Algeria make history
June 23, 2014 1:29 AM Subscribe
Today sees the start of the final round of group games in the 2014 World Cup. Each day, there are 4 games, the final 2 games from each group. Both matches in each group will be played simultaneously, after a scheduling rule change by FIFA after an infamous 1982 World Cup Finals match. But last night, Algeria qualified for the knockout stages after beating South Korea 4-2. This is the first time in history an African team has scored 4 goals at the World Cup Finals.
It seems a weird measure of African involvement. Especially when you consider that other African nations have much better teams; the Africa Cup of Nations is pretty big worldwide and Nigeria is completely mental when it comes to football.
Algeria make history? I'm possibly missing something but I don't see how. The only way I could see Algeria making African football history were if all the players were the age they said they were.
posted by zoo at 2:45 AM on June 23, 2014
Algeria make history? I'm possibly missing something but I don't see how. The only way I could see Algeria making African football history were if all the players were the age they said they were.
posted by zoo at 2:45 AM on June 23, 2014
I'm doing the official FIFA World Cup fantasy football yoke, which requires you to buy 23 players with a limited budget, although you have to pick a team of 11 from that that you can score points for. To come in under budget I picked a whole bunch of (presumed) lemons from Algeria and Iran. Now to my horror some of them are playing fantastic and outperforming all my expensive starting players, which did me no good as I had them all on the bench.
posted by kersplunk at 2:53 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by kersplunk at 2:53 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
"Algeria make history? I'm possibly missing something but I don't see how. "
They are the first African team to score 4 goals in a World Cup Finals match. Seems pretty historic to me.
posted by marienbad at 3:00 AM on June 23, 2014 [3 favorites]
They are the first African team to score 4 goals in a World Cup Finals match. Seems pretty historic to me.
posted by marienbad at 3:00 AM on June 23, 2014 [3 favorites]
Still upset about USA last night, I had 2-1 for USA in my football pool, because everybody else had Portugal winning and I think Portugal is overrated.
posted by Pendragon at 3:01 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by Pendragon at 3:01 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
the quidnunc kids impression of Maureen - man I can so imagine all of that in his voice, it is spot on.
posted by marienbad at 3:01 AM on June 23, 2014
posted by marienbad at 3:01 AM on June 23, 2014
They are the first African team to score 4 goals in a World Cup Finals match. Seems pretty historic to me.
It's a pretty arbitrary 'achievement' though. Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana have all got to the quarter-finals before. The original post is wrong - Algeria might not get through to the second round depending on what happens in their final group match with Russia, who admittedly have a Clouseau-esque keeper and have been pretty rubbish so far.
posted by kersplunk at 3:24 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
It's a pretty arbitrary 'achievement' though. Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana have all got to the quarter-finals before. The original post is wrong - Algeria might not get through to the second round depending on what happens in their final group match with Russia, who admittedly have a Clouseau-esque keeper and have been pretty rubbish so far.
posted by kersplunk at 3:24 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
Algeria aren't through yet. They've only got three points, so will go out if they lose to Russia (who would then have four).
posted by dng at 3:25 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by dng at 3:25 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
It's also possible that South Korea could still go through instead of them as well, although fairly unlikely.
posted by dng at 3:30 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by dng at 3:30 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
I can see the point, I think - four goals in a game sounds like a tonking, and generally tonkings are delivered by elite teams at the World Cup rather than underdogs.
But that's not always the case - sometimes a team just collapses, or goes a man down early, and you get an anomalous result. Like, at USA 1994 Russia beat Cameroon 6-1 in the qualifying rounds, and Oleg Salenko shared the golden boot with Hristo Stoichkov after scoring five of those goals and one more against Sweden - but Russia didn't make it out of the qualifiers.
That 4-2 against South Korea was a hugely entertaining match, but on the basis of it I'm not sure I'd fancy Algeria in the next round - especially since a second-placed finish is likely to see them up against Germany, who probably won't make the mistake they made in 1982.
It's a bit deal for Algeria, though, and really it's very cool to see them doing well, even in a weak group. I'd like to see them get through.
posted by running order squabble fest at 3:54 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
But that's not always the case - sometimes a team just collapses, or goes a man down early, and you get an anomalous result. Like, at USA 1994 Russia beat Cameroon 6-1 in the qualifying rounds, and Oleg Salenko shared the golden boot with Hristo Stoichkov after scoring five of those goals and one more against Sweden - but Russia didn't make it out of the qualifiers.
That 4-2 against South Korea was a hugely entertaining match, but on the basis of it I'm not sure I'd fancy Algeria in the next round - especially since a second-placed finish is likely to see them up against Germany, who probably won't make the mistake they made in 1982.
It's a bit deal for Algeria, though, and really it's very cool to see them doing well, even in a weak group. I'd like to see them get through.
posted by running order squabble fest at 3:54 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
Also, amazing quote from the link about the 1982 match where Germany and Austria played out a lifeless the 1-0 scoreline of which guaranteed their mutual qualification at the expense of Algeria:
posted by running order squabble fest at 3:58 AM on June 23, 2014 [27 favorites]
To see two big powers debasing themselves in order to eliminate us was a tribute to Algeria.Former international footballer Charbaane Merzekane, you are cold as ice.
posted by running order squabble fest at 3:58 AM on June 23, 2014 [27 favorites]
Mathematically, if Portugal beat Alergia by more than the average of Ghana divided by the USA raised to the power of Germany minus the absolute value of Argentina but times the French root of South Korea plus the inverse of Cameroon, and if Brazil draw four times against Iran over the derivative of Cote d'Ivoire-negative-Belgium to five decimal Ecuadors (plus or minus Spain), THEN England would still be fucking shite.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 4:00 AM on June 23, 2014 [50 favorites]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 4:00 AM on June 23, 2014 [50 favorites]
Akinfeev is actually considered a rather good [great?] keeper. He made a horrible mistake in the first game and it affected his confidence, but he seemed better yesterday.
4 goals is a record which is even more impressive since other African teams that are considered much better than Algeria haven't been able to do it. That match was a hell of a lot more entertaining than the snoozefest that was Belgium.
posted by xqwzts at 4:03 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
4 goals is a record which is even more impressive since other African teams that are considered much better than Algeria haven't been able to do it. That match was a hell of a lot more entertaining than the snoozefest that was Belgium.
posted by xqwzts at 4:03 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
Algeria can feel unnervingly like a French B-Team if you squint, with 16 of the Algerian squad of 23 being born in France.
I'm not criticising Algeria for this by the way - just commenting FIFA's eligibility criteria. National associations and players should obviously both try and maximize their chances of success/participation as the rules allow.
Family history often allows a player to select from two or more countries, especially between countries with a colonial history. Now that you're allowed to switch countries as your career develops it is increasingly common for players to develop in a European country's schoolboy / junior programs and then play for the country of their family's history when it becomes clear they are unlikely to play for their birth country at the highest level.
This is particularly prevalent in France as the North Africa nations (where much of their immigration has come from) don't have strong domestic programs and produce relatively few "home-grown" players.
What's going to be interesting is whether countries like Algeria can improve their domestic game off the back of this international success. Only 9 of the 115 players for African countries play in their home countries, the leagues there simply don't have the quality to accommodate players of this level. France has a history of social integration problems, but perhaps young athletes from migrant families will feel more "French" in the future and will be less likely to want to represent the countries of their parent's birth. Perhaps the anti-immigration feeling of recent elections in France will leave North Africa with less eligible players from overseas to draw upon once the next generation is born.
Overall this has been a good tournament so far. And the spread of the teams has narrowed, the weaker nations are improving quickly and some of the old powers have faltered. It's been highly entertaining and congratulations to Algeria on two very organised and highly professional performances so far. I don't see them getting much further but the days of the lesser African teams being 3 guaranteed points for everyone else in the group are hopefully over.
posted by samworm at 4:10 AM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
I'm not criticising Algeria for this by the way - just commenting FIFA's eligibility criteria. National associations and players should obviously both try and maximize their chances of success/participation as the rules allow.
Family history often allows a player to select from two or more countries, especially between countries with a colonial history. Now that you're allowed to switch countries as your career develops it is increasingly common for players to develop in a European country's schoolboy / junior programs and then play for the country of their family's history when it becomes clear they are unlikely to play for their birth country at the highest level.
This is particularly prevalent in France as the North Africa nations (where much of their immigration has come from) don't have strong domestic programs and produce relatively few "home-grown" players.
What's going to be interesting is whether countries like Algeria can improve their domestic game off the back of this international success. Only 9 of the 115 players for African countries play in their home countries, the leagues there simply don't have the quality to accommodate players of this level. France has a history of social integration problems, but perhaps young athletes from migrant families will feel more "French" in the future and will be less likely to want to represent the countries of their parent's birth. Perhaps the anti-immigration feeling of recent elections in France will leave North Africa with less eligible players from overseas to draw upon once the next generation is born.
Overall this has been a good tournament so far. And the spread of the teams has narrowed, the weaker nations are improving quickly and some of the old powers have faltered. It's been highly entertaining and congratulations to Algeria on two very organised and highly professional performances so far. I don't see them getting much further but the days of the lesser African teams being 3 guaranteed points for everyone else in the group are hopefully over.
posted by samworm at 4:10 AM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
Algeria can feel unnervingly like a French B-Team if you squint, with 16 of the Algerian squad of 23 being born in France.
I'm not criticising Algeria for this by the way - just commenting FIFA's eligibility criteria. National associations and players should obviously both try and maximize their chances of success/participation as the rules allow.
This is very treacherous ground--9 times out to 10 the conclusion is that Algeria is "cheating". (Or, more frequently, the implication European teams with players who are POC are cheating. Yes, ESPN, I'm looking at you.)
I'm someone who, if I were an international footballer, would be eligible to play for two countries (that we're going to call France and Algeria). It's complicated. Yeah, I know who my first choice would be and I know that if the choice was country B or no international football, I'd likely opt for country B. But my "right" to play for both teams is equal. I'm not "not really Algerian" or "not really French". I'm Algerian in some contexts and French in others.
posted by hoyland at 5:01 AM on June 23, 2014 [11 favorites]
I'm not criticising Algeria for this by the way - just commenting FIFA's eligibility criteria. National associations and players should obviously both try and maximize their chances of success/participation as the rules allow.
This is very treacherous ground--9 times out to 10 the conclusion is that Algeria is "cheating". (Or, more frequently, the implication European teams with players who are POC are cheating. Yes, ESPN, I'm looking at you.)
I'm someone who, if I were an international footballer, would be eligible to play for two countries (that we're going to call France and Algeria). It's complicated. Yeah, I know who my first choice would be and I know that if the choice was country B or no international football, I'd likely opt for country B. But my "right" to play for both teams is equal. I'm not "not really Algerian" or "not really French". I'm Algerian in some contexts and French in others.
posted by hoyland at 5:01 AM on June 23, 2014 [11 favorites]
Isn't the first time that (perhaps) more than one african country qualifies to the round of 16?
posted by florzinha at 5:06 AM on June 23, 2014
posted by florzinha at 5:06 AM on June 23, 2014
In re multiple-country eligibility, FIFA has managed to stay ahead of the IOC, its sister-in-corruption, by demanding a "clear connection" rather than allowing players to shop around their citizenship to whomever wants to give a player a passport. Perhaps unsurprisingly, a lot of the issue was forced by Qatar buying football influence.
posted by Etrigan at 5:07 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by Etrigan at 5:07 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
(Or, more frequently, the implication European teams with players who are POC are cheating. Yes, ESPN, I'm looking at you.)
LOL whut?
Although, thinking about it, the legendary example of a smaller football nation punching way above its weight by recruiting players based on their parentage is probably the Republic of Ireland, which under Jackie Charlton aggressively pursued players whose club careers were in England, and who had been born and raised in the UK. I think that was mainly seen as a plucky little country making the best of its limited resources, with lots of jokes about how if you were seen celebrating after a match with a pint of Guinness Jackie would be at your door the next day...
posted by running order squabble fest at 5:15 AM on June 23, 2014
LOL whut?
Although, thinking about it, the legendary example of a smaller football nation punching way above its weight by recruiting players based on their parentage is probably the Republic of Ireland, which under Jackie Charlton aggressively pursued players whose club careers were in England, and who had been born and raised in the UK. I think that was mainly seen as a plucky little country making the best of its limited resources, with lots of jokes about how if you were seen celebrating after a match with a pint of Guinness Jackie would be at your door the next day...
posted by running order squabble fest at 5:15 AM on June 23, 2014
How does playing the last games simultaneously stop the kind of trickery that occurred in 1982? In Group G, if the U.S. and Germany tie, they both advance.
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 5:18 AM on June 23, 2014
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 5:18 AM on June 23, 2014
yeah, sorry, that should have read "almost qualified". Whoops. Mods!!
posted by marienbad at 5:26 AM on June 23, 2014
posted by marienbad at 5:26 AM on June 23, 2014
>(Or, more frequently, the implication European teams with players who are POC are cheating. Yes, ESPN, I'm looking at you.)
LOL whut?
Er... yeah? Haven't heard it this time around, but usually it's only a matter of time. If they made it through Germany v Ghana without saying something eyebrow-raising (I watched in Spanish), maybe they've improved.
Then again, I'm seemingly not American enough for Alexi Lalas. Who also said something like "what it looks like to be American has changed", as if he hadn't played on a national team full of children of immigrants and wasn't one himself.
posted by hoyland at 5:39 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
LOL whut?
Er... yeah? Haven't heard it this time around, but usually it's only a matter of time. If they made it through Germany v Ghana without saying something eyebrow-raising (I watched in Spanish), maybe they've improved.
Then again, I'm seemingly not American enough for Alexi Lalas. Who also said something like "what it looks like to be American has changed", as if he hadn't played on a national team full of children of immigrants and wasn't one himself.
posted by hoyland at 5:39 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
How does playing the last games simultaneously stop the kind of trickery that occurred in 1982? In Group G, if the U.S. and Germany tie, they both advance.
It can't eliminate the chance of trickery, but it can certainly reduce it. Look at the Group A games happening today. If Brazil craps themselves and Cameroon pulls of a win, then Mexico and Croatia could both advance by playing for a tie. With simultaneous games, even if Croatia hear over the radio that Cameroon is up by two goals at halftime, they're still going to be playing for the win, because you can't discount a comeback in the other game.
posted by 256 at 5:40 AM on June 23, 2014
It can't eliminate the chance of trickery, but it can certainly reduce it. Look at the Group A games happening today. If Brazil craps themselves and Cameroon pulls of a win, then Mexico and Croatia could both advance by playing for a tie. With simultaneous games, even if Croatia hear over the radio that Cameroon is up by two goals at halftime, they're still going to be playing for the win, because you can't discount a comeback in the other game.
posted by 256 at 5:40 AM on June 23, 2014
How does playing the last games simultaneously stop the kind of trickery that occurred in 1982? In Group G, if the U.S. and Germany tie, they both advance.
It's impossible to stop it, but the 1982 instance wouldn't have happened if Algeria-Chile had been simultaneous with West Germany-Austria, so the current system at least lessens the cases in which two teams can collide so nakedly.
posted by Etrigan at 5:41 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
It's impossible to stop it, but the 1982 instance wouldn't have happened if Algeria-Chile had been simultaneous with West Germany-Austria, so the current system at least lessens the cases in which two teams can collide so nakedly.
posted by Etrigan at 5:41 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
Er... yeah? Haven't heard it this time around, but usually it's only a matter of time.
Yeesh. I don't watch matches on ESPN, but it definitely sounds like the kind of awfulness I wouldn't put past commentators in general...
(And this is not a slam targeted solely at the US, I hasten to add - Ron Atkinson, the former British manager, basically torpedoed his color commentating career with an "is this mike on?" N-bombing of France's Marcel Desailly on live TV. Whereas Andy Gray, who was dropped by Sky Sport after making sexist comments about a female linesman on a not-live but recorded mike, is still working. Make of that what you will.)
I do seem to remember a period where commentators seemed to feel the need to explain that, yes, Henrik Larsson was Swedish every time he got a touch of the ball. Although I think they did that for Zlatan Ibrahmovic as well, which is still weird but I guess maybe differently weird?)
posted by running order squabble fest at 6:00 AM on June 23, 2014
Yeesh. I don't watch matches on ESPN, but it definitely sounds like the kind of awfulness I wouldn't put past commentators in general...
(And this is not a slam targeted solely at the US, I hasten to add - Ron Atkinson, the former British manager, basically torpedoed his color commentating career with an "is this mike on?" N-bombing of France's Marcel Desailly on live TV. Whereas Andy Gray, who was dropped by Sky Sport after making sexist comments about a female linesman on a not-live but recorded mike, is still working. Make of that what you will.)
