2014 World Cup

Fly 'em out under armed guard after each game. It's not as if they're not bankrupting Brazil already.

 

And another suspect call at the other end helps Brazil.

 

Anyone who can convince themselves that isn't how this is going to end has a better suspension of disbelief than I.

 

Every time they cut to the Brazil bench, I think I'm watching Hoosiers.

 

Two thoughts:

1) Brazil is not winning this tournament with Julio Cesar in goal. Great in his day, but his day ended years ago.

2) I have no idea how the Croatian goalie did not get to that last shot.

 

He was late to both of the shots he let through in action (funnier still, he guessed correctly on Neymar's PK, but couldn't keep that out of the net, either).

 

Best part of World Ciup? 5 minutes of Chris Russo talking about it. Worst part? 6 minutes of Russo

 

Listening to it on ESPN Radio and Tommy Smith immediately yelled, "that's a flop. What a disgrace." Later on, it was, "the officiating hasn't been up to the level of the players." Which is a nice way of saying, "the fix is in."

 

I'll be honest -- I'm way more suspicious of the Croatian goalie than I am of the ref. I see how the ref could blow that call. I can't see how a world class goalie lets that last shot get past him.

 

Plus the fact that Australia sucks. Cahill was a great player in his day, but that day has passed.

 

I would guess the Japanese ref is done with this tournament. Brutal PK call.

Also, I saw something that said ESPN reported that FIFA told the United States to "be ready" if Qatar loses the 22 Cup. US Soccer denied FIFA told them that.

http://www.thescore.com/worldcup/news/518899

Finally, Ronaldo practiced just 15 minutes today and left with his knee iced. He'll play, but it seems obvious he won't be 100 percent.