World Cup 2014

[CameronBornAndBred]

The Univision feed was a little choppy, but it worked. I only got to see the last 10 minutes though. Still...onward we go!!

[TillyGalore]

The Univision feed was a little choppy, but it worked. I only got to see the last 10 minutes though. Still...onward we go!!

I had no probs watching on Univision. I had ESPN Radio on through Sirius as well, but they were 2-3 minutes behind Univision.

[Lavabe]

Whew!!

[IowaDevil]

While I am very happy that the USA will move on....I have to say that was the most boring sporting event I've watched this year!

[Lavabe]

While I am very happy that the USA will move on....I have to say that was the most boring sporting event I've watched this year!

Just a reminder: Seahawks 43 - Broncos 8.

[CameronBornAndBred]

While I am very happy that the USA will move on....I have to say that was the most boring sporting event I've watched this year!

Just a reminder: Seahawks 43 - Broncos 8.

If the world cup had that score, America would buy every MLS ticket tomorrow.

[Lavabe]

While I am very happy that the USA will move on....I have to say that was the most boring sporting event I've watched this year!

To me, the first half was tough to watch, given the rain and the slow, saturated field.
The second half was more compelling, as the scenario of advancing became the big issue. When Ghana tied up the score with Portugal, the US had to turn up the pressure, but then when Portugal went ahead, it was really a question of how long they could hold on... but the US actually went on the offensive at that point.

I think part of the issue is that in US sports, built-in time outs for analysis and replay readily occur. So, let's sy, you're watching some MLB RedSox/Yankee game (or let's say, a Dick Vitale-covered college basketball game), over half of the color broadcast is tied up with replay, analysis, stupid talk, telustrators, etc... It at least distracts you so that you really look forward to actual play.

No such luck in soccer. You get the same international feed here as you do in Madagascar, and there is so little replay. Case in point: late in the game, the US was getting ready to shoot, but the German player Lahm ran 60 yards and somehow charged in to block a shot that would have otherwise been a sure goal for the US. If it had been a US sport, there'd be a slow-mo iso-camera on Lahm, Vitale would have yelled "Freeze It!," and somebody would have circled Lahm, drawn an arrow, and so forth.

REALLY amazing play on his part, but just not covered the same way as in MLB, NFL, NBA, or college basketball.

Then again, I get bored with MLB, NFL, and NBA.

[Lavabe]

6/28: South America Day: Both games today start off the knockout round: Brazil leads Chile 1-0 halfway through the first half. Amazing what happens when you have clear weather, rowdy fans, and freakin' AWESOME talent. So far, Brazil's goal was by Sideshow Bob (David Luiz).
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... rcuts.html
AND at 32 minutes into the game, Hulk loses the ball deep in defense, and Chile scores!! 1-1.

Colombia plays Uruguay later today. No biting today.

[Lavabe]

Well, the Brazil vs. Chile game ended 1-1 after overtime. Each side had chances to score, but well, it went to shootout, and Brazil won it, thanks to some incredible saves on the part of the Brazilian goalkeep, Julio Cesar (goalkeep for MLS Toronto FC).

30 minutes into the first half of the second game, Colombia just took the lead, 1-0 over Uruguay.

[Lavabe]

So, Brazil vs. Colombia: Colombia seems to be the hottest team in the tournament.. Brazil survives a shootout.
Costa Rica survives a shootout versus Greece, and will face a lucky Netherlands team who barely survived with a 2-1 win over Mexico, a team that gave up two goals in the lat 5 minutes of the game (thanks to a questionable penalty call).
France vs. Nigeria and Germany vs. Algeria today.

[Lavabe]

Really glad that Greece is gone. I was pulling for them, but they made me fall asleep while watching their debacle vs. Costa Rica. You play with an extra player for 60 minutes, and you can only manage one goal? UGH!!

[ArkieDukie]

Every time I see this thread I think of the Quidditch World Cup.

[Lavabe]

Oh you funny German football players! Since when did Benny Hill play for Die Mannschaft? Wait for the worst free kick to appear on the blooper reels (the NOT Top Ten).

OVERTIME!! Germany 0-0 Algeria. AMAZING goalkeeping clinic.

[Lavabe]

And the German machine wins 2-1.
So the Germans will next take on France on Friday.

[YmoBeThere]

And the German machine wins 2-1.
So the Germans will next take on France on Friday.

Well, can we expect the French to surrender this time with no shot fired?

[Lavabe]

And the German machine wins 2-1.
So the Germans will next take on France on Friday.

Well, can we expect the French to surrender this time with no shot fired?

I don't think the French have to rely on a Maginot Line this time, but at least their defense is good. On the other hand, the Germans have a troubling, at times ineffective defense.
How about that for a mixture of history and sport! ;)

[Lavabe]

72nd minute... Belgium 0-0 USA
Belgium should be ahead by eleventy million, but somehow, the defense has always held (mostly thanks to Tim Howard).
There have been WAY too many good chances for Belgium, and a few good chances for USA.

75th minute... Howard stops ANOTHER one. Geez... how much more can he do?

[Lavabe]

93rd minute (overtime), Belgium scores.
1-0
Tim Howard FINALLY lets one in (really good play by Belgium). I think Howard has made like 50 saves.

[Lavabe]

Make that 2-0 Belgium over USA. Wicked score by Lukaku.
Howard has made 15 saves and has basically been huge all day.

[Lavabe]

Final Score 2-1 Belgium. USA fought well in the 2nd overtime, but fell short.
A big salute to the USA!! Well played!!