I do seem to remember a period where commentators seemed to feel the need to explain that, yes, Henrik Larsson was Swedish every time he got a touch of the ball. Although I think they did that for Zlatan Ibrahmovic as well, which is still weird but I guess maybe differently weird?)
posted by running order squabble fest at 6:00 AM on June 23, 2014
If Cote d'Ivoire doesn't beat Greece to make it out of this round, I will probably force Didier Drogba to eat his ridiculous ponytail.
posted by ChuraChura at 6:06 AM on June 23, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by ChuraChura at 6:06 AM on June 23, 2014 [3 favorites]
Then again, I'm seemingly not American enough for Alexi Lalas. Who also said something like "what it looks like to be American has changed", as if he hadn't played on a national team full of children of immigrants and wasn't one himself.
What was the context of this comment by Lalas? As you say, he probably played with many children of immigrants over the course of his international career (and as a youth). Implying that Lalas thinks American = non-immigrant may be an uncharitable characterization of his words.
Was he talking instead about the German-American players in the US team? Some of them have never actually lived in the US, but are eligible to play for the USMNT due to their parentage. Without a transcript of his comments indicating otherwise, he may have simply been explaining this to an audience not familiar with FIFA eligibility rules.
posted by crank at 6:11 AM on June 23, 2014
What was the context of this comment by Lalas? As you say, he probably played with many children of immigrants over the course of his international career (and as a youth). Implying that Lalas thinks American = non-immigrant may be an uncharitable characterization of his words.
Was he talking instead about the German-American players in the US team? Some of them have never actually lived in the US, but are eligible to play for the USMNT due to their parentage. Without a transcript of his comments indicating otherwise, he may have simply been explaining this to an audience not familiar with FIFA eligibility rules.
posted by crank at 6:11 AM on June 23, 2014
Hans Tschak, head of the Austrian delegation, 1982:
posted by Faint of Butt at 6:19 AM on June 23, 2014 [8 favorites]
Naturally today's game was played tactically. But if 10,000 'sons of the desert' here in the stadium want to trigger a scandal because of this it just goes to show that they have too few schools. Some sheikh comes out of an oasis, is allowed to get a sniff of World Cup air after 300 years and thinks he's entitled to open his gob.Jesus Christ. That's the kind of thing you should never be able to live down, ever, and the fact that people still remember he said that more than thirty years later is a good sign.
posted by Faint of Butt at 6:19 AM on June 23, 2014 [8 favorites]
So, that USA tie was a pretty horrible feeling for me. Hopes up so high and then dashed at the last second. I even had dreams about it last night. Sickening.
posted by josher71 at 6:26 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by josher71 at 6:26 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
Mod note: One comment removed; okay to go ahead and skip this post if you feel like World Cup is sexist, racist, nationalist, etc., but this isn't really the thread for that particular discussion. Thanks.
posted by taz (staff) at 6:33 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by taz (staff) at 6:33 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
How does playing the last games simultaneously stop the kind of trickery that occurred in 1982?
It mainly stops someone like Germany from playing their final game strategically. If the US-Germany game was played last, the Germans would know exactly what other team would go through with a win/tie/loss. Germany might intentionally let the US score some goals if they don't want to run the risk of playing Ghana again, which would make things a mockery.
posted by smackfu at 6:34 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
It mainly stops someone like Germany from playing their final game strategically. If the US-Germany game was played last, the Germans would know exactly what other team would go through with a win/tie/loss. Germany might intentionally let the US score some goals if they don't want to run the risk of playing Ghana again, which would make things a mockery.
posted by smackfu at 6:34 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
So, that USA tie was a pretty horrible feeling for me.
Me too. As a matter of fact, in my despair I immediately took a vow of silence until the USA won the World Cup or the sun rose in the east, whichever came first.
posted by Ice Cream Socialist at 6:34 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
Me too. As a matter of fact, in my despair I immediately took a vow of silence until the USA won the World Cup or the sun rose in the east, whichever came first.
posted by Ice Cream Socialist at 6:34 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
josher71: So, that USA tie was a pretty horrible feeling for me. Hopes up so high and then dashed at the last second. I even had dreams about it last night. Sickening.
Me too, down to the bad dreams. When the US scored to take the lead, my daughter said that was the loudest I have ever yelled in her life. When Portugal equalized, she felt obligated to tell my wife that I "used the F-bomb" at the TV. Personally, I felt I was admirably restrained in my vulgarity. If my child hadn't been in the room, I would have melted the paint off the walls with a string of creative profanity.
posted by Rock Steady at 6:44 AM on June 23, 2014 [8 favorites]
Me too, down to the bad dreams. When the US scored to take the lead, my daughter said that was the loudest I have ever yelled in her life. When Portugal equalized, she felt obligated to tell my wife that I "used the F-bomb" at the TV. Personally, I felt I was admirably restrained in my vulgarity. If my child hadn't been in the room, I would have melted the paint off the walls with a string of creative profanity.
posted by Rock Steady at 6:44 AM on June 23, 2014 [8 favorites]
Group outcome tables for the last matches in the group stage.
posted by PenDevil at 6:45 AM on June 23, 2014 [9 favorites]
posted by PenDevil at 6:45 AM on June 23, 2014 [9 favorites]
Ghana and Germany had brothers playing against each other.
Someone on the US team is actually an Icelander.
The World Cup will be won by migrants. And one on goals
posted by infini at 6:46 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
Someone on the US team is actually an Icelander.
The World Cup will be won by migrants. And one on goals
posted by infini at 6:46 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
What was the context of this comment by Lalas? As you say, he probably played with many children of immigrants over the course of his international career (and as a youth). Implying that Lalas thinks American = non-immigrant may be an uncharitable characterization of his words.
No, it was when he got asked in the pregame about "What it means to play for your country?" or something. I think he was trying to convey "I don't care who you are", but ended up suggesting you had to feel a certain way about your American-ness that didn't exactly acknowledge the ways in which national identity is complicated. The words "what being an American looks like" (or some variation thereof) did come out of his mouth.
posted by hoyland at 6:51 AM on June 23, 2014
No, it was when he got asked in the pregame about "What it means to play for your country?" or something. I think he was trying to convey "I don't care who you are", but ended up suggesting you had to feel a certain way about your American-ness that didn't exactly acknowledge the ways in which national identity is complicated. The words "what being an American looks like" (or some variation thereof) did come out of his mouth.
posted by hoyland at 6:51 AM on June 23, 2014
PenDevil: Group outcome tables for the last matches in the group stage.
There are too many squares on those charts that include the phrase "draw lots". There has got to be another tiebreaker we can come up with, right? Fewest bookings, even, would be better than flipping a damn coin.
posted by Rock Steady at 6:55 AM on June 23, 2014
There are too many squares on those charts that include the phrase "draw lots". There has got to be another tiebreaker we can come up with, right? Fewest bookings, even, would be better than flipping a damn coin.
posted by Rock Steady at 6:55 AM on June 23, 2014
Considering it's FIFA and Blatter we're talking about, I'm surprised "draw lots" isn't "biggest donation".
posted by kmz at 6:59 AM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by kmz at 6:59 AM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
Of course it is. Soccer lotteries are never random.
posted by Ice Cream Socialist at 7:00 AM on June 23, 2014
posted by Ice Cream Socialist at 7:00 AM on June 23, 2014
I saw someone on twitter last night say what if Nasri and Benzema had decided to play for Algeria and how scary that team would have been.
posted by josher71 at 7:08 AM on June 23, 2014
posted by josher71 at 7:08 AM on June 23, 2014
Plus Geoff Cameron had a terrible game and now I have to listen to everyone talk shit about him which makes me want to strangle them.
posted by josher71 at 7:14 AM on June 23, 2014
posted by josher71 at 7:14 AM on June 23, 2014
I'm not criticising Algeria for this by the way - just commenting FIFA's eligibility criteria. National associations and players should obviously both try and maximize their chances of success/participation as the rules allow.
See the USMNT. Alfredo Morales, John Anthony Brooks, Fabian Johnson, and Jermaine Jones are all German-American, born of US servicemen in Germany. They all grew up in the German system, and they then cap-tied to the US.
Some people[who?][me!] say that one factor in hiring Jurgen Klinsmann as the USMNT head and director of player development was to attract those german-american dual citizens to the USMNT. I think they're right.
And given how Brooks played in the Ghana match, how Johnson played in the Portugal match, and how Jones played in Both Matches, it's a real factor in the current USMNT's successes.
How does playing the last games simultaneously stop the kind of trickery that occurred in 1982?
Because you don't know until very late in the game, if at all, the result of the other side's matches. Say they played GHA-POR first, and it was a draw. The US and Germany would then know that they didn't need to get a result, they were going to the Round of 16 regardless. If Portugal won 1-0, it would be the same -- the US would know they would advance on Goal Differential as long as they didn't drop 4 goals to Germany.
But they're being played at the same time. The result won't be known until very late, or after, the game. So, GER-USA need to think about playing the worst case.
Alas for Ghana and Portugal, they both know that a 0-0 draw means they both advance, regardless of the result of the other game. The tactical thing to do is to play boring and rest your players for the round of 16. There's no way to prevent that, though -- that's just a factor of the table.
posted by eriko at 7:27 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
See the USMNT. Alfredo Morales, John Anthony Brooks, Fabian Johnson, and Jermaine Jones are all German-American, born of US servicemen in Germany. They all grew up in the German system, and they then cap-tied to the US.
Some people[who?][me!] say that one factor in hiring Jurgen Klinsmann as the USMNT head and director of player development was to attract those german-american dual citizens to the USMNT. I think they're right.
And given how Brooks played in the Ghana match, how Johnson played in the Portugal match, and how Jones played in Both Matches, it's a real factor in the current USMNT's successes.
How does playing the last games simultaneously stop the kind of trickery that occurred in 1982?
Because you don't know until very late in the game, if at all, the result of the other side's matches. Say they played GHA-POR first, and it was a draw. The US and Germany would then know that they didn't need to get a result, they were going to the Round of 16 regardless. If Portugal won 1-0, it would be the same -- the US would know they would advance on Goal Differential as long as they didn't drop 4 goals to Germany.
But they're being played at the same time. The result won't be known until very late, or after, the game. So, GER-USA need to think about playing the worst case.
Alas for Ghana and Portugal, they both know that a 0-0 draw means they both advance, regardless of the result of the other game. The tactical thing to do is to play boring and rest your players for the round of 16. There's no way to prevent that, though -- that's just a factor of the table.
posted by eriko at 7:27 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
What was the context of this comment by Lalas?
ended up suggesting you had to feel a certain way about your American-ness
I didn't hear Lalas comments, but I think you are probably mis-characterizing them. The current USMNT is a team of immigrant children. Lalas knows that, as does anyone who is really paying attention.
I seriously doubt Lalas would say anything that would insult more than half of the starting line-up. He wants to interview these guys as a reporter, not antagonize them.
Sports reporters always toss softballs to the athletes they cover, they never play hardball with them, expressing political or social views that might alienate the reporter from the athletes. It is very unlikely that Lalas meant what you think he meant.
posted by Flood at 7:29 AM on June 23, 2014
ended up suggesting you had to feel a certain way about your American-ness
I didn't hear Lalas comments, but I think you are probably mis-characterizing them. The current USMNT is a team of immigrant children. Lalas knows that, as does anyone who is really paying attention.
I seriously doubt Lalas would say anything that would insult more than half of the starting line-up. He wants to interview these guys as a reporter, not antagonize them.
Sports reporters always toss softballs to the athletes they cover, they never play hardball with them, expressing political or social views that might alienate the reporter from the athletes. It is very unlikely that Lalas meant what you think he meant.
posted by Flood at 7:29 AM on June 23, 2014
The World Cup will be won by migrants.
Good. It's as if the Whole World was playing.
posted by eriko at 7:33 AM on June 23, 2014
Good. It's as if the Whole World was playing.
posted by eriko at 7:33 AM on June 23, 2014
Alas for Ghana and Portugal, they both know that a 0-0 draw means they both advance, regardless of the result of the other game.
Wait, eriko, that's a mistype, right?
posted by Night_owl at 7:41 AM on June 23, 2014
Wait, eriko, that's a mistype, right?
posted by Night_owl at 7:41 AM on June 23, 2014
I vote #1 Jose Mourinho as mayor of all World Cup posts.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 7:57 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 7:57 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
So, GER-USA need to think about playing the worst case.
But if the Germany-U.S. game is a draw, Germany finishes first and the U.S. finishes second. Nothing can occur in the Ghana-Portugal game that can change this.
If the U.S. were fine with finishing second, and Germany were fine with the U.S. advancing, they can make that happen.
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 7:59 AM on June 23, 2014
But if the Germany-U.S. game is a draw, Germany finishes first and the U.S. finishes second. Nothing can occur in the Ghana-Portugal game that can change this.
If the U.S. were fine with finishing second, and Germany were fine with the U.S. advancing, they can make that happen.
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 7:59 AM on June 23, 2014
How the Portugal Draw Boosts the U.S.’s World Cup Advancement Odds
posted by josher71 at 8:01 AM on June 23, 2014
posted by josher71 at 8:01 AM on June 23, 2014
I vote #1 Jose Mourinho as mayor of all World Cup posts.
I vote quidnunc kid for that position.
And you have no idea how many years he has spent cajoling me to write exactly that.
posted by Wolof at 8:02 AM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
I vote quidnunc kid for that position.
And you have no idea how many years he has spent cajoling me to write exactly that.
posted by Wolof at 8:02 AM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
If the U.S. were fine with finishing second, and Germany were fine with the U.S. advancing, they can make that happen.
As explained above, the current scheduling can't completely prevent collusion, it just mitigates against certain cases like GER-AUT in 1982.
posted by kmz at 8:05 AM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
As explained above, the current scheduling can't completely prevent collusion, it just mitigates against certain cases like GER-AUT in 1982.
posted by kmz at 8:05 AM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
If the U.S. were fine with finishing second, and Germany were fine with the U.S. advancing, they can make that happen.
Sure and they can return home to Germany after the competition as the German team that could only manage a draw against Ghana and the USA.
posted by PenDevil at 8:06 AM on June 23, 2014
Sure and they can return home to Germany after the competition as the German team that could only manage a draw against Ghana and the USA.
posted by PenDevil at 8:06 AM on June 23, 2014
Plus Geoff Cameron had a terrible game and now I have to listen to everyone talk shit about him which makes me want to strangle them.
Yeah, I hear a lot of people shit-talking Michael Bradley as well, and aside from that late error, he actually had a pretty decent game this time. Not to mention that anyone, literally anyone else could have stopped Ronaldo's run or marked Varela if they had been paying attention. I kind of want to ask them if they actually watch football.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 8:10 AM on June 23, 2014 [3 favorites]
Yeah, I hear a lot of people shit-talking Michael Bradley as well, and aside from that late error, he actually had a pretty decent game this time. Not to mention that anyone, literally anyone else could have stopped Ronaldo's run or marked Varela if they had been paying attention. I kind of want to ask them if they actually watch football.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 8:10 AM on June 23, 2014 [3 favorites]
When the US scored to take the lead, my daughter said that was the loudest I have ever yelled in her life
I like the World Cup, because (if you like football, and you have a team you support) you get to cheer for your team, and when they score you have a moment of intense and idiotic joy, and you enjoy the fact that your fellow-travellers are happy too. We also know that there are many people supporting different teams who are feeling the same way, except at different times (e.g. when they are scoring against us). Perhaps it's not necessary (or even possible) for everyone to be happy at the same things, or to support the same teams; but it is possible, it is enjoyable, to see different people around the world experiencing joy. Then we see again that whether we win or when we lose, we have something in common with all of these people, despite a few inconsequential details, like which country we support.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 8:16 AM on June 23, 2014 [13 favorites]
I like the World Cup, because (if you like football, and you have a team you support) you get to cheer for your team, and when they score you have a moment of intense and idiotic joy, and you enjoy the fact that your fellow-travellers are happy too. We also know that there are many people supporting different teams who are feeling the same way, except at different times (e.g. when they are scoring against us). Perhaps it's not necessary (or even possible) for everyone to be happy at the same things, or to support the same teams; but it is possible, it is enjoyable, to see different people around the world experiencing joy. Then we see again that whether we win or when we lose, we have something in common with all of these people, despite a few inconsequential details, like which country we support.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 8:16 AM on June 23, 2014 [13 favorites]
Sure and they can return home to Germany after the competition as the German team that could only manage a draw against Ghana and the USA.
More likely no one will remember the draws and just remember the final loss or win
posted by smackfu at 8:16 AM on June 23, 2014
More likely no one will remember the draws and just remember the final loss or win
posted by smackfu at 8:16 AM on June 23, 2014
From 2010, Algerian defender Chaabane Merzekane on the 1982 match against Germany: "One [German] player even said that he would play against us with a cigar in his mouth."
posted by wensink at 8:18 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by wensink at 8:18 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
That Algerian/South Korea match was an absolute cracker.
posted by josher71 at 8:20 AM on June 23, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by josher71 at 8:20 AM on June 23, 2014 [3 favorites]
Simultaneous play isn't only about cutting down on opportunities for collusion; the teams that play last will always have the advantage (even if in some cases that won't help them).
