World Cup Thread

[TheRef]

Interesting note from the Germany/Ghana game. It's the first ever World Cup game with two brothers on different teams.

[TheRef]

Ghana is fighting hard this match. 33' and Ghana almost gets it with a rocket from beyond the box.

[TheRef]

HT: Germany 0-0 Ghana

Hard-fought half of futbol right there. Someone is bound to break through in the second half.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Interesting note from the Germany/Ghana game. It's the first ever World Cup game with two brothers on different teams.

How does that happen?

[TheRef]

How does that happen?

One plays in the Bundalista and has citizenship in Germany. He declared German for FIFA.

[hacker]

That Messi goal earlier was beautiful.

[TheRef]

That Messi goal earlier was beautiful.

Oh yes...beautiful curve to clinch it in stoppage time. First time he's scored a World Cup goal with Argentina tied or losing.

[TheRef]

Blown defense and Germany gets an easy goal. 1-0 Germany 51'

[TheRef]

GHANA RESPONDS!!!!! 1-1

[TheRef]

GHANA AGAIN!!!! 2-1!!!!

[TheRef]

GERMANY WITH THE EQUALIZER!!!! 2-2!!!! This game is EXCITING!!!

[TheRef]

FT: Germany 2-2 Ghana

Group G Standings:

Germany 4 pts +4
United States 3 pts +1
Ghana 1 pt -1
Portugal 0 pts -4

USA clinches berth in Round of 16 with win vs. Portugal tomorrow.

[mstate68]

We really need to get 3 points tomorrow.

[hacker]

That collision at the end was nasty. I've seen a few pretty bad injuries already this year.

[TheRef]

That collision at the end was nasty. I've seen a few pretty bad injuries already this year.

Very, very physical world cup.

[TheRef]

Nigeria strikes! 1-0 Nigeria. 29'

[TheRef]

HT: 1-0 Nigeria

[Intramural All-American]

Interesting note from the Germany/Ghana game. It's the first ever World Cup game with two brothers on different teams.

That's not true. Ghana and Germany were also in the same group last world cup and each brother was in the World Cup.

[TheRef]

That's not true. Ghana and Germany were also in the same group last world cup and each brother was in the World Cup.

I stand corrected....

[TheRef]

FT: 1-0 Nigeria

Group F Standings:

Argentina 6 pts +2
Nigeria 4 pts +1
Iran 1 pt -1
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0 pts -2

Bosnia-Herzegovina eliminated from World Cup

[smootness]

One plays in the Bundalista and has citizenship in Germany. He declared German for FIFA.

They were both born and lived in Germany and both played for Germany through their youth system. Kevin-Prince hadn't received any caps for the senior national team, so he switch to Ghana as their father is Ghanaian. So they're actually both more German than Ghanaian, and I'm sure Kevin-Prince would have stuck with Germany if he had been receiving caps for them.

[Intramural All-American]

And Kevin-Prince now plays for Schalke in the Bundesliga.

[DudyDawg]

Interesting note from the Germany/Ghana game. It's the first ever World Cup game with two brothers on different teams.
They played each other in the last one.....
And they are half brothers. Same dad different moms

[TheRef]

Day 11: June 22, 2014

Group H

Belgium v. Russia 11:00 AM CDT ABC

South Korea v. Algeria 2:00 PM CDT ABC

Group G

United States v. Portugal 5:00 PM CDT ESPN

[TheRef]

HT: Belgium 0-0 Russia

[TheRef]

BELGIUM connects! 1-0 Belgium 87'

[TheRef]

FT: 1-0 Belgium

Group H Standings:

Belgium 6 pts +2
South Korea 1 pt 0
Russia 1 pt -1
Algeria 0 pts -1

Belgium Advances to Round of 16

[TheRef]

Algeria strikes first. 1-0 Algeria 26'

[TheRef]

Algeria again! 2-0 28'

[TheRef]

3-0 Algeria

[TheRef]

HT: 3-0 Algeria

[TheRef]

Korea gets on the board. 3-1 Algeria

[BulldogBear]

FT: 1-0 Belgium

Group H Standings:

Belgium 6 pts +2
South Korea 1 pt 0
Russia 1 pt -1
Algeria 0 pts -1

Belgium Advances to Round of 16

So, does thismean we'll probably see Belgium if we don't finish 1st?

[DudyDawg]

So, does thismean we'll probably see Belgium if we don't finish 1st?

It means we will see them if we don't finish first, yes. They have won the group for all intensive purposes

[TheRef]

Algeria is showing no mercy. 4-1 Algeria.

[smootness]

It means we will see them if we don't finish first, yes. They have won the group for all intensive purposes

You mean 'all intents and purposes'.

Sorry, had to do it.

[TheRef]

4-2 Algeria.

[DudyDawg]

You mean 'all intents and purposes'.

Sorry, had to do it.
Yeah I did. My bad

[TheRef]

FT: 4-2 Algeria

Group H Standings:

Belgium 6 pts +2
Algeria 3 pts +1
Russia 1 pt -1
South Korea 1 pt -2

[TheRef]

Group G Standings:

Germany 4 pts +4
United States 4 pts +1
Ghana 1 pt -1
Portugal 1 pt -4

[TheRef]

All games from now on will be played simultaneously so that no team has an advantage in a group. This will make watching the games a little bit more difficult.

[TheRef]

Day 12: June 23, 2014

Group B: 11:00 AM CDT

Australia v. Spain ESPN2

Netherlands v. Chile ESPN

Netherlands and Chile have clinched Round of 16

Australia and Spain have been eliminated from World Cup.

Group A: 3:00 PM CDT

Croatia v. Mexico ESPN

Cameroon v. Brazil ESPN2

Cameroon cannot advance

[smootness]

All games from now on will be played simultaneously so that no team has an advantage in a group. This will make watching the games a little bit more difficult.

But it should also make it even more exciting.

I can't wait for Thursday.

[DudyDawg]

But it should also make it even more exciting.

