There have been goals scored in every game except one (and both those teams walked through it knowing they already advanced to the knock out rounds and happy with their seeding...no different than NFL teams resting their starting stars for the playoffs at the end of the season). And, more to the point...now that we are into the knock out stages every team is 100% fighting to remain.
There have been goals scored in every game except one (and both those teams walked through it knowing they already advanced to the knock out rounds and happy with their seeding...no different than NFL teams resting their starting stars for the playoffs at the end of the season). And, more to the point...now that we are into the knock out stages every team is 100% fighting to remain.
Its been a great Cup thus far.
I agree. It just sucks that I have missed so many of these games live. I've caught some later airings, but overall, this tournament has been fun, and also WIDE open. Some of the traditional powerhouses look really beatable, and some of them are already gone! Kinda sucks for the USA, as this would have been a good World Cup for them.
Kinda sucks for the USA, as this would have been a good World Cup for them.
It does suck, but if we can't beat Honduras (tie), Panama (tie) or Trinidad & Tobago (loss)...well, then we don't deserve to be there. Panama finished with 0 points, scored 2 and conceded 11 goals! And we couldn't beat them? Geez....
Kinda sucks for the USA, as this would have been a good World Cup for them.
It does suck, but if we can't beat Honduras (tie), Panama (tie) or Trinidad & Tobago (loss)...well, then we don't deserve to be there. Panama finished with 0 points, scored 2 and conceded 11 goals! And we couldn't beat them? Geez....
Oh don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we deserve to be there, lol.
Watching the Uruguay / Portugal game, on fast forward, the first setting. This is the way to watch this sport.
You're crazy! That was a great game and Uruguay played serious defense! Portugal possessed the ball 61% of the time yet, they couldn't penetrate Uruguay's defense. And, Ronaldo took 6 shots, only 1 was on target. All credit to Uruguay.
France v Argentina was very exciting with a lot of goals but somebody forgot to alert the defenses to show up. Saying that, two of those goals were spectacular and another was scored on a penalty. But, my guess is if Americans are wary of the sport and think it is slow...today's France v Argentina would be a good one to watch.
I'm happy that you have something to drool over but watching people flop every time someone gets near them is pretty boring.
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Jeudy is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Tillman is flanked out wide to the right. Judkins and Ford are split in the backfield as Flacco takes the snap ... Here we go."
Yeah, I saw just the highlights and it looked like Spain got screwed on two calls. The incidental handball which shouldn't of been called, and then the non-call on the free kick, where their player was basically football-tackled in the penalty box.
Yeah, I saw just the highlights and it looked like Spain got screwed on two calls. The incidental handball which shouldn't of been called, and then the non-call on the free kick, where their player was basically football-tackled in the penalty box.
Was Tony Brothers one of the officials?
The penalty called on Spain was a legit call. If he had had his arm tucked against his side, it would likely not have been called. His arm was raised above shoulder level which brings into question 'intention'.
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers...Socrates
Our paper will not mention the Tribe. We have had a full page or more of this and Reds and Bengals. Some other Cleveland sports. Don't care for soccer, but if you are a fan of the sport, be a fan! I was practically interested at one point. But be a fan. I just had this triple shunt futbol bypass when I was younger . . . .
"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
Egad!!! Spain/Russia...possibly the most boring game I have ever seen. Spain deservedly lost; Russia wasn't much better...
I disagree. Spain have what many think is the best goalkeeper in the world. Spain also play fast and fluid soccer. Yes, they are known to underperform on the big stage (although the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship Game were some of the most beautiful soccer I have ever watched. It was truly breathtaking to watch Spain back then. Russia, however, dug in, play a totally different style of soccer and focused on defense. The fact it went into extra time and was decided by a penalty shoot out is amazing. Cruel for the loser, amazing, however.
I wonder how much of a tactic Russia felt that if they were able to slow Spain down and get the game to a shootout that even though Spain's goalkeeper is highly regarded, Russia felt they could have a chance? If so, the gamble paid off.
I am amazed people don't love this game or the World Cup.
Croatia v Denmark also ended in penalty shootout! Wild day for the WC.
Spain, Portugal, Germany and Argentina are all gone...that really opens it up. Looking at the bracket...if England can beat Colombia on Tuesday they have a decent chance of making it to the semi-final (they would play the winner of the Sweden v Switzerland in the QF). One game at a time, however. Colombia are no slouches, but I think England are capable of beating them.
Mexico v Brazil has already started out as a tense match. Mexico so far, (28 min in) are looking much better on that right side than they did against Sweden. They made a change or two that can hopefully stick both defensively and offensively all 90+ min.
Great first half of defense played by Japan. They have thus far survived a blitzkrieg attack by the Belgians. But, they have had their own chances too. They must feel good to go into halftime 0-0. Hope their defense can keep it up in the second because Belgium have been relentless.
Belgium defenders just going through the motions. Two great goals from Japan!
Japan were HUGE underdogs. A disrespected opponent is a dangerous opponent. I wonder if they can keep this up? This would be the biggest upset in years. Belgium haven't lost in 22 games.
It would be a huge upset! Japan isn't a bad team, I think everyone just under-estimates them because they aren't European or something. THey've played well!
It would be a huge upset! Japan isn't a bad team, I think everyone just under-estimates them because they aren't European or something. THey've played well!
I think the Asian teams are definitely much better. South Korea are solid too. But yeah, Europe and South America tend to dominate because all the money is in Europe and the youth development is so established. Japan would have to face Brazil...can they beat them? Maybe. Nobody expected they would be up on Belgium 2-0 in the 65th minute!
I think of a lot of these "big" teams try to play too cute against these non-powerhouse teams. You saw it with Germany and Spain. They'd pass all over the place, but then couldn't put the ball on goal when it mattered the most. These other teams just grind it out and put the ball in the net when they get the chance.
Wow....wow....wow! Did it really just end like that for Japan? What a shame. They played so well. Incredible game. Best one I have seen all tourney and there have been some good ones.
Yeah, you've got to feel for Japan. Tough way to lose it, especially on a counter-attack where they had a chance to win it themselves.
That was definitely the best game of the tournament so far (imho). Just incredible. Second half was phenomenal to watch. Definitely feel for the Japanese. Once it was tied I didn't think they were going to pull it off. Had it extended to penalties Belgium have a lot of firepower and a great goalie.
Incredible comeback by Belgium. I thought they were exceedingly fortunate on their first goal as I believe Vertongen was merely trying to head back into the box as opposed to attempting to score. In any event though, it was the spark needed for their comeback...
Last edited by bbrowns32; 07/02/1803:31 PM.
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers...Socrates
watching people flop every time someone gets near them is pretty boring.
You may as well stop watching the NBA then because they do the exact same thing.
I'm a soccer fan and an NBA fan and soccer is significantly worse than the NBA... sure, in the NBA they attempt to draw the foul, they don't then flail around on the ground like somebody just removed their kidney with no anesthesia.. then get up and run right back into play.
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