Jersey to chase: As Team USA heads home, Carlos Bocanega heads back the primarily French Ligue 1 club Rennes…. and the US team captain is still hot
Recap: Team USA was eliminated by the same pain in the back from 2006. Ghana defeated the US in the round of 16.. While Ghana scored first, the US tied it up with a penalty kick from Landon Donovan. Then in the 93rd minute, Asamoah Gyan scored the game winning goal, and the US were sent home packing. Also eliminated was South Korea, who lost to Uruguay 2-1. Both of the goals came form Luis Suarez.
Fighting isn’t just in hockey, Tampa Bay teammates got into a heated dispute in the dugout on Sunday. The altercation came between superstars BJ Upton and Evan Longoria. Longoria called out Upton for not hustling after a ball hit by Arizona’s Rusty Ryal. This is not the first time Upton has gotten into trouble for his lack of work ethic and was even benched by Manager Maddon in the past. Tampa Bay has lost eight of their last 10 games.
Jersey to chase: Cesc Fabregas is moving on with Team Spain to the round of 16. Fabregas is the captain of the Premier League side Arsenal at only 23. But don’t let his age fool year, Fabregas was signed by Arsenal at just 16. Despite his history with the club, Catalan club Barcelona is looking to steal away Fabregas by offering him a €35 million deal.
Recap: Friday marked the completion of Groups G and H, and things went according to plan… unlike other group play. In Switzerland’s first game of the tournament, they beat favorite Spain. However, Switzerland failed to advance to the round of 16 after tying with Honduras in their third and final group game. Despite losing in their first game, Spain advanced after beating, Chile 2-1. Although Chile lost and star player Marco Estrada picked up his second yellow card, the Chileans will still be advancing. For Group G, Brazil and Portugal (tournament favorites) advanced with ease as the powerhouses played each other in a 0-0 meaningless draw. Group G had another meaningless match between North Korea and Cote D’Ivoire. Cote D’Ivorie pulled out the win, 3-0, but both teams head home. North Korea was on of two teams in the tournament who failed to get at least one point in their group.
Look Smart: Difference between knockout rounds and group play? In group play, teams could tie and the point standings determined who advanced to the round of 16 (second round). After group play, teams can no longer tie. After 90-minutes of play, teams play two 15 minute periods. The extra play is not sudden death, but if teams are still tied after the 30 minutes, the winner will be determined by penalty kicks.
Jersey to chase: Italy hunk Fabio Cannavaro may be 37 but he makes jersey chasers giggle like 5-year olds. Cannavaro and Italy are headed home early from the World Cup. After the World Cup, Cannavaro will play with his new team Al-Ahli Dubai.
Recap: The final games of group play were played yesterday, and like much of the World Cup, they brought many surprised. The defending world champ from 2006, Italy, have been eliminated. Italy lost to Slovakia, 3-2. Slovakia took an early lead, and Italy never recovered. Italy also finishes last in Group F with two points. Paraguay took Group F, as they tied New Zealand 0-0 in their final game. Also advancing is Japan, who beat Denmark in a physical 3-1 game. While the Netherlands had already qualified before their game against Cameroon, the Dutch had to stay competitive winning only 2-1.
Tomorrow: Round of 16 games start tomorrow, games to watch include Portugal v. Brazil and Chile v. Spain.
Jersey Chaser of the Month: Samantha Steele- December 2012
ESPN sideline reporter Samantha Steele is engaged to Minnesota Viking QB Christian Ponder earning her the honor of December 2012 Jersey Chaser of the Month. Share It
Jersey to chase: As Team USA heads home, Carlos Bocanega heads back the primarily French Ligue 1 club Rennes…. and the US team captain is still hot 
Jersey to chase: Cesc Fabregas is moving on with Team Spain to the round of 16. Fabregas is the captain of the Premier League side Arsenal at only 23. But don’t let his age fool year, Fabregas was signed by Arsenal at just 16. Despite his history with the club, Catalan club Barcelona is looking to steal away Fabregas by offering him a €35 million deal. 
Jersey to chase: Italy hunk Fabio Cannavaro may be 37 but he makes jersey chasers giggle like 5-year olds. Cannavaro and Italy are headed home early from the World Cup. After the World Cup, Cannavaro will play with his new team Al-Ahli Dubai. 
