Anyone else watching the World Cup? When the groups were announced, I thought team USA had zero chance to advance from the “Group of Death.” But a bit of a lucky start against Ghana and a solid game against Portugal (with a few sloppy moments) saw the U.S. Men’s National Team through despite today’s loss against Germany.

My friend Tanya Keith never doubted that the U.S. would advance to the elimination rounds at this World Cup. She is the ultimate true believer and author of the new book Passionate Soccer Love: A Memoir of 20 Years Supporting US Soccer. You can listen to interviews about her memoir here.

Aside from the U.S. getting out of the “Group of Death,” my biggest surprises from the tournament have been 2010 World Cup champions Spain being eliminated so quickly and FIFA disciplining Uruguay’s Luis Suarez for his third biting incident in four years. I thought the thoroughly corrupt organization would overlook the offense, given Suarez’s international popularity as a striker for Liverpool in the English Premier League. I hope this talented player uses his suspension from the soccer world to get some badly-needed therapy.

Any comments about the World Cup are welcome in this thread.