Skip to main content

Semi excited

Writing after the Dutch semi-final... Birchy, hats off to your predo at the outset of the tournament.... would have got a decent price at that pt for a NL v ESP final.

Many random thoughts from another engaging game....

- Had taken the day off (and tomorrow) to devote to the games... only to be met with a NYC heatwave. 103 degrees meant I did not leave my air conditioned man cave, but suspect it was nuts (and sweaty) in the Dutch bars in town
- There's another party in Ruud's hotel room tonight
- Did all of the goalkeepers review "Diego Forlan, the Man Utd years" when researching their Uruguayan opponents? This is the only explanation for every goal he has scored this summer being the result of goalies thinking.... "ahh, he's not going to score from there......sshiiiittt!" Kudus though for being the only player to really tame the Jubalani
- The Dutch starting to actually look like the Dutch for 20 mins in the second half, with Van de Vaart in the team. Back to German efficiency for the final...
- I don't like Robin Van Persie. Maybe the lone striker is not his position, but he looks shit and ineffective. What is more telling though is his reluctance to go over and celebrate with his teammates after they score....
- Gooooooooooooooooooooooooal of the tournament. A willneverhappenagainifItrythat100times belter from Van Bronckhorst...absolutely tremendous. (now, if I was pulling for the team and my captain scored a goal like that I would go nuts! RVP didn't seem all that arsed to be honest)
- Less theatrics from Robben. Well done son. And a very good header.
- All round panic in the last couple of minutes when the Dutch thought they were going to blow it

That's about it - a deserved win, but great effort by the sole Sth Americans left in. They're underdogs for Sunday, whoever they will play, but trying to get a plane ticket and join the 50,000 people in Museumplein for the weekend is this weeks must have fun accessory!

If you don't believe me, check this out - Brilliant!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB3uejiBuU4

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Arriving late at the far post...........

Well, out from behind a rock I come. Like Batman responding to the spotlight over Gotham, the sight of Alexi Lalas relaxing on ESPN's swanky new World Cup set spouting 'knowledge' of the beautiful game immediately triggered me into action. A personal excitement for me is the returning punditry on this side of the pond of one Roberto Martinez. 4 years ago, I listened to this polite young man with light enthusiasm....now I find myself hanging onto every word from Bobby Brown Shoes. A supremely classy guy, just hoping for the "and Neymar is close to signing, which is phenonemal (Bobby's most used word - quite impressive for a Spanish native) " Sooo, what have I missed so far (Brazil own goal aside).... - Roy Hodgson in old man sunglasses - An amazing lack of planning from team England organizing a friendly in Florida at 5pm in June and being surprised as a thunderstorm - Scapegoating of a key England player (Rooney) before a ball is kicked in anger - Overplay

Prediction time

Two great games today - a real South American affair. I really like Chile (and have money on them to get to the semi finals), but I was hoping they'd avoid Brazil at this stage. Almost an England v Germany mental block  - Brazil has beaten them every time they've met in the finals.  Think Chile will score, but a nervy (maybe even needing extra time) Brazil to win 2-1. As for the second game, 2-0 Colombia against the siege mentality of the Uruguayans. Feeling bad for the lunatic who likes to eat people doesn't detract from the fact they were undone by Costa. Rica when last without Chewy Luis. Liking the look of Colombia - could be a cracking quarter final vs Brazil

Money and mouth

Rising to stevey's challenge here are my quarter final tips. My money has also been placed where my mouth is, so I could be a bit poorer by Saturday night. Holland v Brazil: I predict and upset, Holland to go through thanks to Sneijder's magnificence. Uruguay v Ghana: I think Ghana look Strong. Athletic. Talented. Hungry. That's enough buzzwords to guarantee a win. Spain v Paraguay: nearest thing that there could ever be to a "by" to the next round. Spain. So easy that even Torres might score. Germany v Argentina: Shock horror, this will see all four South American teams crashing out. Germany, with Deutsche Bundesbahn style efficiency will make England fans feel that little bit better by defeating Argentina.