“In this, the hometown of J.R.R. Tolkien, it seems fitting that Spain’s attack is controlled by a hobbit-size midfielder. Xavier Hernández, known simply as WHITHER Italy? What price Marcello Lippi? After that crushing 3-0 defeat by Brazil, he can hardly put up the lame kind of excuse he did when the Azzurri in the Confederations Cup lost 1-0 to Egypt.” (NYT)

Liverpool close to vital refinancing? (ESPN)
“The last few days have brought good news and bad news for Liverpool fans. The good news is that something approaching financial stability could be on the horizon amid reports that banking groups RBS and Wachovia are ready to refinance the £350m debt that was threatening the club.”

After Fighting Out of Corner, U.S. Back in Ring at Confederations Cup (NYT)
“The e-mail messages kept coming until there were 200 of them, mostly angry, nearly all demanding that Bob Bradley be fired as the coach of the United States men’s soccer team. The United States had lost to Italy, 3-1, and to Brazil, 3-0, in the Confederations Cup. At least the Americans had played confidently against Italy, the game changing on a disputed red card.”

Spain aiming for record (Liverpool)
“Liverpool duo Pepe Reina and Albert Riera have been declared fit after a training ground collision left them both nursing minor knocks. The USA may stick with the same 11 players who outplayed Egypt. They are boosted by Sacha Kljestan’s return from suspension, while ex-Fulham defender Carlos Bocanegra has recovered from a hamstring injury.”

Brian Glanville: Whither Italy? (World Soccer)
“WHITHER Italy? What price Marcello Lippi? After that crushing 3-0 defeat by Brazil, he can hardly put up the lame kind of excuse he did when the Azzurri in the Confederations Cup lost 1-0 to Egypt. Viz: that his team didn’t take account of his instructions in the first half.”

Taking a moment to admire Spain (Soccer By Ives)
“Some teams are easy to hate, but some teams are just so good at what they do that you can only admire them. Spain is one of those teams.”