World Cup Day 16: Brazil Survives

Brazil didn't beat Chile yesterday, they survived their South American rivals by winning 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Brazil's entitlement was in display as Chile pressed throughout the match. Brazil's over reliance on their young star Neymar showed as the Chileans kept the kid under control, thus exposing the lack of attacking power from the host nation.

Brazil will not win the World Cup if they continue to play as they did yesterday. They have too few options on attack, which is a weird thing to say about a Brazilian team. We are used to seeing them play with all the beauty and skill in the world. Right now we see a team struggke to score goals because they really only have one strong attacker, Neymar.

They might beat Colombia in the next round, and I emphasize might, but in the semifinals, Germany or France are likely to tear them apart with their attacking prowess and ability to control possession.

Speaking of Columbia, they handled a Luis Suarez-less Uruguay team by a 2-0 score. James Rodriquez had both goals for Colombia, including one if the best goals of the tournament so far when he chested a pass down to himself and fired an unstoppable volley into Uruguay's goal. Rodriquez now has a tournament leading five goals so far.

Uruguay clearly missed Luis Suarez as they lacked a finishing touch all match long. After Colombia took their 2-0 lead, Uruguay still had trouble keeping possession. The chances they did get were less than impressive. The presence of one of the best goal scorers ever would likely have increased their odds.

This sets up what should be an exciting quarterfinal matchup between South American powers. Colombia, a team that has shown they can score goals, and keep them out if they're own net, will face a Brazilian team that struggles to score but has the hopes of a nation behind them. It should be one to look forward to.

Today, we find out another quarterfinal matchup. Starting at noon, two of the most exciting teams in the tournament so far play each other. The Netherlands and Mexico have certainly given us our money's worth so far and this one should be no different. I have a hard time picking a winner, but I like Netherlands in a close game, 2-1. The 4pm game features two of the more surprising teams in Costa Rica and Greece. Greece's defensive style contrasts week with Costa Rica's more attacking play. The theme if this World Cup has been offense wins, defense losses, so I pick Costa Rica 1-0. The two winners will face each other on the Fourth of July.

Enjoy this slate today and I'll be back tomorrow.

World Cup Round of 16 Power Rankings

The group stage has come and gone and we are ready for the knockout stages of the World Cup. Sixteen teams remain, but only eight can advance. No action yesterday, so let's see how each team that's still alive stacks up.

16. Greece
The Greeks didn't score until their final match of group play and are really only through because of the Giovanni Sio penalty in the waning moments against Ivory Coast. Had it not been for their opponents failures, Greece would be on their way home.

15. Algeria
The Algerians scored for the first time in the World Cup since 1982 in their opener against Belgium, but really benefited from a soft group in order to advance for the first time ever. I doubt they have what it takes to shock themselves into the quarterfinals.

14. Nigeria
For the first time ever, two African teams are in the knockout round. The Nigerians are there for the first time since 1998 after strong performances against Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Their lackluster showing against Iran has me wondering about their true quality, however.

13. Costa Rica
Their impressive wins over Itaty and Uruguay have the small Central American nation on cloud nine. I really only have them this low because of reputation. I'm willing to admit to underselling them if they can sneak into the semi-finals.

12. Switzerland
The Swiss finally got a breakout from Xherdan Shaqiri, but it took a long while and a weak opponent to get there. The pounding they endured at the hands of France exposed any number of problems. Only reason they are through is a late game winner against Ecuador, really.

11. Belgium
Belgium has yet to put together a great performance in the World Cup. If they had a tougher draw, they probably wouldn't be moving on. They really only showed up late in games when it looked like a disastrous result was on the way. So, I guess, when the going gets tough, the Belgians get going.

10. Uruguay
Luis Suarez is gone for the remainder of the tournament and that clearly hurts Uruguay. They looked like a different team against Italy when he was on the pitch as opposed to the match against Costa Rica when he wasn't. They are still a good team, but I don't expect a deep run without Suarez.

9. United States
They exorcised demons against Ghana, came seconds away from beating Portugal, and played level with Germany for an hour. The main worry for this team is whether or not they can bag a goal against elite competition, something they would face if they make it to the quarterfinals.

8. Chile
The Chileans dispatched Spain in a wonderful showing, took care of Australia rather handily, and then gave the Dutch all they could handle. Reputation kind of holds them back a bit, but an unlikely deep run can prove me wrong.

7. Colombia
A perfect group stage was the first step in this strong Colombian team's run to glory. They played quite well in all three games, but, with all due respect to Greece, Ivory Coast, and Japan, I wonder how they will do against less inferior competition.

