World Cup Thread

[dickiedawg]

Ref, I'd head to BWW and sit in the bar area. They'll have it on with audio and everything I'm sure.
I may be heading up there, too. I thought I was going with my wife with some folks from her office, but turns out that's just women and I don't know if I'm up for all that.

[TheRef]

Ref, I'd head to BWW and sit in the bar area. They'll have it on with audio and everything I'm sure.
I may be heading up there, too. I thought I was going with my wife with some folks from her office, but turns out that's just women and I don't know if I'm up for all that.

Well if you see a redhead at the bar, that's me.

[TheRef]

Here we go. Teams are coming out onto the pitch and National Anthems are about to be played. 2nd most important match of the day for us.

[DudyDawg]

Expect possession to be about 60-40 Germany. That's fine w Portugal tho, they are built to turn an opponent's chance into a goal of their own a few seconds later. Should be exciting and full of skill. If you're a soccer fan and fan of little things, keep your eye on the small touches ozil will do. He's amazing in ways that you really have to pay attention to to see

[DudyDawg]

Germany dominating possession already

[TheRef]

And there we see Ronaldo's speed and ball-handling. He's dangerous on the counter.

[TheRef]

So close to a HUGE mistake by the Portuguese GK.

[DudyDawg]

First off day in a while couldn't have picked a better day in sports, and it's Monday!

[Vandownbytheriver]

PENALTY!!!!!!!!!!!

[Vandownbytheriver]

And dude actually didn't dive. Bravo Germany! 1-0

[DudyDawg]

Penalty for Germany. Semi soft, but frankly that pull back would've kept Gotze from getting to the ball at eight yards for a great change. Muller converts. 1-0 Germany 12'

[TheRef]

And there it is! 1-0 Germany on the PK!!!

[esplanade91]

Summer student population isn't as strong as during the year. But I'll try BWW tonight.

Don't go to BWW for soccer matches. Zero atmosphere.

Pick a bar in the cotton district and have fun.

2010 we caught all the games at Ptolemy's at the ass crack or dawn, and it was so much fun. Packed out. There was an Englishman there who bought everyone's drinks.

[TheRef]

I might try Dave's...

[DudyDawg]

I might try Dave's...
That's the kind of hole in the wall that would wind up being fun as hell

[esplanade91]

That's the kind of hole in the wall that would wind up being fun as hell
Exactly. All sorts of people come out of the woodwork for the World Cup. Just pick a spot, anywhere but BWW.... Unless you're inclined to sitting down eating wings during a match.

Is it still called StaggarInn? I'd be there. That place was cheap and had like 1000000 tv's.

[TheRef]

Exactly. All sorts of people come out of the woodwork for the World Cup. Just pick a spot, anywhere but BWW.... Unless you're inclined to sitting down eating wings during a match.

Is it still called StaggarInn? I'd be there. That place was cheap and had like 1000000 tv's.

Ah Stagger....yeah it's still there.

[DudyDawg]

I would probabably try stagger too. Better wings and beer than bbw and cheaper. They always have some kind of deal going

[DudyDawg]

2-0 Germany. Mats Hummels heads in the corner. This is what we need, if Germany is going to win this game. Win it big

[TheRef]

2-0 Germany. Mats Hummels heads in the corner. This is what we need, if Germany is going to win this game. Win it big

Just a beautiful header off the corner. B-E-A-Utiful!

[TheRef]

Portugal almost responded...but thought he was offsides too....but he wasn't.....still 2-0 Germany.

[TheRef]

RED CARD!!!! PORTUGAL WILL NOW PLAY WITH 10 MEN!!!!

[DudyDawg]

RED CARD!!!! PORTUGAL WILL NOW PLAY WITH 10 MEN!!!!

Muller dove and acted hurt. Pepe got in his face while he was on the ground yelling at him. Muller got right up. Pepe gets red. I think that's a bad call. Lucky for us, he will miss the USA game. He is their best defender

[DudyDawg]

Okay, maybe it was the right call. Slight head but. Stupid play. Referee could see it all

[TheRef]

Good news for us, Pepe is suspended for the match against the US. This may just be the break we need.

[hacker]

I thought it was a weak call too because from the original angle it looked like he was just calling him a *****. But I guess a headbutt on a dude sitting on the ground is worth a red card.

[DudyDawg]

3-0. Should've been saved. Muller again. Germany looks real good, Portugal, real average

[TheRef]

3-0 Germany!!! Bratwurst and German beer for everyone!!!!

[DudyDawg]

I thought it was a weak call too because from the original angle it looked like he was just calling him a *****. But I guess a headbutt on a dude sitting on the ground is worth a red card.

Yup. Even the headbutt wasn't hard. But it's a rule. No matter how hard or soft, you're done

[TheRef]

Yup. Even the headbutt wasn't hard. But it's a rule. No matter how hard or soft, you're done

Bad thing is, he could've probably gotten away with it if he didn't do it right in front of the ref....

[TheRef]

HT: 3-0 Germany. Break out the German beer in Das Boot!!!!!!!

[LiterallyPolice]

What I've seen so far is very good for the USA:
1.) Most importantly Portugal doesn't look very threatening. They look mediocre, ill-prepared, and they are frazzled.
2.) This game may do some psychological damage to Portugal (but, then again, it could be a wake up call)
3.) We need Portugal's goal differential to continue to plummet

[smootness]

Wow, that half literally could not have gone any better for us. There's a real good chance Portgual is -4 or -5 in GD after this one, and now Pepe is out against us.