I can't wait for Thursday.

Yeah if makes it crazy. But does suck as far as watching goes. Tho I would rather have to channel flip or PIP than watch the US and Germany sit in the grass and play cards knowing that the other game tied and they were both through.

[BulldogBear]

Well, I just watched the U.S. game which I recorded on the DVR. I managed to stay away from all media till 20:30 so I could watch. What a finish! I know we're in good shape but giving up the win just before it was over almost felt like a loss. Oh well. Bring on Thursday.

[smootness]

Yeah if makes it crazy. But does suck as far as watching goes. Tho I would rather have to channel flip or PIP than watch the US and Germany sit in the grass and play cards knowing that the other game tied and they were both through.

I'd try to go somewhere to watch the matches where you truly want to watch both. It makes for a crazy experience, especially in a scenario with serious rooting interest, as with the US.

[DudyDawg]

I'd try to go somewhere to watch the matches where you truly want to watch both. It makes for a crazy experience, especially in a scenario with serious rooting interest, as with the US.

Never been a huge fan of watching games at a place like bbw or a bar. I'll probably have one up on the laptop and one on tv. I just can't focus on the little things in the games if I'm at a bar. I love to break down every little thing with soccer and coach from the couch haha

[Pioneer Dawg]

Watch one game on Univision and record the other one. Watch back to back. Hopefully they won't break away to the other game and if you hear the words Portugal or Ghana just start "la-la-la-la" ing

[TheRef]

Watch one game on Univision and record the other one. Watch back to back. Hopefully they won't break away to the other game and if you hear the words Portugal or Ghana just start "la-la-la-la" ing

The last part gave me a good laugh. Good job.

[jumbo]

Man, what a kick in the balls that was. The thing is if you had of told me before that game that we would draw 2-2 I would've taken it in a heartbeat.

Really shows how far soccer has come in the US that a draw against Portugal (the #4 team in the world) is a disappointment.

[DudyDawg]

Man, what a kick in the balls that was. The thing is if you had of told me before that game that we would draw 2-2 I would've taken it in a heartbeat.

Really shows how far soccer has come in the US that a draw against Portugal (the #4 team in the world) is a disappointment.

Yup. One good ball by one of the best in the world and today I wake up with the feeling that we lost the game. Like you said, if I knew we tied going in, I would've taken it. Hell, if we hadn't scored our second and they hadn't either, I would've woken up thinking we did well haha.

[DawgHouseUnited]

So basically we advance depending on the scores of the last games- right? If we keep from getting blown out, and the other game doesn't turn into a blowout, we may be in good shape?

My figuring: IF we can avoid anything worse than 0-1 loss to Germany,
And Portugal wins by 3-0 or lower
OR Ghana wins 1-0

OR Ghana/Portugal tie, our game won't matter then. That would be best-case scenario if we lost to Germany.

Of course, just beat Germany and the other game doesn't matter...

[TheRef]

So basically we advance depending on the scores of the last games- right? If we keep from getting blown out, and the other game doesn't turn into a blowout, we may be in good shape?

My figuring: IF we can avoid anything worse than 0-1 loss to Germany,
And Portugal wins by 3-0 or lower
OR Ghana wins 1-0

OR Ghana/Portugal tie, our game won't matter then. That would be best-case scenario if we lost to Germany.

Of course, just beat Germany and the other game doesn't matter...

Or tie Germany and the other game doesn't matter.

[DawgHouseUnited]

Or tie Germany and the other game doesn't matter.

Haha I got so caught up looking at score differentials, I didn't consider that!

[DudyDawg]

Wouldn't it be crazy if we beat Germany and Ghana spanked Portugal and went through. The crazier thing, it could happen and with the amount of insanity in this World Cup, it wouldn't surprise anyone.

[DudyDawg]

Also, since it is the WC thread, a little update. Spain- Australia and Netherlands-Chile have kicked off. The Dutch and Chileans are through no matter what, so that game is just for seeding, and the Spain game is to try to get their balls back.

[TheRef]

Also, since it is the WC thread, a little update. Spain- Australia and Netherlands-Chile have kicked off. The Dutch and Chileans are through no matter what, so that game is just for seeding, and the Spain game is to try to get their balls back.

I think they're still in possession of the Chileans....I heard they sacrificed them to the gods.

[CadaverDawg]

Did I see that we likely play Belgium if we finish 2nd in the group?

If so, isn't that a decent draw in the round of 16? Not trying to say Belgium can't beat us, but that seems like a better draw than a Brazil, Italy, France, Netherlands, Chile, etc...
Am I way off?

[TheRef]

Did I see that we likely play Belgium if we finish 2nd in the group?

If so, isn't that a decent draw in the round of 16? Not trying to say Belgium can't beat us, but that seems like a better draw than a Brazil, Italy, France, Netherlands, Chile, etc...
Am I way off?

Belgium is a dangerous team right now. They're hot as fire. The other options are Russia, Algeria (currently favorite for 2nd), and South Korea.

[smootness]

Wouldn't it be crazy if we beat Germany and Ghana spanked Portugal and went through. The crazier thing, it could happen and with the amount of insanity in this World Cup, it wouldn't surprise anyone.

Not possible. If we beat or tie Germany, we're through.

[smootness]

Also, since it is the WC thread, a little update. Spain- Australia and Netherlands-Chile have kicked off. The Dutch and Chileans are through no matter what, so that game is just for seeding, and the Spain game is to try to get their balls back.

That seed is important, too. 2nd place faces Brazil.

[smootness]

Belgium is a dangerous team right now. They're hot as fire. The other options are Russia, Algeria (currently favorite for 2nd), and South Korea.

They're definitely dangerous, but I don't think they're hot. They haven't looked that great in this World Cup. Had to come from behind and barely beat Algeria, then had to barely beat Belgium at the end.

They're very talented and wouldn't be an easy game, but I'd much prefer to play them over a lot of the other group winners.

