USA-Slovenia, England-Algeria

Had the pleasure of watching both Group C matches in full today. My thoughts:

- The phantom foul on the goal was on Bocanegra. I'm not saying it was right -- it wasn't -- but I'm nearly positive that's what the ref saw. He hooked his arm around the defender and I think from the ref's angle it looked like Bocanegra was the aggressor.

- The inflated expectations for this game, the size of Slovenia (the nation-state), and the fact that no one could name a single Slovenian player are what have us disappointed in not getting the W today. The fact is that Slovenia is not that bad and we're not that good. Most of their players play in top European leagues. They made it through a tough qualifying process. Not the toughest qualifying group, but would the US have picked up 20 points against Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and San Marino? Somehow I doubt it.

- The US is not that good. Our backline is slow and prone to really bad position play, especially Gooch and Demerit. We've gotten better at keeping the ball, but we make so little out of our possession. Not enough shots on goal. Slow starters. Tactically naive. Not sure what Bradley was thinking with the Clark for Torres switch. I like Torres, but it really underestimated our opponent to think we'd just own the ball all game.

- I thought Edu was awful in his time on the field. Very shaky on the ball.

- McNamaman was wrong and Lalas was right: England just aren't that good. The English game suits these players, and when they play with their clubs in Europe, they're surrounded by more talent, more sophistication, more creativity. I do think Gerrard is really trying to push them, to make those surging runs, but it hasn't happened for him (beyond the 5th minute of the US game). Lampard and Rooney have been worthless and, frankly, look kind of disinterested. Carragher's yellow was a blessing in disguise, as he has looked a little out of his element (which pains me to say as a 'pool fan); he'll sit the third game and I think Upson would be a better option (I'm not the only one).

- Algeria will be every bit as difficult as Slovenia was. If I'm not mistaken, if Algeria win and England and Slovenia draw, Algeria go through. I'm not sure, but if England win I don't think Algeria can advance, even if they win (they'd be tied with Slovenia, who beat them head-to-head).

More later. Gonna be a wild final day in this group.