Obviously it all hinges on us beating Ghana, but if we can do that, we now have a pretty good shot of at least tying Portugal, especially since they didn't look very good even with 11.

So if we beat Ghana and tie Portugal, and if Germany beats Ghana as they should, we'll enter the Germany match with 4 points and a positive GD; Portugal would have to kill Ghana to give themselves a shot, and we would have a decent chance of either tying Germany or at least not losing by much since they would just be making sure they didn't lose.

[TheRef]

What I've seen so far is very good for the USA:
1.) Most importantly Portugal doesn't look very threatening. They look mediocre, ill-prepared, and they are frazzled.
2.) This game may do some psychological damage to Portugal (but, then again, it could be a wake up call)
3.) We need Portugal's goal differential to continue to plummet

Germany and Portugal are doing their part of the equation for a US berth in the Round of 16. Can the US do its part?

[smootness]

Portugal often disappoints in major competitions, so I'm not going to be overly surprised if they fall on their faces. They rely too much on Ronaldo, and he hasn't been able to take over games by himself. The times he's really shined, he's been surrounded by stars at Man U and Real Madrid.

[esplanade91]

What I've seen so far is very good for the USA:
1.) Most importantly Portugal doesn't look very threatening. They look mediocre, ill-prepared, and they are frazzled.
2.) This game may do some psychological damage to Portugal (but, then again, it could be a wake up call)
3.) We need Portugal's goal differential to continue to plummet
Portugal is and has been a 2 person show, emphasis on 1 of the 2.

I've always thought we had a shot against them, and now with their 2nd best player out of the game we can put our entire focus on Renaldo. Good thing we have one of the premier stoppers in the entire world back there...

[hacker]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BqRATeWIIAAQEKZ.jpg

what that guy thought of the red card

[smootness]

Germany and Portugal are doing their part of the equation for a US berth in the Round of 16. Can the US do its part?

Yep, and I would think we'll be even more motivated than normal simply because it's Ghana. I expect Ghana to be very physical, but that shouldn't be a problem for us.

I think it's going to come down to whether or not Dempsey and Altidore can finish around the goal because I expect us to have some good chances. Bradley, Zusi, and Fabian Johnson should be able to dominate the play in the midfield.

[TheRef]

Yep, and I would think we'll be even more motivated than normal simply because it's Ghana. I expect Ghana to be very physical, but that shouldn't be a problem for us.

I think it's going to come down to whether or not Dempsey and Altidore can finish around the goal because I expect us to have some good chances. Bradley, Zusi, and Fabian Johnson should be able to dominate the play in the midfield.

Agreed. We have been playing very physical in our warm-up games to the WC. Needless to say, we will be out there and ready for an all-out brawl on the pitch.

[TheRef]

Question of the second half: Do you take Ronaldo out and save him for the US?

[smootness]

Question of the second half: Do you take Ronaldo out and save him for the US?

No way.

[DudyDawg]

Portugal often disappoints in major competitions, so I'm not going to be overly surprised if they fall on their faces. They rely too much on Ronaldo, and he hasn't been able to take over games by himself. The times he's really shined, he's been surrounded by stars at Man U and Real Madrid.

As a winger and guy who relies on speed on the counter, it's hard for him to dominate for them like he can with real. Everyone focuses on him, and he doesn't get any service. That being said, he can still hurt us, it's just harder for him.

[DudyDawg]

Question of the second half: Do you take Ronaldo out and save him for the US?
I would consider it with his recent knee trouble

[DudyDawg]

Yep, and I would think we'll be even more motivated than normal simply because it's Ghana. I expect Ghana to be very physical, but that shouldn't be a problem for us.

I think it's going to come down to whether or not Dempsey and Altidore can finish around the goal because I expect us to have some good chances. Bradley, Zusi, and Fabian Johnson should be able to dominate the play in the midfield.

Johnson is our right back. It will depend on who plays with Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones. If it is beckerman, that allows Bradley to push forward and create. If it is Zusi, Bradley has to play slightly deeper and it puts more of the pressure on Dempsey and Altidore to be able to hold up play and create off of each other

[smootness]

Goal differential is still huge, they need to try to get one or two in the second half if at all possible. And you just don't take Cristiano Ronaldo out in the World Cup.

[smootness]

Johnson is our right back. It will depend on who plays with Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones. If it is beckerman, that allows Bradley to push forward and create. If it is Zusi, Bradley has to play slightly deeper and it puts more of the pressure on Dempsey and Altidore to be able to hold up play and create off of each other

I know he is, but he plays forward a lot and lately has been the primary guy to team up with Bradley to create offensively. It'll be interesting to see how much of that he does in this one, though, with Gyan being so much of a threat up front for Ghana.

I'm fine either way we play this. I think Bradley is at his best when he plays further back and is able to be a bigger influence on gaining and retaining possession, then charging foward; but I think the team overall may be better when he's able to stay forward more.

He's not ultra-creative, but he's definitely our best passer. I think the team looked their best with Beckerman in against Nigeria.

[DudyDawg]

Looks like coentrao pulled a muscle. A non contact injury. Could miss USA also. Two Real Madrid defenders, one out for sure, one now injured. Makes me happy as a USA fan, but as a Madrid fan that sucks. Coentrao stretchered right to the tunnel. Certainly looks bad

[TheRef]

Looks like a pulled muscle or a knee problem for another Portugal defender....could be huge for the US now. 2 starting defenders down, possibly.

[DudyDawg]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BqRATeWIIAAQEKZ.jpg

what that guy thought of the red card

Those look like pointer fingers......

