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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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The US has the proverbial two chances to get out of their group.
GO BOSNIA!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 6, 2013 - 09:29pm PT
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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We know Brasil will be advancing to the quarterfinals, that's for sure. . .
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Darwin
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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By then end of the talking, Klinsmann and the rest had me convinced that the US might get out of the group. Likewise for England in their group.
I would love to see Chile go a ways, and that seems quite possible to me. I wouldn't want to be Australia, though.
I'm glad that two of group C are going on, I would love to see any of Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast or Japan advancing.
I hope either Ecuador or Honduras makes it to the second round past Switzerland or France, but that seems unlikely(?).
South Korea seems to have at least a 50/50 chance of advancing.
Finally, Spain/Nederlands in the first game is too good! I hope Nederlands has a strategy of playing football instead of planting their feet, cleat first, in the chests of their opponents. But then again I'm still in doubt about Santa Claus's existence. Brutes!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Bloody 'ell, I deign to bless y'all with my infallible prognosis and CMac's
cheap sh!t server stiffs me? OK, once more...
Group A Duh, but being married to a CameroUnian I hope my bias is excused.
Croatia will certainly place at least third. Mexico? Don't get me started.
Group B The Dutch have played nicely in the past so we can hope. I do have
a soft spot for Chile but their soft spot is their defense.
Group C So much talent in Cote d'Ivoire and Colombia but so much organization
and fitness in Japan.
Group D I wouldn't want to be English. Wait, I'm 1/4 but I'm smarter than that.
Will they even finish third?
Group E Wake me when it's over. Worst of all there's nary a head-butter in the bunch.
Luckily for France they're still a de facto colonial power.
Group F Don't nobody call me or my particular friend Almer when Bosnia is
playing, ok? Nigeria, the Argentina of Africa, and equally mercurial,
especially on defense.
Group G Can the USA buy a vowel, or better yet, a ref? Pretty sure two
points will be a moral victory.
Group H Can the Russians sober up for a few weeks and pretend they're interested?
Can Belgium score 3 goals in 3 games? Can any of them match the Koreans' heart,
fitness, and discipline? Does it matter?
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 7, 2013 - 11:44am PT
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I'm thinking,
Group A
Brazil and Croatia. Mexico probably last and Cameroon could take Croatia's spot.
Group B
Spain and the Dutch. But the Dutch did play pretty shitty in the 2012 Euro Cup, however RVP and Arjen Robben are as good as any teams top two. Would like to see Chile too, over Spain cause personally Spain bores the hell outta me.
Group C
Columbia for sure, I'm leaning towards Greece, but Ivory and Japan could advance. Should be some good games in this group.
Group D
Italy and Uraguay. Sorry to the Queen's men, but Gerrard will see his Red's teammate Saurez do what he does best. Score and I don't think he will bite anyone on this stage.
Group E
France and the Swiss. I like the French and think they can make it to the Semis.
Group F
Argentina and for Reilly's sake Bosnia. Iran might have weapons of mass destruction though.
Group G
Germany and Portugal. Would love to see the US take Portugal's spot, but unless CR7 is injured or is busy styling his hair, we're f*#ked.
Group H
Belgium and Russia. Belgium beer is not my cup of beer, and Vodka? Always reminds me of Chong in Up in Smoke, "It's f*#king Vodka, man"
Semis
Germany, Brazil, Spain, France. France is my sleeper pick but they could easily be replaced by Argentina, Uraguay, Portugal, Italy, or Columbia. It all depends on who draws who in the knockout stages, so disregard the above semi prediction. I do think Germany will win the cup, due to their style of play, talent, and age. And cause I want them too, which gives them a great advantage.
I will erase this thread if I'm way off, to save myself the shame.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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TJI--I can't understand why you'd say Spain bores you--they
play a a beautiful game--control and one touch passing. Just amazing
to watch. I guess it's just my preference. . .
Darwin--you're so right about the Dutch--one of the dirtiest teams
I've ever seen play, except maybe all of Brasil's opponents when
Pele was playing. How he was manhandled. . .
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this just in
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 7, 2013 - 11:57am PT
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Steve, they do play a perfect control game and have so much depth and talent. What I don't like is they play six midfielders and no strikers a lot. I like teams that are agressive to score, like a Saurez or CR7 attacking mindset and Spain lacks this. Germany can control it like Spain, but have the attacking speed and quickness I prefer.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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TJI--I'd agree to a point, but sometimes Spain has injuries or poor
performance. Missing David Villa to injury and Fernando Torres performance
since his injury might have some bearing on that.
No doubt Suarez (if he wouldn't be so racist) & Forlan are some
of the most gifted players, as are some of the African futballers are.
Look at Argentina when they're on--talk of excitement. But during
the cup it seems they lose the ability to play. . .
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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I love the world cup!
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this just in
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 9, 2013 - 05:54pm PT
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Steve I agree about Argentina, it's gunna be a fun cup to watch.
Here's the current FIFA rankings
http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/rankingtable/
Rank Team Pts +/- Pos
1 Spain 1507 0 Equal
2 Germany 1318 0 Equal
3 Argentina 1251 0 Equal
4 Colombia 1200 0 Equal
5 Portugal 1172 9 Up
6 Uruguay 1132 0 Equal
7 Italy 1120 1 Up
8 Switzerland 1113 -1 Down
9 Netherlands 1106 -1 Down
10 Brazil 1102 1 Up
11 Belgium 1098 -6 Down
12 Greece 1055 3 Up
13 England 1041 -3 Down
14 USA 1019 -1 Down
15 Chile 1014 -3 Down
16 Croatia 971 2 Up
17 Côte d'Ivoire 918 0 Equal
18 Ukraine 907 2 Up
19 France 893 2 Up
20 Mexico 892 4 Up
21 Bosnia-Herzegovina 886 -5 Down
22 Russia 870 -3 Down
23 Ecuador 852 -1 Down
24 Ghana 849 -1 Down
25 Denmark 831 1 Up
26 Algeria 800 6 Up
27 Sweden 793 -2 Down
28 Czech Republic 766 -1 Down
29 Slovenia 762 1 Up
30 Serbia 752 -2 Down
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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^^^^^ That's some funny shite there! The oddsmakers in England and Italy
are gonna make bank based on that.
And here is why the USA will never win the World Cup:
It was a dark and stormy day in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city
on earth as well as the windiest. It was raining and blowing with the wind
chill about 40F. Young 'Lionel' here did not see me watching him. He was
diligently working on his shot, alone, the weather be damned. Ever see the
likes of this in the USA?
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this just in
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 9, 2013 - 06:12pm PT
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Haha, we're to busy playing world cup on Xbox. And we call it Soccer.
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this just in
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 10, 2013 - 01:03pm PT
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Elcap, I can see Belgium goin far too. They were ranked 5th until world cup qualifying was over. Don't know why they went down so far and Portugal who barely qualified went up so much.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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May 23, 2014 - 03:41pm PT
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Man, that was shocker when I opened the paper this morning. WTF? Klinsman
thinks some 20 year old punk is gonna create more chances than Donovan?
Perhaps more importantly I think Juergen did not really analyze the psychological
implications of this. Yesterday I was telling the wife "We'll be lucky to
tie Ghana." Today I think it will take more than luck - time to bust out
the Voodoo dolls! We're so hosed. IMHO US football has been in a death
spiral since the '94 cup. Yeah, we beat Portugal in S Korea but that was
a total fluke although IIRC Donovan played a rather large role in that.
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Elcapinyoazz
Social climber
Joshua Tree
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May 23, 2014 - 03:52pm PT
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France could win it. I think they are getting overlooked as contenders and have a very strong and organized squad. Lloris is a beast of a sweeper keeper, Ribery could have won player of the year, and they have no shortage of talent aside from maybe a big target man striker (cause we all know Giroud sux, fitting since he plays for Le Arse...who suck).
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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May 23, 2014 - 04:06pm PT
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Viva Espagna!!!!
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Flip Flop
Trad climber
Truckee, CA
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May 23, 2014 - 04:13pm PT
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I have to post my Son, Sasha's favorite video. This is the video that earned Russia the host nation for WC 2018.
Sasha Never Sleeps. He'll be 8 in 2018. How perfect.
[Click to View YouTube Video]
TJI, someday I 'll tell you about being in Germany during WC 1998. Classic.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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May 23, 2014 - 05:45pm PT
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Leaving Donovan off makes no sense. If they flop Juergen will look like a dufus.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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May 23, 2014 - 07:26pm PT
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can't wait. I love this time of year: World Cup and Tour de France. makes me hopeful
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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May 24, 2014 - 05:50am PT
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I think in leaving Landon off Juergen is admitting defeat and throwing in the towel. Never been much of a Landon fan but he is still one of our best players. Would much rather have him than Bekerman in just about any situation. Same goes for Bedoya.
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bpope
climber
Sunnyvale, CA
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May 24, 2014 - 07:46am PT
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i don't follow...why does leaving donovan off the roster mean that klinsmann has thrown in the towel?
donovan took a year off, obviously isn't in top form anymore and isn't in sync with the squad. he's done great things for us soccer, but I think leaving him off could be a good move for this year and gives other young guys potentially great exposure.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - May 24, 2014 - 10:22am PT
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Haha, I've never been a Donovan fan either mostly from watching his post game interviews.
He does always seem to create chances, but more so he's U.S. Football's icon and everyone on that team views him as that. Klinsman knows how to coach and knows what's best for the team I believe, so I'm good with the decision, it was just a surprise and they don't really have a chance in their group anyways. I do wonder if/when they fail in their group if Donovan will be the biggest reason ze German gets fired. Throwing in the towel? No, we are still talking about a German.
Flip, that must have been an amazing Cup experience. Going to the Allianz is on my Bucket.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - May 24, 2014 - 11:04am PT
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SteveW, so who you going for today in Champions? Trick question?
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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May 24, 2014 - 02:17pm PT
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Because on Beckermans best day he does not have the soccer vision of Donavan. I played and I watch all the national team games. Have not been impressed with Bekerman or Bedoya. As I stated earlier, not a fan of Donavan but he is a very gifted player. Look at the heat maps of games when he plays. Often it looks like he is not doing much be he is all over the field and his accuracy is as good or better than just about any other national team player. Bradley and Dempsey are work horses but Donavan is a maestro. Donavan was not left off the field because of his soccer abilities he was left off because Klinsman does not like him. There is a reason the German National Team fired him.
Years ago there was a soccer interview with top MLS soccer players (they included foreign players) and they asked who was the best at what. Donavan's name consistently came up with the word vision and accuracy. There is a reason he has five World Cup goals and fans chant dos o cero when is on the field.
Columbia got it right when they continued to play Valderama, they guy was not fit anymore and was only good for about 6 steps, but his vision and accuracy could not be matched and the team could always dump it off to him and he would get it to someone. it was amazing to watch.
Bruce Arena said it best, "If there are 23 better players than Landon, then we have a chance to win the World Cup."
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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May 24, 2014 - 02:22pm PT
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Oh, and one other thing. Brooks over Edu? Really? Brooks play really bad against Ukraine.
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Osprey
climber
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May 24, 2014 - 02:47pm PT
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Behind the scenes, soccer is a very political sport. With that in mind, the motive behind the Donovan cut concerns me. I feel the US plays at their best in the western hemisphere, with the proof being their records in the US, concacaff play, and past Copa America invites. This really could have been their year to advance, compete in round two and set themselves up for a possible birth in the quarters with the cup being in S America. Will the US raise to the occasion without the play and leadership from Landen? Still to early to get a feel for the team. IMO
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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May 25, 2014 - 12:22pm PT
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IMHO US football has been in a death
spiral since the '94 cup. Yeah, we beat Portugal in S Korea but that was
a total fluke although IIRC Donovan played a rather large role in that.
Huh? In 1994 the USA hadn't been to a WC in 44 years. The only reason they were there then was because they were hosts. Every time since they have gained a spot through qualifiers.
And your litany of USA results in 2002 falls short. Go back and look again. After the results against Portugal and S Korea was the Dos a Cero match against Mexico, and Germany only won 1-0 because a Torsten Frings handball at the line ignored by the ref. That cup was no fluke.
When Germany gets to quartersfinals in recent cups the nation calls it a great success.
And in cups since then the USA has always gotten out of group. A couple results ( Italy, England) have shocked the world.
And the USA still has a perfect record of never losing to the three lions in a World Cup.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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May 26, 2014 - 07:00pm PT
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TJI
I wanted Atletico to win, just because they were the underdogs.
They almost did it. . .
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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May 26, 2014 - 07:30pm PT
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This game for whatever reason is quite often over looked but we beat Spain. That was a huge upset, no one thought we would win that game. No actually gave us a chance to win that game, Spain was on an incredible run.
The Germany game, we were truly robbed.
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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May 26, 2014 - 07:38pm PT
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Donavans Dos a Cero match was the Gold Cup, but yeah, it was all Dovanan.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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May 28, 2014 - 12:30am PT
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I'll be rooting for US to make it out of their group but realistically
I will be surprised if they do. IMO the US needs more players
playing in Europe to be competitive at the WC level.
I think Klinsmann's butt is on the line after deciding to drop
Donovan from the roster. My impression is that he didn't want another
dominant personality on the squad to contend with.
I think Brazil Spain & Germany have the best talent. For
some reason, Messi has never played we'll with the
Argentine national team. The Dutch are talented but
have never been very successful in the WC. Not sure who
I'd pick for the 4th best team. In any case, this WC should be
exciting & entertaining.
Viva Espana!
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james Colborn
Trad climber
Truckee, Ca
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May 28, 2014 - 12:56am PT
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Just got done watching the US game vs. Azerbajan. Not Real impressive. First half starters had few chances against a far from top team. Second half substitutes found the goal. Mix Discarud is my choice for being the star of the team at the World Cup. Realistically, I don't see them getting out of the group stage if they don't win their first game against Ghana.
Donovans a quiter. He blew it. medium fish in small pond, MLS is weak, he had his chance to go to Everton and opted to be a pussy.
I'm putting my money on Belgium. Young team of international club team stars. Lakaku, Hazard, Mignolet, Kompany, Vertongen, Dembele, Chadli, Fellaini, Januzaj,Mirallas. These are just the English Premier league guys. I see them going all the way.
Not looking forward to ESPN's lukewarm coverage. Tonight was a great example, announcer for Sports wrap up show thought the game was in Azerbajan and his collegue was in that country, when in reality the guy was down the hall in the same studio. Classic.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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May 28, 2014 - 01:00am PT
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Lorenzo, you're right, I guess my psyche was too disturbed to remember that Germany game.
US looked pretty pathetic against Azerbaizhan tonight until Juergen put the square-head boys
in. I know it is natural to play down to the level of a lesser opponent but, really, a country with
1/3 the population of LA County?
Tuolumne, look for Uruguay to provide some fun. I actually think Argentina might be better off
without Messi. I also think France could go farther than many think, they have some great
young talent.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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May 28, 2014 - 11:21am PT
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Reilly: I agree on both counts...Argentina & Uruguay
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Boy, that was less than inspiring. Turkey sucks. Our defense sucks. Our
offense sucks. Altidore has zero confidence and he looks fat and slow.
Why doesn't Klinsmann start Diskerud? Why does he start Chandler?
Another week is not going to right this ship.
Italy 0 Ireland 0 Wow.
France 1 Paraguay 1 Double wow.
Portugal 0 Greece 0 How is that possible?
Bosnia 2 Ivory Coast 1 My good friend is from Bosnia. He is beyond stoked!
Cameroun was tied with Germany at the half. I imagine questions are being
asked in Germany. Not that Cameroun is chopped liver but...
Final: 2-2 Since the wife is from Cameroun we're STOKED!!!!!!
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Yeah, that was ugly. Chandler and Altidore both awful. Green not much better. Would rather have Donovan than any one of those three. If the US defense plays like that against Germany or Portugal, it will be ugly.
And while, I'm perhaps a bit biased being from SLC, don't think the choice would be Beckerman or Donovan. They don't play the same position, and the US really only has one other decent central defensive midfielder.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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They're dropping like flies! Luis Suarez jogged for the first time yesterday after his surgery.
Memo to Uruguay: jogging don't cut it in the WC.
Montolivo is gone for Italy although they generally don't lack for defenders. Apparently
Barzagli is also questionable.
Ribery is done and France will sorely miss him, eh?
I strongly doubt that Diego Costa will get his hamstring back in time.
Watched Bosnia humiliate Mexico Tuesday with my Bosnian, English, and Colombian homies.
Now that was a good time! Bosnia is 'ranked' 40 by FIFA and Mexico is 20? I don't think so.
Every Bosnian plays in the Serie A, Bundesliga, or the Prem and they looked every inch the
professional side.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 7, 2014 - 10:01am PT
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I didn't realize Ribery was out for sure too, but that sucks. Another of my favorites. Suarez will play it looks like, but will he be in a red jersey or a hot pink one in August? Real is goin for him and I can't fathom him and Ronaldo and Bale and di Maria and...I hope he stays with the Reds.
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pc
climber
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Great Article Sparky. Thanks for posting.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Wow that 2nd goal by Altidore VS Nigeria was bad ass. Bradley had an
excellent game in the midfield. He's emerging as a very effective playmaker. Got a bit sloppy after Altidore & Dempsey came out. I really liked the speed on the counter attack. I think
they're ready for Ghana.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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That was a funny game. Nigeria looked to be in control for the first 20 minutes.
Then the US seemed to get their act together and the Nigerians seemed to lose
interest. I'm going to be generous in that the US really seemed to figure
things out and more or less caused the Nigerians to lose interest. I did
not like the finishing but they did create chances, admitedly against a highly
questionable defense. Bradley was impressive but I was really impressed by
Jones and Johnson. I liked Beasley's game but I thought Besler stunk the
joint up even without the obvious penalty. I still like Diskerud although
I don't know how he starts. I'm still not a Cameron fan although Zusi rose
a bit in my view. All in all it was hard to believe this was the same team
that I saw stink the joint up against Turkey. The Golden Eagles need a new
nickname, probably from the pigeon family.
England 0 - Honduras 0 Really? Very sad.
Saw a bit of Spain/El Salvador They don't seem to have lost much although
El Salvador wasn't much of a test.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Reilly: what did you like about Jones & Johnson? Their ability to cause turnovers in midfield?
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Costa looked pretty good today against El Salvador. . .
Though the score was only 2-0, it should have been much higher. . .
lots of missed opportunities.
And David Villa going to the new New York team. . .
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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TT, to me it seemed Jones was everywhere and looked very solid. I really
liked Johnson picking his times to go forward and playing some creative balls.
To me they both showed their German pedigree - intelligent and consistent play.
I was also impressed with Kyle Beckerman. I can only think he would be a
touch quicker if he wasn't lugging two pounds of hemp around on his head.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Johnson got the assist on Altidore's 1st Goal. My German
wife is accusing Klinsmann of stealing German
players for the US team.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Any South American country winning the cup would be fine with me.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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I'd say there's a good chance that could happen
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 10, 2014 - 09:31am PT
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Will this finally be the year that the Argentines manage to play as a team
and win the Cup honestly? I suspect Brasil will get some very favorable calls
but I really think the pressure might turn out to be too much for them in
that they will press too hard and suffer from counter-attacks. I haven't
seen their current goalkeeper but I've never been impressed with S American
keepers, excepting El Loco, claro que si. S American keepers always seem
susceptible to aerial game as played by the Europeans - they just seem to
misjudge trajectories and they make bad decisions. That said I think Argentina
might have more talent that Brasil and a Germany/Argentina final could materialize.
The News:
J Lo won't sing at the opener!!!!!!!!
A subway strike in Sao Paulo. LOL
Pele joins chorus of criticism of Brazil's World Cup spending! Good on you, mate!
Mexico's coach tells players: No sex, alcohol at World Cup. BwaHaHaHaHa!
A lot of good that will do.
Stephen Hawking has a theory on how England can win World Cup.
And who will be able to understand it?
In Brazil, group scores victory in land protest before World Cup.
Nice story about Bosnia's Edin Dzeko:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-world-cup-bosnia-herzegovina-20140609-story.html#
During the war... "he was outside kicking a ball around with some friends
when his mother called him in. Seconds later a bomb landed on the ground
where he had been playing.
“My gut feeling saved my son's life,” his mother, Belma, said."
Bonus coverage: Why the US will never win the World Cup...
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
In streets of Brazil, the soul of soccer is a long way from World Cup
By Kevin Baxter and Vincent Bevins Los Angeles Times
June 9, 2014, 6:45 PM|Reporting from Sao Paulo, Brazil
Yuri Peterson has the speed and elusiveness of a top striker and the vision and touch of a playmaking midfielder..
But what really marks the tiny 11-year-old as a soccer player are his feet. The skin on the sides of his big toes has been rubbed away by playing barefoot on the concrete court of the overcrowded housing project where he lives in Sao Paulo’s South Zone, a common malady for young players here.
“It does happen,” he says with a shrug as he looks down at this feet. “I play all the time without shoes.”
So do many boys in Brazil, where soccer games are plentiful but shoes and open fields are not.
Neymar, Fred and Hulk, the top players on Brazil’s World Cup team, all learned the game playing barefoot in the street. So did Romario, Ronaldo and Rivaldo, who won four World Cups among them.
Pele, widely recognized as the greatest player of all time, was too poor to afford soccer boots and he didn’t own a real ball either.
“We used to [make] a ball with socks,” he remembers. “Get my father’s socks, my mother’s. Then we’d fill them with paper and play in the streets.”
It wasn’t as if he had a choice. In few places is a sport more integral to the national identity than soccer is in Brazil. Just check out the flag. Looks like a soccer ball, doesn’t it?
“It’s everything,” says Sergio Roberto Da Silva, a former minor league soccer player who now runs a sports club in San Paulo. “It’s happiness. It’s enjoyment. Brazilians without soccer, they don’t live.”
The World Cup, which opens its monthlong run on Thursday in Sao Paulo, hasn’t sparked the same fervor. The government spent more than $11 billion during the seven-year run-up to this tournament, yet many projects remain unfinished while others were never started. Many people here refer to it simply as “the robbery,” a misuse of money they say could have been better spent for schools, hospitals or public transportation.
On the narrow street that leads to the soulless concrete tower where Peterson lives, three men were stringing yellow, blue and green paper banners late Sunday, the only indication the country’s national team was about to play. On the same block four years ago, when the World Cup was held in South Africa, Brazilian flags hung from houses and flapped from car windows and the logo of the Brazilian soccer federation was painted on walls.
“People are tired of the World Cup,” says Rafael Ambrosio, a resident of South Zone. “Maybe it will change when the games start.”
The games are already underway inside the housing project, where Peterson and about a dozen friends chase a pink rubber ball around a fenced-in concrete court marked like a soccer field. If there are teams, those allegiances change quickly with the player nearest the ball often deciding which end to shoot at.
This is what passes for street soccer today in places like Sao Paulo (pop. 11.8 million), the largest city in the Southern Hemisphere and one in which cars and buses clog the warren of tangled streets, driving kids to the enclosed soccer courts that dot many neighborhoods.
The court where Peterson plays, painted a light blue, is 20 yards wide and about 45 yards long with green posts at each end to mark the goals. Graffiti covering the walls around the court claims the territory for the city’s dominant gang, which carefully monitors everything that happens in its neighborhoods but rarely interferes in the soccer games.
That’s not the case 45 minutes away in Itaquera, near the Arena Corinthians stadium where the World Cup will kick off. There, Joel Vitor Oliveira Gonsclaves says, the concrete court in the slum where he lives has become an open-air drug market. And when there are pickup games, the number of kids who show up to play often means long waits before the skinny 14-year-old is picked for a side.
“We wish our neighborhoods could be safer,” says Oliveira, who rides his bike to Da Silva’s sports club, one of the few places that boasts two full-sized grass fields. Da Silva says his club has taken 800 children like Oliveira off the streets, giving them food while also feeding their appetite for soccer.
“I’m very proud of that,” says Da Silva, who has to beg for funds to keep the club operating. “Doing something like this is priceless. And it also doesn’t pay.”
But it’s these poor neighborhoods that are the richest in soccer players.
“Brazil is unequivocally the most successful and celebrated football nation,” says David Goldblatt, author of “Futebol Nation: The Story of Brazil Through Soccer.”
“That has got to be your starting point. And as with everything you need to start at the bottom, not the top.”
Galaxy midfielder Marcelo Sarvas, who learned the game in Sao Paulo, said he rarely saw a grass field when he was growing up. Instead he played games of five on five, shirts versus skins, with a sandal or a rock marking the boundaries of the goal.
Teammate Juninho had a similar childhood.
“We all grew up playing in the street. That’s the custom,” he says. “With small goals in the street. And from there we got better.”
Getting good enough to someday play on a grass field was something Sarvas and Juninho aspired to.
“That makes you better,” Sarvas says. “When you see all the nice stuff, the nice fields, it makes you hungry. All kids dream of becoming a professional soccer player.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Sarvas is one of four players from Sao Paulo on the Galaxy roster, part of a larger group of players Brazil has shared with top-flight leagues all over the world.
The country’s leading export may be iron ore but it’s best known as the top producer of exceptional soccer players.
This season there are 18 Brazilians, including national team goalkeeper Julio Cesar of Toronto FC, playing in Major League Soccer, the top U.S. league. And just two of the 23 players on Brazil’s World Cup team play club soccer at home, while six Brazilians play in the English Premier League.
In his book Goldblatt writes that nearly 1,200 Brazilians played professional soccer outside their country in 2008, the high-water mark for exports. Collectively they were worth nearly a quarter-billion dollars.
“Is it because they are Brazilian? Or do they become Brazilian by playing barefoot in the street?” Goldblatt asks.
It sounds like a trick question, like trying to separate the chicken from the egg. In reality, they are one in the same since all streets leading into Brazil also lead out again.
Tiny Yuri Peterson, who would one day like to play for Barcelona, hopes soccer provides a way out for him too. “I like it,” he says shyly. “Everyone likes soccer.”
kevin.baxter@latimes.com
Twitter: @kbaxter11
Bevins is a special correspondent for The Times.
Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times
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pc
climber
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Jun 10, 2014 - 11:10am PT
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Ghana 4 : S Korea 0
Ruh, oh...
Ghana have looked weak heading into the cup but this may be a sign of them finding some confidence.
Can't wait for Thursday!!!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 10, 2014 - 09:45pm PT
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TT, that was funny, informative, and sad. Good find! FIFA the non-profit. That's like saying
the Cosa Nostra is a non-profit. I really like all the taxes avoided.
I'm so bummed, I got a 911 call and it looks like I'm gonna miss Brasil/Croatia!!!! :-(
Brasil 2. Croatia 1
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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Jun 10, 2014 - 09:51pm PT
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! Viva Argentina !!1111111
!! Viva Messi !!
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 11, 2014 - 07:29pm PT
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Tomorrow!!!!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 11, 2014 - 07:37pm PT
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Yeah buddy! Set my dvr to record all games, pretty excited.