6. Mexico
I debated about putting them higher, but they did only draw the more favored Brazil. They are extremely solid in the back, have great goalkeeping, and have proven they can score a few goals. They have been the second most shocking team in the tournament so far, so don't count them out.

5. France
The French have plenty of goal scorers and are led by Karim Benzema. They are a little weak at the back, but they can take out anyone who challenges them. They should see the quarterfinals, but they will also get Germany once they're there.

4. Brazil
The hosts have been sort of wafting their way through the World Cup. Their only truly convincing victory came against lowly Cameroon. They got officiating help in the Croatia match and were stoned by extraordinary goalkeeping against Mexico. Brazil will have to start playing like an underdog instead of a team that expects the world championship handed to them.

3. Netherlands
A stomping of the defending world champions and a solid performance against their fellow Group B representative in the round of 16 has me high on the Dutch. I am a little concerned about how they allowed Australia to play around with them a bit, however.

2. Argentina
A perfect group stage for Messi and the boys. But, the only thing I worry about is them being only Messi and the boys. He was subbed out in the second half against Nigeria to prevent injury. Should something happen to the best player in the world, Argentina could be done for. I think Argentina has what it takes to win the whole thing, so, despite ranking them number two, I pick them to go the distance.

1. Germany
They may have slacked off a bit against Ghana, but their whooping of Portugal and their solid play against the USA proves they are the best team left in the World Cup. They may be number one here, but I am picking them to lose in the final to Argentina. The home continent advantage will be enough to keep the Germans from the precipice.

Today, the knockout rounds begin with Brazil and Chile at noon. It's a shame that the tournament has to end for one of these sides. I think Brazil gets it done, but it won't be easy. I expect a pretty exciting 2-1 victory for the host nation. In the other match, Colombia kicks off against Uruguay at 4pm. As mentioned earlier, Uruguay are without Luis Suarez and they are a completely different team when he isn't on the pitch. I predict a 3-1 Colombian win.

Enjoy the first day of knockout action everyone, only a few days left until USA-Belgium, too.

World Cup Day 15: The USA Advance

It want the result they were going for, but a 1-0 loss to Germany turned out to be enough for the United States. It wasn't an entirely pretty loss either. Germany controlled possession for the entire match, the USA never really had a chance to get a goal of their own. Manuel Neuer might as well have not been in the German goal since the Americans only sent four shots through, one of which were on target.

It was the defense that preserved the result. The inclusion of Omar Gonzalez over Jeff Cameron turned out to be a smart move since he led the team in clearances and saved the day many times in general. While many choose Jermaine Jones as their man of the match, I chose Gonzalez because, without him, Germany wins 3-0.

Tim Howard also had a great game in goal. Although he had no real chance at Thomas Mueller's winning goal, he made several great saves throughout the afternoon. Without his stellar play, Germany probably wins 3-0.

The real concern for the USA is their lack of attacking punch against elite opponents. What little possession they had in this one was easily squandered. Whether it was more Michael Bradley turnovers or simple German supremacy, the USA never seemed to have the ball for very long. They only managed two corners, neither of which were very threatening, and only ventured into the German penalty area a couple times.

Overall, Germany showed why they were the number two ranked team in the world before the tournament.

Thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo, however, the United States have advanced to the knockout rounds. After a Ghana own goal 30 minutes in gave Portugal the lead, and the USA a spot in the next round, the African side managed to tie the score. This made many Americans uneasy once Germany scored against them. SHould Ghana have scored again, a 2-1 Ghana win coupled with a 1-0 USA loss would end the tournament for the Stars and Stripes.

Ronaldo made sure that wouldn't happen. Late in the game he found the back of the net to give Portugal a 2-1 win and saved the USA's skin a mere four days after severely injuring their hopes.

So the USA knew they were through, but they did not know who they would play. Enter Belgium and South Korea. A Belgian point would give them sole possession of the top spot in the group and a date the the USA on Tuesday afternoon. Jan Vertonghen made sure that was the case by getting a goal for the ten man Red Devils.

Germany will face Algeria, who reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history. This is thanks to a second half header off a free kick by Islam Slimani in the 60th minute that tied the score and gave Algeria the point they needed to advance.

With that, the group stage has come to a close and we can look forward to what should be an exciting knockout round. The round of 16 gets started tomorrow with Brazil and Chile at noon followed by Colombia and Uruguay at 4pm. The winners will face each other on the Fourth of July in the quarterfinals.

Here is the full round of 16 schedule:

Saturday, June 28

Brazil vs. Chile, noon- Can Chile take down another of the tournament favorites, or have the hosts gotten their act together?

