World Cup 2014

[M2]

It's time this got its own thread. The USMNT is picked and it's just about done marching to Brazil. Next week, Brazil happens.

I'm going to the Portugal-Mexico warmup match tonight (because of course they're playing in Foxboro, MA). No Ronaldo, who's nursing a knee injury. My daughter is crushed. She's hoping he'll at least be on the sidelines and stroll around shirtless.

Wild prediction time: the travel, heat and humidity is going to wear down a lot of the European powerhouses. Some are going to hit a wall at the end of the group stage, some will hit it early in the knockout stage. The U.S. team will benefit from many of its players not having gone through a brutal European season and from players used to travel and heat/humidity. What I'm saying is the U.S. is going to beat Germany. Haven't decided if that means it's going to take the group, mainly because Ghana will be another team positioned to get stronger as the competition continues.

[Assembly Hall]

USA...USA....USA......USA..........Do you believe in miracles? Best of luck to the young lads.

[dfs]

"the U.S. is going to beat Germany."

Dang. Good luck with that one.

[reds1869]

M2, I love the enthusiasm. I'll be cheering like crazy that it happens. The opener is a must win for the US.

[Caveat Emperor]

Can't wait for the tournament. I know the Yanks are a hideous longshot to advance out of group, but I don't care. So many great players will be on display -- I'm just eager to take it all in and watch as many matches as possible.

[improbus]

The USMNT is the only sports team that causes me to throw out all rationality. I am usually a very calm and level headed person, but that team turns me into something completely different. I love that more and more people are getting into it because it makes big wins more fun. If we beat Germany, I want to run into the street screaming and see others doing the same. In a way, the USMNT is the best way to bring the entire sporting nation together. The Olympics are too fractured (too many events and Americans vs. Americans). This is it. I want that feeling that the entire NATION shuts down to watch a game the way almost every other country does. We are getting there. Once we get the 'Merica crowd on board, it is on.

Also, my sister's boyfriend is from Ghana, so things are going to get a little testy in a week or so.

[Yachtzee]

It's time this got its own thread. The USMNT is picked and it's just about done marching to Brazil. Next week, Brazil happens.

I'm going to the Portugal-Mexico warmup match tonight (because of course they're playing in Foxboro, MA). No Ronaldo, who's nursing a knee injury. My daughter is crushed. She's hoping he'll at least be on the sidelines and stroll around shirtless.

Wild prediction time: the travel, heat and humidity is going to wear down a lot of the European powerhouses. Some are going to hit a wall at the end of the group stage, some will hit it early in the knockout stage. The U.S. team will benefit from many of its players not having gone through a brutal European season and from players used to travel and heat/humidity. What I'm saying is the U.S. is going to beat Germany. Haven't decided if that means it's going to take the group, mainly because Ghana will be another team positioned to get stronger as the competition continues.

After watching the Men in Blazers preview for Germany, I think they raised a valid point. Brazil is going to be the World Cup of Patience, meaning things are not going to go smoothly with things like accommodations and facilities being delayed. The team that wins will be the team that is best able to go with the flow, and Germans are not known for being able to go with the flow.

I think the European teams in general are going to have it a little rougher because of they tend to play worse when they're outside their timezones. When the last World Cup was played outside standard European timezones, it was in Japan and South Korea and quite a few traditional European soccer powers fell out early, which lead to surprise teams like the US, Senegal and South Korea making it to the Quarterfinals and South Korea making it all the way to the Semis. I think South American teams will obviously have the advantage and, while I think there will still be a European team or two in the Semis, I think we'll probably see at least one European team expected to be a top team end up being very disappointing.

[improbus]

After watching the Men in Blazers preview for Germany, I think they raised a valid point. Brazil is going to be the World Cup of Patience, meaning things are not going to go smoothly with things like accommodations and facilities being delayed. The team that wins will be the team that is best able to go with the flow, and Germans are not known for being able to go with the flow.

I think the European teams in general are going to have it a little rougher because of they tend to play worse when they're outside their timezones. When the last World Cup was played outside standard European timezones, it was in Japan and South Korea and quite a few traditional European soccer powers fell out early, which lead to surprise teams like the US, Senegal and South Korea making it to the Quarterfinals and South Korea making it all the way to the Semis. I think South American teams will obviously have the advantage and, while I think there will still be a European team or two in the Semis, I think we'll probably see at least one European team expected to be a top team end up being very disappointing.
Men In Blazers are the best. They know how to love their sport while not taking it/themselves too seriously. So much fun.

[improbus]

Some non-US related things I'm excited for in the World Cup:

1) Andrea Pirlo. The hair. The passing. The free kicks. The hair. I bet he smells wonderfully
2) Belgium. Such a strange team, but young and very talented.
3) Luis Suarez. He is a time bomb for either goals or controversy, or both.
4) Brazil in Brazil. No pressure fellas.
5) Holland/France. These two seem to be the most combustible teams.
6) English fans. This might be the first World Cup in my lifetime that they don't expect to win. Also, their team is young and very athletic. Sterling is tremendous.
7) Argentina. So much attacking talent. Hopefully they can make it work.

[Caveat Emperor]

The LVH has Belgium as a 12-1 shot to win the World Cup. That's be a fun $20 bet to ride.

[Yachtzee]

Some non-US related things I'm excited for in the World Cup:

1) Andrea Pirlo. The hair. The passing. The free kicks. The hair. I bet he smells wonderfully
2) Belgium. Such a strange team, but young and very talented.
3) Luis Suarez. He is a time bomb for either goals or controversy, or both.
4) Brazil in Brazil. No pressure fellas.
5) Holland/France. These two seem to be the most combustible teams.
6) English fans. This might be the first World Cup in my lifetime that they don't expect to win. Also, their team is young and very athletic. Sterling is tremendous.
7) Argentina. So much attacking talent. Hopefully they can make it work.

8) More Brazilian fans, less Vuvuzelas.

[improbus]

8) More Brazilian fans, less Vuvuzelas.

Apparently they have their own noise maker of some sort. It looks like a little kids backpack.

[RedTeamGo!]

Jozy Altidore with 2 goals vs Nigeria. I am one of Altidore's biggest critics, but if we can get him going well at the right time the US can make some noise.

[bucksfan2]

After watching the Men in Blazers preview for Germany, I think they raised a valid point. Brazil is going to be the World Cup of Patience, meaning things are not going to go smoothly with things like accommodations and facilities being delayed. The team that wins will be the team that is best able to go with the flow, and Germans are not known for being able to go with the flow.

I think the European teams in general are going to have it a little rougher because of they tend to play worse when they're outside their timezones. When the last World Cup was played outside standard European timezones, it was in Japan and South Korea and quite a few traditional European soccer powers fell out early, which lead to surprise teams like the US, Senegal and South Korea making it to the Quarterfinals and South Korea making it all the way to the Semis. I think South American teams will obviously have the advantage and, while I think there will still be a European team or two in the Semis, I think we'll probably see at least one European team expected to be a top team end up being very disappointing.

The Germans are loaded, probably have had the most talent on a squad for the past 4 years now. Their midfield is loaded and will probably have a guy like Mario Gotze starting on the bench when he would be America's best player. One thing I have noticed in your big international events is the game is won and lost by the play of a dominant midfielder. Guys like Pirlo, Zidane, and Ballack have had great tournaments in dictating the play, controlling the midfield. The big stage doesn't flow like it does in league competition. Will Ozil or Schweinsteiger be able to control the midfield? They have the depth, firepower, goal keeping to win it all, but over the past number of tournaments have come up short.

One thing that may sway to the American's advantage is the heat and humidity of Brazil. Will they be able to use that as well as some rest, relative to the European teams, in group stage?

[improbus]

Please take a few minutes to watch John Oliver's lambasting of FIFA on his HBO show. It is tremendous.

[M2]

Jozy Altidore with 2 goals vs Nigeria. I am one of Altidore's biggest critics, but if we can get him going well at the right time the US can make some noise.

He picked a very good time to start finding the back of the net again.

On a separate note, look out for Vieirinha out on the wing when the U.S. plays Portugal. He gave Mexico fits on Friday.

[IslandRed]

One thing that may sway to the American's advantage is the heat and humidity of Brazil. Will they be able to use that as well as some rest, relative to the European teams, in group stage?

For whatever reasons -- training, climate, or just not being worn down by a long Euro season -- fitness is usually one of the USMNT's hole cards.

I did find it interesting that, after all the tinkering and shuffling and getting the guys to play more open during qualifying, we ended up with a classic U.S. game plan against Nigeria -- defend in numbers, counterattack at pace -- and it was effective. I would be surprised if we don't mostly use similar tactics in Brazil.

[M2]

I did find it interesting that, after all the tinkering and shuffling and getting the guys to play more open during qualifying, we ended up with a classic U.S. game plan against Nigeria -- defend in numbers, counterattack at pace -- and it was effective. I would be surprised if we don't mostly use similar tactics in Brazil.

I just looked up the match stats and the possession was fairly close: 53-47 for Nigeria. The main difference was Nigeria made a lot of back passes. The U.S. actually made more forward passes (144-126). I think what happened was the U.S. forced Nigeria to play tentatively, which is really not Nigeria's game. It prefers to play a fast, vertical game. Kicking it aimless across the back line is not a game the Screaming Eagles are going to succeed at. I thought the U.S. did a great job of winning the ball when Nigeria tried to attack and a quick attack is the optimal way to go at Nigeria, which leaves holes in its rearguard. Basically, I thought the U.S. dictated the game: how it was played, where it was played. They passed effectively, but there's not a lot of reason to kick it around against Nigeria. Against Portugal or Germany, you might see a more patient attack.

