Soccer Watch
U.S. men falter in a WC warm-up, West Ham United blowing bubbles, and more
By Nick Barbaro, Fri., March 24, 2006
Elsewhere in the world, it's crunch time as club seasons move into their stretch runs, and international teams get in final preparations for this summer's World Cup. The U.S. men gave up four unanswered goals in the second half to fall to Germany, 4-1 in Dortmund on Wednesday, relieving some pressure on the embattled WC hosts but doing little for the Americans' confidence, in their last warm-up against a WC qualifier before the tourney opener June 12 against the Czech Republic.
In England, West Ham United will be blowing their bubbles in their first FA Cup semifinal in 15 years after a 2-1 win in Manchester. Meanwhile, Liverpool hung a record 7-0 drubbing on host Birmingham, and Chelsea edged Newcastle, 1-0; Charlton or Middlesbrough fill out the field.
European Champions League quarterfinals start next week, March 28-29. ESPN2's games of the week are Barcelona at Benfica, 2pm, Tuesday; and Villarreal at Inter Milan, 2pm, Wednesday. Also playing: Arsenal-Juventus and Lyon-AC Milan.