WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : Spotlight : A TIP OF THE HALF

As the group stages of the World Cup come to their number-crunching conclusion, it is time to consider the greatest achievements of the competition thus far. Some Half-Term Awards:

Chocolate Drop Award, in memory of the remark, “If he were a chocolate drop, he’d eat himself”: It goes to Tony Meola, future film star (he hopes), poseur and shot-dropper. His woeful positioning allowed Romania the only goal (against the United States).

Goal Celebration of the Tournament: Diego Maradona’s eye-bulging run at the camera had its points, but for the sheer ferocious joy, we must salute Rashidi Yekini of Nigeria for the fists-through-the-net roar of triumph.

World Cup Smart(aleck) Award: a title hotly contested by just about every columnist in America capable of spelling his own name. However, based as I am on the West Coast, I have to doff my cap to Mike Downey, of the Los Angeles Times, for managing to annoy me every single day.

Amiable nut case of the tournament: Jorge Campos, Mexico’s goalie, he of the mad outfits and silly journeys upfield.

Ten-point degree of difficulty high diving award: Juergen Klinsmann, a diver for all seasons. Nine-point award: everybody else in the German team.

Noble Loser Award: South Korea, for its stirring 3-2 defeat against Germany. Second noblest loser: United States, for its 1-0 defeat against Romania.