I watched both games Argentina/swiss and then the USA/Belgium. Watching both games go down to the wire in extra time showed that both teams played well and there has to be a loser. I give all the teams a lot of credit for how far they came. I think the USA showed that they are better than many thought.
That was a tough loss for the US team but a deserved win for Belgium as they completely outplayed the US all throughout the game. That miss by Wondolowski in extra time in the 2nd half could have sealed the game for team USA, but sadly it was not to be. The US will spend the next 4 years wondering what could have been if that shot had been on target.
For the first time, all 8 group winners have advanced to the quarterfinal round, and in my opinion, the competition is wide open as there seems to be no clear cut favorite. Even Brazil seems vulnerable and is going up against a strong, young and confident Colombia team. The breakdown for the final 8 is as follows:
UEFA - 4
CONMEBOL - 3
CONCACAF - 1
Wouldn't it be something to see the lone CONCACAF team make a deep run?
Germany 1 and France 0
The only thing that kept France out of this game was Germany's stalwart goalkeeper. Even so Germany were strong, controlled most of their game and deserved the win. They set the record for the most consecutive semi-final wins at the FIFA World Cup.
Next up... Everyone wants to see how Brazil will stand up to the thunderous Colombians who have been storming through the competition. Go Colombia!
Just saw the first half of the match between the Colombians and Brazilians and my first questions is, "Who was paid off?". The Colombians are playing as though they are scared. When it is time to score around the goal only 4-5 players come forward and they pass as though they want the Brazilians to take the ball from them.
UPDATE: The second half showed Colombia coming back on the field as they should have done in the first half but it was too late.
Brazil 2 and Colombia 1
Argentina 1 and Belgium 0
I was not able to watch this match properly because my sons were all over the place. The game had Pandora on edge. The Argentinians have broken their semifinals deadlock and now rank in the top four of the World Cup. Let's see if they will have a real challenge depending on the result of the Netherlands vs Costa Rica up next.
Name: Flags
Country:
Comments: This is the best world cup I've seen so far. Question, why are you only showing flags for Argentina and Brazil, those are the favorites?
Flags, the flags represent countries that are represented in the Community by Members.
I am watching the Costa Rica vs Netherlands match live now and the Costa Ricans are letting the Dutch control the ball too much. If their goal keeper isn't as fast as he is the Dutch would have scored already. Also when the Costa Ricans get up to the Dutch goal line its like they lose focus - not a good start.