He's back again. And I still hate Jorge Larrionda.

Let me refresh your recollection on the asshat known as Jorge Larrionda:

First Encounter: He showed three red cards in the U.S. v. Italy game in the 2006 World Cup. Italy was getting away with aggravated assault and they only had one sent off.

Second 2006 Encounter: He done voted for France in the semi-final.

Now let's fast forward to last year: the confederations cup. Mr. Larrionda sent off another American. Because he sucks at life.

Let's fast forward to today: a clear goal was not awarded by Mr. Larrionda and crew to the Brits.

If Zee Germans win, I'm blaming the ref, because he's an asshole(UPDATED) it's because the English have no defense, no midfield, no offense and no goalie.

I cannot believe what I just saw…

The U.S. just pulled off the biggest international sporting upset since the 1980 Olympics.

They just beat the mighty, the 35 games in a row unbeaten, the FIFA World Number One Spanish National Team 2-0. In fact, one could argue that today’s win made the USA v. USSR look eerily similar to a passerby giving a beggar a few lose coins. [That’s my argument and I am sticking to it]

I screamed in delight while on the phone with another lawyer when we went up 1-0.

I danced around the office at 2-0.

I imitated the Tiger Woods fist pump at the full time victory whistle.

The referee today, Mr. Jorge Larrionda, was an old topic of conversation for yours truly. I have never trusted Klingons him and I never will…I will never forgive him for the death of my boy travesty that was Italy v. United States in the 2006 World Cup (For a refresher on my thoughts about look here and here). He’s a douchebag. Yep.

Anyway. I am basking in the delight of the 90 Minute Miracle. And National Pride.

Mr. Larrionda did what he always does: suck at life and show a red card. This time, the United States overcame the ref.

Why I didn't see a snap of the Bears game (but I listened to every play on the radio)

This can be alternatively titled "Why Dicta is wrong about Soccer [but still is funny and we like him anyways]"

I'm a huge Bears fan. I live and die (like Ron Santo and the Cubs) with every snap of the football. I grew up at Soldier Field. I've been to more games than I count. And I've never missed an opening day viewing...until yesterday. Because I went to the Soccer Game.

Yesterday, arguably the best collection of soccer players in the world came to Chicago and played what amounted to a home game against the United States National Team. Brazil versus The U.S. And all I can say is wow. Ronaldinho is amazing and seeing it in person was like...wow. There was a penalty shot late in the game with about 15 minutes left when he set up his shot. I turned to everyone around me and said that this shot is going to be a goal...just watch:

And lo and behold from the spot of the ball lined up from the right post, it was a low curve that buried itself in the lower left corner of the goal. Like on Sportscenter, only in person.

I can appreciate comments saying that soccer is a slow sport to watch, but not when you are in the stands. Baseball might as well be a battle with the snooze alarm, Basketball has too many TV timeouts, and Football doesn't have the extended periods of intensity that I witnessed from Section 105, Row 10, Seat 7.

In the end, we lost 4-2. Brazil is the #1 team in the world for a reason (actually, I think it is multiple reasons: #7, #10, #11 just to name a few). Still it was an amazing experience to see the Joga Bonito up close and personal.

A Second Message to Jorge Larrionda

Jorge,

I'm amazed you are still allowed to ref. On a scale of one to ten, You really suck. I think you actually made a correct penalty call, nicely done. Vive la France.

I still hate you,

Namby

A kind message to Jorge Larrionda

Fuck You.