[DudyDawg]

Wow. 4-0 Germany. Muller with his third. Germany got some heat for choosing to play muller as a false number nine. This should shut people up. Huge game for them, and for the shape of our group

[TheRef]

Hat trick for Muller! 4-0 Germany.

[DudyDawg]

The not so obvious story line. German midfield domination. Absolutely outclassing the Portuguese midfield three

[BulldogBear]

Are we playing at 3:30 or 4:30?

[TheRef]

Are we playing at 3:30 or 4:30?

5:00 PM CDT is kickoff.

[TheRef]

FT: 4-0 Germany.

Good news for the Portugal v. USA match: Pepe is gone for sure, another great defender may be gone with injury for our match.

[DudyDawg]

Well, the German layup line is over. 4-0

[TheRef]

Group G Standings:

Germany 3 pts +4
Portugal 0 pts -4
USA and Ghana yet to play

I'll start putting Goal Differential in standings now.

[TheRef]

Iran v. Nigeria is next on ESPN. 2:00 PM CDT kickoff for that match.

[TheRef]

Okay. 10 minutes until kickoff of the Group F matchup of Iran vs. Nigeria.

[Pioneer Dawg]

Iran vs Nigeria

Winner gets.... AK's... Machetes... Trucks with machine guns....

[DudyDawg]

Iran vs Nigeria

Winner gets.... AK's... Machetes... Trucks with machine guns....

This is the game with the biggest likely bomb threat by a player in the tourney. Should be a good one!!!

[CadaverDawg]

Iran vs Nigeria

Winner gets.... AK's... Machetes... Trucks with machine guns....

I laughed

[smootness]

Iran vs Nigeria

Winner gets.... AK's... Machetes... Trucks with machine guns....

Loser also gets that, but from the other end.

[dickiedawg]

This is the game with the biggest likely bomb threat by a player in the tourney. Should be a good one!!!

I'm cheering for Nigeria. One of their Princes emailed me last week with a pretty sweet offer, I'm waiting on a wire transfer now.

[TheRef]

HT: Iran 0-0 Nigeria

[BulldogBear]

I'm cheering for Nigeria. One of their Princes emailed me last week with a pretty sweet offer, I'm waiting on a wire transfer now.

Whoa! Me too! Aren't we helpful?

[hacker]

Iranian team has some pretty slick haircuts

[TheRef]

FT: 0-0 tie.

Group F Standings:

Argentina 3 pts +1
Nigeria 1 pts 0
Iran 1 pts 0
Bosnia 0 pts -1

[TheRef]

FT: 2-1 USA

Group G Standings:

Germany 3 pts +4
USA 3 pts +1
Ghana 0 pts -1
Portugal 0 pts -4

[TheRef]

Day 6: June 17, 2014

Group H

Belgium v. Algeria 11:00 AM CDT ESPN

Russia v. South Korea 5:00 PM CDT ESPN

Group A

Brazil v. Mexico 2:00 PM CDT ESPN

[TheRef]

Algeria with a PK!

[TheRef]

Algeria strikes! 1-0 Algeria 24'

[MadisonDawg]

Would make this group interesting if Algeria knocks Belgium off

[Dawg61]

Could we meet Algeria in the round of 16? They just took a 1-0 lead on Belgium. Algeria is the team Donovan scored in the 91st minute in 2010 for USA to advance to the round of 16.

[DudyDawg]

Dumb foul by Vertonghen. Was pulling the arm of the Algerian, any contact and he was going down. Just unnecessary. 1-0 Feghouli converts. This is good for us, we need Russia to win this group and us to get second in ours.

[DudyDawg]

Could we meet Algeria in the round of 16? They just took a 1-0 lead on Belgium. Algeria is the team Donovan scored in the 91st minute in 2010 for USA to advance to the round of 16.

No way they get through the group. The only thing I see is Belgium tying them at best. Belgium and Russia should get through, no problems. However, wilder things have happened

[TheRef]

HT: 1-0 Algeria

Algeria 2-0-0 when getting the first goal

Belgium 1-16-1 when conceding the first goal

[TheRef]

Belgium with a response in the 70th minute. 1-1 tie.

[DudyDawg]

need Algeria to hold on here!!!

[TheRef]

Belgium with a beautiful setup and goal. 2-1 Belgium 80'

[DudyDawg]

Nice job Algeria

[TheRef]

FT: 2-1 Belgium

Group H Standings

Belgium 3 pts +1
Algeria 0 pts -1
Russia and South Korea yet to play.

Next on the docket is Brazil v. Mexico

Note: Brazil's Hulk is not on the starting roster with an injury during practice.

[smootness]

Who's starting in place of Hulk? Is it Bernard?

[TheRef]

FIFAWorldCup
@FIFAWorldCup
#BRA LINE-UP: Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva (c), David Luiz, Marcelo, Paulinho, Fred, Neymar, Oscar, Ramires, Luiz Gustavo #BRAMEX

FIFAWorldCup
@FIFAWorldCup
#MEX LINE-UP: Ochoa, Rodriguez, Marquez (c), Herrera, Layun, Dos Santos, Moreno, Guardado, Peralta, Aguilar, Vazquez #BRAMEX #WorldCup

[smootness]

Dang, it's Ramires. Paulinho, Luiz Gustavo, and Ramires? That seems like it's going to lead to a very un-Brazilian style of play.

I expect David Luiz and Marcelo to get forward a lot, though. And hopefully that will allow Neymar and Oscar to run free. I would have much rather seen Bernard, but hopefully he comes on much earlier as a sub this time.

