Ten Things I Think About the World Cup So Far

So, full disclosure, I am currently watching the Argentina v. South Korea match on my DVR, so I have watched 18.5 matches of the World Cup (I have seen every match so far, but will miss a few due to travel later this month.

So, here are ten things I think so far about the World Cup:

1) I am still holding onto my prediction that Argentina will win this World Cup. Messi is the real deal, and the team seems to be playing very well together—a stark opposition to how they played throughout the brutally long CONMEBOL qualification campaign. I think they should get through their group with nine points, and should definitely beat whichever team in Group A finishes second. However, the possibility of a Germany-Argentina quarterfinal cannot be overlooked, and Argentina’s real challenge should begin at the quarterfinal stage.

2) The United States deserved a draw against England, but no more. A lot of the press, especially the English press, says the United States only drew because they got lucky with Green’s Goalkeeping Gaffe. Yeah, that is true, but I still think the Americans did enough to deserve a goal, however the goal was created. It could very easily have been 2-1 to the Americans after Altidore’s near-goal experience, as well, so many Englishmen should thank their luck that they have a point. I still expect the United States and England to go through this group with seven points apiece.

3) North Korea is going to earn a point this World Cup. I just don’t think that the Ivory Coast and Portugal can both beat this team. Brazil, who played very well, had a very difficult time breaking down their defense. On top of this, the number one ranked team in the World Cup got scored on by the North Koreans. Thus, I think their handpicked Chinese fans will have something to celebrate, when North Korea beats…Portugal?

4) Is it possible for Italy to screw up and not go through their absurdly easy group? No, it is not really possible, the Italians will beat New Zealand and get at least a draw against Slovakia, which should be enough to get them through. But I can dream…

5) South Africa has done a fantastic job hosting the tournament. Heard of any security issues since the tourney began? Nope. Well done South Africa, hope the rest of the tourney goes as well.

6) Spain is going to go thorough, but they will lose to Brazil in the Round of 16 matchup at Ellis Park. What a fantastic match this could be, and I for one am hoping that Spain finishes second in their group for this treat of a match to occur.

7) The jubulani ball sucks. No free kick goals, no set piece goals, crosses constantly flying up. Maybe it is the altitude, maybe just poor luck, but I will jump on the Adidas-hate bandwagon and say, the ball sucks.

8) People who hate soccer, you don’t have to watch, so shut the hell up and let us watch and talk about it. You can go explain why baseball is a manlier sport than soccer, and we can laugh at all of you.

9) The Refereeing has been fantastic. Everything has been good so far, and there is really nothing to complain about, except that Cahill’s sending off was very, very harsh and I have no idea why Christiano Ronaldo got booked.

10) Best commentary of the match (Credit: Jon): Martin Tyler: “and that’s the change I’ve been dreading. It looks like there will be two Pak Nam Choi’s on the pitch” –During Brazil v. North Kore
Enjoy the second round of matches, and GO USA!