What impressed me about the U.S. in this game was the team looked capable with the ball, it beat one of the fastest teams in the world in a track meet and it showed the kind of focus/discipline a team needs to make a dent in a tournament of this stature.

[Yachtzee]

I just looked up the match stats and the possession was fairly close: 53-47 for Nigeria. The main difference was Nigeria made a lot of back passes. The U.S. actually made more forward passes (144-126). I think what happened was the U.S. forced Nigeria to play tentatively, which is really not Nigeria's game. It prefers to play a fast, vertical game. Kicking it aimless across the back line is not a game the Screaming Eagles are going to succeed at. I thought the U.S. did a great job of winning the ball when Nigeria tried to attack and a quick attack is the optimal way to go at Nigeria, which leaves holes in its rearguard. Basically, I thought the U.S. dictated the game: how it was played, where it was played. They passed effectively, but there's not a lot of reason to kick it around against Nigeria. Against Portugal or Germany, you might see a more patient attack.

What impressed me about the U.S. in this game was the team looked capable with the ball, it beat one of the fastest teams in the world in a track meet and it showed the kind of focus/discipline a team needs to make a dent in a tournament of this stature.

Listening to the analysis on SiriusXM today, a lot was said about the midfield combo of Bradley, Jones, and Beckerman. The basic jist was that Beckerman was able to provide solid cover for Jones to range freely in a midfield enforcer role and in turn free up Bradley to create more on the offensive side of the field.

[RedTeamGo!]

2

DAYS

[Yachtzee]

I have Thursday afternoon off.

[RedTeamGo!]

I have Thursday afternoon off.

My office works 7am - 3:20, and I live 5 minutes away, so I did not have to take a half day!

[MWM]

I have a TV with cable in my office, so I will just close the door. :evil:

[Redsfaithful]

This is just an awesome article, amazing presentation:

http://online.wsj.com/articles/with-his-eye-on-the-world-cup-soccer-coach-jurgen-klinsmann-overhauls-team-usa-1401899734

[CoachBombay]

Please take a few minutes to watch John Oliver's lambasting of FIFA on his HBO show. It is tremendous.

http://screamer.deadspin.com/john-oliver-brilliantly-lays-out-all-the-reasons-to-hat-1588004855

His show is amazing and this segment is a big FU to fifa. With that said......I believe!!! I BELIEVE THAT!!!! I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!!!

[Yachtzee]

This is just an awesome article, amazing presentation:

http://online.wsj.com/articles/with-his-eye-on-the-world-cup-soccer-coach-jurgen-klinsmann-overhauls-team-usa-1401899734

Love the article. This is what I've been trying to tell friends of mine who complained about Klinsmann early on in his tenure. He wasn't just brought in to win games. He was brought in to change the paradigm of US Soccer from the Youth Level to the USMNT. I like that the USMNT is no longer playing "Bunker and Boot."

Of course, there are still fans out there like the one I heard on SiriusXMFC today that make me scratch my head. He actually called in to complain and asked why the USSF couldn't hire an American coach and a team with only players born and developed in America rather than having to bring in players born and raised overseas, who aren't "real Americans" because "they have no real connection to this country." The caller was particularly upset that Landon Donovan, "a great American player who plays in American," was passed over for Germans who have no connection to America other than one parent. I swear the guy said American so many times I thought I was listening to some kind of goof put on by the producers. The worst part was that hosts seemed to give serious consideration to his notions.

[Yachtzee]

http://screamer.deadspin.com/john-oliver-brilliantly-lays-out-all-the-reasons-to-hat-1588004855

His show is amazing and this segment is a big FU to fifa. With that said......I believe!!! I BELIEVE THAT!!!! I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!!!

FIFA under Sepp Blatter just gets more and more comical.

http://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/blatter-urged-not-run-fifa-presidency

Blatter: "I'm seeking another term as FIFA President."
UEFA: "Last time you said this was your last term. We're in the midst of scandals involving the amount of money spent on the Brazilian World Cup and allegations that Qatar bought the 2012 World Cup. We suggest you stand down."
Blatter: "No. I think anyone who says there is corruption in FIFA is racist."
UEFA: "Say what now? Okay now you're just being ridiculous."
Blatter: "Hey Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, well, except you USA and Canada (Pesky Anti-corruption laws), you're all getting big sacks of money from 'the World Cup' (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). Would you like me to run for FIFA president again?"
Everybody Except Europe, the US, and Canada: "YES, RUN SEPP RUN! WOO HOO! um, could you please send that big sack of money to my personal account in the Cayman Islands?"

[RedTeamGo!]

Love the article. This is what I've been trying to tell friends of mine who complained about Klinsmann early on in his tenure. He wasn't just brought in to win games. He was brought in to change the paradigm of US Soccer from the Youth Level to the USMNT. I like that the USMNT is no longer playing "Bunker and Boot."

Of course, there are still fans out there like the one I heard on SiriusXMFC today that make me scratch my head. He actually called in to complain and asked why the USSF couldn't hire an American coach and a team with only players born and developed in America rather than having to bring in players born and raised overseas, who aren't "real Americans" because "they have no real connection to this country." The caller was particularly upset that Landon Donovan, "a great American player who plays in American," was passed over for Germans who have no connection to America other than one parent. I swear the guy said American so many times I thought I was listening to some kind of goof put on by the producers. The worst part was that hosts seemed to give serious consideration to his notions.

Yep, over the weekend my cousin, who is just becoming interested in soccer, said "I can't believe Klinnsman left off the BY FAR the best American player" and he just did not understand when I said "nah, Dempsey, Bradley, and Howard are all easily better right now."

I was in Charlotte, NC over Memorial Day and stopped in some random pub before the Charlotte Knights game and the Sirius/XM soccer folks were having their show in the middle of the bar. It was pretty cool.

[Yachtzee]

I jinxed myself. Bosses called an office meeting for tomorrow, at 3:30 pm.

[Caveat Emperor]

I picked a good week to be on vacation.

I can't wait for this to start.

[Chip R]

So, who's our pick to win the whole thing? I'm going with the home team.

[RedTeamGo!]

Argentina

[westofyou]

Chile

[dougdirt]

My heart says the US. My brain says Argentina. My gut says Brazil.

[Caveat Emperor]

Germany.

Though, having said that, I'm not sure how comfortable I'd feel betting actual money on a European team to win given the climate and travel schedules involved.

[tomnuetten]

I´m going with Argentina

Germany should be able to win the group... portugal is a great team and will be a tough match at the beginning (german won the recent games against portugal though), ghana and the us have some good players and will make it as difficult as they can but the germans have to win against them with the players they have.

after that it has to do with lots of luck, germany can beat every single team in one game but they can aswell lose in the quarterfinals. I´m not that high on the german team, they are loaded with great offensive midfielders (sadly reus is injured) but they have big questionmarks in the defensive midfield (schweinsteiger and khedira with lots of injuries and poor games the past few weeks) and the defence is not very good (lahm is one of the best at his position but the rest isn´t that good)... I think they will go to the quarterfinals and lose

the us is getting better the past few years, but they are still not a top 5 or even a top 10 team in the world. dreaming from a world cup is a bit silly IMO. it would be a successful world cup if they can survive the group (I doubt they do..)

[Yachtzee]

I´m going with Argentina

Germany should be able to win the group... portugal is a great team and will be a tough match at the beginning (german won the recent games against portugal though), ghana and the us have some good players and will make it as difficult as they can but the germans have to win against them with the players they have.

after that it has to do with lots of luck, germany can beat every single team in one game but they can aswell lose in the quarterfinals. I´m not that high on the german team, they are loaded with great offensive midfielders (sadly reus is injured) but they have big questionmarks in the defensive midfield (schweinsteiger and khedira with lots of injuries and poor games the past few weeks) and the defence is not very good (lahm is one of the best at his position but the rest isn´t that good)... I think they will go to the quarterfinals and lose

the us is getting better the past few years, but they are still not a top 5 or even a top 10 team in the world. dreaming from a world cup is a bit silly IMO. it would be a successful world cup if they can survive the group (I doubt they do..)

Personally, I feel the real overrated team in the group is Portugal. While there is much talk about how great Christiano Ronaldo is, Portugal just alway seems to get by on a lot of gamesmanship, whether it be diving or goading opposing players into fouling to try to get them run from the game. The key to any Portugal game will be whether the ref lets Portugal pull their stunts or forces them to play soccer. We shall see.

My heart wants to see the US and Germany go through, but my head says it's anyone's game. I have a feeling that at least one game in the group will involve a major controversy.

[dougdirt]

the us is getting better the past few years, but they are still not a top 5 or even a top 10 team in the world. dreaming from a world cup is a bit silly IMO.

Don't rain on my dreams.

[Yachtzee]

As far as who will win the whole thing, I'm not high on any team from Europe this time around. I think Belgium has a shot at making a run and becoming a media favorite if they aren't already. I think a lot of teams have had time to figure out Spain's tikka-takka and some of their players may be worn out from Atletico and Real Madrid making the Champions League final. Germany, England, and Italy all have questions that don't inspire confidence. The Netherlands is a big question mark after having sold their souls to make the final the last time. I feel like this is the year only one European team makes the semis, along with an African team or either the US (if they make it out of the group) or Mexico (because Sepp Blatter hates us), and two South American teams.

[Yachtzee]

Alexi Lalas is already annoying the hell out of me.

[5TimeWSChamps]

Belgium

[Chip R]

Every country's in the World Cup must have food.

http://sports.yahoo.com/photos/world-cup-cuisine-discover-every-country-s-must-have-food-slideshow/

[SunDeck]

Alexi Lalas is already annoying the hell out of me.

