2014 World Cup

[kingcreole]

Good game for the U.S. Won't matter, methinks.

Four years ago, I took the Dutch at the start to win it. Got to the final.

Four straight major titles for Spain? Don't think so. I've got Argentina winning it and the U.S. not advancing out of the group stage.

The Confederations Cup is surely a major title, isn't it? If national teams are sending their strongest to the Confed Cup, I would think that's a major title.

Spain didn't win the Confederations Cup last year. And I'd defer to the other soccer guys here on whether it's a major title. Most likely not. Eight teams, one of which got outscored 24-1. It's a nice thing for a test run, but it's not exactly stacked with great teams all over the place.

Yeah, that was my point, that Spain didn't win the Confederations Cup. I dunno ... you can go either way I guess considering that a major tournament. Yeah, you had Tahiti there last time, but when Spain, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Japan, etc. are sending their full national teams, I would say that counts as a major tournament. But with only eight teams, again you can say it's not a major event.

 

[Webster]

It's a pretty big tournament because you get top notch teams who bring their A squads -- when we played in 2009 is was a massive opportunity. But a lot of the better teams use it to experiment with new formations and there is a sense that the best play with a little less than full effort for 90 minutes.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

I do wish Howard didn't look like he's rescued the Western world every time he makes a save.

Ha. My thought as well.

Rescuing the western world and showing up your teammates simultaneously.

Even back when he played for the Metrostars and then Man United, he's always been a screamer at his defense. You never see the guys shoot him a nasty look or grumble about him though.

Well, when he's justified in screaming at them most of the time ...

 

[deskslave]

Wright Thompson on the 1978 World Cup. Be warned that the editor's note about torture is for real.

http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11036214/while-world-watched-world-cup-brings-back-memories-argentina-dirty-war

 

[Bubbler]

Wright Thompson on the 1978 World Cup. Be warned that the editor's note about torture is for real.

http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11036214/while-world-watched-world-cup-brings-back-memories-argentina-dirty-war

Too long, but a reminder that FIFA getting into bed with the worst of the worst is nothing new.

 

[Key]

Wright Thompson on the 1978 World Cup. Be warned that the editor's note about torture is for real.

http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11036214/while-world-watched-world-cup-brings-back-memories-argentina-dirty-war

Some difficult reading, particularly for someone who was a blissful little boy living in B.A. at the time.

 

[cranberry]

Monty Python records a new verse for "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life" for the World Cup...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5e7gdxkgE8

 

[Big Circus]

So I've really come around on Beckerman and Jones, and I think Klinsmann may have found his lineup. I think this Michigan blog has a great take on the Nigeria game:

http://mgoblog.com/content/nigeria-recap-ready-you-can-be

Check the GIF here: http://insidethefilmroom.com/usa-vs-nigerian-world-cup-warm-breakdown-kyle-beckerman-effect/2/. A nice give-and-go off a nondescript set piece almost springs Jones loose in the box. The D cuts it out, giving Nigeria a dangerous break, but Jones sprints back 70 yards to break it up. We need that work rate out of him, and this is the lineup that allows it. It's either a Christmas tree or an asymmetrical 4-3-3, with Beasley and Johnson pretty clearly our best options on the wings. I'd love to start Zusi over Bedoya on the right side of the midfield, but he's a defensive liability that we can't risk on this stage. I had assumed a couple of weeks ago that we'd use three lineups in the three group games, but now I hope this is the side we go to war with.

 

[UPChip]

Monty Python records a new verse for "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life" for the World Cup...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5e7gdxkgE8

That's rubbish. Here's a better one:

When you're kicked out of Brazil
And you take that bitter pill
Of going out on penalties again
Yes, you blew it from the spot
But you're better than the Scots
Except at rugby, golf and Wimbledon...

 

[DanOregon]

Why is it there seems a need to reinvent the soccer ball for every World Cup? Is there something wrong with the traditional pentagonal design? Or do companies figure a redesign is patent-able? Just seems kind of dumb to re-do the thing just before the sport's greatest event.

 

[BDC99]

Why is it there seems a need to reinvent the soccer ball for every World Cup? Is there something wrong with the traditional pentagonal design? Or do companies figure a redesign is patent-able? Just seems kind of dumb to re-do the thing just before the sport's greatest event.

Umm. So they can sell a ****load of balls. I believe they have a different design for every county, plus the balls they will actually use in the games. Although they have made some technological advances as well recently, for better or worse.

 

[TrooperBari]

Why is it there seems a need to reinvent the soccer ball for every World Cup? Is there something wrong with the traditional pentagonal design? Or do companies figure a redesign is patent-able? Just seems kind of dumb to re-do the thing just before the sport's greatest event.

Umm. So they can sell a ****load of balls. I believe they have a different design for every county, plus the balls they will actually use in the games. Although they have made some technological advances as well recently, for better or worse.

Yup, same reason clubs come up with "new" shirt designs seemingly every season.

 

[BDC99]

Why is it there seems a need to reinvent the soccer ball for every World Cup? Is there something wrong with the traditional pentagonal design? Or do companies figure a redesign is patent-able? Just seems kind of dumb to re-do the thing just before the sport's greatest event.

Umm. So they can sell a ****load of balls. I believe they have a different design for every county, plus the balls they will actually use in the games. Although they have made some technological advances as well recently, for better or worse.

Yup, same reason clubs come up with "new" shirt designs seemingly every season.

Kits, man. Get with the program!

 

[DanOregon]

I just find it interesting that FIFA regs have specific size and weight of the ball, but nothing on stitching. Imagine a World Series, NBA Finals or Super Bowl with a different stitch pattern on the ball.

 

[Batman]

Deadspin has posted its Haters Guide to the World Cup. Always a fun read.

http://screamer.deadspin.com/the-hater-s-guide-to-the-2014-world-cup-1588867715/all

 

[albert77]

Deadspin has posted its Haters Guide to the World Cup. Always a fun read.

http://screamer.deadspin.com/the-hater-s-guide-to-the-2014-world-cup-1588867715/all

Best line was in the first graf: "... where 31 contending countries (and England) will gather for the World Cup."

Ooooooh, feel the burn.

 

[Armchair_QB]

Uruguay as the Clemson of international soccer was pretty good too.

 

[Michael_ Gee]

I liked that one as well, but for overall venom, the Japan rant was the best.

 

[Mark2010]

European teams historically don't so as well when the tournament is in the Western Hemisphere. So I'll pick Argentina.

US will go no better than 0-2-1 (maybe get a draw against Ghana) and be safe and sound back home in plenty of time for their 4th of July barbecues. England will be England, show some promise early and flame out in the round of 16 or quarterfinals.

I'll root for the Aussies, who seem to have a favorable grouping.

 

[JakeandElwood]

You think Australia has a favorable group? Looks like you're as stupid about soccer as anything else.