Watch: “A Goal, A Ghost” The Sad Story of Joe Gaetjens

“Joe Gaetjens, a Haitian immigrant, scored the greatest goal in American soccer history. He should have been a hero. Instead, Gaetjens was abducted and died in a Haitian prison. ‘Outside the Lines’ sheds light on his story.” (via ESPN)

Don’t forget the U.S. Soccer team plays England at the 2010 World Cup this Saturday starting at 1:30 pm CST. You can catch the game on ABC. See the entire schedule of games here

posted by: Harold Johns III

Watch: Nike’s “Write the Future” Ad

I don’t usually post ads without some critique of the message, but this isn’t most ads. The above commercial, which will air in 32 countries, is about World Cup soccer – the only sporting event that truly matters (Biased? Un-American? – eh). Like director Guy Ritchie’s equally fast-paced “Take It to the Next Level” ad for Nike back in 2008, this commercial by renowned director and producer Alejandro G. Iñarritu (21 Grams, Babel) is so entertaining you hardly notice the sales pitch.

For those who don’t follow international soccer or the World Cup let me breakdown some of who and what you see.

Ivory Coast’s powerful striker Didier Drogba, who plays his club ball for Chelsea in England, starts off the action with a near goal until Italy’s living legend of center back Fabio Cannavaro robs him via a bicycle kick. The Italians are the defending World Cup champions and to repeat they need big things like that from Cannavaro.

From there English and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney takes over with some nice play before France’s stellar midfielder Franck Ribery steals his pass in mid air. While Rooney is contemplating his possible failure two US national team members, goalkeeper Tim Howard and forward Landon Donovan, make a quick cameo reading newspapers. Of course the always bulldogish Rooney gets the ball back from Ribery with a wicked slide tackle, something we Americans should note since our first World Cup match is against the English team. Clint Dempsey, who currently plays his club ball at Fulham in England, is actually our best player. Hopefully he was too busy preparing to kick some ass to make the shoot.

Next the Brazilians and their poetic style of soccer take center stage. After Thiago Silva wins a tough ball at midfield it eventually ends up on the creative foot of Ronaldinho, which is weird because he didn’t even make Brazil’s World Cup team. It’s not that Ronaldinho can’t play anymore, that’s just how ridiculously talented Brazil’s team is, the guy who Kobe Bryant imitates can’t even make the squad.

The final superstar featured is Chirstiano Ronaldo of Portugal. He’s the best player in the world, he can score from long range, score with a header, beat you with his speed, score from free kicks, juke you out of your socks with skill moves, set up others with his passing and steal your girlfriend all in one day. Lucky for us Portugal is in Group G, aka the “group of death,” and has to play Ivory Coast, Brazil and South Korea. And yes, if Portugal wins the World Cup, something they have never done, they will erect a statue of Ronaldo. He really is that good.

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa starts June 11 and the U. S. team plays their first game on June 12 against England at 2:30 pm EST.

posted by: Brent Carter

Watch: The Colbert Report’s Speedskating Race vs. Champ Shani Davis

As Far as I can tell The Colbert Report‘s sponsorship of the U.S. Speedskating team is the only intriguing thing about the upcoming Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

posted by: Harold Johns III