scores a goal. Etc. What do you think? Or is soccer just not a stastician's dream?
Steven Goff: One of the great joys of covering/watching/following soccer is the lack of geeky statistics. Player assessment is almost exclusively subjective.
College Park, Md.:
I know this is repetitive, but kudos to the Post for their excellent coverage.
Seriously, now, did you expect the U.S. to be in such an enviable position after two games? All I heard beforehand was how awesome Portugal is, how underrated Poland is, and how the home team is always extremely difficult to beat.
Steven Goff: I figured the U.S. would lose to Portugal, tie Korea and perhaps beat or tie Poland.
New York, N.Y.:
The Aztecas looked great in today's game, except for the four-minute keep-away debacle. Seems as though it would be better for the U.S. to play Italy, which has been ineffectual thus far. All this depends upon the U.S. beating Poland, not tying Poland but beating them. Why is there so much foul fakery in this game? The Ecuadorians, Brazilians, Argentineans, Germans, etc., have all been intent on getting fouls through histrionics. This way of playing offends me as much as defensive playing (i.e., playing for draws only).
I agree with Adams Morgan above, Agoos has been terrible. More McBride, Beasley, and Stewart. I read that Beasley might be sat out by Arena for the sake of protecting him for the second round. Good move, bad move?
Steven Goff: It would be nice to rest Beasley, but he has such an impact on the game, it might affect the U.S. effectiveness.
The theatrics have become tiresome. Totti's ridiculous flop this evening was embarrassing. Fortunately, the referee didn't fall for it.
College Park, Md.:
Portugal surely has to be up there with the disappointments if they don't advance. Their offense is incredible.
Steven Goff: Jury still out on Portugal. If they advance, all is forgiven for flop against U.S.
Washington, D.C.:
Who does U.S. goalie Brad Friedel play for when he is not playing for the U.S. National team? He is fantastic!
Steven Goff: Blackburn Rovers in England's Premier League.
Gambrills, Md.:
If the U.S. fails to advance to the next round, do you think all of their success will be for naught? Or do you think regardless, they have gained some respect both internationally and here in the U.S.?
Steven Goff: Theyve certainly earned a lot of respect, but unless they advance, it would have to be considered a disappointment.
Falls Church, Va.:
Many newspapers have printed anti-soccer colunms, including the Post's Marc Fisher. Do you see a dislike of soccer as prevalent in the newsroom. Are the attitudes changing at all? I'd like to hear what you thought of Fisher's column. washingtonpost.com:
Persistence Is Futile for Soccer Boosters (Washington Post, June 9, 2002)
Steven Goff: Soccer bashers have nothing better to do. But everyone is entitled to their opinion. My advice: ignore it.
By the way, I can't tell you how many soccer fanatics work in the Post sports department. You would be amazed.
Roanoke, Va:
Why do you think so many teams have ended up being disappointments? What are these teams doing wrong? Is Senegal really that good, or was France just unprepared?
Steven Goff: France lacked the hunger for another title. In addition, injuries to Robert Pires in the spring and to Zidane just before the Cup had a major impact.
Washington, D.C.:
Have you been in Korea the entire time? If so, any plans to see games in Japan, or are you strictly following the U.S. team?
If the U.S. advances to the final game, can you influence/lobby the Post's editorial page to call for a national holiday to support the team?
Steven Goff: I arrived in Korea more than three weeks ago. Been here the entire team. Won't head to Japan until the final week. Liz Clarke is writing from both countries, and Camille Powell and Doug Struck are based exclusively in Japan.
Herndon, Va.:
Is it just coincidence that U.S. has played their best soccer with Claudio Reyna out of the game?
Steven Goff: Reyna makes the U.S. team better. Just my opinion.
College Park, Md.:
What are your thoughts on Germany's prospects? They have looked pretty good thus far and I think are matched up with Paraguay in Round 2 and then the winner of Mexico vs. whoever comes in second in our group (hopefully the U.S.)
It would seem to be a pretty easy pass to the final 4.
Steven Goff: Germany faces two problems in round of 16: three players suspended and an opponent (Paraguay) that seems to have the hunger necessary for an upset. Not saying it's going to happen, but Germany has to be careful.
Washington, D.C.:
Much is made every four years about how big soccer isn't in the U.S. But thats not true for all Americans -- namely Americans of Latin descent. My question is why, with millions of Latinos in this country, we haven't seen more of them become players for the U.S. side? A friend I mentioned this to suggested that if a latin kid looks like a stud he'd probably return to his (or his parent's) home country and play for their national side. Do you know of this happening? What do you think of this issue in general?
