World Cup Banter

[Gabe215]

Let's discuss Football!!!
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a588/GabeP215/Mobile%20Uploads/2EF8C477-1687-448C-8E31-95FC26154676_zpsnv8rtsbb.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/GabeP215/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2EF8C477-1687-448C-8E31-95FC26154676_zpsnv8rtsbb.jpg.html)
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a588/GabeP215/Mobile%20Uploads/CE0C0197-8AF3-4F3E-97E3-05931F040798_zpsmkn9mvpb.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/GabeP215/media/Mobile%20Uploads/CE0C0197-8AF3-4F3E-97E3-05931F040798_zpsmkn9mvpb.jpg.html)

[pnoon]

Glad to participate but everyone should remember that many will be recording the games to watch later in the day. Use discretion when posting.

[hotreds]

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Italy-logo-World-Cup-2014.png

[BHalbrooks]

It's gonna be interesting to see the US can do. They have quite the challenge(s) ahead.

Not sure how I feel about Landon Donovan not being on the team. Just seems weird.

[ColdCuts]

It's gonna be interesting to see the US can do. They have quite the challenge(s) ahead.

Not sure how I feel about Landon Donovan not being on the team. Just seems weird.

It blows my mind that Donovan isn't in the team. I've been generally happy with everything Klinsmann's done since he took over in 2011, but this one hurts my head.

Perhaps you already saw, but it came out yesterday that Lando will be working as an ESPN pundit. And while I haven't yet seen it, allegedly Landon rips Jurgen Klinsmann in first segment (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/soccer/espn-hires-donovan-cover-world-cup-article-1.1825540).

[CRIMPS]

It has been said that Landon Donovan has been "coasting" and a number of commentators believe he hasn't been at the top of his game for a few years, now. It does sounds like Klinsmann has every intention of putting this team in a position to compete in 4 years, first, and, secondarily, to compete this year.

I don't really have an opinion, I guess. I don't follow the sport close enough.

[GTsetGO]

my son and I are more than ready.

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn286/gtsetgo/Luke%20Robert/20140612_191458_zpskadjrur5.jpg

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn286/gtsetgo/Luke%20Robert/20140612_191311_zpsxh3ytcgb.jpg

[The Poet]

FYI, and FWIW (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5M_Ttstbgs) I don't give a fig, or a guava, about the World Cup. But for those who do, and whose interest goes deeper than the mere sporting interest of "the beautiful game", I urge you to seek out the June 7-13 issue of The Economist. Looking beyond the mere athletic aspect of this event, its lead article explores not only the limited appeal of the sport in half of the world (the USA, India, and China) but also the darker side of FIFA, which is characterized as, at best, an aloof uncommunicative bureaucracy and, at worst, an imperious and corrupt oligarchy. Also, in the magazine's Books and Arts section, you will find reviews of three recent works which explore Brazil's loving/hateful relationship with the game.

Just my :2 , and if you don't care to go deeper just tune in the matches and enjoy.

[ColdCuts]

Everyone should remember that many will be recording the games to watch later in the day. Use discretion when posting.
Is it safe yet to discuss the opening match?

As a fan of the EPL I know what it means to live and die by self-imposed media blackout and my DVR. However, the games are so rapid-fire in this tournament that yesterday's match will be old news in just a few hours.

Should I give it another day? I don't want to spoil it for anybody.

[pnoon]

I've watched it.
Go for it, David.
Posted via Mobile Device

[ColdCuts]

my son and I are more than ready.

You guys look plenty ready! I have a friend from Munich. What part of Germany are you from?

[bvilchez]

With the wife being 1/2 Brazilian it's obligatory I go for Brazil. But at work the random pool has me with USA, Italia, Greece, France, or Belgium.

I feel I lost this pool already and made a monetary donation to someone else's libation fund.

