2014 World Cup

Yes, comparing a team that's the 6/1 favorite to win a championship to one that was 100/1 makes sense.

 

I would think they'd be better off without reinforcements from those teams. Maybe if the U.S. could have used some of the French players they'd still be playing.

 

Who we got in the semis, then? I'm still convinced Holland can find a way to fuck this up, but I'm not sure I see Costa Rica beating them. I do give Colombia every chance of knocking out Brazil. Argentina to dump Belgium -- I'd go the other way if this were in Europe, but it's not. France-Germany ... give me France. I think. Maybe.

 

If anyone forgot I think boom pointed it out a few times.

 

I believe this is a telling statistic and part of USA men's problem. Our guys are running all over the place when they should be playing their position. Argentina same way, their back defensive line is weak, maybe because those players are moving up and across too much. Messi has it figured out. Run when needed. Rest when you can.

 

The Netherlands has been the best team I've seen in this tournament so far. As much as I've loved Costa Rica's joyride, it ends here.

 

I need some of what you been smoking.

 

Who folded their arms the best?

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_spot/2014/07/03/world_cup_player_introductions_a_deep_analysis_of_how_soccer_players_fold.html

 

Not to try to pass myself off as a soccer expert or anything, but it seemed to me De Bruyne was the most dangerous player on the field for pretty much the entire game.

 

Was thinking about this today, and thought of a decent example. During the slower months before I come to work, every once in a while I'll watch lacrosse on ESPNU. I couldn't have less knowledge about the sport because I live in the South, where it is just starting to catch on. I watch, and other than the fact that they are trying to score goals, I really have no concept of what the rules are. And the announcers never explain anything. It does not aggravate me. My nephew plays high school lacrosse a couple of hour away, so I have picked up some stuff from my sister and him when I have gone to a game or tow. Learning about a sport is a process, and the best way to learn is to watch with someone who knows what's going on.

 

I don't know who he would have beaten out. Just thought it was strange that a guy with experience playing in the best league in the world (albeit on a lower-level team) might be good enough to make the US team. I am glad you see a future for him because I enjoyed watching him in his limited appearances with Villa.

But then again with Owen retired Marc Albrighton is my favorite EPL player and he can't crack Villa's lineup either.

 

Johannsson needs ankle surgery.

http://www.yanks-abroad.com/content.php?mode=show&id=11480