World Cup - More great games and a few duds.

Well, England are out and that's a shame, but at least either Suarez or Balotelli will join them on the early flight home.  Also, the Gods willing, the strutting mantis will have his fate sealed in about 2 hours from now.  I don't normally cheer for the USA, they have more than enough boosters of their own, but if it means sayonara for pretty boy and his Portuguese team mates I'm prepared to make an exception.

I've been very disappointed in the quality of the commentary on tv and in the Globe and Mail.  You'd think we could find some people who actually know what is going on.  On commentator kept blabbering on about the value of goal difference, when it meant nothing in the next round since Croatia has 3 points and Mexico has 4 and they play each other to see who places second (assuming Brazil beats Cameroon).

That said, it's the sensationalists that bother me the most.  2 minutes of possession and a team is bossing the game.  Going a goal up with 5 minutes to go and surely it's all over.  Lose and the team was a shambles, win and the team is almighty.  Case in point when people jumped on the Pirlo and Italy bandwagon after they beat England.  how did it go against Costa Rica lads?  You should never rely on the Italians for a favour.

What of Costa Rica, are they really any good?  Well, they are well organized and have a good game plan, but I think they were underestimated by both Uruguay and Italy.  That's not going to happen in the round of 16.  It's a great country to visit, amazing wildlife, plentyful cheap fruit, beaches and bad roads.  Will they make it to the last 8 - not a chance, unless they draw Algeria.

Ghana, the Black Stars, let's hope they advance.  The game of the tournament so far was the 2-2 tie with Germany.  Such a brave positive team with great kit to boot.

Belgium vs. Russia.  Snorefest.  Russia are awful, can't pass, can't shoot.  Belgium are through to the last 16, but will need a favourable draw to advance any further.

Argentina.  Not impressive, but Lionel Messi, what can you say.  Here's a real superstar who just goes about his business.

South Korea.  Only one guy on the team can head, and he's a 6' 5" sub.  Don't ever start a fight with Algeria, they'll toss you around like a tennis ball if today's men vs. boys game is any example. 

4 minute to game time.