2014 FIFA World Cup

[cartman]

A big enough event that it deserves its own thread. The full schedule has now been released for the group stage.

The matches of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazilâ„¢ - FIFA.com (http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/index.html)

The US plays on the following days:

Monday, June 16th (6pm Eastern) - Ghana
Sunday, June 22nd (6pm Eastern) - Portugal
Thursday, June 26th (Noon Eastern) - Germany

Info on the ESPN Pick 'em:
I've created a FOFC group for the Pick 'em at ESPN.

ESPN - Bracket Predictor - Group: Who will rise on soccer’s biggest... (http://games.espn.go.com/world-cup-bracket-predictor/en/group?groupID=11318&groupp=dHJvdXQ%3D&invitesource=email&inviteuser=ODE1NjQ4Ng%3D%3D&ex_cid=invite-email-worldcupbp)

pwd: trout

Here's the current Calcutta auction standings:

Brazil $85.10 (75% MalcPow, 25% digamma)
Netherlands $85.10 (cartman)
Argentina $85.10 (hahnkim)
Germany $85.10 (hahnkim)

Eliminated:
Belgium $42.55 (cartman)
Costa Rica $42.55 (digamma)
France $42.55 (hahnkim)
Colombia $42.55 (cartman)
Uruguay $21.28 (digamma)
Chile $21.28 (50% hahnkim, 50% digamma)
Nigeria $21.28 (cartman)
Algeria $21.28 (cartman)
Mexico $21.28 (Chief Rum)
Greece $21.28 (Critch)
Switzerland $21.28 (britrock88)
United States $21.28 (digamma)
Australia
England
Bosnia
Cameroon
Croatia
Italy
Japan
Ivory Coast
Iran
Ecuador
Honduras
Portgual
Ghana
Russia
South Korea

Amounts won by bidder:

hahnkim $223.39
cartman $212.76
digamma $117.03
MalcPow $63.82
Chief Rum $21.28
Critch $21.28
britrock88 $21.28

[Andreh]

Good luck to the US team...
Its a hard group but Ghana and Portugal are highly overrated

[path12]

I'm taking the first week of WC off of work to just hang in a soccer bar all day for a week.

My wife is so proud.

[JetsIn06]

I'm taking the first week of WC off of work to just hang in a soccer bar all day for a week.

My wife is so proud.

Might do the same, but definitely getting the 26th off!

[cartman]

ESPN has released their television schedule for the tournament.

ESPN Schedule for 2014 FIFA World Cup « ESPN MediaZone ESPN MediaZone (http://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2014/02/espn-schedule-2014-fifa-world-cup/)

[cartman]

Nike's new commercial leading up to the World Cup is awesome.

<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/3XviR7esUvo?version=3&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/3XviR7esUvo?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

[panerd]

A few friends of mine entered the random draw for tickets and ended up getting the group that contains US/Germany.(Also has Mexico vs somebody and I think Japan/Ivory Coast) The trip was far too expensive for my budget but I bet they have a blast.

[CAsterling]

That is a brilliant Nike commercial.

Looking forward to the World Cup and especially the England games, pity that I only expect them to last a total of 3 games

[Flasch186]

yup

[DaddyTorgo]

Awesome commercial.

[HomerSimpson98]

Pretty dang cool. But I'm a bigger fan of last year's. That was revolutionary.

[cartman]

I've created a FOFC group for the Pick 'em at ESPN.

ESPN - Bracket Predictor - Group: Who will rise on soccer’s biggest... (http://games.espn.go.com/world-cup-bracket-predictor/en/group?groupID=11318&groupp=dHJvdXQ%3D&invitesource=email&inviteuser=ODE1NjQ4Ng%3D%3D&ex_cid=invite-email-worldcupbp)

pwd: trout

[cartman]

One month to go!

EJ didn't make the 30 man preliminary roster for the US.

World Cup: Klinsmann names preliminary USMNT 30-man roster - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/world-cup/eye-on-world-cup/24559694/world-cup-klinsmann-names-preliminary-usmnt-30-man-roster)

[cthomer5000]

I'm honestly surprised EJ didn't make the 30 man roster, but I completely understand it. He is the dude most likely to cause some locker-room drama during the tournament, and we are a team who doesn't need any additional distractions, especially from a borderline player.

He pretty much talked himself off this team over the last 7-8 months, which is miraculous. That being said, I didn't think Klinsmann would leave him out of camp entirely. It's definitely the headline for today.

I'm surprised Joe Corona got called in, as I don't think he really has a chance to make the 23 in this group, and as much as I love Deandre Yedlin he is nowhere near ready. Timothy Chandler is a calculated move, and I understand it, though I was personally hoping he'd be left off.

The subtext of everything is that Klinsmann is lying awake at night scared about the LB and RB situation. He called in almost everyone on the radar for this 30 man camp, and I imagine he's hoping some surprises emerge.

[whomario]

Will be an interesting group, especially since the german team has a lot more question marks than people might realize.

Lots of players had disapointing or injury riddled seasons.

short by-position analysis:

Goal: Manuel Neuer (FC Bayern München), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover 96)

No problems here and Löw even went out of his way and included Weidenfeller after years of ignoring him. Neuer is the clear starter and a Top 3 keeper in the world, Weidenfeller a very capable backup.


Defense:
Jérôme Boateng, Philipp Lahm (beide FC Bayern München), Erik Durm, Kevin Großkreutz, Mats Hummels, Marcel Schmelzer (alle Borussia Dortmund), Matthias Ginter (SC Freiburg), Benedikt Höwedes (Schalke 04), Marcell Jansen (Hamburger SV), Per Mertesacker (FC Arsenal), Shkodran Mustafi (Sampdoria Genua)

lots of multi-position players in that group, will be interesting how many cuts Löw will make here. Very likely to be cut are Mustafi and Durm. A lot depends on Lahm. Is he going to play Right Back or move up into midfield as he´s done most of the season with Bayern ? If he moves up, there will be an additional Full Back (or 2) given a roster spot.

The german public always bemoans the lack of quality Full backs, but imo it is not as bad as it is made out to be. No perfect choices, but some decent options. As said, lots of versatility. Großkreutz can play on both sides (and at AML and in a pinch at DM/CM), Boateng can move out to either side. From Midfield, Lars Bender could move back into the Full Back role (started against Portugal at the last European championship). Ginter is a very interesting prospect, could make the roster over Höwedes.
On the left side there will be tough competition. Schmelzer seemed like the sure starter but had a tough season, Jansen had a crappy season but is possibly the "best on a good day" in the group (but those are few and far between). Then you have Großkreutz who could easily switch over here. Durm is the one with the least chance here even with the real nice season he had.
The Center Back pairing is very much up in the air, between Mertesacker, Boateng and Hummels. It is a tough choice to have to make, with Mertesacker adding leadership, Boateng much needed athelticism covering either of the others relative slowness and Hummels possibly being the best passing/playmaking Centre Back in the world.


Likely picking order:

RB: Lahm, Großkreutz, Boateng, Durm
CB: Mertesacker, Boateng, Hummels, Höwedes/Ginter, Mustafi
LB: Schmelzer/Großkreutz, Jansen, Durm


Midfield:

defensively/central:

Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen), Leon Goretzka (alle Schalke 04), Toni Kroos, Bastian Schweinsteiger (alle FC Bayern München), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)

Philipp Lahm ???

Before the season, i´d have said that there were no issues at all here with filling the all important 2-man centre midfield. Now Schweinsteiger has had a so-so season and lots of injuries the last couple years, his heir-aparent (Ilkay Gündogan) is missing out with a back injury, Khedira just came back from a long time knee injury. Kroos is a player that Löw really likes, but pairing him with Schweinsteiger is problematic as both are no physical presence and lack athleticism. Lars Bender might just end up being the sure fire starter as he´s a good fit next to all other candidates with his versatility and box-to-box ability. If Khedira gets into shape, he would be my choice next to him. Lots of people are critical of him, but imo he does a lot of little things people often overlook (chases down lots of balls, really makes the field smaller for the oposition with his positioning and presence).
As you can see, there is actually some substance to the idea of starting Lahm here. I personally do not think it is a good move, though. Bender imo is a much better option here than any of the CBs replacing Lahm back there.
Goretzka has almost no shot at making the final roster, but has a very bright future. At 19 years old he allready featured prominently with 3rd placed Schalke. Will be a terrific box-to-box midfielder sooner rather than later.

offensively:

Julian Draxler, Max Meyer (alle Schalke 04), Mario Götze, Thomas Müller, (alle FC Bayern München), André Hahn (FC Augsburg), Mesut Özil, Lukas Podolski (beide FC Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), André Schürrle (FC Chelsea)

Very good area on paper, but as of now i still see a few issues with how the parts will fit together. Outside of Thomas Müller (imo the clear cut starter at AMR) none of the realistic options are good defensive players, which would be problematic if indeed Löw goes with a Schweinsteiger/Kroos pairing.
On the left wing, Reus will very likely be the starter after playing otherworldly for the last weeks of the season.
In the middle, Özil obviously had a terrible season but has long been a favourite of Löw.
Schürrle, Götze and Podolski are the next 3 in line i think. I think that Andre Hahn is a dark-horse candidate as he adds a different element. He is a straight up winger going vertically up the pitch, but also is very physical and has a knack for scoring.
Draxler is very talented, but does not do anything well enough to really add anything at this point and imo ought to stay home. Max Meyer is another immensely talented youngster whose time will come, but not yet. He would, however, make for a decent super-sub option with his 1:1 skills and agility against presumably tired defenses.

likely picking order:

AML: Reus, Podolski/Schürrle, Draxler
AMC: Özil, Götze/Reus, Kroos (who could slide up)
AMR: Müller, Götze, Schürrle


Attack:

Miroslav Klose (Lazio Rom), Kevin Volland (1899 Hoffenheim)

yeah, not exactly spoiled for choice. Mario Gomez does not get selected after basically missing all year. But why pick Klose then, who not only missed nearly as much time but is also ancient by modern football standards ? Well, because Gomez is always an awkward fit in the system even when fully healthy while Klose´s style of play is the absolute perfect fit. He is a decent goal scorer, adds some much needed aerial ability but is also a really good passer and opens up space moving horizontally. He is also a terrific defensive player for a striker who helps out deep in the own half. Also very important for the squad with his experience.
Volland is a very talented young player, not even a full rime striker but played on the wing a lot for Hoffenheim. Very physical player with good ball skills, could be the solution for after the WC. Not 100% sure if he makes the team. Pretty sure that Löw would rather go with Götze/Özil as a "false nine" or slot in Müller/Podolski in a pinch than start Volland. Then it would make sense to give the spot to an additional midfielder. But it would be good for his development to train alongside Klose and soak up the atmosphere.