[DudyDawg]

They're definitely dangerous, but I don't think they're hot. They haven't looked that great in this World Cup. Had to come from behind and barely beat Algeria, then had to barely beat Belgium at the end.

They're very talented and wouldn't be an easy game, but I'd much prefer to play them over a lot of the other group winners.

beat Russia at the end*

and yes, they have looked about as poor as a team with six points can. I feared them a bit coming in, and they do have tremendous talent, but they are far from hot. They've been pedestrian and pulled six points from nothing. They are more talented than us, much like Portugal, and much like Portugal, I don't fear them. I fear Germany, Brazil, etc as teams that would kill us. I don't fear Belgium, I see them as a good team we can easily beat.

[TheRef]

1-0 Spain from a David Villa goal.

[TheRef]

HT: 1-0 Spain

HT: Netherlands 0-0 Chile

[smootness]

beat Russia at the end*

and yes, they have looked about as poor as a team with six points can. I feared them a bit coming in, and they do have tremendous talent, but they are far from hot. They've been pedestrian and pulled six points from nothing. They are more talented than us, much like Portugal, and much like Portugal, I don't fear them. I fear Germany, Brazil, etc as teams that would kill us. I don't fear Belgium, I see them as a good team we can easily beat.

Haha yes. Belgium did not beat themselves. If they had, I'd be much more impressed, that sounds difficult.

Hazard is Belgium's best player and he looked non-existent until about 10 minutes left in that Russia match.

The only teams I truly fear at this point are Brazil, Argentina, Germany (would fear them more if they needed to actually beat us to win the group), and probably France based on the way they've played. Also the Netherlands. Teams with great attacking talent - honestly Ghana somewhat fits that description as well.

The teams who can fly out on the counter and score within seconds are the ones that scare me. It's incredibly hard to defend, and it goes counter to the way we like to play.

Teams like Italy, Belgium, Portugal, England, etc. don't worry me much. They're technically better than us and more talented overall, but we can absolutely beat those teams in a competition like this. Our attitude and team spirit are generally better than our opponent.

[DudyDawg]

Yeah, completely agree. Teams that we can sit back against and posses with and basically spar with don't scare me, because we consistently find a way. The teams that scare me are the ones that can take a corner for us, head it out, and score on three passes. Thats how Madrid won the CL this year, how Brazil hammered Spain in the Confed Cup. Those teams cause us trouble because we aren't the most athletic team on earth.

Ghana to me is somewhat of an enigma. They are the wild card. With most teams, you know what you'll get, but with the better African teams, you really have no idea what you're going to get. And thats hard to beat, because you can't plan for it.

[TheRef]

2-0 Spain

[TheRef]

1-0 Netherlands

[TheRef]

3-0 Spain

[TheRef]

2-0 Netherlands

[TheRef]

FT: 3-0 Spain
FT: 2-0 Netherlands

Final Group B Standings:

Netherlands 9 pts +7
Chile 6 pts +2
Spain 3 pts -3
Australia 0 pts -6

Netherlands plays Group A #2
Chile plays Group A #1

[DawgHouseUnited]

Final on both-
3-0 Spain over Austrailia
2-0 Dutch over Chile

[CadaverDawg]

Netherlands is going to be a tough out

[DudyDawg]

Netherlands is going to be a tough out

Yup. Good talent, not the best, but clicking. Hottest team in WC

[TheRef]

HT: 2-1 Brazil
HT: Croatia 0-0 Mexico

[smootness]

Hope people are watching this Brazil match. Neymar is putting on a show.

Brazil badly needs to bench Fred and Hulk. They lack the creativity and technical skill of the rest of the team and often kill plays. They're not even great scorers, either. I'd put Bernard and Willian in and play a false 9 with Neymar free to run into space wherever. I think that would make their attack far more dangerous.

[DudyDawg]

I don't know about y'all, but I hate the announcers for the Mexico games. I've been watching for about 5 minutes, and they have said one player's name for Croatia, and only about how they should place the free kick towards him (GK). They are wayyyyyy to biased. They provide no info on the other team

[TheRef]

3-1 Brazil

[DudyDawg]

Croatia Mexico game will be a great ending. Interesting tid bit. Listen to the mexican fans the next time Croatia has a goal kick. In sync, they yell "PUTO" which can translate into a few things. One is man whore, the other is ******. FIFA was investigating it, but dropped it saying it "isn't meant to be offensive in the circumstance". Amazes me that they get away with it.


Also, as I was typing, Rafa Marquez scores for mexico, meaning Croatia needs two to advance. Really poor goal keeping. Croatia can blame their goalie when they go out, that one was his fault as well as the three against Brazil.

[DudyDawg]

The stars stand for a six letter word that is used as a slur for homosexuals, by the way

[TheRef]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLL LLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!

1-0 MEXICO!!!!!

[DudyDawg]

2-0. Mexico is one of those teams that if you let hang around and get momentum, they can explode.

[DudyDawg]

Man, these announcers are so insanely pro mexico hahaha.

[DudyDawg]

I said something about exploding??? Wow. 3-0

[smootness]

Are we rooting for Mexico? I know I'm not. It's better for CONCACAF, but I don't care, I can't ever root for them. They shouldn't be here to begin with.

[DudyDawg]

Are we rooting for Mexico? I know I'm not. It's better for CONCACAF, but I don't care, I can't ever root for them. They shouldn't be here to begin with.

NO. WAY. IN. HELL. I hate Mexico haha. Classless, crazy fans. But they are entertaining. Concacaf be dammed, I'll never pull for them. See what I posted a second ago. Proof of the class their fans have. They've been known to throw bags of poop and pee on visiting fans at the Azteca. They are the LSU of soccer on steroids

[TheRef]

FT: 3-1 Mexico
FT: 4-1 Brazil

Final Group A Standings:

Brazil 7 pts +5
Mexico 7 pts +3
Croatia 3 pts 0
Cameroon 0 pts -8

Brazil plays Chile
Mexico plays Netherlands

[DudyDawg]

Final: 3-1 Mexico.
Final: 4-1 Brazil.

