2014 FIFA World Cup

[Brahmsian]

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.

The Dutch are favourites in this match, and rightly so.  But, this is no gimmie. 

[North Star]

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).

Absolutely.

The Dutch are favourites in this match, and rightly so.  But, this is no gimmie. 

Oh, certainly not. No game at this level is, and plenty of favourites are already out. Not like with ice hockey where it's a much smaller group of teams constantly winning the medals.

[NJ Joe]

So help me I thought Brazil was finished when Pinilla launched that shot. As ChamberNut said, Chile have nothing to be ashamed of.  Great games, both. Looking forward to today's games.

[Brahmsian]

So help me I thought Brazil was finished when Pinilla launched that shot. As ChamberNut said, Chile have nothing to be ashamed of.  Great games, both. Looking forward to today's games.

Yes, so close.  The nation of Brazil had all it's collective hearts in their throats at that moment.  Just a few inches away.

[Brahmsian]

Had a lot of fun after the 2 games were completed yesterday, doing some searching on the history of the World Cup, and the history of the South American Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup.  Canada actually won the Gold Cup in 2000! 

Uruguay has a rich football history, and of course, won the inaugural World Cup on home soil in 1930 and again in 1950, defeating the hosting nation Brazil in the final 2-1, a shattering loss for the Brazilian nation.

FWIW, Uruguay has won the most South American championships (since 1916).  More than Argentina and Brazil.  Impressive for Uruguay, that have a much smaller population (only 3 million) than Brazil and Argentina. 

[North Star]

FWIW, Uruguay has won the most South American championships (since 1916).  More than Argentina and Brazil.  Impressive for Uruguay, that have a much smaller population (only 3 million) than Brazil and Argentina.

That is impressive!

[Sergeant Rock]

Uruguay has a rich football history, and of course, won the inaugural World Cup on home soil in 1930 and again in 1950, defeating the hosting nation Brazil in the final 2-1, a shattering loss for the Brazilian nation.

Brazil lost because they were not yet wearing golden yellow 

Sarge

[Brahmsian]

Wow, what a frenzied ending to that match (Mexico vs. Netherlands)

Orange is the colour of ecstasy, and green is the colour of agony.

Heartbreak for Mexico, and the Dutch are through to the quarters.  Good marks on the Dutch for continuously pressing to get that equalizer.  Mexican goaltender was the best player for Mexico.

Mexico sat back on that 1-0 lead a bit too much, and conceded way too many corners.\

Congrats to the Orange Crush!! 

[North Star]

What an amazing ending indeed!
Mexico should indeed have continued playing like they had before the goal, but they probably didn't have the energy for it. The Mexican goaltender was indeed superb.

Robben is just too amazing.

[Brahmsian]

FWIW, Uruguay has won the most South American championships (since 1916).  More than Argentina and Brazil.  Impressive for Uruguay, that have a much smaller population (only 3 million) than Brazil and Argentina.

Many people think of the Carpathian mountains and Transylvania Alps, but few people think of Uruguay for most sightings of human vampyres.

[Marc]

What an amazing ending indeed!
Mexico should indeed have continued playing like they had before the goal, but they probably didn't have the energy for it. The Mexican goaltender was indeed superb.

Robben is just too amazing.

Mexican coach ruined his own chances by taking a forward out and putting a defender in.
Strangely enough he seemed to think that his guys were better in defending than attacking.

Not true.

Probably the best thing about the Dutch squad: they've trained so hard and now they're superfit. It was tropical on the pitch, but the Mexicans ran out of steam earlier. The Dutch lack genius (apart from Robben, Van Persie) compared to the Dutch teams from earlier tournaments, but the entire team effort remains impressive. Dirk Kuijt was phenomenal in his 100th cap. He's orginally a striker, but the only position he hasn't played in during his international career, is goalkeeper. But I bet he's a fine goalie, too.

[North Star]

What a game, that Costa Rica vs. Greece!

[TheGSMoeller]

What a game, that Costa Rica vs. Greece!

Yeah, shootouts are intense. Great win for Costa Rica.

[Brahmsian]

Yeah, shootouts are intense. Great win for Costa Rica.

Ole, Costa Rica!    They managed to survive about 50 minutes with a man short, thanks to their goalkeeper.

[arkiv]

Another typical dive of Robben, robbs the match.
This guy is always trying to cheat.

[mc ukrneal]

Until they start to penalize the flopping, acting, etc, players will just continue to do it and push it as far as they can. Same for biting...whoops...

On the other hand, refs have a tough job, and Mexico really deserved to lose those last minutes with such lousy play. That said, they played great up until they scored. I dislike all the blaming of the refs...I think they have done quite a good job for the most part.

[North Star]

Another typical dive of Robben, robbs the match.
This guy is always trying to cheat.

You're calling that a typical dive and cheat & post the evidence that clearly shows he wasn't diving, as the defensive team's player clearly trips Robben in the picture.. Also, don't forget that foul earlier against him in the penalty box, from which he didn't get a penalty shot. The chap might occasionally dive, but much more often he is fouled against, as he is the soul of the offense of his team.

[arkiv]

This is a contact sport.
Then referee missed a clear penalty for double fault in the first time.

[North Star]

This is a contact sport.

With rules about tripping.

Then referee missed a clear penalty for double fault in the first time.

So he did, indeed.
Don't get me wrong, it was a very tight game that could have gone either way, regardless of the penalties given or missed by the referee. Mexico made a big mistake changing their game after they got the lead.

[Brahmsian]

Today's matches:

France vs Nigeria

Germany vs Algeria

Because of my french background, I'll be rooting for Les Bleus.

What are the odds of a Nigeria vs Algeria quarter-final match up?