[ATrain]

Ann Coulter back with another soccer article, perhaps even more stupid and ignorant than the first one.

http://awfulannouncing.com/2014/ann-cou ... first.html

She is one reason why people hate Americans.

Is she seriously referencing the Ryder, Davis and Americas Cups? Sorry, but no one other than those who are into Golf, Tennis and Sailing care...and in tennis, we still care more about the majors than any "national team," competition.

[JakeP50]

As xenophobic and clearly uniformed as the first article was I really don't think she knows anything about any sport.

[bluejacket]

For his legend to be on the level of Maradonna Gretzky or even Pele, he HAS to win a World Cup

I don't think Messi can even approach Maradona barring one scenario: beating Brazil in the Maracana in the 2014 final. A second Maracanazo would start Messi's climb to Maradona.

The 1986 World Cup victory following the Falklands War which included the "Hand of God" goal and the Goal of the Century against England in the quarterfinals are sources of national pride for Argentinians.

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[flameshaw]

High scoring Saturday at the World Cup, 1 goal total in two games, no biting. Exciting day.

[bluejacket]

Looks to be an exciting semis and finals. Any of the combinations will make for a great final, but I think it will be Netherlands/Germany for the championship.

[JakeP50]

These are the days when soccer is at it's most awful to watch, 120+ minutes and NO GOALS man I hate the 0-0 draw. I really enjoy soccer but the 0-0 draw is the worst way to end a game in any sport.

[Purple Haize]

But Penalty kicks are the most riveting

[flameshaw]

But Penalty kicks are the most riveting

I don't know, I kinda like the flopping, even when no one touches you. Not everyone can do that.

[bluejacket]

These are the days when soccer is at it's most awful to watch, 120+ minutes and NO GOALS man I hate the 0-0 draw. I really enjoy soccer but the 0-0 draw is the worst way to end a game in any sport.

I wish that the World Cup did away with ties during the group stage, but that's unlikely to happen. This World Cup had the longest wait for a draw since 1930 (when there were no draws in the entire tournament).

The games today were competitive, unlike the group stage sleepers between Nigeria/Iran and Japan/Greece.

[olldflame]

For his legend to be on the level of Maradonna Gretzky or even Pele, he HAS to win a World Cup

I don't think Messi can even approach Maradona barring one scenario: beating Brazil in the Maracana in the 2014 final. A second Maracanazo would start Messi's climb to Maradona.

The 1986 World Cup victory following the Falklands War which included the "Hand of God" goal and the Goal of the Century against England in the quarterfinals are sources of national pride for Argentinians.

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You are citing the hand of God goal as a point of pride? The dude cheated! The other goal was awesome. Is beating England really that big a deal anyway? They are and always have been ridiculously overhyped and overrate.

[bluejacket]

Clearly, the context of the statement was the Maradona/Messi debate (which is not even a debate in Argentina). It was a handball, but tell that to an Argentinian. There is nothing in the United States to compare with Maradona in Argentina. The closest parallel is Pele in Brazil, but even that doesn't do it justice.

The match took place in a time of hyper-nationalism in Argentina. In 1982 (after that year's World Cup), Britain defeated the Argentines over the disputed Falkland Islands, creating a national disgrace and social upheaval in Argentina. This only the culmination of 150 years of history between the two nations. Whoever beat England in 1986 would have become immortal in Argentina. Roberto Perfumo said in a 2002 interview, "In 1986, winning that game against England was enough. Winning the World Cup was secondary for us. Beating England was our real aim." http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2002/m ... .football2

Maradona did it in a manner that exceeded all of their expectations; he was a one man wrecking crew against England. This article shows the most fantastic examples, but worshipful attitudes are not uncommon in Argentina. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... gland.html

England was much, much better in the 1986 than they are today and not overrated.

[SuperJon]

These are the days when soccer is at it's most awful to watch, 120+ minutes and NO GOALS man I hate the 0-0 draw. I really enjoy soccer but the 0-0 draw is the worst way to end a game in any sport.

I hope you learn to like the build up before you get married. Your wife will appreciate it.

[R i]

Ive waited long enough BYD. I want an admission that Julian Green was brilliant with his first touch in the world cup. He scored 20% of our teams goals in very limited minutes. Jergen made the right move.

[lynchburgwildcats]

Ive waited long enough BYD. I want an admission that Julian Green was brilliant with his first touch in the world cup. He scored 20% of our teams goals in very limited minutes. Jergen made the right move.

And him appearing in that game locked him into the USA system.

[olldflame]

Germany destroys Brazil 7-1 and the country is in total meltdown.

[lynchburgwildcats]

It was like early WWII reenacted on a soccer field

[Purple Haize]

Germany destroys Brazil 7-1 and the country is in total meltdown.

I would say there will be riots, but they've been doing that the whole time. So instead, maybe they will all just go home

[ALUmnus]

That game was nuts. Brazil's defense looked lost, they had guys standing around not knowing what to do. And the German passing was very sharp, they consistently pressed the Brazil defense when they had the ball, and like in basketball the extra pass gets the open look. The early domination was incredible, 5-0 within 30 minutes.

I like Argentina to win today, and I don't see them letting that happen to them if they play Germany. They may be missing di Maria, but Aguero is back and they have a stronger defense than Brazil.

[Purple Haize]

Argentina!
After a team has a huge offensive output,they usually can't put points on the board
The converse is also true

MESSI !!!!!

[R i]

Watching men that get paid so much money, react like the Argentines did after a semi finals victory. Reminded me why I love the world cup so much.

BYD?

[ALUmnus]

In BYD's defense, Green played only a few minutes. Yes, he scored a vital goal on a great shot, but having Donovan playing would have made a much bigger difference.

[Purple Haize]

In BYD's defense, Green played only a few minutes. Yes, he scored a vital goal on a great shot, but having Donovan playing would have made a much bigger difference.

....for the opposing side

[ALUmnus]

Mascherano was probably Argentina's man of the match against the Netherlands. Dude saved the game with his sliding save on Robben. Dude also did something else on that play....

http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/t ... nds-071114

[Purple Haize]

Mascherano was probably Argentina's man of the match against the Netherlands. Dude saved the game with his sliding save on Robben. Dude also did something else on that play....

http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/t ... nds-071114

I saw that. So many puns......so little time

[bluejacket]

Very good final today. Close, competitive match by both teams, but Germany was more talented. Argentina was too dependent on Messi to generate chances.