In Group C without simultaneous play (and playing second) Columbia could decide that they want Japan to advance and lose, but now they'd have to watch how Cote d'Ivoire does as that team could take first place in the group with some specific results.
In Group D playing second Costa Rica would know exactly what they needed to do to finish in first place in the group if they played after Italy-Uruguay. If that match was a draw, for example, Costa Rica would not even have to win so they could relax and play it easy.
In Group E Ecuador has to (basically) match Switzerland's result (and Switzerland has to best Ecuador's). Thus the order of these games would greatly benefit the team that played last.
In Group H Belgium could lose big to Republic of Korea and remove Russia and Algeria from competition, but they would only want to consider this if Algeria loses, otherwise this could cost Belgium first place in the group.
That's just this time around.
Also to get rid of the possibility in situations like Group G with USA and Germany you'd have to isolate the teams so they didn't know the results of any other matches... and that would just seem cruel.
posted by mountmccabe at 8:36 AM on June 23, 2014
In Group C without simultaneous play (and playing second) Columbia could decide that they want Japan to advance and lose, but now they'd have to watch how Cote d'Ivoire does as that team could take first place in the group with some specific results.
In Group D playing second Costa Rica would know exactly what they needed to do to finish in first place in the group if they played after Italy-Uruguay. If that match was a draw, for example, Costa Rica would not even have to win so they could relax and play it easy.
In Group E Ecuador has to (basically) match Switzerland's result (and Switzerland has to best Ecuador's). Thus the order of these games would greatly benefit the team that played last.
In Group H Belgium could lose big to Republic of Korea and remove Russia and Algeria from competition, but they would only want to consider this if Algeria loses, otherwise this could cost Belgium first place in the group.
That's just this time around.
Also to get rid of the possibility in situations like Group G with USA and Germany you'd have to isolate the teams so they didn't know the results of any other matches... and that would just seem cruel.
posted by mountmccabe at 8:36 AM on June 23, 2014
"you'd have to isolate the teams so they didn't know the results of any other matches... and that would just seem cruel."
Good job Fifa introduced the rule before the internet came along then!
posted by marienbad at 8:47 AM on June 23, 2014
Good job Fifa introduced the rule before the internet came along then!
posted by marienbad at 8:47 AM on June 23, 2014
Rock Steady: There are too many squares on those charts that include the phrase "draw lots". There has got to be another tiebreaker we can come up with, right? Fewest bookings, even, would be better than flipping a damn coin.
10 unlikely boxes out of 2048 does not, to me, seem that many.
Additional layers regarding bookings, substitutions, shots or similar are about what happens on the field but they're irrelevant. And they would not guarantee the decision would never come down to lots. And since lots are exceedingly rarely drawn* I think it is cleaner to avoid adding increasingly ridiculous layers.
* This article suggests it has only happened twice connected to the World Cup Finals. 1954 to decide if Turkey or Spain would go to the World Cup (goal differential would have decided it) and 1990 to determine seeding between the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland coming out of the group stage.
posted by mountmccabe at 8:47 AM on June 23, 2014
10 unlikely boxes out of 2048 does not, to me, seem that many.
Additional layers regarding bookings, substitutions, shots or similar are about what happens on the field but they're irrelevant. And they would not guarantee the decision would never come down to lots. And since lots are exceedingly rarely drawn* I think it is cleaner to avoid adding increasingly ridiculous layers.
* This article suggests it has only happened twice connected to the World Cup Finals. 1954 to decide if Turkey or Spain would go to the World Cup (goal differential would have decided it) and 1990 to determine seeding between the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland coming out of the group stage.
posted by mountmccabe at 8:47 AM on June 23, 2014
mountmccabe: you'd have to isolate the teams so they didn't know the results of any other matches
All final group round games are to be held inside featureless, windowless, Faraday-cage cubes with no spectators.
Man that would be fascinating to watch.
posted by Rock Steady at 8:48 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
All final group round games are to be held inside featureless, windowless, Faraday-cage cubes with no spectators.
Man that would be fascinating to watch.
posted by Rock Steady at 8:48 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
If you don't have the sports packages in your country and want to watch the World Cup, try atdhe - they have multiple streams for each game - some don't work in my browser, so you will have to play around to find one that both works and has commentary in your language. Warning - pop up adds which disappear behind the browser - mainly gambling and weightloss.
Also has MLS/EPL/CL games, La Liga, Seria A and so on.
posted by marienbad at 8:50 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
Also has MLS/EPL/CL games, La Liga, Seria A and so on.
posted by marienbad at 8:50 AM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
It has been suggested in the past that West Germany deliberately threw the last group game against Denmark in Mexico 1986, so they wouldn't finish top of group and face Spain in the next round. Urban legend perhaps .. except Denmark was thrashed 1-5 by Spain and West Germany went all the way to the final.
posted by kariebookish at 8:59 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by kariebookish at 8:59 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
Dutch FINALLY wearing Orange.
posted by josher71 at 9:04 AM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by josher71 at 9:04 AM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
Wait, eriko, that's a mistype, right?
Not a mistype, but very unclear phrasing. (The "they" there was USA-GER, not GHA-POR)
If either GER-USA or GHA-POR tie, then USA and Germany advance, regardless of the score of the other game. A GER-USA tie leaves them both 1-2-0* for 5 points, the most GHA or POR can get, both at 0-1-1, is four. A GHA-POR tie leaves them both at 0-2-1 for two points, the least the USA or Germany can have is four, with a loss to the other.
So, for the table to change from how it is now -- Germany winning the group and the USA advancing as well -- there need to be two wins on Thursday. Either match draws and the other match doesn't matter, with the exception of a POR-GHA draw and the USA winning, then the US wins the group and Germany advances with them. But for Portugal and Ghana, a draw is death, it doesn't matter which game draws.
It is technically possible for Germany to be eliminated. The "easiest" scenario is for both the US and Ghana to win 3-0 (or more.) If the US were to win 2-0 in that situation, or Ghana 3-1, then Germany and Ghana would be tied and draw lots for the 2nd spot in the group.
US fans want to root for Portugal. Unless both they and Germany win big, they're not advancing.
It has been suggested in the past that West Germany deliberately threw the last group game against Denmark in Mexico 1986, so they wouldn't finish top of group and face Spain in the next round.
Yep, and theoretically, the final games of Groups A, C, E and G, which happen after the final games of B,D,F, and H, could take that into account.
Today, Brazil could try to manipulate position, to try to pick up Chile rather than the Netherlands.
Tomorrow, Costa Rica could try to drop position should Columbia, as expected, win the group. It would be hard, though, with 3 points and +3 GD in hand.
Wednesday, theoretically France could lose to Ecuador to make sure they don't play Argentina, should they win (as expected.) This, however, would be blatantly obvious because France would have to drop 7 goals to drop below Ecuador, and would then risk being overtaken by a big Swiss win. So, that's not going to happen.
Finally, Thursday, Germany would be in a perfect position to lose 1-0 and avoid Belgium in the 2nd round, should Belgium beat or tie Russia. Even better for them, the US wouldn't mind a Germany loss *at all*.
The only way to avoid this level of gamesmanship would be to run all four of those games at once, something they don't want to do. A large part of this is just a factor of the short duration of the group stages. Running larger groups would limit this but dramatically increase the time it takes to play the group stages, or you'd have to run many more games at once, which makes broadcast harder.
* I prefer the International Wins-Draws-Losses to the USAin Wins-Losses-Draws.
posted by eriko at 9:20 AM on June 23, 2014
Not a mistype, but very unclear phrasing. (The "they" there was USA-GER, not GHA-POR)
If either GER-USA or GHA-POR tie, then USA and Germany advance, regardless of the score of the other game. A GER-USA tie leaves them both 1-2-0* for 5 points, the most GHA or POR can get, both at 0-1-1, is four. A GHA-POR tie leaves them both at 0-2-1 for two points, the least the USA or Germany can have is four, with a loss to the other.
So, for the table to change from how it is now -- Germany winning the group and the USA advancing as well -- there need to be two wins on Thursday. Either match draws and the other match doesn't matter, with the exception of a POR-GHA draw and the USA winning, then the US wins the group and Germany advances with them. But for Portugal and Ghana, a draw is death, it doesn't matter which game draws.
It is technically possible for Germany to be eliminated. The "easiest" scenario is for both the US and Ghana to win 3-0 (or more.) If the US were to win 2-0 in that situation, or Ghana 3-1, then Germany and Ghana would be tied and draw lots for the 2nd spot in the group.
US fans want to root for Portugal. Unless both they and Germany win big, they're not advancing.
It has been suggested in the past that West Germany deliberately threw the last group game against Denmark in Mexico 1986, so they wouldn't finish top of group and face Spain in the next round.
Yep, and theoretically, the final games of Groups A, C, E and G, which happen after the final games of B,D,F, and H, could take that into account.
Today, Brazil could try to manipulate position, to try to pick up Chile rather than the Netherlands.
Tomorrow, Costa Rica could try to drop position should Columbia, as expected, win the group. It would be hard, though, with 3 points and +3 GD in hand.
Wednesday, theoretically France could lose to Ecuador to make sure they don't play Argentina, should they win (as expected.) This, however, would be blatantly obvious because France would have to drop 7 goals to drop below Ecuador, and would then risk being overtaken by a big Swiss win. So, that's not going to happen.
Finally, Thursday, Germany would be in a perfect position to lose 1-0 and avoid Belgium in the 2nd round, should Belgium beat or tie Russia. Even better for them, the US wouldn't mind a Germany loss *at all*.
The only way to avoid this level of gamesmanship would be to run all four of those games at once, something they don't want to do. A large part of this is just a factor of the short duration of the group stages. Running larger groups would limit this but dramatically increase the time it takes to play the group stages, or you'd have to run many more games at once, which makes broadcast harder.
* I prefer the International Wins-Draws-Losses to the USAin Wins-Losses-Draws.
posted by eriko at 9:20 AM on June 23, 2014
Jurgen Klinsmann on the prospect of "arranging" a draw with Germany to see them both advance: "The US is known to give all they have in every single game, otherwise Mexico wouldn't be here."
Ouch.
posted by Errant at 9:32 AM on June 23, 2014 [8 favorites]
Ouch.
posted by Errant at 9:32 AM on June 23, 2014 [8 favorites]
That Algeria match was great fun to watch. My roommate even got into it, and she cannot stand sports at all.
posted by spinifex23 at 10:18 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by spinifex23 at 10:18 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
Is anyone watching either of the games? if so, which one and why?
I am watching Netherlands v Chile as both are through and I figured it would be interesting to see how they get on against one another.
posted by marienbad at 10:25 AM on June 23, 2014
I am watching Netherlands v Chile as both are through and I figured it would be interesting to see how they get on against one another.
posted by marienbad at 10:25 AM on June 23, 2014
I'm watching both simultaneously while updating an Access database.
god bless adderall
posted by elizardbits at 10:43 AM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
god bless adderall
posted by elizardbits at 10:43 AM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
The Chile/Netherlands match just could not hold my attention at all.
posted by josher71 at 10:47 AM on June 23, 2014
posted by josher71 at 10:47 AM on June 23, 2014
Right, eriko, thanks, it was definitely the wording that threw me off.
posted by Night_owl at 10:50 AM on June 23, 2014
posted by Night_owl at 10:50 AM on June 23, 2014
You should have waited til the end then.
posted by elizardbits at 10:50 AM on June 23, 2014
posted by elizardbits at 10:50 AM on June 23, 2014
looks like no real change in group B, except Spain can now say they won a game.
The Croatia/Mexico game might be interesting just because the outcome could actually affect things, (not like Croatia will win... but if it did...)
posted by edgeways at 10:52 AM on June 23, 2014
The Croatia/Mexico game might be interesting just because the outcome could actually affect things, (not like Croatia will win... but if it did...)
posted by edgeways at 10:52 AM on June 23, 2014
it's 3:55am here on the East coast of Australia, and I'm not sure if it is too late or too early to start drinking.
posted by Hello, I'm David McGahan at 10:55 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Hello, I'm David McGahan at 10:55 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
a special football-related-drinking dispensation is in effect worldwide until 07/14
posted by elizardbits at 10:58 AM on June 23, 2014 [5 favorites]
posted by elizardbits at 10:58 AM on June 23, 2014 [5 favorites]
Well, the last games of Group B ended exactly as planned -- Netherlands beating Chile and Spain taking it to Australia. Spain just wishes the rest of the games had gone as planned.
Now, Chicago will basically shut down in about an hour when El Tri goes for it. And, because I have a love for perversity, I'm hoping 2-0 MEX-CRO.
Dos a cero!
Shame about the Aussies, but they were outclassed, and that Tim Cahill goal goes down as one of the truly great goals ever scored in the the cup.
it's 3:55am here on the East coast of Australia, and I'm not sure if it is too late or too early to start drinking.
I am very scared at that statement. Aussies are normally so certain about saying "of course not" to those questions.
posted by eriko at 11:00 AM on June 23, 2014
Now, Chicago will basically shut down in about an hour when El Tri goes for it. And, because I have a love for perversity, I'm hoping 2-0 MEX-CRO.
Dos a cero!
Shame about the Aussies, but they were outclassed, and that Tim Cahill goal goes down as one of the truly great goals ever scored in the the cup.
it's 3:55am here on the East coast of Australia, and I'm not sure if it is too late or too early to start drinking.
I am very scared at that statement. Aussies are normally so certain about saying "of course not" to those questions.
posted by eriko at 11:00 AM on June 23, 2014
Oh I'm sure my hard drinking good friend will be most of the way through a bottle of scotch by now. He doesn't have to be at work in 5 hours though.
posted by Hello, I'm David McGahan at 11:13 AM on June 23, 2014
posted by Hello, I'm David McGahan at 11:13 AM on June 23, 2014
Now that's the Australia I know and….respect from a great distance.
posted by eriko at 11:26 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by eriko at 11:26 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
Alright, next is where the Croatians avenge that loss that passed for a game against Brazil (but the referees couldn't allow the home team to lose the first game!).
posted by zyxwvut at 11:52 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by zyxwvut at 11:52 AM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
If Cote d'Ivoire doesn't beat Greece to make it out of this round, I will probably force Didier Drogba to eat his ridiculous ponytail.
On the other hand, now that the -- tremendously slow -- captain of Greece can't play, the team should have a faster and more energetic midfield and maybe we could exploit the lacking Ivorian defense. mumble Ivorian quality, terrible form of Greek strikers mumble. So, go Greece!
posted by ersatz at 11:52 AM on June 23, 2014
On the other hand, now that the -- tremendously slow -- captain of Greece can't play, the team should have a faster and more energetic midfield and maybe we could exploit the lacking Ivorian defense. mumble Ivorian quality, terrible form of Greek strikers mumble. So, go Greece!
posted by ersatz at 11:52 AM on June 23, 2014
Wednesday, theoretically France could lose to Ecuador to make sure they don't play Argentina, should they win (as expected.) This, however, would be blatantly obvious because France would have to drop 7 goals to drop below Ecuador, and would then risk being overtaken by a big Swiss win. So, that's not going to happen.What on Earth are you talking about? Since Argentina is most likely going to win Group F (a draw against Nigeria is enough), the best thing France can do to avoid Argentina is to draw or beat Ecuador, making France winner of group E.
In the round of 16, group winners play group seconds, it's not winners vs winners.
posted by brokkr at 12:18 PM on June 23, 2014
I've just come back from an alternate dimension where the last round of the group stages consists of 16 simultaneous games where every team plays every other team for 15 minutes, and everyone has a 15-minute break every hour when one player has to do a karaoke version of another country's national anthem and the crowd get to judge who is best, and a random time-slot is for the multi-ball session, and each team can play the joker against one opponent (meaning that their goals count for double), and also there is a bikini round when all the players have to play in bikinis.
When you've seen Miroslav Klose in his underwear belting out a soft-rock Brabançonne in front of the hysterical Iranian fans while doing keepy-uppy with two footballs, you'll agree with me that the Germans' famed efficiency is truly wasted in THIS reality.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 12:42 PM on June 23, 2014 [8 favorites]
When you've seen Miroslav Klose in his underwear belting out a soft-rock Brabançonne in front of the hysterical Iranian fans while doing keepy-uppy with two footballs, you'll agree with me that the Germans' famed efficiency is truly wasted in THIS reality.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 12:42 PM on June 23, 2014 [8 favorites]
i am having difficulty maintaining this exciting 4-screen viewing experience
sob
posted by elizardbits at 1:05 PM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
sob
posted by elizardbits at 1:05 PM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
the obvious solution is to not do any more work
posted by elizardbits at 1:05 PM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by elizardbits at 1:05 PM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
I can't get both games full screen. I have a laptop with an external screen, and when I full screen the player, it always goes to the external monitor. Damn.
