World Cup Fever, Part II O jogo bonito was little in evidence yesterday when Brazil played Croatia. True, Brazil won, 1-0, but you'd have to say that Croatia was the story of the game. While ESPN's announcers were treating Brazil like its team was the second coming—one of them practically having a coronary every time Ronaldinho touched the ball—Croatia was unexpectedly tough, and they could very well have tied, if not won, the game had a couple of breaks gone their way. Brazil looked good, with flashes of greatness, but also defensively vulnerable. As Croatia's Robert Kovac explained, "In the first half we had too much respect for Brazil but it's always like that we you play against the world champions."

We'll see if they improve as the tournament goes on—it's a safe bet that they will.

Meanwhile, Spain and Ukraine are playing even now....

Is it just me, or is World Cup fever finally catching on in the United States?



Devoted fans: another reason to watch the World Cup.  ¶ 9:39 AM