[ColdCuts]

I've watched it.
Go for it, David.
Posted via Mobile Device

Alrighty then. How about Brazil's EGREGIOUS dive by Fred, for which the ref awarded a penalty, which led to the game winning goal! :eek:

Nothing burns me up like diving. Especially when it's committed by a Brazilian! I say this because Brazil has the talent, the history, and the home field advantage, and should manage a win by playing a clean game. And yet this is what they give us?! Really disappointing. The most offensive part, is that after the penalty was converted, Fred looked to the sky and pointed to the heavens as if God himself had directed him to cheat. :fl

I don't blame the ref for getting it wrong. Refereeing is one of the toughest, most thankless jobs around. I blame Fred for selling the ref a lie. I wish tapes would be reviewed and offenders would be fined, heavily. Diving discredits the player, the team, and the game I hold so dear. :2

[pnoon]

Alrighty then. How about Brazil's EGREGIOUS dive by Fred, for which the ref awarded a penalty, which led to the game winning goal! :eek:

Nothing burns me up like diving. Especially when it's committed by a Brazilian! I say this because Brazil has the talent, the history, and the home field advantage, and should manage a win by playing a clean game. And yet this is what they give us?! Really disappointing. The most offensive part, is that after the penalty was converted, Fred looked to the sky and pointed to the heavens as if God himself had directed him to cheat. :fl

I don't blame the ref for getting it wrong. Refereeing is one of the toughest, most thankless jobs around. I blame Fred for selling the ref a lie. I wish tapes would be reviewed and offenders would be fined, heavily. Diving discredits the player, the team, and the game I hold so dear. :2
Brazil is far from alone in diving (selling lies) and I agree with your assessment as to the difficulty of being a referee. But I do think he has some accountability there. If it was borderline, then I agree. But this one being blatant , some of the blame IS on the referees's shoulders. And, trust me, having been a soccer referee for many years, I usually tend to give the officials the benefit of the doubt. Not this time.

I hope to get home from work soon and watch as much of the three matches from today as I possibly can.

[hotreds]

Holy Toledo macaroni!

[GTsetGO]

You guys look plenty ready! I have a friend from Munich. What part of Germany are you from?

I grew up there for 6 years as a child. fell in love with the sport while over there and adopted Germany as my country to root for. I root for the USA. Just not when play Germany. ;)

[SoCalSmoker]

The four matches yesterday and today kept my attention. Nice to have something good to watch at work :tu Spain and the Netherlands!!

[mjdx88]

I have had all the matches going on in the background either on on showroom tv or my phone....My co-worker isnt too pleased to be listening commentary over music lol.

I have only missed the match between Spain and Netherlands...kinda bummed I missed that

[ColdCuts]

I have only missed the match between Spain and Netherlands...kinda bummed I missed that.

If you haven't yet seen the highlights, be certain that you do.

[bobarian]

Ivory Coast with the first use of the "Magic spray". :banger

[Gabe215]

Netherlands really surprised me! Destroyed Spain, would've liked to to see Van Der Vaart, Kuyt, and Huntelaar come in!

[ColdCuts]

It's almost here. Tomorrow is a BIG day for the USA. :usa

In the early match, Germany vs Portugal, We want to see a 0-0 draw. If not 0-0, then 1-1. If not 1-1, then 2-2. Whatever. As long as it's a draw.

In the main event, USA vs Ghana, the United States must collect all three points. There's just no two ways about it. With our group being as tough as it is, and our previous World Cup difficulties versus Ghana, we need to beat them soundly to boost our confidence and give us our best chance, perhaps our only chance, of advancing.

How do you see this one going?

[hotreds]

Agreed. I do believe the USA will win.

[pnoon]

It's almost here. Tomorrow is a BIG day for the USA. :usa

In the early match, Germany vs Portugal, We want to see a 0-0 draw. If not 0-0, then 1-1. If not 1-1, then 2-2. Whatever. As long as it's a draw.

In the main event, USA vs Ghana, the United States must collect all three points. There's just no two ways about it. With our group being as tough as it is, and our previous World Cup difficulties versus Ghana, we need to beat them soundly to boost our confidence and give us our best chance, perhaps our only chance, of advancing.

How do you see this one going?
You hit the nail on the head, David.
As long as we're wishing, a red card for Ronaldo would be nice, too. That way, he'd miss the game against us. ;)

[Bruins Fan]

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Italy-logo-World-Cup-2014.png
:banger

[CRIMPS]

You hit the nail on the head, David.
As long as we're wishing, a red card for Ronaldo would be nice, too. That way, he'd miss the game against us. ;)

Well, you were close. Pepe out with a red card is a nice consolation. Also, the fact that Germany racked up such a large win could possibly help the USA.

