Smackdown

Boy, the U.S. soccer team sure got slapped around today, like the proverbial disfavored stepchild. Positively beat down. It was U-G-L-Y and we ain't got no alibi. I'm watching the rerun now on ESPN2 and they look like they are sleepwalking. Nice job letting them stay at a hotel in the middle of the city, Coach Arena. Idiot. We waited 4 years for this shyte? The Czechs look like they are 8 feet tall -- like men playing against grade schoolers.

Thankfully, however, I still have the Azzurri to fall back on.....

Now THAT's how you fucking play soccer. 2-0 over Ghana, baby. They win and look good doing it.

Tough decisions loom, however. Saturday is going to be my own, personal ancestral showdown: Italy v. U.S. I'm going to have to pick my poison. Do I go with my country, which has given me incredible freedom and wonderful opportunities in my life? Or do I go with the land of my ancestors, the birthplace of my parents and grandparents, which has given me my heritage and a healthy appreciation and love of all things Italian?

Think I have to go with the underdog here, like I always do. It's all Italy after that.

3:00 p.m. A pub near you. Be there.