World Cup watch thread

[Kung Wu]

I just figured the stars would show up and score some goals (RVP, Robben, Messi, Aguero).

This was the first game I was grossly incorrect about. Since I got the winner right, I still take half credit!

This was my first miss (well not counting the USA match but that doesn't count LOL). I am a Messi fan, but a much bigger Germany fan. The final should be fun!

I predict: DEUTSCHLAND are your new world champions!!! Please no let down!

[Shock Top]

I have three of the final four correct: Netherlands, Argentina, Germany (thanks Spain).

Still in play for my original Germany over Argentina final.

I took some heat for my picks around my inner circle, but looks like I get the last laugh.

I think Germany takes Argentina out on Sunday. Final prediction to come later.

[ShockTalk]

Regardless who wins this, this has been the highest quality game of the 2014 Cup that I can remember. Not saying the most exciting, but the level of play (skill) has been outstanding.

Since I didn't watch it (not that that would make much difference for a worthy opinion), but just listened at different times on the radio, the commentators thought, and often said, the opposite. They were complaining about a lack of execution on both teams parts, some really bad shots (what few there were), and both sides content to pass back to their keeper...a lot.

[Kung Wu]

Since I didn't watch it (not that that would make much difference for a worthy opinion), but just listened at different times on the radio, the commentators thought, and often said, the opposite. They were complaining about a lack of execution on both teams parts, some really bad shots (what few there were), and both sides content to pass back to their keeper...a lot.

They don't know anything. LOL (I'm kidding of course.)

Yes, there was bad shooting, but that's because both defenses were properly tracking, smothering, and challenging the forwards. Forwards get a little frustrated and have to start taking what they can get.

Sometimes when two teams play at an extremely high level in the midfield and defense it sort of stalemates the game (causing lots of play to be in the neutral 3rd of the pitch). That makes the game less exciting but there is serious skill happening to the experienced soccer fan. Announcers don't ever get excited about awesome defense though. LOL Well rarely. By the end of this game they were finally giving props to a few of them.

I'll stand by my opinion that this game was technically excellent (in the mid and defense) and repeat my earlier statement that that doesn't translate to exciting necessarily (which is what the announcers understandably key on).

[pogo]

Thank you for your analysis KW and check your PM

[Kung Wu]

Thank you for your analysis KW and check your PM

Pogo I don't see a PM. Maybe your outbox is full and it didn't send.

[ShockTalk]

They don't know anything. LOL (I'm kidding of course.)

Yes, there was bad shooting, but that's because both defenses were properly tracking, smothering, and challenging the forwards. Forwards get a little frustrated and have to start taking what they can get.

Sometimes when two teams play at an extremely high level in the midfield and defense it sort of stalemates the game (causing lots of play to be in the neutral 3rd of the pitch). That makes the game less exciting but there is serious skill happening to the experienced soccer fan. Announcers don't ever get excited about awesome defense though. LOL Well rarely. By the end of this game they were finally giving props to a few of them.

I'll stand by my opinion that this game was technically excellent (in the mid and defense) and repeat my earlier statement that that doesn't translate to exciting necessarily (which is what the announcers understandably key on).

Spot on.

From Yahoo Sports:
Sometimes a game is bad because the teams are bad. Sometimes it is bad because the teams are usually good, but they just play bad. And sometimes it's bad because they're too good.

The latter is pretty much what happened on Wednesday, as the World Cup semifinal between Argentina and the Netherlands, the co-second most important game on the planet for the next four years, turned into a snoozefest.

[Kung Wu]

So today is the day. The Germans will beat the Argentinians, making this the first time a European squad has won a World Cup championship in South America (and actually as @WuDrWu: pointed out the entire Western hemisphere). The Argentinians showed me that they can step up and play a very solid technical game against one of the very best teams in the world in the Netherlands. But we know the Germans have a complete game and aren't going to fold for anyone. Not even penalty kicks can save Argentina.

Lionel Messi is one of my very favorite players in the world, and it would be awesome to see him get a title. But as a Germany fan, I just do not think it's going to happen today.

The most prolific scoring machine in World Cup history will have his boots on and go for one last roll. It'll be sad to see the Red Baron -- Salto-Klose -- play his last Cup game; but in an exit fitting for a king, he will go out with a title. Should the unthinkable happen, and Argentina win, you will still find me toasting Miroslav with a Beck's beer as he walks off the field. Maybe, just maybe, we'll witness one last moment of magic as he finishes off his career with a flourish. Let's hope!

Deutschland vor, noch ein tor!

[Shock Top]

3-1 Blitzkreg

[Kung Wu]

I'll go Germany 2-0. Wouldn't be surprised if it goes to PKs though.

[Shock Top]

Pretty darn good first half. Good chances for both sides. Hopefully we'll see some goal scoring in the second 45'.

[Kung Wu]

If the first half was a boxing match, the decision would go to Argentina. The 'Tines are looking aggressive. Germany better start counter punching.

[Kung Wu]

Didn't even get that posted and Messi is already attacking. Shyte.

[Kung Wu]

Hmm is Argentina tiring? Starting to rack up fouls.

Still their fans are loud and proud and will carry them through.

[shoxilla]

I see a bad moon risin'