I don't even have cable, just watched him for two minutes online and I'm already sure I can't do a month of this.

[Yachtzee]

I don't even have cable, just watched him for two minutes online and I'm already sure I can't do a month of this.

He's being contrary for the sake of being contrary. Hopefully they pair him up in studio with Roberto Martinez again, who seemed to doo a good job in the past of reigning Lalas in and shutting him down when he gets on one of his jags.

[improbus]

He's being contrary for the sake of being contrary. Hopefully they pair him up in studio with Roberto Martinez again, who seemed to doo a good job in the past of reigning Lalas in and shutting him down when he gets on one of his jags.

I don't really have a problem with Lalas. His history with the US team puts him in a unique position to make him a cheerleader for the US team. He has seen the US go from a team filled with college students with no professional clubs to a team filled with players from a league helped to build and from some of the highest leagues in Europe. That has to be cool and make you feel like a proud parent. When I see Lalas, I see a US fan in a place of prominence and that is cool with me.

[RedTeamGo!]

7310

[improbus]

7310

A good example of where I loved Lalas' contribution was during the studio show for the World Cup draw. When the US got drawn into that group, he looked like someone had kidnapped his kids. But over the course of the show you could see him raise his spirits and say that the draw has happened, no use complaining, and let's get to work. It exactly mirrored my emotional roller coaster on that day.

[bucksfan2]

In regards to Portugal, IMO Ronaldo is the best player in this tournament. His ability to control the midfield, attack with speed and skill, and win balls in the air is unmatched by anyone. In big games against top competition he always manages to get himself free and create a couple of scoring opportunities that other players can't. To me it isn't just containing Ronaldo, it is stopping him when he creates his opportunities. Portugal doesn't really inspire me, but if Ronaldo capitalizes on his scoring chances, Portugal could play sloppy but win 2-0 or 2-1.

I think Germany has the best combination of talent, Spain is right there but getting a little long in the tooth, Brazil has the pressure of an entire nation playing at home, Belgium is a wild card, and I see Argentina getting spanked again in the knock out stage. My heart says Germany, my gut says Spain, my head says Brazil, it would be fun to see a wild card win it.

[improbus]

According to Nate Silver's fivethirtyeight website, Brazil have a 45% chance of winning the World Cup. Apparently, they have only lost one game on Brazilian soil, that loss in the Final to Uruguay in 1950. That is pretty astounding.

http://fivethirtyeight.com/interactives/world-cup/

[MWM]

I'm not predicting a Spain win, but I'm rooting for it. They're one of the great national teams of all time, and I'd love to see them solidify that.

[Tony Cloninger]

According to Nate Silver's fivethirtyeight website, Brazil have a 45% chance of winning the World Cup. Apparently, they have only lost one game on Brazilian soil, that loss in the Final to Uruguay in 1950. That is pretty astounding.

http://fivethirtyeight.com/interactives/world-cup/

They lost in 1975 to Peru. They have lost games since 1950 but none since 1975.

I don't know how many Brazilian fans are here.... but as an Uruguayan I am so tired of the 1950 talk. They go on and on about it...... like winning a bunch of these WC afterwards means nothing.

I would gladly trade Uruguay losing in 1950 for Brazil turning into what Uruguay did in the 80's and 90's....and win a couple of more World Cups.

I know it was a tragedy then since it was in Brazil..... and until the 1970, when Brazil won their 3rd to pass Uruguay.... they were not considered the definite #1 team in SA soccer
(Uruguay had twice as many Copa America wins than Brazil while Argentina was horrible in WC play until 1978)...... but I think they can get off this 1950 thing by now?
I wish my country would as well.

[Tony Cloninger]

Germany to beat Argentina in the final.

[Yachtzee]

I don't really have a problem with Lalas. His history with the US team puts him in a unique position to make him a cheerleader for the US team. He has seen the US go from a team filled with college students with no professional clubs to a team filled with players from a league helped to build and from some of the highest leagues in Europe. That has to be cool and make you feel like a proud parent. When I see Lalas, I see a US fan in a place of prominence and that is cool with me.

The thing is, if he's supposed to be a cheerleader, he isn't a very good one. He's more like one of those neurotic fans whose opinion changes with whichever way the wind blows. One day he's saying, publicly, on a stage in Times Square with the USMNT right in front of him, that they won't make it out of their group. A week later he's going off on Klinsmann for saying that the team wouldn't win the World Cup. He constantly plays into the worst instincts of US fans, like those who dislike Klinsmann and think the US team should be filled with "real 'Murkins" with a "real 'Murkin coach." He reminds me of that drunk uncle who says whatever he's thinking at the moment without putting any thought behind it.

[reds1869]

I'm going with Spain.

[Yachtzee]

In regards to Portugal, IMO Ronaldo is the best player in this tournament. His ability to control the midfield, attack with speed and skill, and win balls in the air is unmatched by anyone. In big games against top competition he always manages to get himself free and create a couple of scoring opportunities that other players can't. To me it isn't just containing Ronaldo, it is stopping him when he creates his opportunities. Portugal doesn't really inspire me, but if Ronaldo capitalizes on his scoring chances, Portugal could play sloppy but win 2-0 or 2-1.

I think Germany has the best combination of talent, Spain is right there but getting a little long in the tooth, Brazil has the pressure of an entire nation playing at home, Belgium is a wild card, and I see Argentina getting spanked again in the knock out stage. My heart says Germany, my gut says Spain, my head says Brazil, it would be fun to see a wild card win it.

Ronaldo may be one of the most talented players, but not the best. The best players, IMHO, fight through adversity and raise the level of their game. If things aren't going his way, Ronaldo acts like a petulant child.

[RedTeamGo!]

omgomgomgomgomgomgomg less than 2 hours

7312

[Slyder]

*cry* why must inventory be tonight... At least I have tomorrow off to watch!

[tomnuetten]

best thing: Sepp Blatter and brasilian politicians don´t talk before the game because they don´t want to get booed

[Chip R]

Croatia has drawn first blood against the hosts.

[reds1869]

Neymar follows up his yellow card with the first Brazilian goal. 1-1.

[Chip R]

Croatia has drawn first blood against the hosts.

Looks like it was an own goal. So to paraphrase White Goodman, Brazil bleeded their own blood.

[MWM]

That ref shouldn't ref another game at this world cup. Disgraceful.

For the life of me I can't figure out why they can't review penalties. It's a HUGE part of the game. If I were a Brazil fan, I wouldn't feel great about them winning this game......assuming they hold on.

[Kingspoint]

Nice flop.

[MWM]

Infuriating. I don't like the way Croatia has been playing as it's been somewhat cynical, but now I find myself rooting against Brazil. How can they celebrate that goal? They really should have sent the PK wide of the goalpost on purpose. The competitor in me hates scoring that way. I wouldn't want the goal that badly.

[Yachtzee]

Listening to JP Della Camera and Tommy "Ole Onion Bag" Smyth on ESPN Radio. JP says "Marcello's going down like an NBA player." Hahaha!

[Kingspoint]

JP says "Marcello's going down like an NBA player." Hahaha!

First thing I thought of. :)

[tomnuetten]

bad luck for croatia... the problem is that those situations happen almost every game. soccer is one of the most unfair games out there which is bad but on the other side positive (everyone can win in a single day)

[MWM]

It's an embarassment. This is the greatest sporting event in the world and a game being handed to a team like that on a PK should never happen. It cheapens the competition. That penalty should never happen.....ever.

[Kingspoint]

It's an embarassment. This is the greatest sporting event in the world and a game being handed to a team like that on a PK should never happen. It cheapens the competition. That penalty should never happen.....ever....at any level.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Oh Oscar!

[improbus]

Penalty aside, that game illustrated one of the things that makes the World Cup a strange competition. Your player pool is limited, so you might end up with a terrible player at a crucial position. That Croatian goalkeeper should have saved two of those goals and might have gotten to the third if he weren't bad and 400 years old. Also, Julio Cesar wasn't exactly good. He misread some shots and made simple saves seem dramatic.

If Brazil play like that against a good team, they will lose.

Also, Jelavic was really annoying. He reminded me of the old guy in pickup hoops who doesn't work hard but always has his hand up for the ball even though he is being well defended. He was constantly yelling at his teammates and yet he never ran to the right spot.

[M2]

It's getting very easy to root against Brazil. To give the ref some defense, Fred did a fine job of conning him. It happens. It will be interesting to see if refs in future Brazil games are reluctant to call anything that doesn't draw blood.

[tomnuetten]

It's getting very easy to root against Brazil. To give the ref some defense, Fred did a fine job of conning him. It happens. It will be interesting to see if refs in future Brazil games are reluctant to call anything that doesn't draw blood.

I´m rooting against brazil cause political reasons.. I don´t want the politicians who decided to spent millions for soccer stadiums (they didn´t need), resettled thousands of (poor) people, supported phyical punishment towards demonstrators,... to succeed and get away with the bad things they did.

If the team gets eliminated early or doesn´t win the championship the criticism will be louder and harder to gloss over.. Perhaps it could be an example that it is not acceptable to fulfill the claims the fifa makes towards the countries who will host the world cup. I hope the criticism will be peaceful though..

[Yachtzee]

I´m rooting against brazil cause political reasons.. I don´t want the politicians who decided to spent millions for soccer stadiums (they didn´t need), resettled thousands of (poor) people, supported phyical punishment towards demonstrators,... to succeed and get away with the bad things they did.