Both go through, with Brazil winning the group on goal difference. Brazil v Chile on Saturday at 11, Mexico v Netherlands Sunday at 11.

[smootness]

Brazil has won their group at the last 9 World Cups. Good grief.

[DudyDawg]

Brazil and chile will be amazing. The show on the field will be just as good as the one in the stands. Going to be a mad house

[hacker]

I haven't seen this mentioned in here. Anyone have thoughts on this?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10918321/Football-match-fixing-deal-casts-cloud-over-World-Cup.html

[TheRef]

I haven't seen this mentioned in here. Anyone have thoughts on this?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10918321/Football-match-fixing-deal-casts-cloud-over-World-Cup.html

I hope that it's not true...that's all I have to say.

[hacker]

I hope that it's not true...that's all I have to say.

looks pretty definitive from the evidence presented

[DudyDawg]

If I had to guess, those would be for friendlies and won't affect the WC. Frankly, for friendlies, African teams have been accused a lot recently. Just before the World Cup Nigeria were accused of it playing Ireland. And this goal was used in the case......

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WAhKkw2OhKs

[BulldogBear]

If I had to guess, those would be for friendlies and won't affect the WC. Frankly, for friendlies, African teams have been accused a lot recently. Just before the World Cup Nigeria were accused of it playing Ireland. And this goal was used in the case......

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WAhKkw2OhKs
That's freakin' terrible

[hacker]

If I had to guess, those would be for friendlies and won't affect the WC. Frankly, for friendlies, African teams have been accused a lot recently. Just before the World Cup Nigeria were accused of it playing Ireland. And this goal was used in the case......

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WAhKkw2OhKs

wow

[smootness]

I haven't seen this mentioned in here. Anyone have thoughts on this?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10918321/Football-match-fixing-deal-casts-cloud-over-World-Cup.html

This is in no way surprising, for either Ghana or soccer in general.

As for the Nigeria play, it wouldn't surprise me if he did that on purpose, but I also don't know that you can say he did. Those goalies are trying to squeeze the ball as hard as they can, which can sometimes lead to mistakes like that if you squeeze too hard and one hand slips off.

[hacker]

This is in no way surprising, for either Ghana or soccer in general.

As for the Nigeria play, it wouldn't surprise me if he did that on purpose, but I also don't know that you can say he did. Those goalies are trying to squeeze the ball as hard as they can, which can sometimes lead to mistakes like that if you squeeze too hard and one hand slips off.

Maybe not to you, but it's pretty surprising to me. I've only been a World Cup soccer fan so far, so I don't hear about things like this.

[smootness]

Maybe not to you, but it's pretty surprising to me. I've only been a World Cup soccer fan so far, so I don't hear about things like this.

FIFA is about as corrupt as it gets. I mean, Qatar was awarded a World Cup.

You should search for John Oliver's take on FIFA on youtube. It's obviously a comedy show, but he's spot on.

[Dawg61]

This one? Hilarious


http://youtu.be/DlJEt2KU33I

[TheRef]

Day 13: June 24, 2014

Group D: 11:00 AM CDT

Italy v. Uruguay ESPN

Costa Rica v. England ESPN2

Costa Rica has clinched a berth in Round of 16
England is eliminated from World Cup

Group C: 3:00 PM CDT

Japan v. Columbia ESPN

Greece v. Cote d'Ivore ESPN2

Columbia has clinched a berth in Round of 16

[TheRef]

HT: Italy 0-0 Uruguay
HT: Costa Rica 0-0 England

[DudyDawg]

Was just about to say the Italy game needs a goal, but now the Italians get a straight red. Wow

[DudyDawg]

Looked the right call too. No play on the ball. Came over it cleats up into the knee. Good job by the ref. Brave to call that

[hacker]

My god. Injury feigning and officiating ruin this shit

[hacker]

He put his leg up to defend himself.

[DudyDawg]

My god. Injury feigning and officiating ruin this shit

Was the right call, per the rules and what happened. You cannot go in spikes up. That's how you break bones. That Uruguayan is lucky to be walking away from getting cleated in the knee

[hacker]

Was the right call, per the rules and what happened. You cannot go in spikes up. That's how you break bones. That Uruguayan is lucky to be walking away from getting cleated in the knee

are we looking at the same thing?

[DudyDawg]

Protect himself from what? If you go towards the ball with your cleats showing it's a red. Whether you get the ball, the face, or in this case the knee. Doesn't matter. Rules say that's was a straight red

[hacker]

It looked to me like the guy was running into him and he instinctively put his leg up so he wouldn't get smashed. Then the other guy starts wahhhing around on the ground.

[hacker]

The guy that kicked Dempsey in the nose didn't get shit

[DudyDawg]

The guy that kicked Dempsey in the nose didn't get shit

Apples and oranges. He wasn't making a tackle, he got knocked off balance jumping and his foot came up naturally. His shin hit Dempsey, not his spikes. He won the header too. It wasn't a foul just bad luck. That was a clear red. The rules agree, the ref agrees, the announcers agree

[hacker]

I don't think I'd have a guy named "immobile" on my team.

[hacker]

re: the red, I didn't know there was an automatic red card rule. It looked very weak to someone like me who only watches soccer every 4 years, but I understand the need for automatic rules to prevent injury. I'm sure some of the penalties for touching a QB's head look stupid to the untrained eye too.

[DudyDawg]

re: the red, I didn't know there was an automatic red card rule. It looked very weak to someone like me who only watches soccer every 4 years, but I understand the need for automatic rules to prevent injury. I'm sure some of the penalties for touching a QB's head look stupid to the untrained eye too.

It's similar to the Tom Brady rule about going low on a qb even if you barely touch them in a way. If that helps. It's one of those ways that can easily tear a ligament, so it's automatic. Same as a head butt or punch. Automatic red no matter the contact

[hacker]

Suarez just bit that dude

[DudyDawg]

Suarez is a punk.


