World Cup Thread

Sorry, I’ve been slacking, watching the World Cup. I couldn’t decide who I wanted to win the Brazil-Chile match. I usually root for the underdog, but I didn’t really want to see all those Brazilian fans broken-hearted so early in the tournament. I don’t think Brazil will win the tournament. I’ll be surprised if they get by Colombia in their next match. After the USA, I’m kind of pulling for the Netherlands. On the other hand, I’d be thrilled if Mexico beat them and proved that CONCACAF is no longer a football backwater. With Costa Rica winning their group, it’s already been a great tournament for CONCACAF, but here’s hoping it gets better.

What’s on your mind?

11 Comments

WaterGirl on June 28, 2014 at 5:46 pm

Someone on Balloon Juice posted this really fun flow chart last week: Who to Root for in the World Cup

http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/79036032/who-to-root-for-in-the-world-cup-soccer-flowchart#!5sf
bw

Ulysses S Grunt on June 28, 2014 at 5:51 pm

Boo, who is your pick to win? Messi and Argentina?

GADem on June 28, 2014 at 6:03 pm

Germany will win.

on June 28, 2014 at 6:18 pm

I’ve been extremely impressed by Oranje. They were simply amazing in the Spain game. The next two were a little less strong, but I think they are better than 2010.

I watched Columbia today. James is just stunning. The second goal was a real corker.

I think Germany has a good chance, Netherlands, Argentina, but the sleeper might be Costa Rica. Wouldn’t that be a kick?

We are 4 years away from a title run.

Oui on June 28, 2014 at 6:53 pm

Oranje played very solid against Chile in a 2-0 win. Chile was very close in winning the match against Brazil in extra time today. As a team Chile is better than Columbia. James Rodriguez, 5 goals in 4 matches, is indeed very impressive. The reporters mentioned it’s really sad he signed with Monaco playing in the French league.

centerfielddj on June 28, 2014 at 8:00 pm

Damn, that first goal by James Rodriguez was an astonishing individual striker play. Stopping an airborne pass with his chest while facing away from the goal outside the penalty area, wheeling and placing a perfect line drive shot right underneath the crossbar- this whole action seemed to take place in less than a second. Yeah, Colombia has a Factor X there- pretty hard to defend that.

As far as my rooting interest, I’ve lived my entire life in California, so:

Go USA!
Go Mexico!

centerfielddj on June 29, 2014 at 3:42 am

Here’s a fun and accurate description of the Rodriguez goal:

“I’m not sure what’s the most ridiculous aspect: That he needs only two touches to control, then score a ball that originally comes flying at him at eye level; that he stands more than twenty yards outside the goal with his back to it, yet orchestrates the entire move with multiple defenders closing him down, needing only as much space as he could find in a telephone booth; or that he even thought, when seeing the incoming pass, hmm, I should probably chest this up, twirl around, and take a swing from here, I bet I can score. It’s just…wow.”

See the goal along with the rest of Billy Haisley’s writing here:

http://screamer.deadspin.com/no-one-wants-to-play-colombia-because-james-rodriguez-1597505841/+billy
haisley

ejmw on June 28, 2014 at 8:37 pm

This is the first day that I’ve had 100% free since…since…I honestly don’t even know.

So naturally, I ran some errands first thing, and since then:

.) Watched Chile almost knock Brazil out of the World Cup (dat crossbar shot!)
.) Watched the Braves stomp the Phillies
.) Watched the Tigers come back against the Astros
.) Currently watching game 2 of the Braves / Phillies doubleheader

All the while I’ve been taking care of various things that have been piling up around the house, and we’ve had a solid mix of nice weather and occasional but short lived thunderstorms. Also made a couple of meals using ingredients from my first CSA share of the year.

Overall, a pretty damn good day so far.