It didn’t hit me until just now, because I skimmed over the later part of the schedule. The USA v Ghana match is at the same time as the Czech Republic v Italy match. That makes things pretty intense for USA fans! Wherever you plan to watch the match, make sure it has two TVs! I’m not sure I can emotionally handle rooting for the USA and Italy at the same time!
Makes you wonder why they doubled up both sets of matches each day (10:00 EST and 15:00 EST) this last week instead of sticking with the ‘every 3 hours’ schedule and double up just one set to get the 4th match in. I’m sure they had their reasons.
UPDATE: Turns out they had a very good reason – collusion. Rich provided a quick history lesson link in the comments.
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June 19th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
It’s to increase the level of uncertainty for all teams playing in the final group games and reduce the chance of a scenario where the final group game begins with both teams knowing exactly what they have to do to advance. Which could result in cynical goings-on as happened in 1982:
http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/cam/sports/sports_599396.html
June 19th, 2006 at 5:39 pm
Rich, I suspected it was to prevent collusion, but didn’t realize it had actually happened. My World Cup history gets a bit hazy prior to the 90’s. In 1982 I was but a wee tween! Thanks for the link!
June 20th, 2006 at 9:14 am
The simultaneous showings are why it’s so important to join us at the Fox and Hound so you can watch both side-by-side.
http://www.trisoccerfan.com/index.php?itemid=201
June 20th, 2006 at 9:19 am
Oh there was never any doubt. We’ll definitely be there! The buffet is a great idea.