So if you have to choose, who are you watching and why?
posted by marienbad at 1:13 PM on June 23, 2014
So if you have to choose, who are you watching and why?
posted by marienbad at 1:13 PM on June 23, 2014
I live in Chicago. I'm watching Mexico-Croatia.
Mexico has hit the woodwork once and shanked on an open goal (after a tough run, though.) They're clearly getting chances.
posted by eriko at 1:22 PM on June 23, 2014
Mexico has hit the woodwork once and shanked on an open goal (after a tough run, though.) They're clearly getting chances.
posted by eriko at 1:22 PM on June 23, 2014
Brazil Cameroon is ace, Cameroon have just equalised!
posted by marienbad at 1:26 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:26 PM on June 23, 2014
Mex-Cro has had so many damn close calls but thus far the Bra-Cmr is more satisfying
posted by elizardbits at 1:28 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by elizardbits at 1:28 PM on June 23, 2014
What is the soccer fan equivalent of the Streisand effect? The Mexico fans are a lot more adamant about the puto chant for this one.
posted by cmfletcher at 1:37 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by cmfletcher at 1:37 PM on June 23, 2014
I've been watching Mexico and Croatia because Cameroon is out regardless. They're letting Croatia get away with some intense fouls and a handball. The refereeing is a bit lopsided in that manner.
posted by lizarrd at 1:51 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by lizarrd at 1:51 PM on June 23, 2014
Well....I would certainly argue that when the Mexican captain headed Modric in the spinal column and didn't get a card, well, that was a bit lopsided as well.
But, yes, Croatia vs. Mexico is the game that each team needs to win.
posted by zyxwvut at 1:56 PM on June 23, 2014
But, yes, Croatia vs. Mexico is the game that each team needs to win.
posted by zyxwvut at 1:56 PM on June 23, 2014
Current state of the play in Group A: If scores hold, Brazil wins the group and advances with Mexico.
With Brazil winning, Mexico advances on a draw or win, Croatia advances on a win, Camaroon is out regardless what happens today. If Mexico wins and gains 2 in GD, they'd go ahead of Brazil, but that's a tall order now, with Brazil up 2-1, Mexico would need to win 4-0 to win on GD. They can't tie. 3-0 would result in Brazil winning on goal scored (Currently 6 for Brazil, 3-0 for Mexico means tie on GD, but only 4 goal for Mexico gives Brazil the group.)
They could have tied if Brazil won 1-0 and Mexico won 3-1, but that's by the board with Brazil up 2-1.
posted by eriko at 2:00 PM on June 23, 2014
With Brazil winning, Mexico advances on a draw or win, Croatia advances on a win, Camaroon is out regardless what happens today. If Mexico wins and gains 2 in GD, they'd go ahead of Brazil, but that's a tall order now, with Brazil up 2-1, Mexico would need to win 4-0 to win on GD. They can't tie. 3-0 would result in Brazil winning on goal scored (Currently 6 for Brazil, 3-0 for Mexico means tie on GD, but only 4 goal for Mexico gives Brazil the group.)
They could have tied if Brazil won 1-0 and Mexico won 3-1, but that's by the board with Brazil up 2-1.
posted by eriko at 2:00 PM on June 23, 2014
well, Croatia needs to win. I think Mexico goes through even on a tie, so they can play a defensive game as long as Croatia doesn't sneak one in.
posted by edgeways at 2:01 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by edgeways at 2:01 PM on June 23, 2014
Cameroon will bang in 2 to get a draw and Mexico will win 1 nil to top the group. I doubt this will happen, but it would be interesting if it did.
posted by marienbad at 2:03 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:03 PM on June 23, 2014
Surely Cameroon banging in 2 without Brazil scoring it would be a Cameroon win? In which case even a Mex tie would win them the group.
(and Gore wins the 2000 election post fact just for good measures.)
posted by edgeways at 2:06 PM on June 23, 2014
(and Gore wins the 2000 election post fact just for good measures.)
posted by edgeways at 2:06 PM on June 23, 2014
Yeah, sorry, meant to say 1. Doesn't matter because Fred has scored, unless Cameron score 2, but that looks unlikely right now.
posted by marienbad at 2:09 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:09 PM on June 23, 2014
Was Fred offside there? And more importantly: can you give a red card just to someone's terrible moustache? Because it's so bad I think it fractured my metatarsal just looking at it.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:11 PM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:11 PM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
Yeah, it's fun to play "what-if", but 89% of the time it's pure fantasy. The England/Span dropouts with the Costa Rica ascendancy was plenty of WTF unexpectedness to last for the round.
posted by edgeways at 2:12 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by edgeways at 2:12 PM on June 23, 2014
Also this World Cup will be wasted if none of us get to say HULK SMASH. You are all thinking it.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:13 PM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:13 PM on June 23, 2014 [2 favorites]
I'm totally rooting for Croatia, but that second hand-ball was egregious. And I can only thank the refereeing gods for making up for other past mistakes against us.
posted by zyxwvut at 2:25 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by zyxwvut at 2:25 PM on June 23, 2014
my gramma could see that fucking handball and she's been dead for 12 years
posted by elizardbits at 2:27 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by elizardbits at 2:27 PM on June 23, 2014
Yeah, screw that. I hope Mexico starts scoring. Hell, I don't care if they dive at this point for fouls. Croatia deserves it with those handballs.
posted by lizarrd at 2:29 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by lizarrd at 2:29 PM on June 23, 2014
Freds moustache? Check out Luiz Gustavo's 70s porn star look.
Great header from Mexico.
posted by marienbad at 2:38 PM on June 23, 2014
Great header from Mexico.
posted by marienbad at 2:38 PM on June 23, 2014
As a Croat, I will say, Mexico has earned that win. (Ugh)
posted by zyxwvut at 2:42 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by zyxwvut at 2:42 PM on June 23, 2014
Oh god now they need two more goals not one.
IM WORKING LATE AND I DIDNT EVEN REALIZE IT THX FOOTBALL
posted by elizardbits at 2:44 PM on June 23, 2014
IM WORKING LATE AND I DIDNT EVEN REALIZE IT THX FOOTBALL
posted by elizardbits at 2:44 PM on June 23, 2014
Heh, it's like Brazil felt a disturbance in the force and decided they needed to score juuuuuust one more goal. Mexico needing two more to win the group.
I was honestly hoping for a better game from both of them. Elimination games do get rather nasty sometimes, though.
posted by lizarrd at 2:45 PM on June 23, 2014
I was honestly hoping for a better game from both of them. Elimination games do get rather nasty sometimes, though.
posted by lizarrd at 2:45 PM on June 23, 2014
I don't think Fred's tache should go through, whatever happens.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:50 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:50 PM on June 23, 2014
Wow, that was a very poorly refereed game. But Mexico is through, and will face The Netherlands, Brazil vs. Chile.
Tomorrow we find out who joins Colombia and Costa Rica in the next round.
posted by eriko at 2:56 PM on June 23, 2014
Tomorrow we find out who joins Colombia and Costa Rica in the next round.
posted by eriko at 2:56 PM on June 23, 2014
my gramma could see that fucking handball and she's been dead for 12 years
When your arms are out just like a goalie, and you are not a goalie, it's a handball. Of course, that was the second missed penalty in that sequence, the Mexican who went up for a header and was pulled down was the first.
That ref blew call after call, gave a completely bogus red card, and let that game get away from him. Just a horrible performance.
posted by eriko at 2:59 PM on June 23, 2014
When your arms are out just like a goalie, and you are not a goalie, it's a handball. Of course, that was the second missed penalty in that sequence, the Mexican who went up for a header and was pulled down was the first.
That ref blew call after call, gave a completely bogus red card, and let that game get away from him. Just a horrible performance.
posted by eriko at 2:59 PM on June 23, 2014
I guess...when one set of referees is against you, and you lose; and one set of referees is allowing you to get away with things, and you lose - it evens out and you have lost.
Viva Mexico.
posted by zyxwvut at 3:12 PM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
Viva Mexico.
posted by zyxwvut at 3:12 PM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
I think Fred's only function now is to troll Diego Costa for choosing Spain.
posted by fullerine at 3:13 PM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by fullerine at 3:13 PM on June 23, 2014 [4 favorites]
FWIW, that Croatia goal was lovely. Such backheel!
posted by running order squabble fest at 3:24 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by running order squabble fest at 3:24 PM on June 23, 2014
Alfredo Morales, John Anthony Brooks, Fabian Johnson, and Jermaine Jones are all German-American, born of US servicemen in Germany. They all grew up in the German system, and they then cap-tied to the US. Some people say that one factor in hiring Jurgen Klinsmann as the USMNT head and director of player development was to attract those german-american dual citizens to the USMNT.
Jermaine Jones was cap-tied to the U.S. before Klinsmann became USMNT coach. </nitpick>
Also, Morales' has only played in friendlies for the US, so he's technically not cap-tied to the US ... yet. Interestingly, his father is actually Peruvian, so he's got three options at the senior level - Germany, U.S., and Peru. Only the latter two have showed any real interest in him.
posted by zakur at 4:27 PM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
Jermaine Jones was cap-tied to the U.S. before Klinsmann became USMNT coach. </nitpick>
Also, Morales' has only played in friendlies for the US, so he's technically not cap-tied to the US ... yet. Interestingly, his father is actually Peruvian, so he's got three options at the senior level - Germany, U.S., and Peru. Only the latter two have showed any real interest in him.
posted by zakur at 4:27 PM on June 23, 2014 [1 favorite]
It's probably an unanswerable question, but I wonder how much Klinsmann was the draw, and how much was the example of German-born, German-based Team USA captain Thomas Dooley?
posted by running order squabble fest at 4:54 PM on June 23, 2014
posted by running order squabble fest at 4:54 PM on June 23, 2014
It's probably an unanswerable question, but I wonder how much Klinsmann was the draw, and how much was the example of German-born, German-based Team USA captain Thomas Dooley?
The draw's international football, pretty much. I might be wrong, but I don't think any of them were in situations where which way they were going to go was in question--I think the writing was on the wall when it came to Germany for them.
posted by hoyland at 5:05 PM on June 23, 2014 [3 favorites]
The draw's international football, pretty much. I might be wrong, but I don't think any of them were in situations where which way they were going to go was in question--I think the writing was on the wall when it came to Germany for them.
posted by hoyland at 5:05 PM on June 23, 2014 [3 favorites]
I hope Uruguay makes it through. More Suarez please.
I found Uruguay more interesting than Italy tbh.
posted by marienbad at 7:04 AM on June 24, 2014
I found Uruguay more interesting than Italy tbh.
posted by marienbad at 7:04 AM on June 24, 2014
He's a moody Italian. He's an unpredictable Uruguayan. Together they are footballers and they fight crime. Red Card, this fall on Fox.
posted by Rock Steady at 9:45 AM on June 24, 2014 [6 favorites]
posted by Rock Steady at 9:45 AM on June 24, 2014 [6 favorites]
Oh my word. Did Luis Suarez bite someone again? Waiting for the replay...
posted by running order squabble fest at 10:54 AM on June 24, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by running order squabble fest at 10:54 AM on June 24, 2014 [2 favorites]
Yeah ffs, it looks pretty likely Suarez can't keep his teeth under control. Three times? I say he should just be tossed completely, the suspensions don't seem to matter to him. I say that even though I was rooting for Uruguay in this game.
posted by edgeways at 11:04 AM on June 24, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by edgeways at 11:04 AM on June 24, 2014 [1 favorite]
Oh my word. Did Luis Suarez bite someone again?
Yes. Yes he did.
posted by eriko at 11:04 AM on June 24, 2014
Yes. Yes he did.
posted by eriko at 11:04 AM on June 24, 2014
I find it amusing that the first comment on that pretty conclusive twitter photo is trying to discredit it.
"if those are real..." That looks like the left upper canine (and possible right) and the three front lower teeth to me
posted by edgeways at 11:09 AM on June 24, 2014
"if those are real..." That looks like the left upper canine (and possible right) and the three front lower teeth to me
posted by edgeways at 11:09 AM on June 24, 2014
Pros: great dribbler, great crosser of the ball, makes goals, scores goals.
Cons: insatiable hunger for human flesh.
posted by running order squabble fest at 11:13 AM on June 24, 2014 [4 favorites]
Cons: insatiable hunger for human flesh.
posted by running order squabble fest at 11:13 AM on June 24, 2014 [4 favorites]
Cons: insatiable hunger for human flesh.
Now you know why so many footballers make the sign of the cross.
The winner tweet, so far.
"@gilbertjasono: To be fair to Luis Suarez, I can’t resist an Italian sub either."
And, of course, you knew this website had to exist.
posted by eriko at 11:26 AM on June 24, 2014 [5 favorites]
Now you know why so many footballers make the sign of the cross.
The winner tweet, so far.
"@gilbertjasono: To be fair to Luis Suarez, I can’t resist an Italian sub either."
And, of course, you knew this website had to exist.
posted by eriko at 11:26 AM on June 24, 2014 [5 favorites]
Coworker's opinion is that Diego Costa should have had punishment as well and that Suarez will only face it due to media attention.
posted by josher71 at 11:28 AM on June 24, 2014
posted by josher71 at 11:28 AM on June 24, 2014
Man, NBC's Hannibal promotion budget is bigger than I expected.
posted by kmz at 11:35 AM on June 24, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by kmz at 11:35 AM on June 24, 2014 [4 favorites]
Since this is apparently the live WC thread - Greece vs Cote d'Ivoire is turning out to be a gripping contest between the relatively intricate passing of the Ivorians and the incredible commitment on the break of the Greeks. 1-1, but the Ivorians have been living dangerously, just scored and are currently going through to the next round.
What is with this World Cup?
posted by running order squabble fest at 2:34 PM on June 24, 2014
What is with this World Cup?
posted by running order squabble fest at 2:34 PM on June 24, 2014
Someone in Norway bet on Suarez biting someone at the worldcup
posted by infini at 2:53 PM on June 24, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by infini at 2:53 PM on June 24, 2014 [3 favorites]
So I've been working all afternoon and thought, what the hell, I'll watch the last 3 minutes of the Greece-Cote D'Ivoire game...
posted by 256 at 2:54 PM on June 24, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by 256 at 2:54 PM on June 24, 2014 [1 favorite]
I know, right? I feel for the Ivorians, because wow. And I think they played the more interesting football, although I wouldn't back either to get through the next round. But the Greeks' intensity, all the way to that penalty, was very impressive, especially with two substitutions so early in the game.
posted by running order squabble fest at 3:07 PM on June 24, 2014
posted by running order squabble fest at 3:07 PM on June 24, 2014
Even McDonalds Uruguay gets in on the action:
"If you're still hungry come and take a nibble from a Big Mac ;)"
Yeah, Suarez should definitely be suspended or out from FIFA completely, but somehow I don't think that's gonna happen. Also, I mean the Italian player basically trying to break the Uruguayans leg is I consider just as bad as biting. Biting just seems more barbaric.
posted by lizarrd at 3:42 PM on June 24, 2014
"If you're still hungry come and take a nibble from a Big Mac ;)"
Yeah, Suarez should definitely be suspended or out from FIFA completely, but somehow I don't think that's gonna happen. Also, I mean the Italian player basically trying to break the Uruguayans leg is I consider just as bad as biting. Biting just seems more barbaric.
posted by lizarrd at 3:42 PM on June 24, 2014
He bites when he wants,
He bites when he wants.
Luis Suárez
He bites when he wants...
posted by Dr. Zira at 4:04 PM on June 24, 2014
He bites when he wants.
Luis Suárez
He bites when he wants...
posted by Dr. Zira at 4:04 PM on June 24, 2014
The Suarez Bite Memorial will have to wait until Nigel de Jong's karate kick to Xabi Alonso's chest is cast.
posted by Dr. Zira at 9:17 PM on June 24, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by Dr. Zira at 9:17 PM on June 24, 2014 [2 favorites]
4 minutes in - ARG 1 NGA 1 !! Messi scores his 3rd of the tournament.
posted by marienbad at 9:05 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 9:05 AM on June 25, 2014
I guess we got the "more Luis Suarez" people wanted, eh!
posted by josher71 at 9:15 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by josher71 at 9:15 AM on June 25, 2014
So far, the Nigerian defender's one trick is to back-pass slowly to the goaltender -- no matter how many Argentinian strikers are in the box. That trick ain't going to work long.
posted by eriko at 9:17 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 9:17 AM on June 25, 2014
ARG NGA is a good game, ARG on top at the mo, but NGA goal was like fucking lightening, a fantastic, quick, breakaway goal.
posted by marienbad at 9:18 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 9:18 AM on June 25, 2014
still 0-0 in the BIH Iran game. Is anyone actually watching it?
posted by marienbad at 9:20 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 9:20 AM on June 25, 2014
I like Nigeria, but I keep thinking if Argentina stay on maybe Messi will start playing like Messi. So, we only get FPP if the US is playing?
posted by Partario at 9:30 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by Partario at 9:30 AM on June 25, 2014
Partario,
You can make an FPP if you like. Your five dollars is as good as ours.
posted by josher71 at 9:30 AM on June 25, 2014
You can make an FPP if you like. Your five dollars is as good as ours.
posted by josher71 at 9:30 AM on June 25, 2014
Great shot!
