I've always felt the Germans were very overated. I don't think they have the flair or players to win it.
just wanted to say, what a fantastic match last nights game between the usa and belgium was. as nil nils go, that was a good 'un!
If Belgium could finish properly then it would of been 4-0. Great game, very glad the USA lost as I've got some American mates who have become a bit too big for their boots this tournament and they need shooting down.
There have been some funny old games this week with a very similar pattern running through them, especially the past three days - all six games have been nil nil at half-time after a cagey opening first 45 minutes, gradually building up and up in the second half (5/6 going to extra-time) before finally reaching a fantastic crescendo with a barnstorming finish of end to end football with goals, saves, goal-line clearances the lot! It's been absolutely brilliant! Not quite sure what I'm going to do with myself the next couple of nights, I might actually have to make conversation with the missus
One of those where I felt tempted to use the old cliché "Shame there has to be a loser in this one". Fantastic strike by young Green, coming on as sub and Tim Howard was in imperious form - until last season's team mate Romelu Lukaku got involved! Cracking game.
its definitely been the best world cup i can remember (so far). bizarrely, the teams who have got through all seem to have major weaknesses and the overall quality is perhaps slightly lower than previous tournaments, but because so many teams have applied themselves in an attacking manor, combined with some terrible defending has made for a cracking set of games. in order of how impressed i've been: colombia - james rodriguez takes the plaudits but they are far from a one man team - some exceptional players (remember they don't even have the excellent falcao here). i'd love them to go on to win it but i fear they will fall to brazil. france - a very good side who for once, seem a harmonious bunch. i think they'll knock the germans out. netherlands - not a great dutch side but le oranje possess the quality up top to hurt teams. costa rica - surprised everyone (except my mate who tipped them for a quarter final berth before the competition started, the jammy bugger). play with a freedom that is great to watch but i think they'll fall at the next hurdle. germany - like holland, a mediocre side by their usual high standards but still a capable tournament team. piss poor at the back but have the best goalkeeper left in the tournament in my opinion. belgium - not been impressed with them but they do have great players. problem is they play as individuals and not as a team, but they have players who could produce something from nothing so they are a threat. brazil - one man team. without neymar they wouldn't have a prayer. having said that, i still think if they get past the excellent colombians they'll gain the momentum to win the thing. argentina - also a one man team. messi the driving force, they've probably been the most disappointing side at the tournament as they really do have a great side on paper. ps. suarez in talks with barcelona.
Tim Howard! There are no superlatives left to describe just how brilliant he's been throughout this World Cup! He'd better shave that beard off though as US immigration might mistake him and send him off to Guantanamo!
Nice piece here detailing how the 2-1 loss to Belgium may just have convinced Americans to embrace and fall in love with the beautiful game http://metro.co.uk/2014/07/03/usa-m...america-has-fallen-in-love-with-game-4784819/
my brother has lived in the states for ages and he reckons it really has taken off over the past few years. obviously all depends which area of the country you are in but its massive over there, absolutely massive. completely overlooked in this country just how passionate they are about the game too.
They will never be taken seriously here unless they stop calling it soccer! Difficult for them because of American football!
ironic, as it was the english who first began calling it soccer (from the word association) in the 19th century and still use it, although obviously far less frequently. the americans just use it to stop confusion with gridiron. seems a pretty petty reason to refuse to take a whole nation seriously but there you go!
