Just Like Waving Flag: Mexico Beat France 2-0

Mexico proved the better side for 90 minutes as they comfortably beat France. The 2-0 victory emphatically announced the North America's intent in this topsy turvy tournament. With Spain caught unaware against Switzerland, Mexico has added yet another wrinkle to a curious plot.

The France traditionally have a slow start to the World Cup, but the loss puts Le Blues on the brink. Their fate is virtually out of their control as they need run up the scoreboard against South Africa and hope Mexico stifles the Uruguay attack.

El Tricolor pulled no punches as Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela made relentless runs at the French defense until the ladder ended his participation due to injury. Dos Santos, on loan to Galatasaray from Tottenham, reminded world why Barcelona initially showed faith in his talent. The youngster tormented Eric Abidal, leaving the Frenchman flailing for a response.

Like the Battle of Waterloo, one could sense the French never really took Mexico seriously. After going down 2-0, Thierry Henry and Dribril Cisse were left on the bench. One could point to Franc Ribery or Jean Pierre Gignac but neither really gave their fans much to cheer about. After Cuauhtemoc Blanco scored an 80th minute penalty, it appeared France manager Raymond Domenech believed the match was a foregone conclusion.

At the final whistle two groups were left rejoicing- Mexico and Ireland. Seemingly joined only by the green in their flags and over their hearts, Mexico claimed a group-topping win while the Irish can rejoice in a French defeat. Tonight Irish eyes will be smiling as they silently claimed revenge for the infamous handball incident that kicked them out of World Cup qualification.

Goals:

Javier Hernandez (66th minute)

Cuauhtemoc Blanco (80th minute pen)

Lineups:

France: Hugo Lloris, Bacary Sagna, William Gallas, Eric Abidal, Patrice Evra, Sidney Govou (Mathieu Valbuena, 69), Abou Diaby, Jeremy Toulalan, Florent Malouda, Franck Ribery, Nicolas Anelka (Andre-Pierre Gignac, 46).

Mexico: Oscar Perez, Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Salcido, Rafael Marquez, Ricardo Osorio, Gerardo Torrado, Guillermo Franco (Cuauhtemoc Blanco, 62), Carlos Vela (Pablo Barrera, 31), Hector Moreno, Efrain Juarez (Javier Hernandez, 55), Giovani Dos Santos.

Arsenal Outgunned By Barca

Well folks, mark this day. For Arsenal fans it will be remembered as another Champions League campaign that yielded unconvincing evidence of the young gunners' prowess. For Barcelona supporters, the match brought them one step closer to a repeat Champions League final appearance.

Despite the 4-1 score line, the Gunners cannot say the Blaugrana are better man-for-man. Rather it was one man, a little one at that, who undid the Arsenal defense. The Gunners entered the game as wounded warriors. William Gallas, Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas led a parade of injuries ahead of their date at the Nou Camp.

In the run-up, Arsene Wenger said all the right things. His coy optimism was similar, yet noticeably subdued, compared to cautiously confident Pep Guardiola. Neither manager truly disappointed as both legs showed the world how football(soccer) is meant to be played.

Lionel Messi left an indelible impression on the match as he delivered four decisive strikes to settle the game long before the final whistle. The 22-year old Golden Boot and Player of the Year contender hammered a terrific shot past a helpless Manuel Almunia on 21 minutes. He continued on the contribute a hat trick on top of his wonder goal.

Undoubtedly, pundits will hail the result as further evidence the Argentine is the best in Europe. With Rooney on the mend, it will be difficult to argue otherwise. However, an astute observer will have to admit Arsenal were not at their best and contributed greatly the Barcelona fans' chants of "Messi, Messi, Messi" with each goal.

Caught too far up the pitch, mismatched, and, ultimately, lacking innovation against Barcelona, the result is more a testament to lost focus than Spanish superiority. After Nicklas Bendtner's industrious first minute goal, Barca chipped away at their confidence while expanding the score.

Tonight, one name will be mentioned in connection with Arsenal's demise but this writer believes there were eleven at fault and they were all in white.

David Beckham To Miss The World Cup

David Beckham and England's hopes for a World Cup were dealt a massive blow tonight. Becks limped off in the latter stages of the 1-0 Milan victory against Chievo. However, his piecemeal contributions will be remembered less than the chillingly auspicious grimace as the game moved toward full time.