Colombia vs. Uruguay, 4pm- Can Uruguay win without Luis Suarez? Is Colombia as good as their perfect group stage showed?

Sunday, June 29

Netherlands vs. Mexico, noon- The Dutch have been perfect so far, can they tame the shocking Mexicans?

Costa Rica vs. Greece, 4pm- One of these teams will really be in the quarter finals? Can Costa Rica keep the magic going or will Greece's defending be too strong?

Monday, June 30

France vs. Nigeria, noon- Will France keep it going strong or blow it in pure French style? How will Nigeria fare against their toughest opponent yet?

Germany vs. Algeria, 4pm- Can Germany prove they are the best team in the tournament? How will Algeria play in their first ever knockout round?

Tuesday, July 1

Argentina vs. Switzerland, noon- Will Messi show us more of why he's the best? Can Switzerland continue to bounce back from their major defeat against France?

USA. vs. Belgium, 4pm- The USA sort of backed into the round of 16, can they play a better game to beat Belgium? Belgium has also yet to put together a solid performance, are they due?

Relax on the day off and get ready for the real fun beginning tomorrow.

World Cup Day 14: Screw It, I'm Just Ready for USA-Germany

I know. There was a lot of exciting World Cup action yesterday. Xherdan Shaqiri bagged the second hat trick of the tournament as Switzerland defeated Honduras 3-0. France probably should have scored a few times against a curiously lackadaisical Ecuador. Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina completed a perfect group stage with a 3-2 win over Nigeria. Bosnia-Herzegovina ended their World Cup with pride, and made sure Nigeria wasn't kept from the fun, by taking care of Iran 3-1.

So now France will play Nigeria on Monday at noon while Switzerland takes on Argentina on Tuesday.

But all that feels rather irrelevant to me because the USA has their biggest game ever coming up today at high noon. A win or draw and the USA advance from the group of death. A loss coupled with a significant Ghana win or Portuguese blowout will force them to pack their bags.

I'll be honest. At the time of writing this, it's 1am. I'm excited. I'm nervous. I'm scared. And I will not write objectively about this match. My brain has been compromised. My heart has taken over. In fact, my inability to contain my scared, nervous excitement has manifested itself in the number of typographical errors I keep having to go back and correct. Or maybe that's just the late night and the caffeine. Who really knows for sure.

The game against Portugal gave me hope for this side. Sure, we were all crushed when Ronaldo dropped in a perfect ball for Varela to head in. We all had victory in our grasp only to have it snatched away in the dying seconds. But a draw against Portugal was the expectation. A draw against Portugal was hardly a step backwards. In fact, it was a step forwards. The USA were not expected to have a chance at the round of 16. Now, here they are, only needing one little point to send them through.

Three points would make it all the sweeter, however. That would put the Stars and Stripes on top of the group of death. That was something that nobody could have predicted. How can we make that happen? Two things will give the USA a chance at defeating the number two ranked team in the world: defense and attacking the flanks.

First, and foremost, comes defense. The USA can't afford to be flubbing clearances like the one that Geoff Cameron botched and led directly to Portugal's first goal. They can't turn their back on attacking forwards like they did when Portugal tied the game late. They have to be sturdy and disciplined at the back in order to stop the likes of Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze, Philip Lahm, or anyone else. they have to keep a watchful eye on them at all times to keep them from running rampant in attack. Jermaine Jones and Kyle Beckerman will be trusted to hold down the defensive midfield and keep the Germans bottled up in the center of the pitch. Despite Jones scoring on Sunday, he will not be trusted to handle much offense today.

The second key is attacking at the flanks of the German defense. Germany has deployed two make shift full backs in Jerome Boateng and Benedikt Howedes. Both are converted center backs being used to plug Germany's primary hole. The USA will need Graham Zusi and Brad Davis to press hard when they are on the ball. They need to be accurate with crosses aimed at Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley. They might even be counted on to take a few shots themselves.

Then there is the one thing that USA Soccer has seemingly never had before, the support of an entire nation. This World Cup has shown that the people of the United States have a passion for this sport and a passion for their national team. This is shown by record TV ratings, large viewing parties all across the nation, and the blowup of Twitter during these first two matches. This team has a whole country to play for, and it is something they have never had before, and you can tell they love it.

The USA have already overcome long odds by getting a point against the Portuguese and taking them all against Ghana. There is no reason to think they can't defy the expectations of millions around the world at least one more time. I said before, I cannot write about this match objectively, so I can hardly expect to predict it without my heart getting involved. They best I can do is go with what I hope for, which is a 1-1 draw. That will see the USA through to the round of 16, where they will take their chances against a lesser opponent.

