World Cup Thread

[TheRef]

Unfortunately one of my two favorites left will get eliminated next. I've gotta pull for the underdog here. Go Costa Rica!!

CONCACAF!!!!!

[Dawg61]

Not sure how many threads have over a thousand posts but this one does. #WorldCupAwesomeSauce

[TheRef]

Not sure how many threads have over a thousand posts but this one does. #WorldCupAwesomeSauce

Because it's "Copa da Copas!!!!!!!"

[DudyDawg]

Not sure how many threads have over a thousand posts but this one does. #WorldCupAwesomeSauce
No ones likes soccer tho?

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Costa Rica's defense is unreal. They have literally no offense.

[TheRef]

Costa Rica's defense is unreal. They have literally no offense.

Here we go. PKs

[TheRef]

Costa Rica hits the first one!

1-0 Costa Rica

[TheRef]

van Persie responds!

1-1

4 rounds to go

[TheRef]

SAVED!!!

1-1 tie still

[TheRef]

Robben hits it!

2-1 Netherlands

3 rounds to go

[TheRef]

Costa Rica hits their third!

2-2 tie

[TheRef]

Sneijder!!!!

3-2 Netherlands

2 rounds to go

[TheRef]

Costa Rica staying alive

3-3 tie

[TheRef]

Kuyt converts!

4-3 Netherlands

Last round coming up

[TheRef]

SAVED!!!

Netherlands win 0-0 (4-3)

CONCACAF is officially out of the World Cup

We will have Netherlands v. Argentina and Germany v. Brazil.

Who ya got?

[Pioneer Dawg]

I got Argentina v Brazil. Argentina wins it all and WILL JAMES wins the Bracket Pool!!!

[TheRef]

Current WC Challenge Standings:

**NEW LEADER**

1. ToddHinman 64 pts

2. Will James 63 pts
Jack

4. Brad Stevens 61 pts
Rayburn8

6. TheRef 60 pts

7. Charlie_Sheen420 59 pts
DawgHouseUnited

9. crc166 57 pts

10. WeWonItAll(Most) 55 pts
It_Could_Happen
jumbo

13. skb124 48 pts

14. DudyDawg 46 pts

15. CD 45 pts

16. DanglyGiant 43 pts

17. BulldogBear 33 pts

Everyone's Champion is still alive except for DanglyGiant

[CadaverDawg]

Current WC Challenge Standings:

**NEW LEADER**

1. ToddHinman 64 pts

2. Will James 63 pts
Jack

4. Brad Stevens 61 pts
Rayburn8

6. TheRef 60 pts

7. Charlie_Sheen420 59 pts
DawgHouseUnited

9. crc166 57 pts

10. WeWonItAll(Most) 55 pts
It_Could_Happen
jumbo

13. skb124 48 pts

14. DudyDawg 46 pts

15. CD 45 pts

16. DanglyGiant 43 pts

17. BulldogBear 33 pts

Everyone's Champion is still alive except for DanglyGiant

Looks like I can barely beat my dick.

[DudyDawg]

I got Argentina v Brazil. Argentina wins it all and WILL JAMES wins the Bracket Pool!!!

No way Argentina wins it. Without aguero and Di Maria and that shaky defense. Would amaze me if they beat Holland. Still have Germany winning

[TheRef]

No way Argentina wins it. Without aguero and Di Maria and that shaky defense. Would amaze me if they beat Holland. Still have Germany winning

Definitely. Germany got help by Neymar getting hurt for the rest of the WC. That's one HUGE threat off the board for Brazil.

[DudyDawg]

Definitely. Germany got help by Neymar getting hurt for the rest of the WC. That's one HUGE threat off the board for Brazil.

Yes, that hurts, but frankly I think Thiago silva being out is a bigger loss. He's the captain, and really the only player on that team that is purely defensive. Even his CB partner David Luiz will venture forward, and he is the man they count on to be their rock. Losing him will force Marcelo, Luiz, and whoever plays RB to stay back more. Think that loss is a much bigger one. He's the captain, and Neymar can be so up and down. With Neymar, they can do a like for like switch with Willian or bring in another holding or attacking midfielder. They have no one who can step in easily for Silva

[smootness]

Yes, that hurts, but frankly I think Thiago silva being out is a bigger loss. He's the captain, and really the only player on that team that is purely defensive. Even his CB partner David Luiz will venture forward, and he is the man they count on to be their rock. Losing him will force Marcelo, Luiz, and whoever plays RB to stay back more. Think that loss is a much bigger one. He's the captain, and Neymar can be so up and down. With Neymar, they can do a like for like switch with Willian or bring in another holding or attacking midfielder. They have no one who can step in easily for Silva

If Brazil removes Fred from the lineup and inserts Bernard, they won't be any worse than they have been. Of course, the main reason they haven't been as good as they're capable of being so far is that Fred's been playing up top. He has no positive qualities as a soccer player, it blows my mind that they keep inserting him. So they'll still be not as good as possible.

What they should have been doing is either playing Hulk up top or going with a false nine, with Oscar in the middle and Bernard and Neymar on the wings.