If the team gets eliminated early or doesn´t win the championship the criticism will be louder and harder to gloss over.. Perhaps it could be an example that it is not acceptable to fulfill the claims the fifa makes towards the countries who will host the world cup. I hope the criticism will be peaceful though..

I think I fall into this camp. I feel like Sepp Blatter and the Brazilian politicians are desperate for Brazil to win the World Cup because they think that if Brazil wins, the protestors will lose out to happy soccer fans. As it stands, this and the next two World Cups are in pretty controversial locations. Brazil had to spend all that money to build stadiums and infrastucture (do you think FIFA would have given them the World Cup if they didn't). Russia is busy bullying its neighbors. And of course everybody who is not in Sepp Blatter's back pocket knows Qatar has no business hosting a World Cup.

I really wish UEFA would revolt and threaten to leave FIFA if Blatter wins reelection as President. If UEFA left FIFA, I think CONMEBOL, the US, Canada, and Mexico from CONCACAF, and Australia, Japan, and South Korea from AFC all leave too. FIFA is nothing without the revenues generated by those countries, yet all the power seems to be held by kleptocrats who do nothing to serve even the interest of the countries they claim to represent.

[improbus]

I think I fall into this camp. I feel like Sepp Blatter and the Brazilian politicians are desperate for Brazil to win the World Cup because they think that if Brazil wins, the protestors will lose out to happy soccer fans. As it stands, this and the next two World Cups are in pretty controversial locations. Brazil had to spend all that money to build stadiums and infrastucture (do you think FIFA would have given them the World Cup if they didn't). Russia is busy bullying its neighbors. And of course everybody who is not in Sepp Blatter's back pocket knows Qatar has no business hosting a World Cup.

I really wish UEFA would revolt and threaten to leave FIFA if Blatter wins reelection as President. If UEFA left FIFA, I think CONMEBOL, the US, Canada, and Mexico from CONCACAF, and Australia, Japan, and South Korea from AFC all leave too. FIFA is nothing without the revenues generated by those countries, yet all the power seems to be held by kleptocrats who do nothing to serve even the interest of the countries they claim to represent.

But FIFA has that drug we all need.

[SunDeck]

And the World Cup is off and running with a huge dive for the win. I struggle with my feelings for this sport. Intellectually, I know drawing fouls is a big part of many sports, but my heart tells me I don't want a team to win when a guy with his back to the goal and not even controlling the ball can draw a penalty like that. A terrible call, I guess I want to see games won on spectacular headers or beautiful assists.

[tomnuetten]

And the World Cup is off and running with a huge dive for the win. I struggle with my feelings for this sport. Intellectually, I know drawing fouls is a big part of many sports, but my heart tells me I don't want a team to win when a guy with his back to the goal and not even controlling the ball can draw a penalty like that. A terrible call, I guess I want to see games won on spectacular headers or beautiful assists.

most other team sports have bad umpire decisions every game, the problem is that they have not as big of an impact! if a nba ref makes a terrible foul call, it is sad but it is 2-3 points in a game with 170-220 points => it´s not that big of a deal...

the more goals/points the smaller the impact of a single call... soccer is the most unfair team sport I know. On the other side, even the biggest underdog has a (good) chance with a little bit of luck to win a big game...

[thatcoolguy_22]

Terrible calls; Croatia should be furious. The penalty was a joke, disallowing the goal for Croatia when both players jumped and were level was ridiculous, and the final no call that set up the Oscar goal was blatant neglect. I still play year round and love the game, but it is as easy to apply conspiracy theories to FIFA as if it were boxing. I don't believe it (of course), but every big game seems to have these types of incidents and its frustrating.

Sidenote- I'm predicting the US make it out of the group. My scenario: US beats Ghana, Germany beats Portugal and Ghana. US ties Portugal. Going into the final game Germany is guaranteed to advance, lays off, US takes the point to advance.

If all of that doesn't happen as planned and for some reason the US is eliminated, I'm picking Brazil to win (solely based on conspiracy ;) ) However, I really would like to see Messi lead Argentina to the championship, scoring 6 goals along the way.

[5TimeWSChamps]

Terrible calls; Croatia should be furious. The penalty was a joke, disallowing the goal for Croatia when both players jumped and were level was ridiculous, and the final no call that set up the Oscar goal was blatant neglect. I still play year round and love the game, but it is as easy to apply conspiracy theories to FIFA as if it were boxing. I don't believe it (of course), but every big game seems to have these types of incidents and its frustrating.

Sidenote- I'm predicting the US make it out of the group. My scenario: US beats Ghana, Germany beats Portugal and Ghana. US ties Portugal. Going into the final game Germany is guaranteed to advance, lays off, US takes the point to advance.

If all of that doesn't happen as planned and for some reason the US is eliminated, I'm picking Brazil to win (solely based on conspiracy ;) ) However, I really would like to see Messi lead Argentina to the championship, scoring 6 goals along the way.

Don't forget Neymar should have seen red in the first half

[Chip R]

I´m rooting against brazil cause political reasons.. I don´t want the politicians who decided to spent millions for soccer stadiums (they didn´t need), resettled thousands of (poor) people, supported phyical punishment towards demonstrators,... to succeed and get away with the bad things they did.

If the team gets eliminated early or doesn´t win the championship the criticism will be louder and harder to gloss over.. Perhaps it could be an example that it is not acceptable to fulfill the claims the fifa makes towards the countries who will host the world cup. I hope the criticism will be peaceful though..

You make a good point but it's not the soccer team that is resettling the people and punishing demonstrators. And let's be frank here. If it didn't happen in Brazil, it would happen elsewhere including in the U.S. I'm not trying to be political but if you want to build something, you either put it out of town where there's nothing or put it where the people who complain are not of interest to the government(s). If Brazil loses every game those people are not going to get their houses back and those protesters - who will be protesting the 2016 Olympics - aren't going to stop being beaten. Their manager will probably be sacked and more money will be put into the soccer. Some politicians may lose their jobs but they will be replaced by others more than willing to do what their predecessors have done. I don't have a dog in this hunt. I watch World Cup like I watch the Olympics. I want to see good games and hope nothing bad happens outside the field.

[Yachtzee]

most other team sports have bad umpire decisions every game, the problem is that they have not as big of an impact! if a nba ref makes a terrible foul call, it is sad but it is 2-3 points in a game with 170-220 points => it´s not that big of a deal...

the more goals/points the smaller the impact of a single call... soccer is the most unfair team sport I know. On the other side, even the biggest underdog has a (good) chance with a little bit of luck to win a big game...

I think what drives a lot of American fans nuts isn't as much the dive itself as the playacting that goes on with it. I played soccer for a long time here and we aren't immune to guys taking dives. But the diver hits the dirt and if a foul gets called, it gets called. But few guys are rolling on the ground grabbing various body parts. Even guys who actually get hurt on a real foul will get right back up and try to tough it out if they can. Rolling on the ground grabbing your knee or your foot was seen as a sign that you are weak. Also, you don't want to get that rep as a diver, as divers are viewed as cheaters, and Americans don't like cheaters outside of pro wrestling. I've seen players get booed by their own fans for a bad dive and embellishment.

[Yachtzee]

You make a good point but it's not the soccer team that is resettling the people and punishing demonstrators. And let's be frank here. If it didn't happen in Brazil, it would happen elsewhere including in the U.S. I'm not trying to be political but if you want to build something, you either put it out of town where there's nothing or put it where the people who complain are not of interest to the government(s). If Brazil loses every game those people are not going to get their houses back and those protesters - who will be protesting the 2016 Olympics - aren't going to stop being beaten. Their manager will probably be sacked and more money will be put into the soccer. Some politicians may lose their jobs but they will be replaced by others more than willing to do what their predecessors have done. I don't have a dog in this hunt. I watch World Cup like I watch the Olympics. I want to see good games and hope nothing bad happens outside the field.

You are right. The Brazilian National Team losing isn't going to get people's houses back. And I don't think anyone says Brazil shouldn't be allowed to host a World Cup. Rather, the problem is with how FIFA makes demands on the host country and the host country complies without regard to whether such things are good for the people of that country. For example, there has been much discussion about how the government built a new, state of the art stadium in Manaus. Did Manaus need such a stadium? No. The city doesn't have any teams that can fill the stadium. Of course there was another city that has popular teams and a stadium that could have been renovated for less money. So why did Manaus get the stadium? Because the governor of the state has more political clout than the governor of the other state. After the World Cup, the stadium will be a white elephant. And then there are stadium costs that get driven up because Sepp Blatter demands a private suite with a private elevator so that he won't come in contact with the unwashed masses.

For me at least, and maybe others too, there is a hope that the situation in Brazil might embarrass FIFA and the government to the degree that it might cause a change in leadership and reform going forward so that FIFA and host countries will be more responsive to fitting infrastructure and building projects to useful future purpose that actually benefit the locals rather than lavish spending on ridiculous things that benefit only the egos of the bigwigs.

[Yachtzee]

And Keith Olbermann wins the award for first ESPN personality to dis the World Cup. Apparently the World Cup is overhyped, becauseI ddidn't hear nearly enough about the Yankees, Red Sox, and The Miami LeBrons today.

Seriously, can you imagine any major US network where their employees are allowed to talk about how the event they're covering gets too much attention?

[Slyder]

I think what drives a lot of American fans nuts isn't as much the dive itself as the playacting that goes on with it. I played soccer for a long time here and we aren't immune to guys taking dives. But the diver hits the dirt and if a foul gets called, it gets called. But few guys are rolling on the ground grabbing various body parts. Even guys who actually get hurt on a real foul will get right back up and try to tough it out if they can. Rolling on the ground grabbing your knee or your foot was seen as a sign that you are weak. Also, you don't want to get that rep as a diver, as divers are viewed as cheaters, and Americans don't like cheaters outside of pro wrestling. I've seen players get booed by their own fans for a bad dive and embellishment.