Who will that lesser opponent be? Probably Belgium. As I expect them to see of South Korea by a 1-0 score. Joining the Belgians in the next stage will probably be Russia. I think they take care of business against Algeria by winning 3-2.

In the other Group G game, one that can mean so, so much to the USA, I see a Portugal winning. Ghana are currently in shambles. Kevin Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari have been sent home for conduct detrimental to the team. Both Portugal and Ghana will both go all out trying to score goals, thus not protecting their own as well. Both put a pair in for a 3-2 Portugal win.

The day has come, America. Get ready. And believe we will win.

World Cup Day 13: Snack Time For Suarez

Luis Suarez has done it again. For the third time in his illustrious career of misbehavior, Luis Suarez has bitten a fellow soccer player. This time the victim was Giorgio Chiellini. In the 79th minute, Suarez and Chiellini were both eyeing an aerial ball in the Italian penalty area. After the ball was harmlessly struck away from them, the Uruguayan appeared to throw his face into the back of the Italian defender's shoulder. Chiellini immediately hit the floor in pain, grabbing at his left shoulder. Meanwhile, Suarez went down with his hands to his mouth as if he had just taken a shot to the teeth. Closer examination of the incident shows that Suarez intentionally buried his face in his opponent's shoulder, opened wide, and chomped down on some fresh Italian flesh.

Anyone with knowledge of Suarez's past could hardly argue with what they saw. In 2010, while Suarez played for the Dutch club Ajax, he attempted to eat the neck of PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal. He was given a seven match ban for that little run in. Just about a year ago, he clamped his teeth onto Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic. For that number he sat for ten games.

How long does he get for this one? The answer depends on who you ask. The longest World Cup suspension FIFA has ever handed out was eight games to Italy's Mauro Tassotti for breaking the nose of Spain's Luis Enrique. You can certainly use that as a standard, but I don't think it is nearly enough for a repeat offender like Suarez. The maximum allowed by FIFA is two years. Is that too much? I think it is. A more reasonable punishment would be a one year ban, but will FIFA have the guts to go through with such a punishment? I certainly hope so. At the absolute least, we won't see Luis Suarez for the rest of this World Cup, and likely for many more games of international competition.

Another important question to consider is Suarez's value at the club level. After one biting incident, Liverpool paid £22.8 million for him. After a second incident, he still won both the PFA Player of the Year Award and Football Association Writers' Player of the Year this season. Will any club, including his current home of Liverpool, want to deal with the potential headache of having such a turbulent personality on their roster? I suppose we will find out, but I am sure that some team will want him around for his extraordinary ability to score goals.

As for the match that happened around Suarez's snack, Uruguay proved they were hungrier than Italy. They showed their teeth on an 81st minute header by Diego Godin. Godin was on the receiving end of a fantastic corner taken by Gaston Ramirez. The ball was swallowed by the net and Uruguay had the goal they needed to advance to the round of 16 with a 1-0 win.

In the other Group D match, Costa Rica and England played to a fairly lifeless 0-0 draw.

Over in Group C, Columbia took care of Japan by a 4-1 score to finish a perfect group stage. The real excitement came from the Ivory Coast-Greece clash. An Ivory Coast win or draw would see the African side through to the knockout rounds for the first time ever. But the Mediterranean underdogs had other plans.

The Greeks got things started in the first half when Andreas Samaris intercepted a pass at midfield, made a quick outlet to Georgios Samaras, who quickly gave the ball back. Samaris had no trouble at all beating the Ivorian keeper to put Greece up 1-0. The Elephants of Ivory Coast would get a goal back after some fantastic team play from Gervinho and Wilfried Bony. The two had a wonderful give and go that saw Bony put the ball into the back of the net to tie the score. The celebration for Ivory Coast was seemingly underway when, in the final minute of stoppage time, defender Giovanni Sio tripped Georgios Samaras in the box. Samaras converted the ensuing penalty kick to send Greece through with a 2-1 victory.

As for the round of 16 matchups created here, on Saturday at 4pm, Colombia will face Uruguay in a clash of South American giants. That should be a wonderful, can't miss match. On Sunday at 4pm, Costa Rica will face Greece.

Two more days of group play remain before then. Today we see Groups E and F decided. Group F kicks off at noon with Argentina facing Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina playing Iran. Argentina has already advanced and Nigeria need a point, or Iran to drop points, to secure their place in the round of 16. I think Argentina gets things done by a 2-1 score. Bosnia-Herzegovina are already eliminated and can play spoiler for Iran. An Iranian victory by a couple goals will see them leapfrog Nigeria into second place. I doubt it will happen though. I see a 1-1 draw taking place.