[DaddyTorgo]

whomario - any surprise over there that RRZ was included over ter Stegen?

[whomario]

Also, added disclaimer: Klose has long been my favourite player for his style of play and demeanor on the field. His play against England and Argentina last WC was among the best striker performances ever. So of course i am a bit biased regarding his importance. But i truly think that the only chance for Germany to win the title is for him to get into shape one last time.

He could break a few records along the way, btw: Could move into sole first place for german goal scorers (tied with legendary Gerd Müller at 68)and could pass Ronaldo´s 15 goal mark at WCs(currently 14)131 Caps and 68 goals ain´t too shabby at all for a guy who still played 4th division football at age 21.

whomario - any surprise over there that RRZ was included over ter Stegen?

nah, it is a non issue. Ter Stegen had a decent season but nothing spectacular and he had a couple horrific outings when getting a shot with the national team. He also is thought to be a little too "enthusiastic" for a reserve role (he even had some clashes at the U21 level).
Ter Stegen is more talented than Zieler but there is no immediate need for either to play and it will be still a couple years before Neuer slows down. So Löw choose the safer bet in terms of team chemistry (Zieler also has been with the team more often) and then in 2 years he will get his go at a tournament as the No 2 keeper if things go normally.

[Marc Vaughan]

Well I've entered the predictions - be interesting to see how things go, I can't see a European nation winning it this year ... if its not Brazil then it'll be very open.

[DaddyTorgo]

nah, it is a non issue. Ter Stegen had a decent season but nothing spectacular and he had a couple horrific outings when getting a shot with the national team. He also is thought to be a little too "enthusiastic" for a reserve role (he even had some clashes at the U21 level).

Ter Stegen is more talented than Zieler but there is no immediate need for either to play and it will be still a couple years before Neuer slows down. So Löw choose the safer bet in terms of team chemistry (Zieler also has been with the team more often) and then in 2 years he will get his go at a tournament as the No 2 keeper if things go normally.

Makes sense. Maybe SI need to tweak ter Stegen's personality then. ;)

RRZ is no slouch though - he might not have the POTENTIAL of ter Stegen, but for a 3rd keeper that's not so important.

[Lathum]

I'm taking the first week of WC off of work to just hang in a soccer bar all day for a week.

My wife is so proud.

Which bar?

[MIJB#19]

The 2014 Oranje 30-names list was revealed. Only 8 players of the 2010 squad are still in the race for Brazil. Regardless of the final list, the team will be young and lean heavily on the big three Van Persie, Robben and Sneijder.


goalkeepers:
Jasper Cillessen, Tim Krul, Michel Vorm, Jeroen Zoet.

Krul and Vorm should be famililiar names as the goalkeepers from Newcastle united and Swansea City. Cillessen became Ajax' fulltime starter this season, Zoet is PSV's goalkeeper. Vorm would be returning for his second World Cup, , the rest of the squad would be new. Cillissen is the favorite to become the starter, but neither Krul or Vorm would be a weakness. I'm expecting Zoet to miss the 23-men cut.
Missing is Maarten Stekelenburg, our 2010 goalkeeper and heir to Edwin van der Sar. He's coming off a disastrous season with Fulham.


defenders:
Patrick van Aanholt, Daley Blind, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi, Karim Rekik, Joel Veltman, Paul Verhaegh, Ron Vlaar, Stefan de Vrij.

All of these players haven't played a World Cup before. Aston Villa central defender Vlaar is the only veteran of this bunch. Janmaat is an upcoming offensive minded right back. Verhaegh should be the alternative. Martins Indi, Kongolo, Van Aanholt and Blind are left back options. Kongolo, Martins Indi, Rekik and De Vrij are the alternatives to be the second central defender. Rumors are that we might play a system with five defenders, but given the list of names, I don't see it happening. Van Aanholt and Rekik might be the prime suspects to miss the team if no injuries take out someone else.
Most prominent missing names are 2010 starters Gregory van der Wiel, Johnny Heitinga and Joris Mathijsen. Van der Wiel is said to be injured. Heitinga and Mathijsen have fallen out of favor. Leftbacks Urby Emanuelson from AC Milan and Alexander Büttner from Manchester United are also missing.


midfielders:
Jordy Clasie, Leroy Fer, Jonathan de Guzman, Nigel de Jong, Wesley Sneijder, Tonny Vilhena, Rafael van der Vaart, Georgino Wijnaldum.

Sneijder and De Jong were key players in 2010, Van der Vaart a key backup. Sneijder and Van der Vaart will be the offensive midfielder options, Wijnaldum an alternative for them. The rest are all defensive or all-round options, adding Blind to the bunch as another defensive minded alternative.
Missing from the squad is obviously AS Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman, a key player in the qualification campaign.


forwards
Jean-Paul Boëtius, Memphis Depay, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Dirk Kuijt, Jeremain Lens, Robin van Persie, Quincey Promes, Arjen Robben.

Kuijt, Van Persie and Robben were our 2010 front unit, Huntelaar the alternate central piece. Kuijt is likely to ride the bench in Brazil, with Lens taking over, providing we'll play with three attackers. Boëtius, Depay and Promes all are win attackers, with Depay also capable to play more of a striker role.


Potential starting line up:
<table><tr><td><td><td>Vorm<td><td>
<tr><td><td>De Vrij<td><td>Vlaar<td>
<tr><td>Janmaat<td><td><td><td>Martins Indi
<tr><td><td>de Jong<td><td>Blind<td>
<tr><td>Lens<td><td>Sneijder<td><td>Robben
<tr><td><td><td>Van Persie<td><td>
<tr><td>or<td><td><td><td>
<tr><td><td><td>Vorm<td><td>
<tr><td><td>De Vrij<td>Vlaar<td>Martins Indi<td>
<tr><td>Janmaat<td><td><td><td>Blind
<tr><td><td>de Jong<td><td>Clasie<td>
<tr><td><td><td>Sneijder<td><td>
<tr><td><td>Van Persie<td><td>Robben<td>
</table>


Vilhena deserves special mentioning, representing Maassluis. If he makes the team, that would keep that alive after Khalid Boulahrouz did in 2006 and 2010.

[DaddyTorgo]

I do like the way the Dutch play, but man...that's a heavily young team, and having a totally inexperienced backline like that is...wow.

[MIJB#19]

I do like the way the Dutch play, but man...that's a heavily young team, and having a totally inexperienced backline like that is...wow.Yeah. I'm not worried about Vlaar, Janmaat and Blind, I think they have proven themselves. And De Vrij and Martins Indi played quite a bit in the qualification campaign. Verhaegh has been a steady Bundesliga player, but the rest of that bunch is young and even inexperienced at the Eredivisie level. I would have preferred to see another experienced player (like Mathijsen or Heitinga), but Louis van Gaal does have quite the resume, so who am I to judge his decisions? :lol:

[stevew]

In america, do they sell some sort of web based world cup package? My brother was leaning towards finally getting cable but if you can just get a streaming package that would be better.

[flere-imsaho]

I can't see a European nation winning it this year

Interesting. When I did my picks it really seemed to me that Spain and Germany should be the favorites, and Brazil among them mostly because they're the hosts. Argentina's the only other SA team with a chance, IMO.

[nilodor]

The 2014 Oranje 30-names list was revealed. Only 8 players of the 2010 squad are still in the race for Brazil. Regardless of the final list, the team will be young and lean heavily on the big three Van Persie, Robben and Sneijder.




midfielders:
Jordy Clasie, Leroy Fer, Jonathan de Guzman, Nigel de Jong, Wesley Sneijder, Tonny Vilhena, Rafael van der Vaart, Georgino Wijnaldum.

Sneijder and De Jong were key players in 2010, Van der Vaart a key backup. Sneijder and Van der Vaart will be the offensive midfielder options, Wijnaldum an alternative for them. The rest are all defensive or all-round options, adding Blind to the bunch as another defensive minded alternative.
Missing from the squad is obviously AS Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman, a key player in the qualification campaign.



Wish you could have sent De Guzman back home, we could have used him in qualifying. Thanks, Canada.

[bhlloy]

Interesting. When I did my picks it really seemed to me that Spain and Germany should be the favorites, and Brazil among them mostly because they're the hosts. Argentina's the only other SA team with a chance, IMO.

