OT: Saturday World Cup Open Thread
Knockout Round kicks off today. No more of that group nonsense, win or go home at this point.
All South American battles today. Winners will meet in the quarterfinals on July 4th.
12:00 PM EDT - Brazil vs. Chile (ABC)
4:00 PM EDT - Colombia vs. Uruguay (ABC)
ever-so-slightly hate each other?
the past 4 times; considering the buildup we had against Ghana knocking us - the USMNT - out twice I'd say passions are high.
Do Chile want to win this game? How hard is it to boot the ball away? Playing dangerously in their own box. Waiting for a Brazilian player to get yellow from Webb.
That was a quick half. What a block? Both defenses have looked sloppy.
Neymar is relatively good.
Yes, you are correct. Relative to a cow, he is good.
Good news on Altidore it appears
Could be head games. Could also be a guy you throw in for 25 minutes if we are down or level.
a big hit. Still, better to have him than not.
Vidal always knows where to be. Chile's positional awarness is very impressive.
certainly not worthy of a card
Can't say Brazil got the call there. Pretty close.
It actually hit his knee on the way down and thats why he whiffed.
in what has been an emotional game. The tension is beginning to build but geez I wish they'd think of something better to do to determine a winner than a shoot out.
I dont get to watch much Spanish football - why is Neymar not scoring at a higher clip for club? He seems so dynamic for country. Is Messi just taking all his oxygen?
mostly on the Brazilian side, looks like the Chilean team might be having the best of it right now, could a score be soon to follow?
Brazil is playing like a team expecting to get homer calls and not getting them.
If or when they lose I expect Sparty level rioting and universal condemnation of the reffing as, clearly, they couldn't have played as poorly as they have so far.
Yeah, they're not playing very crisp. Maybe it's just that Chile is also a fast, pressing team, and it's frustrating the heck of Brazil.
Jo, the City reject, about to come on. Brazil with a dearth of strikers. Chile can pull this off.
What a save! Wow!
Chile! wow close
This game is a parade of whistles...like watching a duke basketball game played at Cameron Indoor
If like Duke, though, the Brazilians would expect all the calls.
Sanchez and Vidal are incredible overall players. Chile starting to find their groove.
Commentators are exactly right. This second half has no flow. Hopefully it gets going a bit in the last 20.
a bit more desperate...
could or even should cost them in this tournament.
agreed - its not typical Brazil the entire tournament. Same for Argentina. I dont remember both these teams being so dependent on 1 player on offense. Neither team has been "awesome" as in other years.
I realize this was 30 years ago now but Diego Maradona single handely carried Argentina to the 86 world cup title and to the final in Italia 90. Until Messi came along Argentina was very much a mediocre team. So really between Maradona and Messi they have always been a one man show when successful.
Mediocre in talent or their tournament results?
Results was really what I meant. And I should clarify that I mean mediocre in comparison to their history and their peers (Brazil, Germany, etc.)
It is more so their lack of a number 9, traditional striker (such as a Ronaldo or Romario) which has been the problem. Fred and Jo aren't going to cut it; Hulk isn't a traditional striker. Unfortunately, Neymar is their best offensive threat. He is poised to be a top class player, but he has too much on his shoulders at his age and for his first World Cup.
Ramires coming on--more fouls to follow.
almost got the job done for Brazil...all in all he's having a good game.
Chile could win this. They're looking good now. Could be one of the biggest upset in WC history.
I disagree with that in terms of teams relative strength. As commentators said Chile has been impressive vs European teams and in qualifying. The main upset quality is the brand of Brazil and location of game. But it's not like Chile is South Korea or US. Mexico just played Brazil nearly even.
Great ball by Alves
Not sure if they have the depth to sub
Chile look very tired. Need to hold on for 10 more minutes.
is stoppage time. If this is going to have to be won in OT, don't want a shootout to be what determines a team being eliminated.