And Then It Was Over

How can 64 games go by so quickly?

The consensus at 6911 was that it was a final worthy of this World Cup.  It was a decidedly pro-Argentina crowd; only Jeff H was supporting Germany.  Fortunately, being a Man United fan, Jeff is used to everybody rooting against his team.  Late in the game though, everybody was hoping for a winner - regardless of side - so the match would not come down to PKs and hoping that the winning goal was of high quality.  Though the marking on Goetze was shaky, the run and cross by Schurrle and the trap and finish by Goetze left everybody satisfied, though none more than Jeff.

Argentina had more chances but Germany converted when it counted.  No one was doubting that Germany were the better side in this match and in the tournament as a whole.  I'm going to miss saying "Schweinsteiger" until probably the later stages of the upcoming Champions League campaign.


Odds and Ends

Favorite goals of the tournament, in no particular order:

van Persie versus Spain - completely laid out to reach the pass and make the header
Brooks versus Ghana - snatching victory from the jaws of a draw
Jones versus Portugal - a lightning bolt that indicated the run of play was turning
Goetze versus Argentina - saved us from PKs
Messi versus Iran - a quality moment late to snatch a win

Speaking of Messi, was he so glum heading up to receive the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament's best player, because 1) they had just lost the final 2) he didn't think he deserved it 3) Germany had their wives and girlfriends on the field but no one was there to console the Argentines 4) all of the above?  It was a less than popular choice.  Some conspiracy theorists (you FIFA conspiracy theorists - an organization that selected Qatar fair and square to host the 2022 World Cup is beyond reproach) suggest it was all about marketing position for adidas.

I am always a little skeptical of "definitive" player ratings but for what it's worth, this article highlights the top rated players of the tournament.  Germany's Kroos gets the highest score, narrowly, over Arjen Robben, who will face tough competition from Thomas Mueller for the Golden Globe for best actor.

Speaking of best actor, there was only one booking for simulation - Oscar in the third place game - and disappointingly, it looks like he was actually fouled on the play.  Still waiting on Dennis's Ronaldo score but it could be a zero.

And lastly, can there be any doubt that the statue that towers over Rio is not Christ the Redeemer but, in fact, the Patron Saint of Bad Calls.

 



More Newcastle Signings!

The July transfer window continues to be productive for the Magpies.  The deals for Dutch defender Janmaat and Monaco striker Riviere are done.  Janmaat's signing neatly addresses the loss of Debuchy.  Riviere provides the scoring punch that was going to be lacking without Loic Remy.  These signings could put Newcastle on the path to, dare I say it, a solid mid-table finish.  This has been their history - sign young talent at attractive rates, hope to get 2-4 years and then sell them for more than the original transfer fee.  Mostly I'm thrilled to see them active and decisive.


MLS I-95 Derby

Would have to say those were two tired teams that took the field Wednesday night as the New York Harrison Red Bulls traveled south to face the Philadelphia Chester Union (at least the Union play in the same state as their fake home name).  Neither side was particularly dynamic in the first half.  The Red Bulls had the run of play but it was a great combination play from Casey to Wenger back to Casey that resulted in the only goal of the first half.  Both teams looked a little more lively in the second half, more so New York but again the Union scored against the run of play.  At 2-0 up, at home, every Union fan was quaking in his/her shoes because we knew how this was going to end.  NY got their first goal in the 60th minute and were attacking relentlessly.  Too much time left.  Then, we got a big break when Tim Cahill fouled Edu in the box.  Some will say it was a soft call and Edu may have grabbed Cahill first; maybe, but if you don't want to get called, keep your arms down.  LeToux buried the PK (how come he wasn't carded for jumping into the stands afterwards?) and the Union held on for just their second victory at home this season.  They now sit in sixth, one point out of the last playoff spot but everybody above them has played fewer games.  We keep hearing about the return of Carlos Valdez, which would go a long way to settling the back line, but nothing so far.


 A little over four weeks until the EPL starts.  Better get some rest now.