2014 World Cup

Loving this World Cup, but, a 2 goal lead with 50 minutes to play is being considered almost an insurmountable lead. THis is why the sport doesnt catch on with Americans. Not low scoring per se, the back and forth scoring, the ability to rally from behind, the puchers chance to win, these are all American sports cliches that are actually the reasons for the popularity of our major sports.

 

How do you say "shit the bed" in Spanish? Asking for an entire nation, thanks.

 

Chile coach looks like Pitbull.

 

mierda la cama

 

What on earth has happened to the possession offense of Spain? ping-ping-ping-ping.... Its gone.

 

I'm hazy here after all the years ... but wasn't Spain, from the earliest identification of youth talent and onward all the way to that particular event, built for the 2010 World Cup?

So it wouldn't be all that surprising that they aren't very good this team. Of course they shouldn't be this bad, but everyone they had built around for a decade is now four years past his prime.

 

But I, for one, wasn't expecting them to crash out so spectacularly.

 

Something of a disadvantage for Chile and Holland, in that Group A's last round of games is after Group B's, so they won't know for sure if Brazil have won it. That said, I suspect it won't be a traditional game between two teams on six points. Holland have the GD advantage, so a draw will do for them.

 

LTL has a very good point. Spain was indeed, built for 2010, but like Inky, I didn't think they'd so completely collapse so suddenly. I mean, just two years ago they demolished Italy in the Euro final, which now looks like their swan song.

I think, too, there is something to be said for having to go through qualifying. It makes teams play tougher in games that really mean something, and forces managers to look at a lot of different players, combinations and strategies. Spain has basically coasted the past four years and I think it hurt them in this tournament. I think the same could be said of Brazil, as well, to a much lesser degree. I have not been terribly impressed with Brazil, and I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that they didn't have to go through South American qualifying, which can be brutal. But they at least look like they'll move on.

 

Well, I guess that blows my whole argument out of the water. ???