World Cup 18/06/06

I was hoping for a low scoring draw between Japan and Croatia, to better Australia’s chance of advancing. I got it. One of the most exciting moments for me was when the Japanese keeper Kawaguchi saved Srna's penalty kick. While it was another 0-0 match, it was entertaining.

My sister and I rearranged our Father's Day gathering to be able to watch the Brazil vs Australia match without interruption. I expected the Brazilians to win the match, but the Australians played well. They just could not follow through in the end. They had so many chances that just fizzled out. Hopefully they will be back in the swing of things on June 22 when they play their final first round match against Croatia.

The French have been having trouble for a while now. The match against Korea just added to their problems. When I watched the slow-motion replay of the shot at the 30th minute by Patrick Vieira, the ball looks like it completely crossed the line, but it was ruled out. If that goal had stood, this might have been a different match. Hats off to the Koreans for their persistence, and their fans who never wavered in support of their team.