World Cup 2014

[notredomer23]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Jozy Altidore jogging at training now <a href="http://t.co/ZnNaiblosk">pic.twitter.com/ZnNaiblosk</a></p>— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantWahl/statuses/482538722097782785">June 27, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

would be HUGE if we can get Altidore back.

 

[tko]

Hammies are so tough to gauge. He might be fine to play, but one burst could send him to the turf. It's worth a shot to have him out there, maybe early corner kick could pay divs.

 

[bkess8]

UGH NO SOCCER HOW WILL I GET THROUGH THE DAYYYYYYY?????????/

No soccer = no VGambling!

Not going to be a good day!

 

[Cackalacky]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Jozy Altidore jogging at training now <a href="http://t.co/ZnNaiblosk">pic.twitter.com/ZnNaiblosk</a></p>— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantWahl/statuses/482538722097782785">June 27, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

would be HUGE if we can get Altidore back.

5 more days???? Here is to hope.

 

[notredomer23]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Klinsmann says he told his players here: "Make sure all your flights are booked after July 13." That's the day of the World Cup final.</p>— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantWahl/statuses/482551758506713089">June 27, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[STLDomer]

Jermaine Jones has a broken nose too like Dempsey

Our team is badass

 

[Emcee77]

"What is this extra time? In Reagan’s America, forty-five minutes meant forty-five minutes."

Things Ann Coulter Said While Watching The U.S.-Germany Game : The New Yorker

 

[BabyIrish]

So I got into a debate last night with a buddy on whether the US have an easier bracket or Germany. I told him US have it harder who realistically would face Belgium, Argentina and the Netherlands which are realistically three top ten teams while Germany would face only one in Brazil, this is all speculation of course. He thought France is better a team then Argentina which I disagree with. Thoughts?

 

[Emcee77]

So I got into a debate last night with a buddy on whether the US have an easier bracket or Germany. I told him US who realistically would face Belgium, Argentina and the Netherlands which are realistically three top ten teams while Germany would face only one in Brazil, this is all speculation of course. He thought France is better a team then Argentina which I disagree with. Thoughts?

France was not a seeded team and didn't necessarily prove that they are a contender in qualifying. But they have looked borderline unbeatable in the World Cup. Even in the last game, when the scoreline wasn't eye-popping, it was only because they were uncharacteristically struggling to finish. They were utterly dominant.

Argentina, on the other hand, has sort of squeaked by in this tournament, relying basically on Messi's brilliance.

I would say that based on the group games, France is the better team. ALL things considered, I would say Argentina is the better team. I mean, France doesn't have Messi.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

He thought France is better a team then Argentina which I disagree with.

Your friend wouldn't be able to find an objective metric that agrees with him. The FIFA rankings had France at 17 and Argentina at 5 heading into the tournament. The Soccer Power Index, which reflects the group stage games, has them much closer-- Argentina at 2 and France at 5--though Argentina would still be favored by a 1/2 goal.

Regardless, no one would rather face Belgiam (8th) and Argentina (2nd) over Algeria (30th) and France (5th). Germany definitely has the easier bracket.

 

[Cackalacky]

Germany are slated to play France.Both should get by their Round of 16 teams easily. Based on France's recent play this will be a fantastic game. I think France can beat Germany.

The USAs bracket is far more deep. People are sleeping on Mexico right now. They look great so far.

 

[ACamp1900]

Thing is, if Mexico can get by their first game they have a pretty favorable road to the semis... on that note, if by some miracle they win this weekend I will become a very violent man.


They should lose though, so there's that.

 

[ACamp1900]

Everyone always overreacts to the group stages anyway... France looked good, Brazil, not so much... means next to nothing.

 

[IrishLax]

So I got into a debate last night with a buddy on whether the US have an easier bracket or Germany. I told him US who realistically would face Belgium, Argentina and the Netherlands which are realistically three top ten teams while Germany would face only one in Brazil, this is all speculation of course. He thought France is better a team then Argentina which I disagree with. Thoughts?

As they're playing right now? France > Argentina and by quite a bit. In terms of on paper talent? Argentina > France by quite a bit.

I think our path is fine. Do I think we get through it? Of course not. But the 1-line teams only Costa Rica is an obviously easier draw than Belgium. If Switzerland takes down Argentina... and if you watched Argentina's games, you have to think this is quite possible... then this turns out to be a truly fantastic draw.

To me, the Netherlands clearly has the softest 4-team pod. The Brazil pod would be super difficult if Uruguay was full strength. And the German pod is definitely easier than the US pod from a German perspective, but from a Nigeria or Algeria perspective I'd argue it's harder than what we have to go through as a 2-line team.

 

[Emcee77]

Thing is, if Mexico can get by their first game they have a pretty favorable road to the semis... on that note, if by some miracle they win this weekend I will become a very violent man.


They should lose though, so there's that.

It will be comical watching Rafa Marquez try to keep up with Arjen Robben.

"Warp 8? ... Make it so."

 

[ACamp1900]

It will be comical watching Rafa Marquez try to keep up with Arjen Robben.