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Dante
Boulder climber
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Jun 11, 2014 - 07:54pm PT
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Watched a documentary on FIFA, and now have very mixed feelings about the games :\
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 12, 2014 - 03:17pm PT
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Boy, after all the excitement and buildup what a letdown! Brasil looks like they expected the Croatians
to just stand aside. FIFA gives us a ref direct from the Yakuza. Sheesh. And have you ever
seen a worse keeper than the Croat? Talk about feet of clay! And speaking of which was the
pitch slippery crap or what? At least the lights didn't go out completely.
It has to get better, right? It will tomorrow when Cameroun DESTROYS Mexico!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 12, 2014 - 03:26pm PT
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Moosie, don't go outside, he might not miss this time.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 12, 2014 - 05:03pm PT
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We won't see that Japanese ref again during this competition.
He blew that PK call by a mile. I had wished Neymar had missed it to
equalize the foul. But Oscar's goal was pretty, as was Neymar's first. . .
Spain v Netherlands tomorrow--viva Espana!@!!!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Jun 12, 2014 - 05:13pm PT
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Wow. So FIFA is just like the IOC eh?? Why am i not surprised...
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Flip Flop
Trad climber
Truckee, CA
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Jun 12, 2014 - 09:12pm PT
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Any suggestions for internet text coverage of the World Cup. I'd really like to read about the games as I won't get to watch as many as I would like to watch.
Thanks (time warping)
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Social climber
SLO, Ca
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Jun 12, 2014 - 09:23pm PT
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Check out the website for the newspaper the Guardian (UK). They have live text / blog coverage of every game.
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this just in
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 12, 2014 - 09:26pm PT
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Yeah that was the last game for that ref, kinda glad he made the mistake for Brazil, cause I don't know if he'd be alive if he had called that against Brazil.
I agree with Reilly that that goalie was sleeping today, but almost had the pk blocked.
Modric is badass.
Flip I just search for a game then the scores come up and there is usually a live score that pops up. It gives minute by minute updates when anything happens.
Netherlands vs Spain should be good tomorrow, but I don't see Spain losing.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 13, 2014 - 08:36am PT
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Not that impressed with Brazil in the opener. No Szamba. My first time seeing Croatia. I thought they held their own and regulation time could have easily ended 2:2.
Here are my predictions for today...
Mexico vs Cameroon*
Spain* vs Netherlands
Australia vs Chile*
*winner
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this just in
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 13, 2014 - 08:47am PT
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I agree with your predictions TT. Sorry have been really busy, but will email you back soon on Milky Way Wall.
Why won't anyone start Chicharito? I think that Mexico v Cameroon might end in a draw.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 13, 2014 - 08:50am PT
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Hey, TT, really going out on a limb with Spain and Chile, eh? :-)
Did I just hear that Chicharito will start on the bench? Whoa! It shouldn't
matter if Cameroun plays with any discipline. Of course, a sloppy pitch
could complicate things. As Twellman and Nistelrooy just said Cameroun's
superior physicality should be highlighted by the conditions.
GO CAMEROUN!
ps
Damn, love those Kia ads! Mamasita!
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Jun 13, 2014 - 11:43am PT
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Mexico...bet that place went nuts.
So excited about this next game!
Go Spain!
Missed my flight (along with my 2 daughters and wife) last WC when we were all in the bar at the airport watching these two play. Well worth it though.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 13, 2014 - 01:34pm PT
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Reilly: you got that right. So much for my predictions.
Got to watch the 1st half of Spain vs Netherlands during lunch. Both Persie's & Robben's goals were spectacular. Spain's PK was undeserved.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 13, 2014 - 02:09pm PT
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Ha! Van Persie's first ranks among the all-time best. That game shoulda
been 6-0. How did Snejder miss his chance? The Spanish defense looked
old and slow. Robben really embarrassed Ramos. The Italian redeemed himself
in my eyes by not going for the Spaniards' flops in the second half.
I think Chile will have real chance against Spain. If they tie Spain then
Spain could easily be out of it on goal differential.
It will be interesting to see what FIFA does about Costa's head butt.
The wife is part Dutch and I've always been a Dutch fan so we're stoked!
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jun 13, 2014 - 04:30pm PT
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I too am a Dutch fan, with not a drop of Dutch blood in me, solely because of their Johan Cruyff era teams, the ultimate underdog given the country's size. Not to mention yet another second place finish last time. I really want them to get at least one sometime, somewhere. And aside from their ugly Hack-a-Shaq approach to a really ugly final last time, too many seem to forget they played some great soccer before that. Today? Holy crap! The whole tournament was worth it just to see that second half...and the goal of the tournament in the first half!
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jun 13, 2014 - 04:42pm PT
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My mom and her father (who raised me) were both born in Amsterdam, and Holland is the most libertarian country in the world, so yeah, GO NETHERLANDS.
The head goal was awesome, but what's up with Pit Bull's capri pants?
Is that going to be the next fad attire for climbers?
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 13, 2014 - 04:47pm PT
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I too am a Dutch fan, with not a drop of Dutch blood in me, solely because of their Johan Cruyff era teams, the ultimate underdog given the country's size.
You should be rooting for Uruguay to get its third cup, then.
Population under 3.4 million.
The Dutch have about five times that number.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 13, 2014 - 06:04pm PT
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The Dutch just obliterated the Spanish style of play of moving the ball from one end of the pitch to the other in a series of one touch passes.
My parents were Spanish and Argentine and with my last name, Madrid, naturally I'm a fan of those countries in the world cup. I'm a native Californian married to a German, so the world cup is always a challenging time at our house.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 13, 2014 - 07:37pm PT
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Knot a dutch fan. One of the dirtiest teams, ever.
Remember the last cup, where they fouled Spain forever
and never were called. But they played the good game today, even
if dirty (though not as bad as usual). . .
Bummer, Spain will rebound. . .
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Darwin
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jun 13, 2014 - 07:57pm PT
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^-pretty much exactly what Steve said. Nice game by Holland, though. Some amazing plays.
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bergbryce
Trad climber
South Lake Tahoe, CA
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Jun 13, 2014 - 08:39pm PT
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Should we post the best flops of the world cup here or in another thread?
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 13, 2014 - 08:59pm PT
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By flops do you mean dives or mistakes? Players faking fouls in
the box to get penalty kicks? Or mistakes like goalie Iker Casillia's
bad touch to Persie setting up Persie's 2nd goal?
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 13, 2014 - 09:58pm PT
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Wow, just finished the massacre. The Dutch looked real good, anytime RVP or Robben are on top of their game, they can lift a team. When they both are on you get that result. I didn't see them as dirty, more agressive and physical and when you are playing a team that loves control and comfort, that's the key to disrupting them.
I do think Spain can bounce back, but they might be facing Brazil in knockouts.
I am enjoying every minute of this Cup and we still have 28 more days.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 13, 2014 - 11:24pm PT
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holy sh#t spain? what happened?
been watching these guys (spain) pick apart all others in the International Friendlies over the last year or so....
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 14, 2014 - 08:50am PT
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holy sh#t spain? what happened?
They got old, slow, and unable to adapt, much like their economy.
The Dutch defense was too good and the Spaniards' defense was too slow.
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james Colborn
Trad climber
Truckee, Ca
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Jun 14, 2014 - 08:59am PT
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RVP was impressive. The Dutch are contenders for sure. Looking forward to see what the Dutch coach can do for Man Utd. next year. I just read that the W Cup is the largest event in the world. I am in heaven for the next month of games.
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climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 14, 2014 - 10:01am PT
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Yeah James, there have been rumors of Robben going to Man U, but I hope Bayern doesn't sell him. It is fun to watch he and RVP play together though.
Reilly, how do you feel about the ex-Gunner?
Greece might be vulnerable to the counter, but they are looking like the better team even though they are down.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 14, 2014 - 10:06am PT
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Justin, being a Gunner fan I was horrified at van Persie's treachery, to put it mildly.
But I'm more of an Orange fan so all is forgiven. ;-)
Greece has my respect at halftime. They've just not finished. Colombia is
showing commendable discipline on defense with just the couple of lapses.
That was a huge save by Ospina. Dare I say un Ospinazo? Always been a
Cafetero fan and they've certainly solidified and even flourished under
Perkerman. Props to the Yanqui ref for ignoring most of the dives on both sides.
edit:
TEOAZO!!!!!!!!!!!
edit2:
PALOTAZO!!!!!
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this just in
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 14, 2014 - 10:24am PT
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Edit 3 gekas, damn that was close.
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Social climber
SLO, Ca
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Jun 14, 2014 - 10:33am PT
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Credit to the Greek player who said there was no foul when he went down in the box. Greece has had its chances. Pretty entertaining game.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 14, 2014 - 10:53am PT
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we're up next. have to go for a walk to calm my nerves. Vamos Sele!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 14, 2014 - 11:11am PT
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Little Z, buena suerte, yer gonna need it!
Mio balo cristal me está mostrando la cara de Diego Forlan. ;-)
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 14, 2014 - 11:22am PT
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I've given the Netherlands win / Spain loss from yesterday some thought. I can't tell how much it was a Spainish failure and how much it was Netherlands teamwork, patience, domination and composure. But then again, maybe Netherlands only looked good in comparison to a better team failing to show teamwork.
Either way there were several moments during this game I saw a flawless Netherlands teamwork that seemed to border on telepathic in its execution.
Great Game Netherlands!!
With the triple threat of Robben, Sneider and Van Persie making this a force rarely seen in soccer history this could only be a flash in the pan as Robben and Van Persie have how much time left at this level of play?
Nevertheless, a great game exhibited by one exceptional team to dominate over another perceived world dominant team in Spain for the win.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 14, 2014 - 11:48am PT
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yes Reilly, the future for Costa Rica in the 2014 world cup is almost written in stone. Ever since they wound up in the real group of death. They have to play 3 ex-world cup champs, 3 teams currently ranked in the top 10.
We've seen Forlan before when Uruguay bumped Costa Rica out of the 2010 world cup in the malos contra peores play-off round. Maybe we'll get some revenge, Netherlands style!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 14, 2014 - 01:04pm PT
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Memo a Los Ticos: No se permiten 'tackling'.
I see why Navas works at Levante FC, the dood is muy excelente!
Second half could be interesting if the Ticos can get another midfielder
or two forward a few times and not make such speculative plays.
And although I like the English announcers ESPN/ABC has hired I don't
understand why they can't make an effort to pronounce ferriners' names
properly. This blighter insists on pronouncing Cáceres with the emphasis
on the first 'e'. WTF? There's a bloody accent on the 'a' on his jersey!
I think I'll watch the second half on Univision.
And wazzup with all the empty seats? Sheesh, it's the freaking World Cup!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 14, 2014 - 01:13pm PT
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TICOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOLAZO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahorita tenemos un partido!
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this just in
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 14, 2014 - 01:16pm PT
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Yup! Yes this is the real group of death. Gotta put Suarez in now.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 14, 2014 - 01:17pm PT
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CABEZAZO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 14, 2014 - 01:44pm PT
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TICOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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this just in
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 14, 2014 - 01:44pm PT
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You can celebrate and breath now little Z. Great game by Costa Rica! Three awesome goals.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Jun 14, 2014 - 01:44pm PT
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Oh my!
Looks like Costa Rica deserves this win!
Excellent finishes.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 14, 2014 - 01:58pm PT
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Holy Shit!!!
sorry, I couldn't leave my post until the game was over. There are no words for what this means to this country. Amazing. Better than the wins against Sweden and Scotland in 1990. Wow, one really can dream!
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 14, 2014 - 01:58pm PT
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What a tremendous 2nd half for Costa Rica mastering the angles of futbol vs Uruguay
Ouch red card for Pereira. Replay looks like it was well deserved.
Next up Italy vs England
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Jun 14, 2014 - 01:59pm PT
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Yes, congratulations Costa Rica!!!
Well earned.
Too bad those last few seconds happened.
Italy, England. This is going to be something to see.
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Social climber
SLO, Ca
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Jun 14, 2014 - 02:02pm PT
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Wow!! All three goals were brilliant. Epic second half.
Now on to UK v. Italy-- surely to be a dreary affair.
I am officially watching 12 hours of television on this fine Saturday!!!!
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climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 14, 2014 - 02:04pm PT
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Happy for you little Z. They deserved that win for sure.
I don't really care for either England or Italy, but it should be a good game. Back to chores...
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 14, 2014 - 02:13pm PT
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Being 1/4 English I do care but I love Super Mario. I'd like to see him score
but England to score more. However, I see a 0-0 or 1-1 result looming.
The pitch is supposedly very poor to the point they spray-painted the dead
patches yesterday. Gonna be hot and humid too.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 14, 2014 - 02:51pm PT
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The Manaus venue in the Amazon rainforest will be hot & humid...the players will be soaked in sweat before the game begins. Probably make for a sluggish game. This might slightly favor Italy over England.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 14, 2014 - 04:02pm PT
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Well, that was a far more entertaining half than many expected! England's
new blood is proving most invigorating and Wayno looks re-invigorated.
Now if only Hodgson had the balls to bench Gerrard. Pirlo is amazing and
that Damian lad has some game in him, eh? Loving Ian Darke and Maca - no bullsh1t.
edit:
How the hell do you lose track of Super Mario? Answer: sixes and sevens.
edit 2: How the hell did Rooney miss that? Too much time.
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this just in
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 14, 2014 - 05:17pm PT
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After seeing who England put out there I was wanting them to win. The younger England team is more fun to watch than the old. Gerrard is their anchor Reilly, but he is not as good as Pirlo.
Pirlo is one of the best ever, at first glance you wouldn't even notice him, but afterwards you'll never forget him. A perfect player.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 14, 2014 - 06:03pm PT
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Yeah, Gerrard is an anchor all right, that's why he can't move.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 14, 2014 - 06:13pm PT
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England vs italy - good enough performance from winners Italy, but more surprisingly England missed the wake up call this morning and never recovered the reigns. I would hate to see England dismissed early on.
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Social climber
SLO, Ca
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Jun 14, 2014 - 06:17pm PT
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I was rooting for the Three Lions and have to say Italy was better, though England played well and shows much promise. Pirlo was amazing.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 14, 2014 - 06:30pm PT
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Those players must have lost 5+ lbs during that game. Great match England vs Italy. I thought the best team won. Great goals all 3 of them. SuperMario is a great finisher but doesn't seem to be much of a ball handler...you have to get him the ball near the goal
But I still think this the most spectacular moment of the Cup so far...the flying Dutchman crushing the Spanish defense with this incredible header. The Word Cup...where dynasties go to die.
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climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 14, 2014 - 08:13pm PT
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Jun 14, 2014 - 06:03pm PT
Yeah, Gerrard is an anchor all right, that's why he can't move.
Haha, Gerrard is badass and I know you know this Reilly. Great comment though.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 14, 2014 - 08:14pm PT
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Vive Les Éléphants !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 14, 2014 - 09:34pm PT
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Try a good pub.
Or get Chromecast.
Last resort, find a friend who does have an account with a provider who is willing to share their account info and use a service like WatchABC or WatchESPN iPad APPs.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 14, 2014 - 09:37pm PT
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The Word Cup...where dynasties go to die.
Well...
If you call one WC championship a dynasty, yeah. You have a better case with Uruguay.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 14, 2014 - 10:20pm PT
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In addition to winning the 2010 world cup, Spain shares the record with Brazil for the longest undefeated streak (35)for international matches between 2007-2009. They also won the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships. So I'd say Spain's recent dynasty lasted from 2007 until yesterday when the Dutch, mainly van Persie and Robben, so convincingly exposed the weaknesses in their defense and style of play. But hey, they're not dead yet...they could still make it out of their group.
The last time Uruguay won a world cup was in 1950.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 14, 2014 - 11:38pm PT
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In addition to winning the 2010 world cup, Spain shares the record with Brazil for the longest undefeated streak (35)for international matches between 2007-2009.
That was ended by the USA at the confederations cup, so the streak ended long before the Netherlands match, against a team that is hardly a world power.
They also won the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships. the USA , Brasil, and Argentina weren't eligible for those competitions. They were just neighborhood dust ups. UEFA teams are still looking for their first Cup in The Western Hemisphere.
So I'd say Spain's recent dynasty lasted from 2007 until yesterday when the Dutch, mainly van Persie and Robben, so convincingly exposed the weaknesses in their defense and style of play. you can say it, but the facts are that Spain was exposed long before yesterday. They lost to the USA in the knockout round of a FIFA championship tournament, for god's sake, and in that game Jose Altidore and Clint Dempsey of all people, helped make Capdevilla an ex Spanish National team player. Remember vuvuzuelas?
[Click to View YouTube Video]
I'm not sure it says anything about style of play anyway. It might just say Spain isn't the same team without Puyols, Xavi being 34, Casillas being 33 and both coming off an injury, and Iniesta being 30. Italy looked unbeatable when they won and they kept their players a cycle too long.
But hey, they're not dead yet...they could still make it out of their group . No they aren't, any more than they were after the Confederation's Cup, which along with the WC, is one of only two official FIFA competitions for men.
Spain in fact lost its first match in the last cup against little Switzerland. did you write them off after that match? Did you predict greatness for the Swiss?
The last time Uruguay won a world cup was in 1950.
The USA beat England that year to kill their cup hopes. England still has never beaten the USA in a WC.
Spain didn't win that year. They came in fourth and didn't even qualify for four of the next six cups. Their very best finish other than 1950 was fifth place....ever, until South Africa.
They were in 9th place in 2006.
The USA's highest finish ever was also fourth in 1930.
That record doesn't scream dynasty. Brasil was dynasty.
Uruguay still has two, and they have identical chances to win the next one.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 15, 2014 - 06:40am PT
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Spain has been ranked #1 by FIFA since 2008, I'd say that's a pretty good run. Good points that South American teams don't play in the Euro, but that tournament is definitely worthy. I don't see them continuing their #1 rank after the Cup, but who knows they could still win the damn thing.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 15, 2014 - 07:25am PT
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England need to sit Rooney. That was a great cross for the goal, but otherwise, he was a liability. One of Lallana, AOC or Barkely should start instead. Rooney comes on for Welbeck as a sub.
That said, it was a better, higher-intensity game than what I expected.
Yay for the Ticos. Arsenal should bring Joel Campbell back from loan (and sign Balotelli and Serge Aurier).
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 15, 2014 - 09:04am PT
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Lorenzo: you bring up some good points but as stated above, Spain was ranked #1 since 2008 coming into this world cup. That's 6 years of international dominance. Spain has 1485 pts. Germany is 2nd with 1300 pts.
The ranking is based on the following formula
P = M x I x T x C
M = match won or drawn
I = was the match important? (Friendly vs World Cup)
T= how strong was the opponent? (Based on their ranking)
C= what confederation was the opponent from? (UEFA ranked highest)
Are you saying Uruguay losing to Costa Rica in 2014 is the end of a dynasty that began in 1950? But Spain's international dominance during the last 6 years doesn't rise to the level of dynasty?
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 15, 2014 - 09:55am PT
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Spain has been ranked #1 by FIFA since 2008, I'd say that's a pretty good run. Good points that South American teams don't play in the Euro, but that tournament is definitely worthy. I don't see them continuing their #1 rank after the Cup, but who knows they could still win the damn thing.
It is a good competition but says nothing about standing in the World. And fifa rankings are byzantine and skewed. The current Elo rankings have Brasil, Germany, and the Netherlands all ahead of Spain.
The South American equivalent to the Euros is the Copa America, the oldest such competition. Uruguay has won that competition 15 times. Argentina has won it 12 times and Brasil 8. Uruguay is the current champion, which they won in Argentina in 2011. Neither Brasil nor Argentina finished in the top 4.
Unlike UEFA, COMNEBOL does invite teams from other confederations, though they have never won. The best finish for an outside team was a second place for Mexico.( twice) The USA best record in 1995 was fourth.
In 2011 Spain was invited but declined to attend at the last minute when too many Barça and Real players were tied to their clubs for European club tournaments. They went for money instead of glory. I think Japan is one of the foreign invitees for the next cup. The others are not yet determined. Maybe the Netherlands could accept an invite.
There will be a hundredth anniversary edition in 1916 (Copa panAmericano Centenario) to be held by Combebol in the USA. I wonder if UEFA will ever do that.
And so far in this cup no Euro team has beaten a Western Hemisphere team.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 15, 2014 - 09:58am PT
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Suisse #6 in the world? BwaHaHaHaHa! You've big strong lads, the Ecuador keeper is an
adventure and yer taking short corners? Really? Shaqiri isn't gonna get no damn $50 million
transfer if he keeps puting his crosses in 10 yards beyond his targets. I predict the Suisse
will finally pressure the Ecuador defense and keeper into making a mistake but maybe not two.
Really good commentary by Alejandro Moreno.
Edit:
Ha! That didn't take long! Now Ecuador is in trouble. That defense is really suspect.
I'm impressed with the Uzbek ref so far.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 15, 2014 - 10:54am PT
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Wow, what a finish with two teams going toe to toe.
Curious the network isn't interested in showing the offside possibility. Looked very close
Europe breaks the ice.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 15, 2014 - 10:55am PT
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a missed opportunity at one end of the pitch leads to an opportunity at the other...
Switzerland 2 Ecuador 1
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 15, 2014 - 10:59am PT
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Major kudos to the Uzbek ref for letting play continue!
A pity Seferovic doesn't play for Bosnia.
Why was that stadium barely half full on such a gorgeous day?
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 15, 2014 - 11:58am PT
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WTF? I like the French but they can be pretty nutty sometimes...
Domenech is not "the French"
He was nutty when he was their coach.
Is Dennis Rodman " the Americans?"
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 15, 2014 - 12:47pm PT
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Switzerland vs Equador - Proof positive its not over tip its over. Awesome job team Switzerland.
You cannot take your eyes off this game until the final whistle..
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 15, 2014 - 03:59pm PT
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Wow! Lots of own goals this cup too!!!!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 15, 2014 - 04:10pm PT
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Wow, Bosnia is certainly holding their own against Messi & Co.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 15, 2014 - 04:28pm PT
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Looks like Messi ended that concept. Wow!
I'm with Ray Hudson.
Pure naked genius.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 15, 2014 - 05:06pm PT
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Vintage goal by Messi but I thought Bosnia held their own for their 1st WC appearance. If it wasn't for the own goal this match could have been an embarrassing 1-1 tie for Argentina, especially since Bosnia was playing a man down. IMO too many lost balls by Argentina in the midfield during transition. They'll have to improve on this if they want to make it to the final.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 15, 2014 - 08:51pm PT
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Sounds like I missed some good games today and not going to get to watch any games till Friday. F*#king work. Go Germany and USA tomorrow.
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hb81
climber
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Jun 16, 2014 - 11:15am PT
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Damn I laughed so hard when Pepe got sent off... what a f*#king moron.
#2ez4Müller
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 16, 2014 - 11:16am PT
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PEPE found out that sticking your forehead on a player you just fouled isn't a great idea.
Stupidest red card since Beckham in 1998. No word on whether Ronaldo winked.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 16, 2014 - 11:16am PT
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Even if Pepe had been left on the field, Germany
would have dismantled Portugal. Good hat trick by
Mueller.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 16, 2014 - 12:40pm PT
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Pepe's stupidity helps US, especially if US can tie or beat Ghana today.
Did anything happen to Diego Costa for his head butt vs Netherlands...or did it go unpunished?
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 16, 2014 - 12:54pm PT
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Got to watch the first half and Pepe is a dumbass, but what's new? Germany looks strong. Really hope the US can win today.
Crazy no one has tied yet, but Iran and Nigeria might be the firsts.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 16, 2014 - 03:02pm PT
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00:29, way to get down to business. Revenge seems to be the theme here in the early going of this world cup.
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Dapper Dan
Trad climber
Menlo Park
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Jun 16, 2014 - 03:14pm PT
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USA !
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 16, 2014 - 03:21pm PT
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It's not going to be good if the USA has to defend its own 18 all game.
Now Josy is down.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 16, 2014 - 03:22pm PT
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Jozy, say it ain't so...
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 16, 2014 - 03:57pm PT
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Lot of sloppy passing by the US is not helping things. If they'd stop spraying the ball all over the place, the defence would have a little more of a breather.
Still, they should have some good opportunities on the break.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 16, 2014 - 04:07pm PT
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Yes, we're not holding the ball well, but what else is new? I think Johansson coming on is a
good thing; never been a big Altidore fan. I think Brooks could be an improvement also.
Ghana has not impressed me.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 16, 2014 - 04:34pm PT
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This is like watching baby seals get clubbed.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 16, 2014 - 04:57pm PT
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HaHaHaHaHa!
But I was right about Brooks!
Pretty sub-par game by Bradley. Superb game by Jones and Beckerman.
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Roughster
Sport climber
Vacaville, CA
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Jun 16, 2014 - 05:01pm PT
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Wooohooooo!!! That was hair raising exciting!
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Roughster
Sport climber
Vacaville, CA
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Jun 16, 2014 - 05:02pm PT
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Jones was a super hero!
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 16, 2014 - 05:07pm PT
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First USA goal from a sub in a WC, and he got served up by a sub.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 16, 2014 - 05:09pm PT
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I gotta watch the last 20 minutes and I jumped outta my chair. Dempsey's goal was perfect, but that last one was the biggest.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 16, 2014 - 05:29pm PT
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 16, 2014 - 05:54pm PT
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After Portugal's disintigration, . . .
I'M A BELIEVER!!!!!
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Jun 16, 2014 - 06:55pm PT
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I'm not an aficionado but Ghana seemed to dominate except for the score. Does that bode well for the future?
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 16, 2014 - 08:30pm PT
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They're a bit beat up & the competition will only get tougher.
Jermaine Jones is da man! On to Portugal now.
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Osprey
climber
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Jun 16, 2014 - 08:36pm PT
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90+ minutes of determination and 3 points is a great way to start the cup. Sure was a pleasure to watch. Soccer is a kick in the grass.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 16, 2014 - 10:50pm PT
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IMO Netherlands & Germany are the strongest teams so far.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 17, 2014 - 07:42am PT
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I agree even though the sample size is so small. I believe they could face each other in the finals, but it's still to early to predict how they will seed in the knockouts and who they will play. We get to see Belgium today and I'm excited about that.
I guess I'm going for Mexico later.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 17, 2014 - 08:06am PT
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Mexico? Boy, you are a hopeless romantic.
Looking forward to seeing Belge but unsure of how much of a workout Algeria will give them.
Belge 3 Algeria 0. Didn't this Mexican ref make a mess of a game in S Africa?
Brasil 2 Mexico 0. Mexico's best player is a Brasileiro who couldn't make Brasil's practice squad.
Russia 2 S Korea 0
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 17, 2014 - 09:22am PT
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that Mexican ref is known as "Dracula" in the popular press here
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jun 17, 2014 - 09:46am PT
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That was a great result, but Ghana pretty much dictated the game for 80 minutes. They kept the ball in the US end most of the game.
US needs to pass better and keep possession or they are going to have a tough time the rest of the way. Many times they looked a little panicky when clearing their box.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 17, 2014 - 10:01am PT
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Belge has not impressed. Nobody seems to want to run., way too static and no winger play.
Lukaku's few touches have not been quality and their long range cannonades have been poor.
