Quote :

"3. Soccer fanatics need to get over themselves because Klinsmann was telling the truth. There's nothing that tells me that the U.S. will get even out of the group let alone win it all. Of course, if the team wins vs Ghana and that witch doctor actually jinxes Ronaldo, then .500 (tie vs Portugal, BOHICA vs Deutschland) would be good enough to advance"

soccer fanatics aren't the ones that have a problem with what Klinsmann said. It is the regular American population who tune in every 4 years to see what the fuss is about that have a problem with it. For them a manager saying the truth is equivalent to a man with no balls and a loser attitude. Probably because it doesn't fit with their notion of masculinity that American sports constantly wave in your face.

[Edited on June 14, 2014 at 8:19 AM. Reason : .]

6/14/2014 8:18:39 AM

Quote :

"So is predicting that the England-Italy game comes out as 1:2 a bold, safe or stupid move?"

Probably a safe bet. It will likely be a very defensive match. Wouldn't be surprised if it 1-1 or 1-0 (to Italy). Obviously I will be hoping England shows up for once and beats them 1-0 or 2-1 but recent history would go against that notion.

EDIT:
If you are actually betting though it wouldn't be a bad idea to bet on England. The returns will be higher and going off the qualifies/friendlies Italy were very unimpressive. In the ridiculous heat of Manaus with an old squad, Italy may not have the legs to last 90 minutes. I can see England sneak it late. (Maybe this is just my blind optimist)

The pitch in Manaus is apparently horrendous and I saw someone put up pictures of the turnstiles as you enter the stadium, looks like a rundown meth house or something. I hope they aren't true but jesus what a colossal fuck up by the Brazilian government. Manaus should have never been a venue for the World Cup.



[Edited on June 14, 2014 at 8:33 AM. Reason : .]

6/14/2014 8:22:17 AM

Thanks,

Not really betting, it is just a small office pool.

6/14/2014 8:47:28 AM

If England-Italy ends in anything other than a goalless draw I'll be shocked. A loss by either side would be devastating to advancement hopes. Both sides probably play not to lose and we all fall asleep.

6/14/2014 8:53:49 AM

^ very possible. I want to say this England squad has more pace about it and hopefully they line up to attack but I just can't see Hodgson doing that. An early goal for either side would fix that though so it may just be an interesting match.

6/14/2014 9:51:31 AM

Just now getting to watch Spain/Netherlands and this Dutch press in the midfield is giving me a chub. Spain hasn't looked comfortable at all yet and it's been 20 minutes so far.

6/14/2014 10:18:35 AM

Enjoy it.

6/14/2014 10:20:23 AM

RVP u scary

6/14/2014 10:44:03 AM

Colombia with high energy to start. I bet it's the cocaine. Greece has to score a goal now. This should be interesting.

6/14/2014 12:30:40 PM

Little late to the earlier conversation but both England and Italy play really boring games so I'm honestly predicting a 0-0 yawnfest for that one. This is coming from an England fan, too. At least I'm a realist.

Also, this was the Manaus pitch on Thursday so I think both teams will be extra cautious to avoid injury:


[Edited on June 14, 2014 at 1:32 PM. Reason : ]

6/14/2014 1:29:27 PM

Colombia win 3-0. They've come to play.

6/14/2014 1:53:13 PM

Clear penalty. Silly foul to give away the free kick

6/14/2014 3:25:40 PM

Is the abc feed absolute shit this game for anyone else on TWC? It is going pixelated and freezing up constantly for me since basically the PK was given.

6/14/2014 3:31:25 PM

^ yeah mine has messed up a few times.

Campbell is quality. I'm surprised he hasn't scored more goals in Europe.

6/14/2014 3:37:21 PM

Gonna have to reset box at half and hope for best it's become almost unwatchable mow

6/14/2014 3:47:47 PM

there's that man Campbell. Go Ticos

[Edited on June 14, 2014 at 4:17 PM. Reason : oh shit 2-1!]

6/14/2014 4:14:24 PM

Wow this game has turned quickly... Overall so much more exciting than the last World Cup none of this 0-0 draw crap glad to see some scoring

Guess we get to see how fit Suarez is now figured they would save him as long as possible but zero points here would be bad news.

[Edited on June 14, 2014 at 4:18 PM. Reason : .]

