A few things... again

What can I say? Stuff is goin' on all over. It's relentless. You can't fight stuff...

#1 - I've posted a capsule preview of the four UEFA World Cup qualifying playoffs over at S365. Who is my upset pick this time? Bosnia, baby.

And in case you missed it yesterday, my chat with Houston Dynamo ace Geoff Cameron.

#3 - In MLS-land, Preki has left Chivas USA as rumoured and Omar Gonzalez is your Rookie of the Year.

#4 - Center Line ace Jeff Carlisle reports that San Jose are ready to go shopping for a Designated Player. It seems they too - like half the known world - once had interest in Ghana vacationist Steven Appiah.

#5 - You may remember how Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan started becoming a hero with four penalty stops against Sunderland. Although his success ratio wasn't quite so good against these kids, I'm thinking the transformation to hero continued at pace.

#6 - NSC pal Bruce McGuire nicely rounds up the crazy surrounding Egypt's final day World Cup qualifying visit from Algeria, who lead by three points heading into the match and now know what it's like to have one's bus attacked en route to an away site.

#7 - Speaking of craziness in Africa, star forward Stephen Worgu of Sudanese side Al Merreikh has been sentenced to 40 lashes for drinking alcohol, which is forbidden in the strict Muslim north of the country. Several African reports claim he was also busted for drunk driving... but never give any details of this, which makes me wonder if that part is even true.

And what monetary fine accompanies these 40 lashes? About $100.

#8 - Erm... have you ever seen a penalty shootout like this before?




#9 - Finally, if you're wanting to know what to expect from USMNT hosts Slovakia tomorrow, here are the highlights of the final day win at Poland that clinched their World Cup 2010 place.


- Greg Seltzer