I think this clip from 2006 World PERFECTLY personifies the differences between the US and many other nations when it comes to soccer.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXHCbIBEhc0

McBride almost looks like he doesn't even notice it, if you seen a European player take that kind of shot you'd see him rolling around like he'd been shot with a high caliber gun from point blank range to emphasis the fact he got elbow'd.

[tomnuetten]

Scolari said that he watched it 10 times and that it is a obvious penalty for him

:nono:

sorry but that is just stupid...

[RedTeamGo!]

The Italians are terrible. When I was in Germany in 06 they were the fans were the worst group of people I have ever met.

[improbus]

I don't like diving but I don't blame the players. They get huge rewards for doing it. FIFA needs to disincentive diving in order to change the rule. A few ideas:

-Retroactive red cards. I don't love this, but if players get suspended for deception they might stop.
-All penalties are reviewed. This stops the game, but getting it right is important.
-If you go to ground with an injury, you have to immediately leave the pitch and wait for the next whistle to come back so you can "recover". If you want to be really dramatic, make two of your teammates carry you off, putting you at 8 players. You will quickly find out who is actually injured and who isn't.

It is up to FIFA to make these changes.

[tomnuetten]

I don't like diving but I don't blame the players. They get huge rewards for doing it. FIFA needs to disincentive diving in order to change the rule. A few ideas:

-Retroactive red cards. I don't love this, but if players get suspended for deception they might stop.
-All penalties are reviewed. This stops the game, but getting it right is important.
-If you go to ground with an injury, you have to immediately leave the pitch and wait for the next whistle to come back so you can "recover". If you want to be really dramatic, make two of your teammates carry you off, putting you at 8 players. You will quickly find out who is actually injured and who isn't.

It is up to FIFA to make these changes.

I would love more dramatic changes...
I would change the time. Decrease the time to 60 or 70 minutes but stop the time during every stopping (corner, freekick, substitution,....). So faking a injury at the end of the game etc. wouldn´t make sence anymore..
I read on a german soccer page that the actual time the ball is in play in soccer is about 60minutes, the rest is injury timeouts and standart situations. That would help to decrease all those fake injuries, substitutions to delay the game and every other tactic to delay the game.

and you could install tv reviews. the coaches could challenge the call or every penalty/goal is automaticly reviewed...

[RedTeamGo!]

the actual time the ball is in play in soccer is about 60minutes

The crazy thing is that this is SO much higher than baseball and football.

[improbus]

I would love more dramatic changes...
I would change the time. Decrease the time to 60 or 70 minutes but stop the time during every stopping (corner, freekick, substitution,....). So faking a injury at the end of the game etc. wouldn´t make sence anymore..
I read on a german soccer page that the actual time the ball is in play in soccer is about 60minutes, the rest is injury timeouts and standart situations. That would help to decrease all those fake injuries, substitutions to delay the game and every other tactic to delay the game.

and you could install tv reviews. the coaches could challenge the call or every penalty/goal is automaticly reviewed...

I'm not sure I would want to make the change. The flow of soccer is what makes it special. The continuous clock encourages the singing and organization of fans that can't happen in a start/stop kind of sport. Plus, in a purely selfish vain, I love that when i sit down to watch most soccer games, I will be done in under 2 hours. It is wonderful.

[RedTeamGo!]

Yeah, I love the pacing of a soccer game. There is no other sport where I have to wait until halftime to go to the bathroom. A goal can happen at any moment.

[IslandRed]

I don't like diving but I don't blame the players. They get huge rewards for doing it. FIFA needs to disincentive diving in order to change the rule. A few ideas:

-Retroactive red cards. I don't love this, but if players get suspended for deception they might stop.
-All penalties are reviewed. This stops the game, but getting it right is important.
-If you go to ground with an injury, you have to immediately leave the pitch and wait for the next whistle to come back so you can "recover". If you want to be really dramatic, make two of your teammates carry you off, putting you at 8 players. You will quickly find out who is actually injured and who isn't.

It is up to FIFA to make these changes.

I agree, FIFA (and any other federation/national organization) could put a stop to it, but they don't. The only negative for flopping now is to get a yellow for simulation, but unless the guy already is on a yellow, that's no deterrent to trying it once in any given game.

[improbus]

This Mexico/Cameroon game is very entertaining.

[Kingspoint]

A goal can happen at any moment.

....or not. It's more likely that you can use the restroom, stand in line for some beers, check your emails, walk around the concourse checking things out, sign up for some contests, call a friend or two, and by the time you get back to your seat, you haven't missed anything.

Seriously, though....it is all about "flow". The ebbs and tides of the game is what you watch. Goals happen as a result of these ebbs and tides. The goals are almost always inevitable. It's why one can get really upset when a ref takes it upon himself to change the outcome of a game that a whole team worked so hard to put the "flow" in their favor.

[Hoosier Red]

And Keith Olbermann wins the award for first ESPN personality to dis the World Cup. Apparently the World Cup is overhyped, becauseI ddidn't hear nearly enough about the Yankees, Red Sox, and The Miami LeBrons today.

Seriously, can you imagine any major US network where their employees are allowed to talk about how the event they're covering gets too much attention?

That's actually a point in ESPN's favor. Most networks muzzle their talent's complaints. The fact that ESPN allows him to express an opinion that is obviously at odds with their bottom line says a lot about the network's journalistic integrity.

Now if only they didn't hire such stupid people who say such stupid things, all would be well.

[M2]

I don't like diving but I don't blame the players. They get huge rewards for doing it. FIFA needs to disincentive diving in order to change the rule. A few ideas:

-Retroactive red cards. I don't love this, but if players get suspended for deception they might stop.

I think that's the one they need to implement. Fine, you cheated to win. Now you're out for three games and your team gets to pay a stiff financial penalty. If everyone can see you dove thanks to the video evidence, then there ought to be punishment for that. Time to bring in Big Brother.

[MWM]

Amazing goal by the Dutch.

[Yachtzee]

That's actually a point in ESPN's favor. Most networks muzzle their talent's complaints. The fact that ESPN allows him to express an opinion that is obviously at odds with their bottom line says a lot about the network's journalistic integrity.

Now if only they didn't hire such stupid people who say such stupid things, all would be well.

If Olbermann actually had justified criticisms, sure. But Olbermann was just recycling all the jokes that American haters have made about soccer and soccer fans. It was the old "Soccer will never catch on in America and American soccer fans are nerds" bit. I know plenty of people who don't like basketball, hockey, or NASCAR, but you'll hear an ESPN personality rip on those sports or their fans.

[M2]

Van Persie with likely the goal of the tournament.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKDwzlw4bic

[BuckeyeRed27]

Amazing goal by the Dutch.

I hate that guy...but that was freaking beautiful.

[Yachtzee]

RVP's goal was great. The penalty was weak.

[BuckeyeRed27]

RVP's goal was great. The penalty was weak.

That was a penalty.

[M2]

Pique is killing me. He played Van Persie onside for the first goal and got used by Robben for the second.

[MWM]

4 goals against Spain? I never would have believed it.

[M2]

Eek, the Dutch are giving Spain a thumping. Spain may have a goal differential problem on it hands.

However, if Spain rights itself against Chile and Australia and takes second in the group, we could see Brazil-Spain in the round of 16.

[Yachtzee]

Wow. Would never have expected Netherlands to go up 3-1 on Spain. Edit 4-1.

Seriously, I think this is the Dutch style of play one would have hoped for four years ago.

[Yachtzee]

Unbelievable! Robben just made the entire Spanish defense and Casillas look bad.

[MWM]

Not sure whether to think this will wake Spain up, or this is an indication they are old and their time has passed.

Arjen Robben is one of the least likable players in the world. The Dutch were always my favorite international team since 1994, but the 2010 final and Robben have made it more difficult to be in their corner.

- - - Updated - - -


Wow. Would never have expected Netherlands to go up 3-1 on Spain. Edit 4-1.

Seriously, I think this is the Dutch style of play one would have hoped for four years ago.

Edit again.

[Kingspoint]

Van Persie with likely the goal of the tournament.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKDwzlw4bic

How is that not off-sides?

[Hoosier Red]

If Olbermann actually had justified criticisms, sure. But Olbermann was just recycling all the jokes that American haters have made about soccer and soccer fans. It was the old "Soccer will never catch on in America and American soccer fans are nerds" bit. I know plenty of people who don't like basketball, hockey, or NASCAR, but you'll hear an ESPN personality rip on those sports or their fans.

True. But NASCAR, Basketball, and Hockey don't get the worldwide hype that the World Cup does. Again, i'm not saying I agree with Olbermann, just pointing out that it's better for a network to avoid interfering in the content provided by it's opinion shows. It's nice to know that whatever idiotic opinions are spewed from his mouth, they are his own.

[M2]

4 goals against Spain? I never would have believed it.

5 now and it looks like 6 is just around the corner. Spain's midfield has disappeared. Xavi's been terrible, and pulling Xabi Alonso opened up some huge holes.

[Yachtzee]

How does Fernando Torres not score on that?

[MWM]

How is that not off-sides?

He was clearly on-sides when the pass was made.

[Kingspoint]

He was clearly on-sides when the pass was made.
That was fast. FIFA has since blocked the video.

btw, I didn't see it that way, but I'd like to look again. I'm guessing I got it wrong.