Goal, Uruguay, Diego Godin. As stands, Uruguay and Costa Rica going through

[TheRef]

1-0 Uruguay

[Charlie_Sheen420]

Suarez just bit that dude

Yes he did hahaha

[hacker]

Suarez definitely has a gay biting fetish. Love how he grabbed his face after the guy went down.

[TheRef]

Suarez has bitten before...thus the creation of this:

http://mecfsblog.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/luis-suarez-photo.jpg

[Pioneer Dawg]

Thats Suarez's 3rd time to bite someone haha

[TheRef]

Suarez v. Bucky: Who has the better bite?

http://assets.lfcimages.com/uploads/players/0033__7585__suarez263_5239c079b2575366420948.jpg

https://ct.yimg.com/mr/IMAGES/Coach/PHOTO/FREEZE_HUGH_2005COAT150.JPG

[Charlie_Sheen420]

Love him or hate him Suarez will do anything to win hahaha, he will forever hold one of the epic moments in world cup history with what he did against Ghana in 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcQkwxEGRYc

[TheRef]

FT: Costa Rica 0-0 England

Costa Rica wins Group D

FT: Uruguay 1-0 Italy

Uruguay Advances

Final Group D Standings:

Costa Rica 7 pts +3
Uruguay 6 pts 0
Italy 3 pts -1
England 1 pt -2

[Pioneer Dawg]

ESPN just showed all his bites. Thats ****ing nuts, 3 times!!

[DudyDawg]

Suarez should be kicked out of the WC. Such a dumbass. And with the possibility of a massive move to a Real Madrid. Just cost himself a ton of money

[smootness]

Suarez should be kicked out of the WC. Such a dumbass. And with the possibility of a massive move to a Real Madrid. Just cost himself a ton of money

I'm not kidding, he should be banned from ever playing competitive soccer again. He's obviously not going to stop, and he's also been suspended for being a racist.

He's just a horrible piece of crap as a person and is embarrassing to the game.

[DudyDawg]

I'm not kidding, he should be banned from ever playing competitive soccer again. He's obviously not going to stop, and he's also been suspended for being a racist.

He's just a horrible piece of crap as a person and is embarrassing to the game.

I had really kind of forgiven him and come around right before the WC too. I read a story on Espn about how poor he grew up and stuff and said that the bite against Chelsea was a microcosm of him doing anything he has to to score and win and never go back to how he grew up. So I started kinda feeling bad. And I even gave him the benefit of the doubt for the racism and chalked it up to translation. But this has made all that go out the window. It's not desperation or fighting for survival, just being a piece of shit. I reallllllly hope Real Madrid doesn't buy him now. Would be hard for me to cheer when he scores for us.

[smootness]

I had really kind of forgiven him and come around right before the WC too. I read a story on Espn about how poor he grew up and stuff and said that the bite against Chelsea was a microcosm of him doing anything he has to to score and win and never go back to how he grew up. So I started kinda feeling bad. And I even gave him the benefit of the doubt for the racism and chalked it up to translation. But this has made all that go out the window. It's not desperation or fighting for survival, just being a piece of shit. I reallllllly hope Real Madrid doesn't buy him now. Would be hard for me to cheer when he scores for us.

Wow. I didn't read that ESPN article, but that is so much BS. So many of these guys grew up poor, and they don't bite players. He does it b/c he is a piece of crap, not because he wants to score.

I saw Barcelona was closing in on signing him, too, not now.

[DudyDawg]

Wow. I didn't read that ESPN article, but that is so much BS. So many of these guys grew up poor, and they don't bite players. He does it b/c he is a piece of crap, not because he wants to score.

I saw Barcelona was closing in on signing him, too, not now.
Yup. Would be stupid to splash a bunch of money his way now

[TheRef]

Ian Darke has spoken

Ian Darke
@IanDarke
If Suarez is guilty, no ban us too long. Totally beyond the pale. Alien to football.

1:14pm ? 24 Jun 2014 ? Twitter for iPhone
186
RETWEETS
167
FAVORITES

[hacker]

you guys got it all wrong, the other guy ran into his teeth https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bq6gMhnCUAAy_WI.jpg

[mstatefan91]

It's just a damn shame. Something is wrong with the guy for him to keep biting people. He doesn't gain anything from it other than negative publicity so why keep doing it?

[TheRef]

BREAKING: Cesare Prandelli has resigned as Head Coach of the Italian Men's National Team.

[BulldogBear]

It's just a damn shame. Something is wrong with the guy for him to keep biting people. He doesn't gain anything from it other than negative publicity so why keep doing it?

Some say there is no "negative"

[TheRef]

Some say there is no "negative"

Paging Houston Nutt and Bobby Petrino

[mstatefan91]

Some say there is no "negative"

There is when it costs you money and no team wants to pick you up

[mstatefan91]

Anyway, let's hope our guys are mentally prepared for Thursday because the Germans are not going to just be content with a draw. Interested to see what our lineup will be. The last two have played out differently than I thought they would.

[DawgHouseUnited]

Anyway, let's hope our guys are mentally prepared for Thursday because the Germans are not going to just be content with a draw. Interested to see what our lineup will be. The last two have played out differently than I thought they would.

I think Altidore is out. I don't know about anyone else.

[smootness]

Ian Darke has spoken

Ian Darke
@IanDarke
If Suarez is guilty, no ban us too long. Totally beyond the pale. Alien to football.

1:14pm ? 24 Jun 2014 ? Twitter for iPhone
186
RETWEETS
167
FAVORITES

Totally agree with him, though I'm not sure why people keep saying 'if' or 'we'll try to confirm whether he actually did or didn't bite him'. He definitely bit him, it's right there on video. There's no question about it, we already have the proof.

[TheRef]

I think Altidore is out. I don't know about anyone else.

Altidore is out. Matt Besler will be in the lineup on Thursday.

[smootness]

I think Altidore is out. I don't know about anyone else.

Yeah, he is. I'd go with the exact same lineup as the last one, with 5 midfielders and Dempsey up top.