Germany did their job. Now, the USA needs to do theirs.

[ColdCuts]

Safe to discuss USA vs GHA, pnoon?

[pnoon]

Safe to discuss USA vs GHA, pnoon?

Yep.

[stearns]

http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article3707749.ece/alternates/s510b/Ghana-v-USA-Group-G-2014-FIFA-World-Cup-Brazil.jpg

[pnoon]

http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article3707749.ece/alternates/s510b/Ghana-v-USA-Group-G-2014-FIFA-World-Cup-Brazil.jpg

32 seconds. Gotta love it.

[stearns]

I was loving it big time. My friend was trying to use this game as an example of why soccer is stupid, because of the 80 scoreless minutes in the middle. I disagree with him completely :tu

[Chainsaw13]

I was loving it big time. My friend was trying to use this game as an example of why soccer is stupid, because of the 80 scoreless minutes in the middle. I disagree with him completely :tu

Couldn't agree more. it was frustrating to watch the US go into their defensive mode, but it kept me watching to see if Ghana could score. When they did, then it was to keep watching to see if they would pour it on, knowing the momentum had turned. But to see the US come back like that and finally control the ball at the end. And the beautiful corner kick and header. I was out of my chair yelling.

[hotreds]

Disappointed with USA play. Ghana deserved the goal, and wonderful that we did end up winning. But that kind of play vs Germany or Portugal will get us destroyed! Hopefully we pick up the pace and don't copy the Italian catenacchio style of play.

[CRIMPS]

Disappointed with USA play. Ghana deserved the goal, and wonderful that we did end up winning. But that kind of play vs Germany or Portugal will get us destroyed! Hopefully we pick up the pace and don't copy the Italian catenacchio style of play.

Agreed!

Their lack of ball control was pretty stunning. They are better than that. It was nice to hear, in post game interviews, the players and coach comment on that.

Sunday can't get here fast enough.

[ColdCuts]

This is a snippet of what Roger Bennett of ESPNFC had to say of the USA's performance against Ghana:

This is what we are made of then: A tenacious victory in which the back line made 45 clearances, most by a team in any World Cup match since 1966. The attackers conjured two touches within 20 yards of Ghana's goal (one was Brooks' goal) after Jozy Altidore departed. And a total 90 minutes in which goalkeeper Tim Howard led the team with 61 touches.

Yet still win.

And what could be more American than that?

I think that was pretty well said. :usa

[CRIMPS]

Thanks for sharing that, Dave. Fantastic.

[pnoon]

Anyone heard anything about the injuries to Portugal and if Pepe's red card will be more than a one game suspension?

[ColdCuts]

Anyone heard anything about the injuries to Portugal and if Pepe's red card will be more than a one game suspension?

This comes from the FIFA website. It's the best I could find regarding Portugal's injuries. It was, however, published on Monday...

Striker Hugo Almeida and defender Fábio Coentrão are major injury doubts for Portugal coach Paulo Bento in the wake of their 4-0 drubbing by Germany at the FIFA World Cup™.

Portuguese media report Real Madrid's Coentrão is out for a minimum of ten days with a leg injury despite managing to finish the Group G match. Almeida is also rated doubtful for Portugal's next clash against the USA on 22 June after pulling up with a muscle injury in the first-half against Germany.

"The outlook isn't the best, they are two muscular injuries and will take time to heal," said Bento. "We'll have to see how bad they are, but the signs are not encouraging."

Bento is definitely without centre-back Pepe for the USA game after his first-half dismissal against Germany for head-butting Thomas Müller, who claimed a hat-trick. "We have to come up with the best solutions to any absences now," said Bento.

"We have to fight for our objectives and goals. We'll be under a lot of pressure, regardless of the result of Ghana verses the USA. Our goal remains to qualify. We're not happy, starting a tournament with a result like this makes it complicated. Now we'll find out who we are and we'll see our capacity to fight for our goals."

Sunday USA vs POR is going to be epic. :po

[pnoon]

Sunday USA vs POR is going to be epic. :po

No doubt.
Wondering about the injuries to Altidore and Besler, too.

Just finished watching Brazil/Mexico. Very intense match.

[GTsetGO]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C058wv48oms


too funny not to post.

[ColdCuts]

Wondering about the injuries to Altidore and Besler, too.