Man, Argentina are letting me down. You tip a team for the World Cup and they do this to you! Wish I had tipped France right about now, can't see any team playing better, unless they have peaked too soon, although I think they will just get better and better.
posted by marienbad at 9:31 AM on June 25, 2014
Man, Argentina are letting me down. You tip a team for the World Cup and they do this to you! Wish I had tipped France right about now, can't see any team playing better, unless they have peaked too soon, although I think they will just get better and better.
posted by marienbad at 9:31 AM on June 25, 2014
Mod note: If you just want a place to liveblog the game, please use one of the existing already-open posts about World Cup matches from the last few days - here are a few. We can't continue have a new post for every set of matches. Some people have also been liveblogging in Chat, I think.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 9:37 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 9:37 AM on June 25, 2014
Mod note: Sorry, this one's fine, yes! I just meant, don't make another one just for the purpose of liveblogging - keep it in here instead.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 9:38 AM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 9:38 AM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
Interesting about the Nigerian GK club career from wikipedia: "Enyeama signed for Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2007. Hapoel Tel Aviv endured a poor season in 2007/2008, but Enyeama helped the team to avoid relegation and reach the state cup final. During 2008/09 Hapoel, unexpectedly, almost won the league title, with Enyeama winning the "Player of The Year" award -although he is a goalkeeper, and although he wasn't playing at the team who won the championship. During that year Enyeama became Hapoel's penalty kicker. In 2009/10 Hapoel won the Double, with Enyeama scoring an advantage goal during the Cup Final, and missing a penalty on the last fixture of the year, where Hapoel eventually managed to score a winning goal on the 92th minute and win the league."
posted by josher71 at 9:47 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by josher71 at 9:47 AM on June 25, 2014
Messi scores again, corking free kick. Now level with Neymar on goals scored! 2-1
posted by marienbad at 9:47 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 9:47 AM on June 25, 2014
Messi on a hat trick, too.
You can't be giving up direct free kicks in front if you're playing against Messi.
posted by eriko at 9:50 AM on June 25, 2014
You can't be giving up direct free kicks in front if you're playing against Messi.
posted by eriko at 9:50 AM on June 25, 2014
Ghana sends $3 million in cash by chartered plane to Brazil to keep players happy
posted by infini at 9:52 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by infini at 9:52 AM on June 25, 2014
wow, poor from argentina, great play by Nigeria. Defence? What defence?
posted by marienbad at 10:07 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 10:07 AM on June 25, 2014
This game is amazing. 3-2. Not a classic goal by any means, and again, where were the defenders.
posted by marienbad at 10:10 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 10:10 AM on June 25, 2014
And this game is starting to get a little nasty. Careful, Nigeria, 10 men against Argentina is not where you want to be.
posted by eriko at 10:10 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 10:10 AM on June 25, 2014
Nigeria will not have 11 on the pitch soon if they make any more stupid fouls. Unnecessary, they are better than that.
posted by marienbad at 10:11 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 10:11 AM on June 25, 2014
This is a good game!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:18 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:18 AM on June 25, 2014
Nigeria's Eemnike is a disaster for Nigeria the last 15 minutes. Every time he touches the ball he loses it. And Nigeria has had some really great takeaways, but then it goes to Emenike and breaks down.
And Messi goes off. No hat trick for him.
posted by eriko at 10:22 AM on June 25, 2014
And Messi goes off. No hat trick for him.
posted by eriko at 10:22 AM on June 25, 2014
I love how football commentary is full of innuendo: "He should play him wide so he can pull-off on the defender."
This game isn't quite over yet, Nigeria could still score and even win this, although it is getting unlikely.
Nice idea on the free-kick, Argentina.
posted by marienbad at 10:37 AM on June 25, 2014
This game isn't quite over yet, Nigeria could still score and even win this, although it is getting unlikely.
Nice idea on the free-kick, Argentina.
posted by marienbad at 10:37 AM on June 25, 2014
Musa takes one step too many, Fernánd just misses, and that was just pachinko in front of the Argentinian goal.
posted by eriko at 10:41 AM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 10:41 AM on June 25, 2014
Its over, Argentna and Nigeria go through. Nigeria will probably meet France in the last 16. Argentina will most likely meet Switzerland or Ecuador.
Great game, good stuff from both sides, although maybe some work on the defences needed. Argentina still not quite there yet, will need to improve to win it.
posted by marienbad at 10:56 AM on June 25, 2014
Great game, good stuff from both sides, although maybe some work on the defences needed. Argentina still not quite there yet, will need to improve to win it.
posted by marienbad at 10:56 AM on June 25, 2014
Alas, not quite for Iran, but Argentina wins the group and Bosnia-Herzigovina puts Nigeria into the Group of 16 as well.
Be back at 3PM CDT for the afternoon games. Like Group G, nobody's certainly in, and nobody's certainly out, though it would take a very bizarre set of circumstances to put Honduras in or France out.
posted by eriko at 10:56 AM on June 25, 2014
Be back at 3PM CDT for the afternoon games. Like Group G, nobody's certainly in, and nobody's certainly out, though it would take a very bizarre set of circumstances to put Honduras in or France out.
posted by eriko at 10:56 AM on June 25, 2014
The Argentina - Nigeria game was great.
I know, right? I feel for the Ivorians, because wow. And I think they played the more interesting football, although I wouldn't back either to get through the next round.
Did you think they played more interesting football yesterday? The quality of their individual players is better, but they weren't tactically good. In the first goal their defense is caught flat-footed, they didn't translate their small advantage in possession to chances (fewer than Greece and with 2+1 instances of the ball hitting their woodwork) and apart from their lovely goal, their chances were individual efforts. They should have given the team to a proper coach.
posted by ersatz at 11:21 AM on June 25, 2014
I know, right? I feel for the Ivorians, because wow. And I think they played the more interesting football, although I wouldn't back either to get through the next round.
Did you think they played more interesting football yesterday? The quality of their individual players is better, but they weren't tactically good. In the first goal their defense is caught flat-footed, they didn't translate their small advantage in possession to chances (fewer than Greece and with 2+1 instances of the ball hitting their woodwork) and apart from their lovely goal, their chances were individual efforts. They should have given the team to a proper coach.
posted by ersatz at 11:21 AM on June 25, 2014
That's a good point - they were sort of disjointed in this match, and I think that while it could of gone either way Greece certainly weren't unworthy winners. I guess that the Greek plan just felt very regular - defend in a regimented fashion, then either hit on the break or run the ball to twenty yards out, hit it hard and see if Barry Copa flubbed the catch... but yeah, IC didn't respond to that by working together more, but instead seemed to think that because a tossed coin always has a 50% chance of coming up heads that they should always try to go through two or three defenders and just see how it goes.
So, yeah. It was more flashes of the promise of a more interesting game in the round of 16 than Costa Rica vs Greece... but regimented, organised, committed team performances deserve praise too!
posted by running order squabble fest at 12:01 PM on June 25, 2014
So, yeah. It was more flashes of the promise of a more interesting game in the round of 16 than Costa Rica vs Greece... but regimented, organised, committed team performances deserve praise too!
posted by running order squabble fest at 12:01 PM on June 25, 2014
It has been 429 1 days since Luis Suarez has bitten anyone.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 12:19 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 12:19 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
Whatever else happens, the French still have the best anthem.
posted by eriko at 12:59 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by eriko at 12:59 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
Time for Frecuador! All games must have Portmanteau names from now on. Vote #1, etc.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:00 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:00 PM on June 25, 2014
@ TheWhiteSkull
Why have you come here to post that? Please keep the biting stuff to the biting thread, this is a thread to discuss the last round of group matches. Jesus.
posted by marienbad at 1:00 PM on June 25, 2014
Why have you come here to post that? Please keep the biting stuff to the biting thread, this is a thread to discuss the last round of group matches. Jesus.
posted by marienbad at 1:00 PM on June 25, 2014
I hear the French cockerel is named after MeFi now. mathowie gave them a tweeter or something. Just some match trivia, there.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:03 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:03 PM on June 25, 2014
Don't forget Switzduras!
And there was the mandatory "We're in Rio" shot.
posted by eriko at 1:04 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
And there was the mandatory "We're in Rio" shot.
posted by eriko at 1:04 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
France are playing in professional white. Ecuador's shorts are MeFi blue though - not much to pick between the teams so far.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:05 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:05 PM on June 25, 2014
High above the goal tactical cam for France Ecuador. Click on live coverage tab. You may need to pause tactical cam for a sec to line up, and turn off one of the commentaries otherwise it gets messy as its impossible to line them up exactly.
posted by marienbad at 1:06 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:06 PM on June 25, 2014
eriko: "Don't forget Switzduras!"Surely you mean Honderland?
posted by brokkr at 1:06 PM on June 25, 2014
Speaking of Switzduras, it didn't take long for Switzerland to open the scoring. HON 0-1 SUI.
posted by eriko at 1:06 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 1:06 PM on June 25, 2014
France-Ecuador is still 0-0, 0 bites.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:11 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:11 PM on June 25, 2014
Great goal by the Swiss, but I need 2 more monitors now, 2 games and 2 tactical cams!
posted by marienbad at 1:11 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:11 PM on June 25, 2014
Who has the best haircut? I say Sahko.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:12 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:12 PM on June 25, 2014
For a second there I thought they were chanting "Bel-four!" and I was very confused.
posted by eriko at 1:15 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 1:15 PM on June 25, 2014
I misspelled Sakho! Sorry. Now someone's having a nap, another guy is having a leg wax.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:16 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:16 PM on June 25, 2014
Someone is kicking the ball ...
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:18 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:18 PM on June 25, 2014
... to another guy! Football, eh? bloody hell.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:18 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:18 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
Sakho's is nice, but it's nothing compared to the majesty of Bacary Sagna.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:19 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:19 PM on June 25, 2014
Sagna's barnet is a little too showy for me. I like a direct haircut, "route one" stuff.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:22 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:22 PM on June 25, 2014
That long ball scared France, they're playing much more defensively.
posted by eriko at 1:23 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 1:23 PM on June 25, 2014
Blimey, I mention a team playing well or having a chance and they go a bit shit.
posted by marienbad at 1:24 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:24 PM on June 25, 2014
Wow, lucky goalie is lucky. That should have been 0-1 France.
posted by eriko at 1:27 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 1:27 PM on June 25, 2014
Bit of haircut-to-haircut contact there. The hairdressers are on now. They have magic mousse.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:29 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:29 PM on June 25, 2014
Where are all the USMNT fans tonight? Footy go big in the US? Don't make me laugh.
posted by marienbad at 1:29 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:29 PM on June 25, 2014
Hey, you can't come on with that blood on the head. HELLO, REF.
posted by eriko at 1:29 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by eriko at 1:29 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
Protective haircut-bag applied. Deep breaths, everyone.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:30 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:30 PM on June 25, 2014
Where are all the USMNT fans tonight? Footy go big in the US? Don't make me laugh.
Middle of the workday here in the US. I'm sort of cheating myself.
posted by eriko at 1:30 PM on June 25, 2014
Middle of the workday here in the US. I'm sort of cheating myself.
posted by eriko at 1:30 PM on June 25, 2014
Matuidi looked like he blew an MCL on that play, but he's standing, somehow.
That was a lovely sequence by Ecuador right up to the incredibly lame shot.
posted by eriko at 1:33 PM on June 25, 2014
That was a lovely sequence by Ecuador right up to the incredibly lame shot.
posted by eriko at 1:33 PM on June 25, 2014
Man, that tea cosy lets you know exactly where Noboa is at all times. It should help his teammates out.
posted by lizarrd at 1:34 PM on June 25, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by lizarrd at 1:34 PM on June 25, 2014 [3 favorites]
If France was smart, they'd get a tea cosy themselves and see if they get a gift.
posted by eriko at 1:36 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 1:36 PM on June 25, 2014
BBC Commentator - "Ecuador cannot afford to lose this while at the same time they need to win it." what?
Great header by Pogba, tipped over.
posted by marienbad at 1:38 PM on June 25, 2014
Great header by Pogba, tipped over.
posted by marienbad at 1:38 PM on June 25, 2014
Good chance for Ecuador, and then all the way back to square 1
posted by marienbad at 1:41 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:41 PM on June 25, 2014
Noboa looks like a little robot with that white hat on
posted by marienbad at 1:42 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:42 PM on June 25, 2014
Hey, Ecuador, do not play "you got it" in the penalty box.
posted by eriko at 1:42 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 1:42 PM on June 25, 2014
So how/where are people watching this? What channel? I am watching on BBC 1 - World Cup is back - I thought they had abandoned it and switched over to Wimbledon.
posted by marienbad at 1:48 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:48 PM on June 25, 2014
Anyone listening to Ray Hudson on BeIn?
Difficult half, France taking it fairly easy.
posted by marienbad at 1:50 PM on June 25, 2014
Difficult half, France taking it fairly easy.
posted by marienbad at 1:50 PM on June 25, 2014
I'm watching on Univision. Which means I can't understand the commentary, which is significantly improving the experience, I have to admit.
posted by eriko at 1:50 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by eriko at 1:50 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
Damn, I just saw that second Swiss goal.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:53 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:53 PM on June 25, 2014
I've been watching on ESPN. Hmm, I wonder if Univision has a live stream.
posted by lizarrd at 1:53 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by lizarrd at 1:53 PM on June 25, 2014
Both those Swiss goals were corkers! Not so much haircut action though, which is disappointing.
I'm watching this on Beeb 1 like you, marienbad!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:57 PM on June 25, 2014
I'm watching this on Beeb 1 like you, marienbad!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:57 PM on June 25, 2014
BBC doing a short, quick "England at the World Cup" piece. And it only need be short.
Junihno as BBC pundit is pretty cool.
posted by marienbad at 2:01 PM on June 25, 2014
Junihno as BBC pundit is pretty cool.
posted by marienbad at 2:01 PM on June 25, 2014
Players coming back out - come on France. Allez les bleu!
posted by marienbad at 2:03 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:03 PM on June 25, 2014
What a save!
posted by running order squabble fest at 2:05 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by running order squabble fest at 2:05 PM on June 25, 2014
Hope there was some hair-dryer treatment at half time.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:05 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:05 PM on June 25, 2014
Sorry, Digne, but you put your legs in there.
They're going to need the magic sponge for that one.
posted by eriko at 2:07 PM on June 25, 2014
They're going to need the magic sponge for that one.
posted by eriko at 2:07 PM on June 25, 2014
I wonder if Univision has a live stream.
you want univision deportes en vivo
they also have an ipad app
posted by elizardbits at 2:08 PM on June 25, 2014
you want univision deportes en vivo
they also have an ipad app
posted by elizardbits at 2:08 PM on June 25, 2014
I bet this thread (or the US Portugal game thread) is well busy tomorrow night. It will be so funny if Germany win 5-0 !
Valencia off!!!!
posted by marienbad at 2:08 PM on June 25, 2014
Valencia off!!!!
posted by marienbad at 2:08 PM on June 25, 2014
Holy shit. Time for French goals, non?
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:09 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:09 PM on June 25, 2014
WTF? That doesn't make any sense. They both got there about the same time and Digne was sliding.
posted by lizarrd at 2:09 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by lizarrd at 2:09 PM on June 25, 2014
If Ecuador manage to come back from this I will be honestly surprised.
posted by lizarrd at 2:11 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by lizarrd at 2:11 PM on June 25, 2014
US Portugal game thread
It's US-Germany, and Portugal-Ghana tomorrow. I'll be out of town and hopefully in a bar watching.
posted by eriko at 2:11 PM on June 25, 2014
It's US-Germany, and Portugal-Ghana tomorrow. I'll be out of town and hopefully in a bar watching.
posted by eriko at 2:11 PM on June 25, 2014
Probably makes up for the Guagua tackle in the first half that should have had a card.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:11 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:11 PM on June 25, 2014
Or an Ecuador winner!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:12 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:12 PM on June 25, 2014
Monetro, Montero, Montero. Tea cosy gives you that beautiful feed and that's what you manage?
posted by eriko at 2:15 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 2:15 PM on June 25, 2014
That shot was so bad it should get a yellow for wasting time.
posted by eriko at 2:17 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by eriko at 2:17 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
Varane subbed for Sahko. That's a significant decrease in hairstyle for France.
posted by eriko at 2:18 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 2:18 PM on June 25, 2014
That Dominguez, man, just uh let me juggle this ball for a bit here. Oh no, it's all good guys, I got this!
posted by lizarrd at 2:21 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by lizarrd at 2:21 PM on June 25, 2014
France is finally playing like they have a man advantage.
posted by eriko at 2:22 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 2:22 PM on June 25, 2014
Commentator Innuendo part 2: "[Remy] was stripped off and ready for action"
posted by marienbad at 2:24 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:24 PM on June 25, 2014
Professional foul, and what are they filling these balls with? Helium?
posted by eriko at 2:27 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 2:27 PM on June 25, 2014
Apparently, we're playing anti-football, where you lose a point for putting a ball in the net.
posted by eriko at 2:31 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 2:31 PM on June 25, 2014
Ooh not enough hairdo on that one, France.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:31 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:31 PM on June 25, 2014
3-0 to Switzerland. Ecuador now need 2 to go through.
posted by marienbad at 2:32 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:32 PM on June 25, 2014
Shit, we should have watched Switzduras.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:33 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:33 PM on June 25, 2014
Or they need Honduras to score, which is less likely than them scoring two goals shorthanded. CONCACAF has done very well this tournament -- Mexico, Costa Rica and the US haven't lost a game yet. Honduras, however...
posted by eriko at 2:36 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by eriko at 2:36 PM on June 25, 2014
Just remind me of the result in the pre-World Cup friendly between England and Honduras....
posted by marienbad at 2:38 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:38 PM on June 25, 2014
Just remind me of the result in the pre-World Cup friendly between England and Honduras....