I think Spain has a great chance because they are so strong right now and the South American climate won't affect them as much as a "typical" European nation. The central/northern European countries (including Germany) have very little shot IMO.

If I had to pick my three, it would be Brazil, then Spain then Argentina. Brazil are such an interesting non-Brazil team this time around - incredibly strong at the back and disciplined in midfield, but no great striker and less attacking flair.

[Marc Vaughan]

Interesting. When I did my picks it really seemed to me that Spain and Germany should be the favorites, and Brazil among them mostly because they're the hosts. Argentina's the only other SA team with a chance, IMO.

Argentina are who ended up winning the tournament in my bracket - although thats partially because I went against reality and forced England to win a few matches they probably won't ... ;)

(in reality Brazil have to be favorites, Spain have the best shot of the European sides - but for some reason I don't think they'll make it (tiredness, niggling injuries etc.) - outside of that Argentina probably ... although its a short tournament anyone who makes the knock out stage 'could' win it ..)

[cartman]

Brazil are such an interesting non-Brazil team this time around - incredibly strong at the back and disciplined in midfield, but no great striker and less attacking flair.

I think this is going to be Neymar's coming out party. He'll be out of the shadow of Messi. He's scored a lot more often for Brazil than Barcelona.

[Icy]

Spanish 30 men list, to be cut to 23.
Looking at it, we could have probably two full teams able to have a good run in the WC.

GK: Casillas, Reina, De Gea

Def: Azpilicueta, Piqué, Ramos, Jordi Alba, Alberto Moreno, Javi Martínez, Albiol, Juanfran, Carvajal

Mid: Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Koke, Iturraspe, Xavi, Thiago, Pedro, Navas, Silva, Cesc, Mata, Cazorla, Iniesta

Att: Diego Costa, Villa, Torres, Negredo y Llorente.

The "surprises" are:

De Gea: With Valdes out he was the logical choice after the good season in Manchester. He is the future substitute for Casillas as Reina is too old and in fact brought to the team because how good team player he is more than because his GK skills.

Arlbeloa out, not really a surprise for anybody. Really hard worker, but not enough quality for the national team, nor for R.Madrid either imho.

Iturraspe: Had a great season with Bibao but he won't make the final 23.

Carvajal: Was named right winger of the year in Germany past season, and had a good one this year in R.Madrid too. Will compete with Juanfran for the right wingback, Juanfran will end having it because he is more experienced i think.

I think we have a great chance, the problems are Xavi and Xavi Alonso getting old and not having great seasons, both also more injury prone now. On the other hand, Diego Costa is a great new addition and the fighting Striker we have not had for a while, also none of our other strikers besides Llorente have had a really good season this year in their teams.

Btw, no matter how I like Costa, I don't think it's fair to have in the national teams in any sport players that have not been born in that country or at least to have lived there since kids. For a top pro player is to easy to get the new nationality but I wonder how Spanish is Costa in his heart, this is just a chance to win the WC as it was not sure he would go with Brasil. It's like when i see top African runners running for Denmark in the Olympics just because money, stripping the poor African countries from their top stars.

[The Jackal]

defenders:
Patrick van Aanholt, Daley Blind, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi, Karim Rekik, Joel Veltman, Paul Verhaegh, Ron Vlaar, Stefan de Vrij.


I only recognize three of those players, wow. Martins Indi, Vlaar, and de Vrij.

[Lathum]

I'm taking the first week of WC off of work to just hang in a soccer bar all day for a week.

My wife is so proud.

Which bar?

I have to know the answer to this so I can be jealous.

[whomario]

I only recognize three of those players, wow. Martins Indi, Vlaar, and de Vrij.

I think i had all of those on one of my teams at some point in my FM playing career :D

[DaddyTorgo]

Instead of Georginho Wijnaldum I've recently found more use for his younger brother Giliano. I advocate him as the solution to "who will play LB for Holland." He's only 22, so maybe not in this WC, but next time round for sure.

[path12]

Which bar?

I'll hit the George & Dragon for the USMNT games but plan on just trying a few different ones out, there are three or four new ones that have opened up around Ballard/Fremont in just the past few months.

Dog friendly will be a plus since my guy just had his bad knee fixed and will still be recuperating.

[Grover]

Check out all the World Cup squads | Football365 | Features | F365 Features (http://www.football365.com/f365-features/9312285/World-Cup-Squads)

Every squad on one page.

Excellent.

[Lathum]

I'll hit the George & Dragon for the USMNT games but plan on just trying a few different ones out, there are three or four new ones that have opened up around Ballard/Fremont in just the past few months.

Dog friendly will be a plus since my guy just had his bad knee fixed and will still be recuperating.

ever been to Market Arms? Same owners as George and Dragon. They have an outdoor patio with TVs. Right on MArket and 24th in Ballard.

[path12]

ever been to Market Arms? Same owners as George and Dragon. They have an outdoor patio with TVs. Right on MArket and 24th in Ballard.

I like Market Arms, that's my second choice for the US games if I don't get to the George early enough and it is too packed. So many good places to choose from!

Might also drive down to Fado for a day, since my wife works downtown she can drive us both home from there.

[Lathum]

I like Market Arms, that's my second choice for the US games if I don't get to the George early enough and it is too packed. So many good places to choose from!

Might also drive down to Fado for a day, since my wife works downtown she can drive us both home from there.

Love Fado.

Used to go there before game downtown.

Buckleys in Queen ANne is decent as well.

[CraigSca]

Buckley's in Seattle? Wowzers - was just there a couple weeks ago - company I work for is a couple blocks away.

[DaddyTorgo]

Panini World Cup stickers - players then and now (https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/photos/panini-world-cup-stickers-players-then-and-now-1400085674-slideshow/)

[DaddyTorgo]

If you're not watching "Inside: U.S. Soccer's March to Brazil" on ESPN2 right now, you should be.

Edit: And on WatchESPN!
May 13, Tuesday, 7-8 p.m.: Series premiere
May 21, Wednesday, 7-7:30 p.m.: Episode 2
May 29, Thursday, 7:30-8 p.m.: Episode 3
June 3, Tuesday, 7:30-8 p.m.: Episode 4
June 10, Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 p.m.: Episode 5
June 11, Wednesday, 9:30-10 p.m.: LIVE series finale
More info here: Full Episode Schedule Announced for New ESPN Series ‘Inside: U.S. Soccer’s March to Brazil’ - U.S. Soccer (http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2014/05/09/15/47/140509-us-soccer-espn-inside-series-rel)

And yes - so apparently Tuesday was the first airing - I missed it then. But it's replaying now, and it's available online.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

What São Paulo's Unfinished World Cup Stadium Looks Like 10 Days Before The First Game - Yahoo Finance (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/o-paulos-unfinished-world-cup-135957950.html)

[whomario]

final 23 man roster for Germany:



Tor: Manuel Neuer (Bayern München), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover 96)


Abwehr: Jérôme Boateng (Bayern München), Erik Durm (Borussia Dortmund), Matthias Ginter (SC Freiburg), Kevin Großkreutz (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Höwedes (Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern München), Per Mertesacker (FC Arsenal)


Mittelfeld: Julian Draxler (Schalke 04), Mario Götze (Bayern München), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Christoph Kramer (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Toni Kroos (Bayern München), Thomas Müller (Bayern München), Mesut Özil (FC Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (FC Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), André Schürrle (FC Chelsea), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern München)

Angriff: Miroslav Klose (Lazio Rom)


2 major surprises in Christoph Kramer (who was not even on the preliminary 23 but called up after an injury) and Erik Durm, who now has gone from 4th Division striker to the World Cup as a left back in little over a year. He might even start, played impressive as heck yesterday.

[MIJB#19]

Oranje squad, with a semi finals mission as per usual:

goalkeepers: 1 Jasper Cillessen, 23 Tim Krul, 22 Michel Vorm,
defenders: 5 Daley Blind, 7 Daryl Janmaat, 14 Terence Kongolo, 4 Bruno Martins Indi, 13 Joel Veltman, 12 Paul Verhaegh, 2 Ron Vlaar, 3 Stefan de Vrij,
midfielders: 16 Jordy Clasie, 18 Leroy Fer, 6 Jonathan de Guzman, 8 Nigel de Jong, 10 Wesley Sneijder, 20 Georgino Wijnaldum,
forwards: 21 Memphis Depay, 19 Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, 15 Dirk Kuijt, 17 Jeremain Lens, 9 Robin van Persie, 11 Arjen Robben.

Missing because of injuries: Gregory van der Wiel, Rafael van der Vaart and Kevin Strootman.

Starting lineups still to be expected as posted earlier, except that Cillessen appears to be the starting goalkeeper and Clasie might be replaced with De Guzman.

[flere-imsaho]

Looks like Van Persie just got injured?

[MIJB#19]

Looks like Van Persie just got injured?I think he's fine. The most newsworthy thing over here is the jersey number change of De Jong and De Guzman after they've been announced by the KNVB (Dutch FA). That and the fact that the team flew to Brazil today.

[bhlloy]

I have no idea a) why the Netherlands thought Wales would be a good warmup (Bale and Ramsey were never going to play) and b) why the hell you would play a warmup for Brazil in a north European climate. Dodged a bullet with the Van Persie injury but the whole thing just didn't make much sense to me

[MIJB#19]

I have no idea a) why the Netherlands thought Wales would be a good warmup (Bale and Ramsey were never going to play) and b) why the hell you would play a warmup for Brazil in a north European climate. Dodged a bullet with the Van Persie injury but the whole thing just didn't make much sense to meThe number of alternatives of preparing in a representative location are limited. Brazil itself is a no-go area because FIFA disallows games to be played in any of the World Cup stadiums in June. That basically forces the participating teams to prepare in a different climate than where they'll be playing. Uruguay, Argentina and Colombia decided to play friendlies at home against non-qualifiers, whilst Ecuador, Peru and Paraguay all went to Europe for friendlies. But most of these countries are a stretch anyway, because of climate differences.