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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Jun 17, 2014 - 10:37am PT
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I think that was the most painful US National Team game that I have seen. 95 minutes of pain with 5 minutes of decent soccer. 8 to 9 guys bunker-ed down playing defense for eternity. I thought Da German was going to bring flair and excitement, "American futball". If that is it he can take it somewhere else.
Not one player was able to hold the ball for more than a few seconds and there was seldom a time where the team could string together more that 3 passes. The very end of the game the team was trying to kill the clock and still no one could hold the ball. WTF.
Yes we did win and an ugly win is still a win. But that was not a great game and it was not inspirational soccer. The only thing the USMNT had over the Iranian National Team was they played offense for 5 minutes. I do not see how people rip one team and say the other team played great.
One guy sitting next to me summed it up best, "this is poverty vs misery".
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pc
climber
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Jun 17, 2014 - 10:45am PT
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I think the game was good practice for the game against Germany. US is going to have to have defense dialed in and we're going to need more than just a few personal defensive heroics to survive. 0-0 would be victory for the ages in that one...
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 17, 2014 - 10:54am PT
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Hey mud, I agree it wasn't pretty and if they play that way vs Portugal or Germany, the USMNT will get whooped.
RE Klinsmann, he was able to do what 2 previous USMNT coaches were unable to do..beat Ghana. Many of the players were hand picked by Jurgen, including Brooks Jr, who scored the winning goal, and Jermaine Jones, who was arguably the best player on the US side.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 17, 2014 - 10:59am PT
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Belge is in for some soul-searching. Witsel and Origi's misses were inexcusable. Vertongen's
foul was beyond stupid. When the game was still tied they looked to only be playing for the
tie. And the reasons why Mertens and Fellaini didn't start are what?
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 17, 2014 - 11:24am PT
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Wow Mertens' goal was outstanding.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 17, 2014 - 11:34am PT
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It will be interesting to see what happens with the US/Portugal game. Portugal is missing a couple important players. And CR7 may be not 100%. But he and Nani will not miss as many chances as the Ghanians did last night.
The US, and specifically Bradley, will have to do better in possession. And while I'm not the world's biggest Landon Donovan fan, without Altidore, we've got a striker problem. Johansson was useless last night. And Wondolowski isn't really a possession type striker either.
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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Jun 17, 2014 - 11:59am PT
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yeah, not a Donovan fan but after watching that game it became very apparent that he is the only player we have that can carry and protect the ball. Dempsey can carry the ball only when attacking the goal.
We won that was the only positive from that game. The corner set piece was well rehearsed and well played. I think Brooks scored because of all the trash I have been talking about him, that and he got that one good defensive save at the end of the game. But in many games he has been a liability because he lacks speed and technique. Bedoya over Donovan really?
But, man that was painful to watch. With 30 minutes left I could not help but think; we have to watch this for 30 more minutes?!
I would rather have Pia as a coach!
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 17, 2014 - 01:44pm PT
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I would rather have Pia as a coach!
me too! I hear she's a strict disciplinarian
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this just in
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 17, 2014 - 01:58pm PT
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Mexico played great, Ochoa deserved a win but earned their point for them. Brasil isn't looking good.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 17, 2014 - 02:06pm PT
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Brasil sucks! How did Thiago Silva miss that header? He put it right into Ochoa's chest!
Lucky for Brasil Mexicans can't shoot.
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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Jun 17, 2014 - 02:40pm PT
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Not the Pia I was thinking of but, let's go with that.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 17, 2014 - 03:12pm PT
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I thought Bradley was "a player who could carry and protect the ball" but he sure didn't show it vs Ghana. If Altidore hadn't pulled his hamstring, the US might not have been so painful to watch.
My guess is that the game plan vs Portugal will be score early on a set play and then play defense...park the bus in front of the goal. If Germany beats Ghana & US ties or beats Portugal, Germany will probably not put much effort into the match vs US to save their players for the next round.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 17, 2014 - 03:42pm PT
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To be fair, Bradley had to go a lot more on the defensive, and athletically, we have NEVER matched up to Ghana. Bradley still completed more passes than any other player on the team, something folks have chosen not to notice.
And his heat maps show have hustled all over the files more than any other player. Even when you think he is bad he is doing a lot.
Here is hoping he can spend more time in the front half, but don't count on it against Portugal. Organized defence is still the key.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 17, 2014 - 03:49pm PT
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You just saw the best goalkeeping effort against Brasil since Kasey Keller shut down Romario in like 1998 or so. Give Ochoa his props. He was amazing.
[Click to View YouTube Video]
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pc
climber
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Jun 17, 2014 - 04:04pm PT
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speaking of Portugal's CR and Nani...I thought they had horrible chemistry. Almost seemed like Nani purposely avoided or f*#ked up passes to CR. Not what i expected
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 17, 2014 - 04:30pm PT
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I just heard Lev Yashin roll over in his grave.
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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Jun 17, 2014 - 04:37pm PT
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Ochoa was Awesome
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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Jun 17, 2014 - 05:06pm PT
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Beating Brazil in the Gold Cup was huge we only got in because Canada could not make it for some reason (we failed to qualify). This was probably Coach Samson's biggest win. Who would have thought we could beat Brazil with this line up ( I think the answer is, Keller did ) I always liked Preki that guy had attitude.
USA: 18-Kasey Keller; 12-Jeff Agoos, 4-Mike Burns, 22-Alexi Lalas, 3-Eddie Pope; 2-Frankie Hejduk, 6-John Harkes, 13-Cobi Jones, 9-Joe-Max Moore, 11-Eric Wynalda (20-Brian McBride, 81), 7-Roy Wegerle (14-Preki Radosavljevic, 60)
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 17, 2014 - 05:28pm PT
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Putin will send Igor Akinfeev to the Gulag
Edit: or maybe fix him a Polonium tea
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Climberdude
Trad climber
Fresno, CA
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Jun 17, 2014 - 05:42pm PT
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I wish Korea had won against Russia instead of tied.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 17, 2014 - 08:51pm PT
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Just watched Brazil vs Mexico. That's one of the most exciting 0-0
ties I've ever seen. A tremendous performance by Ochoa. What a psychological
boost for Mexico. That save at 86 min of Diego Silva's header
on the set play was incredible.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 17, 2014 - 08:59pm PT
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Ochoa made himself a lot of money today. He is unsigned for next season. That was a fun game to watch.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 17, 2014 - 09:07pm PT
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He made one good save, the rest were quite pedestrian. He's no Yashin or Keller.
But some dopey team will overpay for his services next year.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 17, 2014 - 09:15pm PT
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More like one amazing save and three great ones. Ask Russia about pedestrian saves.
This cup has had a lot of straight forward games take a turn. Hard to predict.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 17, 2014 - 09:27pm PT
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C'mon Reilly, in addition to Ochoa's save in
the 86 min, there were half dozen saves, including Neymar's shot in
the 1st half, that were spectacular.
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jun 17, 2014 - 09:35pm PT
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One game in is too small a sample size to draw any conclusions at all, but don't let that stop you 'cuz it isn't going to stop me. That's what being a fan is all about! That said, I can't possibly buy the beginning for teams from our weakass region. Can anyone really make a case for Mexico, Costa Rica or the U.S.A. doing squat in this tournament despite their openers?
Really?
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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Jun 17, 2014 - 09:56pm PT
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If you had asked me two weeks ago I would have said no team from our region really belonged the competition, especially Mexico. I am not a fan of Mexico in any way considering the rivalry between our two teams. But, Mexico has played with heart in both of their matches. Ochoa was Awesome and made several top notch saves. He has a rep in the Mexican league for a reason.
Mexico is not a top team but they are not letting that stop them and unlike the US their games have been exciting to watch and no one can say they are sitting back hoping something good happens. Mexico may have backed into the tourney but they are going for it.
Costa Rica did the unexpected against Uruguay the highest ranked team in their bracket by going out and attacking and not letting up. England and Italy had better not take them lightly because I suspect Costa Rica will take it to them.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 17, 2014 - 10:11pm PT
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I'm sorry, I forgot he made two good saves.
But they were spectacular
for a midget.
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pc
climber
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Jun 17, 2014 - 10:18pm PT
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You're really quite the knowledge base Reilly. I'm not sure we need to watch any more of the games. You can just tell us how it'll all turn out.
I personally could care less about any of the results. I just want to see beautiful passing and plays.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 18, 2014 - 08:02am PT
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Hey, pc, thanks! BwaHaHaHaHa! I am aware though that I'm not spouting data,
just an opinion, and I think my tongue hurts a little, too. ;-)
But who wants some action on whether Ochoa gets picked up by any team in the
top ten of Serie A, La Liga, the Bundesliga, or the Prem? $20? $30?
And I have played some in goal...
in the NCAA Division 1 playoffs. No big, though, I do realize that, too.
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pc
climber
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Jun 18, 2014 - 08:14am PT
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No worries Reilly...What school'd you play NCAA for? I grew up playing hockey, didn't play in even a semi organized soccer game until last year @ 48yo. But man, have I become a fan of the sport over the past couple decades...Wish I'd played soccer instead of strapping on blades as a kid. Alas, Canada had/has a crap youth soccer program.
A boost in salary at least for Ochoa, wherever he lands...
Cheers,
pc
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 18, 2014 - 08:19am PT
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Reilly is just bummed that Ochoa has prettier hair than himself and Ochoa really messed up his prediction.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 18, 2014 - 08:38am PT
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Justin, now you've gone just an eensie bit too far, my fiend. IMHO, it was
Maxi and Rafa who allowed him to be the hero. Those guys were studs, too.
Brasil looked like they'd never played together before - no fluidity and,
aside from Marcelo and Neymar, not a lot of passion, either. Oscar and
Paulinho were like statues on wheels.
pc, I played for the U of Washington, a small online college in Seattle.
I majored in alpine trundling and trash talking.
So, who else likes Chile against Los Gachupines today?
I'm also giving 4 goals to the Sockeroos, by halftime. And at least at
halftime we'll be able to watch a Kia ad or two.
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nopantsben
climber
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Jun 18, 2014 - 08:46am PT
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which TV website streams live in Italy? Does anyone know? I am there and can't seem to figure it out. stoopit.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 18, 2014 - 08:49am PT
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I think you are underestimating the Aussies. They will win 10-0.
I'm goin for Chile, the Dutch, and Croatia today.
Watchespn app nopants, edit: in Italy I have no idea.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 18, 2014 - 09:27am PT
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And I have played some in goal...
in the NCAA Division 1 playoffs. No big, though, I do realize that, too.
You are making a comparison sort of like your climbing Royal Arches to some guy free soloing Astroman or Half Dome.
Dude. Ochoa just stuffed Brasil in the World Cup. There aren't many of the most famous keepers on the planet who can say that. I'm tempted to take your money on the contract bet. Players who do well in the World Cup get contracts and he is doing very well. He now has two shutouts.
I played some in goal, too. In two sports, Lacrosse and Soccer. I should have never raised my hand when the coach asked if anybody had played keeper before.
I can't claim they were NCAA a sports, though. That was before the ncaa governed them. Soccer was played with a fresh goat's head then. ;)
It's interesting that Mexico has the most wins against Brasil in the new millennium (now 6-4-2)
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Jun 18, 2014 - 09:28am PT
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I think some of the officiating has been poor. That needs to improve.
But I think the worse was the semi-final of France versus West Germany in Seville at the 1982 WC. Toni Schumacher should have not only been sent off but charged with grievous bodily harm for his assault on Patrick Battiston. The refs totally messed that one up. I was in the stands at that end of the pitch/stadium - Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán - couldn't believe it.
Watched the highlights when we returned to Madrid, still could not believe it how Schumacher got away with a blatant assault, not foul, IMO.
So, Italy (a hot Paolo Rossi, coming off a two-year suspension, made the difference to Italy, especially against Brazil). But France was the best team, overall. IMO.
While I had a 103 degree fever (acute bronchitis) I was in the Bernabéu among Italian fans. The partying in the Plaza Mayor after the match was incredible, even the German fans were joining in
This World Cup, some of the ref decisions are appalling, but then you also have spoiled millionaire players cheating, diving, trying to get opposition players sent off. etc. That's modern football, unfortunately.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 18, 2014 - 09:34am PT
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Not even close. By far the worst officiated game in the World Cup was the 1962 Battle of Santiago between Chile and Italy.
Ken Aston was the ref. He's the fellow who later introduced the use of cards into the game.
And the first Cup had a couple games where legs were broken on challenges with no calls made. That was before subs were allowed.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 18, 2014 - 09:35am PT
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Australia vs Netherlands - Odds favor Netherlands - Netherlands have defensively held Spain to 1 and offensively tapped Spain 5 times with seeming ease.
I just watched one of the best goals of the world cup with the Cahill goal in short order after Netherlands opens the scoring.
Proud moment in sports that is. You don't have to be Aussie to understand.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Jun 18, 2014 - 09:55am PT
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I'm sorry, I forgot he made two good saves.
But they were spectacular
for a midget.
Those of us who watch soccer games exactly once every 4 years need some more of Reilly's wisdom--he seems to be the only person here who knows anything about it.
Can you explain the midget reference? I love laughing at short people as much as the rest of us, but I see the guy's like 6' tall. Is that super short for a goalie?
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 18, 2014 - 09:57am PT
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Yeah Jingy, what a goal. Slow motion was cool to watch the technique, unreal. Australia has outplayed them so far.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 18, 2014 - 10:12am PT
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Holy shit!!!
Hand ball
Australia just got a step up.
F*#king awesome
.....
But then again there is Van Persie....
Great game Australia!!!! You haven't lost, you have played greatly, thank you
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jun 18, 2014 - 10:18am PT
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Ref'ing is really poor today!
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 18, 2014 - 11:05am PT
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Australia played much better than the Dutch today.
DePuy's goal should've been stopped. . .
Go Spain!!!!
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Jun 18, 2014 - 11:11am PT
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Yeah too bad, the Aussies deserved that win but their passing during the second half seemed to inconsistent.
Go Spain indeed!!!
Sure is an interesting WC so far! Way better than I was expecting.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 18, 2014 - 11:11am PT
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That was a pretty entertaining game, and a very good volley from Cahill. The Aussies had a number of good chances they didn't take. Would have liked to have seen them at least draw, as I think they deserved it.
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Jun 18, 2014 - 12:07pm PT
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I agree and disagree Lorenzo, Yes that 1962 match was scandalous, but Schumacher did decide to stop Battiston at all costs. Broken jaw, knocked out teeth, knocked unconscious, hospital. Schumacher knew what he was doing. I was there and I have watched the replays a number of times.
And in the early days it was a rough and tumble game, no doubt about it, not that I condone it, at all, by far. But are you comparing decades? The sport did move on over the years, the decades, but by how much? Now it is run by (in many leagues) blazer-wearing bureaucrats, with pampered rich players.
The average journeyman in the English Premier League earns more in ONE WEEK than the average British person does in a year (Source: Deloitte Touche; The Professional Footballers Association; and also Professor Chris Brady, of the BPP Business School).
And yes, if you want (I'd rather not go down that road) we can talk NBA, NFL, MLB… the same goes in those sports. Rugby is sort of going the same way.
I know my football. I played semi-pro in California, France, Ireland and England, and at university in California. I tried to be a pro in Europe, but going over at 26 was not helpful.
All in all, I gave up much of my first love, climbing, in the 1980s, pursuing a useless dream. "You Americans can't play football." How many time did I hear that.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 18, 2014 - 12:22pm PT
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what is happening to Spain?
Unselfish play gains results for Chile. Bravo
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jun 18, 2014 - 12:51pm PT
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Spain looks totally flat. A different team better come out for the 2nd
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 18, 2014 - 12:52pm PT
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what is happening to Spain?
Chile tiene hambre y Los Gachupines ya no lo tiene.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 18, 2014 - 12:57pm PT
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Spain looks OUT!
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 18, 2014 - 01:05pm PT
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Who would have thought we could beat Brazil with this line up ( I think the answer is, Keller did ) I always liked Preki that guy had attitude.
USA: 18-Kasey Keller; 12-Jeff Agoos, 4-Mike Burns, 22-Alexi Lalas, 3-Eddie Pope; 2-Frankie Hejduk, 6-John Harkes, 13-Cobi Jones, 9-Joe-Max Moore, 11-Eric Wynalda (20-Brian McBride, 81), 7-Roy Wegerle (14-Preki Radosavljevic, 60)
The official lineup was Keller and some other guys....
Lalas played the quintiscential matador defence.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 18, 2014 - 01:10pm PT
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45 minutos para salvar a Espana
Edit: Tiki-taka murio hoy
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 18, 2014 - 01:40pm PT
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Can anyone really make a case for Mexico, Costa Rica or the U.S.A. doing squat in this tournament despite their openers?
If any of those teams gets to the quarters it would be huge, but CONCACAF is doing better than UEFA so far. Can you make a case for a Spain getting out of the group stage? I bet you didn't predict they would get stuffed.
That's why they play.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 18, 2014 - 02:00pm PT
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Yowza. Not only is Spain out, but they basically looked terrible going out. Outscored 7-1. You could have gotten some pretty big odds on that.
And they really did look bad. Costa was useless, the defense not particularly good, and should have played De Gea instead of Casillas.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 18, 2014 - 03:17pm PT
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And they really did look bad. Costa was useless, the defense not particularly good, and should have played De Gea instead of Casillas
 agreed, in hindsight. I would have liked a different outcome for Spain.
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jun 18, 2014 - 04:07pm PT
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Lorenzo, I completely agree. That's why they play the games...and that's why we watch them!
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 18, 2014 - 05:00pm PT
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Croatia vs Mexico should be a great match up
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 18, 2014 - 09:53pm PT
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Yes that 1962 match was scandalous, but Schumacher did decide to stop Battiston at all costs. Broken jaw, knocked out teeth, knocked unconscious, hospital. Schumacher knew what he was doing. Well, sure, it was an awful foul. About on par with the elbow that Leonardo threw that broke tab Ramos' skull in 1994 and sent him to the hospital for 7 months. That it didn't get an ejection is as shocking as deJong not getting a red card from Howard Webb last cup
[Click to View YouTube Video]
But the battle of Santiago had at least 9 incidents of punches being thrown in all out brawls (not to mention a couple head hunting fouls that matched Shumacher's) and Ken Aston only managed to see two of them, apparently.
Then he walked off the field to leave the two teams to brawl.
[Click to View YouTube Video]
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Jun 19, 2014 - 01:22am PT
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Points taken Lorenzo. I concur with your above ^^^ post.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 19, 2014 - 08:52am PT
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Colombia/Cote d'Ivoire is gonna be another barn burner. Love 'em both and will feel for either loser.
I've long said Drogba ranks as one of the best all time if measured by the quality of his touches.
I suppose a draw would be acceptable but I don't see that happening with these sides. Les Éléphants have more incentive to win as a draw would put them second and likely to face, well,
whoever wins Group D.
Colombia 3 Cote d'Ivoire 2
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 19, 2014 - 08:59am PT
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All three games should be good today.
I don't care how old Drogba is, he should be starting.
The first day I don't care who wins in each match. I liked how England played, but would like to see more of Uruguay with Suarez playing.
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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Jun 19, 2014 - 09:10am PT
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That 94 match is one of the reasons I will never be a Brasil fan. Ramos marked Leanardo out the game. Ramos was causing all kinds of havoc for thier offense and that skull crack was a result of total frustration and that fact that Brasil never got any kind of penalty illustrated how much Brasil is favored by FIFA and refereeing. Ramos never really came back from that head injury and he was arguably the best player to every suit up for the UNMNT.
This was once again on display this year during the Croatia vs Brasil match. Brasil has had some good years but without the constant favoritism in calls or non-calls they are average. With Mexico that yellow card tackle by Silva really should have been a red since it was a scissors tackle and from behind which was out right banned a decade ago and Silva was arguably the only defender between Chicharito and the goal. I do not like Chicharito or Mexico but that could very easily have been a career ending tackle.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 19, 2014 - 10:10am PT
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Admirable defensive discipline by Les Elephants but Serey was close to letting his emotions run away from him. Les Elephants have had the better buildups but very poor last touches to the point of carelessness plus they are not running into space off the ball. Toure looks lackadaisical.
Time for Didier!
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jun 19, 2014 - 10:26am PT
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That was a rocket from Columbia. Right through the keeps hand.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 19, 2014 - 11:32am PT
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Exciting game from Columbia and Ivory Coast. End to end
action, too bad there had to be a loser there. . .
I'm knot expecting much from England or Uruguay. . .
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 19, 2014 - 01:30pm PT
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WOW Suarez made that look too easy
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Jun 19, 2014 - 01:33pm PT
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ok everyone, England just equalized, this will be an exciting conclusion cuz loser is finished
Edit--so this is the first game I've watched much of-it's somewhat entertaining, but Largo is right about the diving, def a bunch of sissies out there
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 19, 2014 - 02:02pm PT
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looks like Suarez is in an offside position when the midfielder heads the ball on that last goal
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 19, 2014 - 02:20pm PT
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It was Gerrard's head. So no offside.
Once again a below par England. And while Rooney finally scored, I still wasn't too impressed by much of anything he did beyond his level of effort. Gerrard was worse yet. Launched bunch of balls straight out of bounds late in the game instead of trying to play them into the middle.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 19, 2014 - 02:23pm PT
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Suarez was not offside because it was Gerrard who assisted on the goal, not a team mate.
In fact he could have been in an offside position and received the ball legally via a goal kick.
Edit: stevep, you were offside with the explanation! :-)
Ps
When the game started I said the Spanish ref was gonna favor the Uruguayans which he
certainly did by not sending Godin off.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 19, 2014 - 02:31pm PT
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judging by the replay it looks like the Uruguayan midfielder heads the ball not Gerrard
In fact he could have been in an offside position and received the ball legally via a goal kick.
But only if a teammate doesn't touch the ball on the way...correct?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 19, 2014 - 05:13pm PT
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Correct. Steve McManaman thought it came off of Gerrard. More to the point, what the hell
was Cahill thinking? You're the last man standing and you don't have a leash on Suarez?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 19, 2014 - 05:29pm PT
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Moosie, you ever been hit where the sun shouldn't shine by a free kick from 10 yards?
It can be life changing. ;-)
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 19, 2014 - 06:50pm PT
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You mean you haven't wondered why the TSA body scanner agents were snickering?
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 19, 2014 - 09:48pm PT
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How does Japan have a man advantage for an
entire half and can't score a goal??????
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 19, 2014 - 10:03pm PT
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Lack of height and creativity?
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The Guy
Trad climber
Portland, OR
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Jun 19, 2014 - 10:14pm PT
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I love futbol on Supertopo! Go Mexico! Looks like the predictions at the start aren't really panning out. It's really anybody's game as of today.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 20, 2014 - 12:38am PT
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Ps
When the game started I said the Spanish ref was gonna favor the Uruguayans which he
certainly did by not sending Godin off.
Leave it to a Brit fan to claim a a South American team has a UEFA ref in their pocket. I thought having refs from a confederation of only one team was a thing of the past since 1966 and the robo del siglo. I thought they are supposed to be from a neutral confederation?
Did you also predict the ref would ignore a Welbeck studs up straight leg challenge to the Keeper's knee and that Sturridge would knock a guy out with his knee without even a yellow card?
Just be happy Rooney finally got his goal. It should be compensation for getting sent off for stomping a guy in the groin in a previous cup. England just wasn't very good, and it might be time for Gerrard to call it quits. Jamielka let a midget beat him on a ball in the air. Cahill might as well have been in the stands on the midget's second goal.
Somebody should tell Joe Hart that laying down is not an effective way to make yourself bigger.
Ian Dark made a big deal about the Uruguayan challenge but was totally mum on the two Brit transgressions. Hardly neutral.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 20, 2014 - 08:54am PT
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Well, the only way anyone could be neutral during the World Cup would be
to become a eunuch.
IT'S TIME FOR SOME FUTBOL!
[Click to View YouTube Video]
GO TICOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Prandelli is an idiot for putting Buffon back in. That kid is way better.
edit: Buffon looked the doddering fool on that first corner.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 20, 2014 - 09:09am PT
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here we go again,
the whole country has been living in a euphoric dream since the Uruguay game. We'll probably get the proverbial wake-up call but it has been an amazing atmosphere here. I've never seen a whole country taken over by a sport. Never lived anything like this in the US. And this is just for having won one game. It was 24 years ago today, in Italy, that Costa Rica won 2-1 against Sweden and qualified for their only trip to the sudden death rounds in a World Cup. Are the stars aligned again?
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Jun 20, 2014 - 09:51am PT
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That was huge!
What a killer cross and header.
Congratulations Costa Rica!! and especially after that "nofoul"
I sure hope they keep it going during the second half...
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 20, 2014 - 09:51am PT
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COSTA RICA LITTLE Z!!!!!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 20, 2014 - 09:58am PT
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Los Ticos got NO Respect! BwaHaHaHaHa!
It should be 2-0, no question.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 20, 2014 - 10:03am PT
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Yay Ticos. That should have been a penalty.
And Lorenzo, I'm not sure how you compare Welbeck's slide to the two deliberate fouls by Godin. Welbeck went after a pretty much 50/50 ball with the keeper. He was single-footed and his foot was not in the air. I'm sure it hurt the keeper to get hit in the kneecap, but I don't think you can really call that a foul, unless you want to prohibit sliding tackles completely.
I don't know that the ref was biased there. He just made a bad decision not carding Godin. Just as the ref in today's game made a bad decision in not awarding the pen. It happens. England might have won had Godin been sent off, but not sure they would have deserved it given how they played.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 20, 2014 - 10:09am PT
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And Lorenzo, I'm not sure how you compare Welbeck's slide to the two deliberate fouls by Godin. Welbeck went after a pretty much 50/50 ball with the keeper.
A studs up straight leg challenge is a straight red card in the Spanish league every time, especially when it is to a keeper. Somehow the ref decides it's ok when it is a UEFA team against Uruguay. Welbeck didn't even get ball, so it wasn't 50-50. And look at his eyes. He's eyeballing the knee.
That he was going for a 50-50 ball means nothing. The laws of the game talk about reckless challenges, not 50-50 balls.
And steamrolling a guy and knocking him out is the very definition of reckless disregard for an opponent, isn't it? It certainly meets the excessive force test.
Careless, reckless, using excessive force
“Careless” means that the player has shown a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or that he acted without precaution.
• No further disciplinary sanction is needed if a foul is judged to be careless
“Reckless” means that the player has acted with complete disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, his opponent.
A player who plays in a reckless manner must be cautioned
“Using excessive force” means that the player has far exceeded the necessary use of force and is in danger of injuring his opponent.
• A player who uses excessive force must be sent off
I submit both england fouls met the requirement for send off.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Jun 20, 2014 - 10:55am PT
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Unfrickenbelievable!
Super cool for Costa Rica!!!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 20, 2014 - 10:57am PT
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Little Z, I'm buying my ticket to come down for the Partay! Woo Hoo!
Suisse/France should be good. Given the makeup of Les Bleus I think they
should change their name to Les Banlieues, n'est ce pas?
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 20, 2014 - 11:06am PT
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I wish I actually knew something about the game. Sure looked like Costa Rica deserved to win. Bueno, que sigue la locura!