[MWM]

They showed slow motion replay after the goal using that off-sides line graphic they always use. When the pass was made, it showed him pretty clear on-side from what I remember.

[BuckeyeRed27]

They showed slow motion replay after the goal using that off-sides line graphic they always use. When the pass was made, it showed him pretty clear on-side from what I remember.

He was onsides by a couple steps. There was a defender away from RVP that kept him on.

I really can't believe that just happened. Before the game you could have talked me into the Netherlands winning, but that was something else.

[tomnuetten]

They showed slow motion replay after the goal using that off-sides line graphic they always use. When the pass was made, it showed him pretty clear on-side from what I remember.

yes he was onside. the penalty was a weak one in my books and the third goal from the dutch shouldn´t count. van persie tackled casillas without touching the ball...

some bad calls from the refs so far (mexico got robbed twice, crotia, today some questionable calls).. I don´t blame the refs because it is hard to get those situations right (especially offside), the fifa should do everything to help the refs but they don´t do enough in my books.. I like the new goal line technology, but how often do those questionable decisions occur? I would think 10 times less than questionable offside and penalty calls..

I don´t like the dutch but they did play a good game. Spain looked tired, but I doubt that they are done yet. The dutch have great offensive power (van persie, robben, huntelaar...) but I still think that the defence is vulnerable

[Yachtzee]

Statement game by the Dutch. Meanwhile, Spain has to play to win from here on out because they can't run the risk of being tied and having their fate determined by goal differential.

Diego Costa takes top spot as Jerk of the Cup so far. Should be interesting to see if he gets a suspension.

[paintmered]

La Roja had a worrisome number of dead tired legs. Have all of those extra cup and international matches finally taken their toll?

[M2]

How is that not off-sides?

You don't see it there, but Pique is dropped absurdly deep behind the rest of the back line. You can tell Ramos originally thought he had Van Persie caught in the offside trap they'd been playing the whole first half and then realized too late Pique was 15 yards behind the rest of the line.

[MWM]

Not sure if Chile looks good or Aus looks bad. I'm leaning towards the latter. That first goal was atrocious defense.

[tomnuetten]

Not sure if a Chile looks good or Aus looks bad. I'm leaning towards the latter. That first goal was atrocious defense.

it is both, chile is good and australia is not..
chile had a friendly game against germany and they were by far the better team (germany won but I don´t know how they did it). I like this team and like the way they play.. but I don´t think that they are "smart" enough to win against the big favourites (or more than one)...

they give 110% every second and attack early, against a very good team who passes quickly and good this will lead to multiple odd man rushes against them...

I´m rooting for chile :thumbup:

[MWM]

it is both, chile is good and australia is not..
chile had a friendly game against germany and they were by far the better team (germany won but I don´t know how they did it). I like this team and like the way they play.. but I don´t think that they are "smart" enough to win against the big favourites (or more than one)...

they give 110% every second and attack early, against a very good team who passes quickly and good this will lead to multiple odd man rushes against them...

I´m rooting for chile :thumbup:

I was just thinking how bad Australia is when they scored.

I'd love to see Chile make a run. They are the one team (other than England I guess) that I have any connection to. My brother lived there 2 years and married a girl from there, so them and their 5 kids are glued to the TV right now. I played for a club college team at a juco my first 2 years of college and out coach was from Chile and actually played on the Chilean national team for a brief stint in the 70s.

[Kingspoint]

You don't see it there, but Pique is dropped absurdly deep behind the rest of the back line. You can tell Ramos originally thought he had Van Persie caught in the offside trap they'd been playing the whole first half and then realized too late Pique was 15 yards behind the rest of the line.

Yeah, I did miss that.

And, yes. It was a tremendous goal.

[improbus]

There has been some suspect refereeing, but so far I would say that every team that has won has deserved to win. Even Brazil. Also, how satisfying is it to have victories. No ties. The first game was cagey, but every other game has been back and forth and really entertaining.

As for Spain, they simply couldn't keep possession. David Silva is great but he is too Premier League to play their game. He actually gets the ball and attacks forward quickly. It messes up their beautiful strangulation of the game.

[tomnuetten]

important win for chile but they have to improve if they want advance...

[MWM]

important win for chile but they have to improve if they want advance...

No doubt. They have no chance against either spain or Holland playing that kind of defense.

[Yachtzee]

No doubt. They have no chance against either spain or Holland playing that kind of defense.

Really? I think at this point it will be really interesting if Diego Costa gets suspended for his headbutt. Spain doesn't appear to have a weath of options at striker, at least with Fernando Torres missing sitters like today. With Chile at +2 and Spain at -4 on goal difference, Chile could park the bus and hope to force a draw, which would then force Spain to throw everything at the Aussies while the Chileans park the bus on the Dutch as well. In any case, Spain is going to have to play to win out, which means they're going to have to get aggressive. I don't think the old tikka takka is going to do well for them unless. hey get an early goal against Chile. At this point, Spain can't afford to take a draw and risk being tied for second with Chile (or the Netherlands if the Dutch happen to lose to Chile or the Aussies).

[tomnuetten]

Really? I think at this point it will be really interesting if Diego Costa gets suspended for his headbutt. Spain doesn't appear to have a weath of options at striker, at least with Fernando Torres missing sitters like today. With Chile at +2 and Spain at -4 on goal difference, Chile could park the bus and hope to force a draw, which would then force Spain to throw everything at the Aussies while the Chileans park the bus on the Dutch as well. In any case, Spain is going to have to play to win out, which means they're going to have to get aggressive. I don't think the old tikka takka is going to do well for them unless. hey get an early goal against Chile. At this point, Spain can't afford to take a draw and risk being tied for second with Chile (or the Netherlands if the Dutch happen to lose to Chile or the Aussies).

I think spain and chile play the way they always do. Spain will have the ball most of the time without using the long ball, free kicks etc... and chile will run and run and run. I think chile is not smart enough to park the bus. they will attack very early and play to their strength

[SunDeck]

That header was sick, I've watched it a dozen times and it still is one of the most beautiful goals I have ever seen. And what a laugher for the Dutch, I can't wait to see them play again.

[improbus]

I can't wait for Italy-England. Usually over the course of the qualifying campaign and the buildup to the Finals the English convince themselves that they will win the World Cup. This year seems totally different. No country is more down on their team. They have gone with youth and skill over experience. I think they will be a really exciting team.

[thatcoolguy_22]

The vid was blocked on the Van Persie goal but here is a gif of it

http://i.imgur.com/tyIVsFn.gif

Edit: How do I make it automatically play?

[tomnuetten]

greece played as usual, early goal against them and no offence at all (aside one great chance from gekas).. the us referee was good, first game without a big mistake..

[tomnuetten]

The vid was blocked on the Van Persie goal but here is a gif of it

http://i.imgur.com/tyIVsFn.gif

Edit: How do I make it automatically play?

you have to add it as image...

http://i.imgur.com/tyIVsFn.gif

[thatcoolguy_22]

you have to add it as image...

Ha! I tried that and it said the image was too large. I hope to see Costa Rica pull out at least a point against Uruguay.

[MWM]

Nice to see a good PK call for Uruguay.

[thatcoolguy_22]

1-1 Uruguay v Costa Rica. Joel Campbell ties it with a left footed strike!

[thatcoolguy_22]

2-1!!!!! Costa has scored again!!!!!!!!!!!!

1st in the 54th 2nd in the 57th

Suarez warming up

[westofyou]

Uruguay's biggest problem?

Shirts are too tight man.

[MWM]

Uruguay's biggest problem?

Shirts are too tight man.

Man, you beat me to it. Was going to say whoever did their laundry shrunk the shirts.

[5TimeWSChamps]

Joel Campbell ♥

[thatcoolguy_22]

Whats everyone thinking for the Italy England game later? Buffon out for Italy, I'm thinking England gets cheeky to pull off a 2-1 win

[thatcoolguy_22]

3-1! Take that, tight shirts! CONCACAF plays a lil footy

[MWM]

Costa Rica looks really good. Fun game to watch.

[5TimeWSChamps]

Joel Campbell!

[thatcoolguy_22]

Pereira red carded in the extra time and will miss the Italy and England game. Heavy loss for Uruguay today. Its over 3-1 Costa Rica is victorious! I'm off to the bar for the England match.

[tomnuetten]

stupid from pereira who understood what he did the moment the ref blew the whistle.. I can understand the frustration (because they´ll have a really really hard time to advance after this loss) but acting like this doesn´t help at all...

I hope that england wins today (I don´t like the italian team) but I doubt that they will. england is overrated and they were really bad the past 10-20 years.

[MWM]

Geez, that was a some really bad defense by England on that second Italian goal

[tomnuetten]

Geez, that was a some really bad defense by England on that second Italian goal

yes but I´m postive surprised by the three lions so far... they are playing good (beside few mistake the italians converted)

[dougdirt]

http://i.imgur.com/tyIVsFn.gif
The vid was blocked on the Van Persie goal but here is a gif of it

http://i.imgur.com/tyIVsFn.gif

Edit: How do I make it automatically play?

[thatcoolguy_22]

Apparently no one in england can properly strike either a free or corner kick. Tough loss. Finished 1-25 on crosses as well, dreadful.

[Tony Cloninger]

Pereira red carded in the extra time and will miss the Italy and England game. Heavy loss for Uruguay today. Its over 3-1 Costa Rica is victorious! I'm off to the bar for the England match.

What a complete embarrassment. CR barely has an offense but that is what the NT gets when he does not bring in new blood to help Godin and Caceres and thinks the MF is only for Holding MF who cannot pass.

