Compelling Soccer

Well they needed this.

If there was a question about Rafa's job security it should be answered for at least one week with this inspiring effort. Fernando Torres made it clear he's the most irreplaceable man in the Premiership, if not in soccer in general, as his goal was the game winner. Yossi Benayoun proved how much of a difference maker he could be. And perhaps Liverpool showed the faults of loyalty in this one; Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand were both abused. The United vets looked old. Even Ryan Giggs was rendered a non factor.

Yesterday, I couldn't help but get the feeling that things had come full circle.

As the US got a stunning point in a meaningless game, so much of the talk and criticism of the summer seemed to reverse itself last night. After blowing leads to multiple teams, but most famously Brazil in the Confederations Cup final, the US pulled one on Costa Rica last night. They went on attack, dominated possession and even overcame the blow of losing Oguchi Onewyu with about ten minutes left (and likely for much longer). Their dominance of possession was unheard of for a US team. It was an inspiring effort and to score the equalizer with seconds to go, with just ten men, made it even sweeter.

I planned to Live Blog this one, but work made a surprise appearance and got in the way. Despite the poor result, I would have much rather parlayed my streams of consciousness than deal with work today.

That said, I was able to watch the whole game and pay attention to most of it. Overall, Chelsea was the better side, but Liverpool wasn't awful. Unfortunately, their big guys were unable to cash in on opportunities.

These are times when I don't mind being wrong.

I said I expected a draw for Liverpool in their showdown with West Ham at Upton Park in London. But the Reds, namely Fernando Torres, did one better, pulling out a 3-2 win. So much for his talk about poor form, huh?