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 20, 2014 - 11:10am PT
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The one on the goalie was a judgment call. I don't think it was particularly reckless. As you say, it was studs up. Sometimes those are called sometimes not.
Not sure what you're on about with the other one. It wasn't even called a foul. The Uruguyan player slid in front of the English player as the English player cut back with the ball. The knee did hit the head, but it was completely inadvertent. Yes it resulted in a knockout, but that doesn't somehow make it a foul. The problem with that one was that the ref and FIFA doc should not have allowed that player to continue after losing consciousness.
Big congrats to Costa Rica. Anyone who bet that Costa Rica would be through and England and Spain would be out after two games could have gotten astronomical odds on that.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 20, 2014 - 11:20am PT
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Does that mean those "Pretentious Pricks" go home?
You mean England? ;) yeah. They are done with this result.
Italy still has a very slim chance, I think.
I wonder what Giusseppe Rossi thinks about his choice to play for Italy. He doesn't make the team for two cycles and they bomb out anyway both times.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 20, 2014 - 11:24am PT
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Not sure what you're on about with the other one. It wasn't even called a foul.
That's what I'm on about. He fouled the guy, was late to the ball, and knocked him out in the aftermath. Clear send off. Not great evidence for the ref favoring Uruguay.
And if the Welbeck call is sometimes a send off and sometimes not, Ian Dark should have mentioned that fact, not carp for an hour about another call.
He might have said how lucky Welbeck was not to get canned.
The original assertion here was that the Spanish ref favored Uruguay.
Total bullsh#t.
I'm on more about the assertion the somehow England got shafted in some sort of Latin conspiracy. England just isn't good. This isn't the heyday of their side. The FA needs to address why England isn't producing players anymore.
They can start with how the premier league isn't helping English players.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 20, 2014 - 11:32am PT
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Lorenzo, when Welbeck went for the ball it was not in Muslera's hands. It
is not reckless to try and score a goal in the World Cup. Purposely swinging
your forearm into your opponents throat is far more egregious. But Uruguay
made the most of their chances and that's what counts.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 20, 2014 - 11:48am PT
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Lorenzo, when Welbeck went for the ball it was not in Muslera's hands. It
is not reckless to try and score a goal in the World Cup. Purposely swinging
your forearm into your opponents throat is far more egregious. But Uruguay
made the most of their chances and that's what counts.
He went is straight leg and studs up. Never ok. Period.
In South America that's called la plancha ( the steam iron) and that's what it feels like. Try that in a league down there and you'll be in a brawl.
A few years ago the Italian Supreme Court ruled it outside the realm of Sport and held a player criminally liable for breaking a jaw.
Not any more respectful of the opponent that the foul you want to keep bringing up.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 20, 2014 - 11:50am PT
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That's what I'm on about. He fouled the guy, was late to the ball, and knocked him out in the aftermath. Clear send off. Not great evidence for the ref favoring Uruguay.
Lorenzo, I agree with you on the ref.
But you must have been watching a different play above. Sterling had the ball, went by one guy in the corner and was cutting back inside. The Uruguay player went sliding in, nearly tripped Sterling, and got conked in the head as Sterling went by. Never going to be a foul on Sterling.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 20, 2014 - 12:27pm PT
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Here's the real story on Uruguay v England.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 20, 2014 - 12:47pm PT
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Will be interesting to see if France is actually as good as they are appearing right now, or if it is just that they are in a weak group.
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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Jun 20, 2014 - 12:48pm PT
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I predict the Spurs in 5.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Jun 20, 2014 - 01:19pm PT
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. . .
Italy still has a very slim chance, I think.
I wonder what Giusseppe Rossi thinks about his choice to play for Italy. He doesn't make the team for two cycles and they bomb out anyway both times.
The above poster is confused.
It's Italy v. Uruguay next game, winner moves on, loser goes home with England, and if it's a tie, Italy moves on b/c it has a better goal differential.
In light of the large number of ties, Italy still has excellent prospects.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 20, 2014 - 01:35pm PT
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France may actually be better without Ribery. Less focus on playing through him and more open.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 20, 2014 - 02:05pm PT
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I predict the Spurs in 5.
Sure you did...
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 20, 2014 - 02:20pm PT
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It's Italy v. Uruguay next game, winner moves on, loser goes home with England, and if it's a tie, Italy moves on b/c it has a better goal differential.
The match between them will probably decide, but they are currently tied in the first tiebreaker ( goal differential) at three.
The second tiebreaker is goals scored. Uruguay leads with Three goals to two.
Italy has to win. Uruguay has to tie or win.
From the organizing rules:
5. The ranking of each team in each group shall be determined as follows: a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;
b) goal difference in all group matches;
c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.
If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings shall be determined as follows:
d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
e) goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
f) greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned;
g) drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 20, 2014 - 02:26pm PT
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Italy goal differential is 0. Uruguay is -1.
Italy goes thru on tie.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 20, 2014 - 02:30pm PT
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Achh. Yup. I got the columns mixed scrolling on my phone.
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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Jun 20, 2014 - 03:13pm PT
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I predict the Spurs in 5.
Sure you did...
I never said I did, I just said I was predicting it now.
I can see backwards really well. :o)
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jun 20, 2014 - 03:22pm PT
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Achh. Yup. I got the columns mixed scrolling on my phone.
I must be getting columns mixed up while scrolling as well, because on my phone it shows four Concacaf teams headed for the knock-out rounds if Honduras wins today.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Jun 20, 2014 - 03:32pm PT
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I must be getting columns mixed up while scrolling as well, because on my phone it shows four Concacaf teams headed for the knock-out rounds if Honduras wins today.
Hmmm, I should probably shut up as I don't much about this and was basically parroting what I read in the news (although it did seem eminently logical).
I'm sure we all hope there is actually a winner between Italy and Uruguay instead of using some BS goal differential.
Sure seems like it would be a lot more exciting if they went to overtime, with or without sudden death, and/or even used the ol' shootout, rather than deciding by goal differential and then other statistics.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 20, 2014 - 03:36pm PT
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Honduras finally breaks it's world cup goaless streak.
First words in celebration out of Costly's mouth... "Amo a mi país" (I love my country).
This is so much more than a game (sorry, I know I'm preaching to the converted)
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 20, 2014 - 03:36pm PT
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Overtime probably should be used in the last match in the group stage. I'm opposed to it otherwise because it gives the next team an advantage in recovery..
There is overtime in the knockout rounds. And I hate shoot outs all the time. Let teams battle it out no matter how long it takes and reschedule to a minimum number of rest days. Teams shouldn't gain advantage because two other good teams had to battle.
I also don't much like the advantage the home side and teams in that group get in days of rest, though I understand it makes for better game attendance.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 20, 2014 - 04:33pm PT
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I dunno. The argument in favor of goal differential and goals scored is that it encourages teams to score and go for the win, rather than playing for a draw or worse OT and penalties.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 20, 2014 - 06:14pm PT
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Goal differential theoretically favors a balanced game. Goals scored favors offence, but more importantly favors running up the score against weak teams. That's not good theater.
If you are going to set criteria it should be who does well against the opponent. I'd favor head to head as first criteria. If it comes to the last game of group stage, the rules should favor the two teams deciding against each other.
And history shows it is good defence that wins cups in any sport. Statistics show it more deciding than scoring goals. Brasil v Mexico was a thrilling game. That should be taken into account also. Just counting goals for favors a strategy that doesn't win cups.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 21, 2014 - 10:08am PT
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Well, the highlights of the first half of Arg/Iran were:
1 The look on the face of the youngster bolding Messi's hand as they walked out
2 the Iranian keeper talking to his defender and covering his mouth with his hand so nobody
could read his lips?. BwaHaHaHaHaHa!
But I could see that he said - "WATCH #10!!!!!!!!!!"
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jun 21, 2014 - 10:49am PT
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Messi!!!!
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perswig
climber
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Jun 21, 2014 - 11:08am PT
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Much respect for Iran's defense and goal-tending; great to watch.
Dale
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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Jun 21, 2014 - 11:10am PT
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that goal was pretty. defense looked good, Messi just created space and bent it. pretty.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 21, 2014 - 11:32am PT
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Let's hope Ghana doesn't park the bus also.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 21, 2014 - 11:48am PT
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Props to Iran. The rope-a-dope almost worked. That Serb ref really blew it. A second ref
would have been closer to the play.
Argentina has a number of questions. I've been an Higuain fan but he disappointed today. He
looks past his prime. The defense was repeatedly exposed and Belgium will hurt them with
their physicality and quality. I see a Belgium/ Holland semi.
In the other bracket I don't see anything to prevent a Germany/Brasil semi except Colombia
and decent reffing. I'm sure Brasil will get some more very favorable calls.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 21, 2014 - 12:55pm PT
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Viva Messi!!!!
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jun 21, 2014 - 01:00pm PT
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Hope Ghana does well. They are working for it
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perswig
climber
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Jun 21, 2014 - 01:13pm PT
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Whoa, holy counter-punch!
Dale
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 21, 2014 - 01:31pm PT
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Oh, no... what is happening to Germany?
Where did Ghana find the pick to that lock?
There is still time...
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 21, 2014 - 01:33pm PT
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My exact words when Klose came on were "Uh-Oh, he's a killer and I'm sure he has a good 20 minutes in him." He only needed one.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 21, 2014 - 02:10pm PT
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This makes the USA win over Ghana look pretty good.
And it makes Germany look human.
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Anastasia
climber
Home
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Jun 21, 2014 - 02:16pm PT
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Yeah Greece...
12th is not bad for a tiny country that is broke. I am so very proud!
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 21, 2014 - 05:06pm PT
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12th is not bad for a tiny country that is broke. I am so very proud!
Agreed (without passing judgement on an entire nation with respects to it's broken-ness)
I consider any team making it to the World Cup to be of the best no matter how scrappy, or ultra-sleek the team may be.
Cheers Greece!
Let's go US!
Soccer is key
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 21, 2014 - 05:43pm PT
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Heartbreaker for Bosnia which I watched with my Bosnian mate.
Dzeko wasn't even close to being offside! FIFA doesn't want instant
replay because it would impact the retirement prospects of corrupt refs.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 21, 2014 - 05:51pm PT
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Dzeko wasn't even close to being offside! FIFA doesn't want instant
replay because it would impact the retirement prospects of corrupt refs.
Well, no, that's not a reason. The mandatory retirement age is still 45 for a FIFA ref.
Most refs don't make it to that level until 40 or so. That means the average ref gets two cups at most.
Just stick with corruption or incompetence.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 21, 2014 - 05:54pm PT
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Viva Espagna!!!!
You Italian?
That's an alternate spelling in that country. Even that stuffed pasta casserole dish is lasaña in Spain.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 21, 2014 - 06:05pm PT
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Lorenzo, what does it matter at which age one gets bought off?
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 21, 2014 - 06:54pm PT
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Well, as Sepp shows us, you can be bought off at any age.
But the original assertion was that bad decisions would lead to early retirement for referees.
You can't show linkage there, can you?
Koman Coulibaly is still an international referee. He is now 43. He officiated AFC qualifier matches this cycle. ( needed a police escort after a recent match)
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jun 21, 2014 - 07:40pm PT
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Replay review of off sides calls would be a snap, and take no time at all (with that graphics tech they're using on the telecasts), and I'd add replay review of all plays (and lead-up passes) that result in a goal in case clear fouls occurred that the ref missed. But wait, there's more! I'd also add post-match film review and post-match yellows or even reds for clear and obvious flops. The time this would all take during games is far less time than is wasted in flops and fake injuries. And the post-match flop review would put a big dent in flopping as a strategy.
I'm serious, and also a huge fan of the game, not some "they don't score enough" type who'd advocate goals being twice as big or some other crap.
What I'm suggesting doesn't change the beautiful game at all, just the crap that shouldn't be part of this sport (or any sport) to the extent there's a workable solution that leaves the game intact.
In the World Cup format, which I otherwise love and wouldn't change at all, one bad (and easily reversible with replay) call can eliminate a team and that shouldn't be when we've got an easy fix at hand.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 21, 2014 - 07:47pm PT
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We could be like basketball and give two points for a score, three from outside the 18.
One for a PK.
Argentina wins 3-0. See? Lots of scoring.
Problem solved.
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Jun 22, 2014 - 01:39am PT
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Wow, I didn't realize that so many Supertopians knew that much about football.
However, I have an answer, clone an army of Pierluigi Collina's. That guy was just about always spot on.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 22, 2014 - 10:22am PT
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It's futbol.
However, I have an answer, clone an army of Pierluigi Collina's. That guy was just about always spot on. He wasn't without his controversies. Everton fans claim he broke up attacks by Everton by calling trivial fouls against Villareal in a champion's league match, an inventive way to show bias.
And they claim he disallowed a goal by calling a foul on an Everton player when it was he who was fouled.
[Click to View YouTube Video]
But maybe that Villareal had Riquelme and Forlan had something to do with it. He was unstoppable at the time. My Argentina #10 jersey has Riquelme's name on it.
His greatest moment was when Luiggi Moggi, the architect of Italy's referee scandal, was caught on tape saying Pierluigi was incorruptible.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 22, 2014 - 03:07pm PT
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too bad for America... Hopefully they can wake wake up in time to join the game with Portugal.
Late in the half - great save by Howard...
I'm hopeful that in the second America can pull one out
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 22, 2014 - 04:15pm PT
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Bradley has contracted whatever Rooney has. We should be winning this.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 22, 2014 - 04:25pm PT
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HOLLLLLLLYYYYYYYY SHIIIIITTTTTT!!!!
JONES!!!!!
THANK YOU
THAT WAS A GOAL OF ABSOLUTE BEAUTY!!!
Goaly was falt footed on that.
AND DEMSEY WINS IT FOR AMERICA!!!!!
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perswig
climber
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Jun 22, 2014 - 04:41pm PT
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Very pretty, and well-earned! They've been banging on the door all game.
Dale
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 22, 2014 - 04:43pm PT
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[quote]They've been banging on the door all game.[/quote
I've been hopeful for a show of force.... thankful we got that]
That was a great game. It sickens me, but I am glad for the outcome and US is still in the world cup.
Not looking good for the next game.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 22, 2014 - 04:55pm PT
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That was Cameron's guy. WTF?
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 22, 2014 - 04:58pm PT
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Hell of a game. USA went toe to toe with Ronaldo & co. Too bad they didn't clinch the match early.
All they have to do is beat or draw with Germany .
All other scenarios involve what the others do.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Jun 22, 2014 - 05:00pm PT
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Unbelievably bad to EVER just give the ball up at the end of the game and lose cover on Renaldo. We have a long aways to go. Great performance, but knucklehead errors cost us that one. Baldy also had easy shots on goals as well. A decent striker puts that in every time. We could easily have won that game 4-1.
Heartbreaker. But glad we pulled a tie.
JL
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 22, 2014 - 05:04pm PT
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Baldy isn't a striker. And he a Jones controlled the midfield. Without him, we aren't in it.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 22, 2014 - 05:14pm PT
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Another sub-par game for Bradley, he's got Rooneyosis I'm afraid. But how
could Beasley let Ronaldo have that much time and space?
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wilbeer
Mountain climber
honeoye falls,ny.greeneck alleghenys
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Jun 22, 2014 - 05:22pm PT
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Hey,were still in it.....
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 22, 2014 - 05:26pm PT
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But how
could Beasley let Ronaldo have that much time and space?
Because he's the left back and Ronaldo scored from the right side?
Yeah, I'm guessing that's part of it.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Jun 22, 2014 - 05:39pm PT
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Making up excuses for us folding at the last moment and missing easy opportunities is not helpful. Champions recognize key moments in any contest, and rise to the occassion. We choked. Not only gave the ball away at the most crrucial point in the game, but blew a cover. The whole American ideal of crushing the opponent, while overblown, was sorely lacking in this pervformance. We settle for these results only if our expectations are low. I expect us to win the group and advance. We have ten times the talent pool as most of those other nations and our youth soccer programs have been strong for goign on twenty years. No excuses. Time to step it up.
That much said, we are still in the hunt. But I'd like to see the JK use some of the younger talent as well. I'm afraid I'd have to bench Beasley and Baldy for the duration. You simply CANNOT give it up like that.
JL
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Osprey
climber
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Jun 22, 2014 - 05:55pm PT
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Something special was just ripped out of me. This group sure is exciting though.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 22, 2014 - 06:11pm PT
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Making up excuses for us folding at the last moment and missing easy opportunities is not helpful. Champions recognize key moments in any contest, and rise to the occassion. We choked. Not only gave the ball away at the most crrucial point in the game, but blew a cover. The whole American ideal of crushing the opponent, while overblown, was sorely lacking in this pervformance. We settle for these results only if our expectations are low. I expect us to win the group and advance. We have ten times the talent pool as most of those other nations and our youth soccer programs have been strong for goign on twenty years. No excuses. Time to step it up.
Spouting off about something you know nothing about isn't all that helpful either. Portugal is the fourth ranked team in the World, a position we have never come close to (well, ok. We were fourth for three months after coming in second in the confederations cup.) . They also have the player who was voted best in the world this year, above even Leo Messi. He's had the award before and was runner up several times. Today he showed why and we still tied. Portugal choked a couple times themselves. The betting line says their chances of getting out of group are now 5%. They need to make up 5 goals even if we lose to Germany. Ghana's chances are better.
A tie with them was huge ( a win, which we almost pulled off would have been better)
It has nothing to do with low expectation. It has to do with realistic expectation. We gained a point and are still in the hunt, which is better than the reigning champion managed, and better than England managed. We still have a better chance of getting out of group than Portugal. We control our fate. They don't. With that tie, we are still second in the group with realistic chances to get out of it.
Nobody Said it wouldn't be at least semi tough.
How many sports championships did you win between valley drug fests that you know so much about being a champion?
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 22, 2014 - 06:27pm PT
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@ESPNStatsInfo: Updated Soccer Power Index odds to advance from Group G: Germany 99.7%, #USMNT 76%, Ghana 19%, Portugal 5%.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jun 22, 2014 - 06:35pm PT
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Got to hold the ball better and not give it up at mid-field. Wish they could have held on a little longer
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Jun 22, 2014 - 07:46pm PT
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Spouting off about something you know nothing about isn't all that helpful either.
Where do you get your information, lorenzo? I opted out of playing pro baseball to go climbing. Competative sports all operate on the same principals. My comments are reflected directly by the commentary on EESPN so take up your beef with them about "know nothing."
Regardles of what the numbers say, I felt we were overall the better team out there today save for some inexperienced fumbling and tragic choking at the crucial moments. My realistic expectations are when a World Cup starter has basically an eight foot shot at an open net, you burry it. Or in the last 30 seconds of a 90 minute game, in stoppage time, your DO NOT give the ball away and defenders glue themselves to anyone near the goal. One, even two of these fatal errors are probably acceptable. But all there amount to a disaster of our own making.
Of coure we are making progress in World Cup play, which is a wonderful thing. But like th man just said, "something great was just ripped out of me" with that loss. We had it, and gve it away.
So it goes in sports sometimes.
JL
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clinker
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, California
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Jun 22, 2014 - 08:08pm PT
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How many sports championships did you win between valley drug fests that you know so much about being a champion?
Lorenzo, cool down. Soak your head in a bucket of ice and gaterade. That will make you feel like a champion. Largo is a legend, one or two steps up from a champion.
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jun 22, 2014 - 08:08pm PT
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Don't disagree with much of anything Largo wrote above except this:
We have ten times the talent pool as most of those other nations and our youth soccer programs have been strong for going on twenty years. No excuses. Time to step it up.
In numbers of kids playing youth soccer, yeah maybe 10 times the number many nations draw from, but in terms of soccer talent to draw from (and not simply number of youth playing the game) we're still way behind. Gaining some, no doubt, and I think this World Cup will help a lot because it's easily the most-watched in history by Americans, more importantly by American kids. But, it's still all too true that our best athletes don't choose soccer, they just don't, and until that changes we will never have the talent pool to draw from that the top dozen countries have. All you really need to do is watch some kids pick-up games in the odd park or vacant lot most anywhere in Europe or Latin America and compare it to pick-up games in the U.S.--if you can find any here. I've coached youth soccer for a decade, and at least where I'm from (San Diego) tens of thousands of kids play in organized leagues but you almost never see a pick-up game anywhere, you just don't. Our kids suffer from too much organized league sport and not enough playing for the sheer joy of it, in my opinion.
And the same is obviously true in baseball. When I was a kid I played every year of Little League and a year of Pony League (I sucked but that's beside the point) but that amounted to only a tenth or less of the baseball I played. We (meaning the whole damn country, not just my neighborhood) used to play most of our baseball in the streets, vacant lots, etc., with anything we could get our hands on for a ball and bat. You don't see that at all anymore, relative to how it used to be, which is also why we don't produce anywhere near as many great baseball players as we used to.
Edit: Where did Klinsman go looking for new blood? Not here. He went looking for young players with U.S. or dual citizenship who grew up playing soccer in Germany or elsewhere outside the U.S.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 22, 2014 - 09:34pm PT
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Lorenzo, cool down. Soak your head in a bucket of ice and gaterade. That will make you feel like a champion. Largo is a legend, one or two steps up from a champion.
He knows about as much about soccer as he does about string theory. He ought to stick to the topic he is a legend for.
Spouting off about being a champion soccer team .. Not so much.
Show some respect for athletes in other fields.
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overwatch
climber
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Jun 22, 2014 - 09:43pm PT
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You didn't really answer his question, Lorenzo, from where does your expertise come?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 22, 2014 - 09:57pm PT
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Lorenzo, futbol isn't physics and you don't have to have played in the World Cup to see what happened.
That's part of the beauty of the game and why a degree from Cal Tech isn't required to play it,
luckily for the likes of Wayne Rooney and Christian Ronaldo. I would have thought you knew
that but maybe your being a physicist has made you inclined to overcomplicate things in
addition to revel in sanctimonious condescension.
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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Jun 22, 2014 - 10:04pm PT
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I agree with Largo. They choked. Good game though. Very happy that they did not play like they did against Ghana. I would be sorely tempted to bench Bradly but we really do not have a suitable replacement. I watched the play several times and Beasley was marking him a bit loose but staying with him. I do not think he thought there was space, but Ronaldo has shown many times he only needs an inch. That was a remarkable cross (and header).
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jun 22, 2014 - 10:19pm PT
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Okay, there's another thing I disagree with Largo about, Bradley may have missed a pretty easy shot but it happens to 'em all, and he was pretty solid in midfield and--at the very least--certainly not deserving of being benched. Benched for who? We'd be weaker if we did.
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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Jun 22, 2014 - 11:02pm PT
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How many sports championships did you win between valley drug fests that you know so much about being a champion?
*Mother Earth
*Astroman
*First, Nose In A Day
Pretty much championship level stuff. And you Lorenzo, have you won many sport championships that qualify you to be a futbol expert?
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jun 22, 2014 - 11:31pm PT
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Jun 22, 2014 - 09:43pm PT
You didn't really answer his question, Lorenzo, from where does your expertise come?
Fair enough. I was born in Argentina and played there when I was young. When my family moved here I played Soccer and Lacrosse. Didn't win a championship in soccer, but won a couple in Lacrosse and was asked to be an assistant coach in both for a couple years (there was little money in it). I have refereed both sports. I'll bet I've watched a lot more top level soccer than Largo has done climbs...easy.
Not exactly as exalted as turning down an A ball contract, but when it comes to competitive team sports, I think I have him beat, especially when it comes to soccer expertise.
My expertise extends to knowing that the fellow who made the world class play is named Ronaldo, not Renaldo as Largo asserts. There is a Brasilian named Reynaldo dos Santos Silva who plays in Azerbaijan and a couple central and South Americans, but I'm pretty sure none plays for Portugal.
And it extends to knowing that the idea that we have a talent pool to match the best in the world would be funny if it weren't so pitifully sad. We can't even match Uruguay there. They are working with a population of 3.4 million and can top us with their B league in their talent pool.
And if he wants to quote ESPN pundits I can show you a game Lalas played against Brasil and Romario where he made Keller famous with his matador impersonation.
Here's what another pundit said about the state of ussoccer development. I think it was right after we got knocked out by Ghana. It was four years ago, but to tell the truth not much has changed except we finally beat Ghana and the World Cup doesn't look to be coming here in 2022.
You should watch all of it.
[Click to View YouTube Video]
He's spot on with all of it, except maybe that he came from the lower class. His dad owned a bakery. We are still a generation away from when we could EXPECT ( realistically) to win anything. Right now just competing and trying to forge an identity is plenty.
And ussoccer still hired him. If they didn't believe him they shouldn't have.
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Jun 23, 2014 - 02:52am PT
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I agree with John, we choked, and I also agree that Lorenzo comes across as a know-it-all (no offence Lorenzo). Sort of the annoying kind. My former coach from Argentina, Jorge, would probably agree that the US choked.
Okay I tried but the best I could do is play semi-pro in England, Ireland and France… and California Golden Gate Gales, at university, SF Celtic, Concordia. etc. I know the game fairly well, but there is a lot more I can/could have learned.
EDIT
Lorenzo I have to say, and I do not want to get into a "firefight" with you, reading the above post of yours, you come across as very arrogant. You probably are not, it is easy to misconstrue things on the internet.
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Jun 23, 2014 - 03:47am PT
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Damn it Lorenzo we all misspell things. Typos creep in. Giving out to John for mispelling the name of that talented but spoiled Ronaldo, you write ussoccer, in my view that should be US Soccer.
Keep your knickers on and do not let them get into a twist. I am sure you are very knowledgable about football, but you are sort of coming across as an ass. Tone it down. We do not want any firefights.
Largo (John) has achieved more as a climber than you probably ever did in Lacross or football. That is an assumption on my part, but I would bet my left… uhhh, well I would just bet, and I am not a betting man. Perhaps I am wrong. ;-)
EDIT
He wasn't without his controversies.
And we know that you are the perfect ref. You are getting up my nose, if you are a troll, you are doing a good job pushing my buttons. Sadly. And I am failing in ignoring your ignorance.
I think I have him beat, especially when it comes to soccer expertise.
I did not know that this thread on the subject was about who had a bigger… or that there was a competition. Quit while you are, ahead.
John could out climb you anyday and the way he rides a unicycle probably play better footie than you.
I know he can stick up for himself without my input, but you come across as the sort of person I prefer not to meet. I do not usually get into flaming but you are…
… what do you think you are?
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plund
Social climber
OD, MN
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Jun 23, 2014 - 08:52am PT
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Bradley sure has struggled this Cup. Was next to useless against Ghana, had a "good" 20-30 minutes against Portugal but was BRUTAL in the 2nd half. The final play was just sickening - all he needed to do was HOLD THE BALL. He had 2, maybe three teammates within 10 yards for support but chose to be cute & beat his man....steal, ball to Ronaldo, BURIED just like that. The lack of effort AFTER he coughed it up was horrible. True, Beasley was somewhat off his man but that ball from Ronaldo was PERFECT, the mf'er....
Bradley also showed questionable judgement against Ghana when he opted to cross the ball rather than hold it deep in the corner & run clock...
