2014 World Cup

[rockmanj]

France is out.
So after all they really had an easier group and Switzerland was not as though as their rank suggested.
The last 3 matches were all the same, technical passes never going really well and inability to shoot right.
The most important thing in a WC is the ability to manage the base level needed to survive each game when everyone is tired.
Seems Germany has a tradition of being able to do just that.
Also, I think we should have lost the Nigeria game, which was extremely similar to that one. The main difference is that the first goal was refused. If they had goaled then, my guess is that game would have been lost in the same fashion.

I was really surprised at all the missed passes and the inability to change tactics, always repeating the same long passes that are hard to get for tired players and easy to intercept for defenders...

I was thinking the same. Germany's precision passing and discipline was too much for France. Too bad about Brazil too. I think they can still do it, but having both Neymar injured and Silva out will be quite challenging for Germany. Maybe someone can step up and be a hero for them.

Also, this moment looked like it was about to get weirdly erotic.

[Animeniax]

Good game Netherlands vs Costa Rica... and no blatant dives! I knew they could do it. When Robben isn't being a pansy diver, he's actually a really good player.

[Killa-Eyez]

Unnecessary prolonging of the game. van Persie ruined a 100% goal chance. It should've been 3-0 Netherlands. Again, we won with luck cause keeper Navas suffered a minor injury during Robben's corner kick followed by Kuyt's goal attempt with a header and was maybe not fit enough to stop penalties. We won, but if we keep this up, Argentina will destroy us.

[Animeniax]

At least your team beat the string of losses in extra time/PKs. Costa Rica gave it away in the penalty kicks.

[Killa-Eyez]

I did not enjoy it though. I know the players can score. They just didn't. Very frustrating. It didn't have to resort to penalty kicks.
But we're through, BY penalty kicks. They have never been our forte but this time around we know that if it comes to it, we CAN do 'em. Kuyt's penalty kick was u83r l33t.

The linesman was blatantly partial. That or he really was Asian and should open his eyes a little wider. There were at least 2 instances of an off-side call of which I'm certain no off-side play was made. Make Monay.

Brazil without Neymar will prolly lose from Germany. If Germany wins, they'll prolly get the 2014 cup.
Here's hoping Netherlands won't choke and will actually play the way they can and should for the upcoming 2 matches. We might have a chance.

[David75]

I really think they should pace the tournament slower. We get very dull matches because everyone is so exhausted. Add heat to that, and matches are just painful to watch. I understand they have to play games early due to target audience timezones. But playing with that kind of heat and Sun in your face really is far from a good idea.
Video isn't as beautiful, because the Sun washes out colors, players suffer from heat and light. But sure, watching games late in the night for Europeans isn't an option it seems...

[MFauli]

Well, hopefully Germany makes it this time.

Assuming they beat Brazil, a final against the Netherlands will be VERY difficult, though. The German team as playing against France wouldn´t have stood a chance against the super aggressive playstyle of yesterday´s Netherlands.

[KrayZ33]

Why not? both France and Germany played very good football

[MFauli]

France vs Germany was a terrible match all around.

[Animeniax]

Germany has look fairly average to my untrained eyes, and the Costa Rican defense stifled the Dutch. I'm still hoping for an Argentina win.

I really think they should pace the tournament slower. We get very dull matches because everyone is so exhausted. Add heat to that, and matches are just painful to watch. I understand they have to play games early due to target audience timezones. But playing with that kind of heat and Sun in your face really is far from a good idea.

I think the 3-4 days between matches is long enough to recover between matches, but maybe more breaks during the game would be better for the players and quality of play. Seeing lots of players cramp up and slow down in the 2nd halves, and a decent number of these matches are going to extra periods.

[rockmanj]

The thing about Costa Rica is that they played an extremely defensive formation...basically like a brick wall. I don't even think they were looking to score. In their own way, they outplayed the Netherlands. That being said, I am looking forward to the next few matches.

[Killa-Eyez]

The thing about Costa Rica is that they played an extremely defensive formation...basically like a brick wall. I don't even think they were looking to score. In their own way, they outplayed the Netherlands. That being said, I am looking forward to the next few matches.

I think Argentina will be playing in a similar manner against Netherlands which could result in a similar outcome. Let's hope not and Messi gets his teammates behind him to score a few. I know that when NED gets scored against, they get hungry(ier). When that happens, it should be a sensational match.

[rockmanj]

I doubt Argentina will play so conservatively. I think the only reason Costa Rica did so is because they knew they were outclassed in terms of offensive power and would not win a shootout against the Netherlands' superior attack. They also have a very disciplined defense. Argentina is a well rounded team with the best player in the world and have the ability to go toe to toe with NDL. In fact, I would not be surprised if van Gaal put an extra defender out there for the Dutch team (they have been playing with only 3 this tournament) to deal with Messi and Higuan. I would say that they are probably fairly evenly matched.

[Animeniax]

That is my feeling on it too, CR just doesn't have the ability to compete with the Dutch offensively so they played defensively and tried to capitalize on mistakes and chances. It worked quite well for them, shutting down teams with normally awesome offenses. Doesn't make for the most exciting matches unfortunately.

[KrayZ33]

Brazil is getting wrecked, yes!!

[Animeniax]

Wow what a massacre! There may be rioting in the streets of Brazil tonight. The German team should stop scoring, for their own safety.

[Killa-Eyez]

Lol, Cidade de Deus...

I expected Germany to win, but this hard?

All over my facebook:

[Ryllharu]

- First time any WC team getting 7 goals in a semi-final
- Brazil's worst loss since 1920
- Germany has ended Brazil's winning streak of winning at home (formerly 62 wins)
- Klose becomes highest ever scorer in the World Cup (16 goals in 23 games)

I liked the adorable hugs from the German team to the Brazilians after the game was over.

edit:

BBC, I love you:

"David Luiz has lost his head, big style. He is not happy with Thomas Muller's challenge but then wildly swings at him, he tries to smash Muller into the stands but, as is befitting his performance tonight, he can't connect. An air-kick and more humiliation. No cards from the ref though."

"Marcelo caps a nightmarish performance by chasing 45 yards downfield to meet a crossfield pass -and then missing the ball altogether."

[Carnage]

Just fucking sucks that Germany couldn't defeat Brazil with two of the latter's best players on the field.

[rockmanj]

Ugh...that was rough. Hopefully the game is entertaining tomorrow.