World Cup analysis

Yes, I care. I love soccer. One of the pitfalls of sports writing is that games you cover become trite -- to the point that the games seem like work all the time. I can't watch college basketball for fun anymore. Same for football. I'm not complaining; it's just part of the deal.

So I watch soccer instead. Knology inexplicably carries Fox Soccer Channel, which is the best thing ever for me. I watch it daily. Most of my friends* don't understand the whole soccer thing, but it's one of the only sports I don't cover. I like it that way.

I have watched all or parts of every World Cup game so far (save for JPN-AUS, which was held while I was in surgery) and here's my official WC Power Ratings after the first set of fixtures.

1.) Argentina: Riquelme and Crespo look great. The team has plenty of offense, and the defense looked swell. I think this is th team to beat right now.
2.) Brazil: Can't criticise a team loaded with this much talent. Still, they didn't look all that good against Croatia. Kaka's goal was sweet, though.
3.) Germany: Home team. Ballack is back tonight. This team will cause problems.
4.) Czech Republic: I know, I know. They beat a very overrated USA team. No matter -- CZE is a great team, and could move up this list if Baros returns and plays like he can.
5.) Spain: Xabi Alonzo and Raul and David Villa smoked a decent Ukraine team this morning. Can Spain actually accomplish something in this World Cup? Probably not, but this might be ESP's most talented team ever.

Others receiving votes: Mexico, Portugal, Holland.

*=Decatur Daily ace Bradley Handwerger, a valued friend, likes and appreciates soccer. Chattanooga ace Gentry Estes, another friend of mine, also likes and appreciates soccer. He likes Chelsea, though, which compromises his value to some degree.