I wouldn't completely mind putting Johansson in, but I'd rather see us start the same way and then bring on subs as need be, whether it's Johansson or Wondolowski or Brooks, etc. I definitely don't want to see Omar Gonzalez again.

[DudyDawg]

I would like to have our exact lineup with maybe another midfielder replacing Bedoya. Don't think he's really done anything to warrant starting to me. He's just been a ground eater

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

I had really kind of forgiven him and come around right before the WC too. I read a story on Espn about how poor he grew up and stuff and said that the bite against Chelsea was a microcosm of him doing anything he has to to score and win and never go back to how he grew up. So I started kinda feeling bad. And I even gave him the benefit of the doubt for the racism and chalked it up to translation. But this has made all that go out the window. It's not desperation or fighting for survival, just being a piece of shit. I reallllllly hope Real Madrid doesn't buy him now. Would be hard for me to cheer when he scores for us.
I'm not aware of him having a track record of being racist. I thought he just had a beef with one black guy, who he made some derogatory remarks to/about. I could be wrong of course.

I can't defend him biting people. Thats pretty inexcusable.

[DudyDawg]

I'm not aware of him having a track record of being racist. I thought he just had a beef with one black guy, who he made some derogatory remarks to/about. I could be wrong of course.

I can't defend him biting people. Thats pretty inexcusable.
That's kinda what it was. He said something that people thought was racist, but he claimed had a different connotation in Uruguay.

[smootness]

He was suspended for 8 games in league play for being a racist.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

He was suspended for 8 games in league play for being a racist.

Right, but it was a single incident, which is what I was trying to say.

[TheRef]

1-0 Colombia

[DawgHouseUnited]

Greece & Ivory Coast are 0-0 so far

[DudyDawg]

Anyone else's audio delayed on Espn?

[TheRef]

The GREEKS!!! 1-0 Greece

[DawgHouseUnited]

I'm keeping up on fifa's website- at work so I can't tell, DudyDawg.

Greece 1-0 now

[DudyDawg]

Really sloppy giveaway from the Ivorians. 2 on one and a clean strike. Easy as it gets

[TheRef]

JAPAN!!!! 1-1 tie at HT.

[TheRef]

HT: 1-0 Greece

[smootness]

The second half of these games is gonna be crazy. Greece through as it stands, Japan and Ivory Coast both only one goal away.

[Dawg61]

Who are y'all rooting for?

[smootness]

I'm rooting for Greece to go through b/c I have them in a WC pool. Normally I'd be pulling for Japan.

[hacker]

Greece here. I work with a Greek dude who lives in Athens.

[TheRef]

COLOMBIA with a strike. 2-1 Colombia

[smootness]

Japan likely out now. Comes down to this Greece match.

[DudyDawg]

Pulling for Ivory Coast for the same reason as smoot is for Greece. Have them getting through in my bracket.

It'll be hard tho. Going down to Greece is never good. They don't just park the bus, they park two. Really good defensively

[DawgHouseUnited]

Pulling for Ivory Coast for the same reason as smoot is for Greece. Have them getting through in my bracket.

It'll be hard tho. Going down to Greece is never good. They don't just park the bus, they park two. Really good defensively

Same here- I had Ivory Coast making it past the Group stage...

[DudyDawg]

Goal, IVORY COAST BABY!!!! Elephants get it even and will go through if it holds. Wilfred Bony for the goal

[smootness]

Well, Ivory Coast scored, will be tough for Greece now.

[TheRef]

COLOMBIAAAAAAAA

3-1

[TheRef]

Colombia going full HAM on the Japanese right now...

4-1

[DudyDawg]

PENALTY. GREECE. WOW. IF THEY SCORE THEY ARE THRU. 91st minute

[TheRef]

GOALLLLLLLLLLLLL FOR THE GREEKS!!!!! 2-1

[DudyDawg]

Samaras scores it. Greeks will go through. Wow. Gyros for everyone!!!

[smootness]

Oh. my. gosh.

[DawgHouseUnited]

And my bracket takes another hit... lol

[TheRef]

FT: 4-1 Colombia
FT: 2-1 Greece

Final Group C Standings:

Colombia 9 pts +7
Greece 4 pts -2
Ivory Coast 3 pts -1
Japan 1 pt -4

Colombia faces Uruguay
Greece faces Costa Rica

[hacker]

wow, PK in stoppage time. Big balls on that ref

[hacker]

James Rodriguez' goal was pretty suave

[DudyDawg]

And my bracket takes another hit... lol
Mine went down with Spain and Costa Rica

[smootness]

Not only are they through, they play Costa Rica to get to the quarters.

[DudyDawg]

This means that Colombia gets Uruguay and Greece gets Costa Rica. Some reward for winning the group that is

[TheRef]

Current Bracket Challenge Standings:

1. TheRef 10 pts.
1. Rayburn8

3. It_Could_Happen 9 pts.
3. DanglyGiant
3. crc166
3. Will James (Pioneer Dawg)
3. CadaverDawg
3. Jack Lambert

9. BulldogBear 8 pts
9. ToddHinman (Todd4State?)
9. WeWonItAll(Most)
9. DudyDawg

13. jumbo 7 pts
13. Brad Stevens
13. DawgHouseUnited

16. Charlie_Sheen420 6 pts

17. skb124 4 pts

[hacker]

are we single elimination from here on out?

edit: I mean, when round of 16 starts.

[TheRef]

are we single elimination from here on out?

Correct. After Group Stage it is single elimination.

[DudyDawg]

Thanks for my bracket, Spain and Italy.

[smootness]

This means that Colombia gets Uruguay and Greece gets Costa Rica. Some reward for winning the group that is

Well, Uruguay will almost certainly be without Suarez. I'd probably rather play them right now than Costa Rica. CR pretty easily beat a Suarez-less Uruguay.

[DudyDawg]

Well, Uruguay will almost certainly be without Suarez. I'd probably rather play them right now than Costa Rica. CR pretty easily beat a Suarez-less Uruguay.