2 dead, 8 wounded, 3 MIA?
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:39 PM on June 25, 2014 [2 favorites]
2 dead, 8 wounded, 3 MIA?
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:39 PM on June 25, 2014 [2 favorites]
They make the goal-scoring opportunities...and then just nothing. Nothing. Come on Ecuador!
posted by lizarrd at 2:40 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by lizarrd at 2:40 PM on June 25, 2014
Geeze, they get it on goal, it's deflected right back into the box, and *nobody is there* to slot it home.
Sheesh.
The embarrassing thing is France can't beat these guys.
posted by eriko at 2:41 PM on June 25, 2014
Sheesh.
The embarrassing thing is France can't beat these guys.
posted by eriko at 2:41 PM on June 25, 2014
Seriously, France? They're one man down and you've not even gotten 1 goal yet.
posted by lizarrd at 2:46 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by lizarrd at 2:46 PM on June 25, 2014
Poor shooting all round. Some nice haircuts though.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:47 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:47 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
Yet another wasted free kick - has either side delivered a decent corner or free kick all game? Ecuador have defended well, but either the final ball in has been poor or, as eriko said, there is no one there.
To be fair, this isn't the French first 11, but still. At least it will be Nigeria in the last 16, and then probably Germany or USA in the quarter final, so could get to the semis.
posted by marienbad at 2:47 PM on June 25, 2014
To be fair, this isn't the French first 11, but still. At least it will be Nigeria in the last 16, and then probably Germany or USA in the quarter final, so could get to the semis.
posted by marienbad at 2:47 PM on June 25, 2014
What the? He brings Caicedo on with a minute to go and the keeper injured?
posted by marienbad at 2:48 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:48 PM on June 25, 2014
I can understand the temptation to cop a feel on Olivier Giroud, but maybe wait until the match is over.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:48 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:48 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
Wow, that was on goal!
Also on the goaltender, but it was on goal!
posted by eriko at 2:49 PM on June 25, 2014
Also on the goaltender, but it was on goal!
posted by eriko at 2:49 PM on June 25, 2014
Goaltender? Do you mean Goalkeeper?
Yet again he saves and no one scores.
posted by marienbad at 2:50 PM on June 25, 2014
Yet again he saves and no one scores.
posted by marienbad at 2:50 PM on June 25, 2014
He brings Caicedo on with a minute to go and the keeper injured?
Keeper cramped up. Bringing on the sub gave them the time to get the cramp worked out.
posted by eriko at 2:50 PM on June 25, 2014
Keeper cramped up. Bringing on the sub gave them the time to get the cramp worked out.
posted by eriko at 2:50 PM on June 25, 2014
That keepers had a fucking easy time today, save for one bit. They keep shooting right at him.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:50 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:50 PM on June 25, 2014
Goaltender on the field, goalkeeper on the pitch.
Two countries separated by a common language, after all.
posted by eriko at 2:51 PM on June 25, 2014
Two countries separated by a common language, after all.
posted by eriko at 2:51 PM on June 25, 2014
PEEP PEEP PEEEP! Thank god that's over.
Tea Cosy still gets my vote for Man of the Match.
posted by eriko at 2:53 PM on June 25, 2014 [2 favorites]
Tea Cosy still gets my vote for Man of the Match.
posted by eriko at 2:53 PM on June 25, 2014 [2 favorites]
Switzerland play Argentina. That should be an interesting encounter, but at least Argentina might have to leave Aguerro out and play Lavazzi.
posted by marienbad at 2:54 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:54 PM on June 25, 2014
Seconded - tea cosy is my pick to win the Golden Toupee.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:55 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:55 PM on June 25, 2014
Switztina! Frigeria! Come on the last 16!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:56 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:56 PM on June 25, 2014
So predictions for tomorrow's games anyone?
Germany 4 - 0 USA
Ghana 2 - 1 Portugal
posted by marienbad at 2:57 PM on June 25, 2014
Germany 4 - 0 USA
Ghana 2 - 1 Portugal
posted by marienbad at 2:57 PM on June 25, 2014
Bayern München is now the club with the most prolific goal scorers in the tournament (and Germany has only played two games, mind you - I predict that Müller and Götzinho will each score one tomorrow). Meanwhile, Manchester United is the club with the highest number of different goal scorers:
- Bayern München 12 goals:
- 3 Müller
- 3 Robben
- 3 Shaqiri
- 2 Mandžukic
- 1 Götze
- Barcelona 9 goals:
- 4 Messi
- 4 Neymar
- 1 Alexis Sánchez
- Man Utd 8 goals:
- 3 van Persie
- 1 Chicharito
- 1 Fellaini
- 1 Juan Mata
- 1 Nani
- 1 Rooney
- Real Madrid 4 goals:
- 3 Benzema
- 1 Xabi Alonso
- FC Porto 4 goals:
- 2 Jackson Martínez
- 1 Quintero
- 1 Varela
Beeb showing brief highlights of Switzerland Honduras game. That first goal is a scorcher, and Honduras should have had a penalty, it is pretty blatant.
posted by marienbad at 3:05 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by marienbad at 3:05 PM on June 25, 2014
I really just want Germany to win tomorrow so Angela Merkel can have an excuse to give Basti a hug in the locker room postgame.
posted by elizardbits at 3:38 PM on June 25, 2014
posted by elizardbits at 3:38 PM on June 25, 2014
oh but i guess if they lose it can be a consolation hug
posted by elizardbits at 3:38 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by elizardbits at 3:38 PM on June 25, 2014 [1 favorite]
I like the second idea better.
posted by lizarrd at 3:47 PM on June 25, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by lizarrd at 3:47 PM on June 25, 2014 [3 favorites]
so Angela Merkel can have an excuse to give Basti a hug in the locker room
a full-body hug? with maybe a little leg lift? And then…
wait, wrong venue...
posted by From Bklyn at 1:29 AM on June 26, 2014
a full-body hug? with maybe a little leg lift? And then…
wait, wrong venue...
posted by From Bklyn at 1:29 AM on June 26, 2014
Keep Your Angela Merkal fantasies to yourself mate!
Guardian's knockout-stages planner - see who your team could meet in the knockout stages (obviously the last few group games are today, so it is a bit random for those groups)
posted by marienbad at 2:06 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Guardian's knockout-stages planner - see who your team could meet in the knockout stages (obviously the last few group games are today, so it is a bit random for those groups)
posted by marienbad at 2:06 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Intriguing/distressing post in The Guardian's daily World Cup blog (scroll down to the 11.54am BST post because they can't be arsed to add permalinks to each update): Supposedly the Ghanian team has sent two of its best players being sent home and the rest presumably on notice.
Ghana's team have been in a pay dispute that led to the president of Ghana airlifting $3 million in cash yesterday. A news item from Wednesday with background.
posted by ardgedee at 4:36 AM on June 26, 2014
Ghana's team have been in a pay dispute that led to the president of Ghana airlifting $3 million in cash yesterday. A news item from Wednesday with background.
posted by ardgedee at 4:36 AM on June 26, 2014
Ghana are in complete chaos: the latest. Germany are now notching it up a gear.
I have a bad feeling that it will be Germany and Portugal qualifying out of this group. Hope I'm wrong, but...
posted by Wordshore at 6:04 AM on June 26, 2014
I have a bad feeling that it will be Germany and Portugal qualifying out of this group. Hope I'm wrong, but...
posted by Wordshore at 6:04 AM on June 26, 2014
Ghana have sent 2 players home:
"Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng have been expelled from Ghana's World Cup squad for alleged indiscipline.
A statement on the Ghana Football Association website said both players had "been suspended indefinitely".
It added Boateng had used "vulgar verbal insults targeted at coach Kwesi Appiah" and said Muntari was guilty of an "unprovoked physical attack on an executive committee member". "
Holy shit Ghana what the fuck are you playing at? You could still make the last 16 ffs!
posted by marienbad at 6:14 AM on June 26, 2014
"Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng have been expelled from Ghana's World Cup squad for alleged indiscipline.
A statement on the Ghana Football Association website said both players had "been suspended indefinitely".
It added Boateng had used "vulgar verbal insults targeted at coach Kwesi Appiah" and said Muntari was guilty of an "unprovoked physical attack on an executive committee member". "
Holy shit Ghana what the fuck are you playing at? You could still make the last 16 ffs!
posted by marienbad at 6:14 AM on June 26, 2014
I have a bad feeling that it will be Germany and Portugal qualifying out of this group. Hope I'm wrong, but...
I think Portugal's doomed by their goal difference. I think they'd need to win handily and possibly need Germany to win handily and while I think they'll probably both win, I don't know about winning by the margin required.
posted by hoyland at 6:15 AM on June 26, 2014
I think Portugal's doomed by their goal difference. I think they'd need to win handily and possibly need Germany to win handily and while I think they'll probably both win, I don't know about winning by the margin required.
posted by hoyland at 6:15 AM on June 26, 2014
Also, thanks for fucking up my pre-match scoreline prediction!
posted by marienbad at 6:15 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 6:15 AM on June 26, 2014
More on Ghana: [via BBC]
"Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng says he and team-mate Sulley Muntari were "joking around" before they were sent home from the World Cup.
Boateng told German magazine Sport-Bild: "Sulley Muntari and I were just joking around and the coach [Kwesi Appiah] stopped the session and sent us back to the changing room.
"Afterwards I went to the him and asked what he had against me and he started yelling. He insulted me."
A statement on the Ghana Football Association website said both players had "been suspended indefinitely".
Boateng said he accepted his suspension but seemed to dispute the reasons the Ghana FA gave for it.
"No one should think I insulted the coach," he said. "I'm travelling now and I wish my colleagues all the best for the match against Portugal.""
posted by marienbad at 6:18 AM on June 26, 2014
"Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng says he and team-mate Sulley Muntari were "joking around" before they were sent home from the World Cup.
Boateng told German magazine Sport-Bild: "Sulley Muntari and I were just joking around and the coach [Kwesi Appiah] stopped the session and sent us back to the changing room.
"Afterwards I went to the him and asked what he had against me and he started yelling. He insulted me."
A statement on the Ghana Football Association website said both players had "been suspended indefinitely".
Boateng said he accepted his suspension but seemed to dispute the reasons the Ghana FA gave for it.
"No one should think I insulted the coach," he said. "I'm travelling now and I wish my colleagues all the best for the match against Portugal.""
posted by marienbad at 6:18 AM on June 26, 2014
Woah. Is this not what the Netherlands are supposed to do?
posted by running order squabble fest at 6:20 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by running order squabble fest at 6:20 AM on June 26, 2014
This was less surprising than not; Boateng is not exactly known as the soul of reason...
posted by From Bklyn at 7:00 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by From Bklyn at 7:00 AM on June 26, 2014
Teams can react funny to adversity, I wouldn't count Ghana out just yet, but yeah Portugal has to be nothing but happy about the send homes.
Just reading a bit here and there about the Uruguay team reaction to the bite-heard-round-the-world, and frankly am less than sanguine about the responses. I get team solidarity, but cripes there is certainly some corkscrew maneuvering going to avoid saying anything against Suarez. And Suarez himself is a piece of work.
.
.
.
Just over the wires now, looks like he is banned for 4 months and nine international matches.
Which I guess is ... something?
posted by edgeways at 8:02 AM on June 26, 2014
Just reading a bit here and there about the Uruguay team reaction to the bite-heard-round-the-world, and frankly am less than sanguine about the responses. I get team solidarity, but cripes there is certainly some corkscrew maneuvering going to avoid saying anything against Suarez. And Suarez himself is a piece of work.
.
.
.
Just over the wires now, looks like he is banned for 4 months and nine international matches.
Which I guess is ... something?
posted by edgeways at 8:02 AM on June 26, 2014
AN HOUR TILL KICK-OFF USA -ARE YOU READY FOR IT!?
posted by marienbad at 8:02 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 8:02 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
I'm worried about the Manaus Effect, and suspicious that Brazil never has to play in their brand new malaria stadium. I'm worried that Klose, Müller and Götze are going to be as strong on the attack as they always have been. I'm worried that Ghana will react to the send-homes with ferocity and that Portugal simply won't be able to handle them.
But still I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN.
posted by Navelgazer at 8:21 AM on June 26, 2014
But still I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN.
posted by Navelgazer at 8:21 AM on June 26, 2014
USA doing a Republic of Ireland and scouring the world for anyone with even the remotest link to the USA. I think when the republic did it, drinking Guiness regularly would make you selectable.
posted by marienbad at 8:45 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 8:45 AM on June 26, 2014
Okay, so Germany's not starting Klose or Götze. We can expect a heavy second-half sub attack, I take it?
posted by Navelgazer at 9:01 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by Navelgazer at 9:01 AM on June 26, 2014
For anyone seeking to get pumped, Stan Bush has an album out.
posted by running order squabble fest at 9:02 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by running order squabble fest at 9:02 AM on June 26, 2014
Hulk Hogan chimes (surrealy) in:
"Just in case the USA side are not pumped up enough, wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan has tried to get the adrenalin flowing with a - frankly, barking-mad - good luck message.
"I have been hanging and banging all day long because I'm so pumped up about the US men's soccer team," rages the Hulkster.
"All I have to say is good luck Germany when the US men's soccer team pound you down to the ground. All I've got left to say is USA is the greatest country in the world and the US men's soccer team is going to wipe out Germany.
"And, by the way, whatcha gonna do Germany when the US men's soccer team runs wild on you?""
posted by marienbad at 9:04 AM on June 26, 2014
"Just in case the USA side are not pumped up enough, wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan has tried to get the adrenalin flowing with a - frankly, barking-mad - good luck message.
"I have been hanging and banging all day long because I'm so pumped up about the US men's soccer team," rages the Hulkster.
"All I have to say is good luck Germany when the US men's soccer team pound you down to the ground. All I've got left to say is USA is the greatest country in the world and the US men's soccer team is going to wipe out Germany.
"And, by the way, whatcha gonna do Germany when the US men's soccer team runs wild on you?""
posted by marienbad at 9:04 AM on June 26, 2014
Amazing effort by Ronldo in Portugal game - hits the crossbar!
posted by marienbad at 9:06 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 9:06 AM on June 26, 2014
Wow, Germany, get out of one anothers way - maybe give the other guy a shout!
posted by marienbad at 9:10 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 9:10 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Starting to look more like an 8-1-1.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 9:16 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 9:16 AM on June 26, 2014
Eep. That's three dangerous situations for the US in about five minutes.
posted by running order squabble fest at 9:17 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by running order squabble fest at 9:17 AM on June 26, 2014
Ronaldo looks like he is on fire in the other game, good header but straight at the keeper.
