World Cup Thoughts

• The injury to Wayne Rooney is a huge blow to England's chances. With Rooney likely out, and Michael Owen yet to return to the field (much less form), England becomes a much slower, less dangerous side. Hopefully Joe Cole can inject some pace and attacking flair into the squad. With guys like Frank Lampard and Stephen Gerrard in the midfield, England should still be able to hold its own, but goals could be hard to come by.
• Taylor Twellman lost out to Brian Ching for the fourth attacker spot on the U.S. team. Taylor has struggled in MLS play this year, but I've never seen Ching do anything at the international level. The U.S. is going to have an even harder time scoring goals than England, especially against the Italians' always stout defense and the Czech Republic's formidable Petr Cech.
• Germany got a cake draw ... If Iran advances to the second round, and the U.S. doesn't, does that mean the terrorists win? ... Carlos Tevez will win the Golden Boot ... Iran and Togo will tie for shortest country names ... the Netherlands, ranked No. 3 in the world, will not make it out of their group.