Now, they should absolutely play Oscar in the middle with Bernard and someone like Willian on the wings and Hulk up top. That would still be a very dangerous attack.

[DudyDawg]

Hulk isn't made to play up top and I don't think the number nine will work for any team but Spain. Brazil can't dominate possession like that and they use counters and long passes and shots and I think they would be too congested without a 9 stretching the defense. Bernard can't play up top and I'm not sure he has the pace to be a winger against Lahm, so I would either just move Willian in for Neymar, or move Bernard into the middle and oscar wide right with hulk left with Fred up top. Fred is good for their scheme because he can hold the ball w his back to goal and play thru balls to the speedy wingers on a counter. He's also invaluable as far as defensive headers on corners and set pieces. One of the better forwards in the game at that.


Bet Diego costa wishes he woulda stuck it out w Brazil tho

[TheRef]

Jurgen with a good discussion on what the USMNT needs in the MLS to make us a powerhouse. Points to better tempo and rhythm in the games to develop even better players. Here's the FanSided article about it. http://fansided.com/2014/07/06/jurgen-klinsmann-encourages-mls-tempo-rhythm-help-usmnt/#!9rgKZ

[Dawg61]

After looking back on our game vs Belgium I think we played way too defensively and their size vs our defenders killed us. We also let them possess the ball way too long. Jurgen played Croom style futbol. Play not to lose and you're guaranteed to lose.

[DudyDawg]

Jurgen with a good discussion on what the USMNT needs in the MLS to make us a powerhouse. Points to better tempo and rhythm in the games to develop even better players. Here's the FanSided article about it. http://fansided.com/2014/07/06/jurgen-klinsmann-encourages-mls-tempo-rhythm-help-usmnt/#!9rgKZ

Completely agree. The biggest problem in the MLS isn't the athleticism or speed of individual players, it's the style of play that makes it hard for players to use it. We play a dumbed down version of English football, with square passes with the inside foot, crosses, and slow buildup. The MLS needs some more guys like Ozil and Di Maria who can create passed and breakouts that most guys can't, which would up the speed of the game here. I think kaka is a step in the right direction for us

[TheRef]

Completely agree. The biggest problem in the MLS isn't the athleticism or speed of individual players, it's the style of play that makes it hard for players to use it. We play a dumbed down version of English football, with square passes with the inside foot, crosses, and slow buildup. The MLS needs some more guys like Ozil and Di Maria who can create passed and breakouts that most guys can't, which would up the speed of the game here. I think kaka is a step in the right direction for us

Kaka is a good pickup for the MLS. If we can start getting more high-profile players, we can see a slight development of the MLS.

[DudyDawg]

Kaka is a good pickup for the MLS. If we can start getting more high-profile players, we can see a slight development of the MLS.

MLS is already a pretty good league. I would equate it to turkey or Portugal as far as the average talent level. The only difference is we are struggling to find elite offensive guys while those leagues have one or two a year. We have the elite defenders here, but not offensive. I think that will start to change tho as scouting and youth development continues to absolutely boom here. Won't be long before we are consistently sending guys to the top leagues and teams over seas, both offensive and defensive.

Kaka, David Villa, Bradley, Defoe, and likely Robinho (also with kaka in Orlando) are some of the big attacking names that have signed in less than the last year alone. It's a trend that's not stopping

[smootness]

After looking back on our game vs Belgium I think we played way too defensively and their size vs our defenders killed us. We also let them possess the ball way too long. Jurgen played Croom style futbol. Play not to lose and you're guaranteed to lose.

I disagree with this. I think we played a lot more open than people think in that Belgium match, and we ended up with 52% of possession. Our problem was that there were a few different times where Belgium had the ball down on our end for extended stretches, with several shots out of each one, and we couldn't seem to regain possession in those instances.

But I think part of the reason Belgium had as many shots as they did is because we were more open than we were in, say, the Ghana match. We were trying to get it up and be more proactive, we just don't have the talent yet to dictate tempo and pace against a team with the level of talent that Belgium has. You can't just decide to control possession and do it simply because you decided to do it. You have to have the talent to keep possession under pressure and to make quick, precise passes and control with your first touch, and we don't have players who can do that yet.

[I seen it dawg]

I got Argentina v Brazil. Argentina wins it all and WILL JAMES wins the Bracket Pool!!!

Go Europe!!!

[BulldogBear]

Current WC Challenge Standings:

**NEW LEADER**

1. ToddHinman 64 pts

2. Will James 63 pts
Jack

4. Brad Stevens 61 pts
Rayburn8

6. TheRef 60 pts

7. Charlie_Sheen420 59 pts
DawgHouseUnited

9. crc166 57 pts

10. WeWonItAll(Most) 55 pts
It_Could_Happen
jumbo

13. skb124 48 pts

14. DudyDawg 46 pts

15. CD 45 pts

16. DanglyGiant 43 pts

17. BulldogBear 33 pts

Everyone's Champion is still alive except for DanglyGiant

is that just the top 17? Or... am I last?

[TheRef]

is that just the top 17? Or... am I last?

Sadly, you're last Bear. I eliminated everyone who joined who never picked their bracket.

