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Figured I ought to start an actual forum thread ...

Eng out in group stage for first time in 56 years - don't remember that ;)

Biggest surprises of the tournament so far:

The embarrassing way Spain played. It had to come to an end one day, the core of the team not only is past their primes but the entire style of play has been figured out.

The way Colombia sans Falcao and Costa Rica have played on each of their first two matches.

I don't know if i just gave too much credit to the African teams but so far they have all been incredibly disappointing.

England has continued its failure at the international stage.

The USA didn't play very well on their first match (shouldn't be a surprise) but with some swagger pulled up a hail Mary of a W and the combination of injuries and stupidity at Portugal (Pepe); the USA now have a legitimate chance of beating a Portugal team and advance along with Germany.
It has been a very exciting World Cup, im definitely pleased with all the scoring and the drama of the tournament so far.

@VolcanoCLMBR
I agree. Attacking play. Many come from behind wins. Lots of goals. Few 0-0 games. A good WC so far.

@mazatzal

:sorrry:

@mazatzal
Cant forget one of the most exciting nil-nil draws I've seen in a while in Mexico/Brazil!

Is it just me or does it seem like Argentina won't be getting very far after the knockout stage? Many individuals not enough team work.

Argentina always lose in the quarterfinals ...

With Germany drawing Ghana yesterday, that means if the USA beats Portugal this afternoon, we will be through to the next round with one group game remaining. It would have the added bonus of seeing Portugal out of the World Cup (thus reducing the tournament dive rate by 50%). A draw would pretty much put a stake in them as well due to being curb-stomped by Germany in the first group match ...

That did not start out well.

Oh, and Michael Bradley? Try passing to the guys in the white shirts ...

Great save by Tim after they hit post.

Noooooooo!!!! Come on USA!!!!

2:2 USA came back but Portugal levelled with the final kick. Sucks, but still a good result as a draw in the next match against Germany will see both USA and Germany through. Ghana are eliminated. Portugal needs to win, hope the USA loses, and that the combination of goals between those two matches is +5 in their favor. Tall, tall order ...

So so close. Come on USA!!!!

Take that back. Forgot Ghana are on a point. Draw against Germany would still be good, but if we lose, it would be better if Portugal win, because if Ghana wins it would go several tie-breakers at best ...

Netherlands-Chile making me sleepy. Lots of diving by both sides. Giving up at half time to do something else ...

Mexico-Croatia, just skip to about the 60th minute ...

Wow this thread is exciting. Kingsnake having conversations with himself about soccer. Almost as entertaining as JimH doing the same in the weather thread!

(And yes, I am fully aware that I am guilty of the same.)

I haven't had cable or intnet since Friday I had to watch the USA match on my phone. I've missed about 10 matches I'm actually fighting with COX right this minute I have a feeling a new provider is in my future ;)

Cox - never has a company been more appropriately named ... :whistle:

@kingsnake
The Mexico / Croatia match was some of the worst referee calls I've seen so far!!! Mexico can't catch a braek Croatia fielded a rugby team in this match they've done everything besides catching the ball and running it down field meanwhile the refs are catching a few Zzzzz

Despite the Croatia paid referees, Mexico kicked !! Well done

Ps - sorry for the belated match posts. It's taking me forever to catch up