[Dawg61]

I love these two announcers assigned by ESPN for Mexico/Brazil. This is an example of when ESPN gets it right.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Mexico is attacking Brazil pretty well. Brazil is getting some good counter attacks too though. This has been a pretty entertaining game

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Also, Mexico's goalie is ridiculous right now

[TheRef]

Ochoa is a beast in the goal...two amazing saves thus far.

[DudyDawg]

Brazil has been dominating possession but Mexico still getting fair share of chances. Brazilians flopping a lot, seem a bit frustrated

[TheRef]

HT: Brazil 0-0 Mexico

[Dawg61]

Mexico is greatly improved from the team we played a friendly vs a few months ago

[Dawg61]

This is me


http://youtu.be/l7fbiaApntU

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Another outstanding save by Mexico's goalie

[TheRef]

Another outstanding save by Mexico's goalie

He's doing work today. Well deserved starting role for him. Even if he did say that he wouldn't be on the team if he wasn't the starter. But that was with the previous coach.

One more thing: Does it annoy anyone else how Brazil's players all have bleached hair in a douchey haircut?

[mparkerfd20]

This Ref is not very good for sure.

[mparkerfd20]

Ochoa is playing out of his mind today.

[Dawg61]

Hell of a match right now, I still am pissed at the Mexican coach for saying Texas, California, New Mexico and Arizona are Mexican territories and should be given back to them.

[DudyDawg]

Hell of a match right now, I still am pissed at the Mexican coach for saying Texas, California, New Mexico and Arizona are Mexican territories and should be given back to them.

He's a glorified cartoon character. He's beloved there though

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Wow. Mexico's goalie. I know that one was right at him but he has played phenomenally. Score a goal here Mexico! Screw Brazil.

[Dawg61]

Wow what a SAVE!!

[TheRef]

Wow. Mexico's goalie. I know that one was right at him but he has played phenomenally. Score a goal here Mexico! Screw Brazil.

Mexico is definitely a much better team than when we faced them in Columbus.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Mexico is definitely a much better team than when we faced them in Columbus.
Do they still have the no-European-players policy or was that a short term thing? Seems like I remember them having that policy a few months back

[DudyDawg]

No

[TheRef]

OCHOA!!!!! HOLY S***!!!!!

[Dawg61]

Do they still have the no-European-players policy or was that a short term thing? Seems like I remember them having that policy a few months back

Chicharito plays for Man U

[mparkerfd20]

WOW.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

This Ref is not very good for sure.
I've liked the ref. He's let the teams play. That flop in the box by the Brazilian towards the end of 90' would have been called a penalty a few days ago

[Dawg61]

Very exciting 0-0 game, way to go Mexico!!!

[TheRef]

FT: Brazil 0-0 Mexico

Group A Standings:

Brazil 4 pts +2
Mexico 4 pts +1
Cameroon 0 pts -1
Croatia 0 pts -2

[TheRef]

HT: Russia 0-0 South Korea

[TheRef]

1-1 tie right now

[TheRef]

FT: Russia 1-1 South Korea

Group H Standings

Belgium 3 pts +1
Russia 1 pt 0
South Korea 1 pt 0
Algeria 0 pts -1

[TheRef]

Day 7: June 18, 2014

Group A

Cameroon v. Croatia 5:00 PM CDT ESPN

Group B

Australia v. Netherlands 11:00 AM CDT ESPN

Spain v. Chile 2:00 PM CDT ESPN

[TheRef]

Robben makes it look easy. 1-0 Netherlands

[TheRef]

AND AUSTRALIA RESPONDS!!!! 1-1 tie!

[Pioneer Dawg]

This is the tournament of the back to back goals.

[DudyDawg]

Wow. That was amazing. Best goal of the tournament so far. Flawless technique

[TheRef]

Soooooo...about soccer being a boring sport....yeahhhhhhh

[DudyDawg]

I don't think non soccer people would be able to appreciate that goal for how good and difficult it is to strike a ball like that

[DudyDawg]

RUMOR: seen on twitter by some soccer writers in Spain that I follow: Cristiano Ronaldo out of world cup (unconfirmed, but still possible). He has been battling knee tendonosis

[TheRef]

RUMOR: seen on twitter by some soccer writers in Spain that I follow: Cristiano Ronaldo out of world cup (unconfirmed, but still possible). He has been battling knee tendonosis

I knew that they should've pulled him when the game got out of hand...but it is that knee problem that he's been battling for a while and I'm sure Real Madrid is not happy with him hurting himself in the WC.

[TheRef]

NBC Sports Network
@NBCSN
#Por doctor tells @Cristiano Ronaldio playing with knee injury could be career-threatening: tw.nbcsports.com/S4R #WorldCup

[TheRef]

Australia's Tim Cahill receives yellow and is out for the next match against Spain.

[TheRef]

HT: 1-1 draw so far.

[DudyDawg]

Yeah, as a Madrid fan, this scares the hell out of me. As an American, yay, but as a Madrid fan, I want him shut down and healthy for La Liga. Hopefully Jese is back from his ACL surgery when the campaign starts and Ronaldo can have a bit more time off. This could be huge as far as how we transfer when the market opens.

[Intramural All-American]

I guess that Ghanaian witch doctor wasn't joking.

[TheRef]

PK for Australia and it's 2-1! 53'

[DudyDawg]

Good call. Hit the defender right in the hand. Clinical finish

[TheRef]

Robin van Persie!!!! 2-2! 57'

[Pioneer Dawg]

Back to back again!!!!!!!!