[BulldogBear]

Sadly, you're last Bear. I eliminated everyone who joined who never picked their bracket.

My champ can still win!!

[TheRef]

Argentina's Angel Di Maria will miss the Semifinal with a hamstring injury. He leads Argentina with 24 shots this World Cup.

[smootness]

Argentina's Angel Di Maria will miss the Semifinal with a hamstring injury. He leads Argentina with 24 shots this World Cup.

That's a major blow for them. They're now going to entirely rely on Messi to make things happen. That's 2 of their big 4, Aguero and now Di Maria, out. Higuain and Lavezzi are good, but they're not really creators.

[Sandman14]

Aguero will be back. So will Rojo, who missed last game with suspension.

[hacker]

Kaka, David Villa, Bradley, Defoe, and likely Robinho (also with kaka in Orlando) are some of the big attacking names that have signed in less than the last year alone. It's a trend that's not stopping

I think this World Cup will help out MLS attendance in a huge way. And more money = more big players from Europe and South America. I think in 10 years, there will be a "big five sports" or either soccer will just take hockey's place in the "big four sports."

Oh yeah, it'll overtake baseball not long after that.

Soccer in the US is enjoying a snowball effect right now.

[DawgHouseUnited]

I think this World Cup will help out MLS attendance in a huge way. And more money = more big players from Europe and South America. I think in 10 years, there will be a "big five sports" or either soccer will just take hockey's place in the "big four sports."

Oh yeah, it'll overtake baseball not long after that.

Soccer in the US is enjoying a snowball effect right now.

I don't know that it will pass baseball. There's too much history in favor of baseball (the old saying goes- that's as American as baseball and apple pie). I'd be ok with it passing hockey, even though I like hockey. It's a lot easier to play some variant of soccer than hockey, especially down south.

[CadaverDawg]

I think this World Cup will help out MLS attendance in a huge way. And more money = more big players from Europe and South America. I think in 10 years, there will be a "big five sports" or either soccer will just take hockey's place in the "big four sports."

Oh yeah, it'll overtake baseball not long after that.

Soccer in the US is enjoying a snowball effect right now.

Years ago, I would have laughed and said you're crazy about soccer passing baseball one day.....but now I agree. My brother is around 25, and his friends and the under 25 crowd seem to be more in favor of watching Seattle Sounders games and stuff like that....most of them could give two shits about baseball. I don't know what the dollars and stats say, but from my viewpoint, it seems like the older generation is carrying baseball right now, and if they don't give MLB a kick in the ass in terms of excitement, they may be in trouble with the younger generations not caring about it at all. Maybe I'm wrong though. I know I went from keeping a scorebook for Atlanta Braves games when I was a kid, to not watching a MLB game if you paid me now. Wonder if any others are the same? And if so, how many of those Dad's my age are taking their sons to MLB games and watching games on TV with them? I will be interested to see what happens to MLB's popularity over my lifetime, that's for sure.

[hacker]

My Granddaddy was a huge Braves fan. He watched every game on TBS. He drove us to Atlanta to see games. So, in turn I was a super baseball nerd as a kid. Memorized stats, had millions of baseball cards, etc. I also played baseball, but around puberty I lost interest for some reason, not really sure why. Then my Granddaddy died around that time and I didn't have anyone to talk to about baseball anymore, so it just kind of went away and I lost all interest. The only MLB baseball I've watched in 15+ years is a World Series every now and then. I watched the one where the Cardinals won a few years ago, and admittedly that was badass. I watch MSU baseball in the postseason or when we get close to the postseason.

Point of the story, yes, the older generations are carrying baseball right now. I would've never been into baseball without my Granddaddy. I went from being completely obsessed with baseball for most of my childhood to baseball being lower than American Idol on a scale of things that entertain me.

[CadaverDawg]

Sounds a lot like my interest level. I played baseball, and I still absolutely love college baseball....but for some reason I just can not care less about MLB anymore.

[Dawg61]

Sounds a lot like my interest level. I played baseball, and I still absolutely love college baseball....but for some reason I just can not care less about MLB anymore.

Play just one year of fantasy baseball and you'll love it again. For me I have a team (SF Giants) that I follow and keep up with and go out of my way to watch and then I play fantasy baseball so that keeps me interested in the other teams/players. Baseball is the perfect sport to watch while doing other things and in a way it is much like soccer that way. There are lots of times throughout both sports that your focus can be on other things and still be "in" the match. If you're having trouble picking a favorite team you can just watch MLBNetwork and they do an excellent job of keeping you up to date on everything going on in the baseball world and a lot of them are hilarious too. Great network way way way better than ESPN for MLB. That could be the problem too. ESPN is HORRIBLE for MLB. Their announcers are very boring and their show Baseball Tonight is trash.

[Pioneer Dawg]

Play just one year of fantasy baseball and you'll love it again.