Ehhh. I dunno. I do completely understand that thinking tho. Just from a talent standpoint, Uruguay is better in every position than Costa Rica. But, Costa Rica is really hot, so that could be troublesome. Cavani would scare me as a Colombian. But, nonetheless it is what it is. That game will be intense, just like chile brazil. South American, attacking will be awesome to watch

[Dawg61]

Suarez bite courtesy of Reddit

http://i.imgur.com/jDMTFU7.gif

[hacker]

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcToSlvuGdx7M73vVZjyrEBJ0KwNClvhu kp935e6vUE54jFbpW3F

[smootness]

Ehhh. I dunno. I do completely understand that thinking tho. Just from a talent standpoint, Uruguay is better in every position than Costa Rica. But, Costa Rica is really hot, so that could be troublesome. Cavani would scare me as a Colombian. But, nonetheless it is what it is. That game will be intense, just like chile brazil. South American, attacking will be awesome to watch

I'm just going by what I've seen in the tournament so far. Joel Campbell right now would scare me more than anybody outside of Suarez that Uruguay has. They just beat England and Italy, I would rather take my chances with a Uruguay that has difficulty scoring.

[Dawg61]

http://i.imgur.com/mB2krY0.gif

[TheRef]

Day 14: June 25, 2014

Group F: 11:00 AM CDT

Nigeria v. Argentina ESPN

Bosnia-Herzegovina v. Iran ESPN2

Argentina has clinched a berth in Round of 16
Bosnia-Herzegovina is eliminated from the World Cup

Group E: 3:00 PM CDT

Honduras v. Switzerland ESPN2

Ecuador v. France ESPN

[TheRef]

Chaos situation: If Argentina and Iran have the EXACT same 1-goal win, lots are drawn to decide who advances between Iran and Nigeria to Round of 16.

[Pioneer Dawg]

Argentina!!!! Messi!!!!!

1-0

[Pioneer Dawg]

Equalizer less than a minute later!!!!!!

Back to back all tourney long!!!!

1-1

[hacker]

wow I love this game

[TheRef]

This game will be EXCITING

[TheRef]

1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina 23'

[TheRef]

Messi!!!! 2-1 Argentina!

[Pioneer Dawg]

Messi!!!!!!

He's a genius, a maestro on the pitch!!! There is no other like him!!!!!!!!

[TheRef]

HT: 2-1 Argentina
HT: 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina

[smootness]

Only Pele and Maradona are in Messi's class now. He's so far and away the best I've ever seen, it's ridiculous. His free kick right before the goal that was saved was even better than the one he scored on. Ridiculous.

He and Neymar are single-handedly winning World Cup matches. That's crazy. I hope they meet in the final.

[hacker]

3 - 2

this game is exciting

[TheRef]

Wait...what?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bq_b8UmCYAEjcT6.png

[TheRef]

Bosnia-Herzegovina scores again. 2-0 over Iran

[DudyDawg]

Wait...what?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bq_b8UmCYAEjcT6.png

Suarez was quoted after the game as saying only "these things happen on the pitch"............. Unmm no they don't. They happen cause you're a piece of shit. I played for ten years and never bit a soul

[DudyDawg]

Still not convinced that argentina's defense is good enough to make a run. They have five premier forwards and probably the best creator on the planet right now in Di Maria, and Nigeria is hanging in the game. A very pedestrian Nigeria on offense. I just don't think they can hold a team with a solid attack down enough to beat them. They could prove me wrong, but I still just don't have faith in that defense.

[mstatefan91]

Still not convinced that argentina's defense is good enough to make a run. They have five premier forwards and probably the best creator on the planet right now in Di Maria, and Nigeria is hanging in the game. A very pedestrian Nigeria on offense. I just don't think they can hold a team with a solid attack down enough to beat them. They could prove me wrong, but I still just don't have faith in that defense.

The problem is that Argentina's defense has a propensity to "fall asleep." Happened twice and there are your two Nigeria goals

[DudyDawg]

Also, they have a traditional center back playing left back and a right back who wants to get forward. Couple that very average defenders with the fact that none of their midfielders or attackers will track back and help, and you have plenty of holes for a good team to punish.

[DudyDawg]

Iran scores, Bosnia gets it right back. 3-1 Bosnia. Looks like Nigeria is all but through

[TheRef]

FT: 3-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina
FT: 3-2 Argentina

Group F Final Stadings:

Argentina 9 pts +3
Nigeria 4 pts 0
Bosnia-Herzegovina 3 pts 0
Iran 1 pt -3

Argentina faces Group E #2
Nigeria faces Group E #1

[TheRef]

Sad note: Nigerian police confirm a report of an explosion in the capital for a watch party. 21 dead, 17 injured.

[CadaverDawg]

FT: 3-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina
FT: 3-2 Argentina

Group F Final Stadings:

Argentina 9 pts +3
Nigeria 4 pts 0
Bosnia-Herzegovina 3 pts 0
Iran 1 pt -3

Argentina faces Group E #2
Nigeria faces Group E #1

Who's in E again?

[CadaverDawg]

Sad note: Nigerian police confirm a report of an explosion in the capital for a watch party. 21 dead, 17 injured.

Damn, didn't that happen after their 1st game too?

[TheRef]

Damn, didn't that happen after their 1st game too?

Yupp....this is a sad event for the Nigerians when they're supposed to be cheering.

[TheRef]

Who's in E again?

Group E is:

Honduras v. Switzerland
Ecuador v. France

No one has been eliminated yet.

[CadaverDawg]

Group E is:

Honduras v. Switzerland
Ecuador v. France

No one has been eliminated yet.

Thanks Ref.

[TheRef]

Thanks Ref.

That's what I'm here for.

[Big4Dawg]

That's what I'm here for.

What game would be better to watch?

[TheRef]

What game would be better to watch?

France-Ecuador. That will decide the winner of the group.

