2014 FIFA World Cup

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If you missed today's rematch of the final from last time, then you missed an epic match. During most of the first half, my Dutchies had me worried. I thought they were playing right into the hands of the Spanish drama club, and got lucky not to have to finish with 10 men on the field. But then they turned it around and absolutely crushed them. It was beautiful.

I didn't really have a team in the last match of the day, but it turned into an exciting game after getting off to a bad start for the Socceroos. They really gave it everything they had, but Chile did so as well and made it a fun match to watch.

Takeaways so far for me: it looks like the counter-attacking teams can do well against possession teams, but only if they can make that last touch count. I wonder if the US will have what it takes to finish their counter-attacks. Stamina matters a lot in all the weather conditions you can have in Brazil, and that definitely works in favor of the US.

ETA: Amazingly, Mexico made it through an entire game without changing coaches. I think they found a winner in Herrera, though. I like his style.

I watch the World Cup whenever I can. I work from 10 until 2 on some days and I don't watch it at my parents house. I'm hoping for England to win the cup, but I know that seems like a pipe dream these days.

I thought England looked good at first. What was that from Rooney, though? Did the heat get to him, or does he have some kind of negative magical thinking going on?

I expect a really beautiful game coming up next. I think that both Japan and Ivory Coast believe that they can go far in this tournament.

ETA: The game didn't lack for excitement, but Japan (like other teams I support ) gave too many balls away. I don't mean to dismiss the Ivorian intercepting skill or their amazing speed, but if you want to keep possession, then you have to take those things into account.

Hi jrjones and co

England and Brazil are my teams (parents are English and Brazilian). Been following the matches of all the South American teams, too.

Shame about England's loss to Italy. It is a tough group they are in, mind.

Bosnia-Herzegovina looked dangerous from the starting whistle, but it took a while for me to see what all the fuss was about with Argentina. Nigeria will have to put up quite a fight in order to defeat either of them. Does anyone plan to watch them playing Iran tomorrow?

I'm really disappointed Bosnia lost, but it was against the toughest team in the group. unfortunately it was too late to watch the game but the stats suggest they were the better team.

Argentina usually flatter to deceive. if Messi and the rest decide to win the WC in the backyard of their greatest rivals, then they have a chance, but without motivation they can look average.

i haven't actually watched any games, just a bit of highlights, so i don't think i'll watch Nig-Ira.

US wins against Ghana, who played better than the last time we faced them. The US defense looks to have what it takes to hold out against either Portugal or Germany, and we can win against either one provided the offense comes together again and makes more out of their counter-attacking opportunities. Altidore's injury is a blow, but Johansson and the other subs did fine work on the offense. With the opening nerves calmed a bit, I feel very positive about our chances.

Belgium. Overhyped, or just off to a slow start? Algeria are a good team, but I expected more from Belgium. Still, a win is a win.

Mexico did a great job holding Brazil to a scoreless draw on their own turf, especially their keeper. Evidently, its the first time Brazil has failed to win against a team from outside South America or Europe. Mexico looked even more dangerous than when they faced Cameroon.

I've moved my commentary over to the World Cup thread in the Sports sub-forum, as it seems to have more participants.