Ding ding ding

[CadaverDawg]

Play just one year of fantasy baseball and you'll love it again. For me I have a team (SF Giants) that I follow and keep up with and go out of my way to watch and then I play fantasy baseball so that keeps me interested in the other teams/players. Baseball is the perfect sport to watch while doing other things and in a way it is much like soccer that way. There are lots of times throughout both sports that your focus can be on other things and still be "in" the match. If you're having trouble picking a favorite team you can just watch MLBNetwork and they do an excellent job of keeping you up to date on everything going on in the baseball world and a lot of them are hilarious too. Great network way way way better than ESPN for MLB. That could be the problem too. ESPN is HORRIBLE for MLB. Their announcers are very boring and their show Baseball Tonight is trash.

Remind me again when it's time

[hacker]

Remind me again when it's time

Yeah, I might try this next year

[Dawg61]

Remind me again when it's time


Yeah, I might try this next year


http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzr3pwyfB31qgb1xio2_500.gif

[smootness]

I think baseball is having a bit of a resurgence as well. Of course, I have no idea if stats back that, just me throwing crap against the wall basically. But it seems like it has grown in popularity somewhat recently, despite the anemic offense.

Once they juice the balls back up some, it will be even better.

But yes, soccer is absolutely here to stay, and it's going to continue to grow. And there's a good reason for this: it's a great sport. There's a reason it's so popular everywhere, and it isn't just that it's easy to play because you just need a ball and some cones. It's the only sporting event that can hold your attention non-stop, and no other sport can match the exhilaration of each point/goal/run. The buildup and anticipation of that is second to none. Yes, you can watch a game for almost 3 hours and see nothing happen. But you can also turn away for 10 seconds and miss the entire match.

As MLS continues to grow, it's going to exponentially sky-rocket. Hockey will be toast pretty soon, and I think it'll pass basketball before baseball. Football will remain the #1 sport in America for as long as it remains viable, but there are some serious threats to its ability to do that. Nothing drastic will happen in the next 20 years or so, but it could begin to dwindle as a high-quality product.

I think in 20 years or so, the MLS will be one of the top 5 or 6 leagues in the world and legitimately making plays for big-time players in their prime and I think the US national team will have at least made a WC semifinal. I also think soccer will be, at worst, the #3 sport in the country by then.

[Pioneer Dawg]

I think baseball is having a bit of a resurgence as well. Of course, I have no idea if stats back that, just me throwing crap against the wall basically. But it seems like it has grown in popularity somewhat recently, despite the anemic offense.

Once they juice the balls back up some, it will be even better.

But yes, soccer is absolutely here to stay, and it's going to continue to grow. And there's a good reason for this: it's a great sport. There's a reason it's so popular everywhere, and it isn't just that it's easy to play because you just need a ball and some cones. It's the only sporting event that can hold your attention non-stop, and no other sport can match the exhilaration of each point/goal/run. The buildup and anticipation of that is second to none. Yes, you can watch a game for almost 3 hours and see nothing happen. But you can also turn away for 10 seconds and miss the entire match.

As MLS continues to grow, it's going to exponentially sky-rocket. Hockey will be toast pretty soon, and I think it'll pass basketball before baseball. Football will remain the #1 sport in America for as long as it remains viable, but there are some serious threats to its ability to do that. Nothing drastic will happen in the next 20 years or so, but it could begin to dwindle as a high-quality product.

I think in 20 years or so, the MLS will be one of the top 5 or 6 leagues in the world and legitimately making plays for big-time players in their prime and I think the US national team will have at least made a WC semifinal. I also think soccer will be, at worst, the #3 sport in the country by then.

I agree with a lot of this.

Even with 2x as many home games all but 3 MLB teams have higher avg attendances than the highest NBA avg.

Natural demographics and exploding popularity will boost soccer

The liberalization of football will bring it down from its current peak. I don't find the NFL enjoyable at all and anything outside of the SEC is boring.

The fans turned off by football and hoops and think soccer is communist have nowhere to go but back to the ol' pastime.

[TheRef]

Here we go!!!

Semifinal #1

Brazil v. Germany

3:00 PM CDT ESPN, ESPN3

[Dawg61]

Brazil vs Germany

[TheRef]

Brazil vs Germany

You're right....I need more coffee.

http://mojo.dailybruin.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/coffee-gif.gif

[Dawg61]

Drink it like this

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view7/20140626/5058519/tim-lincecum-gatorade-bath-o.gif

[DudyDawg]

Cannot wait for this one. Thought Brazil had a good chance w Neymar and more importantly Thiago Silva, but now I think Germany have to be favored in this. That being said, being had home you can't count Brazil out.

I'm interested to see how they replace Neymar. Do they bring in Willian for a like for like switch. Do they bring in another central midfielder? We shall see soon.

[DudyDawg]

@ESPNFC: Same XI that played France.

#GER XI: Neuer; Lahm, Hummels, Boateng, H?wedes; Schweinsteiger, Khedira; M?ller, Kroos, ?zil; Klose #BRAvsGER

[DudyDawg]

@ESPNFC: Bernard in, Dante first appearance
#BRA XI: C?sar; Maicon, Dante, Luiz, Marcelo; Gustavo, Fernandinho, Hulk, Oscar, Bernard; Fred #BRAvsGER

Would expect oscar to start wide right and to float freely into the middle with Bernard. Interesting choice. Dante in for Thiago Silva in the back

[Dawg61]

Go Germany!!

[Pioneer Dawg]

Go Brazil!