[bhlloy]

Ribery out for the tournament - the number of injuries starting to become a serious downer before it's even started

As for that MIJB - true to an extent but England have done a nice job getting acclimatized in Miami, which might not be perfect but still a hell of a lot closer to Brazil than Amsterdam is

[ISiddiqui]

So I put this on Facebook and I figure we may have a fun discussion about this here, but does any other city do this? Atlanta has these pretentious bars with middle-class to upper-class liberal clientele who usually don't have TVs up for sports (to facilitate conversation or what ever the heck the reason is) and all of a sudden they put up big screen TVs all over the place because of the World Cup. They don't really care about soccer (nothing for UEFA Championships or CONCACAF Championships), but only throw them up for the World Cup... I guess because it makes that sort of pretentious liberal (as a liberal who can be pretentious at times, I feel I can use the slur ;)) sort feel cultured?

[cartman]

I guess it would be the same if a place put TVs up for the Olympics. Would they also be pretentious if they didn't have them up for Track and Field Championships? There is a large swath of the population that only pays attention to these events when they occur, and ignore it the other 3 years. If the bar gets more clients with the TVs than they lose by people upset with the TVs and not showing up, isn't that just the free market at work?

[ISiddiqui]

They don't put the TVs up for the Olympics though. Nor for any other sport.

Just because its "free market" doesn't mean it isn't subject to ridicule for pretentiousness and poseur-ness. Heck, I'm sure they'd get more clients if they put up TVs for the SuperBowl or the World Series as well, but they don't do it then.

[cartman]

So I'm guessing you got a last minute cancellation to watch games together at this particular bar? :D

[ISiddiqui]

Nooo.... I tend to avoid those bars like the plague during World Cup time. I'd rather watch the game with people who actually care about the sport and aren't just watching it as a status symbol.

I mean these TVs literally get boxed up the day after the tournament.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

So you're upset that bars you aren't going to go to are showing the World Cup?

[ISiddiqui]

No.

I imagine that every bar is going to showing the World Cup.

I'm rolling my eyes as the pretentious-ness of some of these non-TV bars. Who apparently don't show sports or whatever because they want people to have conversations and not be distracted (or whatever - because you can't talk when a baseball game is in the background). But then the World Cup comes and let's load 'em up with TVs! For some reason it seems to be some sort of liberal elite cultural marker to pretend to like soccer, and the pretentious bars that cater to them.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

No, I mean, I understand that you've said that.

Still, you're upset that bars you won't be going to are showing the World Cup.

It would be more understandable if your favorite bar, where you've watched soccer for ten years, was suddenly too full of bandwagoners to let you in.

[digamma]

I don't particularly like soccer, but I really enjoy the World Cup and I will probably watch at least one of the games in a bar (though I believe it will be one that normally has at least one television). Does that make me a pretentious liberal elite?

[ISiddiqui]

Still, you're upset that bars you won't be going to are showing the World Cup.

Edit: Oh wait! I'm sorry.. I misread your early post! Apologies! (for some reason I thought you said I'm upset that the bars I'm going to won't be showing the World Cup - switching the "won't" later in the sentence)

Yes, so? Surely this isn't the first or only time you've heard people rail on pretentiousness or poseur-dom?

Edit2: And maybe some of those people could actually, I dunno, darken the doors of their local sports pub. Though they'd have to sit with the people they tend to insult otherwise.

[ISiddiqui]

I don't particularly like soccer, but I really enjoy the World Cup and I will probably watch at least one of the games in a bar (though I believe it will be one that normally has at least one television). Does that make me a pretentious liberal elite?

That depends? Do you rail upon other sports (sometimes calling them overly barbaric and tribalistic)? I'm guessing by posting here, the answer is no? :cool:

[whomario]

Germany just lost it´s best offensive player in Marco Reus to an ankle injury, did not look good at all :(

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

Edit: Oh wait! I'm sorry.. I misread your early post! Apologies! (for some reason I thought you said I'm upset that the bars I'm going to won't be showing the World Cup - switching the "won't" later in the sentence)

Yes, so? Surely this isn't the first or only time you've heard people rail on pretentiousness or poseur-dom?

Edit2: And maybe some of those people could actually, I dunno, darken the doors of their local sports pub. Though they'd have to sit with the people they tend to insult otherwise.

Do you get angry that people who probably mocked fantasy in past are really into Game of Thrones, or are you happy that something you love is being more widely appreciated?

[ISiddiqui]

Do you get angry that people who probably mocked fantasy in past are really into Game of Thrones, or are you happy that something you love is being more widely appreciated?

The "really into" is part of the problem, isn't it? I have a co-worker who flat out told me that he doesn't watch soccer, but watches the World Cup - however, he still considers the sport boring and it really doesn't interest him. I find this mentality more often than not - if one really enjoyed soccer after all, why not watch the UEFA Championships or the CONCACAF Championships depending (UEFA's quality is almost just as good as the World Cup, if not more, and with CONCACAF you can root for the US if that's why you were watching in the first place).

Furthermore, I do actually have some problems with some of these people who are "really into" GoT. Are these Game of Thrones watchers going to still mock fantasy (the whole "I don't like fantasy, it's lame, aside from GoT" mentality) and/or going to end their fantasy viewing after GoT is over. Will it change anything aside from that one show? Or will they use GoT to maybe reflect over their past fantasy mocking and look for other stories?

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

I guess I don't see why you care about other people's thoughts so much. Popularity has done wonders for GoT. It will help soccer too. Even if it appears to you to be insincere. A rising tide, etc.

[ISiddiqui]

One generally does not like seeing ones interests being turned into curiosities.

Sporadic World Cup viewing does not really translate into soccer growth - MLS ratings don't rise after every WC (the MLS's success has come from strong steady growth and smart management). The people I'm speaking about, watch the WC, and then tune out - as do the establishments that cater to them (literally the day after the WC Final the TV's are out).

In addition, you are mixing metaphors ;). Popularity has, of course, done wonders for GoT - but you were comparing GoT popularity to fantasy. Has it done wonders for fantasy novels in general?

[MIJB#19]

The "really into" is part of the problem, isn't it? I have a co-worker who flat out told me that he doesn't watch soccer, but watches the World Cup - however, he still considers the sport boring and it really doesn't interest him. I find this mentality more often than not - if one really enjoyed soccer after all, why not watch the UEFA Championships or the CONCACAF Championships depending (UEFA's quality is almost just as good as the World Cup, if not more, and with CONCACAF you can root for the US if that's why you were watching in the first place).I suppose I feel somewhat the same way about baseball as your co-worker does about soccer. The only time I actually bothered to turn the tv on for baseball was when the Dutch (kingdom) baseball team reached the semifinals in the World Baseball classic and when they steamrolled to World Champions, difference being that I still couldn't careless about whether Japan or Cuba would beat the USA.

I guess that doesn't make it right, but the charm of a tournament is that it's shorter and faster paced than a full season, but the eventual winner will be equally, if not more ecstatic about their victory. (edit: and there's the patriotic element added.)

[whomario]

At least a few other recently injured players came back for the last game before the WC with Lahm and Schweinsteiger (Khedira also came back only recently). Starting GK Manuel Neuer sat the game out again with a shoulder injury ...

Klose also made an apearance after not playing against Cameroon, he made a good impression when he came on and also scored his 69th goal for the NT, now alone atop the germany scoring chart (although admittedly, the great Gerd Müller only needed 62 games for his 68 goals. Yes, that guy was the greatest pure goal scorer to ever play this game)
It is also the most among active players anywhere.


Other Injury News:

For France, Ribery is out for the WC as is Shirokow for Russia (in both cases the most influential offensive player for their teams). For Colombia, Falcao is out.

[21C]

How to avoid World Cup Spoilers | TV Tonight (http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2014/06/how-to-avoid-world-cup-spoilers.html)

Fetch TV: Spoiler Spoiler (http://www.fetchtv.com.au/spoiler)

Firefox and Chrome extension to block any possible results before you have had a chance to watch the game.

[miami_fan]

How to avoid World Cup Spoilers | TV Tonight (http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2014/06/how-to-avoid-world-cup-spoilers.html)

Fetch TV: Spoiler Spoiler (http://www.fetchtv.com.au/spoiler)

Firefox and Chrome extension to block any possible results before you have had a chance to watch the game.

Will that work for FOFC?:p

[OldGiants]

When does Great Britain play? I enjoyed watching them in the Olympics.

[MIJB#19]

When does Great Britain play? I enjoyed watching them in the Olympics.Not funny.

[DaddyTorgo]

When does Great Britain play? I enjoyed watching them in the Olympics.

Not funny.

I chuckled.

[DaddyTorgo]

Two links for today

3 Ways to Add the FIFA World Cup Schedule to Your Phone - wikiHow (http://www.wikihow.com/Add-the-FIFA-World-Cup-Schedule-to-Your-Phone)

How to Watch the World Cup Like a True Soccer Nerd « (http://grantland.com/features/how-to-watch-the-world-cup-like-a-true-soccer-nerd/)

[molson]

This is kind of fun, a cup simulator you can run based on various rankings.

http://pirozhok.somee.com/sim.aspx

[MIJB#19]

This is kind of fun, a cup simulator you can run based on various rankings.

http://pirozhok.somee.com/sim.aspxMy first attempt at that had United States as winner on penalties versus Germany.
The best part was seeing both Spain and Portugal undefeated yet knocked out in the group stage. :devil:

[vex]

Yeah, I don't see this as too likely, especially USA over Argentina.