[DownwardDawg]

Sad note: Nigerian police confirm a report of an explosion in the capital for a watch party. 21 dead, 17 injured.

Damn!!! Why? We need to exterminate these 17'ers somehow. 17 tolerance.

[TheRef]

Damn!!! Why? We need to exterminate these 17'ers somehow. 17 tolerance.

Last time an Islamic Terrorist organization took responsibility. No one has taken responsibility thus far.

[DownwardDawg]

I've been to Nigeria and The Congo. I didn't lose anything over there that I plan on going back to get.

[dawgs]

http://screamer.deadspin.com/nigerian-soccer-player-gets-his-arm-blown-up-by-a-rocke-1595972957/+Tom_Ley?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

Ugh. Not for the weak of stomach.

[hacker]

That looks like it just turned his arm. Maybe my brain is lying to me.

[DudyDawg]

The first one was at a Nigerian watch party. This one seemed unrelated to the WC. It's suspected Islamist extremists did it. Keep them in your prayers

[hacker]

Probably Boko Haram. :/

They are the group that has been kidnapping the school girls. They operate primarily in Nigeria.

[dawgs]

That looks like it just turned his arm. Maybe my brain is lying to me.

Brain is definitely lying. When I turn my arm, it's doesn't bend 90 degrees between the elbow and wrist.

[DownwardDawg]

http://screamer.deadspin.com/nigerian-soccer-player-gets-his-arm-blown-up-by-a-rocke-1595972957/+Tom_Ley?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

Ugh. Not for the weak of stomach.

Nasty!!

[TheRef]

Switzerland with a nice upper-90 shot. 1-0 Switzerland

[TheRef]

The Swiss want in the Round of 16 bad. 2-0 Switzerland

[TheRef]

HT: Ecuador 0-0 France
HT: 2-0 Switzerland over Honduras

If results stand, France wins Group and Switzerland advances to Round of 16.

[Dawg61]

Why is the Ecuadorian player wearing a bloody potato sack on his head?

[DudyDawg]

I picked the Swiss. They need to keep that second spot!!!

[TheRef]

Why is the Ecuadorian player wearing a bloody potato sack on his head?

It's what they put on your head after head surgery. He's cut up pretty badly on his head but obviously not deep enough to keep him out of the game. Basically it's to keep you, or anyone else, from shoving stuff into there.

[TheRef]

And we have a sending off! Red Card!!!! Ecuador will have to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match without their captain. Antonio Valencia's World Cup is most likely over.

[DawgHouseUnited]

I picked the Swiss. They need to keep that second spot!!!

Same here. I lucked out with Nigeria though. Helps make up for the 0-fer I got on group D.

[TheRef]

First ever red card in the World Cup for Ecuador.

[Dawg61]

It's what they put on your head after head surgery. He's cut up pretty badly on his head but obviously not deep enough to keep him out of the game. Basically it's to keep you, or anyone else, from shoving stuff into there.

He has visible blood all over his head. 1. It's disgusting and 2. It's a health risk for himself and everyone on the field. Ecuador, FIFA, Brazil and France haven't heard of AIDS before. It's not 1970 anymore. Clean it up.

[TheRef]

He has visible blood all over his head. 1. It's disgusting and 2. It's a health risk for himself and everyone on the field. Ecuador, FIFA, Brazil and France haven't heard of AIDS before. It's not 1970 anymore. Clean it up.

Apparently FIFA doesn't care and let it go....nothing we can do about it.

[TheRef]

Switzerland now up 3-0...that got ugly

[CadaverDawg]

I'm impressed with Dominguez, the goalie for Ecuador. He's playing a hell of a game.

[Cue the French scoring on him shortly]

[TheRef]

FT: Ecuador 0-0 France
FT: 3-0 Switzerland

Final Group E Standings:

France 7 pts +6
Switzerland 6 pts +1
Ecuador 4 pts 0
Honduras 0 pts -7

France plays Nigeria
Switzerland plays Argentina

[mstatefan91]

Let's go!!! Less than 10 hours!

[TheRef]

Day 15: June 26, 2014

Group G: 11:00 AM CDT

United States v. Germany ESPN

Portugal v. Ghana ESPN2

Germany Win/Draw to advance
United States Win/Draw to advance
Portugal Win and have higher Goal Differential than United States v. Germany loser to advance
Ghana Win and have higher Goal Differential than United States v. Germany loser to advance

Group H: 3:00 PM CDT

Algeria v. Russia ESPN2

South Korea v. Belgium ESPN

Belgium has clinched berth in Round of 16

[TheRef]

Ghana Football Association has suspended Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari indefinitely beginning immediately.

Per the Ghana FA website for Boateng:


The decision was taken following Boateng’s vulgar verbal insults targeted at coach Kwesi Appiah during the team’s training session in Maceio this week.

Boateng has since showed no remorse for his actions which has resulted in the decision.

Boateng’s accreditation for the 2014 World Cup has been withdrawn with immediate effect.

Per the Ghana FA Website for Sulley Muntari:


The decision was taken in the wake of his unprovoked physical attack on an Executive Committee member of the GFA and a management member of the Black Stars, Mr. Moses Armah on Tuesday 24th June, 2014 during a meeting.

Muntari’s accreditation for the 2014 World Cup has been withdrawn with immediate effect.

[CadaverDawg]

ESPN showed a 11:00 ET start time today. Is that correct? Or is it 11:00 CT like it's been every day of the WC?

[TheRef]

ESPN showed a 11:00 ET start time today. Is that correct? Or is it 11:00 CT like it's been every day of the WC?

Coverage begins at 11:00 EDT (10:00 CDT). Kickoff is at 11:00 CDT

[Dawg61]

Good news the world won't have to be subjected to Sulley Muntari's ass hanging out anymore

[TheRef]

Recife is currently experiencing flooding. Officials will kick around on the pitch to determine whether kickoff should be delayed or not.

[TheRef]

WOAH!!!! Luis Suarez banned for NINE matches and banned from all football for FOUR MONTHS!!!