It was really weird, but somehow, they did it.

The Koreans in the stands were rooting against the USA, since the more the USA was losing, the greater chance of South Korea advancing from Group D. Yet the USA fans were rooting for South Korea in their match against Portugal, since a victory for them would mean the USA would advance. Strange.

Thanks to the magic of the tournament point system (which seems to mystify Americans; not sure why), the USA lost today but finishes second in Group D and plays Mexico Monday. That ought to be an exciting match; they tend to play each other pretty hard.

The match is on at 1:30 am CDT Monday. If I can go to bed early enough (say 9:00 pm), I'm going to watch it live. I've stayed up late and gotten up early a few times during the tournament.

I'm amazed by Brad Friedel, the USA goalkeeper. He's 6'4" with a 7' wingspan. Like Lurch with orangutan arms. Penalty kick stopping genius.

Every four years, I really get into soccer. And wonder why Americans think it's OK to use the name "football" for our game of padded and slow rugby.