Round of 16 Score Winner
Brazil Netherlands 2:1 Brazil
Colombia Italy 2:0 (AET) Colombia
Honduras Bosnia-Herzegovina 0:2 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Germany Algeria 2:1 Germany
Croatia Spain 0:2 Spain
Greece Uruguay 1:1 (PK) Greece
Ecuador Argentina 1:2 Argentina
United States Belgium 2:2 (PK) United States


Quarterfinals Score Winner
Brazil Colombia 1:0 Brazil
Bosnia-Herzegovina Germany 0:1 Germany
Spain Greece 1:2 (AET) Greece
Argentina United States 1:2 United States

Semifinals Score Winner
Brazil Germany 2:1 Brazil
Greece United States 1:0 Greece

3rd Place Score Winner
Germany United States 2:0 (AET) Germany
Final Score Winner
Brazil Greece 0:0 (PK) Brazil

[gstelmack]

Is there any LEGAL way to watch streaming in the US if you don't have ESPN because you've cut the cord?

[digamma]

I assume your ISP does not get you access to Watch ESPN?

[flere-imsaho]

If you have access to Univision (cable or OTA or via iOS/Android app) and don't mind Spanish commentary they'll be showing all but the last 8 games (which should be on ABC OTA).

[ISiddiqui]

Not all of them, unfortunately. 3 of the Quarterfinals and BOTH semifinals are on ESPN (which is idiotic, but thankfully I found that getting cable internet from Comcast gives me the option to live stream).

[gstelmack]

I assume your ISP does not get you access to Watch ESPN?

No, I'm Time Warner / RoadRunner, which means I'd have to have cable TV to stream ESPN.

[flere-imsaho]

Not all of them, unfortunately. 3 of the Quarterfinals and BOTH semifinals are on ESPN (which is idiotic, but thankfully I found that getting cable internet from Comcast gives me the option to live stream).

Unreal. I hate TV monopolies in this country. For comparison:

Where to watch if you’re in the U.S.

ESPN: The sports network will be streaming all 64 games from the first kick-off to the finale through its WatchESPN apps, which are available for iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets, Kindle Fire tablets and Windows 8 tablets and PCs. Users can also access the stream through the WatchESPN website as well as through dedicated apps for Amazon’s Fire TV, Roku streaming boxes, Apple TV, Xbox One and Xbox 360, and both the Android and iOS app can cast the streams to Google’s Chromecast streaming stick. ESPN will offer these streams in English, Portuguese and Korean, and online viewers will apparently be able to switch between multiple camera angles.

However, ESPN only makes these streams available to viewers that pay for TV service and have ESPN as part of their channel lineup. Streams are also limited to customers of pay TV providers that have so-called TV Everywhere deals with ESPN, which includes Comcast, AT&T, Dish and Cox, but not DirecTV and a few others. Check ESPN’s website to see if your operator is on ESPN’s friendlies’ list, otherwise you’ll have to check for other options.

Univision: Spanish-language broadcaster Univision will also stream each and every game on its website as well as through dedicated apps for iPhones and iPads as well as Android phones and tablets. Univision’s broadcasts as well as the apps themselves will be in Spanish, so it may be time to polish up your vocabulary, especially if you’re a cord cutter: Univision will stream the first 56 games without the need to sign in with a pay TV provider login. However, the quarterfinals, semifinals and the finale will only be made available to customers of pay TV providers the network has a deal with, which at this point include AT&T, Bright House, Optimum, Cox, DirecTV, Dish, Time Warner Cable and Verizon, but not Comcast.

And there is a silver lining for cord cutters: Univision will broadcast all of the games for free, over the air via local Univision affiliates, so all you need is an antenna. Fifty-six games, including all of the ones that have streams restricted to pay TV customers, will be available via Univision over the air, and be simulcast on the Univision Desposportes cable network. Eight games will only air on the broadcaster’s UniMás network (and simulcast on the Galavisión cable network), which is available over the air in some, but not all markets. You can visit this channel calculator to see whether you have access to Univision and UniMás.

TuneIn: Can’t watch the games, but still want to follow along live? There’s always radio: ESPN Radio will be broadcasting all 64 games. You can listen to it via your local affiliate, or through TuneIn, which aggregates all the games on its site and also streams them through its iPhone, iPad and Android apps.

Aereo. Another way to stream the games is Aereo, the service that relays over-the-air broadcast TV to mobile devices, Chromecast sticks and Roku boxes. Aereo won’t offer access to ESPN, but will be able to stream 10 games that will air on local ABC affiliates, including the finale. The service will also offer access to Univision’s programming. However, Aereo is only available in select markets, and is currently being sued by broadcasters.

Where to watch if you’re in other countries

The World Cup is being broadcast by TV networks around the globe, many of which will also stream the games live online. We can’t possibly list links for every country on earth here, but you should check this Wikipedia article if you want to know which broadcaster has the rights for the event in your country. Here are a few select broadcasters from countries with English-language programming:

Australia: SBS will stream each and every game on its website as well as through its iOS and Android apps.

Canada: CBC will stream all 64 games of the World Cup on its website as well as through its iOS and Android apps — no pay TV subscription required.

Ireland: RTÉ will stream all 64 games live on its website as well as through its mobile apps, including 8 that won’t be broadcast on TV.

U.K.: The BBC streams each and every game for free and without the need for a pay TV subscription through its iPlayer, which is available on the web as well for iOS, Android, Chromecast as well as a variety of game consoles, connected TV platforms and TV set-top boxes.

Says it all, really.

[PilotMan]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DlJEt2KU33I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[cartman]

Friendly bump to remind that the first post in the thread contains the info for the ESPN Pick 'Em. The games start tomorrow!

[ISiddiqui]

And there is a silver lining for cord cutters: Univision will broadcast all of the games for free, over the air via local Univision affiliates, so all you need is an antenna. Fifty-six games, including all of the ones that have streams restricted to pay TV customers, will be available via Univision over the air, and be simulcast on the Univision Desposportes cable network. Eight games will only air on the broadcaster’s UniMás network (and simulcast on the Galavisión cable network), which is available over the air in some, but not all markets. You can visit this channel calculator to see whether you have access to Univision and UniMás.

I was wondering about this (from all the reports saying first 56 games)! Thank God for Univision!

--

Though the comparison to other countries isn't particularly an apples to apples comparison because all of the listed countries (Australia, Canada, Ireland, Britain) are broadcasting/streaming through public broadcasting companies, which are also major broadcasters of programming in those countries. People would flip their collective shit if PBS was to bid and win World Cup rights.

[gstelmack]

Univision, here I come!

[ISiddiqui]

I watch MLS games on UniMas. One of these days I'll learn Spanish, just so I can figure out what they are saying during those games (not because there are Spanish speaking immigrants moving in all around, LOL).

[flere-imsaho]

Though the comparison to other countries isn't particularly an apples to apples comparison because all of the listed countries (Australia, Canada, Ireland, Britain) are broadcasting/streaming through public broadcasting companies, which are also major broadcasters of programming in those countries. People would flip their collective shit if PBS was to bid and win World Cup rights.

That's my point, though. In the U.S., the most important thing about broadcasting the World Cup is making sure the company that won the rights makes as much money off of it as it can. In other countries, the most important thing is making is as accessible as possible to all who want to view it.

[ISiddiqui]

That's my point, though. In the U.S., the most important thing about broadcasting the World Cup is making sure the company that won the rights makes as much money off of it as it can. In other countries, the most important thing is making is as accessible as possible to all who want to view it.

You are talking about two vastly different methods of TV delivery. For instance, in the UK, the BBC is THE main network. You have others, like iTV, Sky, etc, but the BBC is akin to a CBS, FOX, etc. The US's TV network never developed that way. It has always been private providers first.

In Britain, FWIW, everyone who buys a TV pays a tax for the BBC. I'm sure if that occurred in the US with PBS, they could make that happen too ;).

[flere-imsaho]

Yes, I know, I happened to live in the UK for 5 years. :p

[ISiddiqui]

Oh oh, for USA this isn't the best news. Portugal looks more than ready to go:

Ronaldo leads rampant Portugal to big win - FIFA.com (http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=ronaldo-leads-rampant-portugal-to-big-win-2367637.html)

[cartman]

I wonder if that witch doctor in Ghana is set up to take PayPal to help him with the CR7 curse. :D

[ISiddiqui]

There should be enough time to Kickstarter that, right? ;)

[digamma]

Here is a good prop bet: Number of scores in this Magary article (http://screamer.deadspin.com/the-hater-s-guide-to-the-2014-world-cup-1588867715/+GregHoward1) or total number of goals in the World Cup.

[Landshark44]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DlJEt2KU33I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

that's awesome....

[cartman]

At least he hasn't lost his sense of humor. This is pretty good.

Landon Donovan in hilarious World Cup video - SBNation.com (http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/6/11/5801174/landon-donovan-world-cup-2014-galaxy-video)

[DaddyTorgo]

16 hours...

[Butter]

How about Saturday! 4 games on the schedule, spread out over 11+ hours. That's going to be awesome. I already told my wife to plan on me just doing that for the day.

