Really?

I know there is nothing better going on - but do we have to have to have such attention drawn to a game between the US and Egypt?

Is this picture of Clint Dempsey, looking like he's won the Champions League, really necessary as the first thing I see on BBC football?


Wow, the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup...

I admit for the US it is a slight achievement, being in a group with Brazil and Italy is pretty scary on paper - but let's face facts here, they lost to Italy 3-1, to Brazil 3-0, the only game they got a point off was Egypt - had Italy not lost to Egypt themselves (worst 'world champions' ever) they wouldn't have got through

Then to really showcase the level of mediocrity on display here I will explain how the US got through - it wasn't even on goal difference, both Italy and the yanks had -2, the US qualified by virtue of scoring one more (so also conceding one more) - hence why Climpsey's goal was celebrated in such a fashion

But really, let's have some dignity - this sort of ropey qualification isn't even something England have stooped to

If I spot an American celebrating anywhere he's getting an earful - this is a win over Egypt, the team ranked 40th in the world, pure and simple - which one qualified was a matter of statistics between three hopeless sides, there is no achievement in that

But anyway, Italy going out of any competition is good in my book, and I look forward to the final between Spain and Brazil, like I need to say who my money is on...