Great meeting ~ USA defeats Algeria, Donovan's goal and Saifi slaps and is punched

I just wrapped up my "meeting" with Algeria and all I can say is WOW...  It took about 91 minutes, but Landon Donovan came through for USA in the 2010 FIFA World Cup game against Algeria.  Now I'm not saying that there was a complete work stoppage (i.e. think Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate Sudden Death, circa US Open 2008), but the noise level has increased tremendously now that the USA v Algeria game is over.  If you missed the meeting request, USA won 1-0.

The population around here has gone from 4 to at least 30 by now.  Basically, it was an "all-hands" team building session and morale is up in the office as a result.

I wasn't able to join the meeting until the last 8 minutes, but from what I understand USA scored twice, but had their goals taken away with two offsides calls.  De ja vu...  Just saying.

With about 15 mins left in the "meeting", my friend gave me an update that it was tied at 0 (i.e. the Bears were winning <--  Ferris Bueller reference).  He told me that USA had to win to advance, since it looked like Slovenia was going to lose to England.

I "videoconferenced" into the meeting to watch the final goal and see the USA team hold the lead.  Meeting over and it's lunch time...

I wonder what people will be talking about?!?!

By the way, have you seen Landon Donovan's ESPN commercial yet?  If not, here you go.



And of course there's more to the story for Algeria...  Have you seen this Fanhouse article?  It appears that after the USA v Algeria match, Algeria's Rafik Saifi slapped a female reporter.  In response, female reporter, Asma Halimi, punched him in the mouth.  Nice, huh...

Can't we all just get along?

THE WIRK

USA v England ~ Ended in a tie 1-1

I'll admit I don't know much about the FIFA World Cup, but I am an American so let's go USA.  I really should watch more soccer/futbol...  These guys are handsome and very athletic...

I know USA is the underdog is this match, but I'm more than happy to root for my country!  All this World Cup activity and international competition is getting me excited for the Olympics in 2012 in London.

When I was in London last November, I was staying at the Marriott in Kensington.  I came "home" after dinner and ran into Burnley in my hotel lobby bar.  The entire team was there and they were scheduled to play Chelsea the following day.  I was headed out of town, otherwise I definitely would've LOVED to check out that match.  Incidentally, Burnley defeated Chelsea the next day.  Moreover, that just goes to prove that sometimes underdogs win.  Next time I'm in England, I will make sure I see a match.

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In the 1st half, England scored early off of a goal by Steven Gerrard.  However, USA got back into the action after Clint Dempsey scored after a mistake from Calamity (i.e. no, try "Catastrophe") Robert Green. 
The match ended with both squads tied at 1.

On another unrelated note, these guys are HOT!!!!  I need to watch more soccer/futbol.   Wow!!!  Who do you think is the best looking man in soccer/futbol?


THE WIRK