It seems like the simplest touches are beyond him right now, and the quickest way to get the ball to the opponent is to lay it off to Bradley...happened over & over vs. Portugal, he deserved the call-out from Wynalda.
That said, USA's resilience is impressive.
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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Jun 23, 2014 - 10:13am PT
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In defense of Bradley he plays much better when he has a true holding or creative type to play with. The one thing I had been waiting for about 3 years for was to see Bradly, Donovan and Dempsey all on the field at the same time. Bradley seems to always look really good when Donovan is there because he can hold the ball and slow the game a bit. Donovan is about the only player we have with that ability at the international level. The current USMNT team seems to play much more up and down the field and less side to side in that it seems very attack oriented and less build and distribute. Bradly may not look good but he is very active and we do not have a good replacement.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Jun 23, 2014 - 10:46am PT
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Hey, I don't mean to get in a pissing match with Lorenzo about sports. But it's not like I didn't grow up around Futbol. I also spent almost 30 years coming and going from Venezuela - not a soccer powerhouse, but it is played by everyone there. Ronaldo - proper spelling - is who I was talking about. To his credit, what Lorenzo says about US soccer is largely correct per quality of play. But I feel it is high time that changes.
By 'talent pool" I mean physical bodies. We have a far greater population, and the odds are stacked that we should have as many if not more great players that a nation of a tenth the size. Granted, our youth programs are not as good as the best Euro or So American teams, but I take it for granted that Americans can find a way to win. We always have. Gringo ingenuity and resolve. Not in some rube, Rambo way, but in the way of a champion. A bar-setter. Why settle for less? I hae always found that results issue from expectations.
And as mentioned, everybody makes mistakes, but it was unfortunate that we made the ones we made because while flubbing a goal is unavoidable - everyone does do this - giving the ball away with 30 seconds left and missing a cover ARE avoidable mistakes. Freaking kick the ball out of bounds. Foul the guy out of the box. ANYTHING but let them have a header with 5 seconds left.
Que barrrrrrrrrrbaro pues.
JL
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 23, 2014 - 11:33am PT
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Largo, we might have the numbers, but soccer isn't even close to a top sport in our country. Football (the fake one), Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, and Nascar are all above Soccer in terms of popularity. I mean when the World Cup started, I saw Golf highlights before the Cup highlights. Any other country Football or Futbol is the sport kids want to play.
The U.S. played a great game and I was shocked to see that last goal go in. It's easy to point fingers, but I didn't see it as a choke. They were tired on defense in the heat and humidity,which resulted in a lazy goal on U.S. part and a perfect one on Portugal's side.
Mynameismud, Donovan our only International ability player? LOL is about my only response to that.
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jun 23, 2014 - 12:06pm PT
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I won't repeat all but a little of my previous post, but I suspect we're most all in agreement that it's really this simple:
An overwhelming percentage (99, 99.5?) of our most gifted athletes do not choose to pursue the path that leads to being a professional soccer player. They just don't.
Again, it's pretty telling that Klinsmann went outside the U.S. to find a good chunk of this team, players not a product of the U.S. youth development system.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 23, 2014 - 12:24pm PT
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The Dutch looked beatable today. . .
the score doesn't reflect how Chile dominated them. . .
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 23, 2014 - 02:33pm PT
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Man, that Croatian keeper sucks! And then his guy makes a nice run to the
end line and his three mates stand there and wait for his cross?
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Jun 23, 2014 - 02:51pm PT
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By talent pool, dear Ward, I didn't mean overall population, rather the amount of kids who are actively playing youth soccer. Parents have been funneling their kids into Youth Soccer Leagues for two decades now, and here in So Cal, EVERY park and patch of grass is occupied with kinds playing soccer. I understand that the best talent gets siphoned off to other games, but still, the girls have won a few world championships so far. The dudes have to step up.
JL
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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Jun 23, 2014 - 04:00pm PT
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America's demographic and economic advantages don't mean diddly because soccer is not American DNA. It's merely regarded as a safe, sububanized, non-threatening activity for the kids. Ultimately in the States, NOGAF.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Jun 23, 2014 - 04:23pm PT
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It's not in the American DNA. But why have the ladies done so well?
I think the game has not caught on big because there is not enough scoring.
JL
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jun 23, 2014 - 04:59pm PT
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Parents have been funneling their kids into Youth Soccer Leagues for two decades now, and here in So Cal, EVERY park and patch of grass is occupied with kinds playing soccer. I understand that the best talent gets siphoned off to other games, but still, the girls have won a few world championships so far. The dudes have to step up
Yes, PARENTS have been funneling their kids into this, and every patch of grass you see covered is covered by the organized youth leagues that parents are funneling their kids into. But that's completely different than what happens in so-called "soccer" countries. There, kids are out playing every sort of pick-up game imaginable in whatever plot is available, concrete, sand, dirt, grass, whatever. Just like we used to do in baseball. John, I suspect I'm a little older than you but not that much older. Did you not first take up baseball in pick-up and street games in your neighborhood? The talent, desire and even many fundamentals and strategies were first developed there. Youth leagues and then on up through high school had a huge leg up in terms of development because of the drive and love for the game these kids brought with them. With few exceptions, that's not the dynamic in our youth soccer. Again, how many pick-up soccer games, completely devoid of adult influence or control, do you see on those fields? Short of ethnic neighborhoods with a cultural love of soccer, you will see almost no pick-up games.
That's the difference. The youth academies in Europe and Latin America can pick from kids who've already been busting their asses to learn the game and have shown at least their potential, along with a whole lot of touch, control and creativity. Parents can't force that hunger, drive, desire and love for the game on their kids. Granted, many of our kids like the game, but few hunger to excel at it.
That said, it could be in our DNA if the popularity of watching the game increases with our kids and the perceived $ opportunities and, more important, opportunities for glory playing a game you love, continue to build. Which is why women's soccer has done so well, there aren't nearly as many pro opportunities for great female athletes so soccer has risen to near the top of list if you're a great female athlete. It's nowhere near the top if you're a great male athlete.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 23, 2014 - 05:10pm PT
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you will see almost no pick-up games.
I've been saying that until I'm blue in the face. So there I was in the
southernmost city on earth, Ushuaia, Argentina. It was blowing half a gale
and in the yard of this tenement was this 10 year old working, and I do mean
working, on his game. Did I mention it was spitting rain with a wind chill
of about 38F? Yeah, that's why they produce the likes of Messi...
And did you see the helo shot of the favela perched on the cliff above Rio
with the futbol mini-pitch hacked out of the hillside? That took some
serious desire to kick a ball around. They even scrounged some fencing so
they wouldn't lose their only ball over the edge.
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pc
climber
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Jun 23, 2014 - 05:16pm PT
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I'm not quite sure where the talk of the US Men "failing" or "choking" is coming from.
They're tied for first in arguably the toughest group in the World Cup this year. They're brimming with young, super exciting talent. They have a better chance of going deep this World Cup than ever before.
Example, DeAndre Yedlin, 20yo speedster for US, comes on with 20 minutes to play, has 4-5 very good touches, an assist, and injected incredible pace on the right wing. I can't wait to see him in a similar role against Germany.
Cheers,
pc
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 23, 2014 - 06:00pm PT
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Let's convert todays games for us Americans. Brazil won 28-7, Mexico won 21-7, the Dutch 14-0, and Spain 21-0.
If I knew how the hell NASCAR scored I'd convert to that for even more points.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 23, 2014 - 06:10pm PT
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Justin, just multiply by four cases of Bud Light.
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jun 23, 2014 - 06:31pm PT
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QITNL,
My guess would be that you don't see nearly as many Latinos on our national team for the same reason you don't see as many in our youth leagues, especially the "club" teams, of which there are hundreds and hundreds in San Diego and I'm sure up your way. While these clubs will give the occasional scholarship to a kid in need, they're far, far more about making money than developing talent. I get it, because if I could make a living coaching soccer, hell, I'd take that over my job, but these clubs charge an average of $1,250 a year, which doesn't include tournament fees and covers only summer practices and fall league play. You simply don't see enough kids from poorer neighborhoods (many of which likely have plenty of soccer talent and then some). As you yourself pointed out, the pick-up games you see are mostly Latino kids. A soccer academy dedicated solely to grooming the most talented kids in our country would be scouting the hell out of those pick-up games and neighborhoods but I doubt that happens here to anywhere near the degree it does in other nations.
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jun 23, 2014 - 07:42pm PT
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Guess I need to read the article now! But it's not hard to see down here in San Diego so I had to guess it's more than likely a nationwide deal.
It's a little off topic but what I see in these club and travel teams in all sports and both sexes saddens me more than a little. It's not that there aren't some good and dedicated people working within those systems but they are all too much about the money and all too "encouraging" as a result of selling the notion that your kid needs to pick his/her best sport and play it year round. Which is utter nonsense, the money issue completely aside. The myth is being sold (damn effectively) to parents that this is how you create better, more successful athletes, as in the way to varsity in high school, scholarship in college, and contract in pros. It's total bullshit in all team sports, with absolutely no evidence at all that playing one sport only when you're a kid makes you better at it in the long run. And there's a fair amount of evidence that the opposite is true because you become more injury prone and less likely to develop all your overall athletic abilities. But parents are sold this bill of goods that their kid will get left behind if he doesn't get on a club or travel team and play that one sport year round. Cha ching!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 23, 2014 - 09:39pm PT
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Jun 23, 2014 - 06:10pm PT
Justin, just multiply by four cases of Bud Light.
Ha, good one Reilly that actually makes sense.
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plund
Social climber
OD, MN
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Jun 24, 2014 - 07:58am PT
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"....a goalie squad of semi-feral baboons..."
Let's keep the Kardashians out of this, please...
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TradEddie
Trad climber
Philadelphia, PA
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Jun 24, 2014 - 08:17am PT
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Did I mention it was spitting rain with a wind chill
of about 38F? Yeah, that's why they produce the likes of Messi...
Kids will play any sport for the love of it, here or anywhere else, in any conditions. My kids have been at outdoor soccer camp in mid-July, temps in the high 90's. Last fall, their end of season soccer tournament was so cold that the porta-potties froze and burst the tanks!
No, the reason soccer isn't big here is that the game doesn't lend itself to TV advertising, talent follows the money.
TE
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TradEddie
Trad climber
Philadelphia, PA
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Jun 24, 2014 - 08:27am PT
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The myth is being sold (damn effectively) to parents that this is how you create better, more successful athletes, as in the way to varsity in high school, scholarship in college, and contract in pros. It's total bullshit in all team sports, with absolutely no evidence at all that playing one sport only when you're a kid makes you better at it in the long run. And there's a fair amount of evidence that the opposite is true because you become more injury prone and less likely to develop all your overall athletic abilities. But parents are sold this bill of goods that their kid will get left behind if he doesn't get on a club or travel team and play that one sport year round. Cha ching!
Well said!! My kid only makes the "B" team at our local, volunteer coached travel club, yet was "selected" for the "A" team at the $2000+/yr club, with promises of future college scholarships and hints of even greater things. If I'm going to spend that kind of money on my kids future, it'll be on education, not sports. There are only 60,000 professional sportspeople in the USA, yet a huge proportion of national income is being wasted in dreams that kids will make the major leagues. For a fraction of the cost and effort they'd be guaranteed a good college education, a upper-middle class income, and we wouldn't be losing STEM jobs abroad.
TE
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 24, 2014 - 08:41am PT
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Go Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Ivory Coast.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 24, 2014 - 09:54am PT
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I find Uruguay hard to love with their diving. Super Mario has been a big
disappointment. I'd hoped he would take this opportunity to step it up but
he seems content to remain his immature pouty self. Prandelli should jerk him.
Dracula has been quite capricious with his calls - he seems to think it OK
for somebody to leap over the back of his opponent.
I think Pirlo missed on one pass - OMG!
edit:
I see Prandelli listened to me. :-)
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 24, 2014 - 10:42am PT
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Suarez should be suspended for the rest of the tournament, at the least.
I think the third strike rule should be invoked and he should never play again, ever.
I will be shocked if FIFA do anything substantial, the effing 'Fair Play' hypocrites.
edit:
Italy showed a remarkable lack of urgency towards the end. Despite Suarez'
perfidy a just result. Dracula did a decent job in the end.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 24, 2014 - 11:05am PT
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I think you are calling the wrong guy Dracula. Suarez is gunna have to start playing with a Hannibal Lecter mask. Wtf is he thinking?
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Jun 24, 2014 - 12:05pm PT
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All divers should be given red cards and publcally spanked for behavior unbefitting a man. Funny thing is, you rarely see such theatrical diving in the woman's game.
JL
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Brandon-
climber
The Granite State.
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Jun 24, 2014 - 12:13pm PT
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I'm not a big Football fan, but, let's go Colombia!
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jun 24, 2014 - 12:35pm PT
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TradEddie,
You see it exactly as it is, wish I could clone you! It's amazing how hard it is to convince other parents to simply do the math. Their local high school will carry maybe 16 kids on varsity, and how many of that number each year will get a college scholarship? A few at best. Now divide that number into the number of kids playing on club/travel teams who feed into said high school. It's easily in the hundreds for every grade level where I live. And $2K a year for a decade isn't even going to get your kid on his high school team unless he or she is a damn good athlete. And if the kid is a great athlete he'll make that high school team in every sport he falls in love with and hungers to excel at. $2K a year for a decade can't buy that love and hunger, nor can declining to participate in the $2K a year scam prevent him from making his high school team if he's got that love and hunger.
You're also absolutely right that kids will play any sport for the love of it if they're attracted to it, and no doubt money plays a huge role in that attraction if only (for kids) in the amount of press and ESPN highlights the best paid athletes get. Since this World Cup seems to be the most watched yet by kids, by far from what I see in my community, maybe we start seeing a few more of our best athletes take up futbol.
I only know that it won't happen until you start seeing more pick-up games in far more places than you do now.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 24, 2014 - 04:50pm PT
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I love how Suarez holds his teeth like he was fouled. His Cup has got to be over and with that his teams will be too. I have always been a Suarez fan, but nobody likes a biter. It's so weird, it's almost comical.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 24, 2014 - 05:04pm PT
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How do you suppose he got that overbite? Or did I put the cart before the jackass?
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 24, 2014 - 05:07pm PT
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apparently it is not his first bite (he has two priors)
the weapons are there to use
the solution
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Andy Fielding
Trad climber
UK
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Jun 24, 2014 - 05:08pm PT
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How do you suppose he got that overbite?
By biting people in the English Premiership. I think he was banned for 10 games the last time he did this.
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Social climber
SLO, Ca
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Jun 24, 2014 - 05:51pm PT
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He bit someone when he played in Holland too. They called him the Cannibal of Ajax. Really weird.
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Gal
Trad climber
going big air to fakie
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Jun 24, 2014 - 08:31pm PT
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Hey Brandon, I'm with ya, Go COLOMBIA!!!!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 25, 2014 - 10:22am PT
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Go Bosnia and Nigeria!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 25, 2014 - 10:29am PT
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Haha, that's awesome TT. Those odds will be going down though.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 25, 2014 - 10:43am PT
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I was going to say that but for a couple of glaring exceptions, Dzeko's
against Nigeria being the most egregious, the linesmen have been rather
decent but then Iran just scored when 4 or 5 guys were wildly offside! WTF?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 25, 2014 - 12:58pm PT
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Allons enfants de la patrie!!!!!!!!
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 25, 2014 - 03:45pm PT
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A great job by Ecuador, down a man, holding France to 0-0!
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 26, 2014 - 08:25am PT
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There is justice.
Suarez banned for 9 matches, including the Cup
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 26, 2014 - 08:36am PT
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Yeah 9 international games and four months from all football activities. Guess he's not goin to Barca Steve.
I kinda feel bad, I'm a Benedict Arnold today. Go Germany!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 26, 2014 - 08:52am PT
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Alex Song gets 3 games for swiping at a guy's back and Suarez' third bite
only gets 9 games? So much for 'Fair Play'.
Glad to see Cameron out of this game.
edit:
8 minutes in and we've had the ball 20 seconds and two excellent chances? This could get ugly.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 26, 2014 - 09:45am PT
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OMG, Bradley should be jerked. His first touches have sucked, he completely
misjudged Zusi's corner, and he looks lost. Kudos to Juergen and the team
for adjusting plus I think Germany let up on the gas a little. Huge kudos
to Jones, Gonzalez, Zusi, and Johnson.
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survival
Big Wall climber
Terrapin Station
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Jun 26, 2014 - 09:47am PT
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Suarez Tyson, WTF?
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jun 26, 2014 - 09:48am PT
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I know it is wet, but that was a terrible touch. Good news with POR though
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 26, 2014 - 09:49am PT
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Did you see Evander Holyfield's tweet? He knows a biter when he sees one.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Jun 26, 2014 - 09:51am PT
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It's 0-0 at half (Germany v. USA of course), but that's only cuz soccer is kind of a dumb game (at least for spectators, it's undoubtedly good exercise for kids).
Should be something 5-0 in Germany's favor, but I don't know if the tie is just the way soccer works (oftentimes there's no score, irrespective of one team being obviously far superior) or if there is collusion to draw, which would be a perfect result for each team.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 26, 2014 - 10:10am PT
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How do you lose track of Klose?
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John M
climber
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Jun 26, 2014 - 10:20am PT
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(oftentimes there's no score, irrespective of one team being obviously far superior)
I'm not watching the game, but isn't that sometimes a tactic, to play a more defensive game when playing a stronger team? Holding your defenders back from supporting any offense, thus causing the offense to appear to be weak, when really its just not supported. In the hopes that better conditioning will in time start to play out. That is predicated on better conditioning of course. So you play defense in the hopes of a low scoring game and as you frustrate the other team drawing them into more and more aggressive attacks, then you look for those opportunities when they are pushed forward to send one deep and possibly win.
Would the above be accurate and or possible in this game? Or are they just being outplayed?
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Jun 26, 2014 - 10:26am PT
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John M--I don't really know the answer to your questions, I suppose that's possible.
But in any event: Germany has scored and seems solidly in control (even though it's just 1-0 as I write this).
Ghana and Portugal are tied. If Ghana wins by one goal and we lose by one goal, I *think* we still advance, but could be wrong.
If Ghana wins by a combined greater goal differential than that, I think we go home.
So we're still looking pretty good and the current status quo puts us in, but it ain't over yet, and the results of both games are still important.
Edit: Portugal is now up 2-1, so unless there are some big shift in the last 10 mins, US will advance
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 26, 2014 - 10:53am PT
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I'm not watching the game
Huh? Isn't that the same as saying "I don't climb but I post on SuperTopo?" ;-)
Bring on Belgium!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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John M
climber
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Jun 26, 2014 - 11:00am PT
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LOL.. yes.. and I'm not a doctor, but I play one on the taco..
I brought up that theory because I have seen it used to great effect and was wondering. Plus it was said about a previous game that the US was getting walked all over, yet they won. So I was wondering if that was the tactic being used.
or I could be blowing smoke.. :-D
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TwistedCrank
climber
Released into general population, Idaho
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Jun 26, 2014 - 11:03am PT
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America loses and still advances.
That's how American kids grow up these days - with that sense of entitlement.
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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Jun 26, 2014 - 11:05am PT
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Help out someone who knows nothing about soccer here.
Why did the U.S. even bother playing if they advanced into the next round by losing?
FIFA politics?
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pc
climber
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Jun 26, 2014 - 11:07am PT
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Hey Twisted,
You'd prefer then grew up brainless like you? Unable to comprehend basic math for the round-robin portion of the tournament?
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 26, 2014 - 12:13pm PT
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Chaz: goal differential also plays a role in who advances from the 1st round.
With 1 less day of rest and to have played the previous game in Manaus, this is a respectable outcome. Is US the only team to have played in Manaus and advance?
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 26, 2014 - 12:18pm PT
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The US, after a rough opening 20 minutes and settled down
and played reasonably well. Holding Germany to a single goal
is quite an accomplishment for our team, and I think we've
got a fighting chance against Belgium!!!!
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Jun 26, 2014 - 01:11pm PT
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Chaz: goal differential also plays a role in who advances from the 1st round. And another reason why the US "bothered playing"--if we would have beat Germany, we would have actually won our group, which means we would have played another group's second place instead of first place.
In real terms, that means we'll play Belgium instead of Algeria.
We have about as good of a shot of beating Belgium as we do Germany (close to zero), whereas we could likely beat Algeria, or at least have a good chance.
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bergbryce
climber
East Bay, CA
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Jun 26, 2014 - 01:15pm PT
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How many shots on goal did the US have? 2 in the last 2 minutes?
It kind of looked like a cat batting around a mouse it caught with Germany fully in control the entire game. A 1-0 loss was a pretty good outcome.
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micronut
Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
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Jun 26, 2014 - 01:35pm PT
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Hello from Munich's largest biergarten.....watching USA vs. Germany.....with about 6000 psycho fussball fans. This place is out of control. I'm not a soccer fan but we just had to make our way over here tonight.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 26, 2014 - 01:39pm PT
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In fact, US benefited from Cristiano Ronaldo's goal vs Ghana today and Germany's trouncing vs Portugal in the 1st game
If at the end of the 1st round 2 teams have the same points and same goal differential does it go to head-to-head next or total goals scored?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 26, 2014 - 02:18pm PT
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Russia would be better off with Hope Solo in goal.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 27, 2014 - 09:08am PT
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I think Brazil has the toughest road to the finals and don't see them making it.
Belgium hasn't looked as good as expected and I think the US can play good against them.
France vs Germany should be good if they both win.
The Dutch have a good shot of going far, as does Argentina.
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WyoRockMan
climber
Flank of the Big Horns
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Jun 27, 2014 - 09:10am PT
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Jun 27, 2014 - 09:16am PT
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Gonna go out on a limb and predict Brazil, Germany, NL, and Argentina as the semifinalists. (Actually there's a good chance one or more will be upset of course, but it that they are the "teams to beat.")
From the semifinals to the championship of course any team can win, but I think NL could be this year's "team of destiny."
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 28, 2014 - 08:32am PT
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Brasil 3. Chile 1 Brasil will get some favorable calls, they are improving, and are the homers.
Oh, and they have some guy named Neymar. I think Maicon should have started in place of Hulk.
Colombia 2. Uruguay 0. This is an easy call. Forlan is way past his prime.
Take it to the bank!
I can't wait to see the teams line up in the tunnel and get paired with the little kiddies.
The looks on their faces are priceless. Did you see that Brasil game where Neymar bent over
and gave a big hug to his kid? OMG!
The other revelation of this World Cup is that I never knew that Gilbert and Sullivan wrote so
many national anthems for S American countries!
Edit:
Told you Maicon shoulda started in place of Hulk. And, for the record, I had meant to say at
the outset that I've always thought Julio Cesar average, at best. A good keeper woulda stopped that shot.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 28, 2014 - 09:57am PT
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Not that impressed with Brazil in the 1st half. If they keep making defensive errors, Brazil could lose this game. IMO, Netherlands, Germany & Argentina look better than Brazil.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 28, 2014 - 11:01am PT
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Agreed, I really think that they're mentally tight from the pressure in addition to just not being
that great a side. I am quite amazed at the lack of crowd encouragement. Chile will look
forward to a shootout as Bravo is far the better keeper.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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Jun 28, 2014 - 11:03am PT
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Chile looks poised to me. I say they usurp.
That America sign above ("metric system ... moon") is funny. Go, Yanks.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 28, 2014 - 11:21am PT
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Hulk has certainly made a mighty effort to make up for his gaffe but Neymar looks out of gas
and Oscar has been MIA. Jo has not had a quality touch and Ramires doesn't look worth
the substitution.
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Social climber
SLO, Ca
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Jun 28, 2014 - 12:18pm PT
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If you don't like soccer don't watch, or at least watch AND NOT post about how you don't like soccer.
Quite a game. No way Brazil wins the cup. Though they are still unbeaten!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 28, 2014 - 12:34pm PT
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Let's hope Colombia thrashes Uruguay for their support of Suarez, not that
I needed that to root for Colombia.
Suarez: "...I lost my balance."
As Alexi Lalas said, "Luis, just stop it."
Alexi, a pathological cheater and liar can't stop it.
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Stimbo
Trad climber
Crowley Lake
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Jun 28, 2014 - 12:35pm PT
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Assuming Brazil wins their next match, I can't see them advancing past Germany. But who knows, anything can happen in the World Cup. How about Mexico and the USA advancing to the semis? That will be a great game.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 28, 2014 - 12:45pm PT
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Stimbo, Brasil may have to worry more about facing France. I think they will
give Deutschland all they can handle. This assumes they will get past Colombia.
Mexico has the proverbial two chances against Holland unless the ref buys
some of their flops. The US will give Belgium a better game than Germany got
from us.
And how come I never knew about Rossini writing Uruguay's national anthem?
It certainly bears a striking resemblance to the overture to, appropriately,
La Gazza Ladra, aka The Thieving Magpie.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 28, 2014 - 01:30pm PT
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J A M E S !!!!!!!!
Could be the goal of the cup!
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 28, 2014 - 01:39pm PT
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Chest, turn & volley...what a tremendous goal for the ladd. No wonder he's wearing #10
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 28, 2014 - 01:48pm PT
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Of course, Tim Howard or Courtois would have stopped that.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 28, 2014 - 01:55pm PT
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James' goal or Tim Cahill's volley--both amazing!!!!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 28, 2014 - 02:02pm PT
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Cahill's was far better. Fellaini's header was also amazing. James' is #3. Van Persie's #4.
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Andy Fielding
Trad climber
UK
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Jun 28, 2014 - 04:38pm PT
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I thought Brazil were poor today. The last minute shot by Chile that came back off the cross bar could have sent Brazil out and penalties is just a lottery. Agree with comments above if Brazil carry on like that then they won't get passed Germany.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 08:53am PT
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Holland 2. Mexico 0. Memo The Midget ain't gonna cut it today.
Ticos 2. Greece 0
I have been amazed at the poor condition of the pitches and today's looks really thin.
An amazing number of empty seats today, too. WTF.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 09:37am PT
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It's too hot.
The Dutch defense looks very suspect, no?
The Tri is really working the flop, to no avail thank heavens.
Edit: Wow, Robben was clearly fouled. The ref was way behind the play.
Two refs are really needed.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 10:10am PT
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Wow, Cillesen was really slow to react, no? Holland don't look like they want to play.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jun 29, 2014 - 10:48am PT
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finally the dutch capitalize on a set play
edit: robben didn't get the call in the 1st half when he deserved it but he got it in the 2nd when he didn't
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 10:48am PT
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GOLAZO!!!!!!
#5 gol of the cup.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 10:53am PT
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Y E S !!!!! A makeup penal.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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Jun 29, 2014 - 10:54am PT
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GOLOL!!!!!!!!!
Mexico is doing its best American impression
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jun 29, 2014 - 11:07am PT
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Live by the prevent defense, die by the prevent defense.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Jun 29, 2014 - 11:09am PT
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The last minute shot by Chile that came back off the cross bar could have sent Brazil out and penalties is just a lottery. Can't say that the penalties are any more of a lottery than the rest of the game, which has a strong lottery quality to it. That's a function of actually scoring a goal being a rare event, and it's not going to change until the they change the rules.