Now they lose a defender and have not much depth to begin with.

I said they would not win a point and sure enough this seals it. They have reverted back to the underachieving mess of 2002 and 2006.

[5TimeWSChamps]

What a complete embarrassment. CR barely has an offense but that is what the NT gets when he does not bring in new blood to help Godin and Caceres and thinks the MF is only for Holding MF who cannot pass.

Now they lose a defender and have not much depth to begin with.

I said they would not win a point and sure enough this seals it. They have reverted back to the underachieving mess of 2002 and 2006.

You did call it before hand. Can't believe Forlan is still starting for them.

Campbell played really well for Olympiakos this year and should be on the Arsenal First Team this fall.

[Tony Cloninger]

You did call it before hand. Can't believe Forlan is still starting for them.

Campbell played really well for Olympiakos this year and should be on the Arsenal First Team this fall.


No choice with Suarez out.

However... You have Lugano and Forlan on the same pitch...... you are slow up front, no creativity in the middle..... Godin has to cover for Lugano.

I can only hope they beat England and Italy beats CR for any chance of advancement.

On the other hand..... Blow It Up Uruguay....make it yours?

They have a bunch of 20-23 year olds who played in the 2011 and 2013 U-17 and U-20 WC finals...... so they have some players that can play better than the geriatrics.

[5TimeWSChamps]

No Drogba in the starting 11 for Ivory Coast.

Excited to watch potential Arsenal new RB Serge Aurier at RB,as well as Gervinho, who's always entertaining

[tomnuetten]

way to many arsenal supporters on this board... :runawaycry:

[5TimeWSChamps]

Heck of a goal by Honda

[5TimeWSChamps]

Here comes Drogba. CIV has an equalizer in them

[tomnuetten]

drogba in and 5 minutes later CIV leads 2-1 :thumbup:

[5TimeWSChamps]

Bony and Gervinho in 2 minutes.

2-1 CIV

[M2]

So far the games in this World Cup have been the most open and enjoyable the tournament has produced in decades. I'm sure we'll run into some 0-0 contests soon enough, but it looks like everyone came to play.

[5TimeWSChamps]

The World Cup Quadruple-header needs to be a daily staple.

[Tony Cloninger]

The World Cup Quadruple-header needs to be a daily staple.

My countries terrible shambles of a game aside...... I am enjoying this WC very much. I hate having high expectations of my own team..... it makes it harder to enjoy the other games.

It is like watching Italy in 2010.....and a majority of Uruguay fans saw this coming. Go to www.lacelesteblog.com if you want to read the meltdown that has been coming since 2012.

[M2]

Costa Rica's got me on a North America kick. It would be great to see our continent make a splash at this tournament. It's our home hemisphere. Go Honduras.

[Caveat Emperor]

Both England and Italy looked spent after ~70 minutes in that heat/humidity. If you're going to win at that venue, you need to do your work early.

[dfs]

After watching yesterday's matches and thinking about baseball, I got a couple of things.....

#1. I may complain about the delay's, but having the umpires get things right is real progress. The system needs tweaked, but it's here to stay.

#2. The flip side of #1, boy, it sure is nice to see the game move along. Baseball has to limit the number batter from stepping out after each pitch.

[MWM]

There have been no draws in the first 8 games. That has to be rare.

[Hoosier Red]

Had an interesting discussion with a few friends at the bar last night.
There was some soccer writer who had a provocative tweet about how the US fans should stop the British soccer worship. That England has not had nearly the success seen by other top nations in WC play to merit the fanbase that exists. He closed it by saying, if the US & English sides played an aggregate home and home, he's not sure the US wouldn't win.

I'm not sure I'd go that far, but I agree with the general sentiment. Aside from the personal connection people have to England, there's no real reason to cheer for them.

[Hoosier Red]

Costa Rica's got me on a North America kick. It would be great to see our continent make a splash at this tournament. It's our home hemisphere. Go Honduras.

Well they've already taken care of the game plan.
http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/deschamps-believes-drone-used-to-spy-on-france-training-sessions-061514

My first thought was, "Man, France is in serious trouble if the coach is making excuses ahead of playing Honduras."

[MWM]

Holy crap, what a final 2 minutes in the Suisse/Ecuador match.

[SunDeck]

Oh my, that was a great ending. I really thought the Swiss should have gotten that goal earlier, but they just couldn't seem to put together anything. A really good play on call by the ref to let that play carry forward. And I suspect his stoppage time was over at that point.

[thatcoolguy_22]

:\ I'm stuck at work for another 3 hours.

[MWM]

Honduras theatrics making it hard to root for them.

[Yachtzee]

What was Palacios thinking? Penalty and red for a second yellow means Honduras plays a man down and a goal down.

[Hoosier Red]

Honduras theatrics making it hard to root for them.

Honduras is to the CONCACAF what Arkansas is to the SEC. No one likes rooting for them even when you're supposed to. :)

[Tony Cloninger]

I wish Honduras would have been in Group D! :lol:

At least Uruguay might have drawn against them

[MWM]

Honduras is about as dirty as anyone.....even Italy or Argentina.

[Tony Cloninger]

Tell me again how France got this easy group? Fifa changed things at the draw ...at the last minute?

Who is one of the top guys at Fifa? Some former player? From some country.... it will come to me.

[tomnuetten]

pogba was lucky that he only got a yellow card...

mehmedi scored for switzerland :D he is playing for my favourite club (sc freiburg) and he is one of my favourite players... I´m rooting for switzerland which is rare because normaly germany and swiss have a bit of a rivalry, but three freiburg players are part of the swiss team in brazil...

[Dwarftree]

Ow c´mon Tom. Where do we Germans have a rivalry with the Swiss?

[tomnuetten]

Ow c´mon Tom. Where do we Germans have a rivalry with the Swiss?

the swiss people think it is... we don´t really care about them because they have been "bad" in the past (they have a pretty good team and coach right now).. I´m close to the swiss border => some of my friends are from switzerland and family members aswell and they really think that it is a big rivalry ;)

[Dwarftree]

Hehe. Thats funny. Never knew that.

But i agree. Since like 5, 6, 7 years Switzerland has a pretty darn good team. Before that they were pretty much a "no show". And of course in Hitzfeld they have a VERY good coach. They could go deep in this years world cup.

And on a personal note:
<- "Amateur" from spox here ;)

[Yachtzee]

Messi gets on the scoresheet for Argentina.

[5TimeWSChamps]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10369132_10152219295502685_8011661935791248458_n.j pg

[IslandRed]

Had an interesting discussion with a few friends at the bar last night.
There was some soccer writer who had a provocative tweet about how the US fans should stop the British soccer worship. That England has not had nearly the success seen by other top nations in WC play to merit the fanbase that exists. He closed it by saying, if the US & English sides played an aggregate home and home, he's not sure the US wouldn't win.

I'm not sure I'd go that far, but I agree with the general sentiment. Aside from the personal connection people have to England, there's no real reason to cheer for them.

Without knowing the background of the comments, I wonder if he's mistaking Premier League popularity for England popularity. I don't think most of the Premier League fans over here really give a rip about the England national team. (The ones that aren't expat Brits, anyway.)

[Hoosier Red]

Without knowing the background of the comments, I wonder if he's mistaking Premier League popularity for England popularity. I don't think most of the Premier League fans over here really give a rip about the England national team. (The ones that aren't expat Brits, anyway.)

I think the author was co-mingling a bit. But the bar I was watching the game from had about 80/20 England fans in the bar last night so i'd disagree that the Natl team hasn't picked up fans from her former colony.

[improbus]

I think the author was co-mingling a bit. But the bar I was watching the game from had about 80/20 England fans in the bar last night so i'd disagree that the Natl team hasn't picked up fans from her former colony.

It is an easy team to follow because you can read everything relevant to the team. It is harder to follow the Italians the same way because so much of the coverage is in another language. I think a big part of it is that. Also, because of the popularity of the Premier League, most American soccer fans know these guys. You can't always say the same thing about every other team. For example, I don't follow Serie A so I am really lost on a large chunk of the Italian team but I know every England player and have seen all of them play before.

[tomnuetten]

It is an easy team to follow because you can read everything relevant to the team. It is harder to follow the Italians the same way because so much of the coverage is in another language. I think a big part of it is that. Also, because of the popularity of the Premier League, most American soccer fans know these guys. You can't always say the same thing about every other team. For example, I don't follow Serie A so I am really lost on a large chunk of the Italian team but I know every England player and have seen all of them play before.

following italy would be a crime anyway ;)

[RedTeamGo!]

Messi is pretty good. I liked the first Italy goal when Prlo just stepped over the pass. He's pretty good at his profession.

I cannot wait for 6pm today. Ghana is going down.

[Hoosier Red]

I agree improbus. What I think the author's overall point(and I wish I could pull up his tweet so I wasn't trying to describe something I read off someone else's computer) is that US fans shouldn't assume that the English team is on the same level (historically or currently) as the other top nations.
Americans tend to overrate the English Premier League vs the Bundesliga, Serie A, and La Liga because they know the EPL better. As a result of this, they tend to overrate the English National Team as a legitimate top team historically when it's definitely at least a level below the top nations.

To use a College Football comparison, many of my fellow Hoosier fans also want to cheer for a team that is relevant in terms of the National Championship conversation. Some choose Michigan or Ohio State if the B1G rivalries don't prevent them, most choose Notre Dame.
The author was making the point that choosing England to be the "relevant" team would be like my Hoosier fans choosing UCLA. They're a splashier name and play in a great stadium, but they're never really any more relevant to the National Championship than IU is.

