CERRITOS, CA (smt) - Croatia (1-1, 3 pts) scored two goals in four minutes (73rd, 76th) to stun Group G favorite Italy (1-1, 3), 2-1. Mexico (2-0, 6) overcame an early deficit to beat Ecuador (0-2, 0), 2-1. All four teams are still alive, despite Mexico's 6 pts and Ecuador's zero. Four different players scored for Brazil (2-0, 6) as they became the second team to clinch a second round spot with a 4-0 blowout of China (0-6). Bora Milutinovic couldn't extend his streak to a fifth different team making the second round in five World Cups as China was eliminated. Costa Rica's (1-0-1, 4) Winston Parks' 86th minute goal salvaged a 1-1 tie with Turkey (0-1-1) in Group C play. Turkey, still bitter by the blown calls vs Brazil, needs to win and for Costa Rica to lose for any chance at advancing.

Co-host Japan (1-0-1, 4) shocked Russia (1-1, 3), 1-0, for their first-ever World Cup victory and one step closer to the second round. Belgium (0-0-2, 2) and Tunisia (0-1-1, 1) traded early goals in a 1-1 draw in Group H play. Japan needs a win, tie, or one-goal loss to Tunisia while Russia needs a win or a tie to advance.

USA (1-0-1, 4) coach Bruce Arena looked like a genius starting Clint Mathis (scored goal in 24th minute) and sticking with GK Brad Friedel (amazing saves including only PK save of World Cup thus far) but the US faltered again in the second half weathering another storm (outshot 19-6) and left with a 1-1 tie with co-host South Korea (1-0-1, 4). My favorite, Jeff Agoos, was involved with the lone opponent goal again, failing to mark his man and was also responsible (although a questionable call) for the penalty kick awarded to Korea. Amazingly, Friedel stopped Eol Young Kim's PK attempt in the first half. And he made other point blank saves that disappointed over and over again the 60,000+ fans in Daegu. Meanwhile, Portugal (1-1, 3) expoded with four goals, including a natural hat trick by Pauleta, to eliminate Poland (0-2, 0), 4-0 in Group D play. Both Korea and USA need just a tie while a win by Portugal gets them into the Round of 16.

COMEBACKS: The last eight teams have taken 1-0 leads but only three have come away with three points. Korea (78th) and Costa Rica (86th) got late goals to tie while Crotia got late goals (73rd, 76th) to win.

HOME CROWD COOKING?: DeMarcus Beasley couldn't buy a foul against hometown Korea. South Korea also got a questionable penalty kick and their goal was scored off a free kick foul that was ticky-tack. South Korean officials also requested to kick out a ref who was staying in the same hotel as the US team. Japan got away with what seemed like a foul in the box against Russia.

CRAZINESS: Late in the match, a Turkey player pushed a Costa Rican coach who was slow to return the ball into play setting off a pushing melee. The first real downpour didn't dampen Portugal's spirits vs Poland. The US did not have one corner kick opportunity. CONCACAF teams are 4-0-2 and co-hosts Japan and Korea are 2-0-2.

CRAZINESS II: Italy had two goals disallowed by a Danish ref (offsides and phantom foul in box) in their 2-1 loss to Croatia. The lineman later said he "was saddened to find out he blew both calls. I hope he meant after he saw the replays. There is always more history when two countries get together (such as England and Argentina over the Falklands War). Japan and Russia have a history of war between them and Japan's upset win set off riots in Russia. But then there's South Korea, whose goalscorer mimicked a speedskater, as it appears Korea still hasn't gotten over the Olympics (where a Korean speedskater was disqualified in an altercation with USA's Apollo Ono).

THE LAST 15 MINUTES: Turkey, Japan, and USA all basically were in their defensive half as their opponents constantly pressured for a goal (Korea and Costa Rica did score). As opposed to some other matches were teams pack it in, these matches just featured a frenzied opponent with more speed and desire.

Just two people (PUNA and MATADOR (both 8th, 16 pts)) picked Croatia's upset while 14 picked Japan. Everyone picked Brazil and 21 of 23 picked Mexico and Portugal. So after 32 matches, ROCKY MTN SOCCER remains in first with 19 pts (out of a possible 22) followed by BERN'S DA BOMB '02 with 18. Seven are tied for 3rd place with 17 pts. EEK is last with 12 pts.

Now, here is where it starts to get interesting. The next four days will see a possible 16 pts per day with one point per match plus three points for each correct Round of 16 team picked. A bunch of points in a short amount of time. Before the 2nd Round starts on Saturday, I should know who has been eliminated from winning any money. So look at your picks and follow the games.

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Nip-pon, Nip-pon!...
Scott HW