[DudyDawg]

Lead lasted all of three minutes. This is an exciting

[TheRef]

NETHERLANDS!!!! WOW!!!!!! 3-2 Netherlands 68'

[DudyDawg]

NETHERLANDS!!!! WOW!!!!!! 3-2 Netherlands 68'

After the Aussies screwed up a 2 on 1, the Dutch come the other way and score from about 30 yards out. Must be said that the goalie should've probable saved it, he got his hands to it. Bad goal to give up. Just goes to show, the worse team has to take all of their chances, if they don't, they'll lose. Showed with us and Ghana. We had less chances, but scored them

[DudyDawg]

Update: Ronaldo returned to the open portion of Portugal training. Looks like reporters freaked out when he sat out some of it to ice his knee

[TheRef]

FT: 3-2 Netherlands

Group B Standings:

Netherlands 6 pts +5

Chile 3 pts +2

Australia 0 pts -3

Spain 0 pts -4

[smootness]

Xavi out for this Chile match. Spain has to win this if they want to go through. They're in the same spot as Portugal, a tie doesn't necessarily help them much.

[sandwolf]

Do I remember someone posting on here that Chile has a really good team?

[smootness]

Chile is definitely good, and they're up 1-0 on Spain...not looking good for them, especially since they started Costa again for some dumb reason.

BTW: There are rumors that Cristiano Ronaldo is out of the World Cup with injury. Needless to say, that would be massive for us.

[mstate68]

2-0 Chile. They are a good team. I think a match between them and Brazil would be a good one.

[smootness]

I honestly can't believe this. Spain looks like a shell of themselves. Why they started Casillas and Diego Costa after the first match, I'll never know.

The second goal is 100% on Casillas, and Costa is ruining any good offensive chances they have. They need to bring Xavi and Fabregas in for Costa and Xabi Alonso (he's been awful) and they need to sub Casillas out if they want any shot at all of winning this.

[mparkerfd20]

I honestly can't believe this. Spain looks like a shell of themselves. Why they started Casillas and Diego Costa after the first match, I'll never know.

The second goal is 100% on Casillas, and Costa is ruining any good offensive chances they have. They need to bring Xavi and Fabregas in for Costa and Xabi Alonso (he's been awful) and they need to sub Casillas out if they want any shot at all of winning this.

Both of these teams looks like shit.

[TheRef]

One question that I honestly don't know the answer to. When is the last time that neither Iberian Peninsula team made it past Group stage?

[mparkerfd20]

Do I remember someone posting on here that Chile has a really good team?

Chile looks just a little better than Spain to me. Both looked horrible that first half.

[jumbo]

amazing that Spain might not make it out of their group

[curmudgeon]

Humor me. I may hate soccer, but I love statistics.

3 points for a win
1 point for a tie
Ties are broken by goal differential and then goals scored, right?

Say all four teams tie every game 0-0. Final standings look like this:

Team A 3 points 0 goals, 0 GD
Team B 3 points 0 goals, 0 GD
Team C 3 points 0 goals, 0 GD
Team D 3 points 0 goals, 0 GD

Who advances?

[TheRef]

Humor me. I may hate soccer, but I love statistics.

3 points for a win
1 point for a tie
Ties are broken by goal differential and then goals scored, right?

Say all four teams tie every game 0-0. Final standings look like this:

Team A 3 points 0 goals, 0 GD
Team B 3 points 0 goals, 0 GD
Team C 3 points 0 goals, 0 GD
Team D 3 points 0 goals, 0 GD

Who advances?

I believe it goes to total goals scored and then FIFA ratings.

[smootness]

amazing that Spain might not make it out of their group

Well, they're out. 3 of the last 4 World Cups in which the defending champ doesn't make it out of the group. This will be the end of this era; players like Xavi, Casillas, Xabi Alonso, Busquets, Pique, Villa, Torres will probably never play for Spain in meaningful competition again.

Embarrassing way to end for Chile, though, with the constant faking of injury. Diving and the ability to just lay down and run the clock are the two things that are worst about soccer. They're both fixed with good officiating, though.

[TheRef]

FT: 2-0 Chile

Group B Standings

Netherlands 6 pts +5
Chile 6 pts +4
Australia 0 pts -3
Spain 0 pts -6

Netherlands and Chile Advance
Australia and Spain Eliminated

[BulldogBear]

I believe it goes to total goals scored and then FIFA ratings.

"It's good to be the King."

[TheRef]

First time that the defending champion has been eliminated with a game remaining in the Group Stage....

[sandwolf]

The second goal is 100% on Casillas

Yep, all he had to do was catch the ball.

[TheRef]

CROATIA!!!! 1-0 11'

[TheRef]

Cameroon player given a red card for pretty much punching a player square in the back. 40'

[TheRef]

HT: 1-0 Croatia

Cameroon will have to play the whole second half with 10 men.

[Dawg61]

NBC Sports Network
@NBCSN
#Por doctor tells @Cristiano Ronaldio playing with knee injury could be career-threatening: tw.nbcsports.com/S4R #WorldCup

What a ***** doctor, if Marcus Lattimore can recover from his leg exploding then Ronaldo can recover from this. I called it 8 months ago that Ronaldo would find a way to miss the match vs USA and that is a very real possibility now.

[Dawg61]

Embarrassing way to end for Chile, though, with the constant faking of injury. Diving and the ability to just lay down and run the clock are the two things that are worst about soccer. They're both fixed with good officiating, though.