[DudyDawg]

Brazil certainly attacking early. Not afraid even w out Neymar

[TheRef]

Coach34 is over there like

http://amytintera.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/tumblr_m11s9bAvDq1qjemo2o1_400.gif

[Pioneer Dawg]

Germany 1-0

[MadisonDawg]

Germany is some kind of good, this is gonna be a great match

[DudyDawg]

Of all guys to lose in the box, how is Muller the one. He scores that 11 times out of 10.

[CadaverDawg]

Now THIS is some damn soccer! Brazil's attack and aggressive pace vs Germany's ball control and finesse....fun to watch

[TheRef]

Funny note: None of the teams that prohibited sex by their players made it past the Round of 16.

[CadaverDawg]

2-0!

[TheRef]

KLOSE!!!!! 2-0 Germany

[Dawg61]

Germany's surgeon like passing is beautiful to watch, they are killing Brazil, 2-0

[Pioneer Dawg]

2-0 Deutschland

[TheRef]

He now has 16 World Cup goals in his career and he stands alone as the all-time greatest World Cup goal scorer in history.

[DudyDawg]

Goooooooal Germany. Miroslav Klose gets his own rebound and becomes the leader in WC goals in history. Wow. 2-0 22'. Brazil looking weak w out silva at the back and Neymar to finish. Expect this game to really kick into hear, even more than before

[Pioneer Dawg]

3-0!!! Damn

[CadaverDawg]

Holy shit, 3-0!

[Dawg61]

Oh shit it is an ass-raping

[mstatefan91]

Dear God. This is embarrassing for Brazil

[TheRef]

Germany is not using lube.....I repeat. This is a non-lube ALERT!

[Pioneer Dawg]

4-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DudyDawg]

3-0. Toni Kroos!!!!

4-0. Kroos again!!!

[mstatefan91]

Wow...

[mstatefan91]

It will 10-0 by the end of half at this rate

[CadaverDawg]

Unreal. And that little shit ass kid needs a male role model

[TheRef]

Okay....Brazil is going to riot after this. There is no way the Brazilian faithful take this loss lightly if they're going to lose THIS badly.

[CadaverDawg]

Crazy how Brazil actually looked like the better team the first 5-10 minutes.

[TheRef]

Crazy how Brazil actually looked like the better team the first 5-10 minutes.

Okay...this is probably not an out of the question question. What IF the US is playing instead of Germany? Is the slaughter this bad?

[Pioneer Dawg]

5-0!!!!!!

Germany needs to get their 3 most important players out of there

[mstatefan91]

Geez

[mstatefan91]

Okay...this is probably not an out of the question question. What IF the US is playing instead of Germany? Is the slaughter this bad?

The way Brazil is playing on defense. Probably 2 or 3 goals already scored by the USA as well

[CadaverDawg]

Oh my

[TheRef]

Is this Alabama-Notre Dame game eligible yet? Because I think it is.

[DudyDawg]

5-0. Holy. Shit. Some idiot made like 50,000 in Vegas I guarantee it. It's a procession to the goal. Layup lines

[hacker]

This is what the Belgium - USA game would've looked like without Tim Howard.

[Dawg61]

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af26/Mamma4ever/Gifs%20for%20Blogging/funny/Ashton-Kutcher-laughing.gif

[TheRef]

This is what the Belgium - USA game would've looked like without Tim Howard.

Tim Howard is a GOD

[mstatefan91]

This is what the Belgium - USA game would've looked like without Tim Howard.

We didn't even play this loose on defense. Brazil gave up after the 2nd goal

[CadaverDawg]

And that missed handball in the box coulda made it 6-0 just then

[Pioneer Dawg]

Well for those saying soccer needs more goals....

I wonder if the stadium is empty by the 90th

[mstatefan91]

And that missed handball in the box coulda made it 6-0 just then

There won't be any penalties going Germany's way for the rest of this game unless it is just a blatantly hard foul or intentional handball.

The ref has already stopped giving Germany advantage on fouls.

[TheRef]

So a quick little update. Here are the people who have Brazil winning the whole thing. I'll present them along with their ranking

1. ToddHinman

2. Jack

9. crc166

10. jumbo

15. CD

[DudyDawg]

And that missed handball in the box coulda made it 6-0 just then


That was the equivalent of a college ref letting Teo five yards behind the like for a sack in the fourth quarter of that bama game and just being like "okay, I'll let you have it. It's bad enough"

[Dawg61]

Who knew Brazil had a team full of Long John Silver impersonators


http://youtu.be/ejTTJmJSHkk

[DudyDawg]

Well for those saying soccer needs more goals....

I wonder if the stadium is empty by the 90th

This will either turn to a riot/ empty stadium or they will be singing the whole time like we did in the ninth in Omaha. But my money is on option one

[mstatefan91]

That was the equivalent of a college ref letting Teo five yards behind the like for a sack in the fourth quarter of that bama game and just being like "okay, I'll let you have it. It's bad enough"

Exactly

[CadaverDawg]

So a quick little update. Here are the people who have Brazil winning the whole thing. I'll present them along with their ranking

1. ToddHinman

2. Jack

9. crc166

10. jumbo

15. CD

Preciate the reminder**

[hacker]

We didn't even play this loose on defense. Brazil gave up after the 2nd goal

Yeah, I wasn't being literal. Just what it seems like.