Holland was almost knocked out today despite being a clearly superior team.
I know a lot you soccer fans don't want to hear any criticism of your beloved game, but I'm going to keep calling it as I see it, supported by evidence rather than by anti-American BS that since they like soccer more in the rest of the world than we do, soccer must be great.
Anyway, the Holland MX game was exciting at least at the end, so it's all good.
Hard to get too excited about Costa Rica v. Greece, but maybe that means it will be a good game!
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The Larry
climber
Moab, UT
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Jun 29, 2014 - 11:33am PT
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Stimbo
Trad climber
Crowley Lake
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Jun 29, 2014 - 11:46am PT
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Wow, 80th minute implosion by Mexico. They had it in the bag until they started sliding back into a defensive posture.
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Stimbo
Trad climber
Crowley Lake
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Jun 29, 2014 - 11:50am PT
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I have been amazed at the poor condition of the pitches and today's looks really thin.
I believe that on the pitch today, the grass was so poor and thin that they've been spray painting the turf with green paint to give the illusion of a well kept venue.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 29, 2014 - 12:29pm PT
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Man what a game. The Dutch were beat,but pulled it out. Sneijder's goal was perfect and those are easy to shank. Dos Santos' was awesome too.
Oh Robben, such a flopper. Everyone knew he was going down and his classic arm flail fall got the call again.
I am happy to see the Netherlands continue through though.
Go Costa Rica.
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Port
Trad climber
San Diego
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Jun 29, 2014 - 12:51pm PT
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Replay is needed in soccer and red cards for a flop. Until then, you'll have these BS games called by a ref who can't possibly see the entire field. It's not a "beautiful" game.
I was pulling for Netherlands but how awful for Mexico. Really pisses me off.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Jun 29, 2014 - 12:52pm PT
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Robben played brilliantly. He gave 100% for 90 minutes and carried Netherlands through. That's more than I can say about all the other players. There were many sleepwalkers the first half. The penal was fair, since there was contact. AND: there was theatre involved. A fair penal and a bit of acting/theater when falling are not two mutually exclusive measures.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 12:53pm PT
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It was a makeup penal, clear and simple.
VAMONOS TICOS!!!!!
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Port
Trad climber
San Diego
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Jun 29, 2014 - 12:58pm PT
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makeup penal,
WTF is that? I mean, common. A make up penalty? Thats part of the game? Must be hidden in the rule book somewhere under BS calls by the ref. Reviews are needed both ways because the consequences are higher is soccer than any other sport.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Jun 29, 2014 - 01:01pm PT
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Port
The contact is clear. He steps on Robben's foot. You can easily see that. And first after stepping on Robben's foot - the acting/theatre occurs. Fair penal.
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Port
Trad climber
San Diego
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Jun 29, 2014 - 01:28pm PT
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I'm looking at that play again from different perspectives and I think you're right. The defender (I believe) is playing the ball and misses. He BARELY hits Robbens toe and Robben full out launches his body to the ground.
It's a penalty but very sad way to end a great game.
https://vine.co/v/MFgBWT7j03K
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 01:28pm PT
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Port, Marquez stepped on Robben's foot. Both Roberto Martinez and Michael Ballack thought it was a foul. I think those guys have decent cred.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Jun 29, 2014 - 01:30pm PT
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Port.
I agree. Sad way to end the game for the excellent Mexican team...
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 29, 2014 - 02:13pm PT
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Costa Rica!
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TradEddie
Trad climber
Philadelphia, PA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 02:14pm PT
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Replay is needed in soccer and red cards for a flop. Until then, you'll have these BS games called by a ref who can't possibly see the entire field. It's not a "beautiful" game.
One of the most beautiful things about soccer is that players must accept that the ref will make erroneous and possibly even malicious calls. That's far better preparation for life than any "American" sport. Learning that sh#t happens and that being better, or being right is not always enough is a lesson that most kids don't learn anymore.
TE
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 02:14pm PT
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I was just about to type how disappointing the Ticos have looked when Ruiz sent the seeingeye
ball into the net! Greece has been a pleasant surprise in this match but they really need to read
up on the offsides rule, eh?
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Jun 29, 2014 - 02:21pm PT
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Costa Rica just do a fine job on that back line. They have done it regularly and been solid.
Greece sure got lucky with that missed hand ball and...
To win as a result of such an obvious flop is sad.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 29, 2014 - 02:28pm PT
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Wow, that was a stupid move. Greece has some hope now.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Jun 29, 2014 - 02:34pm PT
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Wow, bummer.
Lots of yellow out there.
Que Eddie Murphy ...." Got to KeepitotgetherKeepitotgether..."
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 02:38pm PT
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I'm not enjoying seeing the Ticos going to The Flop. It doesn't become them.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Jun 29, 2014 - 02:39pm PT
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Agreed^^
Rough game...
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 29, 2014 - 02:52pm PT
|
Wow.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
|
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Jun 29, 2014 - 02:53pm PT
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Ticos are in real trouble now playing a man down into overtime
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Jun 29, 2014 - 02:57pm PT
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Well if it wasn't interesting before, it just got a whole lot more...
Not that it WASNT interesting:-)
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 02:58pm PT
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Credit Greece for hanging tough and being a little smarter. I don't see this going to a shootout.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Jun 29, 2014 - 03:07pm PT
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Neither do I. Greece is still in an attacking mode which Costa Rica needs to snap into. Hard though with the defensive lineup they now have...and 10 men
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 29, 2014 - 03:09pm PT
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that Ozy ref is going out of his way to teach us some life lessons
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 03:21pm PT
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Z, I feel yer pain but I think he has done a decent job. Duarte's sendoff was warranted.
Luckily Greece has no conception of the offsides trap.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Jun 29, 2014 - 03:24pm PT
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Speaking of...
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 03:30pm PT
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5 on 2 and Greece can't finish? Are you kidding me?
Campbell is so tired I'm not sure I'd let him take a penalty shot.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 29, 2014 - 03:40pm PT
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Damn, what a game. I don't let Campbell take one of the shots here.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 03:41pm PT
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Ha, Justin, great minds think alike!
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
|
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Jun 29, 2014 - 03:47pm PT
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now that there in a shoot out...I think the advantage goes back to the Ticos
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 29, 2014 - 03:56pm PT
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tome chichi! a celebrar carajo!
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jun 29, 2014 - 03:58pm PT
|
Just got done with the Costa Rica vs. Greece.
Unfortunately tragic for Greece... Too bad they could not find the legs to take advantage of the missing player for Costa Rica.
Massive boost for Costa Rica!!!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 29, 2014 - 04:00pm PT
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Sh#t yeah, congrats little Z and Costa Rica.
Guess bad minds think alike too, Reilly. I still wouldn't have let him take that , but he came through.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Jun 29, 2014 - 04:01pm PT
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That was tremendous.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jun 29, 2014 - 04:50pm PT
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Viva los Ticos!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 04:56pm PT
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Viva Los Ticos y adios Miguel "Cantinflas" Herrera:
"Everone has been against Mexico from the beginning." Dood, get real.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 29, 2014 - 05:04pm PT
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That is how you take pens. Not sure I've ever seen a better 5 in a row than what Costa Rica just did. Very happy to see them moving on, though this was perhaps their least impressive performance.
They might actually do a little better against the Dutch, who won't sit back as much as Greece did. Though a sub will have to deal with Robben due to the red card. Ouch.
That was a foul on Robben, though he made the most of it. Marquez was walking the line with that one and a couple others. Mexico can't complain too much, as there could have easily been one given in that challenge before half.
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Darwin
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 06:03pm PT
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I couldn't watch the PKs due to the stress (WHIMP!) and not wanting either team to lose, although paradoxically I was totally rooting for los Ticos. I see Campbell made his! He and Navas deserve metals for heroically hanging in there. Heck they all do from both teams. What a show from two of the less renown teams left.
I hope my Greek friends don't read this, but I'm pretty darn happy about the result. Congratulations LittleZ!
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Stimbo
Trad climber
Crowley Lake
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Jun 29, 2014 - 06:29pm PT
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Okay.... I am hoping we can get past Belgium, then past the winner of the Argentina-Swiss match, THEN, assuming the Netherlands goes through, we'd be playing the Dutch. It would be fun having a joint cheering section of North Americans, both sides of the Border, looking for a fitting end to Holland. Just sayin....
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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Jun 29, 2014 - 07:18pm PT
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I was hoping to see an authentic Mexican soccer riot when I'm in Santa Ana later this week, but that's out now.
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Flip Flop
Trad climber
Truckee, CA
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Jun 29, 2014 - 10:24pm PT
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Pura Vida!
I first kicked a soccer ball as a 5 year old boy living in Costa Rica in '74 and '75. The same age my boy is now. That was a tense game. I'm really happy for them.
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
extraordinaire
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Jun 29, 2014 - 10:40pm PT
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There seems to be alot of lapses in concentration towards the end of matches that rips your heart out - IE Mexico, Chile and USA in last few days.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jun 30, 2014 - 08:56am PT
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ALLONS ENFANTS DE LA PATRIE!!!!!!!!!
2-1 pour Les Banlieus. (Nothing against Nigeria)
Another poor pitch but a fantastic start to this match!
Edit:
40 minutes of end to end action! Best match of the whole cup! ALLEZ!
It does seem that Giroud and Benzema are not on the same page as far
as the final touches are concerned.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jun 30, 2014 - 12:36pm PT
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Yeah, not a great game for Giroud. He and Benzema did seem better in the other games, but it didn't click today.
Assuming Germany wins, the France-Germany game should be very interesting. Two pretty well-balanced teams that both like to attack.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jun 30, 2014 - 01:54pm PT
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just now coming back down to earth.
it's been quite a time here in Costa Rica. During the penalty kicks I had to step outside to get some air and try to settle down. It was like stepping into some twilight zone - there was no one on the streets, no sound of cars or trucks, just the sound of the wind and a few birds singing in the distance. Then all hell broke loose when Keylor blocked that kick and Umaña sunk the winner. Everyone came busting out of their houses screaming and yelling, crying (my son and I among them), waving flags, hugging each other, honking horns. We hopped in the car and drove 5 minutes into town to join the celebration. It then took us two hours to drive home! The whole country just collapsed for about 3 hours. I wanted to take photos but my camera ran out of batteries after about 10 minutes. Never got the final huge crowd scenes, but who cares, we lived it.
Flip Flop, very cool that you were here once upon a time. Amazed at how we all wind up connecting. Where did you live?
Bring on the Dutch.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 30, 2014 - 06:06pm PT
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Germany better have learned that Lahm is a right back. Pep has tried to convert him into a center mid, but he is one of the best defenders in the world and Germany is already loaded in mid.
Neuer was spot on coming out to stop the breaks.
Algeria should be proud of their cup.
Little Z, that's way cool and something I'll never experience in this country.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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^^^^^
Awesome.
If only.
Though the EU in reality is no where near coordinated enough to do that. And wayyy too bureaucrat heavy.
But maybe that is just what they want us to think. After all, Dr. Evil was Belgian.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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I guess we're about to see whether the Swiss defense is as suspect as alleged.
I see that some morons are protesting FIFA's appointing of an Algerian ref for the USA match
because he speaks French! Are you phukking kidding me? I'll be outraged if he proves
incompetent but as I recall he was quite decent in his previous match.
I am quite at a loss, hard as that may to believe, about this game's outcome but I guess I'll go
out on a limb and say that Messi will come through again. I am surprised to see Higuain back
in the lineup as he was less than underwhelming last game.
Arg 2. Suisse 1
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this just in
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 1, 2014 - 09:12am PT
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Go swiss, go America.
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ontheedgeandscaredtodeath
Social climber
SLO, Ca
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Went down to a local place to have a beer and some lunch and watch the afternoon game on Sunday. Ended up having a long conversation with this super knowledgeable and nice guy. Turned out to be Seamus Malin!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Wow, I'd buy Seamus a beer, or nine!
Josip Drmic - the new poster boy for Punters Anonymous.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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While I didn't see the Germany match yesterday the quality of this Argentina and Swiss match is so much better than the last few IMHO. Great half so far though these keepers are getting a bit lucky along with their saves....
Matter of time before we see one or the other score.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Delhi, did you miss France/Nigeria? It was superb end to end play, admittedly short on good
finishing, with precious little diving or cheap shots. It was righteous! Really a pity that the
Nigerians faded in the last ten minutes.
Again, not much from Higuain. I think they need someone more mobile, not that he has
received many quality passes., but he has not made space for himself.
Another punt from Drmic!
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Caught parts of it as I was in NJ at the airport waiting for our flight back to SF.
Too be though for Nigeria. Sure wanted an African team to go through.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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I see that some morons are protesting FIFA's appointing of an Algerian ref for the USA match because he speaks French! Are you phukking kidding me? I'll be outraged if he proves incompetent but as I recall he was quite decent in his previous match.
Actually I think it was Klinsmann that started that. So not entirely a moron. More in the mode of trying to play mind games with the ref like Fergie or Mourinho.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Ha! I would offer that if anything that could work against us were the ref to take umbrage.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Wow, super Swiss defense.
Love the attacking play.
Next 30 mins ought to be interesting.
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this just in
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 1, 2014 - 10:51am PT
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Hope it goes to shootout.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Too bad the Swiss can't finish as it would be over already. At least Drmic got jerked.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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"Hope it goes to shootout."
I don't.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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The swiss defense is ticking like a Rolex but their offense is a cheap Chinese knockoff.
But so is the Argentines'.
I do like the Swiss chances in a shootout with their keeper.
The Brasilian fans are sure behind the Swiss! (No surprise)
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Finally!!!
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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My compliments to the Swiss. I had expected an easy Argentinian win. Finally 1-0.
Also Messi involved. No surprise.
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this just in
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 1, 2014 - 11:30am PT
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I wanted the shootouts, but I like di Maria and happy for him. Craziest Cup!
Edit: man that has to be sickening to hit the post like that. Holy sh#t.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Oh my goodness! That was intense.
I don't see how anyone would not love this game after watching that match.
(Whoops,)
Go USA'!!!!!!!!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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I hate the Argentines' diving, whining, and gamesmanshit* but they deserved it.
*with the notable exception of Lionel.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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check out the google cartoon theme for the US match! how do I get that job?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Cameron in place of Beckerman? WTF?
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Howard saved their butts again
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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two gaffes by Cameron already defensively. He did play one good ball earlier.
OK, an excellent save by Cameron. He's back out of the dog house.
He's back in with that yellow.
Bradley doesn't even rate being in the dog house. I'm sure he's got WC nerves.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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WE WANT BECKERMAN! Or another Yedlin. (Bedoya out)
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this just in
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 1, 2014 - 01:56pm PT
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I get Cameron out cause of his yellow, then Altidore in for the last twenty. I like what's going on with the sideline runs. We can win this.
Yedlin has been fun to watch, damn he is fast.
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this just in
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 1, 2014 - 02:17pm PT
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Can't play a defensive shell.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Yeah, it ain't a matter of if...
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Tim Howard is the reincarnation of the great Yashin - The Black Spider.
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this just in
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 1, 2014 - 02:38pm PT
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Howard again!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Wondopuntski!
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this just in
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 1, 2014 - 02:54pm PT
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No sh#t, can't believe that. Come on.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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He freaked
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labrat
Trad climber
Auburn, CA
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You can only block so many shots ;-(
How about a few on Belgium's goal?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Cameron just stood there and let De Bruyne do his thing. No challenge whatsoever.
He didn't even get in front of him.
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labrat
Trad climber
Auburn, CA
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Goal! Why didn't he put him in earlier?!?!?
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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Where do we gather to flip cars, climb lampposts, and burn sh#t?
That's what we're supposed to do now, right?
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Inner City
Trad climber
East Bay
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Tim Howard played an other-worldy game there...alas, it was not enough.
The better team won...
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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I bet Lukaku could posterize LeBron. He sure took Besler to school on the first goal and then
DeBruyne schooled him with his stutter-step.
Belgium will give Argentina all they can handle.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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The better team won. Not sure what went wrong in that first 90. Constant losing possession. Probably should have played Beckerman, who is a little better at that. Maybe brought on Wondo sooner, as they looked better with Dempsey dropping deeper.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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We've developed the habbit of giving up game winners in the last minute. I always thought it was our offense that was lagging behind the top international teams but in fact we can't mark a man when it counts most. But we're learning.
Good run, America.
JL
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Probably should have played Beckerman, who is a little better at that.
You knew he was serving a yellow card suspension, right?
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Howard kept them in the game and gave them a chance in regulation. Belgium was the better side, but the US fought hard and should be proud.
Edit - Lukaku is a stud.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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You knew he was serving a yellow card suspension, right?
Yes, and he plays an agressive game. But saving him for the next game does no good if there is no next game.
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this just in
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 1, 2014 - 04:37pm PT
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When Lukaku was coming in both my brother and I said sh#t. What we lack in skill we make up for with heart. Another amazing finish, but we all wanted the equalizer. That set play was crazy and Green's goal was up there with the best of the tournament.
Tim Howard didn't get the win, but will always be remembered for one of the best goalie performances in the history of the Cup.
I enjoyed watching this team, even though they are sloppy, they play hard and don't give up. To me these are the two best things for any team in any sport.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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Belgium was the better side
putting on airs with fancy football talk. We don't talk that way in America
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Yep. So proud of our ethnocentric ignorance.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Howard and Memo Ochoa both played like all-timers.
Next time, round of eight!
JL
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this just in
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 1, 2014 - 05:23pm PT
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Beckerman wasn't on a suspension and I think Jurgen was spot on all tourney. He is the perfect coach for the U.S. and what we need to develope further.
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Gary
Social climber
Desolation Basin, Calif.
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What happened? Did we lose?
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Got to hear the matches today on ESPN Radio...
Loved the sound of the Argentina vs. Switzerland game.... Same for the US match... too bad for the US today...
Just started watching the US vs Belgium game... gotta see what happened...
All I know is that Howard blocked plenty this game... and Belgium ain't no slouch...
Thibaut Courtois - The man can stop a freight train...
Thomas Vermaelen - The man can head and provide the perfect set up
Vincent Kompany - A player for the team. He's always there, and always providing perfect defense,
Jan Vertonghen - Perfect Defense with occasional excellent crossing
Marouane Fellaini
Eden Hazard
Axel Witsel
Too many to name that happen to be world class players of the game.
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Climberdude
Trad climber
Fresno, CA
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Gary,
Yes, we lost 2-1 in overtime, but Team America played very well including a record 16 blocks by our goalie. Unfortunately I could not watch the game at work, so I had to settle for the CNN blog which was lame compared to seeing the real game. However, the real big win for the American team and soccer (football) was the interest from Americans.
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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Sack Da German. Without Howard we would have been out in the first round. There is no way you can say you have a good defense when the goalie makes 16 saves. Our offense was ranked above..... Greece, which was last. The USMNT was not able to posses the ball, pretty much every game ended with possession looking something like 65% for the other team 35% for the USMNT. Just do not see how Kinsman is all that great.
Hopefully next time he plays the best players versus the ones he likes.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Geez, three days sans futbol. What are those poor people in Brasil gonna do for fun?
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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What, no predictions on how the quarterfinals will end?????
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 2, 2014 - 07:12pm PT
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Ha, this cup has been a prediction nightmare.
I'll give who I want to win.
Columbia
Germany
Netherlands
Belgium
Though it would be cool to see Costa Rica keep going and if France wins I'll be going for them. Only eight more games.
I'm having withdrawals, lucky club games start soon too.
You going full out Argentina Steve?
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Match 57 - Brazil vs Columbia - Brazil have reserves they have not used yet and will out last the Columbians, however the Columbians have a heart that is still ticking and can make magic happen.
Match 58 - France vs Germany - Tough to call. Germany on the face of it, France on determination or persistence and trickery.
Match 59 - Netherlands vs Costa Rica - Netherlands sure to win because Netherlands look unstoppable.
Match 60 - Argentina vs Belgium - I'm partial to Belgium here due to player familiarity, but Messi is a force to beat. Problem for Argentina - most everyone in the world knows Messi is on the team so the opposition loads to defense.
They will all be great games... it's the world cup!!!
The list -
Brazil
Germany
Netherlands
Belgium
this just in - Yes, it would be cool to see Argentina win. Messi may become a god in Argentina.
Costa Rica would get a huge bump from a win of their game.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 2, 2014 - 07:47pm PT
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Yeah I'm fine with Argentina too. Pretty much just don't want Brazil to win, though it would be cool for their nation.
It's gunna be good, that's for sure.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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I'd like to see Messi get the Cup and his due.
But how about them los Ticos!!!!!
No kidding--those round of 16 games were keepin' me on the edge of my seat!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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I love Messi but not the rest of those whiners and divers. I think Belgium will take 'em.
I love Colombia but I think Brasil will benefit from an alignment of the planets.
The same with the Ticos plus I couldn't face the wifey's rels if they found out I was rooting
against the Orangeboomers.
France and Deutschland are really tough. The wifey grew up in France and I don't wanna
sleep in the garage so I'll be rooting for them. But just between you and me my money is
going towards a new Porsche. Besides, Benzema and Giroud just don't seem mobile enough
let alone on the same page.
Why does Thursday have to come before Friday?
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Those poor Brasilians... just waiting and waiting...
The Germans have ended up having the flu.
Shakira will turn up when the Columbians are playing.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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I thought Shakira was with the Spaniard Pique!!!
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xkyczar
Trad climber
denver
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Would love to see a Brazil v Argentina final.
Pulling for France on Friday but would be OK with Germany as well. The Germans are far more fun to watch this WC than they have been in the past.
How many more cups til we see an African team through to the finals? It's got to be soon.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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they are making jokes here in Costa Rica based on local geography. The little town of Grecia (Greece is Spanish) is nextdoor to the town where I live, Naranjo (Orange in Spanish). So, "after Grecia comes Naranjo", or "to get to Naranjo you have to go through Grecia".
Aside from the massive prestige boost that would be gained by a Costa Rica win, we're talking some serious dollars as well. That would also be a massive boost for Tico futbol, although I'm sure the team is motivated a lot more by pride than by prize.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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ALLEZ LES BLEUS!!!!!!!!!!!
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Gorgeous George
Trad climber
Los Angeles, California
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France Brasil Argentina Nederlands
Brasil wins.
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this just in
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 4, 2014 - 09:17am PT
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Hummels!
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Great goal.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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France is creating chances by breaking the German off side line. Hopefully France will equalize early in the 2nd half and all hell will break loose.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Yes, TT, France have created good opportunities but poor first touches and poor services
are their undoing, not to mention some pointless fouls such as lead to the goal.
Nice to see a game without much theatrics and the refs have been excellent.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Congrats to Germany. I cry for France. Neuer made the difference...
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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Germany are very very tough this year.
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this just in
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 4, 2014 - 11:05am PT
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Deutschland! Neuer is the best in the world. That is the squad the Germans need to play the rest of the tourney.
Go Columbia!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Hard to argue with that result. Au revoir Les Bleus, go home and work on your crosses and decision making.
Now for the real money game!
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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A rather dull 2nd half. Germany did what they had to do.
Go Colombia!!
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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TJI, you, as usual, are correct.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Now that the US participation in this world cup has ended, any thoughts whether Klinsmann's decision to exclude Landon Donovan was correct or not?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Dempsey isn't a striker and neither is Wondopuntsky.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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I don't know about y'all, but booth national anthems in the Brazil vs Columbia game was somewhat moving to see 50% of the stadium joining in the song.
This will be a good game.
any thoughts whether Klinsmann's decision to exclude Landon Donovan was correct or not?
Either way the decision was made, the game was lost and now it's over. We can armchair all day long.. nothing changes .
IMO though - Donavan could have brought a different dynamic, but how can you and I know what all went into Klinsmann's decision.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Exactly Reilly and once they lost Altidore...
Now to Brazil vs Colombia. So much at stake for the Brazilians. This should be a much more exciting game. Wow the fan noise must be deafening on the pitch.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Ouchh...no one at the far post for Colombia.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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But there was! A pity he was only spectating along with Ospina.
Colombia's defense looking shaky.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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look out Columbia...
Just watched a bursting run from Ruiz @ about 28:00 or so in the game...
Is soccer physical?
Is there skill involved?
Can this sport be painful?
It's a beautiful game to watch, and this years World Cup has proven to be the best I've seen so far..
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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This ref is not in control.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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commentator says the ref has a "game management problem"...
haha.. Ain't that the truth
End to end fouling... end to end free kicks...
That half was not long enough.. Beginning seems that Brazil may have the game, however I will not be calling the game until the final whistle.
Can't count Columbia out just yet.
Brazil, showing signs of good control from Neymar, Ruiz and Hulk with a slight bump from the actions in the first half by Silva.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Wow no spin or curvature on that shot. Luiz located it perfectly with the inside of his shoe into the upper 90. That goal probably determines Colombia's fate :-(
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Ofside call from the Brasilian linesman.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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That was one ugly game. Ref let the fouls go on wayyy too long before starting with the cards.
Without Thaigo Silva and maybe Neymar, no way this Brazilian team are favorites against Germany.
And while I was rooting for Colombia, they didn't really look all that good either. I think they just had the luck of an easy draw.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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That was a great first half followed by a scoring second, which tends to thrill.
Too bad for Columbia, they are a great team that are certainly set to be on top at some point. Damn fine team
went back and read this from upthread:
Deutschland! Neuer is the best in the world.
True - But there are instances (and sometimes many in one game) where Neuer can be unnecessarily risky in his defensive actions....
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hb81
climber
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Neymar is out with a broken vertebra.
The ref'ing at this world cup has been a complete joke so far.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 5, 2014 - 09:11am PT
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Reilly, I just read Higuain lips. I think it was "what about now Reilly?" I didn't realize this thread was being monitored by the teams.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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HaHaHaHa! :-). Now that is the Higuain I know and love!
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Totally improvised magic shot on goal by Gonzalo Higuaín. Goal Argentina
bad ass
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Origi has not impressed, it's time for Lukaku! I'm not sure I wouldn't put somebody in for Hazard, either. He doesn't seem to want to pass the ball until he is out of options.
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pc
climber
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Great game by Argentina! Some of the best passing and plays of the tournament so far.
I think US would have given them a good/better match.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Argentina brilliantly played the offside trap against the Red Devils time & time again. I don't think we've seen the best of Argentina or Germany in this tournament yet.
EDIT: OMG Lorenzo thanks for posting that video. I was laughing my a#s off.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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That was me in the TV room.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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So, was that Argentina's A- or B+ game? I'm thinking it was the A- version. Without DiMaria
will that be repeatable?
Boy, Belgium showed their immaturity - so many highly speculative passes and shots. They
never exploited Mirallas' speed on the right flank. Hazard was a wasted choice.
Good luck, Ticos! Yer gonna need it. ;-)
An Uzbeck ref? Really, for a quarterfinal match?
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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An Uzbeck ref? Really, for a quarterfinal match?
3 of the 4 quartersfinals referees are from UEFA with one of the teams in the match they are doing being from that confederation. Very unusual.