"Warp 8? ... Make it so."

DUDE!!!... We should totally start a pool for the game... at what minute of the game will Rafa Marquez get a red card...????

Have some huge vbuck payout.

 

[wizards8507]

Funny stuff from Grantland.

Five Burning Questions for the World Cup Knockout Rounds «

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Funny stuff from Grantland.

Five Burning Questions for the World Cup Knockout Rounds «

I can't stand most Grantland writers, but Phillips is excellent. And that was an excellent article.

 

[BabyIrish]

I guess I'm one of the few who isn't impressed with France's performance. The Swiss goalie imo allowed 3 goals that most goalies wouldn't have. Regardless the road is tough for both teams and I look forward to some more revenge to be served up by the US on Tuesday

 

[Emcee77]

I can't stand most Grantland writers, but Phillips is excellent. And that was an excellent article.

Agreed. The ideas/word ratio in most Grantland articles is infinitesimal. Almost every Grantland article I read could be 1/5 the length and lose nothing of substance. I generally have no interest in reading a 2500 word article to learn 5 interesting facts. But if you make it as funny as that guy did, well, different story.

 

[wizards8507]

I'm curious what everyone's workplace has been like during the US games. Our entire campus was packed into various lounges watching the game in its entirety yesterday, but I know I work in a *unique* environment when it comes to watching live sports at work. A few weeks ago my Senior VP came by and questioned why I wasn't streaming the US Open on my computer.

 

[wizards8507]

I can't stand most Grantland writers, but Phillips is excellent. And that was an excellent article.

Agreed. The ideas/word ratio in most Grantland articles is infinitesimal. Almost every Grantland article I read could be 1/5 the length and lose nothing of substance. I generally have no interest in reading a 2500 word article to learn 5 interesting facts. But if you make it as funny as that guy did, well, different story.

Some of them think they're far too clever for their own good, but I enjoy a few of their features. #HotSportsTakes are often brilliant parodies of your average Rick Riley column, and it makes me laugh that ESPN is basically trolling itself. It's always funny to read the comments from people who don't realize the articles are parodies.

They also do my favorite Game of Thrones recap, as well as an "Ask the Maester" feature that provides non-spoilery book answers to those who only watch the show.

 

[Emcee77]

21 Companies Getting Absolutely Nothing Done During The US-Germany Game

Let's just say mine was nothing like this.

 

[gkIrish]

Since we are posting Grantland articles...
The World Cup Sweet 16 Power Rankings «

Don't agree with the list in general. I do agree that Greece should be 16 though haha

 

[IrishLax]

I'm curious what everyone's workplace has been like during the US games. Our entire campus was packed into various lounges watching the game in its entirety yesterday, but I know I work in a *unique* environment when it comes to watching live sports at work. A few weeks ago my Senior VP came by and questioned why I wasn't streaming the US Open on my computer.

My office is extremely diverse and also very international. Virtually everyone went down the street to watch the games, those of us with deadlines had the game on one monitor and were working on the other. Five of the seven principals of our firm took the day off, leaving only 1 "boss" in each office. It was basically a skeleton crew while the game was on.

 

[ACamp1900]

My wife works at Azusa Pacific, the whole campus shut down, students, staff and faculty allowed to watch the game at various locals around campus.

I work at another private school and.... Nothing, those who cared kept sneaking in the staff lounge to watch when we could.

 

[ACamp1900]

Even with the Suarez circus I disagree with Uruguay's place in the rankings.... They are def more than a 'patronizing pat on the head'

 

[IrishBlood81]

I would say that based on the group games, France is the better team. ALL things considered, I would say Argentina is the better team. I mean, France doesn't have Messi.

See, I disagree. I think France is a good team, they put up massive goals against some teams, but when they played Ecuador...Ecuador had only 10 guys! And they couldn't get the score. Shocking! So, France is definitely beatable, Argentina has Messi, that right there is the difference. and its huge!

Agreed. The ideas/word ratio in most Grantland articles is infinitesimal. Almost every Grantland article I read could be 1/5 the length and lose nothing of substance. I generally have no interest in reading a 2500 word article to learn 5 interesting facts. But if you make it as funny as that guy did, well, different story.

0.o

 

[Irish YJ]

I'm curious what everyone's workplace has been like during the US games. Our entire campus was packed into various lounges watching the game in its entirety yesterday, but I know I work in a *unique* environment when it comes to watching live sports at work. A few weeks ago my Senior VP came by and questioned why I wasn't streaming the US Open on my computer.

Just moved into a new building. I put 50in LEDs in all my team's offices, and several throughout the facility (for NOC and digital signage purposes) and in the cube farms. All broadcasting WC action the last couple weeks. We bought pizza for everyone and had a viewing party in the break room yesterday. While I'm sure productivity was down for a while, it sure beat employees trying to sneak WatchESPN or various internet scores. It was a pretty good teaming event and loved seeing all the folks wearing red, white, and blue (except for a few Germans I have working for me LOL).

 

[Irish YJ]