2014 FIFA World Cup

[Hector]

Yeah, I was about ten when that Uruguayan Rugby team crashed in the Andes...it sure fascinated the entire world...harrowing event.

[LadyZod]

Mate if drank traditionally can indeed be an acquired taste. However, I an a modern tea drinker and therefore have found the only way I can enjoy Mate is to treat it as loose green tea.

I use a loose tea infuser from Teavana, which brews it, and then pour my strained mate into a cup, where I add my Splenda and lemon. Prepared a cup like this for my dad, who obviously prefers mate out of the gourd and with the bombilla, and even he was impressed at how much better it tastes when prepared like a high and mighty new age tea.

[Hector]

Think I'll still pass...and go back to my ice cold beer, lol.

[Bruce Banner]

England, well, it's England, they haven't been relevant in the World Cup since 1966.

Well, the team has had its highs and lows since '66, sure. Mostly lows, admittedly. I really thought they could have won it in '90 when they reached the semi-final.
Bloody Germans and penalties!

One day... one day the Three Lions will roar again. I just hope it's during my lifetime.

In 1972, when the plane carrying a Uruguayan team crashed in the Andes, it came to light what the survivors had to do in order to survive... It became international news.

Was too young to really remember the event, but saw the movie "Alive" which recounted the tragedy. That was certainly a harrowing ordeal for the survivors.

[Hector]

21 reasons why Mexico's coach rules:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjkiebus/reasons-mexicos-head-coach-should-be-your-favorite-human

[EmergencyIan]

The USA vs Germany may or may not be played today. Currently, the streets are flooded and everyone (staying in downtown Recife) is about 15 miles from the stadium. Currently, it's still raining.

At 11am EDT (in the US) one of the refs and a FIFA official will test the field and make a decision. Kick-off is scheduled for 12pm.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will be able to play today.

- Ian

PS. The weather conditions are great in the Brasilia where Portugal and Ghana are playing today.

[EmergencyIan]

UPDATE: FIFA is now saying that the pitch on the field is satisfactory, in Recife, for the USA/Germany match.

- Ian

[Nostalgiabuff]

good game so far. both teams holding their own. go USA!!!

[Hector]

The USA vs Germany may or may not be played today. Currently, the streets are flooded and everyone (staying in downtown Recife) is about 15 miles from the stadium. Currently, it's still raining.

At 11am EDT (in the US) one of the refs and a FIFA official will test the field and make a decision. Kick-off is scheduled for 12pm.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will be able to play today.

- Ian

PS. The weather conditions are great in the Brasilia where Portugal and Ghana are playing today.

People keep forgetting that Brazil is the same size of the continental USA...so weather will vary all over the place....just like here in the States.

Also, it's Winter in Brazil right now.

[Hector]

Saurez receives 11 match ban from playing for Uruguay and a 4 month ban from all other soccer which will keep him out of club soccer till January 2015.

No one to blame but himself.

Without Suarez...I think Uruguay is in trouble against Colombia.

[Hector]

Germany wins 1-0...but USA still advances, yeah.

Portugal out, good riddance Ronaldo, lol.

GO USA!!!

[Bruce Banner]

Yep, German efficiency wins the game, but the USA progress too, on goal difference.
USA will probably face Belgium next.

Glad that Suarez has been punished accordingly. Although Uruguay are going to appeal against the decision.

[Gorn Captain]

USA will probably face Belgium next.

So who am I going to root for?

[EmergencyIan]

Happy the U.S.A. made it through!

- Ian

[Mongoose1983]

Glad to see the USA between the best 16 teams of the tournament! I wasn't amused to see Müller scoring again, specially against the boys but what the heck. The tournament is still on.

Not happy about Suárez being punished that way. They call it "going against the sport" alright, but I've always wondered what is the reason for FIFA to never do the same with ANY players who fake faults and get penalties doing that? Hipocrites! The day they start addressing that nasty custom the players will learn that they can't do that anymore. They get penalty calls, score, their countries win worldcups, and there is none addressing the problem! Instead, they ban Suárez and ruin the spectacle. Shucks!

I like Perkeman's style a lot, and Colombia plays some really nice soccer, but still I believe Uruguay will beat them on Saturday. Colombia will miss Falçao much more than Uruguay Suárez.