Steven Goff: There is a kid from the Los Angeles area that didn't catch on with the Galaxy...and now is playing well in the Mexican league. I believe the Orange County Register did a big story a few weeks ago on the lack of Latin American kids in the U.S. soccer system.
Potomac, Md.:
Steve, Great coverage so far. Do you feel the plethora of tournaments -- Champions League, the incredible amount of games in South American leagues, etc. -- has detracted from the quality of the World Cup?
Steven Goff: Yes. Some players are worn out. Brazil rested Roberto Carlos today, in part because he played some 80 games for Real Madrid this past season.
Atlanta, Ga.:
Based on what you're seeing so far this year, which teams do you think are the ones to watch out for in 2006?
Steven Goff: All the usual suspects, plus the Netherlands.
Arlington, Va.:
Will the Danes beat England? I expect them to and set up a rematch with Brazil who they almost beat in '98.
Steven Goff: England will have plenty of trouble with Denmark. Not an easy matchup.
Chicago, Ill.:
Are you experiencing World Cup fever?
Steven Goff: I've got the fever!
Berryville, Va.:
You seem awfully sure that the U.S. can
beat Mexico if that's who they play in the
next round. You must not have seen the
Mexico-Italy game. The tricolores look
awfully good, and probably should have
got the win. While I agree that the U.S.
would probably have a better chance
against Mexico than Italy, I wouldn't bet
the farm on it.
Steven Goff: Yes, I saw the Mexico-Italy game. Mexicans are playing very well. I'm not saying the U.S. would definitely beat Mexico, just that they'd have a better chance of doing that than knocking off Italy.
Washington, D.C.:
Regarding Agoos -- we've all noticed his lack of speed and his use of his body to "outmuscle" opponents off the ball. Have other teams caught on and are 'targeting' him as the weak point on defense? Or does it seem to be bad luck that he's been in the situation of trying to defend the goal scorers?
Steven Goff: I'm sure the Poles have watched the U.S. game tapes carefully and know where to attack.
Arlington, Va.:
I think Tony Sanneh has been the biggest pleasant surprise for me. He was really awesome against Portugal and played well v. Korea. Were you surprised by how well he has done?
Steven Goff: Sanneh has done well on the right. He is not a natural at that position, so there always seems to be a concern. So far, so good.
New York, N.Y.:
I heard Heddunk(?), coach of the Korean team, give an interview in Spanish. Suggesting that he speaks at least three languages (his native, English, and Spanish, if not more). What would you say is the universal language of soccer, if there is one?
Steven Goff: English and Spanish are prominent, but also a lot of French, Italian and Portuguese.
Herndon, Va.:
Steven
It's 12:30 a.m. in Seoul right now. Are you losing as much sleep as the rest of us here state-side watching the games live?
Steven Goff: Games here are at mid-afternoon, early evening and 8:30 p.m. Soccer all day and most of the night. Can;t say I envy you guys watching live games at 5 a.m.
Kensington, Md.:
Hi Steven,
I actually think the U.S. would have a chance against Italy. Once Italy gets to the knockout rounds they play for a tie and to win in penalty kicks (they think defense first and if they score, great, but...). I think Friedal is far superior to Buffon. In a shootout I'd bet on the U.S. Thoughts?
Steven Goff: I don't think it would get to penalty kicks. Just my grim assessment.
Hershey, Pa.:
Steve,
Your writing has always been outstanding. Thanks for the reports.
Do you think the U.S. should play with a dedicated defensive midfielder (i.e. Pablo Mastroeni), or continue with a tandem of Reyna and O'Brien?
Steven Goff: I love the Reyna-O'Brien combo. Each can go forward, each passes well, each can play a deeper role and each is experienced. Good chemistry.
Roanoke, Va.:
Both Korea and Japan have been playing fantastic football, above our expectations here in Southwest Virginia. Are they for real, or are they being fueled by home supporters? Will they do well in 2006?
Steven Goff: Both teams are vastly improved over 1998. Home fans certainly help, but I would expect both to qualify in 2006.
College Park, Md.:
Did the U.S.'s complete lack of any offensive pressure in the second half whatsoever worry you? Was it a special case with the South Koreans feedeing off of their fans' energy or a sign of trouble ahead?
Steven Goff: U.S. needs to do better possessing the ball. They didn't do it well enough against Korea and, as a result, were under constant pressure.
Sterling, Va.:
It seems like Spain is finally playing to all the hype that's been heaped on them through the years, how would you rate their chances?
Steven Goff: Spain still has a lot to prove. Ireland will not be an easy game.
Bowie, Md.:
"And before long, perhaps Spain again."
So do you think Ireland has a good chance on Sunday? Is Mick McCarthy in the clear for tossing Roy Keane because he got into the Round of 16, or will it take more?