Contact just now on Campell's back in the box no call.
Coincidence?
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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and the Uzbeki judge gives Robben a 9.5 on his dive!
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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this is truly a flopperific World Cup. makes NBA'ers look like mere understudies
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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He's been inconsistent, to say the least. That said, wazzup with Van Persie?
How many offsides on him, 6? Does he have Rooneyism? Get him out of there and bring on Huntelaar!
Man, say what you will about Robben the guy packs a V-12 from Maranello!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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It looks like Sneijder has Rooneyism.
Pretty strange switching keepers for the shootout but van Gaal isn't given to whimsy.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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I give Los Ticos a lot for credit for not breaking down in their defending 1/3
EDIT: impressive PKs by the Dutch & saves by Krul
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Stimbo
Trad climber
Crowley Lake
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Van Gaal saved his best substitution for last. I was really hoping Los Ticos would squeeze through, but as much as I detest all the theatrics the Dutch put on display, the best team won. What an incredible back line the Costa Ricans have, masters of the offside trap.
Come on Argentina!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 5, 2014 - 06:46pm PT
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Hats off to Costa Rica, definitely the surprise of the tourney. Navas was amazing and can't believe how many offsides the Dutch had. The better team won, but they had to work their asses off.
When Krul came in I was questioning putting in someone who hasn't played in a game for awhile. Looks like it didn't matter and Krul's confidence showed.
Semifinals will be good.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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How the Dutch celebrate a goal against Argentina (we'll see if it happens again):
[Click to View YouTube Video]
One of the great passes and goals ever.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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How the Argentines celebrate winning a World Cup against the Netherlands, as told by golden ball and golden shoe, and two goal scorer in the finals Mario Kempes...
[Click to View YouTube Video]
With a smile
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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[Click to View YouTube Video]
tricky bastards
well, it's been a wild ride, worthy of Mr. Toad. I'm actually relieved it's over. Was worried about my health from so many stressful games in a row. That's not a joke!
Ready to leave this thing to the hard-core players, and fans.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Brazil
And number 10?
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
extraordinaire
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Brasil is gonna beat Germany.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 8, 2014 - 07:41am PT
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Germany!
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Why are people writing "Brasil" but not "Deutschland"?
The modern trend is probably against the use of exonyms, but why are people focusing solely (or almost solely) on Brazil/Brasil?
Since this is an English language website, I propose we use "Brazil" until the use of "Brasil" in English becomes standard, if it ever does.
Anyway, people who are paying attention will notice that I correctly predicted all of the teams in the seminfinals.
Now it's a bit tougher, and we've got some complicating factors.
Home field is a big advantage, but the loss of Neymar seems to outweigh that, so I'm going with Germany.
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nopantsben
climber
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Germany will win. Brazil had Luiz, Silva, Neymar, 8 mediocre players on the field, Willian on the bench, and no strategy I could see apart from playing foul.
Now they still have no strategy, Willian will play, but with Willian and Luiz, and no Silva and no Neymar, I guess it's looking worse then before. Unless they play like the first 30 minutes against Chile, and Germany plays like the first 30 minutes against Algeria, Brazil does not stand a chance I think.
tmrw, I think Argentina will win. maybe that is just hope though.
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k-man
Gym climber
SCruz
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Germany is certainly looking strong, but so is Argentina.
I'm hopin' Brazil takes it--not only to show that Soccer is indeed a team sport, but also because I know what the cup means to the country.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Oscar and Fernandinho have not impressed.
Hulk has failed to deliver. Fred needs a new name.
Jo is their only hope, but against the Siegfried Line?
Deutschland 2. Brasil 0
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nopantsben
climber
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i am also rooting for Brazil or Argentina. And then more for Brazil because now Neymar is out and they really have to work for each other to manage it.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Germany 60%
Brasil 40%
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Marlow, it's frikken' hot here, you know any estate agents i Å i Lofoten?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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'Lofoten hot' = 20C? Bring it! 35C here :-(
1.200 kroner per night for a rorbu? Uff da!
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Reilly
If you go to Norway, you'll get used to uff-da-prices... at least at this time of the year. But the air, the views and the climbing is still free...
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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I hope Rossini's family is getting royalties for the Brasilian anthem.
At least the little kiddies know the words.
Fred is up top? WTF? Big mistake, put Jo in.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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I expect Germany to win with all of their players being standard upper-tier players on the field. With Neymar out to injury there may be no chance, but if Brazil can energize, focus and make up for the missing force... They could make this a very exceptional and most memorable game.
This should be a great game.
Fred is up top? WTF? Big mistake, put Jo in.
it is prudent. Experience may not be enough to beat the German back line... I agree it may not be the best case scenario, but its may be the best the coach had available to him.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Brasil are looking much better without Neymar as everyone seems to be working,
except on defense.
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hb81
climber
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German football has been sh!t ever since Franz Beckenbauer retired.
Yeah right...
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Well, it was fun for 15 minutes.
Too bad futbol doesn't have a mercy rule. This should be stopped.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Müller 1, Klose 2, ....
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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oh no....
Brazil is hit hard.. They've forgot the fundamentals....
Yeah, this game could get a lot worse for sure....
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Brandon-
climber
The Granite State.
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This is painful to watch.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Wow I was gonna tune in for the 2nd half, thinking that would be where the action is!
Tomorrow could me more of the same--on an individual basis, the third world countries have good players, but as a team, seems like European industrial efficiency is largely unstoppable.
I'm seeing Germany-Holland in the finals in a good, close game, with Germany coming out on top.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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I can't imagine what this half-time talk will be like in the Brazil locker room?
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Not half way through and already 5-0...
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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this does not bode well for the stability of Brazilian society
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bergbryce
climber
East Bay, CA
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what the hell happened??
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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That was brutal.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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what the hell happened??
Uhh, no offense and no defense.
The only guys throughout Brasil's cup that have impressed me are Marcelo,
Thiago Silva, and David Luis.
The rest, other than Neymar, are punters. The first 6 minutes of the second
half are proof with those two wasted opportunities. Make that 3.
Make that 4. "Hey, Fred, me mum can shoot harder!"
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yanqui
climber
Balcarce, Argentina
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It's like rolling five sixes in a row. Sh#t happens. Germany did basically the same thing to Argentina in the last World Cup and then got put out by Spain in the next round. What happen to Spain in this World Cup? To me it seems like futbol is more luck than skill.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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To me it seems like futbol is more luck than skill. Yes, that's one of the consequences of having a game where goals are unusual events (although I guess they're not that unusual for Germany now!!)
You know maybe Brazil would do better if they just called their players their real names instead of giving them "cutesy" names like Oscar and The Hulk. The names aren't directly relevant, but it shows a preoccupation with silliness instead of the German style efficiency.
Wow, just turned on game to see 7-0. I don't watch much soccer, but in my short spectator career, this is unprecedented.
We're getting a good, proper score now like a real football game!
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Blahblah
This football game is unreal... I wonder what the Brazilians have been doing during their preparations.
Finally one for Brazil. Neuer is not happy.
7-1. Congrats to Germany.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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After the second German goal Brazil was a deer in the headlights.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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OK it's over now.
The Brazilian players are obviously dejected, even shell-shocked, but it looks like there's good sportsmanship on both sides as the players congratulate each other.
I don't know much about soccer but I'm sure all of us have had events in our lives where "the wheels come off," just one of those things.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Who'd a thunk it?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Brasil need to man up and play the third place game like it is the final,
especially since it will be against Los Gauchos. So, in effect it will be
El Campionato de America Sur.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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hard to believe the final score after looking at the game stats (other than goals, of course), which would seem to indicate that it was a fairly even match.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Yep, that is what happens when one team scores 4 goals in just 6 minutes.
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Andy Fielding
Trad climber
UK
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I thought Brazil were poor today. The last minute shot by Chile that came back off the cross bar could have sent Brazil out and penalties is just a lottery. Agree with comments above if Brazil carry on like that then they won't get passed Germany.
I predicted a few games ago that Brazil would not make it passed Germany. This Brazil team, as we saw tonight, are quite poor especially if two key players were removed. Having said all that my prediction for tonight was 2 - 0. Didn't see a 7 - 1 coming :)
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 8, 2014 - 03:39pm PT
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Wow, I know it wasn't a close good game, but I loved every moment of it. F*#king awesome, but Sunday is the one that matters. Might have to end a backpacking trip early to catch it live.
Really cool to see Klose break the scoring record.
I'd like to see the Dutch play in the finals so Robben knows what it's like to play his teammates at Bayern. Also, would like to see Argentina vs Brazil.
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k-man
Gym climber
SCruz
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At work, I walked by a tele at 33 minutes into the "game." It reminded me of my college days when our Podunk soccer team played Stanford. Yikes, I wanted to crawl into a hole after the first 15 minutes. Lucky for us, we got to play them both Saturday AND Sunday!! Who the hell scheduled that?
Lucky for Brazil, they looked better than our team did that weekend.
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Vitaliy M.
Mountain climber
San Francisco
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Excuse my humor :)
He was almost right.... :)
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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no way 'tina loses. So I'll congratulate the Brasilians for being the best team in South America, among teams that do not happen to be World Cup winners
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 8, 2014 - 04:22pm PT
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Vitaliy, you missed post 666 by one.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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no way 'tina loses. . . . Perhaps your post is meant to be "tongue in cheek" and I just don't get soccer humor, but if it's meant to be serious . . .
I have followed this World Cup with at least some diligence, and I can assure you that "yes way" Argentina can lose tomorrow.
The expert analysis I have seen has tomorrow's game a virtual coin toss, with Argentina having perhaps the slightest of an edge.
My prediction: I've generally seen European industrial efficiency topping South American "flair," and so I'm going with NL. While I've mostly just predicted favorites and shouldn't brag too much, I have, on this very thread, correctly predicted (1) every semifinalist, and (2) Germany over Brazil.
At least of all of us who predict a closer affair than today's game are sure to be right!
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Reilly did you say you thought David Luiz did OK? There are players on the local pub team that could have defended better than any of the Brazilians. That was embarassing.
Could easily have been 10-0. Should have been 8-0 if Ozil hadn't shanked that last shot, perhaps out of a sense of mercy.
If I watch another 40 years of World Cups probably won't see another whupping like that on a football power in their own country.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Steve, David Luis was horrible today. He was responsible for Mueller being
unmarked on the first goal and he was a spectator on the second. But I
thought he was quite good in the previous games. Today there was just no
communication, not surprising given the din in there but those guys shouldn't
need to talk that much. I think they were just carried away with their emotions
and wanted to attack and wing it on defense. Is there a word in German for emotion?
Holland 2 Los Gauchos 1
Without DiMaria they're really hurting in midfield aside from that one guy.
Higuain got lucky against Belgium and he isn't mobile enough against Holland.
Belgium didn't utilize Mirallas' speed on the flank like Holland will and
Holland has proven scorers. It should be good.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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The German word for today is Schadenfreude Delighting in the misfortune of others.
The Gauchos will have a tough time tomorrow with the Dutch but I can't imagine it will end up anything like today's historical result.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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The German word for today is Schadenfreude Delighting in the misfortune of others.
The Gauchos will have a tough time tomorrow with the Dutch but I can't imagine it will end up anything like today's historical result.
I'm not sure that "Schadenfreude" is the right word to describe what happened today, it was just a blow out. Maybe that word works, but it's not a typical example where a single English word doesn't really exist to describe that emotion. The Germans just wanted to win the game, nothing more than that.
Also, the word you want is "historic," not "historical."
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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blahblah...it's the Argentines who are delighting in the misfortune of the Brazilians, not the Germans. The Germans are basking in the glory of their historic victory.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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You can really tell the teams that are focused from the ones that are segmented.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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blahblah...it's the Argentines who are delighting in the misfortune of the Brazilians, not the Germans. The Germans are basking in the glory of their historic victory.
Thanks for the clarification. I would have thought that the Argentinians would have supported their fellow South Americans against a European team, but what do I know!
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Playing defense seems to be a low priority with the Latin teams, sort of like matainance, which is why nothing every works down there. Those Krauts had a lock-down D, but their offence simply ran right over the Brazilians. Haven't seen that kind of blow out ever.
JL
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Flip Flop
Trad climber
Truckee, CA
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It certainly is sucking O que?
[Click to View YouTube Video]
Representing Deutschland engineering. Pele is god but the days of god are history. Engineering is better than god.
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Flip Flop
Trad climber
Truckee, CA
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Dude! Baseball is not an athletic endeavor. It's a boring ass activity for chubby dudes in tight pants. There are some fit players but ALL WC futbolistas are true athletes.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Playing defense seems to be a low priority with the Latin teams
except for Costa Rica, of course, who only received two goals in five games, and one of those was a penalty kick, the other was when they were playing with 10 men.
QITNL - major thread drift dude (that photo of Walton and you (?) deserves it's own thread). Enjoy the A's now, because come October we all know they'll be at home watching the World Series on the couch, again.
Go M's
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 9, 2014 - 11:51am PT
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Good find moose.
Go Dutch.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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ORANGEBOOM!!!!!!!!!!!
Here's hoping it is a good clean game, without a shootout.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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Just watched the first half out of one eye--seemed pretty even to me but with an advantage to Argentina in terms of control of play and something like scoring chances (to the extent I can tell).
The score is 0-0 to those not watching.
At least it's a close game--nothing at all like yesterday.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Holland looked good for a while but then it was like they said, "Hey, we better back off here!"
Lavezzi has looked really good. He has out-Robbened Robben. Perez has been
a solid replacement for DiMaria. Mascherano was definitely on Queer Street
for a while there. He has been a stud back there, hope he is OK.
I don't understand why Robben is playing beneath van Persie. I guess
because Sneijder is afraid to push up there. Seems like Holland is more
afraid of losing than desirous of winning.
Good clean game and the ref has been decent. I think that linesman has
blown a couple offsides on the Dutch which is why we didn't see the replays.
FIFA only shows the replays when they are right.
I see Janmaat is in for Indi. Good move, it was only a matter of time
before Messi ran at Indi and forced him to pick up another yellow.
Did you catch the little OCD dance Lavezzi does before each kickoff? Hilarious!
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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so far no good... just two equal teams matched against each other.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Is Mick Jagger wearing orange or light blue & white stripes?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Wow, Higuain was definitely onside!
Sneijder's free kicks have sucked!
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Argentina got hosed
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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True dat but they still haven't won a World Cup fair and square.
Los Gauchos look to be running out of gas.
Another poor cross by Sneijder.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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OK everyone who is not normally a soccer fan, if you read this in real time, I recommend you start watching this game now.
Yes, we've got a 0-0 tie, not my favorite.
But, the game is now in what they call "extra time" (not sudden death), so either someone will score, which will be exciting, or then we'll go to the shoot out, which is also pretty good.
I'm still seeing Argentina as maybe being the better team, but it's very close
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nopantsben
climber
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espn commentary is embarrassing. possibly worse than that.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Copy that. Orange are squeezing them now.
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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What is ESPN saying? I've got some sort of English (British style) stream going, I have only a vague idea of what they're talking about
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nopantsben
climber
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ESPN is mostly explaining the rules. and advertising espn broadcasting.
and then some unimaginably dull tactics/game explanations.
i guess i should change streams..
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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you all listen to the commentary?
Who cares what the people in the stands are thinking.... and the commentators booth... they are not playing...
Again, I have to point out the lackluster of this game. These teams are even-Steven... Penalties may happen still..
Hope for a late goal somewhere....
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blahblah
Gym climber
Boulder
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The commentators I'm listening to are now just talking about the (anticipated) shoot out--with any luck, that means someone will actually score to win the game properly.
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nopantsben
climber
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i hope so too. p s-o is always a bummer. go argentina
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, or In What Time Zone Am I?
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My son is currently in Germany and he said they went nuts yesterday. Well no surprise there!
Fun times!
Susan
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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missed opportunity for sure....
Argentina may not want it enough...
as for the commentary, please people.... we've had 90 minutes of lackluster gaming.... what is there to talk about to pump a non-game up for a viewing audience...
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Only one minute of extra time when Zabaleta was down for at least 3?
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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penalty kicks..
even match all the way...
NO F*#KING WAY!!!!
Argentina are gonna make it!!!!
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Neither team wants to face Germany and be humiliated like Brazil.
I was hoping to watch an exciting game tonight when I get home. I'll probably just watch the shoot out.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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I knew Sneijder would be stopped.
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Andy Fielding
Trad climber
UK
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Germany to play Argentina in the final for the third time in World Cup history.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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VAMOS ARGENTINA,,, CARAJOOOOO!
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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This is great for Argentina!!!
That Goalie gets a huge bonus for his performance today...
It's too bad to see Robben moving on, but with the magic that I've seen from the guy since I've been watching INTL soccer... I feel like I've seen the greats just as any other has in the past...
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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It is tough when it comes down to PK's, but Argentina probably should have won anyway. Offside call was bogus.
It they don't bring their game up Germany will spank them.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Viva MESSI!!!!!
(It should never have gone to pk's--Higuain's goal was KNOT
offside)!!!!
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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With one less day of rest and going to pks today, Los Gauchos have a tough road ahead. Will di Maria be eligible for the Final?
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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It they don't bring their game up Germany will spank them.
They have given up the same number of goals this cup (4) . Argentina have given up NONE in the knockout rounds.
Brasil had the most disorganized defence I have ever seen in later stages of a WC. Often 3 in the back and forwards didn't track back. And without Neymar, their best attacker was Marcelo.
I don't see more than three goal combined in the final.
Nice to move on to the finals on Nueve de Julio, Argentina's Independence Day.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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default on national debt?
ain't no thang, weez in Da Championship, bitchzzz!!!11111111
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Not that it matters, but just heard a stat about south american teams meeting europeans in the world cup 9 times so far... 7 of the 9 times South American teams win!!!
The real stat is that a European team has never won a World Cup in the Western Hemisphere.
The referee selection will be interesting. Argentina has played every Euro team so far with a Euro crew. This Turkish UEFA team took away a legit Higuaín goal. I hope they get that Champions league gig as a reward.
I fully expect Howard Webb will be the pick for the final....because, you know... The Brits love the Argentines so much and were already in one cup quartersfinals match against Egland where the head of officials was German. And the head of officials called in to translate and mediate was Ken Aston, a Brit. In Argentina it is still known as el robo del siglo.
This time the head of the referee committe is another Euro. Northern Ireland this time.
For those who don't know the history, here is the wiki entry:
1966 World Cup
Rattin is sent off in the historic match the Argentina vs England in the 1966 FIFA World Cup.
In spite of all of this history, it was not until the 1966 FIFA World Cup, held in and eventually won by England, that the rivalry picked up the sometimes bitter and fierce edge that it retains. The two teams met in the quarter-finals of the tournament, a game referred to in Argentina as el robo del siglo (the theft of the century)[7] that England won 1–0 thanks to a goal from striker Geoff Hurst, disputed by the Argentines due to a claimed offside.[8]
However, the game was particularly noted for the sending off of Argentina captain Antonio Rattín after receiving his second caution of the game. The Argentines considered the second caution to be unfair, including Rattín himself, who had to be escorted from the pitch by police before he would leave. Rattín was booked at the start of the match for a lunge on Bobby Charlton. Rattín then fouled Geoff Hurst and received a second booking for arguing with the referee.[1]
It was reported in Argentina that the German referee, Rudolf Kreitlein, said that he had sent off Rattín because he didn't like how he had looked at him,[9] while British newspapers cited the official as having given the reason as 'violence of the tongue', even though the referee spoke no Spanish [10] Rattín's intention appeared to have been to speak with the German referee, as according to the Argentines he was ruling in favour of the English team. Rattín made a visible signal showing his captain's armband and intention to call a translator.[11]
Ken Aston, the English supervisor of referees, entered the field to try to persuade Rattín to leave, but he only exacerbated the situation since the Latin American teams had already suspected that the English and Germans were collaborating to eliminate them from the competition.[6] After his dismissal, Rattín scrunched the corner flag (featuring the Union Jack) with his hand before finally sitting down on Queen Elizabeth II's red carpet.
After the match, England manager Alf Ramsey refused to allow his players to swap shirts with the Argentines (as is traditional after the conclusion of a football match) and later described the South Americans as "animals" in the press. The Argentine press and public were outraged, and one Argentine newspaper published a picture of the official World Cup mascot, World Cup Willie, dressed in pirate regalia to demonstrate their opinion of the England team.
So, Brits, Germans, and Argentines is not a good cocktail. FIFA has enough legitimacy issues in this cup with two charges of match fixing.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 9, 2014 - 06:39pm PT
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Did either of those teams today want to win? Didn't seem like it.
Germany is too strong at every position. I don't think it will be another blowout, but do see the German's 2014 World Cup Champions.
Oh yeah, Higuain didn't score cause he hit the side of the net and the ref called a goal kick, not offsides.
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guido
Trad climber
Santa Cruz/New Zealand/South Pacific
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I ventured into town to the local pub to watch the game and was amazed at all the people in their blazing orange attire yelling and screaming. I had to ask them if there was a Cal Trans convention being held locally?
Bravo Argentina!
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labrat
Trad climber
Auburn, CA
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Yay for dented pots! Boca and River are forgotten for a few more days..
;-)
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ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
extraordinaire
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Hopefully FIFA implements some concussion measures [Click to View YouTube Video]
Romero was fantastic not letting anything get past him.
Looking forward to the final.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Romero was fantastic not letting anything get past him.
Looking forward to the final.
Well, the Dutch took no shots on goal in regular time, only two in added time.
He was great in the PK's . Van Gaal is taking credit for teaching him to block them.
I wonder if Queen Maxima was wearing Albiceleste?
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jul 10, 2014 - 08:17am PT
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Why was Van Persie in that game at all? He was clearly not at anything close to 100% in this game or the prior one, good for little but getting offsides, and it hurt the Dutch badly, allowed Argentina to collapse on Robben almost as effectively as the Dutch took Messi completely out of the game. Great defense by both teams, but tough to watch when (I think) most all of us wanted to see Messi and Robben create havoc.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 10, 2014 - 08:32am PT
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Why was Van Persie in that game at all?
My thoughts exactly although Huntelaar didn't exactly light things up either.
Given that Los Gauchos had a bonafide goal disallowed and that they played
a remarkably flop-free and clean game they deserved it. God knows those
poor people need something to be happy about. As well as their defense has
played I could see Higuain getting free while the Germans collapse on Messi.
On the other hand the Germans are clinical finishers and won't waste their
opportunities like the Dutch did. I couldn't believe the poor shots they
took. They looked amateurish in that regard and Sneijder and Kuyt didn't
put a quality cross in the whole game other than a few corners and one free
kick.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 10, 2014 - 08:43am PT
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LOL. Once again Higuain hit the side netting and didn't score. He was onside, but the wrong side of the net. The goalie picks the ball up outside of the goal.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 10, 2014 - 08:45am PT
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Really? Oh well, that's closer than the Dutch got so they still deserved it. :-)
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 10, 2014 - 08:55am PT
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Yeah, you got that right. I had to slow motion it to see it a few times cause it looks like a goal. You can tell when the keeper picks it up and the fact that Argentina didn't go nuts for being called offsides. He might of called him off, but I think he just pointed for a goal kick.
Brazil fans will be wearing white on Sunday.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jul 10, 2014 - 09:26am PT
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Brazil fans will be wearing white on Sunday.
Interesting. White was the color of Brasil's home kit when they had the Maracaná disaster in 1950. They didn't play a match for two years after, then changed their kit to the current yellow top, blue shorts and green trim that are the colors on the flag.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jul 10, 2014 - 09:32am PT
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Given that Los Gauchos had a bonafide goal disallowed and that they played
a remarkably flop-free and clean game they deserved it.
Who calls them los gauchos? That's like calling all Americans cowboys. 2/3 of all argentines live in the Buenos Aires area, and there are as many Gauchos in Uruguay and even Brasil's Rio Grande do Sul province.
The first historical reference to gauchos in South America was in that province, and it is what people in the South of Brasil are known as.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 10, 2014 - 09:46am PT
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Who calls them los gauchos?
I do and it is hardly a pejorative. We'll have a beer some time and I'll
tell you about my time on la finca down there. ;-) The gauchos are proud.
At least the gauchos work hard instead of sitting around collecting the dole.
Some of my friends...also hard working. It ain't no bed of roses on la finca!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 10, 2014 - 09:55am PT
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Lorenzo, I'm saying they will be going for Germany and not their Los Gauchos rivals.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 10, 2014 - 10:22am PT
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Yeah, it was outside the goal. I missed that too from the angle. I should have known since they did not pitch a fit at the bogus offside call.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 10, 2014 - 10:25am PT
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I wondered that too but I must have had a TIA just then. Actually, I
thought they were just being stoic. I'm not sure I've ever seen an
Argentine side less argumentative or theatrical. Major kudos.
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Festus
Social climber
Enron by the Sea
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Jul 10, 2014 - 10:48am PT
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I was pulling for the Dutch 'cuz I think (still) they're a bit better team than Argentina and more fun to watch when they've got it together, but there's no question that the hardest thing of all to watch if you were pulling for the Netherlands was the number of crosses that Kuyt and Sneijder rifled way over everyone and across the end line. It was as if they thought the goal was twenty yards closer to the far corner. Between them they must have hit that same area at least a dozen times. I thought the Dutch were far more dangerous and likely to score in the second half and OT than Argentina, and shoulda woulda coulda with the Van Persie from earlier in the tournament. But they had exactly the same problem (and the same woefully ineffective Van Persie) in the Costa Rica game. If you can't finish you're in trouble. Oh, well. Good luck to Argentina and Germany, hope we get a competitive game with a few highlight reel shots and stops!
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 10, 2014 - 11:44am PT
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Watched the game last night and I thought Argentina was clearly the better side and deserved to win. The Argentines continued to create chances until the end and they never collapsed in their defending 1/3, even when the Dutch turned up the heat toward the end of regulation time. Romero's performance, throughout the game and especially during the pks, was beyond impressive. I was glad to see a "clean" game from both teams.
As a gringo, here are 10 things not to say in Buenos Aires...
http://www.gringoinbuenosaires.com/ten-things-not-say-buenos-aires/
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jul 10, 2014 - 05:52pm PT
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the number of crosses that Kuyt and Sneijder rifled way over everyone and across the end line.
I've noticed that the brazoka really seems to fly. Lots of passes and shots on goal going long and high. I think all the players are hard-wired for a heavier ball, especially under stress, eventhough they supposedly had time to get used to the new, lighter ball. Am I wrong?
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jul 10, 2014 - 06:48pm PT
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As a gringo, here are 10 things not to say in Buenos Aires...
That guy hasn't been there in a couple years. There are Walmarts, and Costco's, they don't always have the best prices. Carefour, a French chain, often is a better place to shop.
Also, there are Lowe's and Home Depot, Starbucks, and TWO Macdonals right across from the Obelisk, with a Burger King sandwiched between them.
A couple blocks away is the Cafe Tortoni, which has better food and prices. It is the oldest cafe-restaurant in the city.
The Starbucks made no sense whatever. You can get great espresso served on China, a media luna, a couple cookies, and a complementary Swiss chocolate piece at La Biela in Recoleta for about 4 pesos, or about 75¢ USD, have it served to you by a nice mozo ( waiter) while you watch Buenos Aires go by.