[DaddyTorgo]

How about Saturday! 4 games on the schedule, spread out over 11+ hours. That's going to be awesome. I already told my wife to plan on me just doing that for the day.

Yeah, right? :D

[cartman]

3 hours to go.

Still a little bit of time to join the ESPN pick 'em pool!

[whomario]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/p7va-k1ER9E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[DaddyTorgo]

3 hours to go.

Still a little bit of time to join the ESPN pick 'em pool!

Thanks - finally got around to this!

[MIJB#19]

3 hours to go.

Still a little bit of time to join the ESPN pick 'em pool!I'm in and in. ;)

[B & B]

Late joiner myself.

Enjoy the cup

[PilotMan]

So ready for this.

[cartman]

A buddy of mine is working behind the scenes at the international broadcast center in Rio. He just posted a pic of the Copacabana beach. It is nearly empty. Everyone is getting ready to watch the game.

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/10464064_10202134026927776_1235304513160657832_n.jpg

[DaddyTorgo]

Going to have to abandon this thread until I can get home and watch the game. Unless I can make these 9 calls in the next...21 minutes.

[MIJB#19]

I have a weird feeling Croatia will mess things up and pull an upset 2-1 victory, despite that a 3-0 win for Brazil seems more obvious...

[Scoobz0202]

Any legal streams out there for this

[Abe Sargent]

And so it begins. Good luck Croatia!

[PilotMan]

3 hours to go.

Still a little bit of time to join the ESPN pick 'em pool!

In, in the nick of time.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Any legal streams out there for this

ESPN3

[Scoobz0202]

ESPN3
DirectTV unfortunately

[Abe Sargent]

OGOOGOGOGOGOOGO WOWOWOWOWOW

[cartman]

Wow, horrible defending there from Brazil.

[PilotMan]

I picked Brazil, but I desperately want them to lose.

[ISiddiqui]

Holy crap, Marcello Own Goal!

[cartman]

That was more of a self-preservation move than a conscious save right then by the Croatian keeper. That was a hard, point blank shot.

[cartman]

Now that was an awesome save

[MIJB#19]

It's confirmed, the 1-0 was a real goal. :lol:

[PilotMan]

No surprise that a whole end of floodlights have already gone out in the stadium.

[britrock88]

Any legal streams out there for this

Univision? Or do they not have this one?

[MIJB#19]

Wow, Neymar got lucky there.

[cartman]

Impressive there by Neymar.

[PilotMan]

Good placement.

[cartman]

Brazil really woke up and took control of the match.

[BYU 14]

Yeah, you kind of get the feeling they will roll in the 2nd half..

[MIJB#19]

I'm not yet convinced about Brazil being in form, the 'dominance' to me seems based on the Croatians' mistakes that put Brazil in possession in dangerous spots, just like with the equalizer.

[PilotMan]

That was obscene.

[PilotMan]

Fucking obscene.

[MikeVic]

Fucking bs penalty call.

[MIJB#19]

What a joke.

[Abe Sargent]

A better Gk stops that PK.

[PilotMan]

Makes me think that this whole thing is already stacked now for Brazil, if that's the way the reffing is going to go. Ronaldo is going to have a field day.

[whomario]

A better Gk stops that PK.

nah, penalty GK-ing is not like regular GK-ing, such little time to get to the ball and up until the last moment you don´t even know the ball is coming your way.

Also, this was one bad decicion (imo yellow for Neymar was fine, that is never given a red) and not a string of biased decicions. Hold your horses, maybe ...

[MikeVic]

What happened there? Why no goal?

[Scoobz0202]

FIFA

[whomario]

What happened there? Why no goal?

Olic jumped into the GK inside the 5 yard box, that´s an automatic foul 10 out of 10 times.

[cartman]

Croatia is getting some decent chances here late

[Abe Sargent]

nah, penalty GK-ing is not like regular GK-ing, such little time to get to the ball and up until the last moment you don´t even know the ball is coming your way.

Also, this was one bad decicion (imo yellow for Neymar was fine, that is never given a red) and not a string of biased decicions. Hold your horses, maybe ...

mmmm. I didn't have any horses? Who were you responding to someone else with the second half our your statement? I didn't comment on the yellow, and had no issues with it either. one way or other...


I just said if you get your hands on it that well, I would hope you would knock it out.

[MikeVic]

Olic jumped into the GK inside the 5 yard box, that´s an automatic foul 10 out of 10 times.

Shut up, I'm Croatian. ;)

[cartman]

That seals it.

[whomario]

awesome goal by Oscar, kid is savvy

[cthomer5000]

What a joke.

Yeah, it took less than 1 game this time for me to become incredibly jaded about the World Cup.

At least it took until the knock-out rounds in 2010. :rolleyes:

[cartman]

awesome goal by Oscar, kid is savvy

Yep, I kept waiting for him to drop it off to the trailing guy, but that was a nice move to score

[whomario]

mmmm. I didn't have any horses? Who were you responding to someone else with the second half our your statement? I didn't comment on the yellow, and had no issues with it either. one way or other...


I just said if you get your hands on it that well, I would hope you would knock it out.

nah, that was more a preemptive caution against "it´s all rigged, FIFA decides that Brazil wins"

[cartman]

BID BRAZIL $2

[rowech]

Brazil was less than impressive.

[bhlloy]

Knew as soon as I saw where the refs were from we would get incompetent at best. Shame to ruin a really good game

[bob]

I missed the first half, but the second half seemingly had a lot of calls Brazil's way. Obviously the PK. And while someone here said that call against the player challenging the keeper is made all the time, I sure didn't see anything worthy of blowing the whistle. And finally, while I'll admit watching on a phone so potentially I saw it wrong, it looked to me like Brazil gained position on that third goal by fouling a Croatian player, thus leading to the break. Again, maybe I was wrong on that.

[MIJB#19]

Also, this was one bad decicion (imo yellow for Neymar was fine, that is never given a red) and not a string of biased decicions. Hold your horses, maybe ...Half the referees in the Eredivisie would have shown Neymar a red card there the other half a yellow card, depending on how well they saw the situation. When you see the replay, you can see clearly it was an intentional foul. But it takes a very brave referee to send off Neymar in Brazil.

I agree that the no-goal for Croatia was a text book example of a foul on the goalkeeper, despite that the goalkeeper was blundering.

Doesn't take away that Croatia was making too many mistakes when pressured by Brazil. In the last ten minutes, Croatia kept trying, but lost their head when it counted, going into foul mode. Brazil got lucky at times, but it evens out the unlucky 1-0. The result deserves some asterisks, but the better (less mistakes making team) won.

[AlexB]

I missed the first half, but the second half seemingly had a lot of calls Brazil's way. Obviously the PK. And while someone here said that call against the player challenging the keeper is made all the time, I sure didn't see anything worthy of blowing the whistle. And finally, while I'll admit watching on a phone so potentially I saw it wrong, it looked to me like Brazil gained position on that third goal by fouling a Croatian player, thus leading to the break. Again, maybe I was wrong on that.

Think the ref kept the game flowing personally. About thirty seconds before the 3rd goal, in the Croatian attack that led to Modric's shot and Cesar's save, there was an incident exactly the same as the one you referred to but in reverse: Marcelo thought he was fouled, but play went on.

If you only look at the moments you highlight you could infer a bit of home bias, but overall, with the exception of the penalty that I thought was very soft, I don't think Brazil got overly favoured

[MIJB#19]

By the way, the referee isn't a nobody, he guided a quarterfinal in 2010 and was the 4th referee in the final, although that quarterfinal was the one where Brazil got knocked out.

[ColtCrazy]

Yeah, the PK decision ruined what was a pretty good opening game. Hoping that's not the trend this year. Croatia really took it to them and were unlucky not to score a few times. Will be an interesting group the rest of the way assuming Brazil isn't gifted anymore goals (though Oscar's goal was a great shot).

[MIJB#19]

And finally, while I'll admit watching on a phone so potentially I saw it wrong, it looked to me like Brazil gained position on that third goal by fouling a Croatian player, thus leading to the break. Again, maybe I was wrong on that.You're not alone, I had the same impression of the situation.

[AlexB]

I agree that the no-goal for Croatia was a text book example of a foul on the goalkeeper, despite that the goalkeeper was blundering.

Although that does get given 99 times out of 100, it wasn't actually a foul this time. Olic didn't jump into the keeper, he jumped straight up. He didn't put his arms between the keeper's arm to distract the catch, or his hands on the keeper at all. He just got up first before the keeper.

But GKs are similar to QBs in getting over protected, and unfortunately in that instance it's not the decision that is controversial, it's the fact that basically any challenge on a keeper when both are jumping is deemed to be a foul.

[MIJB#19]

Although that does get given 99 times out of 100, it wasn't actually a foul this time. Olic didn't jump into the keeper, he jumped straight up. He didn't put his arms between the keeper's arm to distract the catch, or his hands on the keeper at all. He just got up first before the keeper.

But GKs are similar to QBs in getting over protected, and unfortunately in that instance it's not the decision that is controversial, it's the fact that basically any challenge on a keeper when both are jumping is deemed to be a foul.Definitely.

[MIJB#19]

Oh oh, for USA this isn't the best news. Portugal looks more than ready to go:

Ronaldo leads rampant Portugal to big win - FIFA.com (http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=ronaldo-leads-rampant-portugal-to-big-win-2367637.html)Latest news on Ronaldo is that he got hurt, again.

[cartman]

My PayPal to the witch doctor worked!!!