[TheRef]

Preciate the reminder**

I'm sorry, buddy. I had to.

[mstatefan91]

Honestly, Germany could have already scored a couple more if they had wanted to.

[TheRef]

According to a couple of reporters down there, Brazilian fans are streaming out of the stadium now...

[CadaverDawg]

According to a couple of reporters down there, Brazilian fans are streaming out of the stadium now...

You sure you aren't confusing that with a report from the Vaught at halftime?

[DudyDawg]

Good thing I had Germany winning.

I honestly feel bad for brazil. Legitimate sadness for them and their fans

[mstatefan91]

You sure you aren't confusing that with a report from the Vaught at halftime?

I wouldn't blame any fan for not wanting to watch this meltdown

[TheRef]

ESPN Stats & Info
@ESPNStatsInfo
As of 5-0, #GER is now the all-time top scoring in #WorldCup history with 221 goals. It trailed #BRA by 4 entering the match. #BRAvsGER

3:40pm ? 8 Jul 2014 ? Twitter Web Client

[Pioneer Dawg]

I wouldn't blame any fan for not wanting to watch this meltdown

Yeah this is exactly like our Texas A&M game in 2012.

[CadaverDawg]

Yeah this is exactly like our Texas A&M game in 2013.

2012?

[TheRef]

HT: 5-0 Germany

Record for goals in one WC match past Group Stage: 10

[Dawg61]

HT: 5-0 Germany

Record for goals in one WC match past Group Stage: 10

Never seen anything like that before, that was worse than the Seahawks stomping the Broncos or the Cowboys killing the Bills. That shit was/is embarrassing for Brazil for the next 100 years. Ouch!

[Pioneer Dawg]

2012?

Right

[TheRef]

Brazil's coach at halftime:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWmQbk5h86w

Germany's coach at halftime:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kr24G8jQpM

[DudyDawg]

In all seriousness, what do you say to them. I would just say it's over go make it less embarassing.

If I was the German coach I woulda popped a top and chugged das boot.


Guessing the Brazilian coach is drinking for a different reason tho.....

[mstatefan91]

Germany is getting a little too lackadaisical on defense

[DudyDawg]

Germany is getting a little too lackadaisical on defense

Just trying to literally get out alive

[mstatefan91]

Just trying to literally get out alive

Oh definitely. They don't want any silly cards or injuries but you also don't want to start giving up goals and giving Brazil any hope

[TheRef]

Oh definitely. They don't want any silly cards or injuries but you also don't want to start giving up goals and giving Brazil any hope

I think he was literally talking about getting out of the stadium alive.

[mstatefan91]

I think he was literally talking about getting out of the stadium alive.

lol yeah. Better have that security beefed up to the max for both the teams

[TheRef]

lol yeah. Better have that security beefed up to the max for both the teams

Brazilian fans are crazy.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2620239/Man-Brazil-killed-instantly-toilet-bowl-thrown-rival-soccer-fans-40-days-nation-hosts-World-Cup.html

[cbrunt29]

Yeah, Germany's gonna win the whole thing

[DudyDawg]

Haha I meant it literally but as far as soccer goes too. They just need to stay injury free during the game and change hotels and they should be fine!

[DudyDawg]

This isn't the first time a German invasion has caused a defense to surrender #lookingatyouFrance

[mstatefan91]

I think the German fans are in more danger than the players

[mstatefan91]

6-0

[TheRef]

Think about this. Germany just outscored the 2008 MSU vs. Auburn game......

[I seen it dawg]

Go Europe!!

[mstatefan91]

The Brazilian coach better have a safe house

[cbrunt29]

Seven....

[mstatefan91]

If ever a game needed a mercy rule...

[TheRef]

And Brazil has given up its first Touchdown in history.

7-0 Germany

[DawgHouseUnited]

Looks like I was a little under on my tiebreaker estimate- goals scored... Doggone 6-0, whodathunkit?

[TheRef]

Looks like I was a little under on my tiebreaker estimate- goals scored... Doggone 6-0, whodathunkit?

7-0

[DudyDawg]

This is flat out amazing. I'm truly at a loss for words. SEVEN. I would've been surprised to see seven on anyone, much less brazil!!! Hell that 4-0 Portugal Germany game was amazing. This is flat out sad

[mstatefan91]

Am I the only one that wants Germany to run this up even further? Probably..

[mstatefan91]

7-1

[TheRef]

Well....Brazil scored. Finally. 7-1

[TheRef]

FT: 7-1 Germany

[TheRef]

This is the worst ever loss in the World Cup for Brazil and Germany advances to its record 8th World Cup Final

[TheRef]

Germany fans being told to remain in the stadium and then they will be escorted out by Brazilian police.

[mstatefan91]

Brazil might get taken to the cleaners again come Sunday...

[Pioneer Dawg]

Brazil might get taken to the cleaners again come Sunday...

