World Cup Open Thread (Early Game Edition)
Today is the day for the highly anticipated match between the USMNT Yanks and the Three Lions of England live on ABC from Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa. The vuvuzelas are already out in force for South Korea - Greece where the South Koreans struck early and lead 1-0 as we go to halftime.
For your handy reference, today's schedule:
|
South Korea |
vs. |
Greece |
ESPN |
Now |
|
Argentina |
vs. |
Nigeria |
ESPN |
10:00 am EDT |
|
England |
vs. |
United States |
ABC |
2:30 pm EDT |
Inspired by this post by user Court Wenley, I bring you the Dodge Challenger commercial that just started to air and will be featured in this afternoon's broadcast.
Here's a couple of things America got right. Cars...and freedom.
This is probably Ricky Stanzi's favorite commercial. Besides the fact that the battle appears to be taking place in the Mountain West, I'm kind of partial to it as well.
Now on to your comments and observations on today's matches.
...unless you have the ability to bump this up to the top of the board. That would achieve the same effect.
I have some mod powers, not sure if I can do that one, though. FA I know can.
I think new thread, just because its a bigger game and it ought to bring more traffic than this one, so lets start fresh as we get close to kickoff.
Also: Word on no OT. Brian is frontpaging his own soccer posts. This is a de facto soccer blog for the next few weeks. It is decidely On Topic.
...to me then.
Higuain, Tevez and Messi provide the most dangerous forwards in the world cup. They should be up by at least two.
Lots of standing around by the Nigerians when the Argentians put it in play near the box. They need a lot more energy.
...surprisingly sends that shot wide. Beautiful breakaway for Argentina.
...by Taiwo should remind us how quickly this game that's been dominated by Argentina could be shockingly tied.
0 shots on goal for Nigeria?? Mickey Redmond says get some traffic out in front and throw it at the net.
...coming on for Veron.
Who will take this free kick for ARG? Looks like Messi. And he sends it over the bar.
...earns a yellow card. As the commentator said, it was for being a serial offender.
...see that green laser someone shone on the field? Potentially dangerous if they don't figure out who's doing that. Just saw a flash on one of the Nigerian players.
Nigeria pressuring and gets their first shot on goal.
...Diego Milito.
...stoned on that beautiful give and go. Enyeama comes up big again.
...sends that shot over the bar. Not an easy shot, but oh my, what a chance.
....on for Di Maria in defense.
I cannot believe this game is simply 1-0. Nigeria has been horrid with its FK marking, their keeper has made some amazing stops, and Nigeria, despite decent pressure, has yet to really test the Argentine keeper.
....from distance not on frame. Nigeria getting a little desparate and getting some chances.
...effectively killing the clock and Nigeria doesn't appear to want to force the action.
...of stoppage time.
...Argentina win 1-0. They sit second to South Korea in the Group B standings trailing in goal differential by 1.
Messi didn't put one in, but sure looked on form. The guy is awesome.