[improbus]

With regards to England, I do think we need to define the word, "overrated". Only one team can win the World Cup every four years. England's history at the World Cup is pretty strong. Since they won it in 1966, they have been to the quarter finals 4 times and the semi finals once. They have never been eliminated during the group stages (although they didn't qualify for the 74, 78, and 94 World Cups.) It took Maradona to beat them in 86 in the quarters. In 1990 they were a few penalties from going to the finals. In 2002 they lost in the quarters to eventual champions Brazil 1-2. In 2006 they lost in the quarters on penalties to Portugal. Their history is much stronger than Spain's until very recently and is pretty similar to France's until 1998.

It is the classics sports narrative of "they can't win it until they win it". (1966 excepted of course)

[Hoosier Red]

You make good points Improbus. And of course as something that only happens every 4 years, that certainly narrows down the number of examples. On one hand, I'd say anything basing a current teams standing on something that happened 28 years ago lacks relevance, but there are only 6 WC's between then and now, so it's hard to make any true declaration.

[MWM]

Portugal is a mess.

[improbus]

Is anyone surprised that Portugal are down 0-2 and Pepe has been sent off? This is so Portugal.

[The DARK]

3-0 now. Even with how awful Portugal has been so far, this German squad looks scary.

[improbus]

You make good points Improbus. And of course as something that only happens every 4 years, that certainly narrows down the number of examples. On one hand, I'd say anything basing a current teams standing on something that happened 28 years ago lacks relevance, but there are only 6 WC's between then and now, so it's hard to make any true declaration.

If you tier the teams in the World according to their history, I would tier them as follows:
1st Tier: Brazil, Germany/West Germany, Italy: (They make up 19 of the 38 Finalists)
2nd Tier: Argentina (one dominant 12 year run, but lackluster other than that)
3rd Tier: France, Spain, England, Uruguay (The early/one timers)
4th Tier: Netherlands: Best to never win

After that you get a bunch of teams that made the final a million years ago (like Czechoslovakia), a bunch of periodically good European teams (Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Yugoslavia, Soviet Union, Belgium, Sweden, Portugal, etc...) and some of the other South American teams (like Chile).

[Caveat Emperor]

A win for Germany is potentially good for the US.

The best-case scenario for this group would have the Germans sitting on 6 points for the final group stage match against the US, and possibly poised for a let-down (and/or resting players sitting on cards or injury).

[RedTeamGo!]

Yup, all of that + the Portugese are the dirtiest, scumbagiest team in the world.

Need to beat Ghana tonight, an absolute must win if they want to advance. A win tonight + 2 draws = advance

[BuckeyeRed27]

Yup, all of that + the Portugese are the dirtiest, scumbagiest team in the world.

Need to beat Ghana tonight, an absolute must win if they want to advance. A win tonight + 2 draws = advance

With the trashing Portugal is taking right now, a win and a draw would work and we could advance on GD.

[RedTeamGo!]

With Pepe's red card he will be suspended for game against US.

Booyahhhhhhh.

[improbus]

With Pepe's red card he will be suspended for game against US.

Booyahhhhhhh.
I was kind of hoping he would saved that Red Card for the US game.

[RedTeamGo!]

Coentrau is injured with a groin pull.

Portugal's duo of center defenders from Real Madrid will most likely be out vs USA. Wowzer.

[Hoosier Red]

How long is a player suspended for a Red Card? Just one game, or two?
I thought I heard it reported that the Uruguay defender got a two game suspension.

[IslandRed]

I'd heard the two-game thing too, but I'm not sure that's accurate, there has to be a review first. The automatic penalty is a one-game suspension, but it can be lengthened.

[SunDeck]

Iran v. Nigeria = ugly. Neither team can put three passes together, when someone does seem to find himself in the open he lets the ball get too far away and loses it, few shots have been struck cleanly, everything is rushed and not one corner kick has been crossed effectively. It's like watching high school.

[Assembly Hall]

Yup, all of that + the Portugese are the dirtiest, scumbagiest team in the world.

LMFAO!!!!!!!!

[SunDeck]

Thomas Müller, dive of the day. And he needs to fix those 1975 socks. I've always thought he was a little like Larry Bird, the least athletic looking guy on the field who happens to always be around the ball near the goal.

What can you say about Pepe, except that he's at least reliable? What a gift to the US.

[M2]

Iran v. Nigeria = ugly. Neither team can put three passes together, when someone does seem to find himself in the open he lets the ball get too far away and loses it, few shots have been struck cleanly, everything is rushed and not one corner kick has been crossed effectively. It's like watching high school.

That was dreadful. Bosnia's got to be licking its chops over this idea of playing these two teams.

[M2]

Beckerman in the starting XI and anchoring the midfield. He might be the best story at this World Cup.

[thatcoolguy_22]

7 minutes until US v Ghana. I took a day of leave (vacation) for this. Lets GO!!!

[Yachtzee]

Can't decide whether to call these jerseys the "Pepsi" jerseys or the "Bomb Pop" jerseys.

[Yachtzee]

America! @$#! Yeah! Dempsey!

[Slyder]

Wow 30 seconds in.

[MWM]

Geez, I get to the bar 3 minutes late....

[M2]

Clint scored that goal because he stayed on his feet rather than looking for a friendly call. He used John Boye (who has maybe the best name at the World Cup).

[tomnuetten]

I think the german win is overrated... of course they were the better team after the goal and red card, but they made some terrible mistakes the first 10 minutes (lahm was pretty bad).

for me germany got a lucky penalty shot (wasn´t a penalty worthy foul imo) and a red card for pepe (he is just stupid on the field) is ok but I would have prefered a yellow card in this situation... after that the game was basicly decided and the germans got lucky that the ref didn´t call a penalty on them (if the first one is a penalty, the situation from höwedes is aswell), altough it wouldn´t have mattered anyway...

now a lot german fans think they are already world champs :rolleyes:

[The DARK]

Our defense looks awful so far. Thank god we have Tim Howard.

[SunDeck]

Ghana is starting to figure it out.

[MWM]

Uh oh.

[Hoosier Red]

Embarrasing admission, i had forgotten the US was wearing the Red jerseys. I guess I just got used to the white ones from the getaway series or something. But anyway I hadn't yet adjusted to the fact when Dempsey got free. My whole thought was "No NO NO! NO!!! NO! Wait, he said Dempsey? GOAL!!!!!"

[MWM]

Would be nice to have Landon Donovan right about now.

[Hoosier Red]

Ghana is starting to figure it out.

You knew they were Ghana figure it out sooner or later.

- - - Updated - - -

I would play Dempsey as the target forward and run Johanson off of him.

[MWM]

Ghana pretty much having their way right now. Just a matter of time.

[SunDeck]

Bradley's looking a little lost to me right now. It seems he's stuck making up for the relative disarray that is the US back line at the moment. He and Dempsey need to pick it up to figure out how to work Johanssen into the game plan.

[MWM]

Good lord, if Dempsey is out they're in some serious trouble.

[Yachtzee]

Ugh. Now Dempsey goes down.

[MWM]

This is downright ugly. Other than the goal, the US looks like complete amateurs right now.

[M2]

One simple mistake the U.S. is making is they're bypassing the back of their midfield diamond. More patience.

[SunDeck]

Beasley/Jones will not hold. Ghana's been down the US left side practically since the goal. I agree, they are not playing well....except for a few counters.

[tomnuetten]

mhm I don´t really understand Ghana´s coach... why is one of the best players ghana has (arguably the best) not starting? I didn´t hear from someone that he is injured (although he had injury problems this season)

[reds1869]

The next 45 minutes are going to be intense. The Us needs to maintain possession better if they want to hold on to the three points.

[MWM]

The next 45 minutes are going to be intense. The Us needs to maintain possession better if they want to hold on to the three points.

Or hold possession at all.

[tomnuetten]

the us had some good breakaway opportunities (not many) but on the other hand they looked (at times) pretty bad defending altough they were in the own half with every player... they should try to get some possesion and atleast a bit of attacking against ghana...

ghana´s defence is not that good, but I doubt that the us can park the bus 45 minutes without allowing a goal either

[M2]

Criminy, would it kill the U.S. players to trap a ball at their feet? I've lost count of the turnovers off of bad traps.

[MWM]

Someone send Bradley a text and let him know the World Cup started.

[M2]

Enough with the longballs. Keep it on the carpet.

[MWM]

Have they ever looked worse from a possession standpoint?

[tomnuetten]

mhm the us looked better the past few minutes and now ghana gets the goal

[MWM]

Inevitable. They've been outplayed, and badly.

[SunDeck]

Oh my, what a sequence of balls leading to that goal for Ghana, ending with a beautiful slice.

[Playadlc]

YES!!!

[Yachtzee]

Unbelievable! Thank you, Brooks!

[SunDeck]

Perfect corner service!

[redhawkfish]

Just scared the crap out of my dog with my celebration after Brooks' goal!

[Yachtzee]

Really? 5 minutes stoppage time? I understand it for the first half, but I didn't think there's been that much stoppage in the second.

[tomnuetten]

lucky win, but hey a win is a win

[Chip R]

Great win!

[Yachtzee]

3 points! Whoo. I feel relieved.

[The DARK]

What a nailbiter. Revenge against Ghana was my #1 wish when I saw our group. Now we're in the bonus round... time to take down a giant!

[Yachtzee]

lucky win, but hey a win is a win

This is the type of game the USMNT would lose in the past. Give up early goal, fight your way back with an equalizer, lose on a late goal.

My bigger concern is team health. Quite a few players grabbing muscles makes me wonder how they'll handle Manaus.