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Post by meput on Jun 22, 2014 4:36:36 GMT -7
Anybody watching? Anybody care?
Important game for USA later today against Portugal. Win and they move on beyond group play.
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Post by danboisvert on Jun 22, 2014 12:58:09 GMT -7
I am! Today's game should be interesting. I cheer for Germany in soccer, but it'd be cool to see the US make it out of the groups.
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Post by meput on Jun 22, 2014 13:05:21 GMT -7
I cheer for Germany in soccer, but it'd be cool to see the US make it out of the groups. So you may be conflicted next Thursday when Germany and USA play each other.
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Post by danboisvert on Jun 22, 2014 14:07:14 GMT -7
Not terribly likely. Some things show my german half a little moreso than others. Beer, soccer, inefficiency..
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Post by meput on Jun 22, 2014 18:43:26 GMT -7
Well, a tie. USA was so close to a win and come out of the game with a tie. Now Ghana & Portugal each still have a chance for the victor next Thursday. Goal differentials may come into play. Am hoping for draw in that game.
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Post by livingproof on Jun 23, 2014 4:21:36 GMT -7
I'm not an everyday fan of soccer, but, the World Cup, in concept and play, is special. If there is a true international sport, this is it. Sure don't need rich parents to play soccer, so, all are equal at the start. I love looking at the outlandish dress of the fans, and, they live and die for their teams. The phrase "agony and ectecey" sure applies. It was funny last night when there were instant screams from many homes when the USA scored. So, the World Cup is meaningful in the US.
I never, ever played a minute of soccer... if I disregard some parent-child games I tried when my son was in elementary school. I was lost, no clue what to do. Guess who won the games. When my son was 12 he played on a decent team, and, his coach, born in Italy and play his whole life, asked for some help from parents as he had no assistants. I volunteered and became the only assistant. The fickle finger of fate stepped in when the coach developed an injury, so I was elevated. When 12 year olds know the coach is incompetent, times get tough. But, I did control who got playing minutes...my revenge. My son, who is a teacher, is the head coach of his high school soccer team.
Great last second goal by Portugal. Sets up a must watch game against Germany. It would be great to get through to the final 16, so, go USA!
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Post by meput on Jun 23, 2014 6:25:43 GMT -7
I'm not an everyday fan of soccer, but, the World Cup, in concept and play, is special. If there is a true international sport, this is it. Sure don't need rich parents to play soccer, so, all are equal at the start. I love looking at the outlandish dress of the fans, and, they live and die for their teams. The phrase "agony and ectecey" sure applies. It was funny last night when there were instant screams from many homes when the USA scored. So, the World Cup is meaningful in the US. Nicely said. In international soccer, the World Cup has overshadowed Olympic play. The whole world does seem to tune into the World Cup. Soccer has been a step child sport in the US. Johnny come lately behind American football, basketball and baseball. The simplicity of the sport is its allure. All you need is a ball. I think a lot of us have a "soccer" story from our past. Myself, I played in high school and 2 seasons in college until "that safe sport" cost me my left knee - ending my soccer career (and ending my skiing career). Minimal coaching through the years when the kids were very young. I really enjoyed playing. Hated watching. Fortunately my kids gave it up early. My girls gave it up in elementary school level when they found field hockey. My son gave it up (fortunately) at the end of middle school. I have not gotten into watching/following pro soccer, but like yourself do enjoy the World Cup. Thursday's Germany vs USA game should be fun. Germany is the heavy favorite. USA has been playing very respectfully. Each team has some skin in the game for them to move on to the group of 16.
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Post by ToddW on Jun 23, 2014 11:39:03 GMT -7
As a skier, I still have a hard time wrapping my head around this strange use of the phrase "world cup." There are only two gates, one at either end of a flat piste; the athletes have yet to discover the virtue of plastic or dodge boots; and the planners forgot to check the snow forecast.
Dan,
Savor the upcoming German victory!
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Post by meput on Jun 23, 2014 12:05:38 GMT -7
As a skier, I still have a hard time wrapping my head around this strange use of the phrase "world cup." There are only two gates, one at either end of a flat piste; the athletes have yet to discover the virtue of plastic or dodge boots; and the planners forgot to check the snow forecast. Soccer's World Cup dates back to 1930, skiing's 1966. Todd, I understand your sentiment. I too am having a hard time with my skiing withdrawal this year. It's called "mental diversion". First, Stanley Cup. Now World Cup. Next up: The Tour! A little presumptuous, aren't we
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Post by ToddW on Jun 23, 2014 20:30:44 GMT -7
I've read John Fry's book and know the history of our World Cup. But after a couple generations, usurpers become full blooded royalty. And I know from the greatest depths of my soul that ours is now the one true and noble World Cup :-). Killy, Stenmark, Tomba, Girardelli, Maier ... they sanctified our WC.
The tour, the tour. Those fellas climb effortlessly mountainsides that I'd be hard pressed to walk up. I have only a basic awareness of tactics and strategy, but even so I am in awe of the (dope - free) competitors.
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