Just finished watching Brazil/Mexico. Very intense match.

I'm no expert, but watching that injury as it happened, I think Altidore is done for the tournament. :( Besler's injury appeared much less severe. Jozy reported feeling a pop, whereas Besler complained of tightness. I bet Besler will be back. I'm not sure what Klinsmann will do if Altidore can't go. Wondolowski?

As for Brazil vs Mexico, now THAT was an exciting 0-0 match. :2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C058wv48oms

too funny not to post.

I just read about an interesting study on cheating in the World Cup called Cheating The Beautiful Game (http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/sportingscene/2014/06/world-cup-soccer-cheating-study.html). Better than the article, was the companion video at the top of the page. In the video, there is footage of what's now referred to as The Battle Of Santiago (http://youtu.be/T5jVMSlpZhg), a 1962 World Cup match between Chile and Italy. That one really got out of hand. :bx

[Gabe215]

Me and my friends have a huge pool going and I have Mexico and Brazil advancing yesterday's game was HUGE for me!! As my major upset I have Netherlands not advancing hope Spain gets their **** together and Chile keeps momentum!!

[Boz]

No doubt.
Wondering about the injuries to Altidore and Besler, too.

Just finished watching Brazil/Mexico. Very intense match.

I'm no expert, but watching that injury as it happened, I think Altidore is done for the tournament. :( Besler's injury appeared much less severe. Jozy reported feeling a pop, whereas Besler complained of tightness. I bet Besler will be back. I'm not sure what Klinsmann will do if Altidore can't go. Wondolowski?

As for Brazil vs Mexico, now THAT was an exciting 0-0 match. :2



I just read about an interesting study on cheating in the World Cup called Cheating The Beautiful Game (http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/sportingscene/2014/06/world-cup-soccer-cheating-study.html). Better than the article, was the companion video at the top of the page. In the video, there is footage of what's now referred to as The Battle Of Santiago (http://youtu.be/T5jVMSlpZhg), a 1962 World Cup match between Chile and Italy. That one really got out of hand. :bx


That's what I was thinking. Maybe one of the best 0-0 games I've ever watched :r Mexico's Ochoa was on fire.

[DMK]

Could the reffing sucked any more??
It was painful watching the Greece / Japan match.

[ColdCuts]

Anybody have a prediction for USA vs Portugal? It's kicking-off in two and a half hours! :usa

[themoneycollector]

2-1 usa :)

[DMK]

1-0 portugal

[Gabe215]

3-1 Portugal

[themoneycollector]

FML

[hotreds]

*&^%$#@!!!!!

[AdamJoshua]

Tuukka Rask in goal for the US? :gary

[ColdCuts]

I don't want to spoil it for anybody. Is it safe to banter about USA vs Portugal?

[shade]

I don't want to spoil it for anybody. Is it safe to banter about USA vs Portugal?

Is it safe?

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzw1_2b-I7A&feature=kp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzw1_2b-I7A&feature=kp")

[pnoon]

I don't want to spoil it for anybody. Is it safe to banter about USA vs Portugal?

No issues here.

[ColdCuts]

Not for nothing, we could have won that match had we only managed the clock better in added time. And we had numerous chances to do that.

In case it went unnoticed, Geoff Cameron, who was responsible for the horrible clearance that lead to Nani's opening goal, was also the US player who lost his man on Portugal's second. :fp2

Can we get a point off of Germany on Thursday?

[CRIMPS]

Talk about a nut punch.

It's in both the US and Gemany's best interest to go out and just sit down for about 90 minutes.

[msobo32]

You could definitly see why the US team is ranked 13th they showed they can hang with the big boys. Much better then the Ghana game thankfully!!! Number 7 made it look almost too easy with that last second cross for the equalizer. Germany will be tougher but not impossible. Go USA!!

[pnoon]

Not for nothing, we could have won that match had we only managed the clock better in added time. And we had numerous chances to do that.

Glad I wasn't the only one who noticed that. Durring stoppage time, I 'm yelling at the TV, "take it to the corner flag!"
Talk about a nut punch.

It's in both the US and Gemany's best interest to go out and just sit down for about 90 minutes.
:tpd:
While not very entertaining, I'm happy with finishing second.
Germany will be tougher but not impossible. Go USA!!

