Ruminations, etc..

Been watching the Brazil/Portugal game on ESPN.  Brazil is ranked #1 in the world and Portugal is ranked #3 and it was interesting watching two world powers play the game.  It’d be even more interesting if I knew what I should be watching for.  That being said, Brazil’s ball control looked very good.  That’s my game analysis. Insightful, huh?

The new US Soccer themed commercials were fun to watch. Landon Donovan is being featured in quite a few of them, in the same Titan of the Game way that is normally reserved for people like LeBron James.  I think that’s pretty cool, myself.  Soccer has always been a 2nd tier sport in America and it’s nice seeing our team capture the geist of the zeit.

Americans need someone to look up to (better to tear them down later, after they’ve become successful) before rallying behind a cause or a team. We’re suckers for the charismatic leader.  Now it appears that Mr. Donovan is that face of US Soccer.  Good for him and good for his sport. If his team can pull off a win against Ghana on Saturday, US Soccer will win over a lot more people. Cause if there’s anything we love more than a charismatic leader, it’s a winner.