The news, originally delivered by Sky Sports(in Italian), leaves major doubt over his fitness for the World Cup with early reports suggesting he will be out for 5-8 months. Assuming the reports are correct, the world has likely seen David Beckham compete for the last time on the world's biggest stage.

While Clarence Seedorf's 91st minute strike saved Milan blushes but what will become of the most recognizable face in football?

The moment that ended a dream:

More Blackwater Allegations Surface

Two former Blackwater employees are suing the company for mismanagement of several millions of dollars. Couple Brian and Melan Davis claim Blackwater double billed the government for services not covered under their contract. Two inspector audits estimate the excesses are approximately $55 million. The couple also claim Blackwater used unwarranted "excessive force" against Afghan and Iraqi civilians and even used funds to purchase a prostituted Filipino woman's services.

At the time of publication, the NY Times had not received comment from a Blackwater, now Xe, representative. However, the allegations are merely one amongst several that suggest such improprieties were rife within the organization.

Child Prostitution at the Super Bowl

With the Super Bowl less than 24 hours away, some interesting articles point to sordid practices that follows the competition across the country. Apparently prostituted individuals are trafficked into Super Bowl host cities and exploited for commercial gain. As conference playoffs wind down, pimps and traffickers alike are just winding up.

A 2008 article noted traveling prostitution rings flock to the well-attended event. Typically, these "circuit girls" would probe the lusts of wealthier patrons while evading ramped up police patrols. Approaching innocently, the women proposition potential buyers.

Former circuit girl Tammie Miller says, "I would walk up to them and ask them directions or some kind of help."

More recently, two dozen volunteers headed to Miami to rescue underage girls who were trafficked into prostitution. Their efforts, representative of a national response to sex trafficking, are saving lives in a place that "is known as a destination city for human trafficking" says Kristi House director Trudy Novicki.

Human trafficking is a $32 billion a year mechanism. According to the United Nations, sex trafficking represents $5 billion of that amount. As such, it is the number 2 source of income for organized crime syndicates and is outgrowing drugs and weapons in revenue.

Last year the group was able to rescue 24 children. Let's hope this year brings even more progress.

Tigers Tame City

A relieved Phil Brown walked away from today's match with a little less weight on his mind. The 2-1 win over Manchester City, move Hull out of the relegation zone but not out of danger. In the next 16 days Tigers will play 5 matches that will likely determine whether they remain in the EPL. If today is any indicator Brown's boys just may beat the drop.

Hull snatched the extended their lead after a 54th minute strike from George Boateng. The Ghanaian latched on to a poorly cleared corner from 18 yards out. The emphatic strike, enhanced by the Tiger's faithful, made City's comeback increasingly dubious.

Minutes later City responded but never really looked like the could take the lead. Standout performances by Jozy Altidore, Stephen Hunt and Jan Venegoor of Hesselink halted the men in blue.

Surely, the former will gain the most from today's win. Altidore has struggled to adapt to Hull and Phil Brown since he arrived on loan from Villareal in August. Today's effort was the American's first EPL goal in 19 appearances and lifted Hull to their first win in 11 games.

In the latter stages, Carlos Tevez embodied City's fighting spirit on the day. The Argentine won challenges while creating chances for a lackluster Adebayor. Despite a late flurry of attempts the Tigers stood firm until the whistle blew after 93 minutes.

In other news, Liverpool won the morale-building Merseyside derby 1-0. The win continues a 25 game win streak against the Evertonians. Manchester United further humbled Portsmouth in a 5-0 route.

Break Free

Often we equate fairness with some sort of parity however the world shows us this merely chimerical. Examples abound, from relationships or work, of things that seem unfair. This notion comes from conventional wisdom that espouses balance as equity.

Circumstances do not need to change. Rather, one must reframe one's perception and respond accordingly. When you push back against the problem you will probably fail on the first few attempts. However this exercises your creativity and makes one mentally agile for the future. In short, outsmart your problem.

Here are some tips to finding a solution:

• Do not react. Emotions can cloud your judgement and inspire a counterproductive response.
• Exhaust all possible solutions. The answer may not appear clear immediately however a quick brainstorm session creates.
• Think creatively. The most obvious answer is not always the best one.
• Stay positive. Commit yourself to finding a solution from the onset. A positive outlook is the common denominator between success and failure.

Until next time,

M