I aggree. Ghana certainly proved that on Saturday.

[msobo32]

Suarez should be ejected from this World Cup
After clearly biting Chiellini in that game yesterday.
Absolutely ridiculous!!

[ColdCuts]

Suarez should be ejected from this World Cup
After clearly biting Chiellini in that game yesterday.
Absolutely ridiculous!!

+1 However, FIFA needs to go further than that. Nobody would deny that Suarez is a massively talented striker. But behavior like that is a total disgrace. And here's the thing, he's been banned and fined twice before for biting.

From The Guardian...

[Suarez first bit] PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal in 2010 when he was at Ajax and then Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic at Anfield in April 2013. He was banned for seven games for the Bakkal incident and 10 for the one with Ivanovic... The longest ban in World Cup history was an eight-match one on Italy's Mauro Tassotti for breaking Spain's Luis Enríque's nose in 1994 with an elbow.

Suarez was also banned once for racial slurs against Manchester United's Patrice Evra (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Suárez_racial_abuse_incident) in 2011.

The man needs professional help, in addition to a long ban.

[AdamJoshua]

I just just stopped in for a bite.


:r

[CRIMPS]

I just just stopped in for a bite.


:r

:r

[ColdCuts]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e99/davidhudec/001fd04cf34a1514690e1e.jpg (http://s37.photobucket.com/user/davidhudec/media/001fd04cf34a1514690e1e.jpg.html)

[BHalbrooks]

It'll be interesting to see what happens with him. People like him and Zidane are just douchebags.

Hopefully U.S. can pull out a W tomorrow.

[ColdCuts]

USA vs Germany pregame on NOW. :po

[pnoon]

:usa
Posted via Mobile Device

[ColdCuts]

:usa
Posted via Mobile Device

Pulling on USA jersey now! LET'S DO THIS! :bx

[CRIMPS]

I'm not coping very well with being stuck at work. I'm recording the game, but I don't feel very confident in making it through the rest of the day without hearing what happened.

Just get a point. One measly point. :usa

[Chainsaw13]

Man, we got hosed here at the plant. They only have the Ghana/Portugal match on. No other channels.

[pnoon]

I'm not coping very well with being stuck at work. I'm recording the game, but I don't feel very confident in making it through the rest of the day without hearing what happened.

Just get a point. One measly point. :usa

:tpd:

So I figure I might as well monitor the score lines. I plan on watching the games later.

[Gabe215]

Love Greece making it through!!! Mexico to!! Major upset points in the pool I'm in!!

[CRIMPS]

I guess I was pretty happy with the 1-0 loss. I need more, though.

I need to see more:
Omar Gonzalez!

I need to see less:
Brad Davis

I need better play from:
Zusi!!!
Bradley

I need Jozy healthy.

[ColdCuts]

I guess I was pretty happy with the 1-0 loss. I need more, though.

I need to see more:
Omar Gonzalez!

I need to see less:
Brad Davis

I need better play from:
Zusi!!!
Bradley

I need Jozy healthy.

Great points, all.

Will Jozy be ready for Tuesday? Can we beat Belgium without him? Hell, can we beat Belgium with him?

I read that Jermaine Jones got his nose broken when he and Alejandro Bedoya collided in the last match. Our boys are a bit battered.

[ColdCuts]

Word is, Jozy will be ready to go tomorrow! :D

[Gabe215]

Heartbroken over Greece still!!

[pnoon]

Heartbroken over Greece still!!

I certainly understand. But they got further than 16 other teams. Heads held high for that.

[Gabe215]

True, my Dad came over today and put it like this they had their chance and didn't capitalize, there's always the Euros in 2 years, now rooting for Argentina, sorry US soccer fans but I have a lot of money at stake on this!

[Chainsaw13]

In case you missed it in the Funny Pics II thread.

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10505461_251954358327364_6787038641162806780_n.jpg

[ColdCuts]

How are we feeling? Safe to chat about it?

[pnoon]

How are we feeling? Safe to chat about it?

Absolutely. Thanks for asking.