At 4pm, we get the conclusion of Group E. All four teams are still alive in this one. France holds the top spot at the moment, all they need is a point against Ecuador to secure the top spot. A win for Ecuador would see them in to second place. I think France continues their hot streak and wins 3-1. In the other match, Switzerland look to redeem themselves after their embarrassment against France. A Swiss win coupled with an Ecuador draw or loss puts them in the round of 16. Honduras needs a comfortable win and a French hammering of Ecuador to advance. I think Switzerland comes out ahead 2-0.

One more day until the USA-Germany match that we have all been waiting for. Enjoy these ones today, though.

World Cup Day 12: Mexican Madness

For one match that mattered yesterday, it took more than 70 minutes to heat up. But when Croatia vs. Mexico took off, it was blazing. Mexico carried the majority of chances into the second half, however, they were unable to beat Stipe Pletikosa. Their best chance was in the 15th minute when Hector Herrera clanged a shot off the crossbar.

It wasn't until the 72nd minute that El Tri finally had their breakthrough. Captain Rafa Marquez got on the end of a Mexican corner, saw the open header and took it. The ball bounced past Pletikosa and Mexico was ahead 1-0.

It wasn't long before they sealed Croatia's fate. Three minutes after Marquez's tally, Andres Guardado converted on a great pass from Oribe Peralta to make it 2-0. Chicharito Hernandez would add a third in the 82nd minute to eliminate all hope of a Croatian victory. Mexico's three goals in ten minutes were too much to handle. Croatia got a consolation goal from Ivan Perisic in the 87th minute, but it was too little, too late. Mexico had done more than enough to separate themselves and earned their 3-1 victory.

The Mexicans clearly deserve their spot in the round of 16. They have arguably had the most impressive tournament of any nation, so far. They qualified by securing the fourth spot in the CONCACAF region on the final day of qualification. Then beat New Zealand in a playoff. In the World Cup, they have only conceded once while scoring four goals of their own. This does not include the three they should have but were disingenuously disallowed. In their opener against Cameroon, Giovanni dos Santos was twice denied a goal for being offside, except he wasn't offside either time. Then, in yesterday's game, Mexico had a clear penalty denied when Croatia handled the ball in the box.

Guillermo Ochoa is the early favorite for the Golden Glove Award for top goalkeeper in the tournament, even if the award is given to him solely for his otherworldly performance against Brazil. His effort alone kept the hosts off the scoreboard and earned Mexico a crucial point in their quest for advancement. He parried away repeated Croatian attacks toward the end of the match yesterday. He only conceded in a meaningless late moment of desperation.

The other Group A match saw hosts Brazil easily take care of already eliminated Cameroon 4-1 to win the group. Wonderkid Neymar had two goals before being subbed off in the 71st minute. He currently leads the World Cup with four goals.

In a group of nearly meaningless games, the Netherlands saw off Chile 1-0 to take the top spot in Group B. Spain stomped Australia 3-0 to earn three points before their disappointing flight home.

In the round of 16, Brazil will face Chile on Saturday at noon while the Netherlands face Mexico on Sunday, also at high noon.

Yesterday's action only serves as a warm up for three more days of group stage action. Today's set of games brings us more teams playing for their lives. First off, we visit Group D where Italy and Uruguay play for the right to advance. The winner joins Costa Rica as the group's representatives in the round of 16. This game should be tightly contested and pretty free flowing. A win for either team sees them through, while a draw sees Italy advance. I predict Uruguay to come out ahead by a 3-2 score. Costa Rica has already secured a spot in the next stage and would have to suffer greatly at the hands of England to lose the top spot. Since England is fairly deflated after their early exit, I expect Costa Rica to finish off a perfect group stage with a 1-0 win.

After the conclusion of Group D action, we find out who moves on in Group C. Columbia has already advanced and has a firm grip on first place. They take on defensive oriented Japan. The Japanese need a win to have any hope of advancing. I don't think they will find one here. I predict a 3-1 Colombian triumph. The other match puts Ivory Coast against Greece. An Ivory Coast win or draw means they move on. Greece needs a victory and a Japan loss or draw. I like Ivory Coast in this one. They win 2-1 and advance to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

Four more great games are on tap for today. Enjoy them and count down one more day toward Thursday's big Group G finale featuring the USA and Germany.

Sports Desk Podcast Episode 83

The World Cup is in full swing and I make sure Greg knows it. We also talk some baseball as always, but it's mostly World Cup.

Sports Desk 83