If you are lucky, a bandoneon player in a clown suit will be playing for tips nearby.
The Starbucks is at US prices and packed with tourists.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 10, 2014 - 07:08pm PT
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Thanks for the update Lorenzo. I need to get back down there. Haven't
Been there since I was a child.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jul 10, 2014 - 07:38pm PT
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It's SO interesting that Higuain's disallowed goal is nowhere to
be found on youtube. . . .or anywhere else. . .
Dontcha think FIFA's keeping it that way?????
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jul 10, 2014 - 07:49pm PT
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It's SO interesting that Higuain's disallowed goal is nowhere to
be found on youtube. . . .or anywhere else. . .
Dontcha think FIFA's keeping it that way?????
yes. Completely agree... there is definitely something going on...
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jul 11, 2014 - 06:36am PT
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lucky?
let's hope the guy in the clown suit doesn't go crazy when Argentina loses
Haha. I did say nearby.... They don't let him in the cafe area. And he is quite good.
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yanqui
climber
Balcarce, Argentina
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Jul 11, 2014 - 07:00am PT
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Lorenzo: a cafe and a media luna costs 4 pesos??? In what century are you referring to?
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jul 11, 2014 - 09:19am PT
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So I have a ton of free time now.... and I cannot climb.... So I watch the soccer.
Figured I'd watch each of the two teams games leading up to the Final/
ESPN 30 day access to the world
http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index#type/replay/sport/soccer-futbol/days/days-30/
Just watched a piece on Leonel Messi... Now I think Messi and Argentina almost have to win.... But I also know the German squad is precision tuned...
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jul 11, 2014 - 06:24pm PT
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Lorenzo: a cafe and a media luna costs 4 pesos??? In what century are you referring to?
Haha.
This one, and only Spring 2012 the Peso was 4:1
But you made me check the peso Arg again, and it is over 8 to 1 USD RIGHT NOW. yikes!
I checked it this Spring and it was 6:1 I was thinking of heading back until the city decided I needed a new sewer.
But I bet you can get it for a greenback if you went down now.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 11, 2014 - 06:36pm PT
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The black market dollars are bringing even more. People are getting desperate
with almost 30% inflation. Some small B&B's will only accept cash dollars.
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yanqui
climber
Balcarce, Argentina
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Jul 11, 2014 - 07:06pm PT
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Black market dollars are about 1:12, however I seriously doubt you can get a coffee with media lunas in a place like the Recoleta for less than 40 pesos. I would verify this on internet, except no one in Argentina puts prices in internet, because with 40% annual inflation the prices go up almost daily. Last time I went to Buenos Aires, about a year ago, to renew my daughter's passport, we ate at that place in your picture and spent about 500 pesos for a light lunch (three people). The bus tickets from Balcarce cost me more than the tickets for the bullet train from Paris to Brussels, that I bought last February. In spite of a 100% devaluation since 2012, things are not very cheap in Argentina (but the black market dollar does help tourists).
PS: here is an article from "La Nación" that says the price of a small coffee (which is very small, see picture) and no media lunas in La Biela in January 2013 costs between 15 and 18 pesos. Since there has been a major devaluation and about 60% inflation since the article was published, that means a small coffee would probably cost about 25 pesos. Add media lunas and my estimate of 40 pesos should be about right (a larger coffee with milk would be more expensive).
http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1547131-tomar-un-cafe-un-habito-porteno-que-puede-triplicar-su-costo-de-un-barrio-a-otro
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, or In What Time Zone Am I?
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Jul 11, 2014 - 07:40pm PT
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Go Germany!
Susan
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jul 11, 2014 - 10:40pm PT
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Italian Nicola Rizzoli will referee the final. He hit a trifecta with Argentina, refereeing their third match in this cup. He did Argentina-Belgium and Argentina-Ghana in the group stage. He also did Spain-Netherlands.
This makes a UEFA ref for every match Argentina played against a Euro team, and the third Argentina final refereed by an Italian referee.
Most notably, an Italian ref did the 1978 final when Argentina beat The dutch on 2 Mario Kempes goals.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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Jul 11, 2014 - 10:46pm PT
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germany sucks
ARGENTINA UBER ALLES
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jul 12, 2014 - 11:18am PT
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ok, but todays match is here today.
Who's watching this game today?
It's not that it will matter to anyone except the.....
Who does 3rd and 4th places matter to again?
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jul 12, 2014 - 11:37am PT
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I'll be watching it!
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 12, 2014 - 12:02pm PT
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I'll be rooting for Argentina tomorrow mainly because I want Messi to succeed. IMO, Messi is an infinitely better role model for Argentine youth than Maradona.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jul 12, 2014 - 12:18pm PT
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@tuolumne_tradster - sounds like someone wants to change some foundational beliefs for our friends to the south... I see your point and agree, though I had not thought about this kind of change (the Maradona angle) taking place for some time after Messi ends his game.
I too am hopeful for an Argentina win. I just think it would be good for the nation's people.
But I fear that the Germans will have a tight game to play against Argentina.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 12, 2014 - 12:59pm PT
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Jingy: my only point really is that although Maradona was one of the greatest futbol players of all time, his legacy will always be tainted by this...
IMO, the modern day Maradona is Luis Suarez. Messi is a great player and deserves the same respect as Maradona.
Edit:
Wow, the Brazil vs Netherlands game did not start off well for the hosts.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jul 12, 2014 - 01:07pm PT
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TT - agreed. There does seem to be a bit of dissonance in that Maradona goal.
Not sure I can agree on that Suarez statement.... That guy's a cannibal on the field in front of cameras... To me that's just not true to the game.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jul 12, 2014 - 01:09pm PT
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For those of you wondering...
If a defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area and continues holding him inside the penalty area, the referee must award a penalty kick.
P.55 FIFA LOTG
One wonders why it wasn't a last man DOGSO send off.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jul 12, 2014 - 01:17pm PT
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Sheesh. Why would a defender head the ball to the 12 yard spot?
Perfect summation of Brasil's woes.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 12, 2014 - 01:17pm PT
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Wow, more shoddy defending by Brasil. 9 goals in 105 minutes? Yikes!
I must say that throughout these games I've enjoyed these announcers,
Champion and Robson, the most. Robson really gives an insightful and honest
analysis. Macca is no less honest but not as eloquent. I've also really
enjoyed Efan Ekoku and Alejandro Moreno.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 12, 2014 - 01:27pm PT
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I sure hope Brasil will score before Netherlands makes it 3 nil
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jul 12, 2014 - 01:59pm PT
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Who does 3rd and 4th places matter to again?
Too bad the teams playing this match don't want to be here. They consider it a shame rather than an honor to be disputing their ultimate ranking. Would way rather see two teams who want it. Just ask any of those teams who are already back home if they'd like to play another game on the World Cup stage?
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jul 12, 2014 - 02:53pm PT
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I sure hope Brasil will score before Netherlands makes it 3 nil
That ship has now sailed. Brasil is just a bad team defensively and offensively without Neymar.
They gave up two sitters and a stupid PK.
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Eric Beck
Sport climber
Bishop, California
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Jul 12, 2014 - 03:07pm PT
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While I don't know a lot about soccer, I have enjoyed this world cup. I do have a thought. Given that we only do this every four years, why not make the final two out of three?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 12, 2014 - 03:09pm PT
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That Algerian ref was a disgrace, not that it really mattered.
Wow, see all the Brasilians applauding the Dutch?
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 12, 2014 - 03:09pm PT
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Reilly: agree RE Efan Ekoku...very intelligent and articulate. Also liked hearing from van Nistelrooy & Ballach. I really didn't like Taylor Twellman.
Lorenzo: I agree, this Brasilian team just didn't come close to their predecessors. I was just feeling sorry for them. Brasil, the 2nd dynasty to collapse during this WC.
What do you think...Arjen Robben = MVP?
Also, what about allowing additional substitutes if the game goes into 2 15-min overtimes?
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jul 12, 2014 - 03:12pm PT
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Jul 12, 2014 - 03:07pm PT
While I don't know a lot about soccer, I have enjoyed this world cup. I do have a thought. Given that we only do this every four years, why not make the final two out of three? Nah.
Win or go home is what makes the World Cup and March Madness so compelling.
And it gives you a lot more " what ifs" to talk about the other three years.
Group stage is a bit boring, though I get why they do it.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jul 12, 2014 - 03:21pm PT
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Also, what about allowing additional substitutes if the game goes into 2 15-min overtimes?
Well, it has been tried in league play around the World. It doesn't seam to really make a lot of difference.
It wasn't too many years ago when no subs at all were allowed. If a player got hurt, too bad. That in fact happened in the first WC Semifinal when the USA had a player get a broken leg from an Argentine challenge and the USA played a player short for most of the game.
( the USA came in third in the first cup)
The tradition is that subs shouldn't make a big difference.
College soccer has very liberal substitution rules, mostly to the detriment of the game.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 12, 2014 - 08:23pm PT
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I could see one more for OT if only for an injection of energy. Imagine being
a defender who has played 90 minutes and has to face some burner fresh off
the bench! Oh, the horror!
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jul 13, 2014 - 11:14am PT
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Not sure what this part of the discussion is about.... Honestly, it's going to take more than an endless stream of new/replacement players to come on the field... Like they do in the NFL... Then people will watch?
No thanks. I'll take the game as it is played... No need to make it better to get me to watch.
Who's watching the final?
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 11:37am PT
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Just watched yesterday's game and yeah that ref blew it. Kinda glad he didn't give the obvious red to Silva, cause that would have killed the game right away, but you got to give the red there.
Just as bad was not giving a pk to Brazil, instead giving a yellow to Oscar for a dive.
The Dutch deserved the win and Brazil wasn't the fourth best team in the Cup this year, but some of the better teams lost in the knockouts.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 11:39am PT
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I'll be watching and posting live Jingy.
Germany going to kill it.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jul 13, 2014 - 11:50am PT
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Tuned in and ready. Too bad it has to end, it's been a world cup to remember.
Just saw Mick Jagger walk in. He is not sporting any colors that would indicate his choice for a winner (or loser as history would seem to imply).
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 11:55am PT
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Very excited! Sitting in front of the big screen at BJ's. Pulling for Argentina. Got to back my hemisphere ;-)
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 11:57am PT
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Deutschland 2
Argentina 1
FIFA have done nothing for their crdibility by appointing this Italian ref
for the final. While he may be above reproach I think they could have
found a good number of others who have performed admirably but don't have
an obvious link to Argentina.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:00pm PT
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Interesting that Putin is sitting next to Fifa president Sepp Blatter...the next WC in Russia
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 12:01pm PT
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Khedira out, sh#t.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:10pm PT
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Messi is rolling
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 12:13pm PT
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Yeah Argentina looking dangerous down the right side.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:14pm PT
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Dive
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:20pm PT
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Caramba! Pendejo!
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 12:21pm PT
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Que Reilly on Higuain
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:24pm PT
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How do you not put that on the frame?!?!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:30pm PT
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2 x Pendejo!
Wow, Kramer has a flat on Queer St! Too bad for his first WC game.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 12:31pm PT
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LOL.
Seeing that replay knew he had a concussion. That was hard to watch.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:32pm PT
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Wow Kramer's eyes
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:40pm PT
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This is one of the best finals EVAH! End to end!
That's rich - Argentines accusing Mueller of diving! LOL!
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 12:47pm PT
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Wow, what a half.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:49pm PT
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Non-stop. Great half! Second should be epic.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:49pm PT
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OMG that was close.
Germany really controlling the ball well.
I think this game will be decided by 1 goal and come down to which team makes a mistake in their defending 1/3
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:51pm PT
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Very good effort by the ref, too. But he still has 45 minutes to make one
key call for his cousins. ;-)
And what was with Hoewedes using the back of his head? Is he on the take, too?
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:55pm PT
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Lamm is the 1st 1/2 MVP IMO
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:56pm PT
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Au contraire! Higuain is Germany's first half MVP!
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 12:58pm PT
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Schweinsteiger and Lahm are my favorite players. Both play the game right and don't get the glory of being on offense, though they are always a big part of it.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jul 13, 2014 - 12:59pm PT
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Very good effort by the ref, too. But he still has 45 minutes to make one
key call for his cousins. ;-)
Just to be clear. This is a euro ref with three years until mandatory retirement.
His last hurrah will be Champions league and Euro Cup matches.
The politics say he favors a euro team.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 01:01pm PT
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LOL Reilly
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 01:01pm PT
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Reilly +2
Come on Germany!!!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 01:04pm PT
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Very curious sub of Aguero for Lavezzi who has been a real bundle of energy.
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jul 13, 2014 - 01:06pm PT
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Very curious sub of Aguero for Lavezzi who has been a real bundle of energy.
I'm glad, 'cause eveytime the announcer said "Lavezzi" it sounded too much like "Messi" and I was gettin' confused.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 01:08pm PT
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HaHaHa! Those Limeys really make a meal of Spanish names, eh?
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little Z
Trad climber
un cafetal en Naranjo
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Jul 13, 2014 - 01:11pm PT
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wow, different Argentina to start this half. Musta put something in their mate.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 01:18pm PT
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Holy crap. I know he punched the ball first but damn
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 01:33pm PT
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The Gauchos appear to be running out of gas.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 01:37pm PT
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They both are. No one is coasting at this point. Fitness my we'll decide this game.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 01:41pm PT
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Is Kroos German for 'weak shot'?
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 01:47pm PT
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Fresh legs
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 01:53pm PT
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OK, now start taking a player off from each side every five minutes = no shootout.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 01:54pm PT
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Will it go to shootouts? I didn't think it would go to extra time.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 01:57pm PT
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My guess is that Germany scores during overtime...the Argentine tank is runnin' on empty
On the other hand, I would luv to see Messi score here
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 01:58pm PT
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I'm thinking it is over in extra time. There have been chances and one mistake will end it.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:01pm PT
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Holy shite, Germany have not slammed the door on Argentina.
Very good game so far. Both defenses are able to close the advances of the opposing team every time, or at least to force an error.
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Edge
Trad climber
Boulder, CO
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:02pm PT
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If no one scores after OT I'd rather see rock-paper-scissors than a shoot out.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:05pm PT
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Is Palacio Spanish for 'dog house'?
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:08pm PT
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Oh my. Squandered chances
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Edge
Trad climber
Boulder, CO
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:12pm PT
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Someones gonna win this thing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When? I only have two days of shaving cream left.
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:16pm PT
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Germany seems better in extra time. Hoping for a Messi goal though
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:16pm PT
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I am still thinking Messi will step up
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:20pm PT
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Messi looks really gassed and they just haven't gotten the ball to him.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:22pm PT
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how did the german's face just start bleeding from that contact? fingernail scrape? quit milking it
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:25pm PT
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Angela is happy!!
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:25pm PT
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The sub. What a shot
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:26pm PT
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SUPER MARIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:26pm PT
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That was a beautiful..well earned goal
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 02:26pm PT
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Biggest goal ever for Goetze!!!
What a goal.
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mcolombo
Trad climber
Heidelberg, Germany
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:26pm PT
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Ist das geil!!!
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John M
climber
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:27pm PT
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great finish on that goal..
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:28pm PT
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Best World Cup I've ever seen.
Loved every game, every story. Pure magic
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Edge
Trad climber
Boulder, CO
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:34pm PT
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Well done, mein herr!
I'm curious about the US television audience numbers for this game compared to the last US-Germany game. It will be interesting to see how many 'mericans maintained interest once we were eliminated.
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Lorenzo
Trad climber
Oregon
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:39pm PT
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Bummer. My boys had their chances and didn't convert. Great game two great teams.
Not happy about the two days extra rest for the Germs, but that's fifa.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:39pm PT
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Germany deserved to win. Finally the Brasilians have something to celebrate.
I think this the 1st time a European team has won in S America.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:40pm PT
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Goetze came up big on the world stage . What a game. Best team won.
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:42pm PT
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Thanks for keeping me company while the World Cup happened ST soccer fans...
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:42pm PT
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Well deserved and I'll be happy to see Klose hoist the cup.
Messi no pudo pero no tenia mucho ayudo.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:44pm PT
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the U-Bahn will be full of Mario posters by tomorrow.
This 22-year old kid's life just changed forever
Un dia muy frustrante para Messi
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, or In What Time Zone Am I?
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:45pm PT
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Yeah!!!!! My son is currently in Germany...I wonder why he isn't responding to my texts????
Susan
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mcolombo
Trad climber
Heidelberg, Germany
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:45pm PT
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Hockenheim is going crazy now :-)
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 02:47pm PT
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What a World Cup indeed. Enjoyed every moment of it and it's been a pleasure living it on the taco.
Argentina played their hearts out, both teams deserved to win, but Germany is the best in the world.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:50pm PT
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me too justin...thanks for spinning this thread
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:50pm PT
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Germany deserved the win. I'm sad for Messi, but the best team won.
What an incredible tournament also. How many games in OT, and how
many substitutes scored game winners. . .
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:51pm PT
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There are few things like watching two teams leave it all on field.
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John M
climber
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:54pm PT
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That was a fun game to watch. Glad I got the opportunity.
Argentina played an intelligent first half keeping their midfielders back and taking the sting out of Germanys offense. They almost pulled it off if they could have finished one or two or their opportunities.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 02:57pm PT
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Wow Messi looks despondent
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Flip Flop
Trad climber
Truckee, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 03:20pm PT
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Thank you This Justin for the lead. Good Cup to you all.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 03:30pm PT
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No problem. Many thanks to everyone that made this thread a fun part of it all.
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hb81
climber
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Jul 13, 2014 - 03:36pm PT
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f*#k yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
i think that game has cost me a couple of years of my life, but hey...
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 03:46pm PT
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jul 13, 2014 - 04:26pm PT
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It was a pretty goal, too!
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 04:36pm PT
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Why did Deutschland win this WC? Here's my take...
1) One of the best goalies..Nuer
2) One of the best outside defenders...Lahm
3) Multiple players who could finish...Klose, Moeller, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Ozil, Gotze
4) Multiple players who could create chances
5) When defending, no other team "shortened" the field better on their opponents
6) No other team expanded the field better when they were on offense
7) They could play possession as well as counter attack
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 06:12pm PT
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I agree TT. I'd add Schuller and Khedira to players who can finish. Not having Khedira out there today hurt the Germans. Depth would be another reason they won it all, when Podolski rarely gets to play, you know you have a strong team. Marco Reus would have added a huge offensive threat and am bummed for him that his injury kept him from holding the trophy.
Anyone not think Messi should have been named the Golden Ball winner? I am back and forth, on one hand I was happy he won something and the look on his face showed he is in it for his team, not himself. On the other hand I think many of the Germans deserved it or the Golden Boot winner James did.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 06:18pm PT
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I don't know, Wayne Rooney booted a fair few. Did anybody play better than
Messi? Probably not. Pretty sure that trophy won't hold pride of place
on his mantle, if it even sees the light of day in his house.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 07:20pm PT
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ESPN just counted down the top 10 goals of the tournament. They gave James Rodriguez goal in the 28 min vs Uruguay as the #1 goal of the WC
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Eric Beck
Sport climber
Bishop, California
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Jul 13, 2014 - 07:35pm PT
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A very pretty winning goal. Now, wouldn't you like to see a two of three final?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 07:40pm PT
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TT, I think Tim Cahill's was a far better goal, but who's counting? ;-)
I might even be tempted to place Higuain's volley above James'.
I think we need to form a support group now to deal with the post partum depression, n'est ce pas?
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 08:06pm PT
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I think Cahill's was #3; van Persie's vs Spain was #2; # 4 was Gotze's today & #5 was one of Messi's goals. I don't think Higuain's made the top 10....according to ESPN
I thought Rodriguez's goal was impressive given that he was ~10 yards beyond the 18 yd line
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 08:47pm PT
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My top five.
#5 Van Persie's header
#4 above mentioned Rodriguez goal
#3 Julian Green's volley from a ball coming in from behind him.
#2 Cahill's volley.
#1 Gotze, that was a beautiful goal and by far the most meaningful of the whole tourney.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 13, 2014 - 08:55pm PT
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I thought Jermain Jones strike from distance against Portugal was pretty sweet too.
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 13, 2014 - 08:58pm PT
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Jermain Jones' goal was ESPN's #10
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 13, 2014 - 08:59pm PT
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Yeah that one was worthy for sure. Might have to watch the end of sports center.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jul 13, 2014 - 09:48pm PT
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Gotze's was close to the best, and certainly the most meaningful, so that gets my #1 vote.
And no way Messi should have gotten the Golden Ball. I'm certainly a fan of his, but he wasn't even the best player on the Argentine team the last couple games(Mascherano). I'd have put Robben, Rodriguez and Neuer at least above Messi.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Jul 14, 2014 - 09:51am PT
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A little late, but here we go:
Congrats to Germany. Gold as deserved...
And thanks to Argentina who fought bravely.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 14, 2014 - 10:00am PT
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Apparently they're still fighting 'bravely', on the streets of Buenos Aires.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Jul 14, 2014 - 10:06am PT
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Argentina is a complex country that I don't know much about. I guess Maradona is just one of the symptoms.
Anyhow the Argentinian team played very well.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 14, 2014 - 10:56am PT
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Yeah they did, they were only behind in the whole tournament for 7 minutes (the last 7 minutes). That is a crazy stat and I expected Germany to walk all over them. I was way off.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Jul 14, 2014 - 11:17am PT
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This Just In
Football is part skill, part luck. When the two teams are not at very different levels concerning skill, lady luck is a good friend to have.
Maradona in his time cheated - the hand of dog... Let's call it luck.
This is the first time a European team has won football WC when the WC has been hosted in North/South America.
Brazil's 1958 win in Sweden is the first and only time a North/South American team has won when a European country has hosted WC.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 14, 2014 - 11:25am PT
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True Marlow, I think luck is involved with most things in life. Like the ol baseball saying goes "it is a game of inches" as well or centimeters;-)
Whenever I hear it's never been done before, I tend to think it's bound to happen then.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jul 14, 2014 - 11:30am PT
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I think Cahill's goal was numero uno. Total volley, not like
James'. . .
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Jul 14, 2014 - 11:33am PT
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TJI
I like that way of thinking - leaving things open, possibilisme (Arne Næss)...
Football is skill and luck. And that's how it should be. But as we have seen from history, it's also the biased ref and bribed players... I wonder if we'll ever see the truth about the Camerun case?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 14, 2014 - 11:39am PT
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SteveW, thank you. I've played a lot of footie and vollying a 40 or 50 yard ball from behind
like Cahill did with such accuracy and power (duh!) is mind-boggling! Chesting it first is
comparatively child's play. He had to redirect it about 145 degrees in the horizontal plane not
to mention redirecting the downward trajectory.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 14, 2014 - 11:57am PT
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No doubt Cahill from a technical standpoint. Green's right behind him,
But the biggest and most meaningful is Gotze's.
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 14, 2014 - 12:15pm PT
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Moose you guys have TVs over there? Or were you watching the radio? Ha, just kidding, Poland looks awesome.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 14, 2014 - 12:18pm PT
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Justin, yer bad, they have the latest and greatest CRT's, in colour!
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, or In What Time Zone Am I?
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Jul 14, 2014 - 03:04pm PT
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My son Alex whooting it up in Germany as they win the World Cup!
Susan
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 14, 2014 - 03:09pm PT
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Here's how I'd rank the top 10 teams based on their performance at the WC...
EDIT
Germany
Argentina
Netherlands
Colombia
Mexico
France (or Brazil w/Neymar?)
Belgium
Switzerland
Costa Rica
Uruguay or Brazil (w/o Neymar) or Ghana?
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Andy Fielding
Trad climber
UK
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Jul 14, 2014 - 03:15pm PT
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Maradona in his time cheated - the hand of dog...
Is that a deliberate typo Marlow? Maradona"s so called "header" is known as the hand of god. :)
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Jingy
climber
Somewhere out there
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Jul 14, 2014 - 06:51pm PT
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Heard a report on the way home from work, a journalist from Germany was saying that the celebrations are over for Germany and they are already worrying about what is next that needs to be done.....
They never stop.... That's a winner for ya...
(The journalist was warning Germany to not worry now, there will be time for that, and to continue the celebrations...)
Someone mentioned best goals...
Check it out
[Click to View YouTube Video]
Ok, I have to start with saying Cahill's goal was out-f*#king-standing and is most definitely will be part of highlight reels for many many world cups to come...
As for the video I post.... Looking through this list I say if you are the kind of striker who is expected to score a goal, you automatically have a harder time getting onto the top 10 lists just because... that's what they are born to do... that's what they do...
But that free kick from David Ruiz... if there is a way to slow down the video more I'l bet that all does not complete a single rotation... Try catching that knucke-ball!
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tuolumne_tradster
Trad climber
Leading Edge of North American Plate
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Jul 14, 2014 - 07:44pm PT
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Man that goal by Cahill is infukingcredible.
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Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
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Jul 15, 2014 - 10:50am PT
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Andy
I know.
From Wikipedia (1986 World Cup):
Replays showed that the first goal was scored by striking the ball with his hand. Maradona was coyly evasive, describing it as "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God." It became known as the "Hand of God". Ultimately, on 22 August 2005 Maradona acknowledged on his television show that he had hit the ball with his hand purposely, and no contact with his head was made, and that he immediately knew the goal was illegitimate. This became known as an international fiasco in World Cup history. The goal stood, much to the wrath of the English players.
I have no doubt that Messi is a much better and more consistent football player than Maradona was and a much better role model. Maradona snorted so much cocaine from 1984 and onwards playing for Napoli that it to a high degree interfered with his ability to play football.
To me it wasn't the hand of God. The hand of dog fits just as well.
The American newspaper The Houston Chronicle wrote about Maradona:
To understand the gargantuan shadow Maradona casts over his football-mad homeland, one has to conjure up the athleticism of Michael Jordan, the power of Babe Ruth – and the human fallibility of Mike Tyson. Lump them together in a single barrel-chested man with shaggy black hair and you have El Diego, idol to the millions who call him D10S, a mashup of his playing number and the Spanish word for God.
"In Argentina, Maradona is considered a sports hero to many. He is idolized, receiving the name of "God". On the idolatry that exists in Argentina, former teammate Jorge Valdano said: "At the time that Maradona retired from active football, left traumatized Argentina. Maradona was more than just a great footballer. It was a special compensation factor for a country that in a few years lived several military dictatorships and social frustrations of all kinds". Valdano added that "Maradona offered to the Argentines a way out of their collective frustration, and that's why people love him. There is a divine figure."
A not very well chosen role model...
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 15, 2014 - 10:58am PT
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Sad and rather fitting for Argentina whose idolatry also stoops to Peron,
Evita, and now Cristina.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Jul 15, 2014 - 02:15pm PT
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Four more years????
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 15, 2014 - 02:17pm PT
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I know, what is the first step again? Admitting something?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 15, 2014 - 03:20pm PT
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Now Brasil is admitting the WC costs could go north of $14 Bazillion - way
over three times the S Africa WC. Will Manaus even get a pro team to put
in their glory hole?
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