:D

[DaddyTorgo]

That was some bullshit penalty call against Srna. Fred went down because he got tapped on the arm.

Horrible decision that fucked up a competitive game.

[flere-imsaho]

Terrible PK call. I don't blame the ref on it, though, as it would be easy to not see clearly.

By the way, for those of you who were asking, Univision is streaming all the games (except the last 8) on their iOS & Android apps. Be sure to download the app called "Univision Deportes", though, not the main Univision app.

I watched part of the game using the app, and it was excellent.

[DaddyTorgo]

Brazil didn't look great though. For a team with great WBs (Dani Alves & Marcelo) and deploying Hulk and Neymar (nominally) on the wings I though they lacked width. Everything seemed to be "feed the ball to Neymar" and he seemed to be more central than out on the wing most of the time.

I think the team might be lacking a central-playmaker, which is where someone like a Kaka or a Ronaldinho, or even a Ganso might have come in handy. Oscar can be that player too, but he didn't really show it today.

The pairing of Luiz Gustavo and Paulinho did nothing for me. They were basically invisible and Rakitic/Modric/Kovacic ran all over them. I'd rather see Hernanes and/or Ramires in there.

If it wasn't for the BS PK and then the disallowed Olic goal it's a much different game.

[bhlloy]

Main takeaway for me was how completely vulnerable Brazil looked down the flanks (especially their right) and if Croatia had some composure with their crosses and a better target on the end of them (Manduzukic was a big miss) then it could have still been a different result.

They need to sort that out or they will need to score more than 3 against the elite teams in the tournament. The wing backs are always going to push forward and leave gaps but you have to compensate somehow and that didn't happen at all. I do agree with what you said about the 2 DCM's - they were very poor/invisible and I'd expect Fernandinho to get the start for the next game.

EDIT - to add the talk pre tournament was this was a new defensively responsible Brazil and that wasn't the case at all, they looked completely the opposite, like a team that has to score 3 or 4 to win. Julio Cesar is a liability as well, got bailed out on the disallowed goal and he's just not good in the air or commanding his box (although I do agree that 9 out of 10 times that foul gets called on the goalie in todays game, even if I don't like it)

[whomario]

Brazil didn't look great though. For a team with great WBs (Dani Alves & Marcelo) and deploying Hulk and Neymar (nominally) on the wings I though they lacked width. Everything seemed to be "feed the ball to Neymar" and he seemed to be more central than out on the wing most of the time.

I think the team might be lacking a central-playmaker, which is where someone like a Kaka or a Ronaldinho, or even a Ganso might have come in handy. Oscar can be that player too, but he didn't really show it today.

The pairing of Luiz Gustavo and Paulinho did nothing for me. They were basically invisible and Rakitic/Modric/Kovacic ran all over them. I'd rather see Hernanes and/or Ramires in there.




Some disagreements here, hope you don´t mind ;)

Oscar was on the right wing basically all game, Neymar in the middle but sometimes drifting out. Was a conscious decision by Scolari to switch that up. Problem was that Alves had a craptastic game on both ends and kept on missing the holes on offense that Oscar kept creating, who in my eyes had a really good game.

Imo it is a good decicion, because that way you have Neymar where he can do the most roaming without hurting the stability of the formation and also can be most easily hidden defensively (especially with Fred dropping back considereably at times). And i thought Neymar had a really good game, even aside from the goal. Not everything worked (a few too many easy mistakes trying to deliver passes or running at the defense), but he definitely stepped up and made himself available to his teammates and didn´t shy away from putting in the work.

I personally think that Hulk is the weak link in that arrangement, he seems kind of out of place on the left wing (as opposed to the right, where he played a lot previously)

I did not see Gustavo/Paulinho getting run all over, at all. The croatian midfield had a strong game, but mostly on defense imo. On offense their main weapon was getting the ball to the left early and often (again, Alves was unbelievably bad) to Olic and then try to cross it.

Paulinho was definitely not all that good, but imo Gustavo had a flawless game in the role he has to play. I would swap Paulinho for Ramires personally.

[Butter]

A team with a world class GK wins that game 1-0.

Or, as an FM fan, I now know what a GK with an agility of "1" looks like in the real world.

[DaddyTorgo]

Some disagreements here, hope you don´t mind ;)

Oscar was on the right wing basically all game, Neymar in the middle but sometimes drifting out. Was a conscious decision by Scolari to switch that up. Problem was that Alves had a craptastic game on both ends and kept on missing the holes on offense that Oscar kept creating, who in my eyes had a really good game.

Imo it is a good decicion, because that way you have Neymar where he can do the most roaming without hurting the stability of the formation and also can be most easily hidden defensively (especially with Fred dropping back considereably at times). And i thought Neymar had a really good game, even aside from the goal. Not everything worked (a few too many easy mistakes trying to deliver passes or running at the defense), but he definitely stepped up and made himself available to his teammates and didn´t shy away from putting in the work.

I personally think that Hulk is the weak link in that arrangement, he seems kind of out of place on the left wing (as opposed to the right, where he played a lot previously)

I did not see Gustavo/Paulinho getting run all over, at all. The croatian midfield had a strong game, but mostly on defense imo. On offense their main weapon was getting the ball to the left early and often (again, Alves was unbelievably bad) to Olic and then try to cross it.

Paulinho was definitely not all that good, but imo Gustavo had a flawless game in the role he has to play. I would swap Paulinho for Ramires personally.

Fair enough - I fast-forwarded thru the lineups so I didn't realize the Oscar/Neymar switch was deliberate and not a result of Neymar drifting inside and Oscar covering for him. Makes sense now that you mention that. Not sure I like it (for reasons I'll go into below), but where I saw them makes more sense. And I thought Oscar played alright, but again (back to my earlier point) the team lacked width in general. Too much "get the ball to Neymar" and not "overlapping down the wings with your WBs and AMs".

Agree on Dani Alves. Thought he offered nothing. Marcelo got forward into good positions a couple times, but again his final balls were lacking.

I thought Neymar played fine. I just think the offense looked incredibly one-dimensional/reliant on him, and I'm not sure I like him in the middle as much as you do. It makes him easier to mark out without sacrificing defensive shape with MC's dropping back and a DC stepping up, where if he's playing on the wing or even as a forward then he can drag the opponents more out of position and open spaces for the WBs and other midfielders.

I can't say I noticed Paulinho/Gustavo much at all. Now part of that is "that's their role" in a sense. I did notice a couple Paulinho gaffes and have no issue with swapping him out, but IMO given the other guys you have on the bench I don't think Gustavo did anything to lock-down his starting spot.

[cartman]

I wonder what MIJB and Icy have planned for this evening, say around 9pm their time. I'm guessing probably just a quiet meal in a local restaurant.

[DaddyTorgo]

I wonder what MIJB and Icy have planned for this evening, say around 9pm their time. I'm guessing probably just a quiet meal in a local restaurant.

:lol:

[Coffee Warlord]

Go Cameroon!

[Abe Sargent]

Let's go Cameroon!!!

[MIJB#19]

I'm in and in. ;)Ah, nuts. Looks like my 'dream picks' didn't get saved in the FOFC group. :(

[digamma]

I'm predicting an El Tie.

[cartman]

Mexico is putting a lot of pressure on early. Cameroon looks a bit unsettled in the back.

[Butter]

Either Cameroon is TERRIBLE or Mexico has figured out their shit since qualifying.

[cartman]

The usual chant of 'Puto' on an opponent's goal kick traveled with the Mexican fans to Brazil.

[Abe Sargent]

Cameroon showign life again though

[cartman]

Eto'o should have buried that

[Butter]

WTF, you are allowed to just pull people down on corner kicks now? Jesus.

[Abe Sargent]

WTF, you are allowed to just pull people down on corner kicks now? Jesus.

Probably the refs making up one mistake (called fpfisde goal for Mexico) equalling another (no called PK for Cameroon).....

[Abe Sargent]

Another offsides?

[BYU 14]

Officiating is off to a great start again, three significant blown calls already.

[cartman]

Right call. A Cameroon player touched the ball.

[MIJB#19]

There goes another referee off after just one game.

[Butter]

Yes, that one was correct.

[SirFozzie]

Semi-tangentially related but..

Germany's Franz Beckenbauer has been barred from all footballing activities for 90 days for refusing to assist in the probe of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Bid.

Beckenbauer banned for snubbing Qatar probe (http://t.co/clRtOiXWAP)

[cartman]

I think that after the ref turned around after talking to him, the Mexican coach put the "evil eye" on him.

[Izulde]

Mexico got screwed on that first goal for sure.

[cartman]

Offside is a pretty convoluted rule. On the surface it seems straightforward, but there are all sorts of nuances. If I remember correctly, on a corner kick, you are considered offside it you receive a ball in a favorable position if it bounces off of the crossbar or an opposing player while you are in an offside position.

[Abe Sargent]

whoa

[Butter]

Am I the only person who is slightly annoyed that the ESPN Mexico announcers are probably more pro-Mexico than the ESPN US announces are pro-US? I am NOT rooting for Mexico. Just stop.

[cartman]

That should have been at least a yellow there on Cameroon

[Butter]

A clear card? No it wasn't.

[cartman]

Usually studs to the ankle draws a card

[Solecismic]

Offside is a pretty convoluted rule. On the surface it seems straightforward, but there are all sorts of nuances. If I remember correctly, on a corner kick, you are considered offside it you receive a ball in a favorable position if it bounces off of the crossbar or an opposing player while you are in an offside position.