No kidding

[TheRef]

For fun, someone created concept kits for all the SEC schools with a sponsor associated with each.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsDdD36CIAAPKGs.jpg

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Am I the only one that wants Germany to run this up even further? Probably..
Haha no, I wanted them to as well. I didn't record this game because I was expecting a 1-0 tactical battle. Good thing ESPN 3 has it so I can go watch Germany go nuts for the first 30' of the match

[Pioneer Dawg]

Of course our soccer uniforms would be the worst

[Dawg61]

For fun, someone created concept kits for all the SEC schools with a sponsor associated with each.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsDdD36CIAAPKGs.jpg

Haha that is awesome and I disagree Pioneer I like the maroon one minus the Mississippi State Legal Banner of course, c spire on the white looks terrible though but better than Wal-Mart haha

[DudyDawg]

I think all of them are pretty damn ugly

[Dawg61]

BBC has jokes

http://i.imgur.com/0bWJZzp.png

[hacker]

I'd straight up wear those MSU kitz

[TheRef]

Here we go. Hopefully this one will be better than the Brazil-Germany match

Semifinal #2

Argentina v. Netherlands

3:00 PM CDT ESPN & ESPN3

Winner will face Germany in the World Cup Final

[DudyDawg]

Breaking: Dutch forward Robin Van Persie looks like he is set to play after spending the last few days battling a stomach illness, per ESPNFC

[Pioneer Dawg]

Need Argentina to win this one

[I seen it dawg]

Go Europe!!!

[hacker]

http://i5.minus.com/ib0hN5emXIJStY.jpg

[Dawg61]

http://i.imgur.com/jrGwc4l.jpg

[Dawg61]

http://giant.gfycat.com/ImmediateOblongBrownbear.gif

[DudyDawg]

Missed the first 35 minutes. Anyone describe it for me? Anyone dominate or just some feeling out?

[DudyDawg]

@HautmannOnFOX: Robben has one more touch (6) than #GER had goals yesterday at halftime.

[BulldogBear]

FT: 7-1 Germany

The 6th commandment will be violated behind this.

[hacker]

I really hope this doesn't go to penalty kicks. So anti-climactic.

[DudyDawg]

Think this is a case of penalties being a fair way to decide this one. A lot of times a team will dominate and lose in penalties, and this isn't one of those times. Both teams have been about the same so far

[DudyDawg]

We are headed to penalties after a dodgy game. 0-0 after extra time. My vote is the Dutch. Would be Argentina if Di Maria was in

[Pioneer Dawg]

Argentina keeper stepping up!!!!

[TheRef]

Sorry for missing the first two rounds. Sneijder gets denied!

2-1 Argentina

[TheRef]

Argentina's Aguero gets it past the keeper!

3-1 Argentina

[TheRef]

Netherlands responds

3-2 Argentina

[Pioneer Dawg]

Argentina wins!!!

Comes down to me vs Rayburn8 for the ED Bracket Predictor!!

[TheRef]

Argentina wins!!!

Comes down to me vs Rayburn8 for the ED Bracket Predictor!!

I'll post the updated standings once ESPN updates

[DudyDawg]

Gotta think Krul saves two of those at least. Messi's wasn't a good one either. Argentina v Germany. Should be one hell of a game

[TheRef]

ESPN Bracket Predictor Standings:

**NEW LEADER**

1. Rayburn8 93 pts

2. Charlie_Sheen420 91 pts
DawgHouseUnited

4. WeWonItAll(Most) 87 pts

5. Will James 79 pts
Jack

7. Brad Stevens 77 pts

8. TheRef 76 pts

9. It_Could_Happen 71 pts

10. skb124 64 pts
ToddHinman

12. DudyDawg 62 pts

13. crc166 57 pts

14. jumbo 55 pts

15. BulldogBear 49 pts

16. CD 45 pts

17. DanglyGiant 43 pts

If GER wins: Rayburn8 wins Bracket Challenge
If ARG wins: Will James wins Bracket Challenge

[Pioneer Dawg]

If GER wins: Rayburn8 wins Bracket Challenge
If ARG wins: Will James wins Bracket Challenge

Advantage Rayburn

[hacker]

Man, that keeper was on-point

[TheRef]

So we have a Battle of the Popes for the World Cup Final

Pope Benedict XVI vs. Pope Francis

July 13, 2014 2:00 PM CDT ABC

Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

[CadaverDawg]

ESPN Bracket Predictor Standings:

**NEW LEADER**

1. Rayburn8 93 pts

2. Charlie_Sheen420 91 pts
DawgHouseUnited

4. WeWonItAll(Most) 87 pts

5. Will James 79 pts
Jack

7. Brad Stevens 77 pts

8. TheRef 76 pts

9. It_Could_Happen 71 pts

10. skb124 64 pts
ToddHinman

12. DudyDawg 62 pts

13. crc166 57 pts

14. jumbo 55 pts

15. BulldogBear 49 pts

16. CD 45 pts

17. DanglyGiant 43 pts

If GER wins: Rayburn8 wins Bracket Challenge
If ARG wins: Will James wins Bracket Challenge

Well, at least I didn't get beat by the penis*

[DudyDawg]

Well, at least I didn't get beat by the penis*

Hahaha. Laughed at that. Didn't see that name before. That's awesome

[TheRef]

Well it's time!!!! Germany v Argentina for the World Cup title. Who ya got?