Steven Goff: Ireland has exceeded expectations following the Roy Keane incident. Great job by Mick McCarthy. Do they have a good chance of winning Sunday? Absolutely.
Falls Church, Va.:
Steven, great job from you and other Post writers on the World Cup. My question is-what kind of effect on MLS do you think the U.S. doing well in the World Cup will have?
Steven Goff: Hard to say. Certainly brings more attention to the MLS players on the U.S. team. Perhaps it will carry over to the rest of the MLS season.
Burke, Va.:
Can anyone in Group H give the Brazilians a decent game? Between their original bracket and the other powers that got knocked out early, they seem to have a cakewalk all the way to the Quarters at least, where the Germans might give them a game.
Steven Goff: Im sure the Brazilians would rather not play Japan in Japan in the round of 16.
Gaithesburg, Md.:
What do your fellow U.S. sports writers have to say about your passion for soccer? Have you tried converting any of them to the beautiful game?
Steven Goff: Most of them are very passionate about their jobs and are thrilled to be here: George Vecsey, Grahame Jones, Grant Wahl, Ridge Mahoney and several others.
Potomac, Md.:
Steve, Given the abysmal performances by China and Saudi Arabia, isn't it absurd CONCACAF gets just three slots? Wouldn't it be better to get at least 3 1/2?
Steven Goff: Absolutely! I believe CONCACAF will try to get a fourth berth for 2006.
Burke, Va.:
Does Korea stand a chance vs Portugal tomorrow?
Steven Goff: Yes! My hunch is a 1-1 tie.
Fairfax Station, Va.:
Steve,
Kudos to you and your team on the Post's World Cup coverage.
Question -- What the heck is the World Cup Mascot supposed to be? My son says its a soccer pokemon.
Steven Goff: Mascots are bizarre. Don't know what they are. Kind of freaky. Yikes.
Herndon, Va.:
The U.S. players work out for one, maybe two hours per day between matches. What are they doing with themselves for the other 22 hours?
Steven Goff: Lot of time spent at the hotel, which is rather fabulous. There's an upscale mall connected to the Marriott. Many family members have come for the games, so shopping trips and dinner outings are common.
Herndon, Va.:
The soccer chat boards are full of anti-Agoos rants and I've read some columns criticizing his play. Are the U.S. players clued in to how their games are playing in the media and how they are being assessed individually?
Steven Goff: Some players are online a lot. Arena too. Not sure if they read about themselves.
Washington, D.C.:
Which team do you think looks best now to win it all -- with so many favorites out already?
Steven Goff: Senegal :-)
College Park, Md.:
As I understand it, if the U.S. loses 1-0 and Portugal wins 3-1, it is luck of the draw to see who advances, us or Korea. Why can't the World Cup put a tiebreaking game in the tournament, give everyone else two days off, and settle it on the field if two teams are tied?
Steven Goff: With 32 teams and so many games, no time for any additional games. As it is, the round of 16 begins the day after the first round ends.
Arlington, Va.:
Will the U.S. come out and attack against Poland? I thought we were way too defensive against Korea and ended up trying to defend for the whole second half and most of the first. Will Agoos finally get a seat on the bench? We've got a couple of other pretty good central defenders. Why not Llamosa in his place so he can man-mark Olisadebe?
Steven Goff: Attack, attack, attack!
Greenbelt, Md.:
Realistically, what does Team USA need to go to get through to the Final Four? Can they win playing attacking soccer or will they bunker for 120 minutes and hope for PKs?
Steven Goff: Realistically, the semifinals are several years away. All they're concerned about now is getting to the second round.
Berryville, Va.:
Read your story on the Brazil-Costa Rica
game. Good job. An observation and a
question: When Brazil is firing on all
cylinders offensively, I don't think anybody
can beat them. But they've looked awfully
loose and vulnerable at the back.
Assuming we get a Brazil-England
matchup in the quarterfinals, how do you
see it playing out? washingtonpost.com:
Brazil Thumping Eliminates Costa Rica (Washington Post, June 13, 2002)
Steven Goff: Love Brazil's attack, but, yes, defensive questions. Costa Rica scored twice and had five or six other good scoring chances. In the end, perhaps, the brazilians will simply outscore everyone 5-2
San Juan, Puerto Rico:
Why has the officiating been so inconsistent? Some games have good refs like Collina (Italy) others have nitwits like the Spanish ref doing the Germany v. Cameroon game where he handed out yellow cards like they were D.C. parking tickets!
Steven Goff: Officiating will always be inconsistent. I don't have any solutions. Sorry!
Thanks for all your questions. I enjoyed it immensely. Feel free to contact me anytime at goffs@washpost.com.
Cheers,
SG
washingtonpost.com:
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
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