2014 FIFA World Cup

[springrite]

What's wrong with Suarez ? 

Being a jerk all the way through and asking: where is China when the World Cup needs it? 

I'd expect him to behave if he plays China. First of all, he will score nine goals, no problem. Secondly, I believe he has seen Kungfu movies?

[Florestan]

I'd expect him to behave if he plays China. First of all, he will score nine goals, no problem. Secondly, I believe he has seen Kungfu movies?

[Brahmsian]

I like the yellow and red card system in football.  Seems harsh as a penalty at times, but I like it at the same time.

Some kind of variation of this, I would love to see in hockey.  2 penalties and you are out of the game, and play a man short for the game too!    Might eliminate some of the stick work and dirty hits on the ice.

[springrite]

Some kind of variation of this, I would love to see in hockey.  2 penalties and you are out of the game, and play a man short for the game too!   

They can do that now that Probert, Domi, Tiger Williams and Avery are all retired.

I would also like to see red card offences that causes major injuries (broken leg, for instance) get the same length ban as the player is out. Stoke City would be out of players by midseason.

[Brahmsian]

They can do that now that Probert, Domi, Tiger Williams and Avery are all retired.

I would also like to see red card offences that causes major injuries (broken leg, for instance) get the same length ban as the player is out. Stoke City would be out of players by midseason.

Totally agree there, 100%.

[springrite]

Three Suarez biting incidences. This must the first (and let's hope the last) of its kind "hat trick".

A Chinese website has this headline: Suarez Completes Unique and Unprecedented Hat trick!

[Marc]

Greek 'drama': a sensational but also tragic ending of the match Côte d'Ivoire vs Greece. Samaras, despite playing a disappointing tournament so far, managed to 'fix' a penalty and scored himself in the ultimate seconds. Les Éléphants are out of the competition. Many elephants were playing too selfish though.

[Brahmsian]

Three Suarez biting incidences. This must the first (and let's hope the last) of its kind "hat trick".

Well, instead of a Gordie Howe hat trick, I think we can call this one a Mike Tyson hat trick! 

[springrite]

I have the choice of watching USA vs. Germany or sleep (it is midnight here).

Decisions, decisions...

[Brahmsian]

I have the choice of watching USA vs. Germany or sleep (it is midnight here).

Decisions, decisions...

Might as well sleep, Paul.  They (USA and Germany) will probably just kick the ball around to one another.  A draw puts them both through. 

[springrite]

Might as well sleep, Paul.  They (USA and Germany) will probably just kick the ball around to one another.  A draw puts them both through. 

Well, that is not a very American nor a very German way to do it (although the most famous case of doing just that involved Germany!), I suspect the result of the Ghana Portugal match will make the result in this one irrelevant anyway.

[Florestan]

Well, that is not a very American nor a very German way to do it

And yet, after half time is over one can safely shout: Boooo! Boooo! Shame on you, Yanks and Fritz's! 

[springrite]

I suspect the result of the Ghana Portugal match will make the result in this one irrelevant anyway.

Like I said.

[Florestan]

Brazil-Chile, I will support Chile all the way. They won't probably win but will be a tough nut to crack.

Like I said.

I'm very, very, very sorry for Chile.

Next, I support Colombia against Uruguay.

[Brahmsian]

Like I said.

I'm very, very, very sorry for Chile.

Next, I support Colombia against Uruguay.

Same here.  However, Chile has nothing to be ashamed of.  They gave it their all, and dominated that 2nd half (except for extra time).  A crossbar and a goal post, it is a game of inches.  Wonderful effort by Chile, and congrats to Brazil for moving on.  What an intense, exciting game to watch.

*Hulk for Brazil played a great game (although he seems to go down often for such a big guy). 

Colombia and Uruguay - another South American showdown, should be fun!

[TheGSMoeller]

Colombia vs Uruguay, now there's a game I can sink my teeth into.  0:)

[springrite]

While watching the shootout and thinking that Brazil just might lose, I wrote:

"There once was a team named Brazil
Whose squad is so full of skill
But now in front of Los Rojas
They resemble a team from China
And the chance for The Cup is now: Nil."

Afterwards, the final line was changed to:

"And by golly that was almost spilled milk!"

[Brahmsian]

Yesterday, Colombia's first goal by James Rodriguez (what a beauty!) was reminiscent of Maxi Rodriguez' goal for Argentina against Mexico in extra time in the 2006 World Cup.

I think Colombia poses a serious challenge and threat to Brazil's dream of winning it all on home soil.

In today's games, it will be Netherlands vs Mexico, and Costa Rica vs Greece.

I'll be cheering for both CONCACAF teams.  I give Costa Rica a real good chance of defeating Greece, while I see Mexico (not as the favourite) but still a chance of defeating the excellent Dutch team.

[North Star]

I agree, Colombia vs. Brazil might not be too easy for Brazil, but probably not as hard as Chile.
I'd like to see Netherlands advancing - and it seems very likely - but then again, I haven't seen much of Mexico's playing so far.

[Brahmsian]

I agree, Colombia vs. Brazil might not be too easy for Brazil, but probably not as hard as Chile.

Well, Brazil have to be more disciplined on defence.  If they don't, you can see how quickly Colombia (mostly Rodriquez) can make you pay for the slightest defensive breakdown (and as Chile did yesterday on Brazil's very sloppy throw in that tied the game).