Not to sound like a pig American or anything here but I'm going to go ahead and sound like a pig American. There are so many teams in this World Cup that are disgusting with the constant faking of injuries. This part of soccer is awful to watch. The African countries are the worst with it too. They put on the biggest flopping bullshit when they just get grazed by other players. They act like their foot or shin has been destroyed for life. Clint Dempsey got kicked in the face and had a bleeding broken nose for the entire match and he didn't give a fu*k. He was ready to eat the Ghana players not cry on the ground for 20 minutes and have the idiot stretcher team run out and carry him off.

[TheRef]

Croatia makes it look easy. 2-0 48'

[TheRef]

3-0 Croatia off the corner kick. 61'

[TheRef]

4-0 Croatia....this is getting ugly

[TheRef]

FT: 4-0 Croatia

Group A Standings

Brazil 4 pts +2
Mexico 4 pts +1
Croatia 3 pts +2
Cameroon 0 pts -5

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

FT: 4-0 Croatia

Group A Standings

Brazil 4 pts +2
Mexico 4 pts +1
Croatia 3 pts +2
Cameroon 0 pts -5

So....if Cameroon was to somehow beat Brazil and Mexico and Croatia tied, Brazil would be eliminated. For some reason I hope this happens.

[Intramural All-American]

I expect Brazil to beat Cameroon badly, and I feel that Croatia will beat Mexico. Croatia looked much, much better than the 3-1 scoreline would indicate against Brazil.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

I expect Brazil to beat Cameroon badly, and I feel that Croatia will beat Mexico. Croatia looked much, much better than the 3-1 scoreline would indicate against Brazil.
I agree with both of your predictions. I was speaking of theoretical and unlikely scenarios.

[Intramural All-American]

I agree with both of your predictions. I was speaking of theoretical and unlikely scenarios.

If your situation were to occur, there would be mass rioting in Brazil. Things would get REALLY ugly.

[DudyDawg]

So....if Cameroon was to somehow beat Brazil and Mexico and Croatia tied, Brazil would be eliminated. For some reason I hope this happens.

I don't. All the stadiums would be blown up and the Brazilian FA would cancel it. Jk, but there would be some rioting.....

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

If your situation were to occur, there would be mass rioting in Brazil. Things would get REALLY ugly.

I know, that's partially the reason I want it to happen. It would be interesting. The bigger reason why is my reasonless disliking of Brazil.

[DudyDawg]

I know, that's partially the reason I want it to happen. It would be interesting. The bigger reason why is my reasonless disliking of Brazil.

I like that you admit it is reasonless haha. I reasonlesly dislike so many things because something internally I can't put a finger on. Perfect word for it haha

[CadaverDawg]

Dumb question....

Does Spain just pack up and leave now? Or do they still have to play their last game? I know both teams are statistically eliminated, but they should still have to play, right? Too many people bought tickets for the entire WC I would think

[Dawg61]

Dumb question....

Does Spain just pack up and leave now? Or do they still have to play their last game? I know both teams are statistically eliminated, but they should still have to play, right? Too many people bought tickets for the entire WC I would think

They have to play because goal differential is still a factor in the seeding for the round of 16.

[CadaverDawg]

They have to play because goal differential is still a factor in the seeding for the round of 16.

Thanks. I figured that, but everyone was talking about them being "out" of the WC, so I was just making sure

[smootness]

They have to play because goal differential is still a factor in the seeding for the round of 16.

Technically, there is no reason for Spain and Australia to play. Their GD doesn't mean anything, and both are out no matter what.

But yes, they definitely will still play. Because the game is scheduled. My guess is they both play a bunch of young guys to get them experience and let them play in a WC.

[DudyDawg]

Dumb question....

Does Spain just pack up and leave now? Or do they still have to play their last game? I know both teams are statistically eliminated, but they should still have to play, right? Too many people bought tickets for the entire WC I would think

Yes, they have to play again no matter what

[TheRef]

Day 8: June 19, 2014

Group C

Columbia v. Cote d'Ivore 11:00 AM CDT ESPN

Japan v. Greece 5:00 PM CDT ESPN

Group D

Uruguay v. England 2:00 PM CDT ESPN

[Pioneer Dawg]

Technically, there is no reason for Spain and Australia to play. Their GD doesn't mean anything, and both are out no matter what.

But yes, they definitely will still play. Because the game is scheduled. My guess is they both play a bunch of young guys to get them experience and let them play in a WC.

This is the game where both sides will be "informed" on a strategy winding up making millions for the gambling cartel.

[TheRef]

Jozy Altidore inactive for Sunday's match vs Portugal via ESPN and FIFA

[TheRef]

HT: Colombia 0-0 Cote d'Ivore

[Dawg61]

Jozy Altidore inactive for Sunday's match vs Portugal via ESPN and FIFA

He's done for the tournament. Looked the type of pull that requires surgery. Bad news and unfortunate for him.

[TheRef]

Colombia with a beautiful header off a corner. 1-0 Colombia 63'

[TheRef]

2-0 Colombia!!!! 69'

[TheRef]

WOW!!!!! Cote d'Ivore gets on the board from a BEAUTIFUL individual effort from Gervinho!!! 2-1 Colombia 74'

[TheRef]

FT: 2-1 Colombia

Group C Standings

Colombia 6 pts +4
Cote d'Ivore 3 pts 0
Japan 0 pts -1
Greece 0 pts -3

[smootness]

Geez, these teams just laying down and wasting time at the end of games is really putting a damper on my excitement. And it does it every time. Every time I start to get fully into soccer, I remember why it's so absurd at times. That was a shameful display by Colombia, but it's accepted in soccer as part of the game...ridiculous.