[ColdCuts]

Well, it's been over 24hrs now. There's been no futbol today so I've been processing the US loss to Belgium. Some thoughts:


The better team won.
Howard made 16 saves, a World Cup record! Problem is, he shouldn't have had to work so damn hard.
Donovan should have been in the roster. This became especially clear once Altidore was injured and Dempsey was forced to play alone up top.
Bradley was not at his best. Here again, we could've used Donovan's creativity in the middle.
Our back line was super nervy. Gonzales was generally great. Cameron was generally not.
In MLS, Zusi is known for his great crosses and corners. Where were those?
Jones and Dempsey are both BEASTS.
Green and Yedlin were bright spots.

Our boys played with tons of heart. Battered and broken they never quit. I'm extraordinarily proud of them for that. :usa

On the other side of the coin, I'm sure that even the casual observer can see we need to breakthrough to a higher level if we're ever going to be world-beaters.

[mjdx88]

I couldn't agree more. I felt the play was very sloppy on our side with tons of missed opportunities.

This I think will be a great lesson, and will only help us in the long run to become a better team. I loved all the heart the team put into the match in the final minutes, I couldnt have asked for a better match.

[GTsetGO]

I agree with everything except for the Donovan stuff. I really think keeping him off the roster was the right thing to do.

[CRIMPS]

I agree with everything except for the Donovan stuff. I really think keeping him off the roster was the right thing to do.

+1

[markem]

I agree with several point that Dave made. However ...

Donovan was left out. Woulda, coulda and shoulda. Personally, I do not think that the presence of one person could have changed that game.

The US played below their capability. They have conditioning and defense on their side, but where was it? The injury was huge, but a good coach plans for at least one catastrophe each game.

Howard did not play any different than he has played in the BPL. That he was so much beyond the rest of the team is the lesson that should be learned. MLS is not! on the level of the rest of the world.

I do not have a solution to the problem that I just mentioned, but I am a Portland Timbers supporter :tu

At the end of the day, it could have been 5-0 at the end of regulation, but was not. The fans were treated to world class defense by Howard and some amazing efforts by the rest of the US team. That the Belgium team did not have to play beyond their ability is a testament to their ability, not a slight to the US.

[pnoon]

I agree with several point that Dave made. However ...

Donovan was left out. Woulda, coulda and shoulda. Personally, I do not think that the presence of one person could have changed that game.

The US played below their capability. They have conditioning and defense on their side, but where was it? The injury was huge, but a good coach plans for at least one catastrophe each game.

Howard did not play any different than he has played in the BPL. That he was so much beyond the rest of the team is the lesson that should be learned. MLS is not! on the level of the rest of the world.

I do not have a solution to the problem that I just mentioned, but I am a Portland Timbers supporter :tu

At the end of the day, it could have been 5-0 at the end of regulation, but was not. The fans were treated to world class defense by Howard and some amazing efforts by the rest of the US team. That the Belgium team did not have to play beyond their ability is a testament to their ability, not a slight to the US.

I agree with most of what you posted, Mark. But one point I strongly disagree with is in regard to our defense. IMO, the US defense (not goalkeeping) is the weak point of the team. They are nowhere near the level of the best teams in Europe and South America.

As for Donovan, I think it was a risky/gutsy call that Klinsmann made to leave him off the squad. The injury to Altidore hurt more without Donovan to pick up the slack. But I think Klinsmann made the right choice.

Yedlin was impressive and will only get better.

[jpb437]

IMO, the US defense (not goalkeeping) is the weak point of the team. They are nowhere near the level of the best teams in Europe and South America.

+1 From what I saw the US defense was not up to world standards throughout the tournament. I don't think the team ever believed they could win so until they had nothing to loose they didn't give it everything they had. With that said however they did a great job.

[Gabe215]

Happy 4th everyone, big games today! Two countries that love each other Germany v France! Down the Jersey Shore stuck inside from Hurricane Arthur, hope we keep power!! Columbia v Brazil should be very interesting as well!

[pnoon]

Gonna watch some great futbol and put a couple of racks of baby backs on the smoker.

[ColdCuts]

Gonna watch some great futbol and put a couple of racks of baby backs on the smoker.

Add to what Peter said a couple of good cigars, you've got the best day EVER.

Good matches on today too. :po

[pnoon]

To be honest, I thought the France/Germany match was dull.

Brazil/Colombia was high energy and entertaining.

[ColdCuts]

To be honest, I thought the France/Germany match was dull.