[Dawg61]

Well it's time!!!! Germany v Argentina for the World Cup title. Who ya got?

Deutsch Sieg ist das einzige Ergebnis moglich

[DudyDawg]

Looking like we all thought it was going to be. Germany dominating
Possession and Argentina happy to sit back and counter

[Smitty]

Why does Argentina sit back and allow Germany all the space to make passes? Germany runs right at the ball holder and usually gets possession back really fast

[DudyDawg]

Why does Argentina sit back and allow Germany all the space to make passes? Germany runs right at the ball holder and usually gets possession back really fast

Because Argentina doesn't have the talent to play possession against them. They have to allow Germany to pass and sit back and defend, because if they press to far forward Germany will pick them apart.

[TheRef]

Sorry about the lack of updates from me, guys. I was on the road but I did listen the whole way. Argentina and Germany are BOTH playing their styles right now. Argentina has been getting their counter chances and Germany has been playing their possession style to the book. I am surprised, however, that Germany hasn't tried to press it up like they do usually. What I am not surprised of, however, is the fact that regulation was not enough to end this game. 2 of the last 5 World Cup Finals have ended in a PK shootout. Don't be surprised if it ends in a PK shootout again.

[TheRef]

Schweinsteiger with a nasty cut under his eye after some contact with an Argentinan...German bench is not happy and they're appealing to the fourth official to no avail.

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

[TheRef]

GERMANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1-0 DEUTCHLAND 113'

[DudyDawg]

Beautiful finish by Gotze. Great touch and hit

[CadaverDawg]

Sweinsteiger is a bitch. Quit flopping and whining you puss.

[TheRef]

FT: 1-0 Germany

Germany wins the 2014 FIFA World Cup. This is their 4th World Cup Title and first since 1990 when they were West Germany

[I seen it dawg]

Yay Wiener schnitzel!!!!!!!

[TheRef]

***FINAL WORLD CUP BRACKET STANDINGS***

1. Rayburn8 125 pts (98.6 Percentile Worldwide)
2. Charlie_Sheen420 123 pts (Beats DHU with tiebreaker)
3. DawgHouseUnited 123 pts
4. WeWonItAll(Most) 119 pts
5. TheRef 108 pts
6. It_Could_Happen 103 pts
7. skb124 96 pts
8. DudyDawg 94 pts
9. Will James 79 pts (Beats Jack with tiebreaker)
10. Jack 79 pts
11. Brad Stevens 77 pts
12. ToddHinman 64 pts
13. crc166 57 pts
14. jumbo 55 pts
15. BulldogBear 49 pts
16. CD 45 pts
17. DanglyGiant 43 pts

[DudyDawg]

Sweinsteiger is a bitch. Quit flopping and whining you puss.
He did get killed that one time tho. Other than that he made the most of being fouled

[hacker]

My mom's last name via marriage is G?etz*. Maybe her husband related to him. I'm thinking I should contact him and see if he will send us the game winning ball.

+1?

Edit: Ugh, this board should support unicode characters. That ? is supposed to be an o with an umlaut.

[Dawg61]

If you can score his game jersey you can fetch a pretty penny for it

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

He did get killed that one time tho. Other than that he made the most of being fouled

I really thought the only time he was faking/ dragging out his injury was right before Messi's last free kick. And I honestly can't blame him in that situation for trying to ice the kicker

[DudyDawg]

I really thought the only time he was faking/ dragging out his injury was right before Messi's last free kick. And I honestly can't blame him in that situation for trying to ice the kicker

Me too. And the way it got up it looked like he had a cramp, so you never know.

Huge let down for messi to lose. This was his chance to put himself up there with some of the greatest, but he couldn't do it. He was a ghost in the second half and extra time. As well as his horrid free kick to fend the game. Which I'm so happy about. Because I hate messi and all things Barcelona

[DawgHouseUnited]

***FINAL WORLD CUP BRACKET STANDINGS***

1. Rayburn8 125 pts (98.6 Percentile Worldwide)
2. Charlie_Sheen420 123 pts (Beats DHU with tiebreaker)
3. DawgHouseUnited 123 pts
4. WeWonItAll(Most) 119 pts
5. TheRef 108 pts
6. It_Could_Happen 103 pts
7. skb124 96 pts
8. DudyDawg 94 pts
9. Will James 79 pts (Beats Jack with tiebreaker)
10. Jack 79 pts
11. Brad Stevens 77 pts
12. ToddHinman 64 pts
13. crc166 57 pts
14. jumbo 55 pts
15. BulldogBear 49 pts
16. CD 45 pts
17. DanglyGiant 43 pts

I would've done better if Germany hadn't blown up on Brazil like they did... I'd guessed that they'd score 2, not freakin' five... Ha! Enjoyed the bracket though, I did way better than I expected.

[TheRef]

Here is ESPN's World Cup Montage to wrap up coverage.


http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=intl:1949024

[BulldogBear]

Deutschland Ueber Alles