USA getting into the game a bit but nothing doing in the final third of the pitch really,
posted by marienbad at 9:20 AM on June 26, 2014
USA getting into the game a bit but nothing doing in the final third of the pitch really,
posted by marienbad at 9:20 AM on June 26, 2014
Also, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to play Tim Howard in the movie?
posted by running order squabble fest at 9:24 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by running order squabble fest at 9:24 AM on June 26, 2014
(I know they look nothing like each other. But beard+shaved head + commanding presence.)
posted by running order squabble fest at 9:25 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by running order squabble fest at 9:25 AM on June 26, 2014
A collision with the ref- finally , some excitement!"
posted by marienbad at 9:29 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 9:29 AM on June 26, 2014
Is this the US/Germany thread?
posted by benito.strauss at 9:31 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by benito.strauss at 9:31 AM on June 26, 2014
Portugal have scored - low cross to near post and its an own goal!
posted by marienbad at 9:31 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 9:31 AM on June 26, 2014
benito.strauus - I think so, yeah. Ghana-Portugal, too.
posted by Navelgazer at 9:33 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Navelgazer at 9:33 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Why am I seeing Americans abbreviated to "Amerks" so often on Twitter? I have literally never heard that before, is it a thing now?
posted by desjardins at 9:35 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by desjardins at 9:35 AM on June 26, 2014
I'm watching the US/GER match via live stream, so it's like a minute slower than the TV broadcast...
posted by travelwithcats at 9:37 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by travelwithcats at 9:37 AM on June 26, 2014
Clearly that's a portmanteau of Americans and Twerking.
posted by ursus_comiter at 9:37 AM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by ursus_comiter at 9:37 AM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
Gonzales seems a bit of a liability, now got a yellow card. Beckerman and Bradley USA's 2 best players so far.
posted by marienbad at 9:39 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 9:39 AM on June 26, 2014
FUN FACT: The other day in Crown Heights I saw two women walking with huge print on their shirts. The first one said "TWERK" and the second said "STOP IT." I lol'ed
posted by Navelgazer at 9:39 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by Navelgazer at 9:39 AM on June 26, 2014
I found that my livestream player would accumulate delays as time went on, based on the yells from other apartments on my street. I found that if I closed the browser window and restarted it, it was back in sync. (My stream is on "Watch ESPN")>
posted by benito.strauss at 9:41 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by benito.strauss at 9:41 AM on June 26, 2014
OKAY ONE HALF IS FINE BUT THE SECOND HALF IS GONNA BE TOUGHER ARE YOU READY GUYS?
posted by Navelgazer at 9:48 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by Navelgazer at 9:48 AM on June 26, 2014
Half time. Jones playing well, making good runs and good off the ball movement. Need to be more incisive in the last 3rd maybe.
posted by marienbad at 9:49 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 9:49 AM on June 26, 2014
Yeah the ESPN livestream is very laggy and terrible today.
posted by elizardbits at 9:49 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by elizardbits at 9:49 AM on June 26, 2014
Fun fact: the German national football team is known as Die Mannschaft.
Heh, heh...mannschaft.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 9:49 AM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
Heh, heh...mannschaft.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 9:49 AM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
Jones is the strongest player so far, IMO. Zusi sure is a hunk, huh?
posted by travelwithcats at 9:50 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by travelwithcats at 9:50 AM on June 26, 2014
Zusi if you mean strong, yes, if you mean hot, not for me.
posted by marienbad at 9:53 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 9:53 AM on June 26, 2014
TheWhiteSkull: "Die Mannschaft" is also a feminine noun.
posted by Navelgazer at 9:53 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by Navelgazer at 9:53 AM on June 26, 2014
You people should clearly be watching your local analog Univision station. Oh, you mean you live somewhere where the Univision station was powerful enough to be required to go digital? Aren't you lucky.
posted by hoyland at 9:54 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by hoyland at 9:54 AM on June 26, 2014
Watched the first half surreptitiously at my desk. Glad nobody scored so I wouldn't have choke back curses/cheers. Lunchbreak coincides with start of second half, so I'll watch it full on titiously.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 9:54 AM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 9:54 AM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
If your stream is screwy or unavailable or you don't have the sports package, try atdhe, they have multiple streams in various languages - you may have to try a few to find one that works and is in your language. Warning - lots of pop up ads.
posted by marienbad at 9:57 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 9:57 AM on June 26, 2014
Just restarting my browser/stream. Lagged ~3 min...
posted by travelwithcats at 10:02 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by travelwithcats at 10:02 AM on June 26, 2014
The Univision stream is really good, and they do tho whole goooooooooooool thing (let's hope for U.S.).
posted by ultraviolet catastrophe at 10:02 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by ultraviolet catastrophe at 10:02 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Part of the problem with games like this, where a draw suits both teams, is that it is hard to give 110% (as they say) as you don't want to pick up a knock or injury or wear yourself out because you are already through, it is a sort of dead cause.
Never know though, Germany may want to go out on a high.
Germany bring on Klose!! The record is there for the taking....
posted by marienbad at 10:03 AM on June 26, 2014
Never know though, Germany may want to go out on a high.
Germany bring on Klose!! The record is there for the taking....
posted by marienbad at 10:03 AM on June 26, 2014
Let's hope for goals! I keep my fingers crossed for the Germans.
posted by travelwithcats at 10:04 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by travelwithcats at 10:04 AM on June 26, 2014
It's a low stakes match, yes. Likely both teams will make it to the next stage, so...
posted by travelwithcats at 10:06 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by travelwithcats at 10:06 AM on June 26, 2014
From the NYT live blog: "I’m also asked to explain (yet again!) why I say “Amerks”. I say again, it is an affectionate nickname for Americans, popular in the Lower Great Lakes, where I’m from. *Not* disrespectful in the least."
What? Really? Any Ohioans in here?
posted by desjardins at 10:07 AM on June 26, 2014
What? Really? Any Ohioans in here?
posted by desjardins at 10:07 AM on June 26, 2014
Amerks ... an affectionate nickname for Americans, popular in the Lower Great Lakes, where I’m from.
It's also the nickname for minor-league hockey's Rochester Americans
posted by saturday_morning at 10:09 AM on June 26, 2014
It's also the nickname for minor-league hockey's Rochester Americans
posted by saturday_morning at 10:09 AM on June 26, 2014
hoyland: "Poldi injured? Or is that a tactical move?"Definitely tactical. Germany needs someone up front to receive the crosses.
That, plus Klose is too old to play a full match anymore anyway ;)
posted by brokkr at 10:11 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
ffffffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
posted by ardgedee at 10:13 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by ardgedee at 10:13 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
There you go, Mueller makes it one - nil after sustained German pressure and the USA go to sleep for the corner.
posted by marienbad at 10:13 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 10:13 AM on June 26, 2014
Thomas Müller! Called it. Now we just need Götze on the pitch.
posted by brokkr at 10:13 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by brokkr at 10:13 AM on June 26, 2014
Fuck you, Ian Darke. "It's okay if Germany go up by one." AND THEN THAT HAPPENS.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:13 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:13 AM on June 26, 2014
Germany are now notching it up a gear. I have a bad feeling that it will be Germany and Portugal qualifying out of this group. Hope I'm wrong, but...
I should have bet on this when the odds were longer. Le sigh.
posted by Wordshore at 10:15 AM on June 26, 2014
I should have bet on this when the odds were longer. Le sigh.
posted by Wordshore at 10:15 AM on June 26, 2014
Fuck you, Ian Darke. "It's okay if Germany go up by one." AND THEN THAT HAPPENS.
Ghana just scored. The US probably only needs to worry if Portugal go up by two.
posted by hoyland at 10:15 AM on June 26, 2014
Ghana just scored. The US probably only needs to worry if Portugal go up by two.
posted by hoyland at 10:15 AM on June 26, 2014
One can't help but acknowledge the crisp, direct lines of the German haircuts.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:16 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:16 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
And if Ghana scores again...
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:16 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:16 AM on June 26, 2014
And Ghana equalize. Suddenly, it's an uncomfortably close qualification situation for the USA. Over 30 minutes to go...
posted by Wordshore at 10:17 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by Wordshore at 10:17 AM on June 26, 2014
Ghana have equalised - itr is now 1-1. Missed the goal as making Earl Grey Tea. BBC replay show is was Gyan.
Quidnunc Kid - there is a Ghanain player with gold in his hair - it makes him look like he is wearing a crown.
posted by marienbad at 10:18 AM on June 26, 2014
Quidnunc Kid - there is a Ghanain player with gold in his hair - it makes him look like he is wearing a crown.
posted by marienbad at 10:18 AM on June 26, 2014
Plenty of time for the US to comb back. Nil desperandum and all that.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:18 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:18 AM on June 26, 2014
Oh wait, I totally forgot the part where Ghana's goal difference is -1 (I think). Had just been assuming they'd lose due to being in disarray.
posted by hoyland at 10:19 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by hoyland at 10:19 AM on June 26, 2014
Goldentop for Ghana? Awesome!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:19 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:19 AM on June 26, 2014
And on the replay, what was the Portugese defence doing?
posted by marienbad at 10:19 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 10:19 AM on June 26, 2014
Hurt them all, Kyle. Hurt them all.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:21 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:21 AM on June 26, 2014
Have teh USA actually come out for the 2nd half or what?
posted by marienbad at 10:24 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 10:24 AM on June 26, 2014
I think they've fielded their JV? They try stopping play to petition the ref so Germany runs off with the ball... what was up with that.
posted by ardgedee at 10:25 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by ardgedee at 10:25 AM on June 26, 2014
Why is Tim Howard's haircut on upside-down?
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:26 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:26 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Same reason that Neuer seems to be becoming an outfield player.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:27 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:27 AM on June 26, 2014
The match is so one-sided that Germany's goalie is running to the midfield to stop the occasional ball that strays onto Germany's side, for lack of anything better to do... It's a blessed miracle that Germany hasn't run up the score. Knock on wood.
posted by ardgedee at 10:29 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by ardgedee at 10:29 AM on June 26, 2014
Finally the USA cross the halfway line!
Also, Neuer - awesome!
posted by marienbad at 10:29 AM on June 26, 2014
Also, Neuer - awesome!
posted by marienbad at 10:29 AM on June 26, 2014
Okay maybe a 6-3-1 defense doesn't work so hot when what you really need is counterattacks.
posted by Navelgazer at 10:30 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by Navelgazer at 10:30 AM on June 26, 2014
Same reason that Neuer seems to be becoming an outfield player.
Ever seen that amazing Jens Lehmann goal?
posted by hoyland at 10:31 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Ever seen that amazing Jens Lehmann goal?
posted by hoyland at 10:31 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Are all the Americans lying on the pitch?
posted by shothotbot at 10:32 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by shothotbot at 10:32 AM on June 26, 2014
Need to communicate a bit, give each other a shout. Great dispossesion of the Germans there, should have made more of it.
posted by marienbad at 10:33 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 10:33 AM on June 26, 2014
GER wins the group, USA advances.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:36 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:36 AM on June 26, 2014
US goes through on goal difference if I've got the table right in my head.
posted by hoyland at 10:37 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by hoyland at 10:37 AM on June 26, 2014
Germany always goes for the win, marienbad.
posted by brokkr at 10:37 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by brokkr at 10:37 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
US and Germany both advance if the other game ends in a draw
posted by JenMarie at 10:37 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by JenMarie at 10:37 AM on June 26, 2014
GER and USA advance
posted by Navelgazer at 10:37 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by Navelgazer at 10:37 AM on June 26, 2014
jinx
posted by Navelgazer at 10:37 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by Navelgazer at 10:37 AM on June 26, 2014
Klinsmann looks worried.
posted by travelwithcats at 10:37 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by travelwithcats at 10:37 AM on June 26, 2014
here's a handy graphic of what needs to happen for the US to advance
posted by desjardins at 10:38 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by desjardins at 10:38 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Portugal just scored, I think. But relying on my nonexistant Spanish.
posted by hoyland at 10:38 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by hoyland at 10:38 AM on June 26, 2014
Portugal scored!
posted by saturday_morning at 10:38 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by saturday_morning at 10:38 AM on June 26, 2014
jinx y'all
posted by saturday_morning at 10:38 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by saturday_morning at 10:38 AM on June 26, 2014
i never thought i'd like something ronaldo did
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:39 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:39 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
(Also, I had the table wrong. Ignore my comment about goal difference. US goes through on goal difference if Portugal win.)
posted by hoyland at 10:39 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by hoyland at 10:39 AM on June 26, 2014
and everyone suddenly loves Ronaldo.
posted by desjardins at 10:40 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by desjardins at 10:40 AM on June 26, 2014
"Germany always goes for the win, marienbad.
posted by brokkr
Tell me about it, I'm English mate. And Ronaldo nearly scores again!
posted by marienbad at 10:40 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by brokkr
Tell me about it, I'm English mate. And Ronaldo nearly scores again!
posted by marienbad at 10:40 AM on June 26, 2014
Seems like this thread is lagging for many as well.
posted by travelwithcats at 10:41 AM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by travelwithcats at 10:41 AM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
and everyone suddenly loves Ronaldo.
That's what CR7 says to his reflection every morning.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:42 AM on June 26, 2014 [3 favorites]
That's what CR7 says to his reflection every morning.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:42 AM on June 26, 2014 [3 favorites]
US go thru with a Portugal win unless Portugal make up their goal difference
posted by JenMarie at 10:42 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by JenMarie at 10:42 AM on June 26, 2014
Great play by Yedelin, but where was the overlap at the end of the move?
posted by marienbad at 10:44 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 10:44 AM on June 26, 2014
Less than 5 minutes left! GOOOO!
posted by travelwithcats at 10:44 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by travelwithcats at 10:44 AM on June 26, 2014
Kinda looks like a fail-up situation. One win and zero goal differential. Not as bad as Greece and on par with Nigeria. :/
posted by edgeways at 10:47 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by edgeways at 10:47 AM on June 26, 2014
What was that decision against Beasley for? Poor referreeing.
posted by marienbad at 10:47 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 10:47 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Yeah, double elimination makes for some complication.
posted by vapidave at 10:48 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by vapidave at 10:48 AM on June 26, 2014
It's not actually double elimination...
posted by hoyland at 10:49 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by hoyland at 10:49 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
I don't mind Ronaldo, given that he worked his way up from a dirt-poor background to be one of the best footballers in the world. I'll bet his crazy wages are also serving to lift many friends and family out of poverty too. He trains like a mothefucker, is super good at his job and hasn't bitten anyone, so I have no problem with the guy. His vanity or otherwise doesn't affect me.
Now, my thoughts on his hairstyling: ...
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:50 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Now, my thoughts on his hairstyling: ...
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:50 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
USA defence well organised there, poushed out quick.
posted by marienbad at 10:50 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 10:50 AM on June 26, 2014
I really like the group stage - they should change the NCAA final to a similar format.
posted by shothotbot at 10:51 AM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by shothotbot at 10:51 AM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
Best chance of the day!
posted by shothotbot at 10:52 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by shothotbot at 10:52 AM on June 26, 2014
Good on the making it to round two, but it'll be ... a challenge against Belgium (presumably)
posted by edgeways at 10:52 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by edgeways at 10:52 AM on June 26, 2014
If they did it in the NCAA, it just seems more likely to rule out Cinderella stories.
posted by smackfu at 10:53 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by smackfu at 10:53 AM on June 26, 2014
So in the Round of 16, it's the USA vs probably Belgium, possibly Algeria (will know in a few hours) next Tuesday at 4pm Eastern. That's quite winnable!
Get through that match and ... oh. The USA would almost definitely face (gulp!) Argentina in the Quarter Finals.
See y'all back here on Tuesday?
USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
posted by Wordshore at 10:53 AM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
quid,
Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Tribute to Cancer-Stricken Child Through His Haircut
posted by benito.strauss at 10:53 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Tribute to Cancer-Stricken Child Through His Haircut
posted by benito.strauss at 10:53 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
USA can take on Belgium. I'd say 50/50.
posted by brokkr at 10:54 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by brokkr at 10:54 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
What an amazing end to the USA game, nearly scoring twice in quick sucession. Well done USA.
posted by marienbad at 10:54 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 10:54 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
benito.strauss: "Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Tribute to Cancer-Stricken Child Through His Haircut"Debunked.
posted by brokkr at 10:55 AM on June 26, 2014 [4 favorites]
It's an amazing end to the GER game, you mean.
posted by travelwithcats at 10:55 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by travelwithcats at 10:55 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
My feed froze halfway through that second USA almost-score. Oh the swearing!
posted by benito.strauss at 10:56 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by benito.strauss at 10:56 AM on June 26, 2014
Yeah, Belgium haven't been scintillating. Algeria look ok, but again, USA should match them.
posted by marienbad at 10:57 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 10:57 AM on June 26, 2014
I think I have had too many carbs and too much soccer to work for the rest of the day...
posted by shothotbot at 10:57 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by shothotbot at 10:57 AM on June 26, 2014
Seems like the Goal.com live commentary just kicked back and stopped a few minutes ago.
posted by dhartung at 10:58 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by dhartung at 10:58 AM on June 26, 2014
Up next: Algussia! South Belgorea!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:03 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:03 AM on June 26, 2014
Yeah, the quarter-finals is a real possibility for the USA now. Really, Klinsmann should get a lot of credit...
In the other match, that own goal by Boye was kind of a wonder goal.
posted by running order squabble fest at 11:05 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
In the other match, that own goal by Boye was kind of a wonder goal.
posted by running order squabble fest at 11:05 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Never fear, Christoph Metzelder is growing a beard for the World Cup. Because that'll make a big difference.
posted by hoyland at 11:05 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by hoyland at 11:05 AM on June 26, 2014
Granted it was only a friendly but Belgium beat the US convincingly enough (4-2) just last month. and I kinda doubt Bel has been playing it's 'A' game in that bracket they drew
posted by edgeways at 11:06 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by edgeways at 11:06 AM on June 26, 2014
Wow, really talking the losers up, y'all.
posted by travelwithcats at 11:08 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by travelwithcats at 11:08 AM on June 26, 2014
In case anyone reads German: SMS between Jürgen and Jogi.
posted by hoyland at 11:08 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by hoyland at 11:08 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Klinny speaks! [via BBC}
"USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann on his side reaching the last-16 for the second successive World Cup finals: "It's huge for us to reach the last-16. We wanted at least a tie out of the game and maybe at the beginning we had too much respect.
