USA beat Mexico 2-0 yesterday. I missed the first half -- but according to Arena and Wynalda, I didn't miss much. The second half was considerably better than the Denmark game, thankfully. Landon actually scored in live play, on a spirited breakaway that started from a rebound off the referee.

One guy who makes me nervous: Chris Albright. He's a goal waiting to happen. He positions himself poorly often and gets beat far too much for national team defender. Overall, I didn't like the organization of our back line. Although Conrad played very well, the Mexicans had a lot of missed chances and open balls in front of goal. Defensive organization needs to be better.

I like Arena as an announcer.

FF

Liverpool drew Everton 0-0 at home yesterday. Disappointing, but it won't really matter. Whether the Reds finish 2nd or 3rd in the league is irrelevant.

Ronaldo's gone to AC Milan. I think the change of scenery will help him. He's only thirty -- he's got a lot of game left. Like his former companion Geriatrico Zidane, when he plays at the top of his game, he's the best in the world at his position, age notwithstanding.

I haven't written a word about Beckham's move to LA (which is now old news) because I have no idea how it will play out. My intuition is that it is good, because it will catalyze interest in stateside soccer and encourage other world-class players to play in MLS. Yes, he's in decline, but he's not washed up by any means. Getting global talent in the last third of their careers will help the league.

FF