I was kissed by a sweaty Greek man and I liked it...

I watched the final group game today down at Plaka Taverna (a great little Greek place in downtown Madison that doubles as a greasy spoon) with my buddy Nick. We'd been down there just five days earlier with my wife and another friend to watch the USA storm back to tie Slovenia.

The place is small with two modest flat screens, but the atmosphere for watching is great. The fans watching mingle with casual diners who catch bits of the game when they stop in for their eggs and american fries.

Today's match was as intense of a game as I've experienced as a sports fan. Another disallowed goal, chance after chance gone begging, the news that England was leading Slovenia, Jonathan "defensive blunder waiting to happen" Bornstein starting. The tension was mounting. Texts from my wife (catching bits and pieces from her desk at work) included this gem, "I honestly think I may have a heart attack."

Then, finally the goal in the 91st minute, USA 1-0, the place goes crazy, high fives, hugs all around, and one big fat kiss on the cheek from proprietor Nico, who I've been chatting soccer with for more than a decade.

Never been so happy to be kissed by a man in my life, Katie Perry, eat your heart out.