"But overall there was tremendous energy and effort from all of the side. It's huge for us to get out of group - everyone said we had no chance but we took that chance. Now we want to prove a point."
posted by marienbad at 11:08 AM on June 26, 2014
"USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann on his side reaching the last-16 for the second successive World Cup finals: "It's huge for us to reach the last-16. We wanted at least a tie out of the game and maybe at the beginning we had too much respect.
"But overall there was tremendous energy and effort from all of the side. It's huge for us to get out of group - everyone said we had no chance but we took that chance. Now we want to prove a point."
posted by marienbad at 11:08 AM on June 26, 2014
Well, it was a squeaker, but the US was never really in the game against Germany except for the close shave in the last 2 minutes of injury time. The German goalie is SO BORED...
Oh well, on to the next round. Thanks, Ronaldo, I guess?
posted by RedOrGreen at 11:09 AM on June 26, 2014
Oh well, on to the next round. Thanks, Ronaldo, I guess?
posted by RedOrGreen at 11:09 AM on June 26, 2014
hoyland, it's fiction.
posted by travelwithcats at 11:09 AM on June 26, 2014
posted by travelwithcats at 11:09 AM on June 26, 2014
Oops, sorry quid. Looks like the refs have called Ronaldo's hair "in-bounds for satire". Play on.
posted by benito.strauss at 11:36 AM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by benito.strauss at 11:36 AM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
Germany! Now those are some haircuts you can set your watch to!
posted by Navelgazer at 11:44 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Navelgazer at 11:44 AM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
I just went to lunch, and saw a guy wearing a German team jersey with a full on Rudi Völler 1980s mullet.
Well played, mein Herr. Well played.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 12:46 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Well played, mein Herr. Well played.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 12:46 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Just back.. Phew. Thought I'd miss the games! Just waiting for the adverts ITV makes you watch even though the game has started!
posted by marienbad at 1:02 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:02 PM on June 26, 2014
Anyone watching either of the Belgium or Algeria games?
posted by marienbad at 1:03 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:03 PM on June 26, 2014
Both, and Russia is now up by 1
posted by elizardbits at 1:08 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by elizardbits at 1:08 PM on June 26, 2014
wait, tomorrow's a fucking rest day? the one fucking day i can legit sit in front of our massive projection tv in the office and watch the game guilt free and it's a fucking rest day?
thanks obama
posted by elizardbits at 1:12 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
thanks obama
posted by elizardbits at 1:12 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Next footy is 28th/29th/30th/1st for the last 16 round games. (according to my wallchart at any rate)
posted by marienbad at 1:18 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:18 PM on June 26, 2014
"Looks like more wrist than fist" - ITV commentator on Belgium vs South Korea.
posted by kariebookish at 1:19 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by kariebookish at 1:19 PM on June 26, 2014
Much as it pains me to say it of a Capello team, but Russia are playing well!
posted by marienbad at 1:20 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:20 PM on June 26, 2014
Hey. Algeria - you're playing in white, try finding a teammate with your passes
posted by marienbad at 1:22 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:22 PM on June 26, 2014
Oh belgium, so close
posted by elizardbits at 1:22 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by elizardbits at 1:22 PM on June 26, 2014
I'm watching Belgium vs. Korea, but Algeria v. Russia is probably more significant, right?
posted by benito.strauss at 1:26 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by benito.strauss at 1:26 PM on June 26, 2014
Mertens what are you doing
posted by elizardbits at 1:27 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by elizardbits at 1:27 PM on June 26, 2014
Yes as it is a decider, benito.strauss
One thing this World Cup - look up and pass, don't go for glory when its the wrong option. The amount of bad decision making in this regard has been huge.
Great effort from KSY there, poor defending though.
Nearly an own goal from the corner...
posted by marienbad at 1:30 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
One thing this World Cup - look up and pass, don't go for glory when its the wrong option. The amount of bad decision making in this regard has been huge.
Great effort from KSY there, poor defending though.
Nearly an own goal from the corner...
posted by marienbad at 1:30 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
There are tons of empty seats in the Algeria Russia game. There have been a lot of games with empty seats. Well Done FIFA.
Russia playing well, Algeria need to step it up several gears.
Korea not presenting much difficulty to Belgium but they are not good in the final third (again I say this today!)
posted by marienbad at 1:43 PM on June 26, 2014
Russia playing well, Algeria need to step it up several gears.
Korea not presenting much difficulty to Belgium but they are not good in the final third (again I say this today!)
posted by marienbad at 1:43 PM on June 26, 2014
oh god that ankle stomp looked awful
posted by elizardbits at 1:47 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by elizardbits at 1:47 PM on June 26, 2014
Belgium are ok though, unless Korea score 1 and Algeria score 2 or vice versa (if my maths is correct!) They will struggle against Korea as Korea will press and work extremely hard now - they need to give their fans something to cheer about after their awful World Cup, but currentlyh, Algeria don't look like scoring at all.
posted by marienbad at 1:51 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:51 PM on June 26, 2014
Picture of the Defour tackle which led to the red card
posted by marienbad at 1:53 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 1:53 PM on June 26, 2014
If USA can find a player to kick the ball into the goal they definitely have a chance. But really, the lack of a penetrating offence is going to be their downfall.
posted by From Bklyn at 2:15 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by From Bklyn at 2:15 PM on June 26, 2014
First one then the other Russian Full Back gets a yellow card!
posted by marienbad at 2:16 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:16 PM on June 26, 2014
Algeria score from the resulting free kick! they are currently through!
posted by marienbad at 2:17 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 2:17 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Belgium Korea has come alive - almost end to end stuff.
posted by marienbad at 2:21 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:21 PM on June 26, 2014
curse my tiny bladder i missed the excitement
posted by elizardbits at 2:21 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by elizardbits at 2:21 PM on June 26, 2014
Belgium's goalie looks like a younger, skinnier mathowie. He's even wearing a bright blue uniform with yellow shoes.
posted by ardgedee at 2:22 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by ardgedee at 2:22 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Tuesday 1st July 2014 @ 21.00 BST is the next USA game. What's that, 5pm Eastern time?
posted by marienbad at 2:25 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:25 PM on June 26, 2014
For Fucks Sake Korea, pass the ball, especially when you are on the edge of the 18 yard box and there is no way through.
posted by marienbad at 2:29 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:29 PM on June 26, 2014
It's almost like both teams are scared to shoot at goal.
posted by kariebookish at 2:32 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by kariebookish at 2:32 PM on June 26, 2014
Thank heavens something finally happened. Belgium scores.
posted by kariebookish at 2:35 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by kariebookish at 2:35 PM on June 26, 2014
Belgium break the deadlock. This surely puts them through. Good shot from Origi.
posted by marienbad at 2:36 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:36 PM on June 26, 2014
BELGIUM SCORES!
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:36 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:36 PM on June 26, 2014
South Korea have a one-man advantage and still couldn't seem to spare a defender to mark Origi. They should be embarrassed by that goal.
posted by ardgedee at 2:40 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by ardgedee at 2:40 PM on June 26, 2014
Is there any way Russia could go through now?
posted by benito.strauss at 2:40 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by benito.strauss at 2:40 PM on June 26, 2014
If they beat algeria they go through I think.
posted by Justinian at 2:43 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Justinian at 2:43 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Origi has looked lively, commentators saying LFC have signed him - if true then its bye bye Suarez, hello Origi. I hope its true, I could do with some good football news, as an England and LFC fan.
I think if Russia score they are through.
posted by marienbad at 2:44 PM on June 26, 2014
I think if Russia score they are through.
posted by marienbad at 2:44 PM on June 26, 2014
Next goal wins it, I think, for either Algeria or Russia. As it stands, it's Algeria. I do like the geopolitical implications of a Germany/Russia match, though.
posted by kariebookish at 2:47 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by kariebookish at 2:47 PM on June 26, 2014
Algeria (3 points, +1 GD) – vs. Russia
* Will win the group with a win over Russia and a South Korea win.
* Will advance with a win over Russia.
* Will advance with a draw against Russia and a Belgium win or draw, or a loss in which South Korea doesn't pass Algeria in goal differential.
Russia (1 point, -1 GD) – vs. Algeria
* Will advance with a win over Algeria and a Belgium win or draw.
* Will advance with a win over Algeria and a Belgium loss, if South Korea doesn't pass Russia in goal differential.
(I probably accounted for at least 500 clicks on this page since it went live on Monday.
posted by wensink at 2:49 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
* Will win the group with a win over Russia and a South Korea win.
* Will advance with a win over Russia.
* Will advance with a draw against Russia and a Belgium win or draw, or a loss in which South Korea doesn't pass Algeria in goal differential.
Russia (1 point, -1 GD) – vs. Algeria
* Will advance with a win over Algeria and a Belgium win or draw.
* Will advance with a win over Algeria and a Belgium loss, if South Korea doesn't pass Russia in goal differential.
(I probably accounted for at least 500 clicks on this page since it went live on Monday.
posted by wensink at 2:49 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Algeria are through - the is the first time they have done it!
posted by marienbad at 2:52 PM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by marienbad at 2:52 PM on June 26, 2014 [2 favorites]
Also, it makes my FPP accurate now!
And Belgium are through to play the USA.
posted by marienbad at 2:53 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
And Belgium are through to play the USA.
posted by marienbad at 2:53 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
There was this middle-aged Algerian dude in a neon green troll doll wig practically in tears in the last few minutes. I'm happy for him.
posted by benito.strauss at 2:54 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by benito.strauss at 2:54 PM on June 26, 2014
Tuesday 1st July 2014 @ 21.00 BST is the next USA game. What's that, 5pm Eastern time?
ESPN lists it as starting at 11:30 AM. We sure do love our pre-game here.
posted by benito.strauss at 2:56 PM on June 26, 2014
ESPN lists it as starting at 11:30 AM. We sure do love our pre-game here.
posted by benito.strauss at 2:56 PM on June 26, 2014
Whew, what a day of football. Not the best games but entertaining, and now onto the buisness end of the tournament.
posted by marienbad at 2:56 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 2:56 PM on June 26, 2014
Saturday we shall meet again for the first Round of 16 match! Brazil vs. Chile.
posted by travelwithcats at 2:58 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by travelwithcats at 2:58 PM on June 26, 2014
On this form, I would actually rather play Belgium than Algeria, and I'm pretty happy we're doing so. They have not been convincing for such a heralded team coming into the tournament.
posted by Errant at 2:59 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by Errant at 2:59 PM on June 26, 2014
Hopefully BRA CHI will be a great game. Chile look good, Brazil not so good but not losing.
Errant, Belgium held on against 11 of Korea for over 45 minutes but I know what you mean - they have not looked like the secretly-could-win-it-no-really dark horses, more just maybes; however I think he will be playing Hazard and Origi against USA so it should be more interesting.
Someone commented upthread about the USA scoring, and Altidore could be back soon, although he doesn't have a great scoring record,
posted by marienbad at 3:03 PM on June 26, 2014
Errant, Belgium held on against 11 of Korea for over 45 minutes but I know what you mean - they have not looked like the secretly-could-win-it-no-really dark horses, more just maybes; however I think he will be playing Hazard and Origi against USA so it should be more interesting.
Someone commented upthread about the USA scoring, and Altidore could be back soon, although he doesn't have a great scoring record,
posted by marienbad at 3:03 PM on June 26, 2014
Your round of 16
Brazil - "Canarinho" ("Little Canary")
Chile - "La Roja" ("The Red One")
Colombia - "Los Cafeteros" ("The Coffee Growers")
Uruguay - “La Celeste" ("The Sky Blue One")
France - "Les Bleus" (“The Blues”)
Nigeria - “Super Eagles"
Germany - “Nationalmannschaft" ("National Team")
Algeria - “Les Fennecs" ("The Desert Foxes")
Costa Rica - “Los Ticos”
Greece - "Piratiko" ("The Pirate Ship")
Netherlands - Clockwork Orange
Mexico - "El Tri"
Argentina - "La Albicelestes" (“The White and Sky Blue”)
Switzerland - "The Schweizer Nati" ("The Swiss National Team")
Belgium - “Red Devils”
United States - "The Yanks"
Super Eagles edge out Desert Foxes, FTW. And Les Bleus take the Cup.
posted by wensink at 3:08 PM on June 26, 2014
Brazil - "Canarinho" ("Little Canary")
Chile - "La Roja" ("The Red One")
Colombia - "Los Cafeteros" ("The Coffee Growers")
Uruguay - “La Celeste" ("The Sky Blue One")
France - "Les Bleus" (“The Blues”)
Nigeria - “Super Eagles"
Germany - “Nationalmannschaft" ("National Team")
Algeria - “Les Fennecs" ("The Desert Foxes")
Costa Rica - “Los Ticos”
Greece - "Piratiko" ("The Pirate Ship")
Netherlands - Clockwork Orange
Mexico - "El Tri"
Argentina - "La Albicelestes" (“The White and Sky Blue”)
Switzerland - "The Schweizer Nati" ("The Swiss National Team")
Belgium - “Red Devils”
United States - "The Yanks"
Super Eagles edge out Desert Foxes, FTW. And Les Bleus take the Cup.
posted by wensink at 3:08 PM on June 26, 2014
Round of 16 Onwards Thread by wordshore. We can wrap this thread up now!! Finally, it is accurate and over.
posted by marienbad at 3:12 PM on June 26, 2014
posted by marienbad at 3:12 PM on June 26, 2014
Oh, don't get me wrong, I don't think it's a shoo-in or that the USA has suddenly become the favorite. But I think we match up well against them. Fullback (either one) has long been a problem position for the USA, so I'm just as happy not to have Slimani and Djabou running in behind Beasley and Johnson.
posted by Errant at 3:27 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Errant at 3:27 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Ah, so much gnashing of teeth in the Korean media right now ...
With South Korea out, none of the Asian teams (Australia, Iran, Japan, Korea) made it to the round of 16 - heck, none of them even won a match during this World Cup. Much worry that FIFA might take away an AFC slot for the next World Cup.
posted by needled at 4:00 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
With South Korea out, none of the Asian teams (Australia, Iran, Japan, Korea) made it to the round of 16 - heck, none of them even won a match during this World Cup. Much worry that FIFA might take away an AFC slot for the next World Cup.
posted by needled at 4:00 PM on June 26, 2014 [1 favorite]
Much worry that FIFA might take away an AFC slot for the next World Cup.
While I sympathize with this as a predicament, there's a certain element of schadenfreude with respect to Australia if it comes to pass, what with all the effort they put in to get into Asia, claiming it was impossible to qualify from Oceania and getting into Asia just as they qualified from Oceania.
That aside, I do kind of feel like CAF deserves another slot.
posted by hoyland at 4:38 AM on June 27, 2014
While I sympathize with this as a predicament, there's a certain element of schadenfreude with respect to Australia if it comes to pass, what with all the effort they put in to get into Asia, claiming it was impossible to qualify from Oceania and getting into Asia just as they qualified from Oceania.
That aside, I do kind of feel like CAF deserves another slot.
posted by hoyland at 4:38 AM on June 27, 2014
hoyland: That aside, I do kind of feel like CAF deserves another slot.
I like the idea that I heard recently that the World Cup should expand to 40 teams by making the groups 5-team groups. It would curtail the debates about qualifying slot allocation and I think it would be good to have more games in the group stage, so that a single surprising result doesn't have as much impact on a team.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:49 AM on June 27, 2014
I like the idea that I heard recently that the World Cup should expand to 40 teams by making the groups 5-team groups. It would curtail the debates about qualifying slot allocation and I think it would be good to have more games in the group stage, so that a single surprising result doesn't have as much impact on a team.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:49 AM on June 27, 2014
« Older "A pantry full of ingredients" | Eigendemocracy: crowd-sourced deliberative... Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
You know, people say to me: "Hey Jose, how come you are not managing teams in World Cup, but you are a special one? What the Football are you doing, huh??? The world needs you."
I say, yes - I am not in World Cup, because I am managing now in more important competition, better than World Cup. Look at the World Cup, please. Is it a cup? No - it is a statue of some people. You cannot eat soup out of this statue. Typical Fifa, they say "cup" but they don't give you a cup, they don't give you soup and no penalty either. Please, I know this.
But today, many millions of people are starving around the world from hunger, because they have no soup. That is why I am now become manager of United Nations World Food Programme - to feed the whole world from real cups, and not a statue of a cup.
So I win many League Cup, win FA Cup, European Cups, I can win Nobel Peace Prize Cup please, but World Cup I do not need. Please don't call me arrogant. Jesus fed the 5,000; he was an OK one. But Mourinho, he will feed the whole world. Because I am a special one.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:52 AM on June 23, 2014 [55 favorites]