One Step Closer

The U.S. Men's National Team (that's soccer, for the uninitiated) won it's first match of ten in the final round of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, 2-1. The U.S. basically controlled the majority of the match, playing excellent tactical soccer, given the environmental conditions, and the condition of their players after only two weeks of training, due to the financial disagreement between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the players. Any win on the road is tough in the CONCACAF region, and who knows, these three points may be the margin that puts the U.S. into Germany in 2006. And, even though Trinidad & Tobago doesn't sound like an intimidating opponent, they are ranked 61st by FIFA, and recognizable names like Stern John, Dwight Yorke, Marvin Andrews, and Cornell Glen litter the roster.

This is cause for celebration! We're off to a great start! However, I don't know if I'll celebrate as fervently as this fan. It takes balls to celebrate like that, but unfortunately for him, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!