6/14/2014 4:17:28 PM

Someone tell Champion and Robson that Campbell didn't get his UK work permit until after the season started.

6/14/2014 4:26:28 PM

Selfishly not thrilled that Suarez is going to try to get into this game. Get a goal Uruguay!

6/14/2014 4:31:39 PM

^^ lol u mad?

Campbell is a serious talent though, his first touch is so good.

And there's a sick assist for the killer goal. Fully deserved

[Edited on June 14, 2014 at 4:46 PM. Reason : .]

6/14/2014 4:35:39 PM

Robson's been butthurt ever since Arsenal TV fired him.

I don't know much about Champion.

6/14/2014 4:46:41 PM

Told you north america was underrated.


Still unbeaten...

6/14/2014 4:50:09 PM

Good job Pereira you idiot.

6/14/2014 4:53:42 PM

Definitely a frustration red there not a smart move.

6/14/2014 4:56:18 PM

^^yep. Just hurt himself and his team going into the next game because of that move.

Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity, I guess.

6/14/2014 5:04:19 PM

Quote :

"Wow this game has turned quickly... Overall so much more exciting than the last World Cup none of this 0-0 draw crap glad to see some scoring Guess we get to see how fit Suarez is now figured they would save him as long as possible but zero points here would be bad news."

Yeah, and there have been 3 come from behind victories (Brazil, Netherlands, Costa Rica)

6/14/2014 5:07:28 PM

how quickly we forget this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YfA0Zn3vK4

6/14/2014 5:51:52 PM

Does Balotelli score two goals, or eat two small children?

I feel like both possibilities are equally as likely

6/14/2014 6:03:40 PM

Pirlo just dragged half of the English defenders with him with that move and left the box wide open.

[Edited on June 14, 2014 at 6:36 PM. Reason : dummy move]

6/14/2014 6:36:06 PM

Aimorris to Wazza to aimorris

[Edited on June 14, 2014 at 7:02 PM. Reason : A]

6/14/2014 7:02:05 PM

I don't like soccer, but that first half of Italy-England was pretty exciting.

6/14/2014 7:03:25 PM

mario!

[Edited on June 14, 2014 at 7:10 PM. Reason : why, exactly, do people think he's such a terrible person?]

6/14/2014 7:09:33 PM

I don't think he's terrible. Just scary.

6/14/2014 7:23:08 PM

Sterling is really, really good.

[Edited on June 14, 2014 at 7:29 PM. Reason : so is Barkley]

6/14/2014 7:29:31 PM

Rooney MOTM

6/14/2014 7:51:58 PM

Even though England lost I am still pleased with their performance. Since 2006 England has shown extremely lackluster games barely squeaking by and showing no creativity. This game showed a lot more spirit and risk. Keep developing these players and we'll see a stronger performance in the future.

6/14/2014 8:09:20 PM

Rooney's corner was so United 2014.

6/14/2014 8:32:23 PM

Well shit. I guess optimism doesn't pay off. Fucking England.

6/14/2014 8:42:40 PM

Quote :

"United 2014"

icwydt

[Edited on June 14, 2014 at 8:48 PM. Reason : 300k]

6/14/2014 8:47:12 PM

Japan? Can never get into them. Going Ivory Coast here. Though slightly disappointed Drogba starting on bench.

Curious to see Aurier even though it looks like he won't be a gunner.

6/14/2014 8:59:00 PM

gg Rooney

6/14/2014 9:01:53 PM

HONDA!

6/14/2014 9:19:19 PM

WHAT WAS THAT TERIFYING THING ON THE FIELD??

6/14/2014 9:21:30 PM

Gervinho still sucks.

6/14/2014 9:42:30 PM

Boom goes the dynamite!

6/14/2014 10:21:34 PM

LOL Jesus Japan.

6/14/2014 10:23:10 PM

Sign Aurier yesterday Arsene.

6/14/2014 10:23:24 PM

Damn

6/14/2014 10:23:40 PM

We've seen a lot of great crosses into the box for goals so far this cup

6/14/2014 10:25:59 PM

Ivory Coast dominated that 2nd half. Their physical dominance became apparent and Japan just could not hold them off. It'll be interesting to see how far CIV can go. They will be a team I latch on to in the knockout round assuming the US is out.

[Edited on June 14, 2014 at 11:18 PM. Reason : s]

6/14/2014 11:18:03 PM