If you waste 5 minutes and take an extra 2 just to walk off the field and then put your hand up immediately to come back in, you should be booked, and the team shouldn't be allowed to bring anyone else in for the entire amount of time you wasted.

Once again, good officiating or better rules could solve the problem, but the main problem is that most don't see it as a problem to begin with. If you tried to pull that crap in American sports, you would be booed off the field by your own fans and would be forever pinned as a loser. That's how 6-year-olds try to play games.

[Covercorner2]

Ref, can you tell me Uruguay's best chance of getting out of the group after falling in the opener 3-1?

[smootness]

Ref, can you tell me Uruguay's best chance of getting out of the group after falling in the opener 3-1?

Not Ref, but they and England both need a win in that match today. If they tie, it's not good for either one, though they wouldn't be mathematically eliminated. If either wins today, they still stand a decent chance of making it out, especially if Italy beats Costa Rica. If those two tie and Uruguay wins, they'll need to either beat Italy in the last match or tie Italy and have England beat Costa Rica, but then it would come down to GD.

To sum:

Loss vs. England - surely out
Tie vs. England - probably need Italy to beat Costa Rica, then they'll need to beat Italy and have England tie or beat CR, then would come down to GD.
Win vs. England - would then likely make it through with a win vs. Italy; tie Italy and they'll need Italy to have beaten CR and for CR not to beat England, would again come down to GD.

[TheRef]

Ref, can you tell me Uruguay's best chance of getting out of the group after falling in the opener 3-1?

So here are the current Group D Standings:

Costa Rica 3 pts +2
Italy 3 pts +1
England 0 pts -1
Uruguay 0 pts -2

So with this in mind, Uruguay will need a win today against England, Costa Rica to lose to Italy. Let's assume a 1-goal victory for each. So that makes the standings be like this:

Italy 6 pts +2
Costa Rica 3 pts +1
Uruguay 3 pts -1
England 0 pts -2

If this occurs, then Uruguay would need to defeat Italy in order to advance. A draw/loss would knock them out of the World Cup.

[smootness]

So here are the current Group D Standings:

Costa Rica 3 pts +2
Italy 3 pts +1
England 0 pts -1
Uruguay 0 pts -2

So with this in mind, Uruguay will need a win today against England, Costa Rica to lose to Italy. Let's assume a 1-goal victory for each. So that makes the standings be like this:

Costa Rica 6 pts +3
Italy 3 pts 0
Uruguay 3 pts -1
England 0 pts -2

If this occurs, then Uruguay would need to defeat Italy in order to advance. A draw/loss would knock them out of the World Cup.

You switched up the standings. Obviously if CR loses to Italy, it'll be Italy w/ 6. If Italy beats CR, Uruguay could indeed advance with a tie vs. Italy if England beats CR or if they tie and Uruguay is ahead in GD.

[Dawg61]

USA doesn't play this way

[Covercorner2]

Thanks, guys. I had Uruguay going pretty far and was wondering how dire the situation is.

[TheRef]

You switched up the standings. Obviously if CR loses to Italy, it'll be Italy w/ 6. If Italy beats CR, Uruguay could indeed advance with a tie vs. Italy if England beats CR or if they tie and Uruguay is ahead in GD.

Hmmm...You're right...my bad.

[smootness]

USA doesn't play this way

I know, and I'm proud of that. But it still ruins other games.

[TheRef]

England v. Uruguay about to kick off. Looks like it's a windy day for the game. Could turn out to be a fun match.

[Dawg61]

Awesome match coming up now between England and Uruguay. Or should I say England vs Luis Suarez. Suarez is a top 3 player in the world imo just behind Messi and Ronaldo. This should be a good one.

[TheRef]

SUAREZ!!!! 1-0 Uruguay.

[TheRef]

HT: 1-0 Uruguay

[DudyDawg]

England are the best average team on the planet right now. Their team is all "solid" players, but not one person with the ability to win games alone like Suarez and Cavani. Rooney maybe a few years back. But they just really aren't that good

[TheRef]

Uruguay player knocked out cold on the field with a knee to the temple....I think he has a concussion. He's trying as hard as he can to get back on the pitch.

[DudyDawg]

He played on. First thing he does: very hard tackle on Glen Johnson (cleanly)

[hacker]

ROOOOONEY!!!!

[TheRef]

1-1 Tie!!!!!!! Wayne Rooney breaks through!

[hacker]

GOAL! SUAREZ! 2-1

[TheRef]

Man....Suarez is a MAN.

[mstate68]

Suarez is a ****ing boss.


And LOL @ England

[TheRef]

Suarez is a ****ing boss.


And LOL @ England

He does favor Bucky though....

[BulldogBear]

Grainey ESPN3 feed. Can't tell how much time is left

[DudyDawg]

5 minutes of added time

[TheRef]

FT: 2-1 Uruguay

Group D Standings:

Costa Rica 3 pts +2
Italy 3 pts +2
Uruguay 3 pts -1
England 0 pts -2

Next on the docket: Japan v. Greece 5:00 PM CDT ESPN

[TheRef]

HT: Japan 0-0 Greece

[TheRef]

FT: Japan 0-0 Greece

Group C Standings

Columbia 6 pts +4
Cote d'Ivore 3 pts 0
Japan 1 pt -1
Greece 1 pt -3

Colombia advances to Round of 16

[hacker]

That game was pretty boring. Gotta admit.

[Dawg61]

That game was pretty boring. Gotta admit.

