Not So Much About Arsenal

Well, DC United certainly isn't looking good.  That's all I want to say about them now.

The USMNT finally hit their stride today in a 4-0 win in Columbus over Guatemala, which had beaten us 2-0 Friday.  It was pretty much a must-win situation, and they responded beautifully.  So, we're on track for the usual qualification for the finals and getting shown up there.  Still a lot of work to do, of course--two more games in this round, then the ten games in the hexagonal round.  But really, we should be in Russia.  It's hard to judge how good these guys can be in these things, because the opponents are not top contenders.  They sure looked good today.

It's halftime in the Olympic qualifying game vs Colombia, and "looking good" is not on the menu.  We're down 2-1 on aggregate and frankly are damned lucky it's not worse.  I will be one surprised yet delighted fan if I post an update that changes the outlook for Olympic qualification.  As it stands, we're out, and deservedly so.  The US was poor in the first half.

Euro friendlies had some bite to them, as the nations warm up for the finals.  The pick of the games I saw was England's fine comeback win over Germany, powered by the Tottenham contingent of Kane, Alli, and Dier.  Welbeck was quite good.  Walcott seemed happy to spectate from the bench.  Two fine goals put Germany up 2-0.  Welbeck rescued a seemingly certain goal kick to set up Lallana for a shot that was blocked for a corner, from which Kane manufactured a very nice goal.  Jamie Vardy scored a stunning backheel for the leveler.  Alli missed a sitter, but late on Dier crashed in a header off a corner for the winner.  Meaningless win, but picturesque and boding well for the future of England and Tottenham.