2014 World Cup

[Admiral Yi]

Justicia!

Campbell played like a possessed man in OT I thought.

[alfred russel]

The US and Mexico often get into the knockout stage.  But Costa Rica.  That's just 

Somewhere in Costa Rica, a child was just about to put aside the soccer ball and focus on his studies. "What is the point of trying to be good at soccer, when I come from a small country that can not compete with the world powers?" he thought. But then he saw this game, and realizes that Costa Rica can compete, and he may yet have a future in the sport. He will never open a math book again.

[Eddie Teach]

And after he washes out of professional soccer, he becomes an enforcer for a drug cartel. He coulda been a contender. 

[Monoriu]

Actually, Mexico is a bigger threat to the status quo than Costa Rica.  So I guess this isn't too bad. 

Now let's get rid of the Afircan teams.

[alfred russel]

Actually, Mexico is a bigger threat to the status quo than Costa Rica.  So I guess this isn't too bad. 

Now let's get rid of the Afircan teams.

I'd love to see an african team make a run, however, the african teams are playing Germany and France, and Germany and France will play each other in the quarterfinals if they both win. I'd sort of like to see that matchup.

[Monoriu]

I'm still hoping for a Brazil - Argentina final.  That hope is still alive.  That's the ultimate victory for the status quo. 

[celedhring]

Love it. Bye, bye, Greece! You won't be missed.

Aye, after an unfortunate group phase the WC has finally been De-Greece'd, time to celebrate.

[alfred russel]

I'm still hoping for a Brazil - Argentina final.  That hope is still alive.  That's the ultimate victory for the status quo.

Argentina is the only previous winner in the bracket feeding one of the two final spots. You need to worry about that one. Maybe cheer for the US against Belgium, because otherwise the Argentinians will face stiffer competition? 

[Norgy]

The US and Mexico often get into the knockout stage.  But Costa Rica.  That's just 

And the Greeks tend to fight for honours every time?

[Monoriu]

The US and Mexico often get into the knockout stage.  But Costa Rica.  That's just 

And the Greeks tend to fight for honours every time?

Greece is in Europe.  The Europeans have a good shot every time

[Norgy]

I'm still hoping for a Brazil - Argentina final.  That hope is still alive.  That's the ultimate victory for the status quo.

Meh. Argentina's been little else than the genius of Lionel Messi. They do have other players, but like the Dutch, rely heavily on the sheer class of a very select few forwards. Might be the most boring final ever, considering Brazil's less than impressive displays.
The Brazilian team as a whole just isn't that superb.

When I look back at the first World Cup I can say I followed, which was Spain 1982, the Brazil side of today looks bleak in comparision to that team they fielded in 1982. It had everything, until they met Italy.

[alfred russel]

Meh. Argentina's been little else than the genius of Lionel Messi. They do have other players, but like the Dutch, rely heavily on the sheer class of a very select few forwards. Might be the most boring final ever, considering Brazil's less than impressive displays.
The Brazilian team as a whole just isn't that superb.

When I look back at the first World Cup I can say I followed, which was Spain 1982, the Brazil side of today looks bleak in comparision to that team they fielded in 1982. It had everything, until they met Italy.

That may be, however, Messi is on the pitch. Also, a Brazil - Argentina World Cup final in Rio.

It may not be the two most glamorous sides either country has fielded, but I'd tune in.

[Norgy]

The US and Mexico often get into the knockout stage.  But Costa Rica.  That's just 

And the Greeks tend to fight for honours every time?

Greece is in Europe.  The Europeans have a good shot every time

When the WC is in Europe, maybe. Outside of Europe, very few teams have won.
In 1930, Uruguay beats Argentina. 1950, Uruguay beats Brazil. 1962, Brazil beats a surprise Czechoslovak side in Chile. 1970 Brazil thrashes Italy 4-1. 1978 Argentina buys a WC and beats a Cruyff-less Dutch side. 1986 Argentina beats West Germany in a WC they well and truly deserved to win. 1994 Brazil beats Italy in the US. 2002 Brazil beats Germany 2-0 in the first Asian WC. 2010 Spain beats the Netherlands in the first African WC.

So, in general, European teams never win outside of Europe. And Africa.

[Norgy]

Meh. Argentina's been little else than the genius of Lionel Messi. They do have other players, but like the Dutch, rely heavily on the sheer class of a very select few forwards. Might be the most boring final ever, considering Brazil's less than impressive displays.
The Brazilian team as a whole just isn't that superb.

When I look back at the first World Cup I can say I followed, which was Spain 1982, the Brazil side of today looks bleak in comparision to that team they fielded in 1982. It had everything, until they met Italy.

I would too, obviously. That said, I have some hope for Colombia. The team looks strong, and James Rodriguez is a very exciting player. 

That may be, however, Messi is on the pitch. Also, a Brazil - Argentina World Cup final in Rio.

It may not be the two most glamorous sides either country has fielded, but I'd tune in.

[Monoriu]

So, in general, European teams never win outside of Europe. And Africa.

I'd like to keep it that way as well.  But a European team winning a WC in S. America is far less disastrous than the US or Costa Rica winning it.