Pretty boring is an understatement. That game was awful haha I had to turn it to Andrew Heaney's debut. Iran, Japan, Greece, Nigeria have some boring soccer this year. Those four teams would struggle to score with no goalies.

[DudyDawg]

Still, gotta admire the effort of Greece to save the point while down a man.

[dawgs]

I haven't watched every game thinks to moving, but japan-Greece was by far the most boring game I've seen.

[TheRef]

Costa Rica!!!! 1-0 after a controversial no-call a couple of minutes earlier, they come out and head one in from close. 44'

[TheRef]

HT: 1-0 Costa Rica

[TheRef]

FT: 1-0 Costa Rica

Group D Standings:

Costa Rica 6 pts +3
Italy 3 pts 0
Uruguay 3 pts -1
England 0 pts -2

Costa Rica Advances to Group of 16
England eliminated from World Cup

Italy advances with tie/win against Uruguay

[Dawg61]

Wow Costa Rica was the 28th ranked team. Uruguay #7, Italy #9 and England #10 where the expected 3 fighting for 2 spots. England done and now one of the top two seeds in the pod won't advance. Crazy WC so far.

[curmudgeon]

So if I have this right...

Group A:
Brazil is likely in the round of 16
Mexico is in with a win or tie against Croatia
Croatia is in with a win over Mexico
Cameroon is out

Brazil is out with a loss to Cameroon AND a Croatia win over Mexico by at least one less goal than Brazil's loss to Cameroon.

Group B:
Holland and Chile advanced
Australia and Espana out.

Winner of Dutch and Chileans gets top seed. NED gets top seed with tie.

Group C:
Columbia is in.
Ivory Coast is in with a tie or win against Greece
Japan is in with a win over Columbia AND a Greece win
Greece is in with a win over Ivory Coast and a Columbia win over Japan

Group D:
Costa Rica is in
Italy/Uruguay winner is in. Italy in with tie
England out

[TheRef]

Swiss player with a nasty boot to the face. He's coming out and there's blood.....looks worse than Dempsey, if you can believe that.

[TheRef]

France strikes first! 1-0 16'

[MadisonDawg]

wow back to back 2-0 France

[TheRef]

WOW!!!!! France is going straight for the jugular!!! 18' 2-0 France

[DudyDawg]

Absolutely terrible goal keeping

[hacker]

wow, impressive


"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOA-- GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLL"

[TheRef]

France has a PK and the Swiss GK saves it! Still 2-0 France

[hacker]

impressive goalkeeping there

[DudyDawg]

Horrible on the follow. He tried to smash it when he could've softly headed it in and made it 3-0

[TheRef]

Well....now it's 3-0 France! 40'

[DudyDawg]

France again. Easy tap home, Mathieu Valbuena. Man, France is looking good this WC. Big team, stars, no expectations. Could be the perfect storm to make a big run

[TheRef]

HT: 3-0 France

France requires a win and a Ecuador draw/loss to advance to Round of 16

[TheRef]

5-0 France....this is UGLY!!! 73'

[hacker]

so the goalkeeper blocked the freaking penalty kick, but hasn't blocked any of these easy ones.

[TheRef]

so the goalkeeper blocked the freaking penalty kick, but hasn't blocked any of these easy ones.

Granted, the PK was pretty easy.

[TheRef]

Swiss FINALLY on the board. 5-1 France 81'

[hacker]

Switzerland is on a tear! They are coming back!

[hacker]

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--Gwlhw4RX--/qtr9wvgsujidg5zri4im.gif

5-2

[TheRef]

FT: 5-2 France

Group E Standings:

France 6 pts +6
Switzerland 3 pts -2
Ecuador 0 pts -1
Honduras 0 pts -3

[Dawg61]

France looked like the best team in the WC the first 73 minutes or so

[TheRef]

HT: Honduras 1-1 Ecuador

[TheRef]

FT: 2-1 Ecuador

Group E Standings:

France 6 pts +6
Ecuador 3 pts 0
Switzerland 3 pts -2
Honduras 0 pts -4

[TheRef]

Day 9: June 21, 2014

Group F

Argentina v. Iran 11:00 PM CDT

Nigeria v. Bosnia-Herzegovina 5:00 PM CDT

Group G

Germany v. Ghana 2:00 PM CDT

[hacker]

oh man, iran in the first game? snooze

[TheRef]

oh man, iran in the first game? snooze

You can watch how many goals Messi can score in 90'

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

You can watch how many goals Messi can score in 90'
If someone turned it on for that reason they will have been thoroughly disappointed to this point

[TheRef]

If someone turned it on for that reason they will have been thoroughly disappointed to this point

I know....I'm surprised by how well Iran is holding back the Argentinian attack. Granted, Argentina has shot themselves in the foot multiple times like the last free kick by Messi that was headed to someone who should've had an easy chance to head it in but he stopped...silly Argentinian player.

[TheRef]

HT: Argentina 0-0 Iran

I didn't see this one coming.

[smootness]

HT: Argentina 0-0 Iran

I didn't see this one coming.

What an exciting style Iran plays.

I'm guessing Argentina forces the action more in the 2nd. Too much standing around in the 1st half.

[TheRef]

FT: 1-0 Argentina.

[TheRef]

Group F Standings:

Argentina 6 pts +2
Nigeria 1 pt 0
Iran 1 pt -1
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0 pts -1

[TheRef]

Result we want from Germany v. Ghana: Germany win.

Gives us chance to clinch berth in Round of 16 tomorrow with a win against Portugal.