Here's a new feature that will nicely complement my updates.  Fernando
(SoccerBix?), the soccer guru he is, watching when he should be working
on a 19-inch TV deep within Orange County, will provide almost daily
ramblings, biased insights, harsh criticism, and patriotic blurbs about
the World Cup matches and its surroundings.  The first installment is
printed below.  Future installments may be combined with my updates
(depending on length and whether or not I will produce an update) so
watch carefully.  Without further ado...


"Not-so-deep thoughts" by Fern
------------------------------

Vol. 1, No. 1
10/June/98

COSTA MESA, California - If there is anything to look forward to in this
World Cup, based on today's opening games, is that the style of play
will be anything but boring and we should expect goals aplenty.  Today's
games featured attacking futbol, counterattacks, breakaways, quick
plays, and bad-hair-days.  It's the type of soccer everyone likes to
see; teams are actually trying to score the goals they need at the start
of the game and when they do score, don't sit on their haunches and let
the other team attack.

The number of goals scored today, 7 in two games for a 3.5/game avg., is
a pleasure to see.  This goalscoring trend is continuing where it left
off after the semi's in '94 (3.1/game avg.), and one trend that I'm glad
to see ever since the yawn-induced games of Italia '90 (1.9 or 2.1/game
avg.).
The finishing could be improved though, as yours truly witnessed with
the
help of instant reply, THREE hand balls that directly resulted in goals
scored, either for or against the team.

The Brazilians played their usual game and looked strong, although the
yellow cards will catch up to them by the second round if they are not
careful.  Scotland played like Scots (white man can't dribble) and
aren't expected to perform miracles.  The Moroccans surprised everyone
with a Hagi (aka Hadji) of their own, as the forward displayed a great
touch with the ball that put them in the lead.  Norway is big, but were
visibly exhausted by the end of the match.  They'll need to regain their
form by the time they play the scrappy Scots or they could find
themselves with a similar result as today.

Lastly, who saw the opening ceremonies?  Anyone, anyone?  Aren't the
French weird?  What the hell kind of costumes/parade/image are they
trying to portray?  Didn't FIFA watch the Winter Olympics (sorry, forgot
the year) in France a few years ago?  My gawdy... -fb-

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Email:    scott@hwci.com                    ||    ||    \`o'// / / ,  
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----------------------------------------------------  POOL 1998