Yes, you are considered offsides after these events if you were previously in an offsides position, but at what point was he in an offside position? It wasn't at the time of the corner itself, because you can't be offsides when a corner is struck.

I think it was a terrible call. If it had deflected off a teammate, then, yes, the goal-scorer would have been in an offside position at that moment.

[Butter]

Both sides starting to roll around on the ground a little too much.

[Butter]

Shit, that was close.

[cartman]

Yes, you are considered offsides after these events if you were previously in an offsides position, but at what point was he in an offside position? It wasn't at the time of the corner itself, because you can't be offsides when a corner is struck.

I think it was a terrible call. If it had deflected off a teammate, then, yes, the goal-scorer would have been in an offside position at that moment.

I think that on a corner kick, due to the fact you can't be offside at the moment of the kick, the offside rules come into play when the ball touches a player or the crossbar.

[Abe Sargent]

And there you are

[MIJB#19]

Just as I was about to post the game got boring and turned into a butchering game, well, there's that. :D

[cartman]

Lots of space in the Cameroon defense on that goal

[Butter]

That was a long time coming.

[Solecismic]

I think that on a corner kick, due to the fact you can't be offside at the moment of the kick, the offside rules come into play when the ball touches a player or the crossbar.

There's nothing in the documentation to reflect that. The piece that talks about opponents and crossbars is specifically to indicate that these events do not wipe out the necessity to be onsides when the ball was last struck.

Anyway, probably a moot point. Cameroon's defense is terrible. We know Mexico can't finish, and they're finding all kinds of opportunity today.

[kingfc22]

Where was this Mexico team the past 3 years? They have looked pretty fluid and dangerous at times.

[Butter]

Cameroon just diving all over the place now.

[cartman]

The rule states a player can't be offside when receiving the ball directly from a goal kick, corner kick, or throw-in. The 'directly' is the key.

[Solecismic]

The game would be improved if the referee had the discretion to award a yellow card if a player who, after writhing around in agony in an attempt to draw a foul, gets up and plays with no sign of any injury.

[cartman]

The game would be improved if the referee had the discretion to award a yellow card if a player who, after writhing around in agony in an attempt to draw a foul, gets up and plays with no sign of any injury.

They can.

[britrock88]

Am I the only person who is slightly annoyed that the ESPN Mexico announcers are probably more pro-Mexico than the ESPN US announces are pro-US? I am NOT rooting for Mexico. Just stop.

I've enjoyed them despite their native bias (as I pull for Cameroon).

[Solecismic]

The rule states a player can't be offside when receiving the ball directly from a goal kick, corner kick, or throw-in. The 'directly' is the key.

And the exception is intended to show that an opponent or crossbar does not affect the definition of directly.

Think of it this way. Player A is being marked. Player B is in an offsides position near the goaltender. Player A whacks it off the instep of his opponent to Player B, who scores easily.

The exception is intended to show that Player B's reception of the pass is still "directly" a result of Player A's strike, so it satisfies the offsides rule of gaining an advantage while in an offsides position.

In the corner example, Player B is never in an offsides position.

[Abe Sargent]

Where was this Mexico team the past 3 years? They have looked pretty fluid and dangerous at times.

Winning the Olympics

[saldana]

And the exception is intended to show that an opponent or crossbar does not affect the definition of directly.

Think of it this way. Player A is being marked. Player B is in an offsides position near the goaltender. Player A whacks it off the instep of his opponent to Player B, who scores easily.

The exception is intended to show that Player B's reception of the pass is still "directly" a result of Player A's strike, so it satisfies the offsides rule of gaining an advantage while in an offsides position.

In the corner example, Player B is never in an offsides position.

This is my interpretation as well...should have been a goal since the original position was onsides

[cartman]

Cameroon applying some late pressure

[Ryan S]

Offside is a pretty convoluted rule. On the surface it seems straightforward, but there are all sorts of nuances. If I remember correctly, on a corner kick, you are considered offside it you receive a ball in a favorable position if it bounces off of the crossbar or an opposing player while you are in an offside position.

The ball needs to come from one of your team mates to be considered offside. As soon as a member of the opposing team touches the ball you can't be offside.

[cartman]

Great save there by the Mexican goalie

[JPhillips]

The game would be improved if the referee had the discretion to award a yellow card if a player who, after writhing around in agony in an attempt to draw a foul, gets up and plays with no sign of any injury.

Or make them leave the field for a minute if they don't get up quickly.

[Solecismic]

The ball needs to come from one of your team mates to be considered offside. As soon as a member of the opposing team touches the ball you can't be offside.

Part A of that sentence is true, part B is not.

Cameroon had a lot of life left at the end, but I'm impressed with the Mexico defense. I'd be surprised if Cameroon manages a point in this tournament.

[MIJB#19]

The ball needs to come from one of your team mates to be considered offside. As soon as a member of the opposing team touches the ball you can't be offside.That's what I thought too, until I read the explanation on the FIFA website. It doesn't really matter though, at the moment the ball was <strike>headed</strike> touched by a hair or two, he wasn't offside yet.

[Solecismic]

Or make them leave the field for a minute if they don't get up quickly.

It would be funny if the referee drew a circle around the player with his shaving cream kit, and the player couldn't leave that circle for a full minute.

[Ryan S]

I should have guessed it was another ridiculous rule change from FIFA.

FIFA re-words offside rule, but will the tweaks clarify or confuse? | Pitchside Europe - Yahoo Eurosport UK (https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/pitchside-europe/fifa-words-offside-rule-tweaks-clarify-confuse-100346024.html)

I suspect the rule was changed in order to protect the linesmen. Now if they make a mistake in a like today they can point at the rulebook and claim they were correct.

[MIJB#19]

I should have guessed it was another ridiculous rule change from FIFA.

FIFA re-words offside rule, but will the tweaks clarify or confuse? | Pitchside Europe - Yahoo Eurosport UK (https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/pitchside-europe/fifa-words-offside-rule-tweaks-clarify-confuse-100346024.html)

I suspect the rule was changed in order to protect the linesmen. Now if they make a mistake in a like today they can point at the rulebook and claim they were correct.:+1:

[cartman]

Hey, ESPN, of course the two strikers that you are using for commentators are going to say there was no offside. I don't think a striker has ever agreed with any offside call in history. :D

[JPhillips]

It would be funny if the referee drew a circle around the player with his shaving cream kit, and the player couldn't leave that circle for a full minute.

I'm all for that. Anything with more shaving cream lines is good, IMO.

[bhlloy]

I'm just waiting for the first player to get pissed because the ref drew all over his five hundred dollar cleats

[cartman]

I'm just waiting for the first player to get pissed because the ref drew all over his five hundred dollar cleats

Eh, they have at least another 10 pair in the locker room. Except maybe the Iran guys.

[cartman]

Did the Dutch steal Italy's uniforms?

[Butter]

Yeah, where is the Oranje?

[ISiddiqui]

Teams do have away jerseys you know ;).

[cartman]

So close there from Sneijder

[cartman]

The Brazilian fans sure aren't forgiving to Diego Costa for choosing to play with Spain.

[Coffee Warlord]

Spain's flopping in top form.

[cartman]

Clear penalty there

[Coffee Warlord]

What an awful yellow.

[Solecismic]

What a pass... that kind of vision can't be taught.

[Coffee Warlord]

...are you fucking serious?

[kingfc22]

In real time it looked like a legit penalty, unlike the Brazil penalty from yesterday.

Via slo-mo, hmmmm....

[stevew]

Really questionable

[flere-imsaho]

Looks like the Netherlands have picked up where they left off from the last World Cup: the "tackle" from De Jong on 15 minutes was a clear foul & yellow card, and the BS for the tackle got the penalty it richly deserved.

Sorry MIJB.... :(

But that "tackle" from De Jong on 15 minutes is exactly the kind of obstruction (never mind just hitting another player) that needs to be penalized more. De Jong makes no attempt to play the ball and indeed moves away from the ball to obstruct the opponent, by elbowing him in the chest. How that's not at least a yellow is beyond me.


Very well-taken penalty, btw.

[cartman]

RVP needed another half step there and he had an easy goal.

[Solecismic]

Good chance for an OG on that cross. Must be hard to back off on those.

[Abe Sargent]

I usually root for the underdog, but I still can't root for the dirty Dutch - Go Spain!!

[AlexB]

I think that on a corner kick, due to the fact you can't be offside at the moment of the kick, the offside rules come into play when the ball touches a player or the crossbar.

Not the crossbar: physically impossible to be offside from a corner if the ball hits the crossbar and you are the first to touch it: you would have had to have been behind the ball when it was played, and thus not offside

But as soon as someone from the attacking team touches the ball after it has been taken, then, yes, offside comes into play again

[flere-imsaho]

RVP needed another half step there and he had an easy goal.

It kinda looked like Ramos got enough of a touch on the ball to ruin the angle for RVP.

[AlexB]

In real time it looked like a legit penalty, unlike the Brazil penalty from yesterday.

Via slo-mo, hmmmm....

I had the exact opposite view :D

Real time: "Get up!". On replay: "Oh, fair enough"

[flere-imsaho]

BTW, watching this on Univision via their iOS app, with Spanish commentary, is... awesome. :D

[flere-imsaho]

Arjen Robben has the most punchable face ever.

[flere-imsaho]

These are some very close offsides calls. Correct (upon replay), but close....

[flere-imsaho]

Well, now, that's a pretty cynical foul....

[cartman]

I think if he hits that hard instead of trying the chip, he scores

[Abe Sargent]

1-1 baby