Brazil/Colombia was high energy and entertaining.

Agreed.

You know, now that Neymar's World Cup is over due to a fractured vertebra, and let's face it, Brazil weren't looking invincible anyway, I think there's a good chance Germany knocks 'em out on Tuesday.

Peter, it's a shame we live on opposite coasts. I'd have liked to drop in on you yesterday to introduce myself in person after all these years... and see if you needed any help operating that smoker. ;)

[pnoon]

Agreed.

You know, now that Neymar's World Cup is over due to a fractured vertebra, and let's face it, Brazil weren't looking invincible anyway, I think there's a good chance Germany knocks 'em out on Tuesday.

Peter, it's a shame we live on opposite coasts. I'd have liked to drop in on you yesterday to introduce myself in person after all these years... and see if you needed any help operating that smoker. ;)
We will make it happen one day, David. I would love to share a smoke, a beverage, some smoked food, and conversation.

I do make it back to southern Connecticut now and then. I grew up there and still have extended family there.

Looks like Suarez is headed to Barca.

[ColdCuts]

We will make it happen one day, David. I would love to share a smoke, a beverage, some smoked food, and conversation.

I do make it back to southern Connecticut now and then. I grew up there and still have extended family there.

Peter, this would be nothing short of amazing. It'd be surreal, really. :)

Looks like Suarez is headed to Barca.

If the move is finalized, how would you feel about him going? Big boots to fill.

[pnoon]

Peter, this would be nothing short of amazing. It'd be surreal, really. :)



If the move is finalized, how would you feel about him going? Big boots to fill.

World class striker. Tough to lose that. But Liverpool has lots of talent and the huge transfer fee can be used for other players.

[DMK]

Wow!! Hard fought game. I don't think the best team won.

[Gabe215]

I heard Balotelli and Huntelaar are both being lined up as a Suarez replacement! YNWA!!!

[pnoon]

I heard Balotelli and Huntelaar are both being lined up as a Suarez replacement! YNWA!!!

Balotelli is a huge talent but a real head case. Huntelaar would be cool.

[ColdCuts]

Say, is there a game today? :D

[icehog3]

I heard some co-workers talking about Brazil, but I figured they were just getting bikini-waxed.

[markem]

is the American defense playing in yellow today?

[The Poet]

I heard some co-workers talking about Brazil, but I figured they were just getting bikini-waxed.

You're half-right anyway, Tom. There was a waxing.

[GTsetGO]

one of the best displays of team football that i have seen. WOW. Just WOW for the germans.

[ColdCuts]

In a word: gobsmacked. That was truly unbelievable. Never seen anything like it in a World Cup semi-final. Having said that, I think majority thought Germany would advance, no? Today's matchup is a tougher call to make.

[pnoon]

Astonishing to say the least.

[CRIMPS]

I was trying to draw a USA comparison to the Brazillian loss. I don't think I can.

The other semi-final should be outstanding. I'm expecting Argentina to win, I guess.

[markem]

Is anyone watching on espn.go.com? They ask for an internet provider and mine is Verizon. Yesterday's match had no interruptions like I've seen in the past (dropping out and making you click to get back to viewing). I like the idea of the ISPs subsidizing the viewing to get information on user viewing habits.

[GTsetGO]

i watch on the espn go app.

if you click the espn stream, it asks for a provider.

if you click the espn3 stream, it doesn't.

[markem]

an excellent game

[ColdCuts]

Anybody have a feeling about which way today's 3rd Place match will go?

[pnoon]

Anybody have a feeling about which way today's 3rd Place match will go?

Depends on which Brazil team shows up.

[DMK]

Well...... That was..... Interesting.....

[The Poet]

I must confess to some Schadenfreude, which may only increase if "hated" Argentina prevails.

[mosesbotbol]

Brazil is my favorite international team for long time. My neighbors are from Brazil. My better half's family is from Brazil. So many Brazilians in my area, they've closed the streets when Brazil has made the finals and project the game for the public... When Brazil scores, I can hear car horns going off. So sad to see where they are as a team now.

Where is the art and passion of soccer they had? I so much miss Ronaldinho, Adriano, and Ronaldo...

As for today, I'd like to see Argentina win, but I think this is Germany's game to lose.

[DMK]

Come on Germany...